Feeling under pressure, anxious, or burned out? Searching for rest?
We live in an anxious and fretful world.
Stress-related illnesses are on the increase, resulting in over 10 million working days being lost last year in the UK.
Social structures are breaking down and the demands of the workplace are escalating.
We live in days of record prosperity compared to previous generations, but despite the claims of the advertising industry,
our new acquisitions are not bringing the promised well-being.
Stress-related illnesses are on the increase, resulting in over 10 million working days being lost last year in the UK.
Social structures are breaking down and the demands of the workplace are escalating.
We live in days of record prosperity compared to previous generations, but despite the claims of the advertising industry,
our new acquisitions are not bringing the promised well-being.
Welcome to Rhythms of Grace...
...a website specially designed to offer long-term solutions to stress, encouragement to those who feel burned out, and guidance to those searching for peace.
Open letter to the Rhythms of Grace Community...
Dear Fellow-travellers,
We lie in fragile times. The internet age has brought many benefits, among them, access to a rich variety of information. However, the flip side of this abundance is a cacophony of voices, all demanding attention, and the resulting confusion can be debilitating. How do we sift through all the voices, many claiming divine inspiration, in order to take hold of what is good, and avoid being led astray?
Here are some tools to help us navigate through these treacherous waters…
The essential prerequisite to operate in the principles outlined below, is that we quieten our hearts before the Lord and ask Him to lead us into all truth, for the ability to distinguish the source or underlying spirit of a statement or position is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We also need to approach this with humility, knowing that not one of us is right about everything!
We lie in fragile times. The internet age has brought many benefits, among them, access to a rich variety of information. However, the flip side of this abundance is a cacophony of voices, all demanding attention, and the resulting confusion can be debilitating. How do we sift through all the voices, many claiming divine inspiration, in order to take hold of what is good, and avoid being led astray?
Here are some tools to help us navigate through these treacherous waters…
The essential prerequisite to operate in the principles outlined below, is that we quieten our hearts before the Lord and ask Him to lead us into all truth, for the ability to distinguish the source or underlying spirit of a statement or position is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We also need to approach this with humility, knowing that not one of us is right about everything!
SIX PRINCIPLES FOR DISCERNMENT...
The ‘speaker’ cited below, may be a public figure, a Christian leader, prophet, YouTube channel, musician, writer, or simply a friend or acquaintance.
1. Does the 'speaker' hold to the non-negotiables of our faith? There are many people who are worth listening to, who do not believe the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, which means they have a different lens through which they see the world. This needs to be factored in when taking on board their opinions, but does not mean they have nothing valuable to say.
Long ago, the Church Fathers gave us the non-negotiable bones of our faith (see below).
The ‘speaker’ cited below, may be a public figure, a Christian leader, prophet, YouTube channel, musician, writer, or simply a friend or acquaintance.
1. Does the 'speaker' hold to the non-negotiables of our faith? There are many people who are worth listening to, who do not believe the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, which means they have a different lens through which they see the world. This needs to be factored in when taking on board their opinions, but does not mean they have nothing valuable to say.
Long ago, the Church Fathers gave us the non-negotiable bones of our faith (see below).
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again,
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
And will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic (i.e. universal) church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again,
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
And will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic (i.e. universal) church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
[The divine nature of the Son and the Spirit was further amplified in the Nicene Creed (325 AD).]
But added to those foundational truths are myriad interpretations of Scripture, all with different emphases according to revelation. And because no one ministry or stream has all the revelation—Paul says we know and see in part [1 Corinthians 13:9]—it is important that none of us should blindly follow anyone. We have been given the Holy Spirit for the very purpose of guiding us into all truth. Never ignore His gentle pressure; if something feels ‘off’, don’t ignore it, check it out in Scripture. The internet is an invaluable resource for these purposes.
2. Look at the attitude of the ‘speaker’: are they humble? Are they full of grace and love? Do they reflect the character of Christ? Jesus was very clear that love, rather than miracles, success, or powerful speech, is the acid test of true discipleship [Matthew 7:21; John 13:35], and something He looked for in non-believers as well. Remember, the only people Jesus had harsh words for, were the religious, the self-satisfied and the judgemental.
2. Look at the attitude of the ‘speaker’: are they humble? Are they full of grace and love? Do they reflect the character of Christ? Jesus was very clear that love, rather than miracles, success, or powerful speech, is the acid test of true discipleship [Matthew 7:21; John 13:35], and something He looked for in non-believers as well. Remember, the only people Jesus had harsh words for, were the religious, the self-satisfied and the judgemental.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
[Colossians 3:12].
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
[Colossians 3:12].
3. Then think about what is being said. James has an important perspective here:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
My brothers and sisters, can a fig-tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?
Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water
[James 3:9-12].
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
[James 3:17-18]
and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
My brothers and sisters, can a fig-tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?
Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water
[James 3:9-12].
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
[James 3:17-18]
4. Does the teaching or opinion agree with the 'main and plain' in Scripture, particularly with what Jesus said and did in the Gospels. He was the exact representation of the Father, so it’s a good place to start.
