Ockie van Heerden's Blog

Up & Down the Mountain... Lessons learnt in under 12 hours!

2011-02-21T22:21:00.000+02:00

The journey of being a Christ follower seems to . contain many a paradox. Often times you feel scared, but you’re unafraid. You feel inadequate, yet you have all you need. You are alone, yet He is always with you. You feel weak…yet HE is strong. You feel lost, but you’re found…it gets kinda confusing at times.

As many of you are aware, I have been on an exciting journey of discovery – and it’s not over by a long shot! When I go through times of ‘trial’ or whatever you would like to call it, I tend to reflect a lot… I tend to journal a lot (as well as drive those around me up the wall…a lot!), but during these times I am so aware that God is working in the unseen areas of our lives and hearts.

I am a person who loves to dream about the future – of what is yet to come. I long to see more of God personally, corporately…Somehow the words of the song “Consuming Fire” by Tim Hughes echo in my heart: “There must be more than this…” Yes, there’s got to be more than this…more than the present…a better future – a longing to see God do something that will ‘blow your mind’! A new reality…a life filled with purpose…God’s purpose. No settling for the here and now, but preparing and looking for what is yet to come! Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can you touch it? The best is yet to come…or is it?

In April 2010 I had the privilege of climbing Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg with friends. What an amazing opportunity. A much needed break – away from the hustle and bustle – out there in nature, doing something I have never done before – with some really cool people!

Everyone that went on the weekend were able to leave early on the Friday, so by the time Bevan and I arrived at camp, everything was set up except one or two little things. The campsite was prepared ahead of our arrival, we just had to arrive…what more would you want!?!

Hike Day: 5:30am…

We were up and ready to climb. We were given strict instructions to make sure that we had all our equipment ready the previous night as there would not be time to find stuff in the morning – we all followed this information, and were on our way up the mountain by 6:30am.

A few minutes into the hike, we crossed a river – really cool...not too difficult, and then we started a gradual climb in altitude. Rob, our hike leader had set the pace early on as we needed to get to the summit at a certain time in order to get back to base camp at the right time. All we had to do was keep up… While hiking up and up the mountain I found that my thighs really started to ache, but just as it was getting too much, we would stop and admire the view…breathtaking. A quick swig at the water bottle and we were on our way again.

A while later, my ankle started hurting…badly. I had injured it 2 weeks prior to the hike, but now the pain came back. I decided not to tell anyone about it but ‘suck it up’. I was going to climb this mountain no matter what! But as we went along, the pain worsened. I found myself arguing with God, telling him that I have been looking forward to this so much and that this ankle of mine is really “tikking me off”… I wasn’t enjoying the hike because I was so focused on the pain. Now this is where things get interesting…

In my ‘convo’ with God …I said (in my head)…”Lord, you are the healer…I can’t fix this ankle…but you can – and so in Jesus name, please heal my ankle!” I must confess…I’m ashamed to admit, my expectation was close to zero, but then the strangest thing happened… about 5minutes later, the pain had totally disappeared!

I wish I could say I immediately believed that God had healed me, but I did not..I kept deliberately ‘twisting’ my ankle from side to side to ‘find’ the pain…but it wasn’t there! You’ve heard that scripture…”faith like a mustard seed”…well I believe I had less than that and God did what only HE could do! I was healed! Silly little ankle taught me that I serve a pretty awesome God that’s interested in the detail of my life!

The trip continued, and as we got closer to the summit, the beauty of our surroundings could not be captured by any camera or well put together sentence. It was simply breathtaking…and yes…I needed to catch a breath too! The summit was still far away, but the beauty and enjoyment in the moment was awesome! The best was still to come, yet we experienced each moment of the climb…the highs and the lows.

Just before we got to the base of our final climb up to the summit, there is a gully that’s LONG and STEEP! This is where I struggled most! My legs were aching…I could only muster enough power to take 4 or 5 steps at a time…and then a deep breath. It was everyone for himself in that gully…you just had to focus on the next few steps and make sure you got to the top! There wasn’t much looking around in that gully, but just putting your head down and taking those steps! But man! The view when we got to the top of that gully was spectacular! The word to sum up the moment…MAJESTIC!

A look around, a top up on ‘fuel’ (and emptying for some), we were heading for the summit! This was a steep climb – scary in parts, but every view from up there magnificent… Somehow I enjoyed this part of the climb the most – we were nearly at the top, we were really gaining some serious altitude… I thought to myself...:”can life get any better than this!?!”

About half an hour to three quarters of an hour later, we were at the top. We had made it…and then we had food!!! OH yes please! As you can imagine, this was documented in the form of taking a photo that we were up there, and also by the gang at camp flashing a mirror at us while we were standing on the summit (you have to try this – it’s amazing to see).

Then as the saying goes “what goes up, must come down”, and boy it wasn’t easy! The impact on your toes and knees was not cool, but I was of good sheer – we conquered…and I knew that we were going to rest well that night! All the way down we were joking, laughing, & chatting away… And eventually we met everyone at the hotel again at 4:30pm for sundowners. A great way to end a great day!

