Category Archives: God’s pleasure

What tides of grace flowed from that attic bedroom.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

William Barclay tells the story of a servant-girl whose personal search for meaning in life resulted in a profound experience of the presence of God. But the demands of serving in a large house gave little freedom to do much … Continue reading →

Posted in Faithfulness, God in us, God's pleasure, Joy, Life, Life's journey | Leave a comment

We are often our own worst critics

Posted on December 3, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

Alexander the Great, having conquered Persia, wept because there were no empires left to conquer. Hugo Grotius, the father of modern international law, at the end of his life said: ‘I have accomplished nothing worthwhile in my life.’ John Quincy … Continue reading →

Posted in Accomplishments, God's pleasure, Reward | Leave a comment

Handfuls of grace

Posted on November 9, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

When I was a small boy there was a shop that would sell kids a handful of lollies for a penny. The shop was owned by a married couple, and of the two the husband was by far the most … Continue reading →

Posted in God's faithfulness, God's pleasure, Grace, Prayer | Leave a comment

I had lunch with God

Posted on October 13, 2016 by vincentsmithauthor

A little boy once packed a lunch and went off to see if he could find God. At the park he met a lonely old woman staring at the pigeons. He sat next to her and offered her a sandwich. … Continue reading →

Posted in God, God in us, God's pleasure, God's presence | Leave a comment

Priceless gifts

Posted on December 23, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

Oseola McCarty was an African-American woman who earned a living by washing and ironing other people’s clothes. She never married and had to leave school early to help support her family. She never owned a car and worked every day … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, God's pleasure, Good deeds, Goodness, Sacrifice | Tagged | Leave a comment

Useless, but beautiful

Posted on February 26, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

The Chinese have a story about a carpenter and his apprentice resting in the shade of a huge, gnarled oak tree. ‘Do you know why this tree is so big and beautiful?’ the carpenter asked. The apprentice shook his head. … Continue reading →

Posted in Beauty, God's pleasure, Growth, Judgementalism, Transformation, Useless | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Well done, good and faithful servant

Posted on September 30, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

It’s surprising to realise how many of the great names of history faced the end of their lives with a sense of failure. Hugo Grotius, the father of modern international law, said, “I have accomplished nothing worthwhile in my life.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Failure, Faithfulness, God's pleasure, Reward | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What will they say about me?

Posted on September 8, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Some years ago the Indiana Department of Social Services sent a letter to a former client which said: “Your food stamps will be stopped in March because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Aspiration, Eternity, Faithfulness, God's pleasure, Heaven, Hope of Glory, Judgement, Knowing God, pilgrimage, Regret | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

God has no favourites

Posted on June 15, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

A minister who parked his car in a no-parking zone, hoping that the parking police would take pity on him, attached a note to his windscreen that read, ‘I am a minister of religion and I have an important appointment … Continue reading →

Posted in Faithfulness, Favourites, Forgiveness, God, God's pleasure, Obedience, Temptation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment