Space for Grace - old

Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Tue, 7 Apr 2020 14:54:00 +0200

By Marti-Mari Kellerman

In the space of a short few weeks our lives have changed dramatically. Many people all over the world would, a mere month ago, not have been able to fathom this strange new reality. Many of us took our daily routines for granted. Being able to meet with family and friends. Going to work or school, being able to go to church, the gym or out shopping. A walk, a run or cycle out in nature. To name but a few. Little did we know how drastically all of this was about to change. In a heartbeat. Our very freedom of being able to do and go as we please, taken away in an instant.

South Africans are in our second week of “lockdown”. We have been told to stay home, to stay safe. Much like the rest of the world. 87% of the world’s children reported as currently being unable to attend school. Each family effectively locked into their own home. Only allowed to leave for emergency services like medical care or basic necessities. That is now the law. Unless you are a healthcare or essential worker.

But this excess of time that was so unceremoniously dumped into our laps is also a rare and special gift. One that should be embraced and cherished. To draw near to God, focus on spiritual growth and time in the Word. To spend quality time with our families. To do fun activities with our kids. To catch up on rest and sleep. To exercise and get fit. To do all the things we never seem to have time for at home. To learn a new skill or dust off an old one. To slow down. And just be.

If you ask anyone that know me well, they would know that my challenge in life these days is balance. Not enough time. I struggle with keeping all the precious balls of modern day life in the air. To manage all the things that is expected of me. As a mother, a wife, a daughter and sister, a small business owner, a home maker, friend or colleague. Not even to mention self-care or staying healthy and fit. Or spending time with God, growing my faith. Sometimes it just gets too much. Overwhelming. And I always seem to fall short. Somewhere. To drop one of those precariously balanced balls...

So I guess in the current circumstances, the word that resonates with me most is “perspective”.

The dictionary defines it as:
"the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance"; "a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view"; "a particular perspective is a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced by your beliefs or experiences".

Let’s face it. We are all in this together. And each of us will be affected in one way or another. Through our health. Our financial security, work/job stability or ability to generate income. Emotional trauma of being unable to be with our loved ones. Or having to take the daily risk of going to work as a healthcare or essential service worker. And not being able to stay home.

So do we focus on our fears and anxieties? Our worries and concerns about the future? Do we get tangled up in the web of uncertainty and doubt? In the, now very unknown, expectation of our futures and financial security. Our ability to meet all the demands life has been throwing at us. Whether we would be able to recover from all of this in the end?

Or do we choose to see the silver lining? The calm inside the storm? The gift amidst the chaos?

During the early days, when it was just becoming apparent that South Africa was the latest victim on the Corona virus’s ever expanding hit list. And the government was just introducing the concept of social distancing. I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling suddenly anxious and afraid. And this scripture was a whisper in the dark.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:2-5‬ ‭AMP‬‬: “Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as Christ’s sufferings are ours in abundance [as they overflow to His followers], so also our comfort [our reassurance, our encouragement, our consolation] is abundant through Christ [it is truly more than enough to endure what we must].”

If we keep our eyes on God, He will give us peace. Inner calm and spiritual well-being. He will comfort us and encourage us in our time of trouble and uncertainty. So that we can also comfort others. The Word promises reassurance, encouragement and consolation. In abundance. More than enough to endure what we must!

Paul goes on to say that they had felt as if they had a received a death sentence. That they were even convinced that they would die. But that it had happened so that they would not trust in themselves, but in God who raises the dead. That they had set their hopes on Him, as He had rescued them from the threat of death and would continue to rescue them. They were convinced that He would rescue them again from danger and draw them near. While the prayers of the church joined in helping them. They said that many people would be thankful for the “gracious gift of deliverance” that was granted to them through the prayers of many believers... 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I believe that this scripture confirms that God would rescue us from the "threat of death" - this deadly virus. He is able to raise the dead! He will also rescue us from this threat we are facing. But we must not trust in ourselves. Or our own selfish needs and desires right now. But set our hopes on Him, lift our eyes to Him. Seek Him and His instruction by reading His Word. And pray!

What is our perspective?

Will be give in to our fears and anxieties about the future? Do we worry about circumstances we have no control over? Do we complain and grumble about having to stay home, our kids, our boredom, our frustrations?

Or do we hope? Do we believe. And grow? Do we pray. And focus on the positive?

Nothing will ever be the same. Ever again.

We do not yet know what our new reality will look like. But in a world after this, my hope is that we will emerge to live on an elevated level. Not just having endured what we must. But also growing in the process. That we will live intentionally. With purpose. And with gratitude. Our minds and hearts forever changed.

Never again will we take for granted the things we once had. Human contact. Spending time with loved ones. Being able to go places freely. Being able to move and interact. Having a job and the ability to earn an income. Being thankful for our blessings. Our homes and families. Our health and livelihoods.

It's all about Grace... mx

thespaceforgrace.blogspot.com

A life of Purpose in a changed world.

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 10:54:00 +0200

By Marti-Mari Kellerman

We are living in a changed world.

In the space of a short few weeks the virus, that most of us have only heard about vaguely from other parts of the world, now the buzz word on everybody’s lips. There is barely a conversation where it is not mentioned. This plague, like some medieval horror from our worst nightmares, has spread like a wild fire. Consuming the entire world in its wake. Changing our realities. Instantaneously. Shaking the very core of our existence.

Human beings are strange creatures. Panic buying, stock piling and mass hysteria - suddenly at the order of the day. The air is thick with fear, anxiety and speculation. Words like "social distancing" and “self isolation" suddenly part of our daily vocabulary. We have been preparing for "lock-down". Yet we have no idea what it is that needs to be done. A concept so foreign, the very word making us scramble in panic. One only a rare few has ever had to fathom. Yet it now has the entire world in its grip.

This virus is showcasing the very worst of humanity. Selfishness. Greed. Paranoia. Fear. Ignorance.

And at the same time, the very best. We are seeing acts of extreme selflessness. Generosity. Unity. Hope. Faith.

It is 4:00 am. My 2,5 year old scrambles into bed beside me. She snuggles up close and falls asleep immediately. I don’t sleep well with them in my space. But today I don’t take her back to her own bed right away. Her even breathing calms my anxious thoughts. That same breathing terrifying me all at once...

I am terrified of what all of this means. Of the isolation we have to endure. Of being kept away from family and friends amidst this frightful time. The stress, uncertainty and frustration. Of being self-employed at a time like this. Of emotional distress, financial loss and economic failure. Of inadequate medical facilities, care, supplies and staff. Of a world that will be unrecognizable at the end of this. Of possibly not being there for the end of it. Or having to sacrifice a loved one to its horror.

Yet I am so very grateful. For loved ones: family and friends, even though we are apart. For my family that is with me, where I can hold them close. For my health and that of my children. For their warm little bodies in my arms. For a home filled with their love and laughter (and often crying and fighting). Of tight hugs and sloppy kisses. For the support of my spiritual and fitness families. For a home with space and all the amenities I could possibly need at a time like this. For a little bit of outdoor space and a glimpse of nature out there, blissfully unaware of how much (in the blink of an eye) it has all changed. For being able to see the sunrise, mountains and vineyards from my window. For the financial capacity to be prepared to some degree, even if means going into debt. For food on the table. For shelter and security. For being so much more fortunate than so many others out there, especially at a time like this. Where mere weeks ago it didn’t possibly seem enough. When I thought I had the world on my shoulders...

And my heart bleeds for those who are not as lucky. For the homeless and unemployed. For those who live in the townships and squatter camps. On top of each other, with no personal space. For those who live hand to mouth. And cannot afford to stay home without an income. For people who will not have food on the table or a safe place to live. For the children of the less advantaged. For those who will be completely alone or without support. For people in abusive, destructive relationships. Or in the midst of a horrible divorce. For those that will have to tolerate the unimaginable. For those whose health are already compromised. Or who falls under the “high risk categories”. For sick and vulnerable children. For the elderly. For our government and those making the hard decisions on our behalf. For healthcare and essential workers. For those who will get sick or have to be hospitalized. For the families who will be directly affected.

It is 6:30 am. My 5 year old crawls into bed with me. She is warm and sleepy beside me. Her body melts into mine. I hold her tight. Content in the moment... My youngest bursts into the room and wrestles for her space in the bed. For a few minutes we are packed tight like sardines in a can. My heart swells and expands. Bursting with love for my little people. And all is well in the world.

Social media has, in recent weeks, exploded like the virus itself. Nearly every single post paying tribute to this thing that is consuming the world. Some are positive and uplifting. Many are concerning or downright terrifying. Compounding our worries. Driving our anxieties. Fueling our fear.

One post in particular (source unknown) has stood out for me:

How great is our God. We're on lock-down by government arrangement from 26 March 2020 and the Bible verse Isaiah 26:20 says “Go home, my people and lock your doors! Hide yourself for a little while until the Lords’s anger has passed.”

The timing is surely His. Amazing!! The Lord commanded a lock-down during Passover in Egypt... when the Angel of death passed over the Israelites when protected by the blood of the lamb - Thursday the 16th of April is when Passover ends.

As you all know that's when our lock-down is lifted... 21 days is on April the 16th. God’s timing. Incredible. Amen and Amen! We are all protected. Stay at home. Be at peace. Our God is in control and He knows what He's doing. Thank You Heavenly Father!

The world is facing a war with an invisible, yet very deadly enemy. Satan has unleashed his powers of destruction on the earth. Yet he is not the all powerful one. Nor the omnipresent.

In 2 Timothy 1:7-9 AMP, Paul writes:

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible], for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],”

Today, as we as South Africans face uncertainty and fear. As our nation has just embarked on Day 1 of this mandatory government enforced lock-down. I urge you to keep your eyes on God. To be reminded that He has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us all the tools that we need to deal with this situation in which we now find ourselves. With personal discipline, a calm mind and self-control. He is our Father. Our protector. And we are His children. He has called us with a holy calling, to a life of purpose. Even before the world began. Or according to the New Living translation (NLT) “before the beginning of time”.

In the time ahead, slow down. Be still. And know Who your God is (Psalm 46:10). Live with purpose. Be intentional. Focus on that which is really important. Draw near to God again. Listen for the gentle whisper, that still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). He has not abandoned the good work that He has started in you (Philippians 1:6). Find (or rediscover) your calling. Hold your loved ones close. Love like you have never loved before. Stay home and stay safe.