5. What fruit is in evidence? Does the ‘speaker’ produce the character of humility, grace and love in the lives of others; or people who are unteachable, strident, judgemental or legalistic.
5. What fruit is in evidence? Does the ‘speaker’ produce the character of humility, grace and love in the lives of others; or people who are unteachable, strident, judgemental or legalistic.
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good,
or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognised by its fruit…
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him…
[Matthew 12:33-37]
or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognised by its fruit…
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him…
[Matthew 12:33-37]
6. Finally, don’t just drink from one ‘well’. As no ministry, stream or person has complete revelation, or a perfect grasp on truth, it is important to hear from other worldviews—particularly Christian—with the above safety factors in place. There is a rich treasure to be found out there, and especially in the family of God; let’s search it out!
Learning to discern where people are coming from helps us guard against getting caught up in error, and the resultant hurt. We need to remove ourselves from anything toxic, without flaring up in self-righteous judgement; and then take and bless what is good, and, realising that we are all imperfect learners—pray for each other.
Learning to discern where people are coming from helps us guard against getting caught up in error, and the resultant hurt. We need to remove ourselves from anything toxic, without flaring up in self-righteous judgement; and then take and bless what is good, and, realising that we are all imperfect learners—pray for each other.
God bless us all as we walk with Him,
Kate W @ Rhythms of Grace
Kate W @ Rhythms of Grace
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Special greetings to new visitors!
A big welcome to Rhythms of Grace website, which has a multitude of important features to help you in your quest for peace, including a variety of printables, selected books and videos, and a weekly blog. Do take time to browse. The site is easily navigated through the buttons at the top of the page. However, there is such a wealth of material, to get the greatest benefit I suggest you start at the beginning, with a bit about my story, and an introduction to the site, and then work through steadily, page by page. Picture links on each page will conduct you to the next stage.
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Start your journey here...
A PERSONAL WELCOME
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INTRODUCTION TO A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE
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Questions about support for Rhythms of Grace
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Numerous visitors to Rhythms of Grace, from around the world, have been blessed and encouraged by this extensive site, and its wealth of free resources. And many, aware that it represents a huge number of work-hours, have wondered how they can support this ministry in order to keep it available for others who need it.
In response, I have come up with the idea that those who want to can buy me a virtual cup of coffee by clicking on the link below.  |
In addition, I am an affiliate for Amazon UK (see footer**), which means if you access Amazon from this site and buy something, whether or not it is the product I have recommended, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
I need your help...
- Please take some time to give me some feedback. I really want to know what you think. You can use the contact box at the bottom of the page.
- Please recommend Rhythms of Grace to your friends, and on social media. There are quotes on most pages to click-to-tweet; there is a 'Pin This' section in the tabs above, and most pictures can be shared on Pinterest, and individual pages can be shared on Facebook by copying the page address (URL) and pasting into a Facebook post.
- Please tell me about any textual errors, or any links which don't work. (Make sure you include the page name where the issue is found, so I can deal with it!) Again, please use the contact button at the bottom of the page.
A note on resources...
‘Rhythms of Grace’ supplies a diverse selection of resources, which are selected for their specific contributions to a particular page theme.
I honour each person represented for blessing me on my faith-journey; however, it is important to say I am not affiliated with any of them, and an endorsement of every aspect of the theology or world-view of a particular ministry is not implied.
Through the blessing of the internet, there is a wealth of Christian resource available to us—and many partisan views are expressed, some of which are horrifyingly judgemental. My encouragement is for us to view it all as a banquet—we don’t have to eat everything to have a good meal, nor should we reject the whole thing because there are elements we don’t like. The best of Christendom belongs to us—let’s enjoy it!
I honour each person represented for blessing me on my faith-journey; however, it is important to say I am not affiliated with any of them, and an endorsement of every aspect of the theology or world-view of a particular ministry is not implied.
Through the blessing of the internet, there is a wealth of Christian resource available to us—and many partisan views are expressed, some of which are horrifyingly judgemental. My encouragement is for us to view it all as a banquet—we don’t have to eat everything to have a good meal, nor should we reject the whole thing because there are elements we don’t like. The best of Christendom belongs to us—let’s enjoy it!
Before you continue, let me pray for you...
Take a moment to linger, before you enter the site, and let the powerful words of this ancient blessing wash over you:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
[Numbers 6:22-26]
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
[Numbers 6:22-26]
MORE LINKS BELOW:
Hover over the picture...
[Photo credits: Sarah Dorweiler (leaves); Happy Lee (signposts); Katie Mourn (welcome sign); Carolyn V (welcome teapot); Bruce Mars (man at window);
Jennifer Talesman (coffee cup); Daniel Gonzalez (girl with map); Da Kraplak (typewriter) @ Unsplash, with thanks.]
Jennifer Talesman (coffee cup); Daniel Gonzalez (girl with map); Da Kraplak (typewriter) @ Unsplash, with thanks.]