The other day 3 powerful quotes started off my quiet time...here they are:
"Availability is better than ability for God." Women in Christ
"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." Mother Theresa
"From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny." In Christ Alone
Re-cap of my game plan:
- Waiting on the Lord
- Endurance
- Truthful speech
- Effective prayer
Quiet time title: Courage in Crossing the River
Exodus 14: 5 - 18
Hebrews 13: 6
So, my 4 game plan steps have been established, recognized and is currently being implemented. Not as easy as it looks but I onward march!
Oh, the Lord is so active and alive in my life and my spirit - I praise Him for this unbreakable relationship we have. He chose me and I rejoice at the fact that He calls me friend.
It filters through every area of my life and illuminates things beautiful. He is LIGHT and whatever is in darkness shall come to light. I see daily why it's important to have a game plan - it highlights commitment. Every single Christian, no matter your age, title, gender, denomination, you need to stay committed to the Most High.
In this new month I am finding that the word courage is becoming more known to me.
What does it mean to have courageous courage?Off-course I had to ask the Lord and He answered, taking me back to the O.T., to the book of Exodus.
A story that highlights this "courageous courage" for me is when Moses and his people needed to cross the dead sea.
There's just so much to unpack in this story - for starters, can you imagine what they felt? Can you imagine their facial expressions when Moses commanded them with words from the Lord? Fear. Anxiety. Hopelessness. Doubt. Irritation. Anger.
For people like me who like adrenalin sport, well, this is sure to turn up the adrenalin levels in my body. Flight or fight mode?
Pity they didn't have surf boards invented then!
1) God is always at work - He NEVER stops! In vs 8 we see that the Lord already hardened the heart of Pharoah.
2) In vs 17 + 18 God reveals His plan to Moses about hardening Pharoah's heart. Why? Bigger plan. So that they may know HE IS LORD & not just know but BELIEVE IT!
3) In vs 13 + 14 Moses now has FULL FAITH in God as he encourages his people who have no faith at all but he does this boldly and with a great conviction.
Surely the Lord does keep to His Word, right Moses?
4) vs 15 + 16 Why I say conviction is because Moses then approaches the Lord after encouraging the Israelites (I sense that he also begins to doubt because the people are probably upset and have no capacity to trust anymore. Moses being the leader is now on shaky ground, we can all relate, conviction may be rattling a bit, doubt may be creeping in to downsize the faith level but does his commitment still outshine like the brightest star?). We face crossing the river daily - be it at work, in your family, job, life, church....drastic measures are to be taken but am I equipped to take those measures?
Daddy answers Moses with such ease, "Moses, why are you crying out to me?....."
It's as if Moses should KNOW and have that full faith in God, knowing that He keeps to His promise when we remain obedient and available.
I can count on fingers, toes, pegs and paper how many times Daddy's answered me with ease too, "Satya, what are you on about girl!"
Moses totally lacks in ability, we know this but his availability is what Daddy grasps onto, even when Moses finds himself on Doubting Island.
What does it mean to stand firm?
What would it be like to be told that Daddy will fight for you, just be quiet, meanwhile everything around you is falling apart?
What am I doing to stand firm?
What area do I need to work on in my faith knowing that the Lord is in full control, not half or partial but FULL CONTROL?
Hebrew 13:6 I turned to before reading this story and Daddy sums up today's quiet time in such an amazing way. He kinda gives me the end result before He takes me down this road of courage. "Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mad do to me?"
I stand firm with courageous courage, knowing He is the author and creator of my destiny. He's gone ahead.....I remain available.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Captain Courageous
Reading a popular health magazine, I came across SA's Hockey Captain, Marsha Marescia, and her interview with the magazine. She shared some helpful tips on being a captain that I would like to share with you.
First I need you to take a moment to realize that we are all leaders in our own way, some have big roles, other's smaller and for some, in quiet, simple ways. I call them the "unrecognized" leaders. Those are the ones that teach us their biggest dream is their smallest achievement.
You don't just need to be a captain in sport but in your daily walk with Christ and with people. It's about team work. Not self.
We see clearly that Jesus didn't rely on self to accomplish all He had, He formed a team, He taught accountability, He taught them how the game plan works.
Knowing that we could be the only walking, talking bible His children may encounter, how do we use this gift of salvation? Does it brightly shine among our own as well as for the rest of the world?
Marsha shares 5 points, here they are.
Are you ready to cross the river with me?
First I need you to take a moment to realize that we are all leaders in our own way, some have big roles, other's smaller and for some, in quiet, simple ways. I call them the "unrecognized" leaders. Those are the ones that teach us their biggest dream is their smallest achievement.
You don't just need to be a captain in sport but in your daily walk with Christ and with people. It's about team work. Not self.
We see clearly that Jesus didn't rely on self to accomplish all He had, He formed a team, He taught accountability, He taught them how the game plan works.
Knowing that we could be the only walking, talking bible His children may encounter, how do we use this gift of salvation? Does it brightly shine among our own as well as for the rest of the world?
Marsha shares 5 points, here they are.
- Know when to follow. You can't always lead.
- Be selfless and put everyone else first.
- Showing passion for the team and for what you do together helps to motivate them & you
- Be selfless and put everyone else first.
- Showing passion for the team and for what you do together helps to motivate them & you
- Acknowledge your weaknesses. It allows other strong members of the team to take on leadership roles.
- When the going gets tough, remind the team of their goals and commit yourself 100% to what you do. Your passion and your hard work will inspire the team to keep trying.
My encouragement to you would be to adapt these points to your current walk with Daddy.
My encouragement to you would be to adapt these points to your current walk with Daddy.
Evaluate where you are right now. Take time to evaluate.
Evaluation allows you to re-focus, plan, set goals, hear and know.
It's better to give than to receive, count it a true blessing fellow saints.
Determination builds courage.......and so this month, Daddy takes me down the road of COURAGE.
Evaluation allows you to re-focus, plan, set goals, hear and know.
It's better to give than to receive, count it a true blessing fellow saints.
Determination builds courage.......and so this month, Daddy takes me down the road of COURAGE.
Are you ready to cross the river with me?
Watch this space!
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Pray Right
Recently I had a conversation with an
elderly lady who shared her medical history and health problems with me.
I was amazed by 2 things in the conversation, which challenged me as well:
I was amazed by 2 things in the conversation, which challenged me as well:
1) Her mind-set
2) Who exactly is Daddy in her life?
Being created in His image for His purpose is a high calling, no matter who you are and no matter what your rank is. That points out responsibility as a Christian.
You don't have to be a pastor to be extra blessed by the Lord Himself. You don't need to perform a certain amount of "acts of kindness" before He decides to grant you the desires of your heart. He simply longs for a relationship with you, so that you can understand the plans He has for you.
After being told about her medical history, I questioned her choice as to how she's made a difference in her life since finding out her diagnosis. Not much changed on her part, she has chosen to continue in her old lifestyle and not make a difference to her health, even by a tiny margin and she knows she's chosen wrong and doesn't really care about it. Okay Lord, why am I in this conversation? People, health and vitality are my passion - it totally breaks my heart when people have the capacity to make the right choices but choose not to.
I was then told by her, "pray for God to heal me from this."
I stood dumb-founded as I heard her request. As I let her words sink in, the Holy Spirit prompted me in a different way (now this is me stepping way out my comfort zone). That's when I realized, that's not the prayer she needs right now.
I ended the conversation asking myself: Why is it that people harbor their sickness in their bodies and decide not to change their lifestyle or attitude or even attempt to make the most out of their situation, despite it being a sickly one, and choose to make small decisions daily, which impacts them on a bigger scale and for the long-run?
It doesn't have to be drastic or expensive changes, it simply starts from the heart and mind = choice.
I decided to pray instead for wisdom for this dear lady, not healing, as instructed by the Lord. Wisdom to know the difference and courage to make the right decisions. Oh and boldness for her to step out and choose to make a difference in her life.
2) Who exactly is Daddy in her life?
Being created in His image for His purpose is a high calling, no matter who you are and no matter what your rank is. That points out responsibility as a Christian.
You don't have to be a pastor to be extra blessed by the Lord Himself. You don't need to perform a certain amount of "acts of kindness" before He decides to grant you the desires of your heart. He simply longs for a relationship with you, so that you can understand the plans He has for you.
After being told about her medical history, I questioned her choice as to how she's made a difference in her life since finding out her diagnosis. Not much changed on her part, she has chosen to continue in her old lifestyle and not make a difference to her health, even by a tiny margin and she knows she's chosen wrong and doesn't really care about it. Okay Lord, why am I in this conversation? People, health and vitality are my passion - it totally breaks my heart when people have the capacity to make the right choices but choose not to.
I was then told by her, "pray for God to heal me from this."
I stood dumb-founded as I heard her request. As I let her words sink in, the Holy Spirit prompted me in a different way (now this is me stepping way out my comfort zone). That's when I realized, that's not the prayer she needs right now.
I ended the conversation asking myself: Why is it that people harbor their sickness in their bodies and decide not to change their lifestyle or attitude or even attempt to make the most out of their situation, despite it being a sickly one, and choose to make small decisions daily, which impacts them on a bigger scale and for the long-run?
It doesn't have to be drastic or expensive changes, it simply starts from the heart and mind = choice.
I decided to pray instead for wisdom for this dear lady, not healing, as instructed by the Lord. Wisdom to know the difference and courage to make the right decisions. Oh and boldness for her to step out and choose to make a difference in her life.
Psalm 119:33 - 40 quenches the 2 things that amazed me from this conversation.
"Teach me, Lord, the meaning of Your statutes, and I will always keep them."
I am really challenged! Am I diligently seeking the Lord in my days in my current situation? Do I pray right, knowing my situation? Or is it all blaze?
Aimless prayers are easy to pray. There's just no faith attached, no feeling, no acknowledgement and definitely no intensity in praying, like I've been reminded since changing my game plan.
My struggle is to not do things on my own accord, but allow the Lord to accompany me, in everything.
We have to pray right - it proves our spiritual maturity as brothers and sisters in the Most High. I know healing will come, but first we need to achieve what the Lord needs us to in the present situation we are in.
Stand bold in prayer - it's a powerful weapon in your life - pray right!
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Why Endurance?
The word "endurance" really gripped me from last week's quiet time.
To dig in a bit more, Romans 5:1-5 highlights this beautifully.
vs 3 + 4 "but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope."
Endurance produces proven character - let that sink in for a bit.
In hardship we are really tested from all sides. We fail in some areas and totally excel in others. At times it is so easy to just throw in the towel and not care - that's when I ask myself: What does it prove about me as a person?
I can easily be blindsided and forget that endurance doesn't only test character and refines it but also says a lot about who I really am as a person.
Character displays my personal morals, values, beliefs - endurance simply enhances just the type of person I am.
Once again, Daddy teaches me why I can endure all things. "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2
Finding that I constantly remind myself of just how He wants to help me is more reassuring than idolizing my situation and hoping an answer is going to pop out and embrace me.