But here is what I learned…

1) When you walk with God, you don’t walk alone.

When you climb the mountain, you’re not only climbing with God, but you do it in community as well! People who are climbing the same mountain WITH you! People who keep you accountable, people who encourage, support and care. Every person still has to climb the mountain for themselves, but in community it makes it so much more fun and exciting – and when it gets tough, you’re supported!

2) When you walk with God, He will surprise you!

Just when you think you have things figured out (as I thought in terms with my ankle), God shows up and blows your views out of the park. He will prove himself to be faithful in your life – even if you don’t believe it! Isn’t that awesome!?!

3) When you walk with God – enjoy the moment!

Sometimes we want to rush things... we want to achieve the vision and call God has placed on your heart! You want to get to the top of the mountain! However, the journey of getting to the top is half the fun and enjoyment! If I had to rush the experience of going up the mountain, I would have missed out a significant amount of what made the hike so awesome! Take time – keep the pace, but enjoy the process God has laid out for you!

4) When you walk with God, be courageous and take a risk, do something different and have FUN!

As we were going up the mountain, I was fully aware of the RISK involved. The reality is that if we had mis-stepped close to the summit, we could have injured ourselves seriously! However, we knew the view at the top was worth it! The risk was real, but we took it and it paid off – and it was WOW!!! On the way down, I thought about what God had done in me on various level – and it was SIGNIFICANT...and lastly IT WAS SOOO MUCH FUN!

When you walk with God, there are no guarantees of a ‘smooth journey’, but then again a smooth journey is rather boring!

WITH GOD THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Love Ockie

Abstinence Pledge

2010-11-12T15:46:00.001+02:00

I made a decision when I was still a teenager to abstain from sex until I'm married. I am now 25...going on 26 and am still as committed as ever. I have never officially signed a 'pledge' or anything but have lived from that conviction!

As you may know, I'm working in the No Apologies Department at Focus on the Family Africa, and today I signed on the dotted line for our abstinence-until-married, character building programme. Can't expect others to do what I haven't done yet - so it is official!

No sex for me until I'm married!

Undiluted Community

2010-11-11T23:06:00.002+02:00

There is something truly special and amazing that happens when Christ-Followers meet together. Especially when you see the various gifts God has blessed us with working together for HIS glory.

I have just come from an awesome time at our home group. Worship, teaching, prophetic words being spoken and TRUE community - WOW!!

It reminds me of the portion of scripture found in Acts 2:42: "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer...A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders"

When believers meet together, God works in a different way - by meeting together, you meet with a common goal - to grow together. It's intentional. When we devote ourselves to something or someone, we give it value. Once we give something value, we have an expectation... When we have an expectation for God to work - he DOES! And everyone experiences it and is a part of it!

I am excited, inspired and more committed than ever in pursuing God and what he has called me to! I am also aware that this is only possible if you are rooted in community - and so I am super stoked to share life, grow and experience the things of God with such an awesome group of people!

May you too experience this expression of community as you serve Jesus!

Love always,
Ockie

Trust, Seek & Surrender

2010-11-09T23:13:00.001+02:00

Trust, Seek & Surrender.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do,and he will show you which path to take.

I was writing this long blogpost, but then deleted it and decided to leave this passage above instead.

3 Words with a comment or two:
1. Trust (that God is who he says he is),
2. Seek (Discover who Jesus is - get to know him well)
3.Surrender (to his process for your life - you're not always going to understand it, but you cannot be in better hands than those of Jesus!)

Decisions/Choices do not have to be difficult to make - the question is: "are you prepared to do what's necessary to listen to God and respond in obedience? Remember, scripture give us a promise in Proverbs that He will show us which path to take - when we seek Him. So let's seek!

Love,
Ockie

Mosquito Mayhem

2010-11-06T01:55:00.001+02:00

It is 12:49am, I am mildy put – exhausted. I just want to go to sleep.Unfortunately I am being tormented by a mosquito! This little insect is relentless in its pursuit of trying to suck me dry, and man – I already have been bitten 7 times in 1 hour!
I have laid in bed...waiting for it
...waiting
...waiting and then BAM! You “whack” yourself in the face trying to kill it, but it doesn’t work! It’s so frustrating! No matter what you try and do they just keep coming back ‘till eventually you switch on the light to track it down... It’s YOU against THE MUSQUITO!!!! (and in the distance you hear the soundtrack of some lame thriller movie playing)

In all honesty, while i’m sitting here, waiting, observing...luring the mosquito to my only piece of uncovered skin (arms and face) I am thinking about how this relates to our walk as Christ followers. Sometimes we tolerate the ‘little’ things in our lives, the things that are annoying, yet these are the very things that come back time and time again to bite us! Yes, we give these things the occasional swot, but they’re not very effective, until we come to the place that you HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM!! It’s keeping us from experiencing peace and joy – and in my case precious SLEEP!

