Highlights of our Tour of Israel

How does one put into words the experience of a lifetime? It is indeed very hard. And then, to make things even more complicated, how does one choose one or two highlights from among the many? It is impossible. Overall, it was such a special time in Israel, despite all that is happening in the political circles. One can't really refer to the time as a 'holiday' - it is more of an Encounter or an Experience, and one that every believer should try and do, if you can.

If I am pushed to choose a spiritual highlight, I would go for 3 of them:

1. Sharing in Baptisms in the Jordan River - priceless encounters with our group and even with other people who came up to us (out of nowhere) and asked us to Baptise them. They were from the Coptic Church in Egypt - so, so amazing.

2. Sharing in Holy Communion at the Garden Tomb. Very blessed time and hard to put into adequate words.

3. Singing the Lord's Prayer in the Pater Noster Church. This is considered to be one of the places where Jesus taught his disciples to pray and we got the chance to sing in this special place. There are versions of the Lord's prayer in hundreds of different languages all over that place.

Overall, I am just humbled to have had the chance to be in that special place. It is hard to imagine that a land, smaller than the Kruger National Park, could have impacted the world in such a dramatic way.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

What to write?

Sometimes the inspiration just doesn't come as easily as the day before. In case you are wondering, I am speaking about writing, and in particular this blog. There are days when I could write 10 blog pieces, but there are others where the creative juices just seem to have stopped! If you ask full time writers they will tell you that they experience the same thing from time to time. In fact, if you have a minute look at these famous authors who have found ways of getting past their writer's block.

As I opened my diary to see what lay in store for today, I noticed there was a quote at the bottom of the page and it was PERFECT for me. This is what it said:

"When inspiration doesn't come, I go for a walk, go to the movie, talk to a friend, let go ... the muse is bound to return again, especially if I turn my back." - Judy Collins

So, I think I will go for that walk now (or phone a friend) and see if the inspiration returns. In the meantime I will leave you with one of verses I have been reflecting on this week. Grace and Peace.

Jeremiah 17:7-10

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
⁸ They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”

⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure.
    Who can understand it?

¹⁰ “I the Lord search the heart
    and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Paradox of Life - part 2

Hi friends,

As I promised here is the second part of the poem "The Paradox of Life" - I pray that it is a blessing to you today.

These are the times of fast foods, and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to
you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just
hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going
to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your
side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is
the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from
deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to
speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

My Utmost for His Highest

The author of "My Utmost for His Highest" Oswald Chambers, died on the 15th November 1917. His work has inspired me over the many years.

"We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all. Most of us would prefer, however, to spend our time doing something that will get immediate results. We don't want to wait for God to resolve matters in His good time because His idea of 'good time' is seldom in sync with ours.” - Oswald Chambers

Are you willing to do your Utmost for God's highest?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sweet Hour of Prayer

The poem Sweet Hour of Prayer appeared for the first time in print, on this day in 1845. The author, William Walford was a blind lay Preacher. He committed the Bible to memory and often had to 'record' poems and other literature in his mind, until someone was able to help him put it onto paper.

The language of this poem is a little dated, but it is deeply powerful. Enjoy and be blessed:

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Godincidence or what?

I love the way God speaks to us. I used an illustration in my sermon on Sunday about Leo Buscaglia's family. If you don't know anything about Leo, perhaps you can look here if you have a moment. Anyway, this morning I wrote something in my journal and I glanced at the bottom of the page. Every page of my journal has a quote and today's quote was written by none other than Leo Buscaglia - coincidence, no ways! Godincidence, absolutely!!

"What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life." - Leo Buscaglia

May God surprise you today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Friday thoughts

At the end another hectic week, may these thoughts inspire you to have an awesome weekend.

Psalm 104:5 - He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

"Try not to become a person of success but a person of value." - Albert Einstein

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. Thank you for the many enquiries about the 'Cycle of Grace' information. I battled to put together a link for the notes from Trevor Hudson, but I managed to source something similar on the Cycle of Grace. Have a look here. (These are not my notes - credit to OK New Forest). I will put my adapted version of the sermon notes onto the blog over the weekend.

Totally Inspired

I was privileged to spend part of my day off at an inspirational breakfast this morning. Lewis Pugh was the guest speaker and what he had to say was totally inspiring. I have not been that challenged and inspired in a long time. I am now going to start reading his book, which I got him to sign today. As he was busy signing the book I told him I was a Pastor and that I appreciated all he did and how he inspires many people. As we finished our brief conversation he reminded my of this quote from missionary William Carey:

“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

I couldn't agree more! Life is short - God has given us so many things to use for His glory and to bless others. We need to attempt great things for God.

Be inspired this weekend.
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Your word?

It is quite en vogue to have a particular ‘word’ that means a lot to you. Some people have chosen a ‘word’ for 2011; others have tried to find a sentence that describes their plans for the year.

