The Hour that changes everything

The Hour that changes everything is a book written by John van de Laar. In this great book, John challenges us to contemplate why and how we worship God, and how our worship changes our lives.
If worship is just a selfish attempt to feel good, then we really are missing the whole point. John writes:
 
“We strive for worship to transform us so that we live lifestyles of Christ-likeness.” 

If we see the Sunday gathering as just an hour to check in with God, then we miss the real power in our worship. Worship services can change our lives and ultimately change the way we live for Jesus.

We are privileged to have John sharing at our services on Sunday, as well as leading a worship workshop for our local Circuit. John will also be speaking at a Youth Event on Friday, as well as sharing his testimony at our men's breakfast on Saturday. Join us if you can - every event is free:)

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Obstacles or NO

When we face obstacles in our lives one of the hardest things to discern is, whether this is God's answer of 'No' or whether this is just an obstacle to grow our faith. Each situation is different and should be prayed about separately, but we should recognise that God can say 'WAIT' or even 'NO.'
He may have put an obstacle in our way for a very good reason.

In my devotion this morning, the Our Daily Bread included the story of Balaam (Numbers 22) and this great quote:

"Balaam's story teaches us that not every obstacle is meant to be overcome. Some are placed by God to keep us from doing something foolish. When our plans are hindered, we shouldn't assume that it is satan trying to stop us. IT MIGHT BE GOD TRYING TO PROTECT US."

Pray for wisdom, my friends.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Born on this day...

It is believed that Thomas Aquinas was born on the 28 January 1225 AD. He was later declared a Saint, although some could argue that point. On the whole he contributed so much to the formation of our Christian Theology and faith. He was a prolific writer and some of his famous words include:

"If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. " 

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. "

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship."

Enjoy these quotes and be blessed today.

Why not pray this Scripture verse throughout the day... 

Psalm 27:4-5 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.  For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Phone, Facebook and Twitter

I stumbled across this inspiring quote today. It made me smile, but I fully appreciate the serious truth in these words.

God has no phone, but I still talk to him.
He has no Facebook, but I am still his friend.
He doesn't have Twitter, but I still follow Him.

Do you own a phone?  
Are you still talking with God?

Are you on Facebook?
Would you include God as one of your friends - bear in mind that all your Facebook friends would then read Jesus' posts too?

Do you Tweet?  
Would you be happy to allow God to follow you and read your Tweets?

(if you are not on Facebook or Twitter, then ask your grandchildren to help with my last 2 thoughts:)

Worth thinking about!

Be blessed

Living in Grace
D3LM3

I can't decide for you

I can't make a decision for you - you will have to step up and make a decision by yourself. 

I am talking about choosing to follow God in 2013. 

Jesus invites us all to join him and to be part of his movement, but he never forces us to reply to the invitation.

Even though I may not be able to decide for you, I need to tell you that I have chosen to follow Jesus...God can count me in. 

We have chosen to echo the words of Joshua - 

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15

Let me know what your decision is sometime....thanks.

"To follow Jesus implies that we enter into a way of life that is given character and shape and direction by the one who calls us. To follow Jesus means picking up rhythms and ways of doing things that are often unsaid but always derivative from Jesus, formed by the influence of Jesus. To follow Jesus means that we can't separate what Jesus is saying from what Jesus is doing and the way that he is doing it. To follow Jesus is as much, or maybe even more, about feet as it is about ears and eyes" - The Way of Jesus, Eugene H. Peterson.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Follow where God leads

What are you focusing on at the moment? It we have nothing to keep us focussed then there is a strong chance we will go off course. And then when God calls us to follow in a particular direction we may be reluctant to obey.

"Those who catch the vision are ready to follow the Lamb wherever He leads, and as they follow, in this spirit of joyful adventure, their path becomes clear before them and they are given power to fulfill their high calling.” - Amy Carmichael

May God grant you power to follow His leading and to fulfil his calling for your life.

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

The heat is on....

With the ridiculous heat wave we have been facing in Pietermaritzburg today (over 40 degrees) I felt we needed a few 'heat' quotes to mull over:

"One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels. The thing to do is to supply light and not heat. " - Woodrow Wilson

"I think it's really great when you stand up for something that you really believe, even if you get heat for it." - Christina Aguilera

• Psalm 32:4 - "For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer."

But with God there is help in the times of 'heat...

• Isaiah 25:4  - You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.

May you know the refreshing presence of Jesus in your life...

Living in Grace

D3LM3