Why do they wait for the thermals?

A question for today: Why do eagles wait for the thermals in order to soar and fly?

Answer: They have been taught from a young age to conserve their energy and to know that they are created to use the winds to their great advantage. They are not designed to flap their wings all the time.

"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind." - Isaiah 40:31 (The Message)

In the same way, I believe that God has designed us to rely on His Spirit, so that we may soar and live for his glory. Sadly, there are many times when I forget this and I flap my wings too much, trusting in my own perceived strength and less on God's gift to me.

Prayer thought: It is tempting to be 'busy' the whole time, believing that our work is for God's glory, but sometimes we need to WAIT for the right moment and the right thermal. Our waiting my seem frustrating, especially when we see others flying/flapping all around us, however if we want to reach Godly heights, we must wait for his Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Make use of - do not abuse!

I have been reminded again of the call for believers to set the example in making use of what we have been given, but not to abuse this gift. The Lord gave us the privilege of taking care of his creation (Genesis 2:15), yet somehow, we have abused this gift, and we are facing the consequence of our actions.

John Wesley once wrote, “God has made man [humankind] as the steward of the earth, but not as the proprietor. We are to use it as entrusted to us, not to abuse it.”

Psalm 24:1 reminds us that the creation belongs to the Lord and not us:

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters."

What can we do to help?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The stars are God's fingerprints

In preparing for a memorial service this week, I came across a lovely piece of writing about God's creation. It reminded me of the Psalms in some ways - the Psalmists were very good at seeing the glory of God in his creation. 

"The stars are God's fingerprints. The sun is a mere smidgen of His radiance. The moon is to remind us that He doesn't sleep at night. The vastness of space proclaims the infinity of His wisdom, while the sand pebble indicates His thoroughness with the puniest details. The lion hints at His fearlessness, the bear at His power, the hawk at His keen insight. And yet, those possess only a tidbit of God's omnipotence and omnipresence. Every tree points toward heaven; every bird has a song to sing; even every moment of wind goes in some direction. There is nothing chaotic about our beautiful designed world. All creation has a message to tell. It says, "Listen, there is a God. There is a God!" - Brent D. Earles

Thought: When last did you look out for God's fingerprints? 

Psalm 8:3-9

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A glistening mirror of divinity

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) is remembered on the 17th of September, and she was indeed a remarkable woman. It is said that kings and queens, bishops and popes, sought the counsel of this women of God.

But the Benedictine nun was perhaps most knowledgeable about admiring and appreciating every creature that God had created. She loved Jesus and saw God's handiwork all around her. Among her most inspirational quotes are the following:

“The Earth sustains humanity. It must not be injured; it must not be destroyed.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of divinity.”
“Creation is the song of God.”

Romans 8:39 - "No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thought: In this season of Creation (Spring in the Southern Hemisphere) let us remember our Creator. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Which person are we?

Elizabeth Browning wrote these words:

“Earth is crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God.

But only he who sees, takes off his shoes.

The rest sit round it and pluck berries.”

One may have to read these 4 lines a few times before they truly begin to sink in. Elizabeth Browning suggests there are two common responses to the beauty of Creation. Some people just want to consume what they see, without much thought for the Creator, while others are moved to awe and wonder. Their response is Moses-like, they take off their shoes and realise they are witnessing a marvel from God.

Which person are we?

"Dominion and awe belong to God; he establishes order in the heights of heaven." - Job 25:2

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Bravo God

^"Bravo, God, bravo!
    Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
    in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention!
    Dress your best to honor him!

³ God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters..." - Psalm 29:1-3

I have often managed to see the fingerprints of God in Creation. The fruit of his handiwork is everywhere - we just need the eyes to see his work. It is little wonder that we can stop and applaud what God has done:

Bravo God, Bravo.

Encore - do it again Lord.

As you reflect on the works of Christ over 2018, may you stop and give him credit for some of the amazing gifts he has given to us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

19 - Stephen Hawking on the Universe

Stephen Hawking passed away this week at the age of 76. He was well known for his contribution to Science and our understanding of the Universe. In an interview with CNN in 2010 he is quoted as saying:

"God may exist, but science can explain the universe without the need for a creator."

