No good thing will He withhold... Germany and a surprise visit to Greece

What have I been up to these past 3 weeks? As most of you know, I've spent majority of the time in Germany, with my friend, Steffi... So the bigger question really is what didn't I do or explore here?  I've travelled north, south, alone, with Steffi, via train, boat, car and foot, old castles and new towns.  Plus, on top of that, I had a quick, unplanned visit to Rhodes Island, Greece for 4 nights.

So wait, let's start at the beginning... Germany!  I really don't know how to summarize my time here.  Almost everyday exploring a new town.  I travelled to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden (my favourite!), Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Rudesheim and a boat ride on the Rhine, Black Forest, Dachau Concentration Camp, Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Constance (or Bodensee as it is called in Germany) and Heidelberg.  I even attended a German Wedding!  So yes, was a full 2 weeks!

I can tell you, Germany is a country with a lot of history (and very recent history with Hitler and the persecution of the Jews), beautiful landscape and country side, beautiful architecture, good traditional food and then probably the country I am aware of with the MOST castles!  Man, it felt like every town had a castle :).  But as they say - a picture speak a thousand words, so in this blog, I will tell my Germany story in pictures (and not words).  Just know, it is impossible to post everything (oh, I wish I could), but this is a snapshot... Snapshot with A LOT of photos... Haha! 

Cologne Cathedral

German Wedding Photobooth

Beautiful city of Hamburg (it has more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined - just a FYI)

Berlin - small remaining part of the Berlin Wall

Berlin - Reichtag building

Berlin - Jewish Memorial

Berlin - East Wall Gallery - Longest remains of Berlin Wall

Amazing, Beautiful city of Dresden (def a favourite)

Wonderful time with Steffi and Hannes

One of numerous castles - this one is one of 13 on the river Rhine boat ride

Black Forest

Dachau Concentration Camp - One can never leave here untouched!

Schloss Neuschwanstein (do you see the familiar Disney Castle?)

Beautiful Lindau at Lake Constance (another favourite)

Roses at Insel Mainau

Thanks Steffi for an absolute wonderful time in Germany!

WOW Heidelberg!

With Steffi and Lisa (one of my new friends that I met in Romania) in Heidelberg

But, my time didn't end here.  Very impulsive and unplanned, I spent 4 nights on Rhodes Island, Greece.  I had a wonderful time of rest - physically, but also emotionally and spiritually (with the last two a definite testimony of God's goodness, grace and faithfulness!).  What a blessing!  The weather was nice and sunny, so I spent my time on the beach, exploring the old historical city of Rhodes and Lindos village and going on a jeep safari. Oh how I forgot how potent the Greek sun is (my body had the evidence... Ouch!)  

4 Beautiful sunsets (no editing on the photo!)

Old historical Rhodes town

Jeep Safari

Lindos Village

One of the hardest things for me to deal with is dissapointment.  Either in people (which does happen) or in plans (things didn't or isn't working out as I've planned).  And then it becomes this snowball of thoughts in my  mind.  While in Greece, the Lord had to bring me again to a place of complete surrender to Him - with EVERYTHING... including my plans and my thoughts.  He spoke to me through Psalm 84, which I want to share with you...

How lovely is Your tabernacle,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young—
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You. Selah
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 O God, behold our shield,
And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

This Psalm is just full of promises and blessings.  Blessed is the man whose strength and trust (vs. 5&12) is in the Lord.  And did you see the promise in verse 11?  The Lord promise me (and you if you are His child) that if I walk in His will, He will not withhold anything that is good from me.  Yes, I might be dissapointed that things are not working out as I've planned - but if He promise that He will withhold nothing that is good, then what He has planned is just so much better than my plans.  

Just two Psalms later, in Psalm 86, the Psalmist describe God's character as: 'But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering, and abundent in mercy and truth"  If this is the character of my Lord, and He promise me not to withhold any good thing if I walk in His will, then I can sure trust Him!  And so can (and should) you!.  He is in control.  He has it all planned out. He has the battle plan ready.  He just ask for my obedience.