In the book of Hebrews 12:1-2 it puts it this way:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.”
We’re called to:
1) Face the problem
2) Deal with it – no matter what
3) Fix our eyes on Jesus who helps us endure (and helps us do step 1 and 2 time and again)
I’m gonna try and get some more sleep … The world has one less mosquito to worry about tonight!

Much Love,
Ockie

Equip your Replacement

2010-11-03T09:14:00.001+02:00

This last weekend I had the privilege of doing some leadership training with the 2011 prefect group at Birchleigh High School in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

From the start to the end of the weekend this group showed so much potential in not only leading well, but also that they will be agents of change not only in their school, but our country!

I am excited to see their progress!

I am again reminded of a statement Andy Stanley makes: "Leadership is a Stewardship, it’s temporary – and you’re accountable".

This applies to all of us - no matter what area we are called to lead in. We are called to be good stewards of those we lead, but we have to be aware that our leadership positions are only temporary - we will not have them forever - and so we're accountable for how well we lead, and also how well we coach and mentor the next generation into the roles we currently hold and beyond! They go hand-in-hand.

If we are called to lead, we're called to equip and coach those we lead to replace us. This may at times be scary, but it is necessary! The worst leader possible (in my opinion) is the leader who holds on to their position, guards it, and NEVER equips anyone to do what they are doing. This not only stunts organizational growth, but is a very dangerous place for the leader and those they lead - and will ultimately decrease the effectiveness of the team they are leading

So, we have to be good stewards of what God has given us (gifts and people), but we also have to help others "fly" and reach their full potential... Remember - YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE!

Much love,
Ockie

TO SAVE A LIFE

2010-10-27T22:07:00.001+02:00

TO SAVE A LIFE

It’s been a while since a movie has inspired me so much and reminded me of the importance of living sold-out for Jesus no matter what the circumstance. “To save a life” is a must see for every young person, youth leader, teacher, pastor and parent.

Our young people are faced with so much nowadays – from peer pressure, loneliness, pregnancy, violence, substance abuse and so much more. The odds are pretty much stacked against them from an earthly perspective, but there is a loving, awesome God who desires a personal relationship with each one of them, and he has chosen ordinary individuals – you and me – to be His hands and feet in reaching this generation and the one to come. So often times as Christ-followers, we try to be nice, be relevant, but we are not living it sold out for Jesus. We are only as relevant as our personal walk with Jesus is – if that’s not in place, guess what...we’re faking it! Makes me think a lot about my walk! I believe we need to stop being so ‘politically correct’ and start living our walk as Christ-followers totally unashamed – wherever we find ourselves. It means doing what is right, no matter what the cost – standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Being inconvenienced enough to lay aside your own agenda, and take up God’s agenda.

Jesus says in Matthew 22: 37 – 39 “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

We’ve heard it many times – let’s start acting on it... Let put our faith into action. I pray that God also grabs your heart, as he did mine, and gives it a good “shake-up”. And let’s continue to pray for young people and let’s also get involved in “being” the difference in their lives.

Love always,
Ockie

Be Good at Something Different

2010-10-23T09:14:00.000+02:00

In ministry, most churches and leaders try to be good at what everyone else is good at doing. We’re trying to improve our preaching, youth groups, kids’ curriculum, worship, environments, etc.

The problem is that we’re not blessed with the same gifts or called to the same types of ministries. Why not give yourself permission to be good something that few others are striving to do?

Maybe you can be phenomenal at digging water wells, sponsoring kids, or impacting the world through 6 a.m. prayer gatherings. Maybe you’re called to serving your community with radical generosity, doing evangelism through Facebook, or leveraging your wealthy suburban church to support three struggling inner city churches.

Rather than being good at the usual ministries, be good at something you’re uniquely positioned to do. Be good at something different.

What is something different you (or your ministry) can do?

- Blog from Craig Groeschel found at http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/

THE CALL OF THE RAINCOAT

2010-10-21T16:04:00.002+02:00

What do you do when you feel God is asking you to do something for Him that is beyond your present capabilities?

Often, when this question is posed to people, the response is that they’ll do what God has asked them to do – however, as many of us know, our ACTUAL response if often times far different to what one can call the ‘Christian answer’. It’s daunting – we in fact try to reason it away, act like it was just by chance that we read ‘that’ scripture, that it was by chance that we met ‘that’ person – and so often times we give up altogether!

In many ways, I have asked all these question of myself lately – did I hear God? Did I act in the right way? Did I follow my own desires or did I obey God?

The last nine months have been a profound journey of discovery. God gave me this oversized vision…and in once sense no idea how to achieve it…
A few months ago, I listened to a sermon on our capacity and call. The picture that was given was that of an oversized raincoat. When we try it on – we realize it’s too big! We are in a sense ‘drowning’ in the sheer size of the raincoat!