 

Later on in that same interview he said that "The scientific account is complete. Theology is unnecessary."  

 

Well, we are all entitled to our own opinions, but I still believe in a Creator and although I can't explain everything about the Universe I am content that 'the heavens proclaim the glory of God.' I join the song of the Psalmist who sings:

"The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
⁵ It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
    It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
⁶ The sun rises at one end of the heavens
    and follows its course to the other end.    Nothing can hide from its heat." - Psalm 19

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Creation reveals so much

Apologies for the long absence from the daily blogs, but I have been on a much needed Sabbatical - I am sorry for not giving you all warning about missing the posts - I had actually hoped to write a few while I was away, but that never materialised. Apologies again.

We have been on a wonderful road trip as a family, taking in some truly incredible sights of South Africa. The one thing I am convinced of is this - We live in a beautiful country! As we spent time soaking in the breath-taking Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Kruger Park and Mabibi it left me in awe of our God.

I admit that I don't know all in the ins and outs of how God created the world, but I DO believe that a loving, creative, intelligent God created our planet. The things I have just witnessed testify 100% to God's creative hand. Perhaps the writer of Genesis makes the biggest understatement of all time when he writes...

Genesis 1:31 -  "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

May God bless you today and I promise to get back on the computer and will write some more posts asap. Thanks for the concern show from so many of you - I feel loved :)

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Dove Orchid

I learnt something fascinating today! There is an Orchid from South America, which goes by the name of the Dove Orchid or Holy Spirit Orchid (Peristeria elata). The reason it is called this name is because if you look carefully at the flower it resembles a dove (which in the bible is a symbol of the Spirit). Take a look at the picture attached on today's post - you will see an example of one of these flowers.

It is truly amazing how God reveals himself to us through his creation. As we go about our work and lives today, let us be aware of the signs of the Living God.

Matthew 3:16 - At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

John 1:32 - Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.

Living in grace
D3LM3

Glorious Nature

This last weekend we had the privilege of visiting a Wild Cat rehab centre in Hluhluwe. One of the highlights for the people on the Men's Retreat, was being able to get close to adult Cheetahs and also to stroke two of the cubs. We also got close to a Caracal, Several and African Wildcat - all beautiful in their own ways.

It brought home to us the incredible beauty of God's creation and allowed many of us to praise God for his Glory. These awesome animals (Cheetah) are built for speed, with the fastest recorded speed being 112 km/h - wow, that is incredible. Even the tail of the Cheetah is designed as a steering rudder and is able to help them changed direction at high speeds. God is so brilliant!

Psalm 104:24 - How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

 

As you go about your business today, try and take note of the beauty of God's creation.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Cause for a song?

"Take a good look at God’s wonders—
    they’ll take your breath away.
He converted sea to dry land;
    travellers crossed the river on foot.    Now isn’t that cause for a song?" - Psalm 66:5-6

What makes you want to sing?
I tend to agree with king David, that when I look around at the wonders of God's creation that my soul is so uplifted that I want to sing. I am not sure that world wants to hear my singing voice, but certainly I am ready to lift my voice to the Lord.

So, let me ask us again - what in God's creation takes your breath away?
The waves crashing onto the rocks at sunrise?
The sound of thunder in the midst of an afternoon storm?
The song of the birds before dawn?
The clouds above the escarpment of the Mountains?
...Fill in the blank _________________________

May you be filled with the wonder of God today and may it give you cause to sing!

Living in grace
D3LM3

God's testimony

When I was sharing on Sunday from Acts 14, I noted the following verse:


“Yet he has not left himself without testimony (witness)…” - Acts 14:17 

 Paul was trying to point out to the people of Lystra that God has revealed to us His glory and splendour. He has spoken to us through who He is and through His creation. There is already enough evidence for us to make a decision to follow God or not... the choice is ours. 

For me, I recognise the 'witness' of God mostly in creation. I note God's fingerprints all over mountains, planets and stars, seas and rivers, birds, animals and insects. What about you - where do you notice God's witness?

Romans 1: 19-20

"They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

Living in Grace
D3LM3 

Opening our eyes

Recently we had a few days holiday at the coast - it was wonderful to have the break (and 'YES' it did rain again!) Anyway, one of the awesome things we got to do was to snorkel in some little rock pools. My observation with snorkeling is that you have no clue how beautiful the ocean is, until you put you head under the water. As soon as you push your head under the water a whole new world opens up before your eyes. It is amazing to see all the fish and creatures under water.