I can't believe that it is only 3 more sleeps until I set my feet again on South African soil.  Oh what an amazing exploring, learning, adventurous, soul searching and growth experience this has been.  I thank the Lord for His faithfulness, goodness and guidance through it and through this all, He was (and still is) the best travelling companion because HE NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME!

Much love,

xxx

Romania: Blessed, Amazing, Humbling

My oh my - how do you sum up my last 2 weeks in one blog?  With the amount of things I experienced and what the Lord has taught me I could have blogged every couple of days.  But my 12days in Romania was amazing! So be prepared for a long blog update...

The first 3 days in Romania consisted of travel, orientation and preparation.  The team consisted of 7 individuals (from USA, Switzerland, Germany and England) , a team of 7 from the OM transit team (from Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Korea and Germany) and 4 from OM Romania.  So given the big diversity of team members, we got to know each other in those first day and got an introduction into Romanian history and culture.  One of the things we did was "Amazing Race" through the city centre of Pitesti (our base for the outreach).  We had to communicate with Romanians, do, find and eat typical Romanian things.  Through this I realised just how different the culture is and with a very few speaking English, that language might be a problem) so my prayer was that the Lord would help overcome that barrier).

Team lunch

Amazing Race in Pitesti - eating some 'small salty fish' dish... not so nice ;)

Then on Thursday, 23 August, the cycling started.  We cycled to a nearby Gypsy village, where we spent the next 3 nights.  In those days we spent time in 2 Gypsy villages.  The Gypsies are about 3.5% of Romania's population and the largest group of Gypsies are based in Romania.  What we experienced is hard to put into words.  Materialistic speaking, these people have nothing!  Their houses are tiny with lots of people living together and often no running water in the house.  Very few are educated.  But they are a beautiful people group, spontaneous in their worship and very welcoming to foreigners.  With both of the Gypsy villages we had kids programs, youth programs 2 nights, prayer meeting and church together

Cycling outreach

Kids from the Gypsie village

Kids program

A definite highlight was the very first prayer evening, only a couple of hours after we arrived.  The prayer evening started 15minutes late and by then, there was only about 5 people there.  But we started anyway... With in about 20minutes, the church was so full that we had to bring in more chairs/benches!  Together with a guest band (Gypsies love music btw) we praise and worship the Lord together.  With about 12 nationalities gathered in that room, we all sang the same songs (each in its own language), worshipping the 1 True God!  The one that united these 12 nations.

12 Nations together

During the kids programs, I had the opportunity to do the teaching and had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.  Twice using the colours or the "wordless Gospel"and a second time preparing a teaching on forgiveness.  For someone that is not fond of speaking in front of people, and like to prepare long in advance, the Lord gave me complete peace in my heart.  He also gave me the words and message (which we had very little time to prepare).  But the Lord used it - after the teaching on forgiveness, LOTS of kids decided to pray for salvation.  And that in itself blew my mind (Raluca said my face was one of pure surprise).  The fact that I formed part of the ALL mighty, ALL powerful God we serves' plan for that village.  During my time there I became very aware of the BIGness of God and how He doesn't need us.  Psalm 148 says that the whole universe praise God, including sea creatures and the universe.  To make it a little real, watch this video by Louie Giglio... But this BIG, amazing God, chose us to be part of His master plan.

One of my 'new gypsy friends'

Kids programme

Sunday School

These are just two of the highlights... I wish I could tell you all the amazing things that happened and about the people, but these villages will definitely always be remembered by me.

Our last two outreach days we parked the OM Bus 4 life in the city centre of Pitesti.  This bus sells Christian literature.  Our team reached out through handing out of tracts, street evangelism (approaching people and telling them the Gospel) and prayer.  This was an experience - something I've never done before.  During one of our street evangelising time, together with Oliviana and Andrea, we approached a women, explained the Gospel and she prayed for salvation right there.  Praise God for that.  With others, you could see that they were seriously thinking about what we shared.  The sad part though is how most people think they can get to heaven through good deeds.  In these two days it was beautiful to see how the different spiritual gifts in the body of Christ worked together to glorify Him.  I experienced how the Holy Spirit equips you with the right words and verses while sharing the Gospel and how important prayer and prayer intercession are during these outreaches.  On the last night everyone shared their stories and it was evident how the Lord worked in Pitesti during those 2 days and what a privilege (once again) to have been part of it.