So we say:”…this is too big for me!”
God responds: “I made it just for you!”
We say: “But Lord, that’s impossible – look at me I don’t fit in it AT ALL!”
God says: “Well…you have to grow into it!”

What a beautiful picture! God gives vision way bigger than ourselves, but we have to grow into it! We have to allow God to grow us into whom HE wants us to be. When we start praying and walking like this, it takes us out of our place of comfort to a place where you HAVE to be TOTALLY reliant on Him – but isn’t that exactly the point!?!

God has given me a vision…God has given you a vision – but it may not come immediately – sometimes we have to go back to school – learn from the master himself as to what should be done and how it should be done. When God is doing heart-work, there is no time frame. When God gives you vision, you have to position yourself in Him to see the vision come to fruition.

Andy Stanley says: “Direction, not intention – determines your destination”.

If you want to go from Durban to Jo’burg, you are not going to drive to Cape Town first. Yet some of us are heading to Cape Town – we’re on our way there. We have all the INTENTION to get to Jo’burg, but our direction does not line up with our intention – hence we will never reach our destination!

We need to position ourselves – reset the GPS, point it to the place and go in that DIRECTION! By setting your direction to fit the vision, fit the goal God has for you – you will reach the destination!
Unfortunately we sometimes have the intention, but not the direction. Let’s realize that we need to grow into God’s vision for our lives, but let’s also step out in obedience to his call and position ourselves to reach the destination God has for us!

Personally, I am loving the journey… God has proved himself faithful again and again. From transport to finances, to the most amazing friendships this side of eternity. God has also set me in a wonderful Church community (Hillcrest Christian Fellowship) for which I am truly thankful and blessed!

When you are walking in the will of God, you see things you have never seen before, experience things you haven’t experienced before, do things you have never done before and experience HIS peace like never before!

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

The Right Thing

2010-05-13T11:03:00.001+02:00

I'm sitting in my cubicle at work having been convicted about something I should have done differently. It wasn't the wrong course of action, but the WAY I approached the situation did not honour others and I also believe, did not honour the Lord. When I became aware of this situation – it left me with a sick feeling on the stomach. I can't believe I did that!?! Am I that self-absorbed?

I suppose our initial reaction is to beat ourselves up over the situation...yet this doesn't seem to help much – no, IT DOES NOT HELP! I know I am forgiven by God, yet as Christ Followers we are called to repent, but not only to God, but to the people we have offended – even IF they might not even realise the situation – THAT'S the challenging part! We don't live in condemnation (Rom8:1) , but we do live in grace, and so we need be quick to own up to our mistakes and move forward...doing the RIGHT thing! It may not have offended others, but if you have been convicted of something – you better start to listen and move to action. God is prompting you – are you obedient?

Psalms 73:26 reads: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"

I failed this time – but by God's strength I won't next time! Put differently, God is my strength, and I will put my pride in my pocket and admit my mistake – ask forgiveness! This is after all NOT about me – but about HIM!

To end with a quote that I am putting on my wall:

"I am humbly aware of how much I've already been forgiven, and I will continue owning up to my mistakes!"

Church Planting...

2010-04-24T10:27:00.001+02:00

Isaiah 43:18 – 19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland"

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His truth endures through the ages and will continue to do so, but God still does new things! We live in a world and society that can be considered as a "spiritual desert or wasteland". We read about all that's 'wrong' in the world...poverty, suffering, crime, corruption – the list is endless, yet amongst all this there's hope. A hope that is greater than what we can ever imagine – the hope of Jesus! He is our stream of LIVING water in the desert – and in our day and age HE is doing a new thing!

We know that familiar portion of scripture in John 3:16 that says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life". Jesus' heart is for all people to know him! And his chosen vehicle to tell the world about this hope is the Church, and as the Church he has commissioned through the power of the Holy Spirit to continue the work he began – to be HIS hands and feet in this broken world – to make a difference, to teach people and equip them for serve Him – to be the hope visible in this day and age.

What is the Church? Very simply put, ordinary men and women, who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and now aim to do his will as contained in scripture. We don't always get it 'right', we're fallible human beings, yet we serve an extraordinary God in whom all things are possible and he has given each person a gift to build up the Church (1 Cor 12:7). Each Christ Follower is significant in the extension of God's kingdom and so he has sent us out (Matt 28:19) and promised that He will be with us!

And so, God has been leading me on a journey that stretches over 4 years to plant a local church that aims to be a passionate community of believers, who radically love God, people and impacts the community and the world. The heartbeat is to LEAD PEOPLE IN A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS" whilst creating an environment where people do life together!

If an analogy of music can be used:

If each Christ Follower represented a music note... a note on its own does not bring out the richness of music. Add two more notes and you have a chord...already sounds a bit better, but add a whole lot of different chords in succession and arranged in a unique way and you have a beautiful melody. This is in part the design of the local church – we're all adding to God's melody, all functioning in a different way, but arranged by God to bring out the fullness of his plan for his Church.

