I question God's plan for my life all the time. After all, the three things I have wanted most in life have alluded me. Marriage, ministry and family... pretty much all I've ever wanted! It is impossible not to feel disappointed round about now.
Well I'm not the only one, Elizabeth felt the same way. They had lived God fearing lives and honoured the Lord and they felt like they had nothing to show for it, but that is where they were wrong. God had planned this all along and I look at this now and I ask myself, "who am I to question the plan of God for my life?"
What right have I to say to God, do this or do that. Give me this and make this happen? If the creator of the universe can make an old woman have a baby and can bring forth in a young virgin the Son of God, then I have no right to even challenge anything God has planned for my life. My role is to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and humbly obey!
Monday, November 30, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Let it be
Today was our last Sunday school class for the year. With this ending I can also say that I have reached the end of one process in my life. My journey to considering adoption has now arrived at the conclusion that I am ready, willing and physically able to do it, however I don't have the means. And thus I now reach the point where I once again have to hand my dreams back to God and say, "Lord, if it by thy will, please provide." I will do nothing to force this into reality, it must be by God's design and appointment.
It was therefore special for me then, while preparing for today's lesson to read about the differences in response to the Angel Gabriel's messages to Zachariah and Mary.
When Zacharia heard the message he responded with doubt and fear, but there was something about his response that angered God as he was immediately met with punishment for his lack of faith. Mary however responded not by doubting it could happen but asking how it would happen and this seemed to please the Lord. Mary saying, "Let it be to me according to thy will," meant she believed God was able to do what He said He would do.
It is interesting that despite Zacharia's lack of faith that God did not take away the blessing, He simply punished him. I believe this is because this was a divinely ordained plan that Elizabeth specifically would give birth in her old age. Both the conception of John the baptist and Jesus of Nazareth needed to be spectacularly miraculous.
When we learn to say, "God let it be done according to your will," we open the door for the miracles of God to become a reality in our lives.
It was therefore special for me then, while preparing for today's lesson to read about the differences in response to the Angel Gabriel's messages to Zachariah and Mary.
When Zacharia heard the message he responded with doubt and fear, but there was something about his response that angered God as he was immediately met with punishment for his lack of faith. Mary however responded not by doubting it could happen but asking how it would happen and this seemed to please the Lord. Mary saying, "Let it be to me according to thy will," meant she believed God was able to do what He said He would do.
It is interesting that despite Zacharia's lack of faith that God did not take away the blessing, He simply punished him. I believe this is because this was a divinely ordained plan that Elizabeth specifically would give birth in her old age. Both the conception of John the baptist and Jesus of Nazareth needed to be spectacularly miraculous.
When we learn to say, "God let it be done according to your will," we open the door for the miracles of God to become a reality in our lives.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Reminder
Today I'm reminded of why I started writing in the first place. I was in dark space in life and I could not see anything good in my life. Much has changed since then but the fact that our emotions will take us to a dark place hasn't.
So how do we get from being in a dark space to being positive again?
Have you ever noticed that a candle flame has no shadow? That's because God's word is true and there can be no darkness in light. So right now I have to remind myself that if I hide my heart in God's light that no darkness will be able to prevail.
So how do we get from being in a dark space to being positive again?
Have you ever noticed that a candle flame has no shadow? That's because God's word is true and there can be no darkness in light. So right now I have to remind myself that if I hide my heart in God's light that no darkness will be able to prevail.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Flat mate and confidant
Today I had the wonderful priviledge of spending the afternoon with a former Bible School class mate and flat mate who is now living in Canada, my good friend Nicky. What a joy to see her and to meet and her wonderful husband and children. There were so many wonderful memories that raced through my mind as we spent the time together.
So precious for me was that even though we have not seen each other in probably 20 years the kindred spirit and the friendship that we shared then was alive and well. In talking to her I was able to once again discuss some issues that were close to my heart and get her thoughts on those matters and it was great to get input from a friend.
