How much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace ….. reign in life ….’ (v 17). We cannot know what situations and circumstances we will face in the year that lies ahead, but one thing we can know is that, whatever happens, there is grace available to sustain and support us. Often, we try to live our lives in our own strength, but our reserves of energy, determination and patience soon run out. We can feel as though we’re ‘running on empty’. Yet we can take hold of God’s grace, which is flowing freely towards us, giving us everything we need to live life to the full.
Over the years I have noticed that Christians often fall into two categories: those who appear to be thriving and those who are merely surviving. Maybe you have noticed this yourself – some people just seem to travel faster along the journey of Christian discipleship that others. We may grow old at the same rate, but we do not all seem to grow spiritually at the same rate. Some people, even though they have been on the Christian pathway for 50 years or more, appear to travel at a snail’s pace, while others have covered the same distance in five. Why is this? There are many possible answers, but I am sure that one of the major reasons is this: they have appropriated for themselves what our text for today describes as ‘God’s abundant provision of grace’. They have opened themselves to God’s grace and thus they stride along the Christian pathway at speed. They are walking free, unhindered by the world’s distractions.
Has there been a slowing down in your spiritual life lately? Do you feel constricted and restrained? Then tell Jesus now that you want to get back in the race again, moving forward with the most ardent believers you know. Decide now to walk free in the coming year.
Prayer:
Yes, Heavenly Father, I long with all my heart to move forward with the most ardent believers I know. I don’t want to just amble along the path of Christian discipleship. I want to move at speed. Please help me to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Community Youth Worker - job advertisement
An exciting new opportunity has opened up in the Thames Valley Methodist Circuit. Looking to start after Easter, reporting to the Superintendent Minister. The prime focus of the role will be to engage with families and young people across the circuit, which covers Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor. This is a part time appointment, averaging 20 hours per week, to include running an after school drop-in club for year 7 and upwards from 3.30pm – 6.00pm term time in Maidenhead, and supporting a Toddler Group in the Lent Rise Church in Burnham one morning a week. The successful applicant will have a real understanding of being with young people and helping them to be the best they can. They would be self-motivated and able use their imagination and local knowledge to set up and run holiday activities across the Circuit. Full details of the Role and Person specification can be obtained from Pauline Poole, Circuit Administrator. tvmc6off@bt connect.com or 07875 717730
Closing date for applications: 15 February. Interviews will be held first week of March.