It’s all about Grace. mx

thespaceforgrace.blogspot.com

#coronavirus #covid19

#bestill #livewithpurpose #holycalling

#besmart #besafe #stayhome #flattenthecurve

#considerthehighrisk #considerhealthcareworkers
#consideressentialworkers #consideryourlovedones

seeing with perfect clarity

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:15:00 +0200

I have been quiet here for some time. It's not that I haven't wanted to write. Time has not been on my side. And before I knew it, a month had gone by. And then another. And another. I have been working on a couple of posts, but - for some reason - none of them seem to be quite finished yet. I have also been on a very steep spiritual learning curve (more on this later). But in the mean time, here is just a quick post - to get me started again.

As I am walking up the gravel road, the mist gathers ranks in front of my eyes. It is so thick that I can only see a couple of meters in front of me. It is cold and dark. I shiver. But I have to take the dogs for their morning walk before the rain comes...

I walk on, into the eerie beauty, as the mist closes in around me. It is so quiet. To all appearances, the world is still sleeping. Peaceful.

The mist looks tangible. I can even see the droplets of water gently gathering in the air. Clinging to every surface. Penetrating into every pore. Moving. Spreading. Alive.

I think about something that I heard last night at the church prayer course that my husband and I are attending this week. It is written in the very beginning of Genesis:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2 NLT)

I imagine that this must have been what it was like... the Spirit of God, hovering. Even though there is no water in sight...

I am caught up in my own thoughts and imagination. Praying. Wishing that I could somehow capture this beauty. This moment. My thoughts and emotions about it. Praying. Feeling nostalgic. Sad that it is so fleeting. That no camera will ever really be able to reproduce exactly how I am envisioning this. That my words will not be able to do it justice. Praying. Trying to take in as much as possible. To make it a part of me. So that I won't forget.

I am thinking how I always seem to be wishing winter away. Maybe because I have labelled this phase of my life a winter season. Longing for summer to finally arrive! How ironic that God seems to be speaking to me so much clearer in the heart of winter...

And suddenly, as I approach higher ground, the mist starts lifting. Slowly at first. Slight profiles and forms taking shape in the distance. Quickly becoming clearer. So fast now that I wish I could make time just slow down little. To savour the moment. Just a little longer.

And suddenly it is gone. The midst that had - moments ago - filled my sight. Covered everything around me. Consuming everything in its path. Gone.

And I see the glow of sunrise behind the mountains. The promise of daybreak.

Leaving me with a quiet, yet profound revelation. Convinced that God had just spoken to me.

Saying that I can't always see what is ahead of me. I can't even always see what is around me. I let my circumstances cloud my judgement. Making me see the world with blinders on. Looking straight into it, unable to see beyond.

But just a little further up the road, the mist will lift. It is so near...

The shapes and forms of your life will come into focus. Becoming crystal clear. And you will see again. You will see the beauty that is your life. You will see where this journey has taken you. You will see the calling and the purpose that I have for your life. My call is irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)

I am vaguely reminded of this verse in the Bible that says we can't see everything clearly now. And when I look it up, it is perfect confirmation:

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)

It can be just as quick as that. The things that are weighing me down. There one moment, but gone as quickly as mist disappearing in front of my eyes!

I walk home in a daze of thoughts and emotions. I shower and get ready for the day. When I leave, the mist lies dense and thick. Surrounding everything.

As I drive to work, this one verse from my morning Bible study resonates with me:

...the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT)

It's all about Grace.

is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord?

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 22:32:00 +0200

Every so often I read through some of my old blog posts. It reminds me of why I do this. Of the spiritual truths and revelations I have come across in my journey of faith. But it also assists in taking stock of my life. To me, it reads like an emotional and spiritual diary. Where I have come from, where I am now. Where I have backslided, where I have overcome.

Oh, I definitely have my favourites. Ironically, most of them, the hardest to write. Through the most challenging of times.

There is decidedly a central theme running through most of my blog posts. I guess it is just the season I have been going through. I am hoping that this season is coming to an end. That this year, my blog posts will be a little less serious. A little more lighthearted.

Less challenge and difficulty. More breakthrough and happiness.

But that doesn't mean that it should not be about faith.

Life challenges test and try our faith. But they also extend and deepen it. It is where God's grace lifts us up, gives us the ability to endure, empowers us to overcome.

And in happier times, we are filled with gratitude - looking back at where we have come from. In awe of God's faithfulness - that is so much more than we could have hoped or dared ask for. (Ephesians 3:20)

It makes me think of Abraham. For some reason I have had the father of our faith on my mind for months. I have been noticing how often he is mentioned throughout the Bible, especially in the new testament. This man must have been exceptional for him to be given that much exposure in the Word of God...

Abraham is such a powerful example of obedience and faithfulness to God in the face of incredible challenge, uncertainty and doubt.

Abraham (then Abram)'s story starts to unfold in the chapters of Genesis - already at the advanced age of 75 (Sarah/Sarai would have been 65) - when God asked him to leave his home and country and set off into the unknown, to a foreign land that He would give to him as his inheritance. That must have seemed like absolute madness to anyone who had known Abram. I can imagine that it must have caused quite the scene. Nevertheless, Abram obeyed.

God made many promises to Abram - abounding blessings, including property, possessions, fame and fortune, prosperity and happiness - which he all seemingly aquired straight away. God also repeatedly promised Abram and Sarai a child. To make him a "great nation" (Gen. 12:2), descendants as many as "the dust on the earth" (Gen. 13:16), as the "stars in the heavens" (Gen. 15:5).

At the age of 99, that must have seemed so cruel. Before Genesis even starts telling the story of Abram and Sarai, it is stated that Sarai was barren. She had no child (Gen. 11:30). That she had borne Abram no children (Gen. 16:1). That she was too old. Past the age of childbearing (Gen. 18:11-12).

But Abram believed:

And He brought him outside [his tent into the starlight] and said, Look now toward the heavens and count the stars–if you are able to number them. Then He said to him, So shall your descendants be. [Heb. 11:12.] And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God). [Rom. 4:3, 18-22; Gal. 3:6; James 2:23.] (Genesis 15:5, 6 AMP)

Still - even after God established His covenant with Abram, who then became Abraham (father of a multitude), his wife Sarai (now Sarah) and their descendants - they had no child. Both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the very thought of becoming first time parents at the ages of 100 and 90 (Gen. 17-18). It does seem a bit far fetched, doesn't it?

Many women today can associate with Sarah's story. At the age of 34, having not yet been able to have a child myself (due to various reasons), I can only begin to imagine how Sarah must have felt. It must have seemed like there is no way it would ever happen. Being a mother is the most natural and ultimate higher calling to any woman. Being childless could (if unchecked) so easily become an all consuming obsession that eats away at our very purpose of being on this earth.

But God says to Abraham, in Genesis 18:14 (AMP):

Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes around, I will return to you and Sarah shall have borne a son. [Matt. 19:26.] (Genesis 18:14 AMP)

Finally, in Genesis 21 - at the age of 90 - Sarah becomes a mother!

The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for her as He had promised. For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him. (Genesis 21:1, 2 AMP)

Ironically, God had told Abraham to call his son Isaac - which means "laughter" (Gen. 17:19).

And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh; all who hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children at the breast? For I have borne him a son in his old age! [Heb. 11:12.] (Genesis 21:6, 7 AMP)

Like Sarah (more sceptical than Abraham), I too am almost surprised when God (in His time) does eventually come through on a promise. Especially if it is one that I have given up on. That I have started thinking I must have imagined. Or misunderstood. But God is always faithful. When He makes a promise, He intends to keep it - how ever long it may take to be fulfilled.

And then the unthinkable happens:

After these events, God tested and proved Abraham and said to him, Abraham! And he said, Here I am. [God] said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I will tell you. (Genesis 22:1, 2 AMP)

This son - for whom Abraham and Sarah had waited for a 100 years, whom they had barely had a chance to enjoy, who had hardly lived and was the only hope for their descendents - God asked him to sacrifice. And he even expected Abraham to do it himself.

This seems like way too much to ask. What was he expected to tell the people around him? His wife? His son?

God let him go as far as building an altar, laying it with wood, binding up his son and laying him on it. Only when he took hold of the knife and was just about to kill his son - he was really going to go through with it - did the Angel of the Lord stop him:

But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. (Genesis 22:11-12 AMP)

And when Abraham looked up, there was a ram caught in a bush. The Lord had provided the lamb to be slaughtered instead of his son - like Abraham had told Isaac that He would. And Abraham called the place "The Lord will provide" (Gen. 22:7-8, 13-14).

The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time And said, I have sworn by Myself, says the Lord, that since you have done this and have not withheld [from Me] or begrudged [giving Me] your son, your only son, In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, [Heb. 6:13, 14; 11:12.] And in your Seed [Christ] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed and [by Him] bless themselves, because you have heard and obeyed My voice. [Gen. 12:2-3; 13:16; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Acts 3:25, 26; Gal. 3:16.] (Genesis 22:15-18 AMP)

I don't think Abraham could have possibly understood the magnitude of this promise that God had made him. He didn't even see a fraction of it fulfilled in his lifetime. But throughout the Bible, God continued fulfilling his promises to Abraham. And he was referred back to repeatedly as a man to be held in high esteem, who's example should be followed - countless years after he had lived.

There are many lessons to be taken from Abraham. The main one being his faith. Genesis says that Abraham believed God. He trusted in Him. Relied on Him. Remained steadfast to Him. Regardless of the doubtful circumstances. Incredible challenges and obstacles. Frightening uncertainty. Obeying. Even if it didn't make sense.

And God provided. He fulfilled every promise. He blessed him beyond imagination.

It's all about Grace...

Marti-Mari x

a new beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:28:00 +0200

And so it is a new year...

A new beginning. A fresh start.

It is remarkable how - even though nothing really changes in the transition from December 31st to January 1st - we somehow feel refreshed. As if we have been given a new lease on life. We suddenly have new goals (for the same things), new energy (to tackle the same problems), new hope (for positive change in the same circumstances). We wait in hopeful anticipation of what the new year may bring.

When we have had a particularly rough year - like 2013 has been for many - we are especially eager to wave farewell to the old and expectantly welcome the new.

Even though I have just finished the new testament (and my NLT chronological Bible), I've decided to also start the new year with the new testament (this year taking on the Amplified Bible). After all, that is exactly what it represents: a new beginning, a fresh start. New life.

The very first chapter in the new testament (Matthew 1), describes the birth of Jesus - a promise fulfilled by God, representing the new covenant with His people. Offering a new beginning, a fresh start. Offering a new life to those who, unlike Herod, would accept Him as their Savior - the very meaning of His name (Jesus), also called Emmanuel -

"God with us"

She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, "Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel–which, when translated, means, God with us." [Isa. 7:14.] (Matthew 1:21-23 AMP)

I would like to start this year having God-with-me. I want to walk it with my Savior, so that I will not miss God - the purpose of life.

