Ascension Day

In our Christian tradition we celebrate Ascension Day on the 9th May 2013 - this is 40 days after the Resurrection of Jesus. Even though we don't have it as an official Public Holiday any more, Christians should still remember this day as a 'Holy' day. It is a profound day in many ways:

1. It marks the end of Jesus' physical time on earth.
2. We are reminded that he returned to the Father, where he now prays for us.
3. It was an event that released the ministry of the Gospel to the disciples - Jesus passed on the baton to them, which in turn has been passed onto us.
4. It signifies preparation for Pentecost (10 days later), when the Spirit was poured out upon the whole church.
5. It marks the beginning of His reign as the King of Glory.

"The ascension of Elijah may be compared to the flight of a bird, which none can follow; the ascension of Christ is, as it were, a bridge between earth and heaven, laid down for all who are drawn to Him by His earthly existence." - Baumgarten.

May you experience the blessing of our King of Glory.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Pentecost at Pembury

We had the privilege of sharing in a service at the Pembury Baptist Church this morning. This is the church where Paul, Izzi and Sam de Villiers are now worshipping at. It was such an awesome experience and it was great to feel at 'home' in a place of worship far away from SA. The people were great and it really reminded me that we belong to a world-wide Christian community. It is the Holy Spirit who unites all believers, in Jesus Christ. Too often Christians focus on what is different about our particular 'take' on the faith, and we miss the richness of fellowshipping with the broader Christian family.

Check out Pembury Baptist Church's great website if you have a moment - click here.

As a family we head off to France in the morning, so watch out for my next blogpost in French!!! Au revoir..

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Slow Motion

Somethings happen so fast that, in order to appreciate them, we need to watch the event again in slow motion. For me, Holy Week allows us the opportunity to put our Faith in slow motion.

In our minds we know that the Crucifixion and the Resurrection are the culmination of our Christian Faith, but we mustn't be tempted to rush to the conclusion, just yet. By taking a step by step, frame by frame, look at the events of the Passion of Christ, we view things in slow motion. We get to appreciate the magnitude of Easter and what this means for us.

So, I urge you - put your Faith into slow motion this week. Watch and see how awesome Jesus is.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Unity and Holy Week

This Sunday (17 April) marks Palm Sunday in the Christian calendar, which is the beginning of Holy Week. A lot of churches hold services every evening of the week and I encourage you to join one of these at your local Church - it will bless you immensely.

In our community, we celebrate a combined Palm Sunday service with all the Churches in our local area - it is a wonderful sign of Christian Unity. In an era when so many Christians fight over doctrinal issues, it is awesome to identify the Passion of Christ, as something that unites our Faith - (This Sunday we meet at St Matthews at 6:30pm).

"How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life." - Psalm 133:1-3

Please don't let Holy Week simply be an 'ordinary week' for you. Rediscover the grace and mercy of Jesus.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Carols by Candlelight

What is it about Carols and Candlelight that seems to usher in the 'Christmas spirit?'

Is it a connection with our childhood?
Is it the profound message in the carols?
Is it the presence of candlelight, that reminds us of Christ's light in our times of darkness?

I have found that over the past few years, experiencing Christmas alongside my kids, has helped me to 'enjoy' the blessing of the season. My 'adult' thoughts and attitudes have been challenged by the simplicity of my kid's worship.

What is it about Carols that impacts your life?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

53 Days til Christmas

As I dropped my kids off at school this morning, my eyes caught a glimpse of the notice board. It read: "53 days til Christmas!" My heart sank. So much water has to pass under the proverbial bridge before I can celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas seems a lifetime away.

Then I was struck with this thought -
"Isn't it ironic that one of the key events in the history of the planet is preceded (in our lives) with the busiest period in our calendars?"

Is this right? Surely not?
I am not sure how to change the system, but I desire to create moments (in the next 53 days) where I can breathe in the aroma of grace, the scent of salvation and where I can experience the Joy of Christ.

Join me in the search for Christ amidst the chaos of the Festive season.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

September

Sometimes we honour traditions without realising why we actually remember them. We even refer to things on a daily basis without comprehending their origin. For example, do we even know why the days of the week are called "Monday, Tuesday etc?"

And how about September? Septem actually means 7, but is September the seventh month? No it's not! So why do we mark this month as September (seven), when it is actually the ninth month of the year. Good question? For the answer you will have to click here.

But, the real question for me, is "Is the Church like this in any way?" Are their elements of the way we 'do church' that make no sense to us, but we do them anyway?
What are some of these things?

