The Pioneer

A Pioneer is someone who is the first to venture into an unknown area, territory, or even field of study. There are countless examples of people who have had the courage to be pioneers. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was the Pioneer of our salvation - being the first to confront death and overcome its sting. Through his efforts we can follow in his footsteps without fear of the unknown.  

Hebrews 2:10 - In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.

We are then called to focus our attention on Him, and to Trust in all he has done for us.

Hebrews 12:2 - fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Living in grace

D3LM3

Greater than the angels

The topic of Angels has become quite popular in recent times and of course the Bible refers to angels in many places. In fact, a quick search in BibleGateway will show 290 references to angels. Clearly God used angels as his messengers in many different situations, however the book of Hebrews reminds us that Christ is to be revered more than the angels. 

5 For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:
“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.
God also said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”
6 And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, 
“Let all of God’s angels worship him.” (Hebrews 1)

Angels were seen as messengers of God, but they are never referred to as family - yet, Jesus is called God's Son. In essence, He is both the Message and the Messenger. 

Thought: Let us remember to give thanks for all God has created, but to worship only the Creator!

I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to read my posts - recently I noted that I have had over One Million views/reads on these posts. A lot of these are from folk like yourself who often read the posts - I truly couldn't do it without your support. Thank you. 

If you feel you would like to contribute towards this ministry, you can do so via my Patreon page. You can just click here to find out how. Thanks. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Two contrasting views on wisdom

The author of Proverbs tells us that: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). 

These words are replicated in Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding."

I fully agree with this sentiment - by having a healthy reverence (fear) for the Lord, we are showing a level of wisdom that is humble and healthy. 

However, I came across a quote from Theodore Isaac Rubin, who writes: "Kindness is more important that wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."

What do you make of these thoughts? Is it more important to be kind, than wise? Is this even something to compare? What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Filling our horizon

"No believer can cope with adversity unless Christ fills our horizons, our priorities and dominates our experience." - Raymond Brown

I think that these words are so profound and make sense to all who have ever encountered adversity. When troubles come our way (which they always do) the usual temptation is to fill our view with the largeness of the trial, instead of allowing Jesus to fill our horizons. 

2 Corinthians 4:18 - So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Hebrews 12:2 - We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Question: How can we allow Christ to 'fill our horizons' and to help us overcome the adversity in our lives?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Deluxe version?

If you were asked the question: "Are you are Christian?", most of us reading this post would answer 'Yes!'

But, if we were asked: "Are you a disciple of Christ?", there would be a few of us who may be tempted to say, "I am not that radical as yet!"

In truth, the Bible speaks very little about being a 'Christian' (it is only mentioned 3 times), whereas the Scriptures speak a great deal about being a 'disciple' of Christ (this is mentioned over 260 times). 

So, the challenge is clearly there before us - we have not been called to merely claim that we believe in Jesus, and that a few committed people are called disciples - as if they are the deluxe version of the ordinary Christian. We are all called to be DISCIPLES of Jesus. There is no wriggle room in this decision.

Dallas Willard says - "If we intend to become like Christ, that will be obvious to every thoughtful person around us, as well as to ourselves." 

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Watch where you are walking

When you are out walking or running it is important to make sure you are watching where you are going. This is not just in terms of your overall direction, but also to be aware of where you place your feet. It may seem like a simple process to follow, but it can be so tricky at times. If you look too far into the distance you can step into a hole or catch your foot on a rock. It takes skill to keep both the distance, and the path, firmly in your eyesight. 

Is this perhaps what the writer of Proverbs 4 is suggesting?

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil." - Proverbs 4:25-27

Thought: How are you managing with your spiritual walk at the moment? Are you perhaps looking too far into the distance and missing the individual steps you need to take right now? OR, is your vision so consumed with a small step in front, that you have forgotten to look to where you are heading?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Being a beginner

Somehow, we have picked up the notion that being a 'beginner' is a negative thing - but, if we stopped for a moment, we would realize that this is a stage we all need to start from. 

You can't walk, until you have begun to crawl; you can't speak a language fluently, until you have begun to learn some words; you can't pick up an instrument and suddenly have the skills to play it perfectly. We are all beginners at some point in our lives.

Perhaps this is what puts many people off from following Jesus. We assume we should be able to read and understand the scriptures immediately; we think we should be able to pray like the saints; we believe that our Christian faith is a failure if can't perform miracles. 

In some ways, I feel as if I am a 'Christian' beginner, on a daily basis. I know that I should be growing and maturing, but then I feel as if I have taken many steps backwards. 

Thought: What about you? In what ways do you still feel as if you are a beginner? 

Hebrews 5:14 - Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God’s ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong.

Living in Grace

D3LM3