Matthew fastforwards 30 odd years to the scene where Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist and the Spirit of God descends on Him.

I have never noticed this before... In the last verse of Matthew 3, God proclaims His love for Jesus. But in the very next verse starting off Matthew 4, Jesus - led by the Spirit - is tested and tried by satan. Even though He is God's Beloved Son, in Whom He delights...

And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is My Son, My Beloved, in Whom I delight! [Ps. 2:7; Isa. 42:1.] (Matthew 3:17 AMP) THEN JESUS was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. (Matthew 4:1 AMP)

Priscilla Shirer (One in a million: journey to your promised land)

The sequence of spiritual events in the life of Jesus, as described in the first chapters of Matthew, could be simply summarized as this: (re-)birth, baptism in water and the Holy Spirit, trial and temptation (baptism of fire). Looking at my own experience, it feels so familiar.

Even though God delights in us. Even though we are His dearly beloved. We will still be tested and tried. But the important thing to know is that we still have the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Matthew says that Jesus was taken into the desert (uncomfortable and difficult circumstances) where He fasted for forty days and nights (physically and mentally challenged) and later He was hungry (He needed sustenance and provision).

"And then the temper came..." (Matthew 4:3 AMP)

How typical of the devil to tempt us when we are at our most vulnerable. In difficult circumstances. Challenged beyond our apparent ability to endure. In need of provision and breakthrough.

Deceitful, sly. Satan came. Making false claims and promises. Tempting Jesus to go against His faith, against His God.

Jesus was confronted three times, in each instance given a choice to either do the will of the Father or give in to satan's temptation - usually the easy way out.

Satan tried to test Jesus through temptation and deceit. Hoping that He would give in, hoping that He would fail. In His circumstances. His challenges. His need.

But the devil is no match for Him. He fought back with knowledge of the Word. With faith and endurance. And answered him this:

But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Deut. 8:3.]...

Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God. [Deut. 6:16.]...

Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. [Deut. 6:13.]... (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 AMP)

When we are faced with trials and temptation, we should look to Jesus as our example. I find that if we fail the test, we are usually confronted with it again and again. Until our response qualifies and we pass the test. For more often than not our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of the spiritual realm. (Ephesians 6:12)

Not only do we have physical needs, we also have spiritual ones. The Word of God is our food - without which we would starve spiritually. It is also our weapon when satan tries to test us. To tempt us. How can we fight back if we have no weapon? If we are spiritually starved? That makes it so much easier to just give up and let the devil win.

When we are faced with difficulty, we often blame God. We challenge Him. Argue with Him. Bargain with Him. We listen to that whispering voice, urging us on, asking Where is your God now? But Jesus says, we are not to tempt, test or try God. We have to learn to trust Him. To yield to His plans for us. Either way, we are still going that way. His way - fighting and screaming, or calmly trusting.

If there is one thing satan loves, it is to tempt us with earthly wealth. With material things. With fame and fortune. Many of us are too shortsighted to look beyond that. If we don't have it, we want it. If we do, we want more. We immediately get tripped up by sparkling promises. We sell our souls to the devil. (Matthew 6:24)

Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11 AMP)

Once Jesus overcame, not only did satan leave (along with his trials and temptations), but God sent angels to look after His needs.

May God's angels take care of you this year!

It's all about Grace... mx

treasure in fragile jars of clay

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:39:00 +0200

I've heard that there are four external life events that are the most stressful, or traumatic, experiences that any human being will inevitably face in a lifetime.

1. The loss or death of a loved one

2. Divorce or breakup of a long term relationship

3. Moving house (or country)

4. Changing jobs or careers

Obviously there are many other things that could be just as traumatic - although probably not experienced by everyone. Some even more so (such as a multitude of health factors, financial loss or poverty, injury or accident, violence or crime, death...) But for the sake of my argument, let's just stick to those four, for the moment.

Five years ago, I experienced three of the four. In the space of a year. Some, more than once.

The failure of a seven year relationship set the wheels in motion. (Which to me, at the time, pretty much felt like someone dying). I moved three times, including country and continent. And back again. (Not counting a temporary move to my parents' house or the three friends whose couches and spare bedrooms I occupied temporarily on arrival in the UK). In the process I also changed jobs and started my own business.

To me, that had been the most difficult year of my life. In the aftermath - having tried dealing with it in my own way (and failing) - I was not coping too well and felt myself slipping into depression.

Five years later, considering this past year, I am confident that this last one had been harder. A completely different set of circumstances. Not nearly as life changing - on the contrary the lack of change, to a large extent, has been the main issue - it has been incredibly challenging.

Not yet quite ready to share all that has happened (and not happened) this year, I must admit, I've been a bit of an emotional wreck. Having said that, I am - amazingly - dealing with it much better than I did five years ago.

I believe the major, crucial difference is faith.

Then - I went to church very infrequently. I didn't read my Bible or pray much. I had vague doubts about whether there really is a God or not. At the time, He just seemed like an abstract concept, very far removed from my life.

Now - having been on a spiritual journey for some time now, making a conscious effort to grow spiritually and experience my faith - it is just less daunting to deal with struggles and disappointment. Without letting it crush you. Less lonely. Even though it has been an emotional roller coaster, very trying at times - I am not depressed.

I would have thought that, given another set of similarly challenging circumstances, I would easily slip back into depression. Thinking about it now, though... the lack of it, is glaringly obvious. I find it very plausible to think that depression is often the natural human response, when various things on different levels of life, repeatedly do not work out the way you'd hoped. Especially if you don't really believe in anything. If you are not committed to your faith. If you have nothing to hold on to.

Our faith is a gauge that helps measure our overall well-being. Our coping mechanism. Our rock. A promise of better times. Expectation of an eventual positive outcome. Hope.

Hindsight often places things in context. (How wonderful it would have been to have the benefit of it in the midst of a current crises!) But - in retrospect - that phase of my life also came to and end (although it also felt like it never would). And I walked away - maybe a bit battered and bruised. But definitely stronger. Definitely wiser.

I wrote this a while ago, but wasn't quite sure about what my conclusion should be. Reading through Paul's letters to the churches in the New Testament, I came across his account in 2 Corinthians of the troubles they faced. Paul wrote:

"We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure... But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us... and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us." (2 Corinthians 1:8-10 NLT)

Times of challenge often make us more reliant and dependant on God. It draws us close to Him. It makes us place our faith in Him. In the confidence that He will come through for us.

Further into the letter (2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 17, 18 NLT), Paul says the following (which really does speak for itself):

"For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.

This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies...

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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."

It's all about Grace... mx

all for Your glory, God

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 3 Nov 2013 09:51:00 +0200

We don't always understand why "bad" or hard things happen to us. Why we have to go through setbacks. Disappointments. Challenging times.

I honestly don't.

Some of us just seem to have more than our fair share of these periods of difficulty thrown at us by life. I am definitely one of those people. Nothing seems to ever be straightforward. Or easy. Always a fight. Always a challenge.

I don't know if I make it more difficult than it needs to be... Unaccepting. Over analyzing. Offering excessive resistance.

The question remains: Why does God allow it?

Struggling through an especially persistent phase of challenge, in my quest to determine it's purpose - I have come to a recent revelation: It is to show His glory.

Blessed | Matthew 5:4 from Moving Works on Vimeo.

I came across this video on Faithit.com this week and found it truly inspirational. One of the most amazing things is the human capacity to not only survive the difficulty through the grace of God, but in the process also experience supernatural spiritual growth - becoming an inspiration of faith and a living testimony to others.

In a devotional in Come Away my Beloved (Frances J. Roberts), the author states: "His joy springs forth most abundantly in souls that have been soaked in tears". In another, it says that through the tears that flow through us, God purges the self-life. He gives us His love. His power. So that we will no longer walk in our own way. But in His.

I can definitely say that God is walking a road - though a hard one - with me, in which I am learning to have compassion with others. To move away from my self centeredness. To learn thankfulness.

Two stories in the new testament, have recently drawn my attention:

In John 9:2-3 (NLT) Jesus's disciples ask, “Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” And then Jesus healed him.

In another story in the gospel of John (11:1-44) the sisters Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was very sick. John goes on to say that even though Jesus knew this and loved them, he stayed where he was for another two days, saying to His disciples: “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” (John 11:4 NLT). Only when He knew that Lazarus had died, He said: “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” (John 11:14-15 NLT). Jesus then went to the tomb where Lazarus was buried, commanded the people to roll aside the stone covering its entrance and looked up to heaven, saying: “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:41-43 NLT). And the dead man walked out of the tomb!

Jesus says that God always hears us. He does not always answer when or how we expect. He even allows the difficulty. The challenge. The anguish. But it is all the more powerful when he does step in. It is then that we really believe. It is then that we give Him the glory.

In Luke 22:31-32 (NLT) Jesus tells Simon: “Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you... that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

It's all about Grace... mx

it's all about faith

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:30:00 +0200

I haven't been writing for a while... The more time goes by, the easier it becomes not to. The less time I seem to have. The more excuses I find. And the easier it will be to stop altogether.

I have come to realize that if I don't get back into it soon, that is exactly what will happen.

The truth is that I have really been struggling lately. Hitting an all time low. Refusing to let me out of its debilitating grip. Squeezing. Suffocating.

Ironically, just before it happened, I got several messages urging me to never stop doing this. Ever. So, somewhere at the back of my mind, I know that I still have to do it. I feel a sense of responsibility to keep going, because this is not just about me or for me anymore - as much as I'd like to argue otherwise. And I have learned that the hardest, most painful things to write, are usually what means the most to others.

This year - one that I was hoping would be the year of breakthrough for us - has really (no sugar coating) been an exceptionally rough one for me. A series of crushing disappointments. On multiple levels of my life. Seemingly the more I pray, trust, hope... beg. The worse it's become. Until I have come to a point where I am unable to do it anymore. Doubting my faith. Questioning my God.

To some degree, I have actually been afraid to write. Of what I might write. Catapulting from a spiritual high to an extreme low, is in itself a disappointing blow to me.

I've come to a point where I don't want to go to church. Or do mentoring. Or pray. I don't want to talk about it anymore, because I am honestly sick to death of all the cliches: "God has something bigger, better planned for you. Everything will work out... in His time. There is a plan and a purpose with all of this"... I am tired of hearing how things are working out so perfectly for others - magically falling into place by some or other miracle. It all just seems so futile. Like some cruel, twisted joke. And even though I still read my Bible on most days, I find a disturbing feeling welling up inside of me. Silently, disdainfully scoffing at the message. Angry at God. Not believing a word. Because how do you believe when things just keep going from bad to worse?