The very Maker of heaven and earth is here to help me endure. Say what? We talking about Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
This very fact can't just sink in for me because it's so vast to even fathom. This is the BIG MAN we are talking about - that's how intimately and personally He takes us - we haven't been created for a joke or comic session!
These days I realize more and more that Daddy isn't in the disappointing business. He's more in pouring out His love to us and wanting us to know Him more. Unfailing He is. That perfect love casts away all fears, which I am finding each day.
The endurance phase is so tough but like Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and His might power."
The Maker knows, He provides, He chips and chissels away. He allows me to prove myself so that I can grow and take on more and become His ultimate best.
How can He trust me if I keep giving up? How can He trust me to keep going no matter what the cost?
More room for Him to work....
Keep enduring. The Maker is here...
To dig in a bit more, Romans 5:1-5 highlights this beautifully.
vs 3 + 4 "but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope."
Endurance produces proven character - let that sink in for a bit.
In hardship we are really tested from all sides. We fail in some areas and totally excel in others. At times it is so easy to just throw in the towel and not care - that's when I ask myself: What does it prove about me as a person?
I can easily be blindsided and forget that endurance doesn't only test character and refines it but also says a lot about who I really am as a person.
Character displays my personal morals, values, beliefs - endurance simply enhances just the type of person I am.
Once again, Daddy teaches me why I can endure all things. "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2
Finding that I constantly remind myself of just how He wants to help me is more reassuring than idolizing my situation and hoping an answer is going to pop out and embrace me.
The very Maker of heaven and earth is here to help me endure. Say what? We talking about Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
This very fact can't just sink in for me because it's so vast to even fathom. This is the BIG MAN we are talking about - that's how intimately and personally He takes us - we haven't been created for a joke or comic session!
These days I realize more and more that Daddy isn't in the disappointing business. He's more in pouring out His love to us and wanting us to know Him more. Unfailing He is. That perfect love casts away all fears, which I am finding each day.
The endurance phase is so tough but like Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and His might power."
The Maker knows, He provides, He chips and chissels away. He allows me to prove myself so that I can grow and take on more and become His ultimate best.
How can He trust me if I keep giving up? How can He trust me to keep going no matter what the cost?
More room for Him to work....
Keep enduring. The Maker is here...
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Steps Towards A New Game Plan
This
morning I woke up feeling a lot different, knowing that changing my game plan also
means changing my attitude towards things, I feel that I have a better and
fresher perspective on things.
Fresh is always needed……being stagnant just isn’t my scene!
My first question to Daddy this morning was, “So, what’s the next step?”
I know what needs to be done but how do we get there?
It’s so easy to say that you are doing something but then end up actually doing nothing not because you gave up because you just didn’t tap into the start of something great.
I am not saying that this season is going to allow me to never face situations like this in my future but my character needs to be molded and my spiritual growth needs to be fed. I probably will handle the next season a lot different than this one, why? Simple. Prayer.
Remember yesterday I shared on Proverbs 30:8? Well, when you ask Daddy to feed you with the food He knows is best for you, then, all I can say is open up and chew every single bite He gives you.
James 5:7-20 was my quiet time scripture this morning and steps towards changing my game plan.
Fresh is always needed……being stagnant just isn’t my scene!
My first question to Daddy this morning was, “So, what’s the next step?”
I know what needs to be done but how do we get there?
It’s so easy to say that you are doing something but then end up actually doing nothing not because you gave up because you just didn’t tap into the start of something great.
I am not saying that this season is going to allow me to never face situations like this in my future but my character needs to be molded and my spiritual growth needs to be fed. I probably will handle the next season a lot different than this one, why? Simple. Prayer.
Remember yesterday I shared on Proverbs 30:8? Well, when you ask Daddy to feed you with the food He knows is best for you, then, all I can say is open up and chew every single bite He gives you.
James 5:7-20 was my quiet time scripture this morning and steps towards changing my game plan.
A
few steps are found in this over-read book but I certainly didn’t find them
steps before. It was more encouraging
scriptures.
1) Waiting on the Lord
Patience and strengthening of our hearts. What exactly goes down in our waiting period? For me it’s keeping busy to not waste an opportunity.
2) Endurance through every season
It highlights Job’s situation and also Daddy’s character: He is VERY compassionate and merciful. Do I show endurance through my seasons? For me, it’s not always a yes.
3) Effective Prayer
Praying in faith, praying for one another, so that healing may happen (in every area of your life, not just being sick) and pray intensely!
Verse 16 highlights that the intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful, not just powerful but VERY.
I easily find myself waiting on Daddy but in the wrong way. Not edifying patience but impatience and not strengthening my heart but trying to be busy so that I feel I haven’t wasted a day or moment.
When last have I ever focused on the word “endure”? Not in a long time until this morning. What an amazing trait to tie with your journey, endurance.
This then took me down memory lane since I first became a Christian and I embraced myself with Daddy’s compassion and mercy in these last 15 years – it’s endless and He continues to be who He is! Amen.
My prayer life did take a back seat, I won’t lie. Yeah, I’d pray but intensely? No. And what about faith? Sure.
This fed my spirit as warfare is all around me and how I go about praying for it is a bit too relaxed, I won’t lie. I got to admit, this is almost like an energy drink for my spirit. I am pumped to give it another shot!
There’s just so much to share on His discipleship.
Patience and strengthening of our hearts. What exactly goes down in our waiting period? For me it’s keeping busy to not waste an opportunity.
2) Endurance through every season
It highlights Job’s situation and also Daddy’s character: He is VERY compassionate and merciful. Do I show endurance through my seasons? For me, it’s not always a yes.
3) Effective Prayer
Praying in faith, praying for one another, so that healing may happen (in every area of your life, not just being sick) and pray intensely!
Verse 16 highlights that the intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful, not just powerful but VERY.
I easily find myself waiting on Daddy but in the wrong way. Not edifying patience but impatience and not strengthening my heart but trying to be busy so that I feel I haven’t wasted a day or moment.
When last have I ever focused on the word “endure”? Not in a long time until this morning. What an amazing trait to tie with your journey, endurance.
This then took me down memory lane since I first became a Christian and I embraced myself with Daddy’s compassion and mercy in these last 15 years – it’s endless and He continues to be who He is! Amen.
My prayer life did take a back seat, I won’t lie. Yeah, I’d pray but intensely? No. And what about faith? Sure.
This fed my spirit as warfare is all around me and how I go about praying for it is a bit too relaxed, I won’t lie. I got to admit, this is almost like an energy drink for my spirit. I am pumped to give it another shot!
There’s just so much to share on His discipleship.
Yesterday
Daddy highlighted the importance of how to use my time and simply seeking His
provision in this area has just grounded me even more in His capability of knowing what’s needed for me in this very
moment.
As a newly married couple, I strongly encourage you to pray for one another, in faith, with intensity and allow Daddy to heal, restore, revive and renew.
I usually run between 2km – 5km a day and the one thing you need, especially when it’s been a tough day, is endurance. You know you almost done but you need to endure and keep the pace.
When you are competing as an athlete, you focus on the prize, the finish line.
Embrace to endure your situation and seek His good and pleasing will for your life.
Praying for the persecuted, it’s easy to let emotion and sympathy flood our minds and question Daddy on this harsh reality but the more I tap into it I know that my life isn’t my own anymore and neither is there’s. A life of edifying His love is what it’s all about and allowing His scriptures to come to pass, which is evident physically in this day and age and not just some myth in an old book.
I know where I am headed, I have no doubts…….this time on earth will pass but how I live this time on earth is the important part.
My game plan is being mapped out. All I need to do is equip myself and keep training.
Armor yourselves & continue to love…..
As a newly married couple, I strongly encourage you to pray for one another, in faith, with intensity and allow Daddy to heal, restore, revive and renew.
I usually run between 2km – 5km a day and the one thing you need, especially when it’s been a tough day, is endurance. You know you almost done but you need to endure and keep the pace.
When you are competing as an athlete, you focus on the prize, the finish line.
Embrace to endure your situation and seek His good and pleasing will for your life.
Praying for the persecuted, it’s easy to let emotion and sympathy flood our minds and question Daddy on this harsh reality but the more I tap into it I know that my life isn’t my own anymore and neither is there’s. A life of edifying His love is what it’s all about and allowing His scriptures to come to pass, which is evident physically in this day and age and not just some myth in an old book.
I know where I am headed, I have no doubts…….this time on earth will pass but how I live this time on earth is the important part.
My game plan is being mapped out. All I need to do is equip myself and keep training.
Armor yourselves & continue to love…..
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
What's Your Game Plan?
“Don’t
give up at half time. Concentrate on
winning the second half.”
Coach Paul “Bear” Byrant
I recently decided to pick out the God’s Game Plan Bible from my book-shelf.
Coach Paul “Bear” Byrant
I recently decided to pick out the God’s Game Plan Bible from my book-shelf.
It’s
an Athlete’s Bible I purchased over a year ago but didn’t really give it much
thought when having my quiet times. I
guess this season Father wants me to dig into a different translation as I
begin to tighten up my gym schedule for a future mission trip.
On the cover it’s got a powerful verse attached, Romans 12:2 and the caption is “Change your game plan”. I love it! What’s your game plan?
If that doesn’t already interest or motivate you then I am afraid the rest of my story wouldn’t really interest you either.
Lately it’s been a bit stressful. Yip, ministry can be stressful. Many people I chat to think it is a walk in the park, easy, no stress, always surrounded by “godly” people, we have the best job in the world – where can it go wrong?
How about often and in every situation, depending on how we view it that is. It could be a complete wrong or a stepping stone of failure to learn from and better one’s self.
Conversations are extremely important in my business I need to be constantly aware of this. At times, I won’t lie; it’s easy to forget why I am doing what I am doing.
The following questions have been plaguing me recently.
Are my speeches seasoned? Do I speak on behalf of the Holy Spirit? Am I careful not to let emotions get the better of me? Do I speak to build up or break down?
Studying Proverbs 30 this morning was truly inspiring and humbling. Verse 8 stood out for me: “Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need.”
Jesus sustains us, no matter what, He sustains us as He promised and we all know that He has never broken a promise to us and is faithful in every aspect.
I’v asked the Lord to feed me with the food I need and right now it’s a lot of prayer time, submission and reflection I taste.
On the cover it’s got a powerful verse attached, Romans 12:2 and the caption is “Change your game plan”. I love it! What’s your game plan?
If that doesn’t already interest or motivate you then I am afraid the rest of my story wouldn’t really interest you either.
Lately it’s been a bit stressful. Yip, ministry can be stressful. Many people I chat to think it is a walk in the park, easy, no stress, always surrounded by “godly” people, we have the best job in the world – where can it go wrong?
How about often and in every situation, depending on how we view it that is. It could be a complete wrong or a stepping stone of failure to learn from and better one’s self.
Conversations are extremely important in my business I need to be constantly aware of this. At times, I won’t lie; it’s easy to forget why I am doing what I am doing.
