Grace in 100 words

Thinking of my blackened, sordid history, filled with selfishness, strings of failures, willful and deliberate rejections of light so lovingly shed across my path, I am left speechless. 

Amazed. 

Not by the bleak record, but by the Awesome God who saves. 

Who restores. 

Who creates out of dust. 

Who brings forth life. 

Only He can take the complete mess of our lives and turn it into something good.

And so it is, that, not the good times, not the smooth going, but the rough patches, the difficult experiences, the struggles and failures, ultimately polish, refine and grow. 

That is grace.

Rearranging Preferences

To say I've been a bit restless this evening is an understatement. I think I've checked my phone at least hourly. And no, I'm not expecting any important messages... In fact, I haven't even contacted a soul. I'm just...bored. And so I found myself staring at my notification centre.

Visibly lacking the coveted notifications. Why aren't people "talking" to me...? 
I'm inclined to protest the injustice of the situation, when I am suddenly and altogether silenced. 

So you prefer superficial human chats?

 Above intimate conversation with the King of the Universe?

My heart is pounding. Did I just hear right? Is this how far I've let things go?


A stern rebuke. But much needed. 

And because it comes from no other than He, it is so much more than that. 
He chastens because He loves. 
And so I will embrace it, running into the arms of my only Hope. 
When He cuts, it is to heal.

Seasoned Words

Language fascinates me. It always has. The more I think about combining letters to form words, and then words to make sentences, the more it intrigues me. 

In my humble opinion, no other language can hold a candle to the English language. Perhaps I am biased. Maybe it is simply because it's the language most widely used. Or because it's the one I know best. While the reasons are debatable, it remains my favourite. Suffice to say, it's at least annoying, (if not downright irritating), to hear the language I love misused. And, truth is, I'm not the only one who feels strongly about language. God listens to our speech. Angels are recording our every word. In His Word we are told:

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Colossians 4:6

But to my shame, the words that I use, the sentences I form, are far too often anything but a form of beauty. Often I am ashamed to even think that these utterances could have come from my lips. But it is too late to wish back. Words, once spoken, can never be taken back. You may be forgiven, but there is nothing you can do to erase your words from the minds of others.

We will have to give account for our every word. Are the words I speak true? Do they uplift, strengthen, and encourage? Or am I destroying the very work I profess to do by verbally wounding those for whom I am called to lay down my life? Do I squander precious moments where I could speak of Jesus, instead filling them with empty words? Do I sometimes twist the truth, even just by my body language when I say things? 

Poisonous words permeate the entire being. And we must not think that vain repetitions, profane utterances and such involves only those who speak them. They multiply evil. There is sure to be someone who follows your example, who is affected, tainted by your influence.

“Keep the tongue sanctified unto God. Cease to dwell upon the shortcomings of others. Refrain from saying anything that might detract from the influence of another, for by indulging in these words of criticism, you blaspheme God's holy name as verily as you would were you to swear.” 1SAT 367.2 

In fact, this is so important that we have the following statement: "Remember that those only will enter heaven who have overcome the temptation to think and speak evil.” RH 11/24/1904 

Truly, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" Prov 18:21 

In his book "The Lost Art of Thinking", Dr Neil Nedley has a 14-day plan to improve thoughts. In the last two months I've gotten this challenge at least four times by various means, from Sedaven campmeeting, to my Wildwood course! (I wonder if God isn't trying to tell me something...)

14-day Plan to Improve Thoughts:

• For 2 weeks (14 consecutive days) decide to say nothing critical or negative about anything or anyone. 
• If you slip up, begin counting again right away, until you achieve 14 consecutive days. 
• Don't get discouraged, even when you have to start over you will have benefited because you will be more aware of your thoughts. 
• After completing 14 consecutive days, you can introduce constructive criticism, and you will be a far better judge of what that really means. 

To date I can't actually say I've made it through a day...But I've realized that this is not something I can do in my own strength.

We need God to search our hearts.  

We need to plead for Divine help to overcome. 

With David we must pray: 

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

 And so I'm starting again, relying on Christ's strength to help my weakness. 

Be Still

Today was a rough day. True, there have been worse, but life is just so busy. There doesn't seem to be time to think anymore, not to mention pray. And so this afternoon found me exhausted, short-tempered and ready to go home. But God had other plans. Instead of relaxing at home, I found myself waiting alone in the bakkie for about an hour. As fate would have it, my cell phone battery was about to give up the ghost, leaving me with time on my hands, and no distractions with which to fill it. As I was about to lament my dismal situation, it dawned on me that I'd been falling short as far as spending time with God was concerned. I realised that this was the perfect opportunity to just spend time pouring out my heart to God, and being still in His presence. What a blessing! I used some of my limited remaining battery power to read from the inspired pen on issues I have been grappling with of late, and spent the rest of the time in prayer. I realised what I've been missing. It was amazing to return to that place where I've been before, that relationship with God I once had. Yet again I am overwhelmed by that Love that will not let me go. Relentlessly pursuing, calling to my heart, seeking to save me. I am brought to see once more what is truly important in life:

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Transient Change, or Total Transformation?

Samson. A remarkable life... He did a lot for God.
But, oh, how different his story could have been! 

Samson was doing what he was supposed to be doing. Sort of...not fully though, and partial obedience actually can't be termed obedience at all.
He obeyed God on his own terms- when it suited him, and only in what suited him.