I must say... I have been sufficiently chastised. From various angles. My husband. Friends. A sermon meant specifically for me. Because my attitude needs some serious revision. I need to see this as an opportunity to grow and learn. To quit feeling so damned sorry for myself. Making it all about me. Because it's not.

In the end it's all about faith.

Granted - It is not always easy to have faith. Especially if you are trusting God for something that just does not seem to happen. And doesn't look like it is going to...

(Encouraging word by Priscilla Shirer - a mighty woman of God. Incredibly inspiring when I need a boost of faith)

The Bible defines faith as: "the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, giving us assurance about the things we cannot see." The Amplified version says that "faith is perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses." (Hebrews 11:1)

2 Corinthians 5:7 urges us to live by believing and not seeing. The Amplified version elaborates by stating that we walk by faith (by conviction and belief, with trust and holy fervor), not by sight or appearance.

It is so easy to fall into the trap of letting your sight trick you. Reality. Circumstances - does not always make it easy to believe. Because it is in total contradiction to that which you hope for. Robbing you of your trust. Of your faith. But we should all have learned by now that appearances are not always what they seem.

Romans 5 says that not only does faith give us access to God's grace and favor, but it also places us in peace and right standing with God...

"Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2 AMP)

I don't know about you, but I would most definitely like to experience God's grace and favor in my life. Especially in trying times.

Matthew 17 (verses 14-20) tells the story of the disciples that were unable to heal a boy that was demon possessed. They couldn't understand why. Exasperated, Jesus said to them:

“You don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

Mark 11: 22-24 tells a similar story:

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

It seems to me that it is all a vicious cycle. Our faith is tested by our circumstances. Which - when it becomes too much for us to bear - causes us to get discouraged. To loose hope. To question and doubt... Faith and belief wanes. Taking us out of God's grace and favor. Causing us to fail the test. Resulting in a repeat of the lesson.

So it all comes down to faith. The kind that can move mountains. The kind that nothing is impossible to. A rock solid, unwavering belief that God is powerful and able. That God is faithful and willing.

It's all about Grace... mx

rain down on me - part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 16:48:00 +0200

The gravel farm roads are starting to resemble a riverbank. Streams of water running along its banks. Joining together in countless murky pools and puddles. Greedily snatching at sand, gravel, small pebbles and branches - carrying it along its course. Digging away at the surface. Eroding the exposed earth.

Rain clouds are gathering. Full in expectation of its release. Bursting. The skies are dark and heavy with water. Fat drops drizzling from above. Slowly at first. Growing in its urgency. Gathering momentum, strengthening the assault... Finally, drenching the scene.

As I am walking along, taking all of this in - I think about a devotion I've read in this little book Come Away My Beloved by Frances Roberts, called "Rain". And I recall thinking that it is all about perspective. Winters and rain do not have to be a thing of hardship and suffering. It could be about blessings and abundance! About God's joy and provision.

The devotion starts with an urging to go and look "for the rain is coming" - proclaiming that the drought is over and the sound of rain is approaching. It says: "Yes, I will send showers of blessing upon the hearts of my waiting people; for before they call, I have prepared an answer, and while they are seeking Me, I shall come down upon them."

God's Spirit is the Rain. He comes to revive and refresh. He comes to bring relief to the parched ground. To bring forth new life. To bring flowers to the desert.

Joel 2:23 NLT says: "Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness."

I haven't written here for a while. Partly because I have been really busy at work. Partly because I am at a place where I don't really know what to write anymore... Exhausted from repeated disappointments - taking everything out of me. Sucking me dry. The storm raging in my mind.

It is hard to come back from a place like that. Especially if it starts to consume your life. Overshadowing all else. As the Casting Crowns song so beautifully claims (all you can do, is to) Come to the Well.

I seem to find songs that, for some reason, I latch onto and then for a period of time, repeatedly listen to. Until I begin to hear the layers of meaning underneath the words. Until it sinks in and becomes my own. This is my current song. And it so beautifully relays the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John, describing Jesus as the Living Water.

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water... those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:10, 14 NLT)

Shortly after my walk in the rain, I read this scripture:

“I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing. The orchards and fields of my people will yield bumper crops, and everyone will live in safety. When I have broken their chains of slavery and rescued them from those who enslaved them, then they will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 34:26, 27 NLT)

And it dawns on me that there are different kinds of "chains of slavery". We don't have to be physically captive to be in chains. Some times God can't give us the miracle we are so desperately searching for, because we won't let Him. Because we harden our hearts to Him.

But God says: “I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name... And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations." (Ezekiel 36:22, 23, 26, 27 NLT)

Taken back to a passage that I've read a while ago in Lamentations, I remember how I had been dumbstruck in reading Jeremiah's account of how he had felt during an especially challenging time in his life. Exactly like I did. To the letter. At the time I was feeling guilty for feeling this way. But even Jeremiah had felt like this at times! It is only human.

But then the prophet goes on to say: "Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." (Lamentations 3:21-26 NLT)

His mercies begin afresh each morning... Without really having known the context, this has been a verse that I have been holding onto all year. What a graceful God we serve! He gives us a new beginning each and every day. If we didn't have the right attitude yesterday, we have a fresh chance today. A new start.

Jeremiah says: "Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer..." (Lamentations 2:19 NLT)

It's all about Grace... mx

called by name - part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 11:50:00 +0200

As I was laying in bed this morning, listening to the rain pouring down - reluctant to start my day. To get up out of my warm and comfortable bed, to face the cold and wet. I considered that I haven't been very active in writing here lately. I have been going through an odd phase. Feeling that I am stagnating. Neglected, abandoned, forgotten.

The weather has not been helping. It's been a long, cold and wet winter. I haven't been able to go out walking with the dogs much - leaving them frustrated, as well as me. It is where I find my inspiration. It grounds me, gives me energy, gathers my spirit... If I do get a chance to take them for a walk though, they are so excited to be out. Dragging me along enthusiastically. The only thing I can focus on is not falling on my face on the slippery, muddy farm roads.

I have also been reading the 24/7 Chronological Bible, which effectively means that I have been reading the old testament all year. Although I do think it is important to read, I have been struggling through Chronicles, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel... Which is overwhelmingly doom and gloom. Not easy reading. Not really lifting my spirits. I am starting to feel like the Israelites in their suffering. Punished, abandoned by God, banished from the promised land.

Recently, I have found myself - more than once - flipping through the remainder of my Bible to see when I will finally reach the new testament (as if it will somehow be sooner if I look more often). Considering that I may be backsliding into "the old testament view" of my religion. When people had to earn their salvation by the way they lived and behaved. Before Jesus came to save them from their misery.

But this morning I came upon one of the many gems in the old testament, in Ezekiel 34 (verses 11-24):

The prophet speaks about a God that will search, find and tend his sheep - Himself. A shepherd looking for his scattered flock. Rescuing them, feeding them, bringing them back home. Ending their suffering - not because they deserve it - but because He is a great and holy God (Ezekiel 36:22-24). Giving them good pastureland where they will lie down in peace, in pleasant places, feeding in lush pastures. Searching for the lost and strayed. Bandaging the injured and strengthening the weak. Giving them one shepherd to feed them and be a prince among them. Being their God.

It reminded me of this half written, almost forgotten post - that was meant to be part of called by name - part 1, but seemed to have a mind of its own, developing into a different message, with the same undercurrent.

That we were each called by name.

Isaiah 49 (verses 8-14) says that "At just the right time" God will respond to me. Helping me, protecting me, leading me. That I will not be in need of anything. He makes my mountains into level paths. He comforts me. He has compassion on me in my suffering.

He says that I feel deserted by Him. As if He has forgotten me.

To which He responds (Isaiah 49: 15-16 NLT):

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?

Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?

But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!

See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”

Earlier I had read this passage in Isaiah (40: 25-31 and 41:8-10 NLT):

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars?

He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name.

Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.

O, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?

O, how can you say God ignores your rights?

Have you never heard? Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

“But as for you, my servant, my chosen one,

I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying,

‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

We may feel that God does not see our troubles, that He does not care about what we are going through. But He calls even the stars by name. Not a single one is missing. How much more does He not care about each of us? He understands. He cares. And He will give new strength to those who need it.

The Bible says (Isaiah 43:1-4, 7, 13; 55:3 NLT):

But now, listen to the Lord who created you...

the one who formed you says,

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Others were given in exchange for you.

I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.

You are honored, and I love you.

Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory.

It was I who created them.

From eternity to eternity I am God.

No one can snatch (you) out of my hand.

No one can undo what I have done.”

“Come to me with your ears wide open.

Listen, and you will find life.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you.

I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”

It's all about Grace... mx

called by name - part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:30:00 +0200

Maybe it's just me, but for some reason every year as I am approaching yet another birthday, I find myself taking stock of my life. What I think I should have achieved in the year gone by. Where I should be in life.

Comparing it to my reality.

I suppose it is human nature to measure these things in material value. Compare yourself to others of similar age, background, education... To be honest - it can be extremely depressing. Demotivating. Disheartening.

So this year, as my birthday was drawing near towards the end of July, I found myself growing increasingly despondent. Feeling unhappy with my life. Another birthday - but still, in all appearances - in exactly the same place as the year before... And the year before...

Unfortunately for me - or maybe rather fortunately - God does not let you off the hook that easily. Sometimes He really has to make us uncomfortably aware of just how skewed we've had it.

And I have come to realize that this past year I have gained so much that can not be measured in material value. That is worth more than silver and gold (Psalm 119:72). Than money and luxury cars and expensive homes.

During the week of my birthday I was blessed with such beautiful, inspiring scripture that spoke so directly to to me - right here in this place in my life - where I feel that I have fallen short of the world-that-we-live-in's standards. That it could only have been from a God who takes personal interest in us. In our heartaches and disappointments, our hopes and dreams. Even our feelings of insecurity and fear.

A God who gives hope - when you feel that there is none. A God who cares enough to make you feel special on your birthday - in spite of your negative, ungrateful attitude. A God who loves you more than you would ever know.

On the morning of my birthday, I opened my Bible to these words (Isaiah 48:12-13, 17 NLT) :

“I alone am God, the First and the Last.

It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth,

my right hand spread out the heavens above.

When I call out the stars, they all appear in order.”

This is what the Lord says—

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is good for you

and leads you along the paths you should follow.”