The following questions have been plaguing me recently.
Are my speeches seasoned? Do I speak on behalf of the Holy Spirit? Am I careful not to let emotions get the better of me? Do I speak to build up or break down?
Studying Proverbs 30 this morning was truly inspiring and humbling. Verse 8 stood out for me: “Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need.”
Jesus sustains us, no matter what, He sustains us as He promised and we all know that He has never broken a promise to us and is faithful in every aspect.
I’v asked the Lord to feed me with the food I need and right now it’s a lot of prayer time, submission and reflection I taste.
It’s
not about the money. It’s not about the
people.
This is His way of sustaining me but the battle inside me is go go go….keep busy, make money to reach out, help, give, be here, be there, serve, make a difference, impact, change, inspire…..
It took me a while to silence this voice called busyness.
Off-course I feel like throwing in the towel. Why? Because I’v decided to do it my way and not leave room for the Holy Spirit to do it His way. I am seeing through my earthly eyes because I am in a tough situation, and the human thing to do is walk away or give-up but spiritually, it’s a lot different. You dig your heels right in and stand your ground!
I need to change my game plan and focus on the second half, which is the latter months to come. It does take a lot of endurance, renewing of the mind and transformation. Discernment for me in this season is to know the good, pleasing and perfect will of Daddy for my life. Once that’s achieved, the rest follows….
I’v got this task in my hands that at times I want to give up but I know that gold is refined with intense fire and so I remain in the Potter’s Hands.
This is His way of sustaining me but the battle inside me is go go go….keep busy, make money to reach out, help, give, be here, be there, serve, make a difference, impact, change, inspire…..
It took me a while to silence this voice called busyness.
Off-course I feel like throwing in the towel. Why? Because I’v decided to do it my way and not leave room for the Holy Spirit to do it His way. I am seeing through my earthly eyes because I am in a tough situation, and the human thing to do is walk away or give-up but spiritually, it’s a lot different. You dig your heels right in and stand your ground!
I need to change my game plan and focus on the second half, which is the latter months to come. It does take a lot of endurance, renewing of the mind and transformation. Discernment for me in this season is to know the good, pleasing and perfect will of Daddy for my life. Once that’s achieved, the rest follows….
I’v got this task in my hands that at times I want to give up but I know that gold is refined with intense fire and so I remain in the Potter’s Hands.
He
off-course sees this and I know that running this race right now is testing my
endurance and mental state. I will
remain faithful, no matter what darkness overshadows my game. There’s no giving up when He’s sustaining
you.
Be encouraged…onward march saints!
Be encouraged…onward march saints!
Friday, 14 September 2012
The Abba of Glory
This morning my friend encouraged me with Ephesians 1:15 - 23.
I couldn't help but share the Message Version with you all.
I love that the Word of the Lord is so alive and active, seasoned and anointed.....and to think it's thousands of years old!
That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask - I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength!
All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
Be encouraged with these verses.
Let your lights shine! Continue to follow and let Him reveal His heart to you.
He will instruct you and teach in the way you should go, as well as counsel and watch over you.
Let His will be done for you.
I couldn't help but share the Message Version with you all.
I love that the Word of the Lord is so alive and active, seasoned and anointed.....and to think it's thousands of years old!
That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask - I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength!
All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
Be encouraged with these verses.
Let your lights shine! Continue to follow and let Him reveal His heart to you.
He will instruct you and teach in the way you should go, as well as counsel and watch over you.
Let His will be done for you.
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Coffee & Cake
".......pray also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word." Colossians 4:3
Since embarking on my journey with this business I seriously did not expect Father to open doors as quick as He has. This is where I find myself completely humbled and also convicted of lacking zealous faith as I should. Common now, we are talking about His plans in action via you and I.....where can it go wrong?
Once upon a time it was reckless abandonment to faith. I share a common motivational quote with my fellow brothers and sisters, "where God leads you He sustains you...." and today was a "sustaining" experience for me.
Coffee and cake with a Muslim friend and dear sister was more than I expected. Father is just amazing!!!!
Pampering *Shenaaz with spa treatments, in her own home, was a door wide open to be a friend, lend an ear and offer a few enlightening moments for her to remember until we meet again.
There's just so much that goes on behind that veil, I cannot begin to explain. Beneath the piece of material that separates flesh from mankind is a normal human, woman, crying out for a friend, crying out for help.
Once, a non-Muslim man chatted to me about his dislike for women who covered themselves like "ninjas". He said he refused to help them if they could not talk to him like a proper human instead of talking through their veils, covered and weird looking.
It hurts both ways for me.
For the man above, it hurts that he cannot see beyond religion. He sees people through human eyes and not the Lord's.
For the women, it hurts that they aren't seen for who they truly are, normal women who are just obeying religious customs.
This is the beginning of my new season of unveiling what lies beneath.
Today, *Shenaaz cried out for a friend, a person she could simply share all her problems with. She didn't need advice, she just needed two ears and two arms. Listen and love.
My first lesson for ministering to Muslim women has begun. To love beyond my own limits is an extension of Father's heart for this nation.
It's not easy having to say good-bye but we both look forward to our next coffee and cake date, along with some spa treatments.
I am grateful that the Lord opened a home for where His heart wants to manifest.
To Father be the glory......
Onward march!
*Name change for security reasons*
Since embarking on my journey with this business I seriously did not expect Father to open doors as quick as He has. This is where I find myself completely humbled and also convicted of lacking zealous faith as I should. Common now, we are talking about His plans in action via you and I.....where can it go wrong?
Once upon a time it was reckless abandonment to faith. I share a common motivational quote with my fellow brothers and sisters, "where God leads you He sustains you...." and today was a "sustaining" experience for me.
Coffee and cake with a Muslim friend and dear sister was more than I expected. Father is just amazing!!!!
Pampering *Shenaaz with spa treatments, in her own home, was a door wide open to be a friend, lend an ear and offer a few enlightening moments for her to remember until we meet again.
There's just so much that goes on behind that veil, I cannot begin to explain. Beneath the piece of material that separates flesh from mankind is a normal human, woman, crying out for a friend, crying out for help.
Once, a non-Muslim man chatted to me about his dislike for women who covered themselves like "ninjas". He said he refused to help them if they could not talk to him like a proper human instead of talking through their veils, covered and weird looking.
It hurts both ways for me.
For the man above, it hurts that he cannot see beyond religion. He sees people through human eyes and not the Lord's.
For the women, it hurts that they aren't seen for who they truly are, normal women who are just obeying religious customs.
This is the beginning of my new season of unveiling what lies beneath.
Today, *Shenaaz cried out for a friend, a person she could simply share all her problems with. She didn't need advice, she just needed two ears and two arms. Listen and love.
My first lesson for ministering to Muslim women has begun. To love beyond my own limits is an extension of Father's heart for this nation.
It's not easy having to say good-bye but we both look forward to our next coffee and cake date, along with some spa treatments.
I am grateful that the Lord opened a home for where His heart wants to manifest.
To Father be the glory......
Onward march!
*Name change for security reasons*
Thursday, 6 September 2012
It's A New Season
September. Spring. Another new season embraces us, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
I have been pondering on Psalm 62 since the beginning of this month and I am going to quote from the Message, "So trust him absolutely, people, lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so, why not?"
The more I read, ponder and digest the above verses, the more and more I find myself totally depending on God in every aspect of my life. From business, relationships, ministry opportunities down to devotional time.
A year ago God was highlighting the word FAITHFUL in my heart and spirit, that He is and will forever be, no matter what life throws at me and what circumstance I find myself in. There's no doubt or question in my heart that He is faithful. I guess only He can take you on a personal journey with Him to understand His faithfulness in your life. It's built in your capacity as a human to question, challenge, inquire, decide and become but I dare you not to throw Him in a box....be challenged and stretched! You will be amazed at the outcome. Let me add, don't ever think you are ready! Change your attitude to just absorb, like a sponge would.
God's lead me to a new season indeed. I now run a business, which is my main ministry tool for reaching His beloved children. Doors are opening and daily, my prayer times are increasing because I see the work, I am in the field, I am among the lost, poor, broken, hurt, lonely.
My expectations of where my business will take us lies totally in His hands. My spirit is willing and has obeyed the call, which leads me to sharing a devotional I had on the 1st September '12 (I found it perfect timing and indeed spirit quenching):
To walk with God also means to wait on God. You may need to wait on God to fulfill a promise that He has give you.
Joseph learned what it meant to wait for God to fulfill His promise to him. Joseph waited when his brothers sold him into slavery, he waited when he was a servant in the house of an Egyptian, and he waited when he was unjustly put in prison.
While Joseph waited he never threw away the promise, and while he waited, God worked. In God's time, the day came when He fulfilled every detail of the promise He had given to Joseph.
Are you waiting on God?
Be patient, be faithful, be true.
Place all your expectations in Him, it will be worth the wait.
Be true! I love it. Just be true and be real. God already knows, He has already gone before you and the challenges He gives you is to shape you.
Solitude is critical to the formation of human character. Seek Him in every area of your life for He delights in it, down to you sipping a hot cup of coffee. The comfort you find in that cup of piping hot coffee is an extension of His love for you. The joy He feels, it's just beautiful and real.
God is always at work in and around you beloved, in unseen, unknown, unnamed, and unlikely ways.
Happy Spring!
I have been pondering on Psalm 62 since the beginning of this month and I am going to quote from the Message, "So trust him absolutely, people, lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so, why not?"
The more I read, ponder and digest the above verses, the more and more I find myself totally depending on God in every aspect of my life. From business, relationships, ministry opportunities down to devotional time.
A year ago God was highlighting the word FAITHFUL in my heart and spirit, that He is and will forever be, no matter what life throws at me and what circumstance I find myself in. There's no doubt or question in my heart that He is faithful. I guess only He can take you on a personal journey with Him to understand His faithfulness in your life. It's built in your capacity as a human to question, challenge, inquire, decide and become but I dare you not to throw Him in a box....be challenged and stretched! You will be amazed at the outcome. Let me add, don't ever think you are ready! Change your attitude to just absorb, like a sponge would.
God's lead me to a new season indeed. I now run a business, which is my main ministry tool for reaching His beloved children. Doors are opening and daily, my prayer times are increasing because I see the work, I am in the field, I am among the lost, poor, broken, hurt, lonely.
My expectations of where my business will take us lies totally in His hands. My spirit is willing and has obeyed the call, which leads me to sharing a devotional I had on the 1st September '12 (I found it perfect timing and indeed spirit quenching):
To walk with God also means to wait on God. You may need to wait on God to fulfill a promise that He has give you.
Joseph learned what it meant to wait for God to fulfill His promise to him. Joseph waited when his brothers sold him into slavery, he waited when he was a servant in the house of an Egyptian, and he waited when he was unjustly put in prison.
While Joseph waited he never threw away the promise, and while he waited, God worked. In God's time, the day came when He fulfilled every detail of the promise He had given to Joseph.
Are you waiting on God?
Be patient, be faithful, be true.
