Christ shapes us through the lives of others

C.S. Lewis – “Christ works on us in all sorts of ways…but above all, He works on us through each other.”

These words from C.S. Lewis reminds us of the great importance of being together in fellowship with others that belong to the body of Christ. We may not always get along or agree on everything, but we are created to be in community.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Living in grace

D3LM3

Pilgrims on the journey

Followers of Jesus are often called 'Pilgrims.' There is a wonderful sense of coming together for one purpose, and that is to journey to the heart of God. In the Old Testament, it was about making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and as you did this, you meet with others, sang songs of praise and began to experience profound joy.

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem." - Psalm 122:1

Isaiah 30:29 - You will be filled with joy, as when a flutist leads a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem, the mountain of the Lord— to the Rock of Israel.

"Pilgrims are persons in motion -
passing through territories not their own -
seeking something we might call completion,
or perhaps the word clarity would do as well,
a goal to which only the spirit's compass
points the way." - Richard R. Niebuhr

Thought: May you know the peace and joy of Christ as you continue to journey towards the heart of God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Trying to find the right balance

As Christians we wrestle with the dilemma of being submerged in our communities, as witnesses for Jesus, but at the same time, not wanting to take on the ways of the world. It is a hard balance to live out. Too much of an influence from the outside, can pull us away from the Christian Life; but if we stay hidden away from a world that is searching for answers, how will people ever hear about Jesus?

It is interesting to read these words from the early Church Father, Tertullian, who shows us how the Christian community didn't shrink back from the world in which they found themselves:

“We have filled every place among you – cities, islands, fortresses, towns, marketplaces, camps, tries, companies, palace, senate, forum …. We are not like (others) exiling themselves from ordinary life…. We go to your forum, your market, your baths, your shops, your workshops, your inns, your fairs, and the other places of trade.” - Tertullian

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house." - Matthew 5:13-14

Thought: Ask God to help you shine His shine into your community today.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

We all need someone

Perhaps one of the most heart-breaking funerals I have ever conducted involved a tiny baby who was left abandoned in the veld. She was found and nursed by a caring community, but she died, only a few days old. We gave her a memorial, but there was no family member at the service - just myself and a bunch of strangers. I am no sure why this story came to mind today, but after reading Ecclesiastes 4:7-10, Solomon's words brought up this memory.

There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For whom am I toiling,” he asked,
“and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”
This too is meaningless—a miserable business! (v.7-8)

Solomon's depression drives him deeper into despair and he wonders why "this man" carried on working so hard for no real purpose. He had no family to leave all his wealth too, which tells us that Solomon is speaking about someone else on this occasion.

He then reminds us that being in a team (even if it's only 2 people) is a blessing. Sharing is a gift and teaches us that we were created for community - we were not meant to 'go it alone.' 

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.

As we reflect on today's passage do you have someone in your life who is able to help you get through life? Do you have a friend, partner, family member, church friend or colleague who is willing to stand alongside you? 

Remember that Jesus is always there for us, no matter how alone we feel.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

In this together

I have often wondered why the 12 Step Program is used so successfully with organisations like AA and others. A thought occurred to me this past week, while preparing a sermon on 'Living in Community', that it surely has to do with a deep sense of mutual struggle and empathetic understanding. In groups like this there can be no pretense and everyone knows your pain, so this often drives us to greater care, sincere encouragement and a collective feeling of 'we are in this together.'

Sadly, the same thing is not always evident in our churches, but it should be. We are all in this 'life' together and we all have struggles and pain, yet somehow we arrive at church with great pretense and our personal spiritual masks firmly in place.

Please read this well known verse very slowly and see what God is revealing to you today.

“A new command I give you:
Love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know
 that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Living in Community

Living in any community is not always easy. Even in a small group of people (family sized) there will always be something that will cause us frustration. The same applies in churches, schools, places of work and social clubs - little irritations crop up which cause us to pull away from these groups of people for a while. 

In the end, it is the desire to belong and be connected, that draws us back into community again. We were designed to be in community! As Trevor Hudson remarked – “Clearly, the climate for growth and deepening in discipleship is community. We can’t become the people God created us to be without experiencing divine and human relationships.”

      Solomon agreed. He wrote “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

      Living in Grace

     D3LM3

You can't do it on your own

The message of the world is: "You can do it alone! You are strong enough! Believe in yourself!"
While, there is a lot of merit in having a positive attitude, the message of the Gospel is that we CAN'T do it alone.
We need one another.
We need to rely on Jesus.
Our Salvation is not dependent on our own ability.

All these things are not a sign of weakness, but rather of trusting in the strength of God and of being part of the body of Christ. 

Jean Vanier once marked - "Life comes from the recognition that I CAN'T do it on my own."

Next time you are tempted to 'go it along' ask yourself if that is for the best? Is this what God would want from you? Is there someone you can ask to help you?

1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Waking up with this thought

Each morning we wake up with either one of the following two thoughts:

What will I reap?         OR

What will I sow?

If will either be, "What can others do for me today?"

OR "What can I do for others? How can I add value to the lives of other people?"