The team

Bus 4 life in Pitesti city centre

Elya, Andrea and me having a Romanian Covrig

In Bucharest - having a typical Romanian dish

Those of you that knows me well, or have heard my testimony, knows what an impact 1 John 2:6 ("He who says he abides in Him [Christ] ought himself also to walk as He [Jesus] walked.") had in my life.  For those of us that says we believe in Jesus, need to walk as He did, following His example.  One example of the Lord that I was challenged on was that of Jesus' humbleness and servanthood in John 13:1-17 (Jesus washing His disciples feet - those that don't know the story, I recommend you go and read it).

The very first verse makes it clears why He did it - He loved them to the end.  His love for us is a love that never ends, but He also loves us to the fullest extent.  And then we read how Jesus washed His disciples feet.  Washing the feet of people was the job of the lowest servant in the household.  But Jesus, the most important person, did it.  He did all the preparations (getting everything ready to wash their feet) Himself and wash their feet.  It was a complete act of servanthood.  He didn't just talk about humbleness/humility - He gave them (and me) the example of it!  We ought to wash one another's feet (v14) is an attribute that marks Jesus' followers.  We all would gladly wash Jesus' feet but He tells us to wash one another's feet.  How about washing someones feet even though they will betray you?  Jesus washed Judas Iskariot's knowing what he was about to do.  Anything I do for someone else that wash away the grime of the world and the dust of defeat and discouragement is foot washing.  Am I willing to do that? Am I willing to do that to people knowing that they may betray me or have already?  The world criticise, but Jesus' way is different - it doesn't condemn or judge!

But like Peter, I struggle to accept others service to me.  This is challenging because we often show a servants heart by accepting the service of others.  By refusing it, it could be a sign of well hidden pride.  Dave Guzick, in his commentary explained that humility does not begins with the giving of service but by the readiness to receive it!

So I want to ask you:  If you say you are a follower of Jesus, do you follow His example?  Are you willing to wash another's feet, including people "lower" than you?  Or those that betrays you?  Spurgeon gave the challenge that "if there is a position in the church where the workers will toil hard work and get no thanks for it, take it and be pleased with it.  Covet humble work & when you get it, be content to continue in it.  There is no great rush after the lowest places, you will rob no one by seeking them."

What Jesus did that day, stuck in Peter's heart and mind and he wrote later in his letter..."be clothed in humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5)

It stuck in my head and heart... what about yours?

I arrived on Friday in Germany, visiting my friend Steffi.  I even got to attend a German wedding yesterday! 

To each of my new friends in Christ (Romania team from around the world) - MUELTEMESC for a wonderful, blessed time, unity in our team and memories forever!  Keep shining your lights for Jesus (with the joy of the Lord)

To everyone that is continuously praying for me, encouraging me and kept in contact so far - THANK YOU!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

*Praise God for the wonderful, blessed privilege to be part of His master plan

*Praise God for every person that committed their lives to Jesus during our time in Romania

*Continue to pray for those that prayed for salvation for spiritual growth and contact with other believers that are able to disciple these new believers

*And then last but not least - please continue to pray for me - for the Lord's guidance in my life

Much love

xxx

 

Heaven or Hell - a heart for the lost souls

* DISCLAIMER - no photos because the hotel computer doesn't have a USB port...

This is my last and final blog from England and my update on my last adventures here.  I left Cornwall on Tuesday to spend a few days with Jaco and Lizelle.  I took a bus (a 9 hour journey I wasn't really looking forward to) but it turned out to be great.  The bus passed through the middle of London, which gave me a glimpse of a few attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminister Abbey, the London Eye, Tower Bridge (with the Olympic logo) and tower of London - all which brought back wonderful memories of previous trips to the UK.