Place all your expectations in Him, it will be worth the wait.
Be true! I love it. Just be true and be real. God already knows, He has already gone before you and the challenges He gives you is to shape you.
Solitude is critical to the formation of human character. Seek Him in every area of your life for He delights in it, down to you sipping a hot cup of coffee. The comfort you find in that cup of piping hot coffee is an extension of His love for you. The joy He feels, it's just beautiful and real.
God is always at work in and around you beloved, in unseen, unknown, unnamed, and unlikely ways.
Happy Spring!
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Say what?!?
Looks can be deceiving! I've learnt over the years to not judge a book by it's cover and also not to assume things. I need not explain why but I am sure in your own terms you are able to also agree with me on these two statements.
Today I had my first encounter with a friendly, old and interesting Muslim gentleman. This isn't my usual encounter but his wife was close by, so, I was at ease, in a way.
It was interesting chatting to them about their recent celebration, Eid.
Sadly, he assumed I was Hindu and went on explaining why following man isn't right because (I quote), "In the scriptures it is written that when man is born out of a woman he is classified as a maggot. A maggot is found in trash. God himself cannot be compared to this as he is not a maggot, so, why follow man?"
I kept quiet and listened. Before I could explain my faith he then said, "Do you know that nowhere in the Hindu scriptures does it say you are not allowed to eat beef?" I then smiled and started to explain my faith and he quickly added, "Also, in the bible, they tell you not to even touch pork yet Christians eat it!" And he shook his head in disgust.
His wife hovered close by looking at our products but sharing an ear to our conversation. She didn't mention a word.
I doubt I was even going to get a word in but started to pray silently for Mr Rawat. As I looked into his eyes and heard his conversation with my heart, a deep compassion filled my spirit. Nothing stopped me from praying and I obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
His last input was, "When Jesus turned over the tables in the temple it was because the people were selling things with interest, that's why he was so angered!"
With raised eye-brows I stood shocked at the way that small chapter was explained to me. I never quite looked at it that way but it's definitely not the last time I will hear of it this way, no doubt. He off-course did not allow me to speak, so, I remained silent yet again.
Lastly, he went onto saying that in Islam they do not follow Mohammed but Allah and the crux of our entire conversation was (I quote), "Islam means 'in submission to the will of God'".
He then asked if he could give me two documentaries on the true religion and I said yes. I am really keen to take a look at it and unpack it for myself.
As he walked out the store, he turned around and looked me in the eye saying, "Follow the true religion, not man."
Spoken from passion and excelled by the need to share this passion, Mr Rawat remains in my prayers.
Like myself, we are two very radical characters.
One of faith. One of religion.
Today I had my first encounter with a friendly, old and interesting Muslim gentleman. This isn't my usual encounter but his wife was close by, so, I was at ease, in a way.
It was interesting chatting to them about their recent celebration, Eid.
Sadly, he assumed I was Hindu and went on explaining why following man isn't right because (I quote), "In the scriptures it is written that when man is born out of a woman he is classified as a maggot. A maggot is found in trash. God himself cannot be compared to this as he is not a maggot, so, why follow man?"
I kept quiet and listened. Before I could explain my faith he then said, "Do you know that nowhere in the Hindu scriptures does it say you are not allowed to eat beef?" I then smiled and started to explain my faith and he quickly added, "Also, in the bible, they tell you not to even touch pork yet Christians eat it!" And he shook his head in disgust.
His wife hovered close by looking at our products but sharing an ear to our conversation. She didn't mention a word.
I doubt I was even going to get a word in but started to pray silently for Mr Rawat. As I looked into his eyes and heard his conversation with my heart, a deep compassion filled my spirit. Nothing stopped me from praying and I obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
His last input was, "When Jesus turned over the tables in the temple it was because the people were selling things with interest, that's why he was so angered!"
With raised eye-brows I stood shocked at the way that small chapter was explained to me. I never quite looked at it that way but it's definitely not the last time I will hear of it this way, no doubt. He off-course did not allow me to speak, so, I remained silent yet again.
Lastly, he went onto saying that in Islam they do not follow Mohammed but Allah and the crux of our entire conversation was (I quote), "Islam means 'in submission to the will of God'".
He then asked if he could give me two documentaries on the true religion and I said yes. I am really keen to take a look at it and unpack it for myself.
As he walked out the store, he turned around and looked me in the eye saying, "Follow the true religion, not man."
Spoken from passion and excelled by the need to share this passion, Mr Rawat remains in my prayers.
Like myself, we are two very radical characters.
One of faith. One of religion.
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Speaking without Words
After my experience with my dear friend at the post office, the next day I had a quiet time with Daddy. It was most encouraging.
It went a little something like this:
There are many ways that you can speak good things into the lives of others without ever saying a word.
You can speak with the "face" of approval,
with the "eyes" of understanding,
with the "ears" of alertness,
with the "smile" of delight,
with the "tone" of kindness,
with the "spirit" of compassion,
with the "heart" of love,
with the "hands" of mercy,
with the "embrace" of acceptance,
with the "handshake" of companionship,
with the "glance" of interest,
with the "tears" of comfort,
with the "nod" of affirmation, and
with the "touch" of tenderness.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
So, we put on the armor of God, go out there and continue to be who He has called us to be.
It went a little something like this:
There are many ways that you can speak good things into the lives of others without ever saying a word.
You can speak with the "face" of approval,
with the "eyes" of understanding,
with the "ears" of alertness,
with the "smile" of delight,
with the "tone" of kindness,
with the "spirit" of compassion,
with the "heart" of love,
with the "hands" of mercy,
with the "embrace" of acceptance,
with the "handshake" of companionship,
with the "glance" of interest,
with the "tears" of comfort,
with the "nod" of affirmation, and
with the "touch" of tenderness.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
So, we put on the armor of God, go out there and continue to be who He has called us to be.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Paying our Electricity Bill
I usually pop into our local post office once a week to either fetch our post, mail letters/postcards to amazing friends across the world or pay our electricity and water bill.
Kereshnee, a petite Indian woman, generally greets me with the biggest smile imaginable and her chirpiness is quite contagious.
I simply love conversing with her and sharing random stories of my expeditions. She listens with such eagerness that an underlying hunger is visible and needs to be fed. Her curiosity towards Jesus is getting deeper and deeper. Every visit I make and have the opportunity of speaking to her, the questions are getting tougher but her heart is definitely becoming softer.
Kereshnee comes from a Tamil back-ground and is in her early 30's.
On my last visit to the post office, I noticed that she wasn't there. The guy who helped me wasn't as friendly and I didn't want to ask any questions but as I walked out the post office, I had a funny feeling that something wasn't right and I needed to pray for Kereshnee.
Today, Kereshnee didn't greet me with the biggest smile imaginable and as I walked closer to the counter I looked beyond the glass divider that separated us. I could tell she wasn't well but her eyes held a deeper emotion.
I asked my favorite heart question, "How are you?" and waited. For the next 45 minutes Kereshnee shared her heart with me. She lost her brother, aged 37, to alcohol and needed to go back to Pretoria for his funeral. After 2 days she returned back home to perform religious rites for her grand-mother's 1 year ceremony.
She explained her brother's reasons for alcoholism and then went onto explaining her child-hood and her life in this current moment. She kept asking me, "Why is life so unfair?"
There is just so much pain, abuse, hardship, struggle, negativity, fear and doubt that wrestles with Kereshnee day in and day out. Behind that chirpy exterior lies a lot of hurt, hurt that only Jesus can heal and restore from her life.
I listened throughout the 45 minutes and during that time I kept praying for her heart and life. I encouraged Kereshnee with scriptures, not quoting them but speaking them into her heart and the conversation we were having, as if it were a normal conversation. I could tell that she held onto these Words, the Bread of Life. I stood humbled.
I asked if I could hug her and I could see her fighting back tears.
How many more women are there like Kereshnee? How many need the love of a Savior because mankind has destroyed them? How many more women are fighting to survive in this race of life? How many women are caught in abuse because they know no other way out, except through fists and blows that leave them bleeding and speechless? How many women are abandoned by their own families?
Before I walked out the house today, I read a powerful quote: "When love and skill work together; expect a masterpiece." I chuckled. I read that quote a year ago and it changed my outlook on one of our outreaches during MDT.
As I reflect on today and continue to pray for Kereshnee I am reminded that we just need to be a vessel of the Lord, totally willing to do as He asks, which isn't much. Like lending an ear, offering advice, smiling, conversing with those who aren't given much attention (cashier, car-guard, petrol attendant....)
It's the simplest form of evangelism I know and it's presented to us everywhere!
Be encouraged to ask Daddy how you can serve Him today and be ready for an adventure.....at the end of the day, when the sun sets, it's not about your achievements but about your attitude.
This blog isn't just another story because there's no ending to Kereshnee's story. It's life and it's reality.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Kereshnee, a petite Indian woman, generally greets me with the biggest smile imaginable and her chirpiness is quite contagious.
I simply love conversing with her and sharing random stories of my expeditions. She listens with such eagerness that an underlying hunger is visible and needs to be fed. Her curiosity towards Jesus is getting deeper and deeper. Every visit I make and have the opportunity of speaking to her, the questions are getting tougher but her heart is definitely becoming softer.
Kereshnee comes from a Tamil back-ground and is in her early 30's.
On my last visit to the post office, I noticed that she wasn't there. The guy who helped me wasn't as friendly and I didn't want to ask any questions but as I walked out the post office, I had a funny feeling that something wasn't right and I needed to pray for Kereshnee.
Today, Kereshnee didn't greet me with the biggest smile imaginable and as I walked closer to the counter I looked beyond the glass divider that separated us. I could tell she wasn't well but her eyes held a deeper emotion.
I asked my favorite heart question, "How are you?" and waited. For the next 45 minutes Kereshnee shared her heart with me. She lost her brother, aged 37, to alcohol and needed to go back to Pretoria for his funeral. After 2 days she returned back home to perform religious rites for her grand-mother's 1 year ceremony.
She explained her brother's reasons for alcoholism and then went onto explaining her child-hood and her life in this current moment. She kept asking me, "Why is life so unfair?"
There is just so much pain, abuse, hardship, struggle, negativity, fear and doubt that wrestles with Kereshnee day in and day out. Behind that chirpy exterior lies a lot of hurt, hurt that only Jesus can heal and restore from her life.
I listened throughout the 45 minutes and during that time I kept praying for her heart and life. I encouraged Kereshnee with scriptures, not quoting them but speaking them into her heart and the conversation we were having, as if it were a normal conversation. I could tell that she held onto these Words, the Bread of Life. I stood humbled.
I asked if I could hug her and I could see her fighting back tears.
How many more women are there like Kereshnee? How many need the love of a Savior because mankind has destroyed them? How many more women are fighting to survive in this race of life? How many women are caught in abuse because they know no other way out, except through fists and blows that leave them bleeding and speechless? How many women are abandoned by their own families?