He was to deliver Israel from the Philistines, but at the same time he was also called to live a life of purity and temperance, which calling he chose to ignore. He chose to associate with idolaters, linking himself with the very objects which it was his mission to destroy. Herein is a warning for us. We are to give the gospel invitation, calling people to forsake the world and follow Christ. How can we expect to have success if we try to use the world's methods, the very things we are called to leave, to accomplish our mission? 

Samson didn't think about whether or not his choices would bring glory to God, neither did he ask what God would have him do. He was bent on pleasing himself, and trusted in his own strength. 

In complete contrast to the sad history of Samson, we have Samuel. 

Even Samuel, despite the fact that he lived at the temple, (or maybe because of that very fact!), came into contact with evil at a young age. But he chose not to keep company with Eli's wicked sons. We read in Patriarchs and Prophets that "It was his constant endeavour to become what God would have him." (p 573)

In stark contrast to Samson's careless attitude towards God's requirements, Samuel performed even the most menial duty as to the Lord. His life is evidence that there is truly nothing insignificant in the life of the Christian. Each and every decision, no matter what it may be, exerts an influence for good or for evil, and holds weight in the balance of eternity. This is a solemn thought. The way I choose to respond when someone crosses me has a direct consequence on my eternal destiny. It is all-encompassing, touching every detail of my life.These so-called "little" things are shaping and moulding our characters. It's by no means going to be easy. But if I am ever saved, it will not be by my own doing. I am a hopeless case but for the grace of Christ. Notwithstanding, I am not free to just relax and take it easy. We are called to a complete surrender. We can't afford to just go on with life as we have before. Everything we have and are must be entirely consecrated to Christ. This calls for intense heart-searching. It's that serious. We cannot afford to overlook even one "small" cherished sin.

Today you and I are faced with the same test to which both Samson and Samuel were subjected. And we too need to choose. 

Do I want to just be known as a  "remarkable" person? "She did a lot for God." 

Or do I want something more? 

What would happen if I follow God's plan 100%? 

Patriarchs and Prophets gives the answer: "The youth of our time may become as precious in the sight of God as was Samuel. By faithfully maintaining their Christian integrity, they may exert a strong influence in the work of reform. Such men are needed at this time. God has a work for every one of them. Never did men achieve greater results for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust." (p 574)

Never. That's a bold statement! Just think of all the amazing things great men and women have accomplished in the past! And yet we, a degenerated generation, have this promise!

"Never did men achieve greater results for God and humanity than may be achieved in this our day by those who will be faithful to their God-given trust."

There is no limit to what we can accomplish if we make a complete surrender to Him! So why don't we have power? Because we don't claim it. Or we look to others to do it first. 

I'm tired of merely attempting to make changes in the world. They inevitably fail, because I can't change others. I can only choose for myself. 

I want a changed life. I want to put God to the test. I want to see the awesome things He has just been longing to do for us actually become reality! I want to make that complete surrender. Will you?

Bethlehem Seminar Blessings

 

The only way I can describe the past three weeks is: life-changing! And this is not merely a figure of speech. I literally can't go back and live life as usual ever again. 

Working with such an amazing, committed team has truly inspired me to work for God. Not only now, but to use the rest of my life, to be spent for Him. 
 

Seeing God working in all sorts of circumstances has been such a precious experience. There were so many amazing  encounters with various people, and though the vast majority didn't come, that makes it no less amazing.

Looking back, the single largest impact that I can see from 7 days of walking through the streets inviting people is the result it has had on my own life. Maybe it was not so much about inviting the people as it was about the way God worked in allowing us to invite them. Maybe there was another purpose. Maybe it was to change me. To instill in me a real love for God's work. And since His ways are so much higher than anything we can imagine, I know that only eternity will tell the full results, and show all the seeds planted. 

Yes, we thought at a time that the whole town would come. But God knew what we could handle. And with the recording, which He made possible, we cannot know this side of Heaven the number of souls that will be reached and lives that will changed!

But to me, by far the greatest influence I can see is that which it has had in my own life, as I learned countless precious lessons. Trust in God, surrender, willingness to be used and spent for Him. I was challenged and stretched, pushed beyond the limits of my comfort zone. 

Now the seminar is over. Reality hits home. Back to the mundane things of  life. But are they, really? The question begs- will I truly live a different life from now on? Is this change going to be practical? Will I take up my duties cheerfully, and am I as willing to serve my family here at home as I am to be working out on the streets? Nothing is neutral in life, nothing insignificant. Every descision, every word, every action, every thought holds weight either for good or for evil. Yes, these "little things" have just as much of a deciding influence as the so-called great descisions. 

As to the answer to these questions? I have but to claim God's promises, He has already made provision. Yes, the choice remains mine. And once again, only time will tell. But I pray for grace to be faithful, that we may meet on that "Beautiful Shore", and marvel throughout eternity at the wondrous love of God in redeeming sinful human beings...



 

To Be Spent

It's not fair. I don't like it. I feel like such an etcetera. And no one really cares anyway. They just use me.

Such was the preoccupation of this modern-day "Jonah" but a few short minutes prior to this.

Why should I care? They don't. Do I look like some commodity or something?



Silence. Then I feel a gentle tug on my heart.


"Isn't this exactly what you prayed for?"


...

Then it hit me, like the force of bright noon-day light when you've just come out from pitch-black darkness.

Yes, this. This is my prayer being answered.

To be spent.