For the next 2 days I explored Norwich and Cambridge.  In Norwich, I took a guided walking tour through the streets.  To be honest, I won't be able to tell you much, as it was too much history jargon to my taste but I can tell you it has beautiful cobble stone streets and beautiful (and old) buildings :).  Cambridge on Thursday was fun.  I explored the city with one of the red city sightseeing buses.  Stops included the American cemetery in memory of the soldiers of World War II and in mid-town a lot of the 31 colleges in Cambridge, including Kings college (the most famous one of them all).  At the Great St. Mary Cathedral I climbed the 123 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the city.  Cambridge reminded me so much of Oxford (but off course, these 2 universities are BIG rivals)

The last day and a bit I spent with Jaco and Lizelle at their church camp.  The first session their pastor read from Genesis 3 and specifically verse 9 struck me again.  Even after Adam and Eve ate of the fruit, being disobedient to God, the Lord still came to meet with them and called: "where are you?" even though He knew what they did and where they were.  Just as He called Adam and Eve, He still calls each one of us in a personal relationship with God.  But, He will never force this relationship on us - He wants us to answer (choose) to His call.  He doesn't ask us to be perfect, He just asks us to be obedient to Him and respond to His call.  Today, I want to ask you - are you in a relationship with Jesus?  Do you try and hide from Him like Adam and Eve?

I've read a book these last couple of days, "Revolution in World Missions" by K.P Yahannan and that has really increased my burden for the unsaved people and an increase importance / emphasise of Jesus' last words - the Great Commission.  I want to ask all of my friends and family reading this today (even if you read this and you don't know me) - What will happen when you die?  Are you sure you are going to go to Heaven?  Have you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Rom 10:9)?

If your answer is NO, or I DON'T KNOW, I want to warn you that you are not going to Heaven.  Jesus himself spoke of the coming judgement and of hell - a place of unquenchable fire, eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:42).  But, God loves you so much that He put together a master plan - a plan that you can spend eternity with Him in Heaven.  The Bible says in Revelation 21:4 that Heaven is a place where God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain.  This week in my quiet time I read John 8:24 (Jesus speaking saying "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [the Messiah], you will die in your sins."  All of us are born in sin (Psalm 51:50) and if we hold onto our sin, and do not deal with it, we will die in our sin.  Since all sin must be dealt with (because God is holy and righteous), those who die in their sin will have to pay for their sins in hell.  But if we have our sins dealt with this side of death, by trusting in whom Jesus is, and what He did for us on the cross to save us, we can avoid dying in our sins.  God loves you so very much and He doesn't want you to go to hell!  He wants to spend eternity with you - the reason Jesus died on the cross for you!  All you need to do is confess and believe (John 3: 16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  and Romans 10:9: "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, YOU WILL BE SAVED").  I'm writing these things to you because I care deeply about you and I would like to see you in heaven one day, next to me as we worship Jesus!  Jesus calls YOU today and loves you just as you are... Isn't it time you respond to Him?  Following Jesus is the best decision I've made.

To all my friends that answered YES - Praise the Lord!  Jesus told us to Go into the world and preach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus (Matthew 28 and Mark 16).  It is wonderful that you will go to heaven to be with Jesus, but what about those YOU love or those around you?  So to all of you - I want to put the question out there - how are you obeying His Great Commission?  Remember that only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can save a soul from a life of sin and eternity in hell!

This is my last blog for a while, as I'm off to Romania tomorrow and I have no idea what to expect or even if I would have time to access my blog :) - but I would try to keep you updated on what I've been up to if possible.

Please continue to pray for fruitful work in Romania, that many people will hear and respond to the Gospel and for unity amongst the team.  And please keep me in your prayers, as this is a cycling outreach, that I would be physically ok :).

Much love

xxx

Creation Fest - the end

I can’t believe I’m writing this on my last night in Cornwall, telling you that Creation Fest is finished.  5 weeks later… and bags are being packed again and it is time to move on. 

