When grace is enough to get us through today!

"My grace is enough; it’s all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

How many times have we stressed over our weaknesses and wondered who will notice our inadequacies? Paul's honest vulnerability is refreshing and he boldly states: "Christ's power works through our weaknesses, so I have learnt to be 'okay' about admitting my weaknesses" (my version of his thoughts).

May the Grace of Jesus carry you through today and may we rest in the promise that 'HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH!'

“I am struck by how sharing our weakness and difficulties is more nourishing to others than sharing our qualities and successes.”
― Jean Vanier

Living in Grace

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Brighten up your corner - Inspirational poem

In conversation with a friend last week, he mentioned an inspirational poem to me. As I read it, I realised it was the perfect ending for the sermon I was writing. Having shared the poem on Sunday, a few people have asked for the words. So, here they are - it is a poem entitled: "Brighten up your corner." Enjoy and please pass on to someone in need. 

We cannot all be famous
Or be listed in "Who's Who,"
But every person, great or small,
Has important work to do.

For seldom do we realize
The importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
Unnoticed kindness leads.

For it's not the big celebrity
In a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
In an undistinguished way.

The work that God assigned to us,
Unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish
For wider, new dimensions
where you can put into practice,
Your many good intentions.

But at the spot God placed you
Begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.

If everybody brightened up

The spot where they're standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding.

This dark old world would very soon
Eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are! - Helen Steiner Rice

So, the challenge lies before us!

How can we lighten the dark corners of our world? 

What can we do to bring Christ to those who need Him?

Isaiah 60 - Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What's your catch phrase?

Many of us have a little phrase or a few words, that have become our catchphrase. We are known by these words and often people even associate us with the message behind these words. In the Bible, it could be argued that Isaiah was known for his "do not fear" mantra, and one just needs to read a few verses to confirm the truth behind this: Isaiah 7:4, Isaiah 35:4 and Isaiah 40:9. 

Another Old Testament prophet was well known for his "take courage" catchphrase. Haggai used this sentiment a number of times in the short book, of the same name.

"Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts." - Haggai 2:4-5 (NRSV)

Thoughts:

1. Do you have a catchphrase?

2. What do the words of Haggai stir up inside of you today?

Living in Grace

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Change ... slowly

 

"Change. But start slowly, because direction is more important than speed." - Paulo Coelho

Sometimes the changes we need to make must be taken quickly, or else we place our lives in jeopardy. For example, getting off a sinking ship - there is no time to debate whether changing vessel is a good idea or not :)

However, there are some changes we are called to make, that can begin slowly and then gather momentum. I think about the desire to practise Spiritual disciplines - it may seem unnatural or hard to spend 5 minutes in prayer, but the more we practise the discipline, the easier it becomes. Slowly, 5 minutes becomes 10, and soon, 20 and 30 minutes. The important issue is that change needs to be made and this is in the right direction. 

Thought: Are you being asked to make a change in your spiritual life? Can you start with a small change and then gather momentum?

Proverbs 8:10 - "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold."

Living in Grace

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"Trust and start walking. We are not alone in the dark, our path will unfold as we move." - Paulo Coelho

Whose Adventure?

"But man wished to conduct his adventure on his own, in his own way, instead of entering into God's adventure." - Paul Tournier

The Genesis account of creation reminds us that God invited us into his adventure, but we chose another way - we thought ours would be better. In the end, we came to the harsh reality that God's adventure is always better than our own. 

Just to clarify, God's adventure is not boring or second rate, compared with humanity's adventure - God's choice is always more exhilarating and exciting than we expect. Aesop apparently said that "adventure is worthwhile" and I would agree with him. However, I would add - "God's adventure is always worthwhile!" 

Question: Whose adventure are you living out?

1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (The Message) - God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

An amazing story of hope

What amazes you about this story?

"When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.  “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”

Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." - Matthew 8:5-10

As I read this, I am taken aback by Jesus' willingness to engage with all people. This centurion was not Jewish, but he was desperate for help. He put aside his pride, position and honour to beg Jesus for help. And in return, Jesus sees into his heart and offers help.

Question: If Jesus could see into your heart today, what would he see?

What 'big' request do you have today? Are you willing to ask Jesus for help?

Living in Grace

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Your work IS important!

"Every occupation has its own honour before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling. In our daily work no matter how important or mundane we serve God by serving the neighbour and we also participate in God's on-going providence for the human race." - Martin Luther

These words remind us that, no matter what we do (work or serving), this is part of our higher calling. As you go about your tasks today, remember that you do it for the Lord and not for anyone else. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" - Colossians 3:23

Living in Grace

D3LM3