I pray that more and more of us will wake up thinking, planning and trying to 'sow' into the lives of others. Just remember that we may not get instant results, but God has that all in His control.

Hosea 10:12 - Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

  

2 Corinthians 9:6 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Together we CAN

Individuals can make a difference in society, but entire Communities can change the world. I really believe this and so in 4 weeks time I am going to be joining a team of people to swim in the 8 Mile challenge again. We will swim in all 8 events at the Midmar Mile (11-12 February) and I will be raising funds for the Ezemvelo Wildlands Trust (specifically for the Save the Rhino foundation).

I know that it is a bad time of the year, but if you feel you can help in anyway, please get in touch with me. To make it much SIMPLER this year, you can go to this website and follow the easy steps to make a contribution. It takes about 30 seconds. Even if you can't make a monetary donation, please say a prayer for us. We will need it :)

Thanks for your continued support and prayers. God bless you.

“It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Living in Grace
D3LM3

It stopped me in my tracks!

It stopped me in the my tracks.... literally!

I was walking along a path this morning when I saw a familiar sight, but this time it had the power to stop and make me stare. It was a team of tiny ants carrying a massive insect to their nest. The insect was at least 100 times bigger than one of the individual ants, but TOGETHER they managed to carry the larger insect.

This all to familiar story reminds us of the power of working as team. We can try and do things by ourselves, but in the end, it doesn't work. We need each other and the support of friends, all pulling in the same direction.

What are you doing at the moment that needs a 'team of friends' to help? Are you going to ask for help, or are you just going to try and tug at the 'huge insect' by yourself? The one thing you will get with that option is a sore back and a depressed outlook.

Try the TEAM option. Jesus did - and it worked for Him.

Luke 9:1 - "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases..."

Mother Theresa -  “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Ask for help

We have become very independent people! We like to know that we can cope with any situation and asking for help is not the cool thing to do. In fact, somewhere along the line, we have convinced ourselves that needing help is a sign of weakness.

I want to say that this is utter garbage! If we believe that we have all things figured out and that
don't need to ask for help, then we border on arrogance. Every human people needs help at some stage in our lives - I think that God created us to be dependent on the love and support of our communities.

Even if we look at the beginning and end of our existence - when we come into the world as tiny babies we need people around us to help us - we won't survive if these care-givers aren't there for us. However, the same applies for when we are old and frail - we need people around to help and care for us. This is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of healthy community.

So, if you are sitting in a troublesome situation today, I urge you to ask for help. Don't worry about what others may think - they are probably also seeking help, but are too proud to ask someone.

Matthew 7:7 -[ Effective Prayer ] “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

What we can learn from Dolphins

On Sunday I got to witness something that I will never forget as long as I live. We witnessed sardines being forced into a bait ball by a pod of dolphins and then watched as the dolphins came in to feed on the masses of fish. I have seen this on TV before, but never in real life. It was truly amazing.

The team work of the dolphins was incredible - it was so well orchestrated and it showed that they were really working together for the common good. It would have been a complete failure if each Dolphin had said to the others, "Hey, let's each fend for ourselves!" Sure, they would have eaten a few fish, but they would never have had as much success as they did as a TEAM.

We are easily tempted to do LIFE on our own. We think that we don't need help or anyone else to support us in our ventures, but we do. Christianity knew nothing of solitary faith for nearly 3 Centuries. It was only later that Christians moved out of community to find 'peace' with God in the desert. Yet, even when the Monks moved away from the temptations of the city, many of them joined together to work as a team - to be in community.

·         Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

As you go through your day, see how you can support someone else and if you need help, don't be afraid to ask someone.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Join the Fun

We are having our annual Night Market on Friday, from 4 - 8pm. If you are in the Pietermaritzburg area please stop by and support the event. There will be loads of awesome things on the go - and these will be catering for all ages. There are loads of interesting stalls and plenty of good food. Just come and be part of the vibe.

If you aren't in the area, please do us a favour? Pray that the rain doesn't hamper the event - it seems that every year the elements test our patience, so we could do with the prayers :) Thanks.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Wow, you shop here!?

I was taken aback yesterday when, while shopping at Pick 'n Pay, I bumped into someone from another Church community. As Pietermaritzburg is a small city, we have known each other for a few years, despite worshipping at different churches. It was his comment that caught me by surprise. He said: "It is so good to see you shopping in the community that you work in!"

I thought to myself, "Huh? What do you mean? I always shop here!"

But, then he followed up with another comment: "It makes you more in touch with your people - they see you are human. You don't often see pastors doing that!"

And then he carried on with his shopping, while I was left scratching my head.

These are a few of my quick observations on his remarks:

1. It is right to 'shop' in the community in which you work. I have many 'ministry' moments in the shopping aisles and yes I believe it makes you more 'human.'

2. God wants all believers to be present in the world, not hiding in the church.

3. It does make it tricky as to what I put into my shopping trolley - someone may just be watching me:)

4. I am blessed to have many colleagues (in different churches too) who are 'human' and 'vulnerable' before their congregations. Most pastors know their 'frailties' only too well.

5. Some people won't make an appointment to come and see you at the office, but they are willing to pour out their hearts in the dairy/bakery/perishable sections of the shopping centre.

