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All I Have Is Yours, Lord: A Reflection on Grace and Gratitude

THE CRA PERSPECTIVE All I Have Is Yours, Lord A reflection on grace, gratitude, humility and the beauty of surrender What do I have that I did not receive? What can I truly claim as mine apart from grace? There are moments when we need to pause and look beyond our achievements, possessions, abilities and ambitions. We may work hard for what we accomplish, make sacrifices for our families and spend years developing our talents. Yet, beneath every achievement lies a deeper truth: life itself is a gift. Our breath, our opportunities, our strength, our relationships and even the ability to begin again are blessings we often take for granted. Gratitude begins when we recognise that we are not the sole authors of everything good in our lives. The prayer “All I Have Is Yours, Lord” expresses a heart that no longer wishes to live only for possession, recognition or personal glory. It is the quiet acknowledgement that everything entr...

Luke 21:5–11 – Signs, Warnings, and the Call to Remain Steadfast


The Gospel of Luke records one of the most striking teachings of Jesus regarding the future. In Luke 21:5–11, Jesus responds to the disciples’ admiration of the temple’s beauty by offering a sober prophecy—one that speaks not only to the events of their time but also to the spiritual posture believers must cultivate in every age.


⭐ A Beautiful Temple, A Sobering Truth

As some people marveled at the temple’s stones and offerings, Jesus gave a startling reply:

“The days will come when not one stone will be left on another.”

The temple, the pride of Jerusalem, symbolized stability, worship, and identity. Yet Jesus reveals a crucial truth:
Earthly structures, no matter how magnificent, are temporary.
Only God’s word and God’s kingdom endure.


❓ The Disciples’ Question

Shaken by the prophecy, the disciples ask:

“Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign?”

Like many of us today, they longed for clarity, timing, and certainty. But Jesus shifts their focus—not to dates or predictions, but to discernment and faithfulness.


⚠️ Warnings About Deception

Jesus cautions them first:

“Do not be deceived… many will come in my name.”

Before wars or disasters, Jesus warns of spiritual deception.
This reminds us that the greatest danger is not outside events, but losing sight of the truth and Christ Himself.


🌍 Turbulence in the World

 

Jesus then describes dramatic signs:

  • Wars and uprisings

  • Nation rising against nation

  • Earthquakes

  • Famines and plagues

  • Fearful sights and signs from heaven

These events reveal a world groaning under brokenness. They are not given to create fear, but to remind believers that history is moving toward God’s fulfillment, not chaos.


🔥 A Call to Courage, Not Fear

 

Although the passage lists troubling signs, Jesus’ message is clear:

“Do not be terrified.”

Fear is never the response Jesus wants from His followers.
Instead, He calls us to:

  • remain faithful

  • stay awake spiritually

  • discern truth from deception

  • anchor ourselves in God, not circumstances


🌟 Reflections for Today

Luke 21:5–11 continues to speak into our world—a world marked by conflict, natural disasters, and uncertainty. Yet Christ invites us to live with:

  • Hope, because God’s plan is greater

  • Discernment, because deception is subtle

  • Courage, because fear has no place in faith

  • Steadfastness, because the Kingdom of God is unshakeable

The message remains the same:
The world may tremble, but God’s people must stand firm.


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