Wednesday, August 25, 2010

How Great is God's Providence?

Something remarkable happened today and all I see in this event is the providence of God. In fact I even doubt I will tell people what happened. I will simply boast in the Lord. For none of these things would have been made possible if it weren't for His grace. Undeserved providence.


In Paul's words:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Tim 1:12-17)


-Lloyd

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Discovering the Beauty of Grace

Grace. God's unmerited and undeserved favor. My school chaplain, back in the days of my schooling at Bishops in South Africa he used to say when speaking of grace: "Nothing I do more will God love me less. Nothing I do less, will God love me more."

Paul, in Romans 11:6 speaking of the remnant of Israel had this to say:

"And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."



Despite the many mistakes, regrets, God has worked in all these and I'm in absolute awe. The many mercies that were displayed inspite of those mistakes. Just standing in amazement how He worked things out. Six weeks ago I was beyond despair. After hearing a sermon in the book of Jeremiah, a timely reminder of the Potter's freedom. The throwing myself unto His Sovereignty battered torn and I have learnt since then of His never ending mercies. Instead asking why. I prayed keep me under as long as you desire and teach me what You will. Though I may never be able to fathom His purpose or His ways. I cannot describe the change inside of me apart from His grace.

-Lloyd

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Learning and Moving Forward Slowly

I haven't had over the course of a couple months been able to actually sit down and read. Thankfully with a handy iPod Touch I've been able to start reading John Piper's book, Desiring God on bus of all places on the way to school. The central thrust of the book is to seek joy and to find pleasure in God by virtue of who He is. Piper's classic phrase, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

He starts the book by quoting the first point of the westminster confessions. "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

As I'm learning to be utterly reliant on God, to seek all joy and forfillment in Him. I'm beggining to see the insecurities of my heart beggining to fade away. Learning to take refuge in God's Sovereingty and be consumed by His Being. I cannot remember a day in the summer when I have been so excited to be at university. Which happens to be the very source of my anxiety. The worries that usually dominant the start of my day looked periphal as I could take delight in the fact that, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

I'm learning, moving slowly. The anxiety is there. I feel it physically but by the mercies that God has afforded me I'm starting to discover the invitation of Jesus for the weary and finding my comfort and security in God. So, I'm starting to thirst like the psalmist; "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. (Psalm 42:1)."

-Lloyd