Creation Fest was a fun filled week for the whole family.  There is so much activity all the time.  With bands, seminars, workshops, youth and kids programmes, sport and massive skate park – there was sure something for everyone’s taste (That sentence sounds very much like one out of my press releases J - but it’s true).  What an amazing experience it was!  The Lord was really mightily at work.  I spent every morning with the kids (5-11 years) and our theme for the week was – Jesus, the hero of our faith.  In the afternoons I was helping on the retail / merchandising side of things or was in the ‘office’ or back with the kids.  I’ve really developed such a soft spot for some of the kids, and by the end of the week it was sad for me to say goodbye.  I had the privilege to counsel 2 girls after they’ve made the commitment giving their hearts to the Lord.  It was so special to have been part of the best decision they would make in their lives.

The Skate Park

The kids tent

Anna - one of the "soft spots" in my group

Worship session

Each night I was able to attend the worship sessions – after a busy day, just to be still and worship our Creator.  With amazing worship leaders and bands, this was an amazing time.  The Lord really spoke / ministered to me through the lyrics of songs.  During the week over 100 adults and the last time I heard, more than 35 kids made a commitment, giving their lives to the Lord and are saved.  And so many more have heard the Gospel, and already Christians were encouraged.  Praise the Lord for every soul that was saved this week.  He really did change stubborn, stony hearts into soft, fleshly hearts as He promised in Ezekiel 11:19-20. 

Thank you to everyone that prayed with us (and for me) during the last 5 weeks.  The Lord sure answered prayers!

A very good friend of mine sent me the words of a Koos Du Plessis song… The chorus of the song really described my heart of the last 5 weeks.  The words of the chorus are (sorry to all my English friends): “As almal ver is, vind jy jouself.  Waar jy in laaie in stil hart kamers delf.  As almal ver is, vind jy jou siel – weerloos en eensaam, soos ‘n vrou voor ‘n spieel” (Direct English translation, but won’t be so poetic, is: when everyone is far away, you find yourself.  While you digging in the drawers of your quiet heart.  When everyone is far away, you find your soul – defenceless and lonely, like a woman in front of a mirror”).  In this time, I had a lot of time to dig in the deepest part of my heart and deal with certain things.  The last few weeks were not always easy – a lot of change and with that a lot of uncertainty but in that comes growth (thanks Karen for that bit of encouragement). 

In my devotional time this last week I studied John 6.  Part of the chapter is where Jesus instructed His disciples to go ahead, get in their boat and go to the other side of the sea.  They were obedient to the Lord, but they faced trials – strong winds and big waves.  After hours of sailing, they only sailed a few miles.  Jesus stood on the shore, watching them and just at the right time, He walked towards them and announces His presence: “It is I, do not be afraid”. This taught me so much.  Being obedient to God doesn’t mean that life will be easy.  I will face difficulty at times and He allows it but just as with the disciples, the Lord is watching me, knowing and understanding what I’m going through.  And then, just at the right time, He reassures me that all I need is His presence. In this time I needed to press into the Lord, keep my focus on Him, spent time in His words and holding onto His promises. It is in this difficult time that my fragile heart experienced His comfort, His grace, experienced His new mercies every morning and learnt the most of who Jesus is.  In this time while my heart was fragile, defenceless, open I experienced the grace and mercy of Jesus.  Drawing my strength from Him, I had an amazing time at Creation Fest and was blessed to have been part of the work He is doing in Cornwall

On Friday night, Creation Fest was brought to a close by worshipping with Scott Cunningham Band.  And the Lord assured me through the lyrics of one of their songs:

“My child, don’t worry. Take My hand.  I’m taking you down this road you don’t understand.  There may be tears while you waiting for the answers.  You can see the picture, but I can see the future.  And I can tell you right now, that it’s going to be oraait.”