In saying this, each of us needs to understand what our part is to play in the story – hence God places us in community...community that does not only happen once a week, but throughout the week. A community that shares and does life together! (as stated in Acts 2:42 -47)

Simply put, a community:

Fulfilling the Great Commandments (To Love God & Love people),
Living out the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20)
Through being the Acts 2:42 community

God is doing a new thing. He is busy growing our faith...stretching us to see HIS will accomplished where he has placed us.

Someone once said: "It's better to be a follower who sometimes fails, than to be one who fails to follow"

I believe God is calling us to a passionate faith in Him, bringing HIS hope to the world!

Waiting...

2010-03-08T12:55:00.001+02:00

If you are anything like me, you really don't like waiting. Just this morning I was at the airport, waiting to board my flight.

I stood in the queue looked around me, saw people chatting away merrily... and then...there I was...

Alone. (You can hear the crickets in the background)

So, I quickly pulled out my MP3 player to listen to music – it helps pass the time between waiting. But this got me thinking about a portion of scripture in Isaiah 40:31 that reads:

"Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."

Waiting is a natural and essential process of God's design. We so easily get impatient, yet often times the most important work takes place while we wait. Friends of mine, Mark & Di are expecting their little girl Gabriella any day now. It's been so special to see this 9 months of WAITING come to an end. However this last few days a whole bunch of us are tired of waiting – we want to meet little Gabriella, but there is STILL work being done in the womb. In reflection, I am glad that God makes us wait. You see, if hypothetically a mother got tired of waiting 9 months for her baby's birth and delivered a child prematurely, you'll find that vital growth has not taken place which could lead to various complications and even death. Waiting is important...no it is Essential!

When God gives us a vision, it's like a baby has been conceived – however growth still needs to take place before the birth. One cannot always see the growth, but it is there! God is at work. LifeCafe is in its unique stages after conception – God is doing his work. I'm just a vessel, and it is not only me that will be part of it, God is calling other men and women to join in the work of spreading His message of salvation...but God says "wait patiently"...

So I will wait patiently for the Lord to do what HE needs to do, and do what I need to do when He tells me to do it. It's a journey of daily obedience. It's in the waiting that our strength, our character, beliefs etc get tested, developed and sharpened. It's in the waiting we discover the most about ourselves. It's in the waiting that we come face to face with the most loving Father anyone could ever have...and then when God says "Go for it!" we're ready...and waiting...

Can’t Stop Talking

2010-03-04T12:43:00.001+02:00

I am sooooo passionate and excited about what Jesus is doing! What an awesome Saviour we serve! I've recently rediscovered a song written by Russell Fragar (sung by Darlene – Hillsong) entitled "CAN'T STOP TALKING". I have been grooving to this tune over the last few days – It sums up what I'm feeling about how JESUS is not A WAY....but THE WAY to the Father. Fil, my housemate and friend I'm sure thinks I'm crazy – 'cause when I hear that song I just want to jump up and down and go wild for Jesus! I'm at a place where I am struggling to contain my passion and "fire for the Messiah" (as my good friend Mark Moodie puts it) – which is brilliant! The future may be uncertain, but in Jesus Christ our hope is made real – our purpose is defined...our destiny secure and certain! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO for JESUS!!!

Below is the song...read the words...make it your own... Love the TRUTH, LIVE THE TRUTH!

I can't stop talkin' 'bout, everything He's done
It's the best thing happened since the world begun
It didn't come cheap but I got it for free
It's the hope of glory, Christ in me

He helped me to see, when my spirit was blind
It's amazing, if you look, just what you'll find
Every step I took, He took two
If He did it for me, He will do it for you

Do you know Him?
Yes, I do!
Do you know what I say is true?
Do you know Him?
Yes, I do!
If He did it for me, He will do it for you

Songwriter: Russell Fragar

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!

2009-12-01T08:46:00.001+02:00

Psalm 139:13 - 18

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I praise youbecause I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was madein the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordainedfor me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ¹⁷ How precious tome are your thoughts, O God!How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.When I awake,I am still with you.

Nothing inspires me more than to see the wonder of God's work! On 25 November, Benjamin Gibson-Taylor was born! A perfect little treasure...a gift from God! To think that this boy was knit together by God in his mom's womb – absolutely amazing! When one looks at a baby one realises the magnitude of what scripture says we're "fearfully and wonderfully made". God does not just leave it at that – he's got a plan and purpose for each and every child!

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plansI have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosperyou and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The future of little Benjamin is in the best hands possible…God's and with that he has been blessed with two amazing parents, Bevan & Jo, whom he'll learn from what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly – while having stacks of fun in the process! When one looks at this family you realize that doing things God's way results in God's total order and blessing!

I am truly blessed to be a part of this celebration of new life and to share in God's goodness and blessing! All glory to God!

Foundations...