Before I walked out the house today, I read a powerful quote: "When love and skill work together; expect a masterpiece." I chuckled. I read that quote a year ago and it changed my outlook on one of our outreaches during MDT.
As I reflect on today and continue to pray for Kereshnee I am reminded that we just need to be a vessel of the Lord, totally willing to do as He asks, which isn't much. Like lending an ear, offering advice, smiling, conversing with those who aren't given much attention (cashier, car-guard, petrol attendant....)
It's the simplest form of evangelism I know and it's presented to us everywhere!
Be encouraged to ask Daddy how you can serve Him today and be ready for an adventure.....at the end of the day, when the sun sets, it's not about your achievements but about your attitude.
This blog isn't just another story because there's no ending to Kereshnee's story. It's life and it's reality.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Sunday, 12 August 2012
What's the Matter with Johnny?
In Sunday School, Johnny heard how God created everything, including human beings. He seemed especially interested when the teacher said that God formed Eve from one of Adam's ribs.
Later in the week, Johnny's mother noticed him lying down and clutching his side.
She asked, "Johnny, what in the world is the matter?"
Johnny replied, "I have a pain in my side Mom. I think I'm about to have a wife!"
Author Unknown
So often we forget to appreciate the humor life throws at us. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment and throw a pity party. Be it in a relationship, marriage, work situation. It's just about me, me, me. Sadly, we don't get very far when our attitude focuses on the negative. We are more likely to spiral down in a whirlwind of emotions and regret the day, hour or moment.
I find it easier walking away and then returning to address the problem. It's not always the case though because our nature is to retaliate.
How much damage can I cause when I am hot tempered, easily angered and too quick to speak. For me, that calculation = DISASTER!
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." I read this so often and off-course the Holy Spirit whispers this into my heart when I am in conflict.
My rules for fighting fair:
1) Speak to build each other up
2) You have 2 ears, 1 mouth - clearly we should do more listening!
3) Forgiveness
4) Love
5) Respect
6) Learn
7) Move on
And lastly, it's point no. 8) Laugh
Later in the week, Johnny's mother noticed him lying down and clutching his side.
She asked, "Johnny, what in the world is the matter?"
Johnny replied, "I have a pain in my side Mom. I think I'm about to have a wife!"
Author Unknown
So often we forget to appreciate the humor life throws at us. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment and throw a pity party. Be it in a relationship, marriage, work situation. It's just about me, me, me. Sadly, we don't get very far when our attitude focuses on the negative. We are more likely to spiral down in a whirlwind of emotions and regret the day, hour or moment.
I find it easier walking away and then returning to address the problem. It's not always the case though because our nature is to retaliate.
How much damage can I cause when I am hot tempered, easily angered and too quick to speak. For me, that calculation = DISASTER!
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." I read this so often and off-course the Holy Spirit whispers this into my heart when I am in conflict.
My rules for fighting fair:
1) Speak to build each other up
2) You have 2 ears, 1 mouth - clearly we should do more listening!
3) Forgiveness
4) Love
5) Respect
6) Learn
7) Move on
And lastly, it's point no. 8) Laugh
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Prayer Night with a Twist
Many of us decline attending prayer nights because the first thing that pops into our mind is: BORING!
There's probably going to be some old guy or woman standing up front, speaking from a piece of paper, quoting scriptures and then would probably split us into groups, get us to do prayer walks between the aisles or wait for it.....pick on us to pray out loud among the small crowd of attendees.
This entire event will probably go on for 2 or 3 hours.....how on earth does one last at something so boring yet so needed in our daily lives?
The first 5 minutes into a prayer night is just an opening prayer itself and already I am yawning and my mind has vacated the building.
I find myself thinking of the ocean, work, books, conversations, people, nations, countries, travels, my grocery shopping, and who's being persecuted right now in this very second of life and what am I doing about it?
Well, the prayer nights we attend are slightly different. I lie. It's actually a whole lot different. Ever imagine yourself in the scenario you are praying for? How about the persecuted church for example. In our dialect it's called mission simulation. It's all about touch, smell, taste, hear and sight.
The prayer night started with a bring and share meal, much laughter, joy and conversation. We were then ushered into the prayer area, took our seats and got comfortable. It was a cosy atmosphere. The leader handed us some rope and taught us how to do hand-cuffs by making bunny ears and tying the ears together into a knot. We were then instructed to tie our hands.
Each of us were then given a piece of paper of current events happening globally and in our current time, not 10 or 20 years ago but right now, 2012 and the very present.
Each paper had a different country on. We were about 25 present. Important prayer points were listed and as the room stilled, I could see that many sat shocked with the content just read. I guess it opened a whole new door to the persecuted church among the young and old.
We were given one warning, to read what's on the paper and remember it.
All of a sudden the lights went out and the leader barged in dressed in police attire and held a torch light, shining it in individual faces, and his tone was rather harsh. "What are you doing?!!!!" "This is illegal!" "Get up!" "Get out of here!" "You will pay for this!"
We found ourselves captured, driven out of the prayer meeting we righteously attended and we were lead outside to a dark garage aka prison. We were then told to keep quiet, but in a harsher way off-course.
It was cold, we definitely weren't dressed for this occasion either and the abusive commands weren't necessarily what we signed up for.
Well, that my dear is how it's done in the real world of suffering.
There's probably going to be some old guy or woman standing up front, speaking from a piece of paper, quoting scriptures and then would probably split us into groups, get us to do prayer walks between the aisles or wait for it.....pick on us to pray out loud among the small crowd of attendees.
This entire event will probably go on for 2 or 3 hours.....how on earth does one last at something so boring yet so needed in our daily lives?
The first 5 minutes into a prayer night is just an opening prayer itself and already I am yawning and my mind has vacated the building.
I find myself thinking of the ocean, work, books, conversations, people, nations, countries, travels, my grocery shopping, and who's being persecuted right now in this very second of life and what am I doing about it?
Well, the prayer nights we attend are slightly different. I lie. It's actually a whole lot different. Ever imagine yourself in the scenario you are praying for? How about the persecuted church for example. In our dialect it's called mission simulation. It's all about touch, smell, taste, hear and sight.
The prayer night started with a bring and share meal, much laughter, joy and conversation. We were then ushered into the prayer area, took our seats and got comfortable. It was a cosy atmosphere. The leader handed us some rope and taught us how to do hand-cuffs by making bunny ears and tying the ears together into a knot. We were then instructed to tie our hands.
Each of us were then given a piece of paper of current events happening globally and in our current time, not 10 or 20 years ago but right now, 2012 and the very present.
Each paper had a different country on. We were about 25 present. Important prayer points were listed and as the room stilled, I could see that many sat shocked with the content just read. I guess it opened a whole new door to the persecuted church among the young and old.
We were given one warning, to read what's on the paper and remember it.
All of a sudden the lights went out and the leader barged in dressed in police attire and held a torch light, shining it in individual faces, and his tone was rather harsh. "What are you doing?!!!!" "This is illegal!" "Get up!" "Get out of here!" "You will pay for this!"
We found ourselves captured, driven out of the prayer meeting we righteously attended and we were lead outside to a dark garage aka prison. We were then told to keep quiet, but in a harsher way off-course.
It was cold, we definitely weren't dressed for this occasion either and the abusive commands weren't necessarily what we signed up for.
Well, that my dear is how it's done in the real world of suffering.
My description doesn't sound as bad because I don't fully think that we will ever know what these people experience on our behalf. The persecuted church is to be respected, admired and esteemed in prayer.
Can you imagine laying face down in a helicopter position and not being able to see what's in front of you apart from the filthy ground, with your legs angled in a certain way and you are handcuffed?
That's how it's done in North Korea.
Can you imagine laying face down in a helicopter position and not being able to see what's in front of you apart from the filthy ground, with your legs angled in a certain way and you are handcuffed?
That's how it's done in North Korea.
Or how about being locked away in an overloaded shipping container, in the heat of the Sahara sun, who's temperatures are insanely above 45 degrees? No food or water at your fingertips? No toilets easily accessible? You see the sun maybe once or twice a week, depending if the guards are "happy" with your behavior?
That's how it's done in Eritrea.
There are many more stories to share of just how much suffering our brothers and sisters go through.
How do they hold onto Jesus in these times? Where does their strength come from? How does one find Jesus in all this suffering? Is it all worth it?
They say that they feel our prayers carry them through and their greatest prayer request, are you ready for it?
"Pray that we hold onto Jesus in our strife, pray that we never let go of Him or turn away from it but we brave this suffering for Him."
I hunger for prayer nights like these. You will never leave the same.....
That's how it's done in Eritrea.
There are many more stories to share of just how much suffering our brothers and sisters go through.
How do they hold onto Jesus in these times? Where does their strength come from? How does one find Jesus in all this suffering? Is it all worth it?
They say that they feel our prayers carry them through and their greatest prayer request, are you ready for it?
"Pray that we hold onto Jesus in our strife, pray that we never let go of Him or turn away from it but we brave this suffering for Him."
I hunger for prayer nights like these. You will never leave the same.....
Proverbs 18:10
The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Recommended site to update your knowledge of the persecuted:
www.opendoors.org
Monday, 30 July 2012
Daughter of the King
Sometimes I wonder, if You know who I am
Sometimes I wonder, if You know the secret pleadings of my heart
You have numbered all the sand of the sea
And you long for me to know that You believe in me
Sometimes I feel this power from above
Sometimes I feel Your strength surround me
When my own is not enough
You bless me with your spirit and grace
You will chase me no matter where I run to
You long for me to know who I really am
You’re calling me daughter of a King
To come and take my place
Before your throne
You have always known
What You created me to be
Is a Daughter of the King
You hold the promises of all eternity
Proclaim the truth over me
You have loved me since I was born
And the only thing you see
When you look at me
Is a daughter of the King
You work on me, You are calling me to You
You adore me, You are drawing me to You
And I run, I run to You
I need you - I can’t get enough of You
in Your presence, I come alive
I belong to You
I’m ready to meet You
As a daughter of the King
Saturday, 28 July 2012
I Got My Eyes Wide Open
So, this morning I turned my bible to Mark 6 & 7, randomly. I didn't focus on these chapters or read them, I just sat really quietly and reflected on a song I played whilst driving to the office this morning. The beginning of the chorus is the title of my blog. It goes on to say, "oh your love is a melody, running to me, all around me".
I prayed and asked Daddy to feed my spirit because my life is His song, and His love is my melody.
I then read 3 different scriptures where Jesus speaks to 3 different crowds and people.
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
"Don't be afraid; just believe."
Yesterday I read a magazine which highlighted the Arab Spring. They also zoned in on human-trafficking and the orphan rate was brought into greater light. I sat overwhelmed at these great needs because it honestly isn't getting any easier and people are becoming more complicated.
1st scrip: Immediately, Jesus spoke immediately. Why entertain negativity, darkness and miss the opportunity of speaking truth into a matter? Why miss the opportunity of praying into situations all around the world?