At this point I am wondering why I am worried if God says that He - the Creator of ALL, the One to whom even the stars answer - says that He teaches me what is good for me and leads me along the paths that I should follow. Who am I to argue with that? Surely, then I am where I should be, right now in my life.

As I continue my reading, this is what I find (Isaiah 49:1-5 NLT):

The Lord called me before my birth;

from within the womb he called me by name.

He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.

He said to me, “You are my servant,

and you will bring me glory.”

I replied, “But my work seems so useless!

I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.

Yet I leave it in the Lord's hand;

I will trust God for my reward.”

And now the Lord speaks—

the one who formed me in my mother's womb

to be his servant, who commissioned me...

The Lord has honored me

and my God has given me strength.

This is what the Lord says—

“At just the right time, I will respond to you.

On the day of salvation I will help you.”

How profound to be told by the living God - on the day of your birth - that He has called you before you were born. By name. That He has a calling and a purpose for your life. Before your life began, it was decided what your journey would be - by God Himself. Even though you may feel as if you have failed, as if there is no purpose to what you are doing. Just leave it in His hands. He will give you the strength that you need to fulfill His purposes for you.

In Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) God says:

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.

Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you...”

...for whatever His purpose, His calling for your life. He says that we should not argue and say that we are too (young, old, tired, busy, inadequate...) We must go wherever He sends us. Say whatever He tells us. And He will be with you. (Jeremiah 1:7-8)

The day before my birthday I read this passage in Isaiah (44:6,8; 46:3-4 NLT), reinforcing the timely message of the next day:

This is what the Lord says—

(your) King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies:

“I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.

Do not tremble; do not be afraid.

Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?

You are my witnesses—is there any other God?

No! There is no other Rock—not one!”

“I have cared for you since you were born.

Yes, I carried you before you were born.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—

until your hair is white with age.

I made you, and I will care for you.

I will carry you along and save you.

What a beautiful promise. To know that God was with you even before you were born. That He made you - exactly as you should be, precisely as He wanted you. With all your hangups and imperfections. Because God uses imperfect people for His perfect purpose. And He proclaimed His purposes for each of us long ago. He cares for each one of us - like He cares for every single star, making sure that not one is out of place, that not one is missing. He carries us throughout our lives, until old age. He is always there with you. Through everything. And He will never leave you. Never.

It's all about Grace... mx

the power of words

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Thu, 1 Aug 2013 15:36:00 +0200

This post started out as something different altogether. Something a little less optimistic.

I am in a phase of my life where I often feel discouraged. Where - most of the time - life does not seem fair. Where things are not working out the way I had hoped.

When I am there - I tend to put a negative spin on things. I come up against a wall of bad news. Disappointments. Unanswered prayers. And no matter how hard I try to stay optimistic. To look on the bright side. To see some kind of silver lining or ray of light at the end of a dark tunnel...
Some days, it is just really hard.

I find myself sinking into despair. Thoughts flashing in my mind - like a snake spitting venom. It stings. And like some trapped, scared little bird it flutters around anxiously. Agitated. Wreaking havoc. Threatening to spill out of my mouth in a string of dark words - once out, never to be taken back.

But it is then that I have to take care in what I do allow to come out of my mouth. It is during those times that we have to be really careful about what we say.

I have been called out on it several times. I have been told to speak life.

Only starting to realize the importance of what I say. The power of words. The damage they could cause.

As the saying goes - the pen is mightier than the sword. The same goes for the spoken word... So few people realize the consequences of what their words can do to themselves and others. Carelessly saying whatever they feel like. Whatever pops into their minds.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT

(source unknown)

The Bible says that we hold the power of life and death in our words.

A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:20-21 AMP

But the Word also acknowledges that we are not perfect and it is hard for us to always get it right.

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. James 3:2 AMP

Still - we should strive to have a positive outlook. To say uplifting things. To think before we speak. Because - the spoken word is so very powerful. Because - not only to ourselves, but also to others - it can make a world of difference. It could be a blessing. It could give grace.

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. Ephesians 4:29 AMP

originally written for the blog Space for Grace

let the Lord be your light

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 23:58:00 +0200

Rudely awakened from a deep sleep by our border collie, Jasper. Startled by his black and white face, illuminated by the flash of light in the bedroom - suddenly looming over my own in the darkness. He sat perched on the narrow ledge of bed, between me and the edge, almost on my face! Panting, nearly hyperventilating. Eyes bulging in fear of the lightning and thunder raging outside.

It is the second time in three days that this has happened. The older he gets, the more terrified he becomes of the storm outside.

Whispering words of reassurance, hugging him tightly to my body, in the hope of calming Him down. But the more I try to console him - apparently completely unaware of my attempts - he seems to be growing ever more frantic. Restlessly moving about the bed and over me. All hope of sleep abandoned.

Until I manage to hold him down on his side, in my arms. Soothing. Stroking. He hesitantly gives in. Sighs and lays down his head. Calmed somewhat.

I find myself thinking that sometimes I must make God feel this way.

He knows what is good for me. He planned my life long in advance. He knows what is coming. And what is not.
(Psalm 138:16)

But still - I struggle ahead with my own plans, frantically searching. Trying to make things fit. To calm my mind, my soul. And the more He tries to draw me close, to bring me near, to give me rest... The more I struggle and strain! Fighting for control.

And I find the Spirit urging me to read the story about the lost sheep again. (Luke 15:3-7)

I have read it countless times. I know it by heart. But still the gentle nudge...

The essence is this:

If even one of His children is lost to Him, to the life He gives - in the dark and afraid of the storm. Lost in the desert, the wilderness of this world, of their own mistakes - wandering away from Him. He will go to the ends of the earth to find you. At all costs. By all means. He will carry you tenderly and bring you back to Him. Never giving up on you. Regardless of what you have done. Of what you did not. Finding joy in your return. Celebrating. Rejoicing.

The following day I read this scripture in Isaiah. Oh, how easily we stray!

“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins. This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:1,15,18 NLT)

Like the son, lost to his father, we must come back to God. Asking for forgiveness. Humble in regret. (Luke 15:11-32)

God says that He will be gracious if you ask for His help. He will respond to your cries and you will weep no more. Even though He allows the hard times. The difficult ones. He will still be with you to teach you. (Isaiah 30:19-20)

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT)

We have to learn to be sensitive to that still small voice. To be patient. To wait.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me... For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light... The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness. (Micah 7:7-9 NLT)

The Word repeatedly urges us to be strong and courageous. To not be afraid or discouraged. Because there is a power "far greater" on our side. Greater than the harm any human can do. Greater than any problems or health issues we may face. Greater than the circumstances that may seem so overwhelming. Because we have the Lord our God to help us. To fight our battles for us! (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)

originally written for the blog Space for Grace

hope in the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:40:00 +0200

Hope - in some ways, is very much like doubt. Small embers, glowing in the dark. Taking light, its flame slowing burning until it becomes a bright beam in the darkness.

Like a fire, it is beautiful to behold. Its warmth soothing on your skin. But when you come too close, it burns you. Out of control, it will consume you.

Hope can so easily be transformed into earth shattering disappointment. Anger. Resentment.

Unfounded. Misguided. Hope comes like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Disguised as unanswered prayer. Hopelessness. Defeat.

The enemy is shouting in my mind: Where is this God that you believe in? He doesn't care about you! He doesn't even hear you! He is not going to answer your prayers. He has forsaken you! Does He even exist...? This God of yours.

WHERE is He?!

Words, lies - flowing like tears.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! (Psalms 42:11 NLT)

Hope can be a dangerous thing. Like playing with matches. Crushed hope burns you. Repeated, again and again, it will destroy you. Shatter you spirit. For the human spirit is only designed to take that much.

That is the problem with placing your hope in earthly things. It may change everything for you. But it might just ruin your life. Blackened like soot. Ashes, blowing away in the wind.

We need to learn to trust God fully. To place our hope in Him. Regardless of our circumstances. Or what we may think the solution will be. What it should be. To separate our expectation from our hope. To not be crushed when the solution we had expected turns out to be ashes in the wind. Blown away. Fading like mist in the sun.

Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. (1 Peter 1:21 NLT)

When you pray without ceasing, continously, relentlessly. When everything is in the balance. When you need the solution the way that you need to breath. It is the hardest thing to wait. To be patient.

To put all hope in God - alone. In nothing else.

To not be swayed when your expectation is not met. To not come crashing down when the solution is not what you were expecting. What you were hoping...

Because then you have not been hoping in God.

We grasp at straws. As soon as something presents itself that could possibly change everything. That could be the answer to your prayers. That could - in one grande sweep - solve everything. We latch all hope onto that. We cling tight. We pray even harder. Please let this be the answer, God. Please.

You don't want to. Knowing the danger. Painfully aware of darkness lurking. But... Maybe this time... Could it be? You allow yourself that tiny glimmer. It sparks. Sets alight. Bursts into flame. Spreading. Consuming.

Until the earth is yanked out from underneath your feet.

And then, you have to - once again, burnt out - pick yourself up from black, shaky ground. Start all over.

Wait. Hope. Crash. Burn.

A vicious, merciless, destructive pattern. Threatening the very core of your existence. Exposing your flaws. Your weakness. Giving victory to the darkness.

But from burnt ground grows new life.

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. (Psalms 119:41, 49, 50, 58, 114, 116 NLT)

We have to learn to break the cycle. To not be shaken. To stand firm in faith. Even if the solution may not be what you expect. Try a different angle. Have some more faith. Ask God to show you the way. Maybe you're not looking the right way. In the right places. Maybe you are going in the wrong direction.

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn. O, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. (Psalms 130:5-7 NLT)

originally written for the blog Space for Grace

the breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 12:28:00 +0200

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

- Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Since we got married over two years ago (my husband much longer), we have been living in circumstances that - to me - are extremely challenging. Someone else might consider it a minor hurdle. But - to me - because of my personality, my upbringing, my background, the main source of my income, the very things that I value in life - it is one of the worst positions imaginable.

And - I want to state upfront - I have grown more spiritually than I ever have before - because of it. I am beyond grateful for this.

But. It has been an emotional roller-coaster. Very trying at times. Hard on my marriage.

At times I could live with it, in the hope that it would soon change. At times I have been at the very limit of my patience, no end anywhere in sight. At times - I have wanted to walk away. More than anything.

Each heart knows its own bitterness and no one else can fully share its joy.
- Proverbs 14:10 NLT

I am a firm believer that the worst experience an individual has had in their lifetime, is the worst that they know. Until something else comes along to dwarf the last known benchmark.