2009-09-11T11:41:00.001+02:00

Foundations...they're everywhere! In your home, your workplace, church. We know that when the foundations of a building isn't strong or of good quality, the building or structure may collapse – it's unsafe!

Foundations do not only apply to buildings, but also to our lives as Christ Followers.

Paul writes in the book of 1 Corinthians:

"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" - 1 Corinthians 3:10 – 11

I am amazed at Paul's statement "I laid a foundation as an expert builder" – as we minister or go about our daily business, interacting with people around us...do we lay foundations for Christ like expert builders? Is our foundation HIM? As people, we often seek the 'experience' of praise and worship rather than the lifestyle of Praise & Worship. We seek the experience of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, yet we often don't walk in step with the Holy Spirit. If our only focus is the experience, we need to re-evaluate our foundation...and if necessary "go back to the basics" – Christ!

Is your foundation Christ? If it is, are you building like an expert builder? If not, what is it then?

A Transformed Mind results in a Transformed Heart

2009-09-01T17:51:00.001+02:00

As we journey together as Christ Followers, we become more aware that often times serving Christ is an act of the will – a conscious decision. When things are going well it is easy to follow Christ, but at other times, we really have to 'draw deep' to continue through tough times. You may at times be so bombarded by the world and the things of this world that we 'lose heart'. It could be work pressures, pressures at home, people's pressure or just the sheer volume of events and things that are seemingly going 'wrong'.

The answer lies in renewed thinking. Romans 12:2 says: "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".

Renewed thinking results in a new perspective, a new reality – GOD'S REALITY.

We read in Psalm 43:5 "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.". The Psalmist is clearly in a bad place – he poses some questions to himself because something is not as it should be, however he does not let the condition of his soul drive him, but changes it to putting his hope and trust in God - the renewed thinking.

How do you renew your mind? By spending time in the Word – meditating on it, getting to know our Father in Heaven who has only the best planned for us! Once we know this, we don't allow the condition of our "soul" (feelings, emotions etc) to dictate to us how we should act, but instead we stand on the word of God and allow it to renew our thoughts...which ultimately results in a renewed heart – a heart after God's own heart!

"...be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." – the result...."Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is..."

REFLECTION ON A DAY – old 2005 blog post that serves as a good reminder!

2009-08-12T10:33:00.001+02:00

As I was sitting back and reflecting on another crazy day, I found myself thinking about ministering in the context I am in. I was thinking of the past, reflecting on the present and looking towards the future…where is God taking me?

This is a question all of us ask from time to time. What is God's will, plan and purpose for my life? It was then that I thought about how God had been working in my life and the people he had placed across my path, and a all of a sudden it struck me how blessed I was to have such great friends and family and people who support me – a true gift. I look at nature and stand in awe! That our dad has taken care of every little detail in our lives so that we can enjoy his blessings and wonderful creation – He is in control.

The words of Psalm145:4-7 started mulling in my mind

Psalm 145:4-7
"What you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will proclaim your mighty acts. They will speak of your glory and majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. People will speak of your mighty deeds, and I will proclaim your greatness. They will tell about all your goodness and sing about your kindness."

I have come to realize over the last while that one needs to take rest and appreciate what God has given us and just simply enjoy hanging out with God and marvel at His works. You see we get caught up with so much "stuff" in our lives that we often forget to enjoy God's wonderful blessings. We forget to say thank you and rush from one place to the next…and all for what? This again comes back to the crux of living a life of deep appreciation and humility in front of our Saviour. It takes coming to the Father saying "I am not all I claim to be" and getting to a place where we can change our focus to giving God all the glory and honour. The same is true with our gifts…we often rely so on our gifting that we forget God in the process (ironically – the One who has given us the gift in the first place), but coming back to God with that humble heart day by day shows us that we are dependant on His love and grace.

Why Humility? Well, we read in 2 Corinthian12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you; my power is made perfect in weakness". You see the interesting thing of Humility is that when we humble ourselves, we surrender "self", and allow more of God. In so doing we exalt God and we give Him the glory and not ourselves. A good example is that of Gideon when God told Gideon to fight the Midianites. Gideon rallied up an army of 30,000 soldiers, but what did God do? he told Gideon he had too many soldiers. That day 20,000 men went home, and Gideon was left with 10,000 men. But God had other plans…still the army was too big, and eventually God narrowed the army down to only 300 men and the outcome was that the Midianites were defeated. The army did not defeat the Midianites by their own strength, but they defeated the Midianites by God's strength.

What can be learned from this? Humbling ourselves and becoming weak - giving back to God what he has given us - makes us dependant on Him more, and less on ourselves. When we are weak we tend to rely on God's strength rather than our own and if God does not "show" we certainly will 'drown' so to speak.