We sing the song, "What a friend we have in Jesus" but do we ever stop to think what that means? That means we should be able to talk to Jesus as though He is our oldest and dearest friend and the one we can sit and talk to for hours on end. He should be the person who's opinion about our lives means the most to us.
When last did you take the time to talk to your oldest friend?
So precious for me was that even though we have not seen each other in probably 20 years the kindred spirit and the friendship that we shared then was alive and well. In talking to her I was able to once again discuss some issues that were close to my heart and get her thoughts on those matters and it was great to get input from a friend.
We sing the song, "What a friend we have in Jesus" but do we ever stop to think what that means? That means we should be able to talk to Jesus as though He is our oldest and dearest friend and the one we can sit and talk to for hours on end. He should be the person who's opinion about our lives means the most to us.
When last did you take the time to talk to your oldest friend?
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Issues
I had a few computer issues last night and it took till well past my bed time to resolve, so I'm a bit exhausted tonight. The strange thing is that no matter how tired I am when I get home, I get into "just do it" mode and hardly sit down for a moment, always finding something to do.
My current 'home issue' that I am trying to get resolved is how cluttered and untidy my cupboards have become... so glad I don't have a bigger house, I would just shove stuff in and leave it. At least now I am forced to face my nemesis once in a blue moon and do a clean out.
In our spiritual lives there are times when we also have to get stuck into our issues. We may not like it, but at some point we have to face it. One of my biggest challenges is simply using the word 'No'. I hate to feel like I am letting people down or that I am being difficult. One thing I realize though that if I want balance in my life, I am going to have to get used to saying NO, I just can't manage that right now.
Eish it is hard to clean out house, but it has to be done. Revival brings refreshing and with that the courage to deal with the issues in life that are causing us harm.
Tonight I give thanks and glory to God for the continued rain and pray for spiritual revival to do the same and heal our land. Please won't you join me 18:00 daily!
My current 'home issue' that I am trying to get resolved is how cluttered and untidy my cupboards have become... so glad I don't have a bigger house, I would just shove stuff in and leave it. At least now I am forced to face my nemesis once in a blue moon and do a clean out.
In our spiritual lives there are times when we also have to get stuck into our issues. We may not like it, but at some point we have to face it. One of my biggest challenges is simply using the word 'No'. I hate to feel like I am letting people down or that I am being difficult. One thing I realize though that if I want balance in my life, I am going to have to get used to saying NO, I just can't manage that right now.
Eish it is hard to clean out house, but it has to be done. Revival brings refreshing and with that the courage to deal with the issues in life that are causing us harm.
Tonight I give thanks and glory to God for the continued rain and pray for spiritual revival to do the same and heal our land. Please won't you join me 18:00 daily!
Monday, November 16, 2015
Disaster recovery
So it was my turn to be involved in our companies disaster recovery testing today. This meant working from a different location for a few hours. I was truly amazed at how seamlessly some aspects worked, but then as expected there were a few hiccups, which is precisely what the test is supposed to iron out and assist with.
In our faith our ability to cope through and recover from disaster is directly proportional to our level of reliance on God. The reason for this is that if we aren't able to trust God for the smaller things in life, then we most certainly will not be able to trust Him when disaster strikes.
Thankfully today we finally received some much needed rain, but it did not come with danger. As per expectations our biggest storms usually break out right around home time and even if I'd left the office 20 minutes earlier (which was not possible) or left half an hour later, I most likely would have been caught in it due to where I was when it struck. It was just one of those things. Thankfully again I saw our normally totally impatient Joburg drivers exercise extreme caution which was appreciated.
Answered prayers often do come with danger so we should be prepared and not be shocked when it happens. Remain calm, focused and patient through it and you will most likely come out the other side safe and secure.
As I give thanks to God for our rain, I continue to ask for more prayer for rain and revival, we still need more of both..... 18:00.