2nd scrip: Jesus encouraged His disciples to find solitude before feeding the 5000. There's power in solitude because you are replenished. Don't be afraid of solitude, it's needed.
3rd scrip: Ignoring the ideologies of the synagogue rulers, Jesus silenced them with profoundness. It was the Father speaking through Him. Are we n'sync with Daddy that He can use us in all situations, no matter the crowd that we are with?
I marvel that Father can encourage us with His Living Word....never give up that opportunity, no matter where you are in your walk right now. Just speak to Father, He just needs the eyes of your heart wide open....
I prayed and asked Daddy to feed my spirit because my life is His song, and His love is my melody.
I then read 3 different scriptures where Jesus speaks to 3 different crowds and people.
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
"Don't be afraid; just believe."
Yesterday I read a magazine which highlighted the Arab Spring. They also zoned in on human-trafficking and the orphan rate was brought into greater light. I sat overwhelmed at these great needs because it honestly isn't getting any easier and people are becoming more complicated.
1st scrip: Immediately, Jesus spoke immediately. Why entertain negativity, darkness and miss the opportunity of speaking truth into a matter? Why miss the opportunity of praying into situations all around the world?
2nd scrip: Jesus encouraged His disciples to find solitude before feeding the 5000. There's power in solitude because you are replenished. Don't be afraid of solitude, it's needed.
3rd scrip: Ignoring the ideologies of the synagogue rulers, Jesus silenced them with profoundness. It was the Father speaking through Him. Are we n'sync with Daddy that He can use us in all situations, no matter the crowd that we are with?
I marvel that Father can encourage us with His Living Word....never give up that opportunity, no matter where you are in your walk right now. Just speak to Father, He just needs the eyes of your heart wide open....
Monday, 23 July 2012
A New Beginning
"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and
they blossom when we love the one we marry." Tom Mullen
Today marks a
whole month of our union as husband and wife. Our wedding day re-lives
itself daily in both our lives and the most significant part of it all was
when we shared our vows with each other.
This symbolic moment is what will carry us through the good and bad, the rough and smooth and the sad and joyous occasions life will throw at us.
Apart from being a day filled with love, joy and special moments, seeing family and close friends unite with us in making it all official was beautiful and filled with so much fun!
Reading through our wedding cards and guest book, we can’t help but notice how each person’s character filled each page with love, sincerity, well wishes and advice.
One of my favorite readings quoted from our guest book, “Advice to the groom, Don’t laugh at your wife’s choices because you were one of them.”
The light-heartedness of such a unique day is what we aspire to have between us for the rest of our lives. Off-course it does get serious at times and a bit difficult but we learn to grow from these times and make it work.
Marriage is indeed hard work, and so, allowing Father to be our third strand, it strengthens our bond even more and we continue to view each other through Father’s eyes.
And so our new journey begins as husband and wife….
A life of excellence is what we aim for. Living a life of influence means that Father has more favor in and through us. We give Him preeminence over all things. With His character being formed in us, we stand accountable to each other and look forward to His plans.
There are exciting times ahead of us and so we begin this new chapter with the following verse:
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
This symbolic moment is what will carry us through the good and bad, the rough and smooth and the sad and joyous occasions life will throw at us.
Apart from being a day filled with love, joy and special moments, seeing family and close friends unite with us in making it all official was beautiful and filled with so much fun!
Reading through our wedding cards and guest book, we can’t help but notice how each person’s character filled each page with love, sincerity, well wishes and advice.
One of my favorite readings quoted from our guest book, “Advice to the groom, Don’t laugh at your wife’s choices because you were one of them.”
The light-heartedness of such a unique day is what we aspire to have between us for the rest of our lives. Off-course it does get serious at times and a bit difficult but we learn to grow from these times and make it work.
Marriage is indeed hard work, and so, allowing Father to be our third strand, it strengthens our bond even more and we continue to view each other through Father’s eyes.
And so our new journey begins as husband and wife….
A life of excellence is what we aim for. Living a life of influence means that Father has more favor in and through us. We give Him preeminence over all things. With His character being formed in us, we stand accountable to each other and look forward to His plans.
There are exciting times ahead of us and so we begin this new chapter with the following verse:
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Friday, 4 May 2012
Old Noah and the Ark
Whilst planning and preparing for our wedding, there are many positive and negative scenarios I have been encountering. I can't help but find humor in it all. If I were too serious then I would be a stress ball and probably not have as much fun as I am in planning and preparing for our big day but it all boils down to submitting all plans before Father.
I don't know about you but for me, when He is in control, then I know everything is going to be alright. You have an inner peace that you can't explain.
A new book has added itself to my list of coffee table books. It's one of "those" books you can pick up at any time of day and become engrossed with the reality stories that fills its pages.
Title: Laugh out Loud (Women of Faith)
I read a short snippet today that I thought I should share it with you. As you read this tiny piece written by an unknown author, consider where you are at and just let go and let God....
Fascinating Wisdom I Learned from Noah and his Ark
1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.
5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with what has to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage; the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you're stressed, float awhile.
10. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs, and the Titanic was built by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you're with God there's a rainbow waiting.
12. Remember that woodpeckers inside are more of a threat than the storm outside.
.
I don't know about you but for me, when He is in control, then I know everything is going to be alright. You have an inner peace that you can't explain.
A new book has added itself to my list of coffee table books. It's one of "those" books you can pick up at any time of day and become engrossed with the reality stories that fills its pages.
Title: Laugh out Loud (Women of Faith)
I read a short snippet today that I thought I should share it with you. As you read this tiny piece written by an unknown author, consider where you are at and just let go and let God....
Fascinating Wisdom I Learned from Noah and his Ark
1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.
5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with what has to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage; the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you're stressed, float awhile.
10. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs, and the Titanic was built by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you're with God there's a rainbow waiting.
12. Remember that woodpeckers inside are more of a threat than the storm outside.
.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
H.P.I.
Last night, my fiance and I were driving to gym and he mentioned an abbreviation that really caught my attention. H.P.I. I tried to figure out what it could mean and when I inquired I was blown away. H.P.I. = High Potential Individual. Immediately I said, "Well, I am an H.P.I for Christ!"
Lord, this day is Yours and my life is Yours. May each step I take leave an imprint of Your glory; may each word I speak leave an echo of Your love; may each deed I do leave the fragrance of Your presence.
May my hands be an extension of Your mercies, may my heart be a mirror of Your heart, may my life be a reflection of Your image, and may my attitudes be an expression of Your nature to the lives of those You have called me to serve.
An H.P.I. in the corporate world is somebody that's worth investing in. You train them, equip them and allow them to achieve results by letting them do what they do best. An H.P.I. is somebody that oozes passion and enthusiasm, even when challenges are thrown at them. They see it as stepping stones to achieving their goals.
They are goal driven, inspired and have a winner's attitude.
An H.P.I. is a sort after person. They stand out. They are different....there's just something about an H.P.I. that you can never quite figure out. How they do it? Find one and ask them. No doubt you will receive a few different answers.
Are you an H.P.I. for Christ?
"So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
An H.P.I. is a sort after person. They stand out. They are different....there's just something about an H.P.I. that you can never quite figure out. How they do it? Find one and ask them. No doubt you will receive a few different answers.
Are you an H.P.I. for Christ?
"So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Lord, this day is Yours and my life is Yours. May each step I take leave an imprint of Your glory; may each word I speak leave an echo of Your love; may each deed I do leave the fragrance of Your presence.
May my hands be an extension of Your mercies, may my heart be a mirror of Your heart, may my life be a reflection of Your image, and may my attitudes be an expression of Your nature to the lives of those You have called me to serve.
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege I have to be Your child, to be set apart for Your plans, to be called according to Your purposes, and to be used as an instrument of Your will.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Outward Obedience and Inward Rest
"May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:23
God has not called you to fragmentation, but to wholeness. He wants you to obey Him from the heart, not just from your will or your mind. He wants your obedience not to come out of duty or obligation, but out of your love for Him ("If you love Me, obey My commandments").
He wants everything you do to be in complete agreement with what He desires.
If you are travelling in your car on a highway that has a speed limit of 120km-per-hour, you may keep your car at that speed, but inwardly you may still be going 140km-per-hour.
Sanctification means that your inner man is in agreement with what your outer man is doing. Ask God to bring you to a place of outward obedient and inward rest.
Your command center is your spirit-man. Have you ever wondered why God has given you a spirit? It is the most vital part of who you are. Without your spirit it would be impossible for you to know God on a personal and intimate level.
Without your spirit you cannot have communication with God, enjoy His presence, worship Him, know truth, see the kingdom of God, have fellowship with other believers, or even pray.
God has never intended for the ideas that come from your own reasoning, the choices that come from your own will, or for the feelings that come from your own emotions to rule and control your life.
God has made your spirit to be the command center and the communication center through which the Holy Spirit controls your life.
Ask God to bring you to a place where you are exercising this command center. Where He is working actively because you are daily communicating with Him. Where you are slowing down to listen and not just do.
There is just no comparison when grace is activated and you are outwardly obeying and inwardly resting.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
God has not called you to fragmentation, but to wholeness. He wants you to obey Him from the heart, not just from your will or your mind. He wants your obedience not to come out of duty or obligation, but out of your love for Him ("If you love Me, obey My commandments").
He wants everything you do to be in complete agreement with what He desires.
If you are travelling in your car on a highway that has a speed limit of 120km-per-hour, you may keep your car at that speed, but inwardly you may still be going 140km-per-hour.
Sanctification means that your inner man is in agreement with what your outer man is doing. Ask God to bring you to a place of outward obedient and inward rest.
Your command center is your spirit-man. Have you ever wondered why God has given you a spirit? It is the most vital part of who you are. Without your spirit it would be impossible for you to know God on a personal and intimate level.
Without your spirit you cannot have communication with God, enjoy His presence, worship Him, know truth, see the kingdom of God, have fellowship with other believers, or even pray.
God has never intended for the ideas that come from your own reasoning, the choices that come from your own will, or for the feelings that come from your own emotions to rule and control your life.
God has made your spirit to be the command center and the communication center through which the Holy Spirit controls your life.
Ask God to bring you to a place where you are exercising this command center. Where He is working actively because you are daily communicating with Him. Where you are slowing down to listen and not just do.
There is just no comparison when grace is activated and you are outwardly obeying and inwardly resting.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Fish & Bread
Love is like the 5 loaves and 2 fish. It doesn’t start to multiply until you give
it away.
Madagascar is a beautiful island that holds much mystery. Amongst the poverty, hardship, pain, stunning plains and its gorgeous country-side views, there’s a distinct reality that fills the air: life goes on! No matter what, no matter where you are, life goes on.
I had the most amazing month in Madagascar. Apart from a culture shock within the first couple of days, the Malagasy lifestyle became second nature to me very quickly.
From travelling on the local busses, learning a few Malagasy words and sentences to eating plates of rice and vegetables, it felt good gaining recognition in such simple tasks. The simplicity of life in Madagascar was a whole new world to me. Different market stalls flooded the streets with tons of different items being sold. Almost everything you can find in your local supermarket was sold on the streets, including meat (without refrigeration)!!!