Therefore we must constantly remind ourselves of God's promise - that His grace is sufficient for us and that it is not about us, but all about Him. All glory, honour and praise to Him who has given us yet another day to enjoy his marvelous creation and to be able to share it together. Therefore, we might not always be sure of where God is leading us, but through coming to God simply saying "here I am, use me with all my scars and bruises…I am here for Your glory" brings a rich simplicity back into our walk, and helps us to rely on God's love as we journey through life's hills and valleys. The challenge for us is to go back and humble ourselves and appreciate the little things that God has blessed us with and to walk like we have never walked before with our Dad – totally reliant on Him!

Transitions – Never Losing Heart

2009-06-18T15:44:00.001+02:00

Transitions are interesting things... Transitions come as a result of change. I suppose in a sense CHANGE is the only thing that (apart from God) is a guarantee. Rather ironic isn't it?

When we look at seasons, we find that in order for new growth, new life to take place, something has to die first, but the result is that in a new season there is FRESH, NEW growth...Have you ever seen a wilting flower? Not as pretty as it was in it's former 'glory', but once a flower has blossomed, it dies...it's a natural part of life. We can get discouraged as things that were before beautiful, or things that once worked doesn't work now. But it is a new season – the old season wasn't bad, it's just over...it was necessary for the new season, but the new season WILL come regardless of whether or not we want to let go of the old season or not.

So what am I saying? Mmmm, I'm in an interesting change of season – I know the season is changing, I am not sure in what way, but there is a SHIFT – that's guaranteed! Sometimes I feel like losing heart, but it is because of a comparison of a previous season that was good, but the new season holds its own, awesome, fun and exciting new growth. It's scary, but NECESSARY.

Instead of avoiding the new season, 'rock out' to it, and allow God to lead you in the new season. The transition may difficult, but it is absolutely essential as we seek to grow into the fullness of what God has called us.

CHANGE IS A NECESSITY FOR GROWTH!

Desert Song – by Brooke Fraser

"All of my life, In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship"

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."

Fresh Aesthetics

2009-04-27T23:05:00.001+02:00

A Franciscan Prayer...

2009-03-27T11:16:00.001+02:00

I recently finished a book by Craig Groeschel entitled "IT: How Churches and ministries can get it, and keep it". A brilliant book that has challenged, inspired and has fuelled me to keep seeking God's heart passionately without excuse!

At the end of the book Craig prays a prayer for that goes like this:

"May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, and starvation, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done."

WOW...awesome and challenging. I pray that this would be the cry of our hearts – that we won't become complacent in our walk with the KING OF KINGS, that we would be HIS hands and HIS feet in a world that is broken. And that we would unashamedly and at all costs stand and believe that God has a plan for ALL people everywhere and that "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE – THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES US STRENGHT"

SOLI DEO GLORIA! – For God's Glory ALONE!

Psalm 101: A prayer of one whose life is falling to pieces, and who lets God know just how bad it is

2009-03-11T11:59:00.001+02:00

I've been reading the Psalms lately and have stumbled upon Psalm 101. An awesome theme for all Christian – I know I can relate to this at the moment. I must add a disclaimer though – this is a work in progress.

Psalm 101 (Message)

1 My theme song is God's love and justice, and I'm singing it right to you, GOD.

2 I'm finding my way down the road of right living, but how long before you show up? I'm doing the very best I can, and I'm doing it at home, where it counts.

3 I refuse to take a second look at corrupting people and degrading things. I reject made-in-Canaan gods, stay clear of contamination.

4 The crooked in heart keep their distance; I refuse to shake hands with those who plan evil.

5 I put a gag on the gossip who bad-mouths his neighbour; I can't stand arrogance.

6 But I have my eye on salt-of-the-earth people--they're the ones I want working with me; Men and women on the straight and narrow--these are the ones I want at my side.

7 But no one who traffics in lies gets a job with me; I have no patience with liars. I've rounded up all the wicked like cattle and herded them right out of the country.

8 I purged GOD's city of all who make a business of evil. A prayer of one whose life is falling to pieces, and who lets God know just how bad it is.

Like David, we often go about life singing of God's love and Justice, we try and live right, but sometimes we feel like David as he writes: "but how long before you show up?" Life keeps throwing 'bog' at you – and we know that it is the spiritual battle – but when is the 'bog-throwing' gonna stop? When is God going to show up? We feel discouraged, we feel oppressed, attacked...relentlessly – and we ask: "Where is God?"

The Answer: Right by your side! Jesus says: "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you". It's interesting that David speaks of WHOM you surround yourself with. As the Message translation (above) puts it "salt-of-the-earth people" – people who share the same heart after God and what HE wants to do. God speaks through these people to us to encourage us in our walk with him – to help us persevere and endure. You see, Christ wants us to live out our faith in the ordinary events of life – but by HIS strength (even when he appears to be silent) – the real question is: "Are you listening?" And are you listening to the RIGHT voices?