In our faith our ability to cope through and recover from disaster is directly proportional to our level of reliance on God. The reason for this is that if we aren't able to trust God for the smaller things in life, then we most certainly will not be able to trust Him when disaster strikes.
Thankfully today we finally received some much needed rain, but it did not come with danger. As per expectations our biggest storms usually break out right around home time and even if I'd left the office 20 minutes earlier (which was not possible) or left half an hour later, I most likely would have been caught in it due to where I was when it struck. It was just one of those things. Thankfully again I saw our normally totally impatient Joburg drivers exercise extreme caution which was appreciated.
Answered prayers often do come with danger so we should be prepared and not be shocked when it happens. Remain calm, focused and patient through it and you will most likely come out the other side safe and secure.
As I give thanks to God for our rain, I continue to ask for more prayer for rain and revival, we still need more of both..... 18:00.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Revival for survival
I am amazed at the differences in responses my plants are having to this drought. Some plants are withering up and dying while others are growing well or normally. One such good grower is the passion fruit vine. I'm not entirely sure why but it is growing like wildfire...maybe it likes the heat, who knows.
I'm guessing this plants survival instinct is telling it it needs to spread in order to survive. Much like plants that grow well in times of crisis we need revival to help us in times of trial and difficulty. We need the strength that the infilling of the Holy Spirit will give us in order to not only sustain our lives but to help us further the gospel.
As we continue to pray for rain and revival, I am encouraging you to join me again and believe that God will hear. If our God could calm the seas or split them, I know he can move water to where we need it!
Call to prayer 18:00 your time zone daily. Pray for rain and revival.
I'm guessing this plants survival instinct is telling it it needs to spread in order to survive. Much like plants that grow well in times of crisis we need revival to help us in times of trial and difficulty. We need the strength that the infilling of the Holy Spirit will give us in order to not only sustain our lives but to help us further the gospel.
As we continue to pray for rain and revival, I am encouraging you to join me again and believe that God will hear. If our God could calm the seas or split them, I know he can move water to where we need it!
Call to prayer 18:00 your time zone daily. Pray for rain and revival.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Too close to home
As I spend time contemplating the need for revival in our country, I wonder how do I get people motivated to join this movement? Well yes we need the rain, but why do we need a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit in our world and especially our country.
Well the answer came loud and clear tonight. I received a text from my mom that an attempted house robbery had gone bad right across the road from my sisters house. I called my sister to get the info and apparently the guys derailed the gate, bashed down the door and tied up the occupant. The next door neighbour heard the commotion, grabbed his gun and peered over the wall, at which time he was shot at and returned fire. One or two perpetrators were killed instantly, one injured and one got away.
This has all been too close to home and leaves me plain angry at the devil but how would revival curb crime in our country? Well it has been well documented throughout the centuries that in areas where revival breaks out, that crime goes down. Why? Because somewhere along the way these perpetrators come into contact with the gospel, they meet Christ and their lives are changed.
So I ask you....Is revival necessary in our country and around the world? Most certainly, so again I'm going to call you to stand with me in prayer for rain and for revival in our precious land.
Call to prayer: 18:00 daily - Pray for rain and pray for revival!
Well the answer came loud and clear tonight. I received a text from my mom that an attempted house robbery had gone bad right across the road from my sisters house. I called my sister to get the info and apparently the guys derailed the gate, bashed down the door and tied up the occupant. The next door neighbour heard the commotion, grabbed his gun and peered over the wall, at which time he was shot at and returned fire. One or two perpetrators were killed instantly, one injured and one got away.
This has all been too close to home and leaves me plain angry at the devil but how would revival curb crime in our country? Well it has been well documented throughout the centuries that in areas where revival breaks out, that crime goes down. Why? Because somewhere along the way these perpetrators come into contact with the gospel, they meet Christ and their lives are changed.
So I ask you....Is revival necessary in our country and around the world? Most certainly, so again I'm going to call you to stand with me in prayer for rain and for revival in our precious land.
