Category: Be Inspired

We Are GCI Series is a collection of videos where various GCI leaders and members are highlighted. In this episode, GCI member, Kacen Malmkar shares what he likes to do at church!

“All by himself he stretches out the heavens and strides on the waves of the sea. He designed the Big Dipper and Orion, the Pleiades and Alpha Centauri. We’ll never comprehend all the great things he does; his miracle-surprises can’t be counted. Somehow, though he moves right in front of me, I don’t see him; quietly but surely he’s active, and I miss it.”

Job 9:8-11 (MSG)

I don’t know about you, but I feel that the world could do with some miracles right now. In fact, quite a few of them!

On a personal level, things happen in my life that make me stop in my tracks. Sometimes they’re small and, at other times, they’re not so small. It’s often an unexpected moment of grace, a gift that I did not see coming. It may be a word of encouragement that God sends via someone else; a thought that brings peace into my troubled mind; a crisis suddenly and inexplicably averted; an opportunity that changes my perception.

I can see how God is involved in my life, and I am thankful for it. Not that we are delivered or rescued from all of life’s trials, as Paul noted in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (NIV), “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

I like Albert Einstein’s statement, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

Let’s live the miracle.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, thank you for the miracle of life. I am humbled that you care for me. And I pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen

By James Henderson
Superintendent
Edinburgh, Scotland

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GCI Ottawa is a congregation of Grace Communion International.
This church saw an influx of immigrants coming to Canada and recognized the need to help the new immigrants become integrated into society. The church walks alongside the immigrants helping them settle into their new home country as permanent Canadian citizens.

I have never played much golf. And when I did, it showed. My friend called my approach the “hit and hope method.” And he was almost right. He thought I just hit the ball, and hoped it went in the right direction. Actually, I just hoped to hit the ball.

Much of life can be this way. What passes for hope is often wishful thinking. We hope our team wins, that tomorrow is better than today. Let’s face it – these hopes often let us down. Hence the old saying, hope makes a good breakfast, but a poor supper.

Have you ever had hopes that were disappointed? That’s something we all share.

Yet this is not the biblical notion of hope. The hope of the gospel is something far more robust, lasting and life-changing – and eternal. The hope of the gospel is grounded in the person of Jesus. Paul can succinctly say that Jesus is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1).

This is a hope not dependent on circumstances, external situations, pressures and outcomes. This is a hope that transcends all situations. It is not the absence of trials, pressures or stresses, but the assurance of Jesus’ presence in the midst of these things, and indeed every part of life. It’s a hope that never disappoints. It’s participating in the life of the “God of hope” through the power of the Spirit, a hope that inspires us, and through the Spirit creates joy and peace in our innermost being. It’s the hope in our Lord Jesus Christ that enables us to endure patiently and work energetically in love for others.

May the hope of Jesus encourage, empower and guide you.

Prayer: And may we share Paul’s prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

 

By John McLean
Superintendent
Carina, Australia

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Please comment below.

We Are GCI Series is a collection of videos where various GCI leaders and members are highlighted.
In this episode, GCI Pastor Tamar Gray shares a little about herself, why she likes to serve in GCI and in what ways she connects the most with God.

Grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15, NIVUK)

Some years ago, a lady invited my family and me around for a meal. It was quite a daunting task because our family group consisted of 9 adults and 4 children! She and her husband plus her sister were exemplary hosts and put on a sumptuous fare. I asked her why she decided to have us over. She said she wanted to because it was the time of my son’s wedding. She also, however, said something else. She said that she felt God had blessed her recently in a special way, and that she wanted to pass on the blessing.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he reminded them of how blessed they were, and how blessings are for sharing. It’s part of the thankfulness for grace received. Not many of us are able to have large groups for dinner, but there are other things we can do. Send a card, give an encouraging word or smile, or help in an unexpected way. Paul went on to explain to the Corinthian church that their “generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Let’s pass on the blessings.

Father in heaven, thank you for all the blessings we receive and help us in our gratitude to share them with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen

 

By James Henderson
Superintendent
Edinburgh, Scotland