Matthew 15:3 - Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

Don't get me wrong - there are some traditions that are important and rich in heritage and vital for the life of the Church. But, there are a few that we need to scrutinise.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Ascension Day

Remember the days when Ascension Day was still a public holiday? Ah, those were the days...

...well, now that the Government doesn't give us an incentive to celebrate Ascension Day, it is interesting to see how Christians respond to the day. A lot of churches notice that their attendance is not what it used to be and a number of newer Christians aren't even aware of the importance of Acts 1:1-11.

"The ascension of Elijah may be compared to the flight of a bird, which none can follow; the ascension of Christ is, as it were, a bridge between earth and heaven, laid down for all who are drawn to Him by His earthly existence." - Michael Baumgarten

What does Ascension Day mean for you?

Summing up what it means for me, I would say:
"No Ascension, No Pentecost!"
"No Pentecost, No early church!"
"No early church, No spreading of the Gospel!"
"No witnessing, No chance of me hearing about Jesus!"

Maybe this is too simple, but it works for me.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Presents

Christmas is a time when we give and receive gifts and in Christian circles we try to do this without losing focus of the real reason for the giving of these gifts - which is the birth of JESUS CHRIST - just in case you forgot :)

Here are two questions that relate to gifts and presents:

What has been the best gift you have ever received?

What has been the best gift you have ever given to someone?

As we move away from Christmas, for another year, let's daily thank God for the best gift we could ever hope for - Grace given through Jesus.

Grace and peace to you,
D3LM3

Merry Christmas

The Linscott family want to wish you all a blessed Christmas. Just as a new born child immediately makes an impact on our lives, so may Jesus Christ touch your lives in a special way.

Christmas is the one day of the year that carries real hope and promise for all humanity - Edgar Guest

Christ became what we are, that we might become what he is - Athanasius

Grace appeared in human form - Hallelujah!

Moved by Grace,
D3LM3

Through the eyes of a child

Sometimes parents make the mistake of trying to live their lives through their kids. This normally applies to highly competitive parents who push their kids to excel, so they (the parents) can feel better.

Why don't we instead try and view Christmas through the eyes of children this year - not for any other gain, than to put a smile on our faces. What I mean is try and appreciate their excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding the Christmas period. For many of us, the Christmas 'Spirit' seems to be residing in some other part of the world (or maybe the Grinch stole it!) - but if we check with the younger kids in our community, we will find that Christmas is still AWEsome.

May Jesus truly come to life in our world, this year.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Advent

As we move closer and closer towards Christmas, may the peace and love of Christ fill your heart daily. Remember that Advent is a time of preparation and expectation. We are anticipating the 'Light of the World' and so we pray that the shadows in our lives diminish over this festive season.

“Advent is a pilgrimage towards light. At the end of Advent is a brilliant deliverance.” – C. W. Gaddy

“And with many other words, John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.” – Luke 3:18

Isaiah 65:19 - “I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.”

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Carol Service

We enjoyed our Carol Service at Church this evening - it is always great to sing some familiar songs, as well as some newer songs. I am not sure if this happens to you sometimes, but during one of the familiar carols, I was suddenly struck by their words - it was like I had not seen these words before. They go like this:

"Hear the message of salvation, Jesus brings to every race,
See the infant who embodies God's great glory and His Grace." (Happy day of great rejoicing)

What is your favourite Carol?

May Jesus fill you with His Grace and peace today, so that you may sing of His wonderful love.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Pentecost

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday and many of us heard again how God poured His Spirit upon the disciples (Acts 2)- I guess it is a major understatement to say that 'they were never the same again!'
In fact, the world has not been the same since and we are again the beneficiaries of God's foresight and grace. I chose to focus on the Greek word 'Paraclete' in the sermon yesterday (as did Mike in the evening) and it was good to remind myself of the character of our God. He is our comforter, our counsellor, our advocate and 'the one who stands alongside us.' If this is not Good News for us, then we are hard to please.
What an awesome concept - The God of the Universe chooses to 'dwell in us' and at the same time to lead and guide us. If we have such incredible power at our disposal, why do we keep trying to go it alone? Why do we ignore our 'paraclete' and listen to the voices of those who don't always have our best interests at heart? The answer - I just don't know why? Maybe it's because we are stubborn or proud or just plain ignorant? Thankfully our Lord is patient with us.

Anyway, for me, Pentecost has been a timely reminder that the Holy Spirit can renew and restore my weary spirit and He can bring hope to my hopelessness. That is Power worth talking about.

May you rest in the presence of the 'Paraclete'.
May your hope be renewed.
May your weary soul be restored.

Living in the presence of His Spirit and Grace,
D3LM3