Call to prayer: 18:00 daily - Pray for rain and pray for revival!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
A country in crisis
Time spent focusing on family usually brings some clarity on priorities and what is important in life. As I look around me I see a country in crisis. The Rand is at an all time low, our government is a failure, our electricity supply is threatened daily and now to add insult to injury our country along with many others is in a drastic drought.
We are in desperate need of rain!! More than this though, we are in desperate need for revival. Revival of spirit, revival of faith, revival of conscience. This made me wonder, is it possible for one person, or a small group of people to start a revival? The answer is most certainly, Yes!!!
The world renown Azusa street revival began in 1906 and was led by William J Seymour and ran through to roughly 1915. Thousands of people were touched by this amazing revival and from it flowed was is believed to be the start of the modern pentecostal movement.
Directly from it the Apostolic Faith Mission was born but with it several others and one in particular that forms part of my faith foundation, the Assemblies of God. Missionaries from this movement went out into over fifty nations, including Britain, Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, China, Ceylon and India.
You and I can make a difference and therefore I am going to stand up, raise my voice and say it is time to pray for the revival of God's earth through rain where there is drought and sunshine where there is flood but more so revival of spirit the world over.
Call to prayer for revival: 18:00 daily, for any amount of time you can! God CAN heal our LAND!
[Please share this with your family and friends]
We are in desperate need of rain!! More than this though, we are in desperate need for revival. Revival of spirit, revival of faith, revival of conscience. This made me wonder, is it possible for one person, or a small group of people to start a revival? The answer is most certainly, Yes!!!
The world renown Azusa street revival began in 1906 and was led by William J Seymour and ran through to roughly 1915. Thousands of people were touched by this amazing revival and from it flowed was is believed to be the start of the modern pentecostal movement.
Directly from it the Apostolic Faith Mission was born but with it several others and one in particular that forms part of my faith foundation, the Assemblies of God. Missionaries from this movement went out into over fifty nations, including Britain, Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, China, Ceylon and India.
You and I can make a difference and therefore I am going to stand up, raise my voice and say it is time to pray for the revival of God's earth through rain where there is drought and sunshine where there is flood but more so revival of spirit the world over.
Call to prayer for revival: 18:00 daily, for any amount of time you can! God CAN heal our LAND!
[Please share this with your family and friends]
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Leave behind kindness
On Thursday I'll be flying to Durban for my Gran's funeral to take place on Friday. I have asked to be given a few moments to speak and there are so many thoughts and stories that come to mind that to be honest I'm not sure which way that will go.
Being a single person with no kids, the thought goes through my mind often about what legacy I'll leave behind. Something that I have been meditating on though is what was Gran Smith's legacy? I could speak of the accomplishments of her children and grand children but those would be hollow words for achievement like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me the one thing that sets Gran apart was her kindness and the care she showed to others.
There were always people visiting gran day in and day out and I don't believe it was because they had nothing better to do. I do however believe that in some way each person left a little better than when they arrived. In her years as caretaker of the flats there was nothing that Gran would not get sorted out if something when wrong. She always knew whom to call for each situation. More than that though I know that child and adult alike would have felt her warmth and love.
Money is the least of all legacies we leave behind therefore I am going to challenge you to ask yourself the question, what will I leave behind?
Being a single person with no kids, the thought goes through my mind often about what legacy I'll leave behind. Something that I have been meditating on though is what was Gran Smith's legacy? I could speak of the accomplishments of her children and grand children but those would be hollow words for achievement like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me the one thing that sets Gran apart was her kindness and the care she showed to others.
There were always people visiting gran day in and day out and I don't believe it was because they had nothing better to do. I do however believe that in some way each person left a little better than when they arrived. In her years as caretaker of the flats there was nothing that Gran would not get sorted out if something when wrong. She always knew whom to call for each situation. More than that though I know that child and adult alike would have felt her warmth and love.
Money is the least of all legacies we leave behind therefore I am going to challenge you to ask yourself the question, what will I leave behind?
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