What does God intend?

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20

This verse popped up again this last week and it always leaves me feeling hopeful. These words come at the end of Joseph's long journey through pain, slavery, prison and finally vindication. Joseph has spiritually reached a place where he is able to see God's bigger guiding hand at work in his life. I am not sure he displayed as much faith and trust in God's purposes, when he was stuck in the dark pit, or the prison cell, but to his credit Joseph kept believing in the miracles of God.

What about us? Have we learnt over the years to trust in the hand of God or do we still try and wrestle with God's ways?

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The destructive nature of hate

There is so much hate around at the moment. Perhaps let me rephrase this - hate has been around since the beginning of time, but we are being bombarded with more examples of it, thanks to social media.

 What is also scary is that the attitudes of people can so easily rub off on us, without us realising the impact of their acidic attitudes. In reading through Esther 3, I was shocked by the hated of Haman for Mordecai and subsequently the Jewish nation. I wonder if Haman understood that his hate for another human being was also hurting his own life? 

Ann Landers says it like this: “Hate is like acid. It can damage the vessel in which it is stored as well as destroy the object on which it is poured.” 

Jesus spoke to his followers about the dangers of hating people and it must have been because he knew the incredible pain it can cause. Jesus said:

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:26-28)

What are your thoughts? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

More to come!

There is more to come! 

These are the opening words of Romans 5:4-5 as Eugene Peterson adds his voice to the words of the Apostle Paul. I love this sentiment, especially as we are living in difficult times at the moment. When I note that there is "more to come" I don't see this as,"more bad news" or "more negativity", but rather that there is a great expectation that God is still at work and is about to do something marvellous. 

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:4-5)

May you experience more of God's great grace today. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Providence

The timeless issue of Providence has reared it's head again as I have been reflecting on Esther's story. I have to admit that it is not always as simple as some make it out to be. Just as we seem to find a suitable answer for God's Providence, then we are thrown a curve ball of sorts. In order to try and wrestle with Scriptures like the following one, I have turned to a few famous authors to seek their collective wisdom:

Acts 24:2 - Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence... (KJV)

This is what these authors say:

"He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him alright." - Blaise Pascal

Providence is wonderfully intricate. Ah! You want always to see through Providence, do you not? You never will, I assure you. You have not eyes good enough. You want to see what good that affliction was to you; you must believe it. You want to see how it can bring good to the soul; you may be enabled in a little time; but you cannot see it now; you must believe it. Honor God by trusting Him." - Charles Spurgeon

Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God's ordering and permission. There is no such thing as "chance," "luck" or "accident" in the Christian's journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are "working together" for the believer's good." - J. C. Ryle

What do you make of Providence? And is there a connection with Predestination in this?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The war within

I have mentioned before that in my daily work diary I have a quote at the bottom of each page. Sometimes these quotes are "nice", but they don't really speak to my current circumstances. Other days they strike a real chord with me and speak great words of wisdom. This is the quote for today (12 August):

"If you avoid the conflict to keep the peace you start a war inside yourself." (Unknown)

Don't you find these words to be true for you? How often have we kept the peace only to end up creating a war within ourselves. It is very hard to find a balance to speak the truth in love and to avoid conflict. 

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Showed kindness

Job 10:12 - "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit." 

In what way has God showed you kindness over the last week?

Do you have a story of how you have seen God's providence at work in your life? If you have a gap please let me know your reflections - I am interested in your story.

Ephesians 2:7 - "...in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

As we respond to God's kindness may we, in turn, show kindness to those around us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A better tomorrow

As you read through this powerful quote today, stop and reflect on the words that mean the most to you.

“Hope is faith in the immutable promise that miracles prevail when the darkness tries to win-out with cries of despair. Hope is a gift from God that helps us yearn, and live a life that believes and moves with the pledge of a better tomorrow. And what’s more, hope springs-forth resurrection life, and draws us near to the love of Christ, who is the light of God who walked out from the grave to make the way for everlasting life.” - Jason Bonniksen

As I read these words, I am moved by this phrase...

"the pledge of a better tomorrow."

Romans 8:19 - For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.

Living in Grace

D3LM3