Disorientated by Joy

There have been times in my life where I have been disorientated by stress, fear and even despair. Sadly, these times have far exceeded the number of times I have been 'disorientated by joy'. I am not sure if you know what I mean - where joy overwhelms your senses to the point where you lose track of time and place.

I think the Resurrection must have been such a moment for the disciples. The appearances of Jesus must have left them reeling in such an amazing way, that perhaps they lost track of time for a few moments.

"And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement..." - Luke 24:44

I am sure that they kept saying - "I can't believe it! I can't believe it! Jesus is back from the dead."
Joy and amazement left them unable to comprehend what was happening - disorientated by Joy.

May God fill you with Joy today

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Hands that bring change

God's hands can bring about change. Just when we think that all is lost, we must remember that God can do anything. Don't be too dispondent. Don't give up.

"The disciples had seen the strong hands of God twist the crown of thorns into a crown of glory, and in hands as strong as that they knew themselves safe..." - Dorothy Sayers

You are safe in the hands of God.

Living in Grace
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Plant the Cross

The Cross was planted into the ground at Golgotha. The soldiers made sure that the holes were deep enough, so that the crosses would take the weight of a man. I wonder if they had to dig a deeper hole for Jesus' cross? After all the cross was not just carry his weight, but also the burden of my sin and yours - it must have been a deep, deep hole.

"As you gaze upon the cross, and long for conformity to him, be not weary or fearful because you cannot express in words what you seek. Ask him to plant the cross in your heart. Believe in him, the crucified and now living one, to dwell within you, and breathe his own mind there." - Andrew Murray

Thank you Jesus for being willing to carry the burden on my sin. I am forever indebted to you. May my life reflect my love for you.

Living in Grace
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God's thirst

"How do you approach the thirst of Jesus? Only one secret - the closer you come to Jesus, the better you will know His thirst. Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor - He knows your weakness, He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you." - Mother Teresa

Is it possible that when Jesus said on the cross, "I am thirsty" that he was speaking of his thirst to love us and to pour out his grace upon us?

Just wondering?!

Living in Grace
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Choose Life

In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses reminds us that we have choice to make in all aspects of our lives. He urges us to CHOOSE LIFE. This great challenge is going to be the theme of our Mission weekend from the 20-22 April 2012. If you would like to know more details about what's happening please check out this link

Just in case you can't click on that link, here is a brief overview:

Friday Evening - Arise Band, with Matt Lewis sharing a message - 7pm
Saturday Morning - Breakfast with Aaron McILroy (Comedian) - 8am (there is a cost for this event and booking essential)
Sunday services - Michael Cassidy will be sharing with us and the Fox-Fire Ministry team will be meeting with the kids at the Family service.

If you can't be with us, please pray for the whole weekend. We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Living in Grace
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God knows

"The Passion of Christ is comfort for us.
He comforts us readily and kindly and says:
All will be well, and every kind of thing will be well." - Julian of Norwich

We shared in a very difficult funeral this morning. It was hard to find words to express comfort to the family, especially considering the tradegy of the young woman's death. In the end, the best thing we could do was to remind them of Jesus' love and his death on the Cross. Our God knows what it is like to suffer loss and to grieve. Holy Week is another reminder that despite our pain and despair, Jesus understands and that in the end 'all can be well.'

Be blessed and don't forget to show your love to those nearest to you.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Palm Sunday's message for you

We have all had Palm Sunday moments in our lives - tasting the applause of the crowds, feeling the glow of appreciation - basically, basking in life. We are all happy to enjoy these moments, but when our 'Palm Sunday' quickly moves to the betrayal of the cross, we are not so chuffed anymore. However, our litmus test comes in how we handle the changes in our lives. Do we give up, or can we see God's bigger picture in these situations.


"Practically everyone has known the taste of Palm Sunday, the sweetness of success and popularity, and nearly all of us have tasted the bitterness of Good Friday, of failure and rejection. What saves us from an endless round of ups and downs, what frees us from the tyranny of events over which we have no control is our commitment to press forward in obedience to God -it is trust in God's love to bring about Easter morning, - knowing that the meaning of life is to be found in the knowledge and love of God,- and in sharing that knowledge and love with those who accompany us on the way." - Rev. Richard J. Fairchild

Living in Grace
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