Be a saunterer

To saunter is to walk slowly and in a relaxed manner. This word is a reminder to me that we are called to follow Christ in a deliberate manner, but also to notice all that is around us. If our walking is purely about clocking a certain time, we may lose the opportunity to reflect on why we are walking.

John Muir writes: "...back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked, where they were going, they would reply, "A la sainte terre (to the Holy Land)." And so, they became known as saint-terre-ers or saunterers. 

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is like going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We are not going on a hike or passing awhile time, we are SAUNTERERS. 

3 John 1: 4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Living in Grace

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Walking in Grace

We need a lot of grace at this moment in time. There is so much going on around us, that many of us are tempted to lay down the gift of grace, in exchange for the weapons of hate. If you are looking for a scripture to guide you into the rest of 2025, look no further than 1 Peter 4.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:8-11

Thought: What does it mean for us to be faithful stewards of God's grace? Living and walking in Grace is a hard choice, but I really want to stick to this call.

Living in Grace

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The Covenant Prayer in different words

In the Methodist tradition we share in an annual Covenant Service, where we renew our commitment to Jesus and remember our conversion, baptism and call to follow Christ. The original prayer, introduced by John Wesley is a little confusing, as our English language has changed over the past 270 years. However, I have found this modern version equally meaningful. and refreshing. 

I pray that you will wrestle with these sentiments too. Which line in the prayer hits home for you today?

"I am no longer my own but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things,
wherever you may place me,
in all that I do
and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me
and when there is none;
when I am troubled
and when I am at peace.
Your will be done
when I am valued
and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment
and when it is lacking;
when I have all things,
and when I have nothing.
 
I willingly offer
all I have and am
to serve you,
as and where you choose.

Glorious and blessèd God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth
be fulfilled in heaven. Amen." - adapted from John Wesley's original prayer

Living in Grace

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Stamina for the journey

In sporting circles stamina is a very important ingredient to have if you want to succeed, especially if you are taking part in endurance sports. The following definitions are helpful in reflecting on what stamina means for us: 

"Enduring energy, strength, and resilience" - Collins Dictionary

"Great physical or mental strength that allows you to continue doing something for a long time." - Brittanica

So, the question I have for us is this: How do we build spiritual stamina in our lives? We know that following Christ is an amazing gift, but it also takes stamina. We are not just following Jesus for one day - hopefully we plan to follow Him for our entire lives. 

So, what do you do to build up your spiritual stamina? What helps you?

2 Thessalonians 3:5 - May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God’s love and Christ’s endurance.

Hebrews 10:36 - Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Living in Grace

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Don't forget Mondays

I read an inspiring devotion the other day that was entitled: "Don't forget Mondays!" The author made the comment that God is very popular on Sundays, with millions of people attending worship services around the globe. However, he points out that many people seem to then forget about following God on Mondays (through to Saturday). 

The challenge for every follower of Jesus is to remember God throughout the week, not just on a Sunday. 

Luke 9:23 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Thought: How do you manage to keep your eyes on Christ throughout the week? What habits have you found to be helpful?

Living in Grace

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What is your excuse?

When God called Jeremiah to serve him and to be a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah tried to worm out of this task by claiming that he was too young and inexperienced. God saw through his tactic and told Jeremiah to stop using that as an excuse.

In essence, I see this as God reminding Jeremiah, that when we fulfil God's calling, we are given God's resources to complete the task.  This is what God said (Jeremiah 1:4-8):

“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that’s what I had in mind for you.”

6 But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me.
I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”

7-8 God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’
I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there.
I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it.
Don’t be afraid of a soul.
I’ll be right there, looking after you.”
God’s Decree.

Question: What excuses are we tempted to make when God calls us to a task?

Living in Grace

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Walking through a dark forest

Amy Carmichael describes her struggles as if she was wandering in a dark wood (forest). Later on, in her life, when she was struggling with her own health, she wrote these beautiful words:

"Look up to the light that pours into the wood from high above the trees. The long, pure rays of that conquering light are interwoven with the tall stems of the trees, even as threads bright and dark are interwoven in the web of our lives."

She then wrote these next words as a form of a prayer: "Look above the treetops, O my soul; from thence flow the foundations of light. See how that blessed light streams through the wood."

Her thoughts made me think of Psalm 121 again. These are such encouraging words for us.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121

Living in Grace

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