The market places were filled with freshly grown vegetables, freshly caught fish and live chickens. With wicker baskets neatly tucked underneath their arms, the women gracefully shopped for their food items.
It fascinated me to see how they also tucked their chicken underneath their armpit and carried on shopping, knowing that this will be their lunch or dinner. A rather close acquaintance.
Sadly, when the local Malagasy people saw me coming, their prices would rocket and not knowing much of their language, it was rather difficult to bargain but a good experience altogether.
I am told the Malagasy history comprises of Indonesians, Africans, Arabians, and Portuguese. As I travelled and chatted with people I realized that their faces are all so different. Another meaning to Madagascar is a thousand faces and so true was this discovery.
A huge eye-opener was seeing the amount of rice the Malagasy people eat. It’s served for breakfast, lunch and supper. From normal white rice to red rice, you see bags and bags of it being sold on the streets. It was funny to see how they clean their rice. They simply pour it out on the roadside, as there are no pavements, and they then sweep it up. At first I thought our bus was going to ride over it but they actually avoided it, as tiny as the roads are. I am still not 100% sure how clean the rice is after this???
Another treat was a drink that the Malagasy people made with rice. This drink made up of burnt rice water, which was in fact quite cooling and appetising to my taste buds. You would see buckets of these being sold on the streets and served with either a a roll or deep-fried cake balls.
I moved from being land-locked for the first 3 weeks to spending my last week on the North East Coast of Madagascar. Mahajunga, the hottest part of Madagascar, boasted temperatures of 46 degrees. I am pleased to say I am now three shades darker and sun-kissed! I definitely appreciated the cold showers in this part of Madagascar as well as my afternoon naps. Ministry was early morning or late afternoon, leading into the night.
My trip to Mahajunga was 14 hours in total and on this trip I gained my degree in patience (as my translator put it). I was told the taxi-bus would leave at 07h30 on Wednesday morning, only to stand at the stop for 3 hours and delight myself in conversation with my translator who was accompanying me on this trip. I could not believe it when the taxi-bus finally arrived, I was eager to get in and go go go.
Being tall has its advantages and disadvantages and I felt the disadvantage in my long legs. I probably tried about 5 different sitting positions on this trip, my translator was in stitches for most parts of our journey that seemed to never end.
The roads are almost like a roller coaster experience, windy, narrow and filled with pot-holes.
Our stops did not include any Ultra City or luxurious bathrooms. You simply created a toilet behind a bush or rock, out in the open. It’s wise to carry food along because you have no idea when the driver will stop and you have no idea where you will be eating and what you will be digesting.
Travelling at night was an interesting experience. The crickets were so loud, I could hear them louder than the music playing. A few also got in through the window and stuck onto my clothes. The heat was intense and there was no air-conditioning to cool the dampness felt through my clothes. Mahajanga was close.
Being at the sea-side again was a huge blessing for me. I embraced two gorgeous sun-sets that the Lord provided and I marveled at His beauty in this desperate world. Walking through the port and taking pictures of the old boats was a real treat. Seeing the sun envelope the water with different shades of purple and pink reminded me that God is in control no matter what. I felt His peace.
It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the needs around you that you can easily loose focus on why you are where you are. Everybody needs attention, help, income, discipleship and so much more.
To be His hands and feet in this desperate world for me is to impact and make a difference in at least one life and allow that one life to influence others and so on.
Reflecting on my mission statement and reason for living is so that I can spread His love, disciple and bring His lost children back into relationship with Him. That’s my ultimate reason for existence apart from living a life worthy to bestow praise, honor and glory to my King.
Ministry in Madagascar entailed teaching English to a group of 63 students whom I split into beginners and intermediate. This ministry was one of the main highlights of my trip.
The teaching conditions I found myself in humbled me to a point where I felt God’s joy in those moments.
With no electricity, I taught and my students learnt by candle-light. My black board consisted of a piece of wood spray painted matt black and my duster was a bucket of water with an old foam sponge.
Most of my students could not afford proper education in equipping themselves with English, so, a class like this was freshly baked bread for them.
Interacting with the students and getting to know most of them personally allowed me to tap into the lives of the youth and children. It’s tough, scary and there is a lot of brokenness. It amazed me to see that they are striving for what’s right and that they hope so much. Hope, a word that didn’t easily grab my attention before, until recent.
Our conversation discussion group was another key element of
bringing together different people from different back-grounds and religions to
discuss pending matters in society and in their personal lives. I got to challenge them with the truth and
many left hungry to know more. I got to
meet a few Comorians at this meeting too and I can see how God is using this
simple ministry in such mighty ways.
He’s already revealed Himself to one of the Comorians through a dream and behold, a new lamb knows His Shepherd.
I was honored to share a sermon on a local radio station and encourage my fellow brothers and sisters in this race. I also shared at a few churches and got to experience the Malagasy way of worshipping our true Living God. Their worship is intense, filled with singing, music beats and dancing. I couldn’t sit still and even if I didn’t know the words, I made up my own. It was contagious joy!
Their churches are not fancy buildings but simple structures and hundreds will squeeze in just to hear the Word and receive from God.
I got to learn a refreshing truth in the Bible Study that I also helped with, another form of reaching out to Christians who need discipleship and help in this area. Jesus loved and served, even when He couldn’t do it anymore and He was completely drained out. He made sure that the others were fed before He found food to eat. He continually prayed and preached, seeking God in quite intimate moments for hours on end. When Jesus needed some alone time, the people would follow Him to where He was heading and would run ahead of Him to meet Him there, yet He still served and gave it His best.
Hearing this teaching in my last week was like refreshing water to my thirsty spirit. Another character trait to aspire towards.
The mission field is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Door-to-door ministry allowed me the opportunity of praying individually for the Malagasy and to also step into their world for a moment or two. Tiny homes are filled with many family members. You would wonder how they all fit in, but space isn’t the issue.
My heart dropped as I saw a young female child sleep on the street, with only a piece of cardboard as her bed and her baby sister tucked neatly in her side. The baby was probably about 6 months old.
My heart questioned as I saw young children, who live on the side of the river banks, bath in the filthy stream water, which was the color of mud and it was a cold day.
My heart was humbled as I saw an old man rip through the garbage container and eat leftovers thrown in. I had so many encounters with the poor. It's with the poor I felt closer to God and more ignited to serve.
Madagascar shows richness and poverty in two great extremes, I have yet to find the middle.
Many stories have filled my journal, changed my life and touched my heart. I was able to fill a need only for a month but I have peace in knowing that God continues to work amongst the Malagasy and where I’ve been.
I am now more challenged to fill this need, in a tiny way and continue to fulfill my purpose in this world.
I cannot say that I have not seen and realized. I cannot say that I had no opportunity of making a difference. I cannot say that I did not know because I have been exposed to truth.
Madagascar will always hold a special place in my heart and spiritual journey as this was my first international mission trip and definitely not my last!
“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.”
Acts 28:28
He’s already revealed Himself to one of the Comorians through a dream and behold, a new lamb knows His Shepherd.
I was honored to share a sermon on a local radio station and encourage my fellow brothers and sisters in this race. I also shared at a few churches and got to experience the Malagasy way of worshipping our true Living God. Their worship is intense, filled with singing, music beats and dancing. I couldn’t sit still and even if I didn’t know the words, I made up my own. It was contagious joy!
Their churches are not fancy buildings but simple structures and hundreds will squeeze in just to hear the Word and receive from God.
I got to learn a refreshing truth in the Bible Study that I also helped with, another form of reaching out to Christians who need discipleship and help in this area. Jesus loved and served, even when He couldn’t do it anymore and He was completely drained out. He made sure that the others were fed before He found food to eat. He continually prayed and preached, seeking God in quite intimate moments for hours on end. When Jesus needed some alone time, the people would follow Him to where He was heading and would run ahead of Him to meet Him there, yet He still served and gave it His best.
Hearing this teaching in my last week was like refreshing water to my thirsty spirit. Another character trait to aspire towards.
The mission field is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Door-to-door ministry allowed me the opportunity of praying individually for the Malagasy and to also step into their world for a moment or two. Tiny homes are filled with many family members. You would wonder how they all fit in, but space isn’t the issue.
My heart dropped as I saw a young female child sleep on the street, with only a piece of cardboard as her bed and her baby sister tucked neatly in her side. The baby was probably about 6 months old.
My heart questioned as I saw young children, who live on the side of the river banks, bath in the filthy stream water, which was the color of mud and it was a cold day.
My heart was humbled as I saw an old man rip through the garbage container and eat leftovers thrown in. I had so many encounters with the poor. It's with the poor I felt closer to God and more ignited to serve.
Madagascar shows richness and poverty in two great extremes, I have yet to find the middle.
Many stories have filled my journal, changed my life and touched my heart. I was able to fill a need only for a month but I have peace in knowing that God continues to work amongst the Malagasy and where I’ve been.
I am now more challenged to fill this need, in a tiny way and continue to fulfill my purpose in this world.
I cannot say that I have not seen and realized. I cannot say that I had no opportunity of making a difference. I cannot say that I did not know because I have been exposed to truth.
Madagascar will always hold a special place in my heart and spiritual journey as this was my first international mission trip and definitely not my last!
“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.”
Acts 28:28
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Shock Wave, Madagascar
Mark
11:17
“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
The night kicked off at 8:00p.m with mission videos attracting the attention of the crowd. Malagasy worship set the mood for the rest of the evening. It was great to be amongst this nation worshiping and praising God. It’s alive! It’s electrifying! It’s moving! You can’t listen to their music and stand still, you move to the rhythm with ease.
Sharing my story was a beautiful moment. My translator was amazing and she spoke with such outstanding character, stressing the words I stressed and using the same tone as I did.
I engaged with the crowd a few times, it was either through applause, a sound of sadness or a gasp of shock.
It was incredible seeing the Malagasy cry out for the persecuted. Standing there witnessing hundreds of prayers going up to Heaven, I knew deep within that something was shifting in the spiritual realm.
To see the youth and adults crying out before God to forgive persecutors and strengthened the persecuted was so encouraging. The Kingdom of God was being shaken with prayers, globally.
The youth were such a blessing because they presented 4 nations that we were focusing on apart from the 10/40 window, Thailand, Nigeria, North Korea and Madagascar. It was great to see God give them a heart for these nations as they performed their skits and shared information on the countries.
You could tell that minds were being broadened by the knowledge shared.
A young man went up on stage 3 hours into the prayer night and asked the crowd, “Why is it that the Christians are being persecuted to such an extent?” His voice was emotional and my heart rejoiced because my prayer for the night was that no person will leave this event the same way they entered.
James 5:16 “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
As the night went on a scripture stayed in my mind, “No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” Hearing stories of how the persecuted feel our prayers, it strengthened me to know that God’s hand is upon our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Living in freedom, I would encourage you to be thankful for it. Having a bible to read at any time, confirming coffee dates for bible studies, praying for friends in public and sharing God so openly is something we all take for granted.