If you were going to choose a word for this coming week, what would it be?

Life
Procrastinate
Choice
Free
Patience
Hope
Fear
Do
Sleep
Initiate
Wisdom
Faith

What would your word be? Let me know...

May we all be conscious of God’s presence with us this week – be blessed.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Thoughts for the beginning of the week

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." - C.S.Lewis

"Sainthood lies in the habit of referring the smallest actions to God." - C.S.Lewis

"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!” - Psalm 70:4

Have a blessed week,
Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Embrace Life

As a teenager I remember watching Leo Buscaglia speak on video (before DVD days). One of the things that impressed me about him was the way he embraced life and how he was not afraid to do different things. He is well known for the way he would turn to everyone in a lift and start speaking to them - which is not something many people are willing to do. It literally freaked people out, but he genuinely wanted to engage with people.

Here is one of his inspirational quotes:
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot, hang on and swing!"

May you know the power of Christ in your life today. Hang on to Jesus.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Insightful Woman

As we near National Women's Day in South Africa, I thought it would be appropriate to turn to some insightful wisdom from Teresa of Avila. She was a 16th century mystic, who had turned to Christ as a young woman. Bearing in mind that she was born into a noble family, her conversion would have cost her dearly. She wrote these powerful words:

"Let everyone understand that real love of God does not consist in tear-shedding, nor in that sweetness and tenderness for which we usually long, just because they console us, but in serving God in justice, fortitude of soul and humility."

She may have been inspired by Micah, who wrote:

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

Have a blessed Women's Day!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

1000 words

They say that "every picture is worth a thousand words!"

What does this picture say to you? (see above)

Would these words be appropriate for this picture?

Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Picture from here

These guys are awesome

Every now and again you just have to admit that you know some awesome people. I am proud to introduce 2 of these people to you.

Firstly, Tim Weaver (he is my brother-in-law, so I get brownie points for this). Tim's first novel 'Chasing the Dead' was released in the UK last week and will be out in South Africa next week. It is written in the Crime thriller genre and he has already been signed by Penguin books on a 2 book deal. Tim's book will be translated into 7 different languages (that's impressive hey!). 8 years of hard work and perseverance have been put into this book. To check out more of his details, feel free to go to his website.

Secondly, Tyron Bache (we are not related, besides being brothers-in-Christ. I hope I still get brownie points though)! I have been complemented many times on the Living in Grace website and every time I have to set the record straight. The site is 99% Tyron's work, with my occasional input. He has done an amazing thing with the site and I am honoured that he has helped me with getting the 'Living in Grace' name out there. Tyron has an awesome future ahead of him. Please have a look at his website.

Both of these guys are still young and yet they are following their dreams. They are willing to make sacrifices to get things done. That inspires me.
What do you think and who inspires you?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. I will be posting about some more awesome people soon:) Watch this space...

C.S.Lewis

Clive Staples Lewis has to be one of my favourite authors and thinkers. The fact that he was also a Christ-follower makes his work even more impressive for me. Here are a few of his quotes:

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.

Just remember that it is great to read good books, but we mustn't neglect the truth that is found in the Bible.

May God bless you,
Live in His Grace
D3LM3

Covered by His Love

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:18-19

When the Apostle Paul speaks about the grace of God in Ephesians 3 he uses the word 'polupoikilos' - which actually means 'many coloured.' In the context of what he wrote in verse 18-19, he uses an amazing image to speak about God's love. God's grace and love is 'many coloured' in that there is not one situation in our lives, where his love won't be able to match it. If we go through sorrow, his love is able to cover us; if we go through times of joy, then his love is able to match that. Light or dark, sunshine or rain, wind or hail, summer or winter - God's love is adequate!

As you embrace this new day as a gift from God, may you be able to grasp how WIDE, LONG, HIGH and DEEP his love for us actually is. May we all be blessed through God's 'many-coloured' grace.

Walk boldly in God's Grace,
D3LM3

Soli Deo Gloria

Soli Deo Gloria - Perhaps you have heard this phrase before. I know that I had heard it, but couldn't really remember what it truly meant - that was until this past week. In looking at the account in Acts 3, where Peter and John healed the crippled man at the Beautiful Gate, the response of the man speaks about 'Giving Glory to God Alone!' He was obviously so blown away by this miracle that he went around 'Walking, leaping and Praising God.' He wanted to give God the glory for what had just taken place.

The composers Johann Sebastian Bach and George Handel used to pen the initials SDG on their completed manuscripts - Soli Deo Gloria (Gratia). Their immediate reaction, after completing their awesome compositions was to give God the glory. We can all learn from their humility. It is tempting to live our lives for the applause of the people, but in the end the only applause we need seek is from God. His opinion is the one that counts.

So, if GOd chooses to use you in a powerful way this week, remember to think of SDG - Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone. May you be blessed.

Live from the centre of Grace,
D3LM3