I would like to encourage you – in the difficult times, the trials of life – take Jesus’ hand and hold unto His promises.  He is standing, watching over you.  You might not understand all the “why’s”, but you can only see the now, a small part of the picture, but He knows the future.  He is working out the best plan for you (Rom 8:28: - all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose)

Knowing He is working out the best plan for me - I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for me next J

Prayer Request:

·         Pray for my preparations and safe travels to Romania on Sunday, 19 August

·         Pray that the possible language barrier that might exists would not be a hindrance to the Lord  using me in Romania and to share the Gospel

·         Pray for instant unity amongst the outreach team in Romania – as our time together is short

XOXO

BIG BIG LOVE

I can’t believe it has been more than a week since my last update!  So much to tell - it has been such a full, crazy but wonderful week.  It is now just over a week since moving to the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge, (camping, if I may add) – and it’s been l-o-n-g working hours getting ready!

 

On Thursday, 2 August, we had the Creation Movement Road show in Camborne.  What a blessed experience.  With our blue stage truck, we had 5 bands playing and a skate park, all happening in the car park of Tesco.  My role was to be the (learner) stage manager – whatever that means ;)!  To be honest, I had to Google what that means. But it was fun.  The best part for me was really watching a guy, in his 30’s (my guess) surrendering and giving his life to the Lord.  Watching him pray for salvation just brought such joy to my heart (and I don’t even know him) and made the road show just worth every second.  The joy in my heart was absolutely nothing in comparison to the rejoicing (and party) that was happening in heaven about this one man’s soul.  Jesus said, according to Luke 15:7, “…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance”.  I really developed such a soft spot for the Creation Movement Road show and think it will be awesome to bring it to home grounds… To SA!

Skate Park

Scott Cunningham Band



Creation Movement Roadshow

Saturday was the long awaited D-day, the start of Creation Fest 2012.  It is the 10^th anniversary – a testimony in itself of God’s faithfulness.  Lizelle and Jaco came to visit for the weekend as well as Jordan, the friend I met in Oxford about 3 weeks ago.  I have been serving mostly in the kids tent – and what a blessing.  I am having great fun with the kids.  We have 3 days left of the festival and so far, it has been filled with lots of people, good music / bands and good teachings.  My highlights were definitely on Sunday.  The 2 teachings with creationist, Ken Ham, on the relevance of Genesis and the fact that science confirm the Bible (awesome!) and to see live and meet my favourite band, Rend Collective Experiment!  I am taking loads of pictures and videos and can’t wait to show it to you all (well, at least those that are interested) Haha.

At the entrance to the main stage

Rend Collective

Kids Tent

If there is really one thing that the Lord is and has been ministering to me in the last week is His BIG BIG, never ending, unconditional love for me (and you off course).  Not because of something that I did, but because He is God, and He IS love.  This has really been the theme throughout my personal devotional time (still studying the gospel of John), teachings and music lyrics from the bands (you know, those few sentences that touch the heart strings). There is this one worship song that a lot of the bands have been playing as well as singing it at the volunteer morning devotions (off course, I’ve been singing it in my head ever since).  The lyrics go as follow: “He is jealous for me… He loves us, oh how He loves us, oh how He loves us, oh how He loves”.  Such simple lyrics, but the message is so clear.  A few of Rend Collective’s lyrics (or even one liners) stirred my heart…  Lyrics such as “His love never ends, never runs dry for me” and “countless second chances we’ve been given at the cross. Oh Your cross changed everything, there my world begins with You again”.

 

Constant reminders through Scripture this week… Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…”  That joy that was set before Him – that was me and you.  He thought of me when He was crucified.  He loves me so much that He endured the cross and the shame.  Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrated His own love towards us, in while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Jesus died on the cross – took God’s wrath and judgement – for me while I was still a sinner.  Even when I rejected or rebelled against Him.  He loves me so much that He was willing to sacrifice Himself in my place, that I can have eternal life.  He did it even though He knew He will be rejected by many.  During my quiet time, in John 4, Jesus demonstrated His love towards a Samaritan woman – He knew what she did and even though He knew that, He still revealed Himself to her.  Jesus loves us so much, that He will reveal Himself to us.   And then, a fresh reminder on John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”.  Because God loves me, He doesn’t want me to perish.  Because He loves me, He had a master plan for me to spend eternity with Him (going to heaven / my salvation) – His Son Jesus.  And the motive for His master plan? HIS LOVE FOR ME!! You know what, He really really loves me!

