Falling Into Grace

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Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and don't submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Sometime ago I came across a book called 'Falling into grace'. I bought it, mainly because the title leaped out at me; it was a welcome antithesis to the common 'falling from grace', and I was intrigued.

I wonder what those phrases, falling into and falling from, conjure up for you? I guess the common reaction is that when someone has fallen from grace, they have usually committed a misdemeanour. They've sinned in some way and have lost the respect they once commanded. We assume it will take them some time to recover trust and dignity.

Paul has a different idea of falling from grace when he writes to the Galatians:

You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace!
Galatians 5:4

Here, he is cautioning those who insist on keeping various laws in order to be saved, pointing out that they are in fact falling from grace because they are placing their trust in their own works and efforts, instead of receiving the free grace that comes through Jesus Christ.

So next time you hear that someone has fallen from grace, just remember that it's the perfect time for them to fall into it.

Tough Love

Image by Lutz-R. Frank via Flickr

I will instruct you and teach you
in the way you should go
Psalm 32:8

Jon Walker writes: 'What about forgiving within a...relationship...that's toxic and dysfunctional? Should you [stay]...when the person keeps doing the same thing?...Loving your enemy doesn't mean excusing his behaviour...In any toxic relationship we strive to resist the abuse with a peace-filled, godly response. This includes establishing healthy boundaries where you're less vulnerable to abuse and, if God directs, it may mean ending the relationship (easier said than done when the abuser is a parent, a spouse, or a child). The act of forgiveness doesn't require you to keep taking the abuse, and it doesn't mean you must stay in an abusive situation.

Jesus showed that forgiveness can be immediate by forgiving those who were crucifying him: 'Father, forgive them...they do not know what they are doing.' As we mature...God will teach us to forgive constantly, even instantly. But it's a learning process, so don't take on a guilt trip if you can't do it now. Fall on God's grace and let him move you closer toward forgiveness. It may - probably will - take time to fully receive his grace to forgive. God can work with that. The first step may be to let Him soften your heart. Our hearts have a tendency to become hardened in difficult relationships. Again, let me stress, the softening of your heart...is not the same as saying it's okay to keep taking the abuse, or that you should stay in a situation where you're being or may be abused. Forgiveness isn't the same as agreeing with an abuser's behaviour.' So, seek counsel, and talk to God. His promise is, 'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.'

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Prophetic Singing

Laura Hacket and Misty Edwards

We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19

Skywatch #69

Budva, originally uploaded by duopastorale.

Here's another photo from my recent trip to Montenegro. Lots of blue sky all round in this part of the world :) This is the town of Budva and taken from the town walls. The photo has had a little treatment from Tiltshiftmaker. Enjoy your weekend!

Today I Choose

Today - Brian Doerksen

Today I choose to follow you
Today I choose to give my yes to you
Today I choose to hear your voice and live
Today I choose to follow you

As for me and my house
we will serve you
as for me and my house
we will spend our lives on you

Wonderful Counsellor , Everlasting Father
Eternal King , Lord of hosts
Willingly we follow

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15

God is always gracious to give us today to choose Him. Today, I want to choose Him. My heart is prone to wander and fret but where else can I go? I give up looking for peace where it can't be found. I surrender. I turn. I say Yes. Today. Now.

Thumps

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Count it all joy
James 1:2

Max Lucado writes: 'When a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the [furnace] and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's put back in. Character is also checked by thumping...Late night phone calls...grouchy teachers...burnt meals...flat tires...'you've-got-to-be-kidding' deadlines. Thumps trigger the worst in us...They aren't big enough to be a crisis, but if you get enough of them, watch out. Traffic jams...long lines...empty mailboxes...dirty clothes on the floor...Thump. Thump. Thump. How do you respond? Do you sing or do you thud?

Jesus said, 'People speak the things that are in their hearts' (Luke 6:45 NCV), and there's nothing like a good thump to reveal the true nature of a heart...it's not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living. If you've a tendency to 'thud' more than you 'sing,' take heart. There's hope for us 'thudders.' Begin by thanking God ...not a half-hearted thank-you...but a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy, thank-you from the bottom of your heart. James says: 'Count it all joy when you fall into various trials...the testing of your faith produces patience.' God's doing the thumping...for your own good...You're going to be tested...you might as well learn from the thumps. See it as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump helps or hurts you, depending on how you use it. Be aware of 'thump-slumps'...For all of us there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. Handle them head on...bolster yourself with extra prayer... don't give up...and remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work together for good when you love and obey God.

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Skywatch #68

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, originally uploaded by duopastorale.

I have SO many amazing scenes from my recent holiday in Montenegro that I had great difficulty choosing just one for today. Everyone talks about Dubrovnik along this coastline. Fine, if you like outdoor tourist traps that rip you off at every street corner. I personally found Sveti Stefan just beautiful!! Originally it was a fishing village, but unfortunately the Montenegrin government has let it fall into the hands of a hotel chain who are taking over the whole island.

It really has been the most amazing summer of travel, and all on a shoestring. It's given me itchy feet, hence the 3rd template change since June. Sorry if I'm making you dizzy :)

Your God Will Come

Image by Cesar R. via Flickr

A bruised reed he will not break... The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise... He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds... For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy; "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me - the breath of man that I have created... I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak"... Therefore, stengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed - "Your God will come,... He will come to save you."

Matt. 12:20, Ps. 51:17, 147:3, Isa. 57:15-16, Ezek. 34:16, Heb. 12:12-13, Isa. 35:4

I Can Only Imagine

Image by Old Shoe Woman via Flickr

Ivan Parker's rendition of this song is just awesome!

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine [x2]

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

Mercy Me

August 2009 Retro

What an amazing August it has been! A wonderful trip to Glyndebourne. My first real Wagner.

We decided to do the restaurant. Interval 1;main course, interval 2; pudding and coffee :)

Summer = Proms of course.

Always time for friends, eating, singing, laughing and more laughing.

I still think I live in a beautiful part of London, as long as I keep my eyes open.

Relaxed time with family is the most important for me at the moment. All time is precious. S gets so excited at the prospect of lemon drizzle cake, the ladies serving burst into laughter :)

We proved it IS possible to have a hot sunny beach holiday in the UK!

I swam in the sea. Proof.

A short trip to Belfast. SO beautiful...

...and fascinating.

One NI carrot feeds five, I jest not!

The month ends with a church walk along the Thames seeing parts of London that normally remain hidden. Happy Birthday D!

How To Be A Friend Of God

Watch or listen to this amazingly encouraging talk by Miles Toulmin from Holy Trinity Brompton.