6. I need to spend more time walking up and down the aisles of shopping centres - I may just be surprised who I meet.

7. Church happens anywhere you want it to happen!

Remember, Jesus said to us: "GO into all the world and make disciples of all nations..."

See you at the shops!!!

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Emmaus Walk

In one of his post Resurrection appearances Jesus encounters the 2 men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24). As Jesus shares about his life and death, the two men suddenly become aware of who he is and their lives are changed. It is such a wonderful story to read and if you haven't read it before, please read it today - I have attached it at the bottom of this post.

Today, I have the privilege of going on an Emmaus Walk and will be sharing with many wonderful people from around Kwazulu Natal. The Emmaus movement began as a weekend of spiritual renewal, offering people a chance to encounter Jesus, along similar lines to the 2 men in Luke 24. It is such a blessed weekend and we would covet your prayers for all of us who are leading/attending this time away.

If you have even been on an Emmaus Walk please reply to this post and let me know of your stories from the weekend - I would love to hear them.

May we all walk close to Jesus today and tune our ears to hear his voice.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

On the Road to Emmaus

¹³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles^[a] from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; ¹⁶ but they were kept from recognizing him.
¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. ¹⁸ One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
¹⁹ “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. ²⁰ The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; ²¹ but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. ²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
²⁵ He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

True Church - my Hill 2 Hill experience

On Saturday I got to experience what it means to be "True Church" and yes, it didn't even happen anywhere near a Church building. It actually happened while we were busy riding our Hill2Hill bike challenge.

The day began well for all of us and after a smooth registration, most of us headed off in the final batch of the race. Besides a few interesting moments, most of the initial kilometers went by without a hitch, but that's when things began to change for me.

It could have been the side-effects of the flu, but my body started to really struggle around the 15 km mark. Initially, it was just a little cramp, but then the rest of my body started to say, "Howzit!" With the help of my team mates I managed to get through another 15km's, but by the time I reached 30km, I knew it was unwise to carry on - every muscle in my legs decided to cramp at the same time. So, very reluctantly I swallowed my pride (hard for a man to do) and caught a lift to the finish with my friend Pete. He was very understanding and encouraging - I felt cared for.

My greatest memory will be how brilliant my team mates were on the race. They knew I was in serious pain and they encouraged me every 'pedal' of the way. They offered to walk/ride with me - they helped me with medicine, liquids and many kind words - we even had a few laughs together.

It reminded my of what our church communities must be like - helping each other to get to the finish line. The journey is tough and filled with many challenges, but we can get so much further when we help each other. That's why God created us to be in community.

So, in the end, I didn't make it .... but it wasn't for a lack of care and encouragement. However, I will get back on the bike and ride again. So, thanks again to all my TEAM MATES and to all of you for the prayers. We have surpassed our fundraising goal for the Eden Kids project and that has made it all worthwhile.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "So encourage each other to build each other up..."

"The Church is not a gallery for the better exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones." - HENRY WARD BEECHER

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Hill 2 Hill

I don't ever do this, but I want to let you know about an awesome project we are supporting. It involves me getting into cycling shorts and trying to ride a bicycle. Here is the story...

...I have joined a crazy group of people (most of us linked in with Wesley Methodist), in a challenge to ride the Hill2Hill mountain bike race on the 14th of September. The challenge is to complete the hectic 45km route (from Cato Ridge to Hillcrest), in aid of a local charity called Eden Kids.

We are hoping to raise enough money for them so that they can continue the great work they do with the children from the 'Jika Joe'  informal settlement. Please visit their website to get a better understanding of who they are and what they do - Joel Ruttenberg is the founder of the Project. You can find them at : http://edenkids.weebly.com

The idea is that each rider raises a minimum of R500 towards the Kids project - in this way we get to bless them and help the ministry. As you know Mountain biking is not my main 'spiritual gift', but I am really keen to help out these kids, so please help us meet our target. I am hoping to raise way more than the minimum amount.

If you would like to make a contribution to Eden Kids, you can do so online at: http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/hill2hill-4-edenkids

Thanks for taking the time to read this - even if you can help with a small amount, that will be much appreciated.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Only 1

I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but
I can do something.
And what I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do, by the 
Grace of God, I shall do.
- Edward Everett Hale

Let's do what we can. Our contribution will make a difference. Trust God for the results, but let's at least bring our gifts to the table.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Interesting place to begin

When Paul wrote his instructions about worship to Timothy, he started with these words:
"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." (1 Timothy 2:1)

1. Pray for all people
2. Ask God to help them
3. Intercede for them
4. Give thanks for them

Now there is something practical and inspiring to do. Enjoying praying for others.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Seminar

We are on a minister's seminar at the moment. Usually I don't enjoy
these kind of things, but this year has been awesome! Rev Trevor Hudson
has been leading our sessions and it has been inspirational.
He used a quote today which is worth sharing:

"The Christian who has stopped listening to their neighbour, will soon
be deaf to God!" - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

What are thoughts on that, especially in light of Jesus' call
for us to love our neighbours?

God be with you,
Living in Grace,
D3LM3