Do not belittle it. Whatever it is.

Do not tell them that there is someone else worse off. You're not helping. On the contrary - you are just making them feel worse. Ungrateful. Believe me, they know this. There always is - deserved or not. They also know that there's always someone else much better off.

You can not know another person's hopes and dreams. You can not know their fears and challenges. Their experience. If you have not walked in their shoes.

Although we are doing everything possible in our power to change our circumstances, the breakthrough remains elusive.

There are those that could improve our situation considerably. But they choose not to.

So, we are left with only God to look to. For us - He is the only One who can turn things around. What we need, is just short of a miracle. And - so far - He is not coming to our rescue either.

This. I find even harder. To keep on trusting, believing the promises. To keep on hoping, believing for the breakthrough. To keep on having faith, believing in a God who promises good things to those who believe in Him. Who promises to take care of them. To give them what they need.

To testify. Of His goodness. Of His faithfulness. Of His provision.

An endless cycle. Hoping. Waiting. Repeated disappointment.

I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?

- Psalms 119:81, 82 NLT

And I feel like such an easy target. Satan likes to kick you when you are down.

But God's Word says:

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG

And through my tears, I am begging. I am there. I am at my limit. No more, please God. We need that breakthrough!

He promised: "I will provide. With me - all things are possible!"

And I have to believe:

The breakthrough will come... (In His time)

come back to Me and live!

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 23:29:00 +0200

This past week a friend was sharing something with me that she is going through. As she was speaking, I could so clearly see her words reflected back at me. At my life. Situations I have been in.

There's been so many times in my past - distant and near - when I have felt uncertain about the future. Worried. Afraid.

When I have felt that God is not with me. That He has abandoned me. That His favour is not over my life. Feeling so far removed from an intimate relationship with my Maker.

That is a dark place to be. Hopeless.

I have learned that - with God - there is no such thing as coincidence. Only confirmation...

So the next morning I came across this scripture in Hosea that so beautifully describes these feelings of loss and insecurity (with the context once again being Israel forsaking their God):

The Lord says that if we return to Him, He will heal us and bandage our wounds. He will restore us "in just a short time". So that we may live in His presence and know Him. The scripture urges you to press on and know Him. Promising that He will respond. Like the arrival of dawn. Like the rain in early spring. Without any doubt! (Hosea 6:1-3)

"...for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you..." (Hosea 11:9 NLT)

You see, more often than not, we are the ones abandoning Him. Not the other way around. Our lives are so busy. Always running around. Rushing from one thing to the next. And most of the time, our quiet time with God is the first thing that goes out the window.

But this is where we are mistaken: It grounds us. It restores us. We need it. Like we need air to breath.

Without it we can only feel lost. Uncertain. Scared.

God says that we have to follow His instructions. That we have to live our lives by His Word. That we have to study it. Meditate on it. Obey it. Then He will guide us and straighten our paths. Then we will prosper and succeed. (Joshua 1:8)

So if we forsake His Word. His instructions. Him. How can we hope to know which path to follow? To know the right way?

So now, come back to your God... and always depend on Him. (Hosea 12:6 NLT)

The Lord says: His love for us knows no bounds. That He will be to us like a refreshing dew from heaven. And we will blossom like the lily. It will send roots deep into the soil (of our hearts), with its branches spread out like beautiful olive trees. And we will again live under His shade and flourish. (Hosea 14:4-7)

God says: “I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me.” (Hosea 14:8 NLT)

I love this scripture. It is so descriptive. So full of promise...

Promises of His unlimited, undeserved love for us. Of refreshment and restoration. Promises that we will blossom and flourish - beautiful in our full potential, in Him. Knowing that all our fruit (all good things) come from Him. Assurance. That He hears us. He answers our prayers. He cares for us. Promising that His love will be rooted deep into our hearts. Anchoring us. Providing us with His protection and favour over our lives.

All that He asks in return, is that we return to Him. That we depend on Him.

Then, Psalm 138:8 promises: The Lord will work out His plans for my life because His faithful love endures forever.

The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with Him! Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him.

...then stand still and watch the Lord ’s victory. He is with you... Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Now this is what the Lord says: “Come back to Me and live!"

(2 Chronicles 15:2 NLT; 2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT; Amos 5:4 NLT)

countless wonders

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 07:43:00 +0200

Creation. God's amazing masterpiece. What we see around us every day.

It is something I have been meaning to write about for some time. But it is such an awe inspiring, beautifully overwhelming thing. That I have found it hard to put the right words to it. Maybe because there are none. Human words can not grasp it.

My favourite time of day is just before the sun sets. Everything is bathed in hues of yellow and gold. Making the world appear soft and friendly. A happy place.

For years I didn't spend much time outdoors. I have an office job. And I am not sporty. So by default I don't get outside much. Since I have started walking our dogs however, I spend time in the same little part of nature on most days.

The thing that never ceases to amaze me is how different that little bit of world is from one day to the next. It changes. Constantly. Not one day is the same.

The backdrop is painted in different colours, with strokes of cloud and sky. Some days have flawlessly blue skies with sunshine enhancing the colour of every little detail. Other days are gloomy and dark, seeped in shades of gray, rain drenching the earth with its goodness.

"Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. You set the boundaries of the earth, and made both summer and winter." (Psalm 74:16-17 NLT)

Weather. Seasons. Birds. Animals. Even my state of mind. It all influences what that part of nature looks like. Sounds like. Feels like. And it is different. Every day.

And that is just looking from one individual's perspective, at one part of the day, in one tiny part of the world - as we know it.

On one particular day, it is different from one hour to the next. Imagine the countless variations every day, at every hour, in every part of creation. Each day, each hour is a masterpiece. Created for our pleasure. And each of us experience it in our own unique way.

"The heavens are Yours, and the earth is Yours; everything in the world is Yours - You created it all. You created north and south." (Psalm 89:11-12 NLT)

I try to take in the beauty of nature whenever I am confronted with it. To never get used to it or just take it for granted. To let it speak to me as often as possible. To (as far as I am capable) appreciate its unique beauty every day. But still, I fall incredibly short.

As I was once again walking the dogs - on a cold, misty day - I was thinking about exactly this. Finding my senses heightened as we made our way through the farm. In awe of the incredibly beautiful scene of sunlight filtering through the mist. At dew drops in the trees, tiny flecks of moisture forming in front of my eyes. Bright specs of yellow, pink and white flowers in the grey. Lush green lands. Blue mountains in the fog.

And I find myself praying:

Dear God, Please enhance my senses...
So that I may see the beauty that surrounds me every day;
So that I may hear the sound of birds in the trees and know that I am more precious to you;
So that I may feel the crunch of the gravel below my feet and soft dog fur brushing up against me;
So that I may smell the scent of the rain and spring time in the air;
So that I may taste the many delicacies you have on offer;
So that I may appreciate it every day, Lord.
Fill me with Your Spirit so that I will hunger for these gifts of Yours!

"It is the Lord who created the stars... He turns darkness into morning and day into night. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The Lord is His name!" (Amos 5:8 NLT)

I do not get how you see this world around you and still not believe in God.

A world like this could not possibly have been conceived by man. Not a single thing made by man can even barely compare to the wonder of the tiniest detail of nature. It could not have been created by chance or mistake. Or some "big bang".

There is too much thought in it. Too much detail. Too much constant dynamic change and variation. Too much love and compassion.

"For the Lord is the One who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds and reveals His thoughts to mankind... The Lord of Heaven's Armies is His name!" (Amos 4:13 NLT)

it's a dog's life - part 2 (Luka)

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:02:00 +0200

A while ago I wrote a post about Jasper, one of our two border collies. Ever since, I have had the knowledge in the back of my mind that I had to write something about the other one, Luka too. After all, I can't write about the one and not the other...

But what to write...

Then the other day, I came across a verse in Psalm 36. I wrote about the rest of this passage (verse 5-9) in another post, in the shadow of Your wings. But this little verse somehow did not seem to fit. At odds with the rest of the passage. Standing out. It stuck:

"You care for animals and people alike, O Lord."

Alike. That says something about the importance of animals to God. They are of the same value to Him that we are. God created us in His image. And He gave us authority over animals. To care for them. (Genesis 1:27-28)

This verse made me think of Luka. At 12 years old, she is not the lively little pup she used to be (sadly, I never got to meet that little pup - although she may just have been a bit much for me to handle, by the sound of it). But she certainly is not letting age get to her!

One handicap that she does have is arthritis. Her back legs and hips are the worst affected. It is heart breaking to see the once extremely active dog struggle to get up after laying down for a while, when it's cold. Snap when you accidentally touch a sensitive spot. Not able to do the things she used to.

All because an insensitive, careless human being threw her with half a brick. For barking. The most natural response for any dog. I don't know how anyone can be so cruel, so heartless.

Ironic to see that man now walking with a limp of his own...

God cares for animals and people alike.

Luka has an unique quirky personality of her very own. If you don't know her, she may seem the most people (and camera) shy dog you have ever come across. She has quite literally hidden behind my skirts, like a shy child.

Not a many-people dog, Luka. She has her select few. But for those of us in her inner circle, she will move heaven and earth. If you are one of the chosen, her personality is larger-than-life. Loving, funny, adorable. With loads of energy (mostly too much for me). A way of letting her enthusiasm rub off. She has the most animated facial expressions. Being extremely vocal at times - straining with effort, if only she can make us understand.

Although she really is Waldo's dog (in the sense that Jasper is mine), she has grown rather attached to me. Her doggy bed, to where she often retreats as soon as darkness falls, is next to my side of the bed. Having grown accustomed to me being the first in bed, she invariably pops her head into the living room, beckoning. Willing me to join her in sleep.

Habitually Luka is the first to wake. If there is even the slightest stirrings of life, she grabs hold of the opportunity. The day has begun! But as soon as she has done her rounds outside, she is back next to me - patiently waiting as I do my morning Bible study - so that we can finally go for that walk!

This dog also knows how to manipulate. If I don't take her for her most-important-event-of-the-day, her walk, regularly (read daily), she strikes. She refuses to eat! Which she has come into the morning routine of doing while I am in the room (not looking!) - be it in the shower or dressing for the day. She most certainly knows how to make me feel bad when she doesn't get what she wants.

Luka is the independent one. As much as she loves our company - she certainly does not stand down when a good pet, love or attention is at stake - she is a loner at heart. Frequently disappearing off to her little corner. Her safe spot. She always has one.

She doesn't let life get to her. Her past. Her hurts. Her age. She makes the most of every situation. Every opportunity.