When all you have is a concentration cell, constant beatings, death threats, emotional abuse, family members dying, your children being sent off and no Bible, you just have prayer and you are trusting that God is hearing you because it’s a dark, lonely and tough road. Psalm 18:18 “but the Lord was my support.” May they know, may they feel, may they be encouraged to hold onto Jesus’ hand.
This earthly life will soon pass away but the faint reality of eternity is our focal point.
It could be hazy and forgotten but that’s what separates us from every other religion. We have freedom in God because He chose us to share an everlasting, covenant relationship with Him. We have an open relationship with Him and we can connect with Him via His Holy Spirit, accepting Him fully.
“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
The night kicked off at 8:00p.m with mission videos attracting the attention of the crowd. Malagasy worship set the mood for the rest of the evening. It was great to be amongst this nation worshiping and praising God. It’s alive! It’s electrifying! It’s moving! You can’t listen to their music and stand still, you move to the rhythm with ease.
Sharing my story was a beautiful moment. My translator was amazing and she spoke with such outstanding character, stressing the words I stressed and using the same tone as I did.
I engaged with the crowd a few times, it was either through applause, a sound of sadness or a gasp of shock.
It was incredible seeing the Malagasy cry out for the persecuted. Standing there witnessing hundreds of prayers going up to Heaven, I knew deep within that something was shifting in the spiritual realm.
To see the youth and adults crying out before God to forgive persecutors and strengthened the persecuted was so encouraging. The Kingdom of God was being shaken with prayers, globally.
The youth were such a blessing because they presented 4 nations that we were focusing on apart from the 10/40 window, Thailand, Nigeria, North Korea and Madagascar. It was great to see God give them a heart for these nations as they performed their skits and shared information on the countries.
You could tell that minds were being broadened by the knowledge shared.
A young man went up on stage 3 hours into the prayer night and asked the crowd, “Why is it that the Christians are being persecuted to such an extent?” His voice was emotional and my heart rejoiced because my prayer for the night was that no person will leave this event the same way they entered.
James 5:16 “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
As the night went on a scripture stayed in my mind, “No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” Hearing stories of how the persecuted feel our prayers, it strengthened me to know that God’s hand is upon our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Living in freedom, I would encourage you to be thankful for it. Having a bible to read at any time, confirming coffee dates for bible studies, praying for friends in public and sharing God so openly is something we all take for granted.
When all you have is a concentration cell, constant beatings, death threats, emotional abuse, family members dying, your children being sent off and no Bible, you just have prayer and you are trusting that God is hearing you because it’s a dark, lonely and tough road. Psalm 18:18 “but the Lord was my support.” May they know, may they feel, may they be encouraged to hold onto Jesus’ hand.
This earthly life will soon pass away but the faint reality of eternity is our focal point.
It could be hazy and forgotten but that’s what separates us from every other religion. We have freedom in God because He chose us to share an everlasting, covenant relationship with Him. We have an open relationship with Him and we can connect with Him via His Holy Spirit, accepting Him fully.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
You Are His
God won't fill you halfway-up with the Holy Spirit. The blood of Jesus doesn't just cleanse a certain percentage of your sins. God doesn't just allow some of His grace to abound toward you.
When God sanctifies you, it means that He completely sets you aside for Himself. He lays claim to every part of you. Your life is His, your plans are His, your times are His. He separates you from everything that defiles, to bring you into everything that is holy.
" I have summonded you by name; you are Mine. " Isaiah 43:1
The light of Jesus shines upon you with favor, kindness, mercy and love.
The light of Jesus shines within you with truth, hope, goodness and righteousness.
The light of Jesus shines through you with comfort, encouragement, compassion and tender-care.
The light of Jesus shines upon your pathway, keeps you from falling, moves you in the right direction and guides you safely home.
We have the light of life shining in, through and upon us. No longer do we walk in darkness. Jesus doesn't just have light, He is the light. What splendor, glory and beauty fills our lives as we hold onto this valuable truth.
Wherever you, whichever season you are facing, know that you are His and His light is upon you because you follow Him.
" Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.' " John 8:12
When God sanctifies you, it means that He completely sets you aside for Himself. He lays claim to every part of you. Your life is His, your plans are His, your times are His. He separates you from everything that defiles, to bring you into everything that is holy.
" I have summonded you by name; you are Mine. " Isaiah 43:1
The light of Jesus shines upon you with favor, kindness, mercy and love.
The light of Jesus shines within you with truth, hope, goodness and righteousness.
The light of Jesus shines through you with comfort, encouragement, compassion and tender-care.
The light of Jesus shines upon your pathway, keeps you from falling, moves you in the right direction and guides you safely home.
We have the light of life shining in, through and upon us. No longer do we walk in darkness. Jesus doesn't just have light, He is the light. What splendor, glory and beauty fills our lives as we hold onto this valuable truth.
Wherever you, whichever season you are facing, know that you are His and His light is upon you because you follow Him.
" Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.' " John 8:12
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Undiluted Faith
Hebrews 11 highlights a few faithful moments from both the Old and New
Testament and the best part of it all, these faithful moments never seem to
lose its spunk in our current day to day living.
When last have you heard, witnessed or experienced a miracle?
For me, it’s pretty recent.
Faith for me is aligning myself to the way God wants to do things and that means He has full reign and control. When you totally surrender and commit let’s just say life can never be the same again. There will be moments when you are 90% there and doors start shutting in your face or cancellations happen the last minute and you say to yourself, “Who am I kidding? It’s impossible! What now?”
I find it refreshing enough to know that it’s in these moments that God uses to test just how much we desire His plans for us.
Today I was blessed with yet another foreigner coming up to me and us having a small time “church” meeting.
Edmund is all the way from Bermuda. Don’t let his exterior fool you! When he first walked into the shop he looked all Reggae, dreadlocks, big beard, a Jamaican colored scarf, the works.
Last week I met a Jamaican guy and he follows Rastafarianism. We had a very detailed discussion about this movement and I thought that I will have yet another interesting discussion with this gentleman but I was fooled!
I have no idea how Edmund and myself started chatting about faith, Christianity and scripture. He got to share with me that the airline lost his luggage and all he is living on is his hand luggage because He has faith that God will return his bag. I had the opportunity of sharing a miracle story with him that happened today and Edmund jumped around the store, with tears in his eyes praising God for another man’s miracle. I found this odd because usually you would wallow in self-pity and not be happy for another person but he was genuinely excited and even more thrilled.
He then went on to share about his personal life. The type of work he does, the mission work he is involved in and why Enoch inspires him so much (Enoch walked closely with the Lord).
Edmund, a down to earth, humbled individual owns a law firm in Bermuda and teaches children every Tuesday how to read and write (the really poor children living in the slums).
I stood before this man gob-smacked! He asked me where he could attend church and I offered him the details. Now how’s that for randomness? Edmund could have walked into another other shop in the shopping centre.
He shared so many scriptures with me and Hebrews 11 was one of them. Verse 40 stands out the most, “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
It all makes sense. I will never be able to do anything on my own, ever.
My conclusion from our God-appointed meeting is, we can do really impressive-looking things, but what we take into eternity is who we become.
When our faith is tested drastically, what do we hold onto? Where do we put our trust and fears? Do we believe that God does have our very best interest at heart and that He totally ordains our footsteps, knowing what we need and don’t?
Undiluted faith for me is trusting God till it hurts because we no longer live a life of self, it’s selfless.
And if we are diluting our faith, what is it with?
Taste and see that the Lord is good and continue to thank Him for revealing Himself in miraculous ways, even to the persecuted that suffer greatly for this faith.
Shalom.
When last have you heard, witnessed or experienced a miracle?
For me, it’s pretty recent.
Faith for me is aligning myself to the way God wants to do things and that means He has full reign and control. When you totally surrender and commit let’s just say life can never be the same again. There will be moments when you are 90% there and doors start shutting in your face or cancellations happen the last minute and you say to yourself, “Who am I kidding? It’s impossible! What now?”
I find it refreshing enough to know that it’s in these moments that God uses to test just how much we desire His plans for us.
Today I was blessed with yet another foreigner coming up to me and us having a small time “church” meeting.
Edmund is all the way from Bermuda. Don’t let his exterior fool you! When he first walked into the shop he looked all Reggae, dreadlocks, big beard, a Jamaican colored scarf, the works.
Last week I met a Jamaican guy and he follows Rastafarianism. We had a very detailed discussion about this movement and I thought that I will have yet another interesting discussion with this gentleman but I was fooled!
I have no idea how Edmund and myself started chatting about faith, Christianity and scripture. He got to share with me that the airline lost his luggage and all he is living on is his hand luggage because He has faith that God will return his bag. I had the opportunity of sharing a miracle story with him that happened today and Edmund jumped around the store, with tears in his eyes praising God for another man’s miracle. I found this odd because usually you would wallow in self-pity and not be happy for another person but he was genuinely excited and even more thrilled.
He then went on to share about his personal life. The type of work he does, the mission work he is involved in and why Enoch inspires him so much (Enoch walked closely with the Lord).
Edmund, a down to earth, humbled individual owns a law firm in Bermuda and teaches children every Tuesday how to read and write (the really poor children living in the slums).
I stood before this man gob-smacked! He asked me where he could attend church and I offered him the details. Now how’s that for randomness? Edmund could have walked into another other shop in the shopping centre.
He shared so many scriptures with me and Hebrews 11 was one of them. Verse 40 stands out the most, “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
It all makes sense. I will never be able to do anything on my own, ever.
My conclusion from our God-appointed meeting is, we can do really impressive-looking things, but what we take into eternity is who we become.
When our faith is tested drastically, what do we hold onto? Where do we put our trust and fears? Do we believe that God does have our very best interest at heart and that He totally ordains our footsteps, knowing what we need and don’t?
Undiluted faith for me is trusting God till it hurts because we no longer live a life of self, it’s selfless.
And if we are diluting our faith, what is it with?
Taste and see that the Lord is good and continue to thank Him for revealing Himself in miraculous ways, even to the persecuted that suffer greatly for this faith.
Shalom.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Finding My Feet
Welcome to my world of blogging! Communication has definitely climbed the ladder in leaps and bounds and I too have decided to also take that bold step and create a blog spot for myself.
Yip, I know, the penny has finallly dropped and off-course, it's a lot easier to update and follow.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and receiving yours too.
There are both exciting and challenging times that lie on the horizon. These times will create my expedition and continually shape me to become the best I can, living recklessly and abandoned to faith. That's me aligning myself to the will of God in my life.
I was once reminded that there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
Cheers to my new blog site!
Yip, I know, the penny has finallly dropped and off-course, it's a lot easier to update and follow.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and receiving yours too.
There are both exciting and challenging times that lie on the horizon. These times will create my expedition and continually shape me to become the best I can, living recklessly and abandoned to faith. That's me aligning myself to the will of God in my life.
I was once reminded that there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
Cheers to my new blog site!
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