But, how do I respond to His love?? I am in awe and in adoration and every time I hear it or is reminded of it, I fall more in love with Jesus.  That He would love me with all my fears, failures, weaknesses – knowing everything that I’ve done and everything I’ll still do.  He knows it all, and yet, He still loves me.  His love never changes! He loves me more than I can humanly comprehend.  What an amazing thought!

But, I’m not the only one.  That same love He has for me – He has for you too.  Do you know how much Jesus loves you?  Do you know what He did for you on the cross?  How do you respond to His love?

May you experience Jesus’ love this week and even better – may you respond to His love!

xxx

The calm before the storm

Time is getting closer and closer to the start of Creation Fest 2012.  Only 5 more sleeps until the long awaited start day - Saturday, 4 August!  But first, on Thursday, we will also have our Creation Movement roadshow event with 5 bands (Universal Royalty, Scott Cunningham Band, The Bear Hug Band, Our Digital Argument and L.E.D?)

 

I've moved to the Royal Cornwall Showgrounds (the venue for the festival) today, where a caravan awaited me and will be my home for the next 2 weeks :).  The grounds and venues are bigger and more beautiful than what I've imagined or expected - and I can't wait until it is filled up with people - all that will hear the Good News of Jesus during their stay.

 

The past weekend was a good "calm before the storm" weekend.  On Friday night, I finished work only at 21h in the office - it was our last day in the office - and then met up with Kristine, Cameron and Sarah for some Chinese take aways on the Launceston Castle courtyard watching the sunset.  Wow - it was so beautiful.  And then off course, who didn't watch the Olympic opening ceremony ;) in the host country.  And there I was, still proudly South African!

View from Launceston Castle

Sunset in Launceston

Saturday was just peaceful.  Gillian took me to Bude, a small coastal town in Cornwall.  We went for a L-O-N-G walk all along the Canal, over a small hill between some corn fields to the neighbouring town, Widemouth Bay.  And then back to Bude, all along the coast.  It was so amazingly beautiful!  These not-commercialised ("non-touristy") gems.  We did walk a part of it in rain (and at parts really hard rain), but it was still all worth it - and off course, part of the experience.  Sunday was just a relaxed time, filled with a good, long, personal time spent with the Lord, church, skype date and meander around the town of Launceston - ending with a good book on the lawn of the Castle.  Finished the day with packing - had to pack 90% of my the things again (not that I brought a lot with me :) ).

A small part of the Bude Canal

Beautiful view of Widemouth Bay

Coastal Route from Widemouth Bay to Bude

With all this "free time" and "alone time" - there is lots of time to read - yip, I am reading :)!  One of the books I am reading is "Gems from Tozer" which are key extracts from his work.  One of it has really touched me - because it is one of the "themes" that I learned since moving to Cape Town - with my key verse in 1 John 2:6 (He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked).  It is around faith.  Tozer said: True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the One who cannot lie.  It is enough that God said it.  Any professed faith in Christ as personal Saviour that DOES NOT bring the life under complete obedience to Christ as Lord is inadequate and must betray its victim at the last.  The man that believes will obey and where real repentance is, there is obedience.  There are a generation of Christians that has come up believing that it is possible to "accept" Christ without forsaking the world.  To "accept Christ" is to know the meaning of the words "as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).  We accept His friends as our friends, His enemies as our enemies, His ways as our ways, His rejection as our rejection, His cross as our cross, His life as our life and His future as our future.

It challenged me - good reminder to the first time I heard 1 John 2:6.  How many times have I "accepted" things of the world? Made excuses for myself or those I love when we did things just because everyone around us is doing it? How many time have I comprimised?  Which part of my life is not yet under complete obedience? Jesus is and should be my only example.  I need to stop making excuses and gently speak up to those I love (and them towards me - keeping each other accountable). I need to walk as He did.  I need to do as He did. 

 

In the words of Tozer: "True faith requires that we believe everything God has said about Himself, but also that we believe everything He has said about us.  True faith commits us to obedience."

 

Much love from a cold and rainy Wadebridge,

xxx