You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That's right—you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me. (Psalm 119:1-8 MSG)

to be thankful...

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:54:00 +0200

Some days I find it really hard to be thankful. Oh, to live with a spirit of thankfulness...

Us humans seem to be incapable of ever having enough. To be content with what we have. Where we are. Who we are.

We always want more. And more.

Even those of us who have more than most. Still we want more. More, Lord.

We are blinded by the things that we still need. The things that we still want. The things that we still want to do.

We so often forget to notice that what we do have. And appreciate it. Be thankful for it.

The Word says that we should make thankfulness our sacrifice to God. To keep the vows that we have made to Him. That if we do, we can call on Him when we are in trouble. That He will rescue us. Give us His glory.

Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Him. That if we keep to His path, He will reveal to us the salvation of God. (Psalm 50:14-15, 23)

But...

We forget to notice the beautiful sunrise. Waves crashing on the beach.

We forget to see green fields rushing past car windows. Rain falling on the earth.

We forget to appreciate a wagging tail, an entusiastic bark. Welcome home!

We fail to smile, laugh out loud. Graciously accept where we are now.

We fail to bask in the presence of a loved one. Tomorrow may be too late.

We fail to remember the little things. Sentiment. Memories. Hope.

We take for granted a healthy body. To take care of it like we should.

We take for granted a new day, a new season. It might be our last.

We take for granted our families, friends. They are the ones that bless us most.

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing..." (Psalm 39:4-6 NLT)

We are reminded how short this life is. To make it count.

Psalm 73 (verse 23-24, 26) says: "Yet I still belong to you; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever."

In the words of Ann Voskamp (one thousand gifts):

"Thanksgiving is inherent to a true salvation experience; thanksgiving is necessary to live the well, whole, fullest life."

You don't miss a thing

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:04:00 +0200

One night last week I went to bed with doubt in my heart. To me - it seems - that God is answering everyone's prayers but mine. And suddenly I am filled with doubt. Does God care about me? Why doesn't He change my circumstances when He can so obviously do it without any effort? Does He even know about me? About my life? My circumstances? Why doesn't He change it when I ask Him to?

And immediately I feel ashamed. Ashamed because I write this blog about faith and trust and belief. And still I doubt... And the enemy comes to kill and destroy. Whispering more words of doubt in my ear. Why do you even bother... You are just wasting your time. What difference does it make anyway?

As I was drifting off to sleep, I thought of people that have asked God for signs. And then more signs to prove that the first one was real. And I pray that He will give me a sign so that I will know that He will come through for me. That He will give me the breakthrough that I have been praying for - for so long. That He will increase my faith and trust and hope in Him.

The next morning I woke up with words of a song You know me by Bethel Music (The Loft Sessions) playing in my mind:

"And nothing is hidden from Your sight. Wherever I go, You find me. You know every detail of my life. And You are God. And You don't miss a thing. O, You know me..."

"You memorize me."

Doesn't that just say it all? It captures His great love for us.

And as the morning progresses, I get three messages, from three completely unrelated people. Saying that something that I wrote was meant for them. That it inspires them. That it somehow makes a difference to them.

Whenever I have doubt in my heart about writing this blog, this is what happens - three messages from three individuals, communicated in three different ways. Surely - divine encouragement! God uses you (you know who you are) to encourage me too. Thank you! It means the world to me.

Many people have written about how we were fearfully and wonderfully made, so I guess this is my version of it...

The beautiful Psalm 139 says that God knows everything about me. When I sit down. And when I stand up. He knows my thoughts. When I travel. And when I am home. He knows everything I do. He knows what I am going to say before I say it. He goes before me. And He follows me... He places His hand of blessing on my head. As the Psalm says: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me to understand. I can never escape Your Spirit! I can never get away from Your presence! (verse 1-7)

Psalm 139 goes on to explain how God made me and designed me in great detail and complexity, watching as I was formed and growing in my mother's womb. It says: You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment laid out before a single day had passed. His thoughts about me are precious. They outnumber even the grains of sand! (verse 13-18)

Psalm 38:9 says: You know what I long for, You hear my every sigh.

Surely a God that has taken so much care and compassion with me, so much interest - who had planned my life in great detail - before I was even born - cares about my life right now. About what happens to me. About what I need. Even about what I want. And He will not leave me. He will not fail me now.

And just to confirm that, as I am mulling all of this through in my mind, a friend texts me an encouraging message: Quit being worried, stressed out, wondering if it will happen. God has you in the palm of His hand. He has never once failed before, and the good news is, He is not about to start now. (Joel Osteen Ministries)

So if God comes through for me in the little things. My worries. My insecurities. My fears. How much more will He come through for me (and for you) in the big things? The ones that really matter. We just need to learn to be patient and wait for His time.

It's all about Grace... mx

rain down on me - part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Tue, 4 Jun 2013 14:02:00 +0200

As I mentioned in my last post, we have recently been on a vacation to Europe. And although it was an experience of a lifetime - as with many things in life - it did not quite turn out as we had hoped or planned...

The first week of our long anticipated trip was packed with exciting sights and experiences - we hardly touched ground, making it our mission to see every sight and do every thing humanly possible in the time available to us.

The second week however, was the main reason for our trip. It has been in the pipeline for more than a year and was to be at a much slower pace. It involved a barge trip with my family on the canals of the French winelands of Burgundy - to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday. We were hoping for good family bonding time, sunny spring weather, good food, good wine, maybe even a tan if we were lucky. As romantic as that sounds, unfortunately, we were not.

On top of icy cold weather (and an especially persistent sinus infection for me), the heavens opened up and poured down consistently for most of our week. We seem to have been somewhat over enthusiastic for the tourist season, that only starts in June, which meant that we found most of the shops and restaurants closed in the little French towns we visited. Before our very eyes, we saw the level of the water in the canals rising within days.

As I had to spend most of my time inside the cabin of the boat, it felt as if I was missing out on the beautiful scenery and countryside. On an experience that I felt that I was owed somehow. At the time, I remember thinking, that it was just so typical of this phase of my life that I am in. Seemingly - a winter without end.

But, just to prove that God's thoughts are higher than my own (Isaiah 55:8-9), this was one of the first scriptures that I came across back home:

You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy! Psalm 65:9-13 NLT

And just to prove the point once more - it is confirmed again as I am looking up the scripture for God's thoughts being higher than mine:

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void without producing any effect, useless, but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11 AMP

Amazing, isn't it? If there is any doubt, God will confirm His Word again and again. Until we get the message.

And the message I am getting is this:

Listen to the sound of the rain

That is the sound of My love

Hard times are never easy

But no winter lasts forever

After the rain comes spring

And then the summer is there

It brings new life, it brings growth

Listen to the sound of the rain...

Words that came to me during this weekend - as I was listening to the overwhelming force of the rain pouring down on corrugated roof sheeting.

Even though I may not want it. Even though I may not be prepared for it. Growth is not possible without rain. Life is not possible without it. As the earth needs it to reproduce and flourish, so do I.

God uses our rainy days to bring Him pleasure. To accomplish purpose. To prosper.

And winter is also just a season. It will not last forever.
"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips it turn."

in the shadow of Your wings

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sat, 1 Jun 2013 14:57:00 +0200

I haven't written here for awhile. Mostly because I was fortunate enough to take some much needed time out and travel to Europe for two weeks. But also, even if I did have time to write during the last week of our trip, I was feeling somewhat at a loss on what to write about. Blank.

Sitting on the flight back to Cape Town, I was considering my circumstances at home, feeling myself slip back into despair about the current state of the life I was returning to. Coming to the realization of just how badly I had needed to get away and just forget about everything. Even if it was just for a little while. But sadly (I have to confess), at the same time, also how unashamedly I had neglected my quiet time with God over the past two weeks. I had even taken a break from that!

All things considered - most probably my lack of quiet time goes a long way in explaining my state of mind at the time.

Having just returned from our trip, I was feeling a bit out of sorts. Wondering how I was going to get back into the spiritual routine I had worked so hard to establish. And so easily let slip. Not because God expects it of me, but because I really do need it. Like breathing.

And so, on my first morning back home, I open my Bible to Psalm 36 (verse 5-9):

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.

Even though I had planned to catch up on my shamefully behind daily Bible reading plan, I got stuck right away on this Psalm. And I recall having read words by Priscilla Shirer - something to this extent: When you feel the Word of God leap out of the page and stun you, stop right there. Don't rush ahead with your Bible reading. Because it is the living Word of God at work. It is not some random coincidence. It is God Himself speaking to you through His Word.

Psalm 36 says that God's love for us is unfailing. It is as vast as the heavens. The greatness and extent of God's love for us is so indescribable that David used our only known reference. Creation. The heavens and the clouds. And even that is beyond human grasp.

I remember looking out of the airplane window at the great expanse of never ending clouds - a blanket of white covering the earth. And the vastness of it is quite scary, especially when this tiny little man made metal aircraft is flying inside the clouds and you can not see beyond it, above or below. And you know that the pilot can not either... And don't even mention turbulence!

Imagine in David's days, even the possibility of flying above the clouds must have seemed impossible. God's faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Whether you are above or below it. Or caught inside and unable to see beyond. God is faithful. And He can always see beyond the clouds. He already knows what will happen. Because He planned it.

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16 NLT

David says that all humanity finds shelter in the shadow of God's wings. This visual has repeatedly been revealed to me. And I am still making sense of it. It is obviously something that David felt strongly about, as I have read about the shelter of God's wings in so many Psalms (17, 36, 57, 61, 63, 91). It jumps out at me.

In Joseph Prince's book Unmerited Favor, he describes a scene where some artists are asked to create an artwork for a competition that captures the essence of the concept of peace. Although there were many beautiful paintings of tranquility, the unanimous winner of the competition was a painting of a wildly raging storm, with waves crashing against the ragged edges of a cliff and lightning flashing in the skies - in violent colours and aggressive brush strokes. Upon closer look at the painting, a beautiful scene of a family of eagles nesting in a crevice of the cliff is depicted. The young chicks are peacefully sleeping under the protection of the mother eagle's wings. She is facing the storm.

What a powerful image!

And that is exactly what Psalm 36 says: we can find shelter in the shadow of God's wings. Regardless of the circumstances. Psalm 57:1 (AMP): Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

The Psalm also says that God feeds us from the abundance of His house and lets us drink from His rivers of delight. In the midst of an extremely turbulent and difficult time in my life, I get to take a break from it all. I get to drop everything and go on holiday on the other side of the world!

Psalm 37:18-19 (NLT) says: Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.

