How do you operate?

As individuals we respond to things in contrasting ways. Some of us need guidance, accountability and direction. Others of us, like to be free agents, making our own choices, without the need of a support structure. Personally I think that both options, when taken to the extreme, can be harmful.

For me, I need the freedom to be 'ME', but I also need the input, care and guidance from others.

What about you?

Ecclesiastes 4:10 - If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Miracle in the Andes

I have just finished reading an inspiring book entitled 'Miracle in the Andes'. It is the story of how members of a Uruguayan Rugby team miraculously survived for 72 days in the Andes. If there ever was a story that motivates one to appreciate life, this is it. You can read more about it here.

As much as I enjoy reading a variety of books (as do most of you), let us not forget the importance of reading and reflecting on the Bible. Every page is filled with an image of God - it teaches us more about how awesome our God is. Sure, there will be sections that make us scratch our heads, but that's part of the mystery of the Scriptures.

Deuteronomy 29:29 - "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Staring at the Wall

Sometimes life seems as if it is looming large over us (just like the wall in the picture). This is when we need to step back and see how big our God is - even the 'wall' looming large over us, is tiny in comparison with the might of God.

2 Samuel 22:30 - "With your help I can advance against a troop ; with my God I can scale a wall."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Photo courtesy of www.gettyimages.com

Why I don't like to make decisions on Mondays!

My secret is exposed - I don't like to make decisions on Mondays!
And here is the simple reason why...

On Mondays I usually feel spiritually, emotionally and physically exhausted. Leading services on Sundays may not seem that draining, but it is hard to explain how one truly feels at the end of the day.

So, in order not to make a really dumb decision, I choose to ride out the Monday blues and then try and make rational decisions later on in the week. Weird, I know, but that's me!

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

Do you have a bad 'decision' day?

Rest in God's Grace,
D3LM3

Thanks to www.remainsofthedesi.files.wordpress.com for the photo.

The point of no return

When Julius Caesar crossed over the Rubicon on the 10th January 49 BC, he made a conscious decision to pass the 'point of no return.' His action systematically declared war on Rome and history was changed forever.

The same thing happened to the Israelites when they crossed over the Jordan river (Joshua 3) - life would never be the same again for them.

I am sure that both Caesar and Joshua had moments of doubt, fear and uncertainty, yet they still crossed over the rivers. As we gaze out into 2010, we will all come to places of decision. We will have to decide to go over or to remain on the shore of safety.

What will it take for us to venture into the river? A promise, a threat, a command. How about this...

"Be strong and courageous..." - Joshua 1:6

"I claim no right to myself - I have given myself clear away and retained nothing as my own." - Jonathan Edwards

I am crossing the river. Come and join me!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

P.S. Photo from www.engagingconflicts.com

Best and worst jobs

In today's paper they included an interesting article on 20 of the best and worst jobs to have in 2010. While I realise that they are only the opinion of some researchers, they do make intriguing reading. I will just include the first five...

Best jobs
1. Actuary
2. Software engineer
3. Computer systems analyst
4. Biologist
5. Historian

Worst jobs
1. Roustabout
2. Lumberjack
3. Iron worker
4. Dairy farmer
5. Welder

As a Pastor I fit into neither the top 20 best or worst jobs. Go figure!

Whatever work you do, let's consider ourselves blessed to have work. Perhaps we could learn from Paul in terms of our attitude towards our work.

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Photo thanks to www.bigfoto.com

Crossing our Jordan

I'm going to be dealing with Crossing our Jordan on Sunday. Just as the Israelites needed to cross over the Jordan to enter the promised land, so we sometimes have to overcome obstacles in our lives, in order to move with God.

Just before they reached the river, God encouraged them with these words -

Joshua 1:6 – “Be strong and Courageous…”

When God calls, we need to rely on the Spirit to give us the strength and courage to cross our 'Jordan.'

Jean Paul Richter – “Courage does not mean to blindly ignore danger, but to spot and conquer it.”

Moving from our comfort zones is never easy, but often it is necessary. What is your Jordan?

Live in Grace,
D3LM3

Thanks for photo of Jordan River