Half Time

Hey,
If you are a sports fan then you will know all about Half Time. No game is won or lost by the time the teams trudge into the break - no one gets any prizes for being ahead at the half time whistle. We all know that any game can turn on its head before the final whistle. How many times have we watched our own teams throw a game by losing the plot just b4 the end. My sincere prayer and hope is that I will continue my Christian journey until Full-Time. That is how I am trying the play the game - I am pacing myself, walking alongside the Lord. Part of that process is taking time out from time to time and that's what I am doing right now. In fact, I am at the half way point in my holiday. I am still feeling pretty tired, but I pray that the Lord will refresh me and give me passion for the remainder of 2008. The Best is yet to Be! If you are interested in ready on the subject of Halftime, read Bob Buford and Gordon Macdonald - they have both written excellent books on this topic.
Stay close to the King!
Living in Grace,
Delme

Dead Leader Running!

I remember watching a talk entitled 'Dead Leader Running' a while ago (I think it was on one of the Willow Creek Leadership Summits). Anyway, the title of that talk couldn't be more appropriate - That is me, right now - a dead leader running. If I was a motor car, you'd have to push me to the petrol station, cos I am out of gas! Tomorrow's leave can not come fast enough.

The one thing that struck me about the leadership talk was how many of us minister out of places of tiredness. I wonder how much more effective our ministries would be if we genuinely rested and took a sabbath? I know that in my life, the most powerful and focused sermons I have preached, have come out of times of rest. It is in these times that the Lord really restores my soul and speaks new 'words' into my spirit.
Life gets the better of us and before we know it we need to pull over for a while - the rest and recharging is vital for our lives.

As I spend a few days on leave, I pray that my "soul would catch up with my body" and that I would be revitalised for the final months of 2008. They are going to be huge months, filled with many awesome and challenging events. Lord I place myself into your hands.

God Bless. Living in Grace,
Delme

What's Important?

This afternoon I have to lead a memorial service for a middle-aged father who ended his life prematurely! Like most ministers/pastors I do not find this kind of thing easy to do. It always brings up so many questions in my own mind. On a slightly positive angle it certainly shakes me up enough to force me look at my own life and to re-evaluate what is important. Kim and the boys certainly get bigger hugs on days like today. Life is a precious gift - it is here today, but can vanish in a breath.
"Over and over again, we lose sight of what is important and what isn't" - Epictetus
Make today count, my friends.
Living in Grace,
Delme

How big is my view of God?

I have been preparing for the service on Sunday and I have been reading about a guy called Jehoshaphat. He is an awesome guy - check out 2 Chronicles 20 for an idea of how much he trusted in the Lord. Even though he was facing a huge obstacle, he trusted that God would pull through for him and the people of God. I found this quote which I am using alongside the sermon - it blew me away.
“Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to You with my empty cup. Uncertain, in asking any small drop of refreshment. If only I had known You better, I’d have come running with a bucket.” – Nancy Spiegelberg
Think about that!
Be Blessed,
Living in Grace,
Delme

Back on track

Yes, I know! I have neglected my blog, but I hope that will soon be a thing of the past - I am back on track! This reminds me of my relationship with God - there are days when I seem to lose my way and forget to communicate effectively with Him. I go on my own mission and He patiently waits for me to return to Him. I am just totally awestruck by His grace. Living in the light of His grace is indeed a gift. I certainly don't deserve all the chances Jesus gives me, but I rely on His Grace.
May you have a blessed day.
Living in Grace,
Delme