For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.

the desires of your heart

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sun, 5 May 2013 18:07:00 +0200

Some time ago, I started my day with the certainty that God does not give us hopes and dreams, just to make it unattainable for us. If he puts something on our hearts, he has meant to put it there. And it is something that we can dare to hope for. To trust for.

For some time now I have been walking around with this thought and thinking about what I actually want to write about it. Although I knew that there is something there, I was not quite sure what it is that I need to say on this subject... So I decided to look up what scripture has to say about it.

This is what the Word of God says:

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 AMP)

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. (Psalm 62:5 AMP) The Message says: Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

The eyes of all look expectantly to You and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalms 145:15, 16 NKJV)

This confirms that God gives us hope and expectation. He knows about our heart's desires and secret petitions. The Bible says that your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. (Matthew 6:8 AMP)

But it also tells us to wait upon God. To be patient. To submit to Him. To His will.

We are assured that we can look expectantly to God. And He will give us what we need. But, not only does the Word speak of need, it also speaks of desire. All it requires is that He opens His hand. How reasurring to know that it is in His power to give us everything we need and desire! By the small act of opening His hand.

The problem comes with the silently submitting. With the waiting quietly. With the due season.

Patience is not my strong suit. I don't like to wait. Some days it feels like I have been waiting forever. And I ask how long do I still have to wait Father?!

In this fast paced, instant gratification, consumer driven world we live in, it is really hard to be patient. It is really hard to wait. Because we are taught that we can have everything NOW.

But Jesus tells us to be persistent in our asking: Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened. (Matthew 7:7, 8 AMP)

So we have to learn to step back and realise that God's thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not our ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 AMP)

The Word says that to everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP) Verse 11 says that He makes everything beautiful in its time.

One of the most beautiful promises in the Bible is found in the book of Jeremiah: I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. (Jeremiah 29:10-12 MSG)

So God really does want to give us our heart's desires. He wants to prosper us and give us the future that we hope for. We just have to keep on asking. And we have to be willing to wait for its time. For its season. And for when He wants to make it beautiful.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 NKJV)

It's all about Grace... mx

trust without borders - part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:11:00 +0200

In my mind's eye I have this image of a lake. It is set next to a range of smaller valleys and hills. Calm and smooth as a mirror. The time of day must be dusk, because all the colours are fading away and everything is painted in shades of grey. One colour flowing into the next, with only the contrast of dark and light that differentiates shapes. Reflections glimmering on the surface of the water.

The image is tranquil. Calm and soothing.

For some reason I imagine this to be a place where Jesus would be. Maybe from the scene where Jesus was teaching the multitudes at the Sea of Galilee (also called the Lake of Gennesaret). After the crowds have left. So I look for Him on the far shore and for a moment I see a profile in the shadows. But it must be my imagination playing tricks on me. There is no-one there.

Then, totally unexpected, I feel a tender embrace from behind me. And I realise that, even though I don't always see Him, He is always there. Carrying me through whatever my situation is. With tender love and support.

I will call upon your name. Keep my eyes above the waves. My soul will rest in your embrace. I am Yours and You are mine. (Oceans, Hillsong United)

You may have noticed that this song is of special significance to me (for reasons not completely known to me). As I mentioned in my first post about it, trust without borders - part 1 - it touches my spirit. Every time I listen to it, it seems to give me a new message. A deeper meaning.

So, quite understandably, when they gave this song special attention during the opening ceremony of the recent Hillsong Colour Conference in Cape Town, which I had the priveledge of attending earlier in April - I was elated. Overcome by emotion.

I thought that it was beautiful and special and awesome. But I didn't make much more of it. I didn't read a deeper meaning into it. Or think that it had special significance for me. At the time, I thought that it was pure coincidence.

As I mentioned in my post Your grace is enough, I just recently read the book The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. So I was really excited to learn that Priscilla was to be one of the guest speakers at Colour. I couldn't wait to hear her speak!

On Day 2 of Colour, I was waiting with great anticipation to listen to Priscilla's message, which was to be the opening for the day. She has a gift for using the ordinary, everyday and turning it into extraordinary examples of God's work in our lives. She also has a gift for bringing the characters and scenes from the Bible to life.

The theme of her message on that day was something to the extent of this - Fishing is not supposed to be this hard. It was based on the story of Simon and his failed fishing expidition, from the following scripture in Luke 5:1-7 (NKJV):

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee), and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Although there was much more to her message, this is what stood out for me:

God is not shocked by our lives. He knows all about it. He is sovereign - afterall. Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).

Sometimes He allows the difficulty. He allows the emptiness and the disappointment. Because that allows room for Him.

Deep water doesn't make any sense to us. We don't want to go through it. It goes against all our experience. But the miracle only happened when Simon was willing to go into the deep. Shallow water is for the masses, but the deep... That is for me (and for you). Through the deep waters of faith, God is setting us up to be stunned. To be speechless. To be overwhelmed. That is where he performs His miracles. And that is the platform where He will use you for His glory.

Isn't that an awesome thought?

If you have read my second post about this song Oceans, trust without borders - part 2 - you will know that this confirms so many things for me. Because to a large extent, this is exactly what I was writing about in that post. Weeks before Colour.

At this point, I am already quite emotional. Until - in conclusion to Priscilla's message - Hillsong United starts playing... Guess what? Oceans, off course!

Wow!!! That is a little too much coincidence for it to be merely just that. Coincidence...

I am stunned. I am speechless. I am overwhelmed.

Our God works in amazing and mysterious ways.

So don't give up when life is hard. Don't give up when you are struggling. When you are not catching any fish. Hang in there a little longer. Launch out into the deep. And listen for His voice. Obey His command. Because that is where all the fish are. That is where your nets will break from the overflow. That is where we meet Jesus. Where we get to see His miracles.

Your grace abounds in deepest waters. Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me.You've never failed and You won't start now.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger. In the presence of my Saviour.

It's all about Grace... mx

love thy neighbor

noreply@blogger.com (Marti-Mari) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:48:00 +0200

Human nature is a fickle thing. It is unreliable. Inconsistent. Deceptive.

The world teaches us to be self centered. Self involved. Selfish. It is all about me. What I want. What I need. My life.

And I am as guilty as anyone.

We are so wrapped up in our own lives. We forget to ask how someone else is doing. To give an encouraging word. To be a shoulder to lean on. To be available.

Instead, we pick up the phone in feigned concern. To talk about their troubles. Instead of reaching out. We gleefully sympathize with their misfortune, while having our nails done. Instead of reaching out. We can't wait to repeat a story of failure, passionately elaborating on the details. Often drawing our own conclusions. Adding a little extra spice to the gossip. Instead of reaching out.

Oh, have you heard about so and so....?

Some of us even thrive on that. We would much rather discuss someone behind their backs than trying to be there for them. Because that actually requires effort and time and investment.

We fail to notice when those that are meant to be closest to us are hurting or going through a tough time. Because we are so focused on ourselves. We manage to forget about our closest friends for days or weeks or months on end. Because we are so busy with our own lives.

So, we put on a brave face and pretend that nothing is wrong. We create a front for the world. Carefully constructing a smooth exterior. Glossing over anything that might expose the cracks below the surface. Because God forbid that we should share or open up. God forbid that our vulnerabilities and hurts should be exposed for everyone to see. That anyone should find out. That the world should know our realities. Our shame.

Humanity is a fragile thing. And our hearts hang in the balance.

And I do wonder how God puts up with us. But - with boundless grace and mercy - He does.

Because... “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NLT

On Sunday our pastor reminded us during the church sermon that next to loving God, the greatest commandment is to love your neighbor like yourself... (Matthew 22:36-40) This also seems to be the most difficult thing in the world.

So, on the exceptional occasion that you do meet someone that is different, it is a rare and beautiful thing. Someone that listens with patience and compassion. That responds in kindness. And operates in goodness.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Someone like that is a light shining in the darkness. That makes you want to get to know them. To spend time with them. To become more like them.

That is what it means to be a witness through the way that we live. To let your light shine through your life. Your every day actions and reactions. The way that you speak. And think. And see the world.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

The Message translation describes it beautifully: “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

So be different. Be the light in the darkness!

Space for Grace - old

Perspective

A life of Purpose in a changed world.

seeing with perfect clarity

is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord?

a new beginning

"God with us"

treasure in fragile jars of clay

Our faith is a gauge that helps measure our overall well-being. Our coping mechanism. Our rock. A promise of better times. Expectation of an eventual positive outcome. Hope.

all for Your glory, God

it's all about faith

rain down on me - part 2

called by name - part 2

called by name - part 1

the power of words

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT

A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:20-21 AMP

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. James 3:2 AMP

let the Lord be your light

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me... For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light... The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness. (Micah 7:7-9 NLT)

hope in the Lord

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! (Psalms 42:11 NLT)

Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. (1 Peter 1:21 NLT)

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn. O, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. (Psalms 130:5-7 NLT)

the breakthrough

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. - Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Each heart knows its own bitterness and no one else can fully share its joy.- Proverbs 14:10 NLT

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG

The breakthrough will come... (In His time)

come back to Me and live!

"...for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you..." (Hosea 11:9 NLT)

So now, come back to your God... and always depend on Him. (Hosea 12:6 NLT)

God says: “I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me.” (Hosea 14:8 NLT)

The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with Him! Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him.

...then stand still and watch the Lord ’s victory. He is with you... Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Now this is what the Lord says: “Come back to Me and live!"

countless wonders

"Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. You set the boundaries of the earth, and made both summer and winter." (Psalm 74:16-17 NLT)

"The heavens are Yours, and the earth is Yours; everything in the world is Yours - You created it all. You created north and south." (Psalm 89:11-12 NLT)

"It is the Lord who created the stars... He turns darkness into morning and day into night. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The Lord is His name!" (Amos 5:8 NLT)

"For the Lord is the One who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds and reveals His thoughts to mankind... The Lord of Heaven's Armies is His name!" (Amos 4:13 NLT)

it's a dog's life - part 2 (Luka)

"You care for animals and people alike, O Lord."

to be thankful...

"Thanksgiving is inherent to a true salvation experience; thanksgiving is necessary to live the well, whole, fullest life."

You don't miss a thing

"And nothing is hidden from Your sight. Wherever I go, You find me. You know every detail of my life. And You are God. And You don't miss a thing. O, You know me..."

"You memorize me."

rain down on me - part 1

in the shadow of Your wings

the desires of your heart

trust without borders - part 3

love thy neighbor

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

- Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Each heart knows its own bitterness and no one else can fully share its joy.
- Proverbs 14:10 NLT