It can be the same with God, faith and the Scriptures. We have no clue how awesome and inspiring our Faith can be, until we push ourselves to go deeper. It is only when we go below the surface that our eyes are opened to a whole new world.

Psalm 119:18 - "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."

May you and I be willing to go deeper with God today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Faith in 3 words

It is hard to express our faith sometimes, but perhaps, at other times, we try and over-complicate things. Describing some of the aspects of faith, in as few words as possible, could prove tricky.

However, here is my attempt for this morning.

GOD CREATED US

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and 
wonderfully made." - Psalm 139:13-14

May God remind you today that you are his beloved creation.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Ambrose on greed

Ambrose was a unique church leader in that he reluctantly took up the post of Bishop of Milan. This was in a time when leaders jostled for power and title. In one of his writings he comments:

"God ordered all things to be produced so that there would be common food for all, and so that the earth would be the common inheritance of all. Thus, nature has produced a common right, but greed has made it the right of a few." - Ambrose

Challenging thought hey?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Join us in this challenge

When God created the world he put us in charge of things (I have no idea why) and he asked us to take care of the planet.

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." - Genesis 2:15

In truth, we aren't doing such a good job of things at the moment. However, we can begin to make a change today, even if it's by starting small. Please join us as we turn our lights off for 1 hour on Saturday 26th March from 8:30 - 9:30pm. This Earth Hour initiative is such an awesome way to be part of a global change.

As we switch off our lights we can know that there are millions of people around the world doing the same thing. It may even help us to spend some quality time with our families.

If you have a minute check out their website and sign up to be part of Earth Hour - it's free.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Ants

It seems that many of us are having problems with ants in our homes. I don't know what it is about this last month, but we have noticed ants all over the place. You boil the kettle and realise that you have just killed 100's of the little guys or you go to get some sugar and they have managed to get into the container (so much for the 'sealed' container).

What really got me was when I noticed a half empty box of smarties in the fridge (mmmmh) and as I poured some into my hand there were ants on them! These are hard-core ants - they even survive in the fridge.

Here is what Solomon said we can learn from Ants:

"Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.

Learn from their ways and become wise!

Though they have no prince

or governor or ruler to make them work,

they labour hard all summer,

gathering food for the winter." - Proverbs 6:6-8

Next time you see the little 'critters' running all over your home, just think about what we can learn for them. Perhaps we have much to learn.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. If you have an 'ant' story please let us know - should be good fun:)

Hug a Tree today

In case you have been ignoring the news (due to the teachers strike) you may have not heard that we are in Arbor Week. Yes, it's the time of the year when we remember the importance of trees, plants and flowers.

As children of God, we have an important mandate to care for our environment. I believe God will keep us accountable for the way we treated each other (as human beings) and for the way we have treated His creation. So, if you haven't had a chance do something creative and memorable this Arbor Week try and do something today. Worst case, just hug a tree and thank God for His creation. I am sure your neighbours won't think you are too crazy.

Genesis 1:11-12 - "Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."

Ezekiel 47:12 - "Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."

Have an awesome weekend.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Another Inspiring picture

As we get ready to start another week, I pray that this picture would inspire you and remind us of how awesome our God is.

Psalm 8:1 - O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Bird Song

What normally wakes you up in the mornings? For me, it is usually one of two things. Either it is one of my boys coming into the room to announce they are awake or else it is my phone alarm. Usually the alarm is only set us a back up, because most often my boys 'beat' the alarm hands down.

However, this morning things took a strange turn. It was not the boys or the alarm that woke me, but rather it was the sound of birds singing. Wow, what a way to wake up. I thought I was still dreaming, but I soon realised that the birds were real! They must have been excited about the rain. Spring is almost here.

Ecclesiastes 12:4 - "...when men rise up at the sound of birds."

One more thing. The amazing thing about the birds this morning is that they were singing after the rain and even when it was still dark. Their voices carried a message of hope - the dawn is upon us and the light is pushing back the darkness.

"Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?" - Rose Kennedy

Have a blessed day.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3