An author and pastor whose heart I love writes in one of his books that we need to listen to "Insiders who have an Outsider heart". What this means is that we need to surround ourselves with people who will sharpen us in our walk with Him, but those people need to have a heart of seeing Outsiders (those who are far from God) become Insiders – for God's glory. When we start surrounding ourselves with "salt-of-the-earth" people, it will help in a huge way in pursuing God's will (His Mission, His Purpose) amidst the uncertainty of life and the challenges we face. DISCLAIMER: NOTHING can substitute of our personal Intimacy with Christ.

I love how the Psalm ends: "A prayer of one whose life is falling to pieces, and who lets God know just how bad it is."

In essence our lives are falling to pieces, but the encouraging thing is that God is there and can be trusted through the tough times. He loves us so much that we can tell him how bad it is – and most "awesomely" is the fact that we can let go of the things that burden us and weigh us down and let God do what he wants to do. His will be done!

LETTING GO, AND LETTING GOD!

Tornado’s, Traffic & Chicken Burgers

2008-11-15T00:23:00.001+02:00

It all started on a quiet Friday morning...I woke up hearing the birds outside. A lovely sunny summer day was waiting patiently to be enjoyed. I got up singing "The Hills are alive with the sound of music...la la la la...". As I opened my door to the balcony, a little bird came and sat on my shoulders chirping excitedly. After feeding the little bird a few seeds I went downstairs to the fresh smell of coffee being percolated and breakfast – what a way to start a day. I picked up my rucksack to leave the home when the neighbour across from our house greets me warmly and says "enjoy the day!". MARVELOUS – I head into the office and get welcomed warmly with another cup of coffee – everybody overjoyed to see me. I turn my computer on...Outlook downloads my e-mails...and there it was...FAN MAIL! My my...everyone just loves me! My life is perfect!

PAUSE!!!! IF ONLY!!!

Got you there didn't I!?! It was more like this...woke up coughing and spluttering. This flu I got two days ago really sucks BIG time! Last night's fever i ran was horrible...I'm feeling nauseas and even the faintest smell of percolated coffee will send me to a Fear Factor chuck-bucket! I reluctantly pick up my rucksack to go to work thinking "what the heck am I doing – Jesus said "pick up your cross and follow me" – but this pick up your rucksack and head for church business IS NOT COOL (especially when I'm feeling like Lazarus before he was resurrected). I get into my car to have it beep at me – LOW PETROL! "Fantastic...I'm feeling like Winnie the Pooh (emphasis on the surname), and now my car is shouting at me too" I get to work...man it is hot and humid...in the office I'm distracted...I file my SARS tax return (Oh...the joys!) and then have a chat. After a few tears...I'm in the car to go and buy stuff for JIVE (our Friday night junior youth). I do all that and head for a restaurant called PIATTO in Hillcrest. It is our end of year staff lunch. Everyone is seated and we have just ordered when a ferocious wind comes up out of nowhere and rain comes bucketing down... A bucket doesn't quite describe the force as well as the amount of water...put differently the skies open as if a thousand whales are urinating all over hillcrest (force and substance included in the analogy). Something like you've never witnessed! It is over within 20 minutes! Then we get the call – the church building sustained massive damage! Yip – a tornadoe formed, landed right on the church premises, destroyed a lot of the surrounding area and continued it's path of destruction. You won't believe what the place looked like!!!!

On my way to the church (before I saw the damage) I was stuck in traffic...i was rather annoyed with it as the traffic lights were all working fine and there was nothing obscuring the road...road rage sets in and in my head i am blaming these dodgy drivers – i mean honestly "what are they thinking!?!?". So by the time i get to the traffic light i look around to see when it is my turn to drive when i realize that the traffic lights are all facing in different directions – none of them were indicated traffic at all in a direction that would make sense (hence the traffic jam). The tornado turned the traffic lights!! Eventually after we got to the church and assessed the problem, people from the church (and outside) were coming to check the damage to the property. People were gob-smacked at the sight! But...this is not all to the story....there is more!

When we step out into what God calls us, we stand in direct opposition to Satan and his schemes! Everything is spiritual! That tornado was spiritual...now...i know what you're thinking...here he goes – finding the devil under every tree (metaphorically of course, however the pun is still funny)...but after this happened I had this incredible revelation/thought that God was saying – i am NOT confined to a building...this is material and can fade so easily – but where God builds his Church – that's where it will stand regardless of the storm. Sounds strangely familiar to the parable of the man who build on rock and the other who builds on sand. So the question is this...do you know what your foundation is?

You see ultimately...whatever your foundation is will determine your outlook on life when Winnie strikes the fan! When the storm come tearing through your life – and they are guaranteed to – what is your response going to be? I know God is doing his work in me and in our church, but God is NOT bound to those four walls – he is eternal, he is ALMIGHTY, he NEVER changes! It's all about him and for him. You see, if your foundation is built on Christ, you realise that everything of this world is temporary but your walk with our creator is secure! In him we find our strength and peace – and nothing that the Satan tries will succeed if our foundation is in Jesus!

We thought of an awesome add campaign for the church... "Hillcrest Presby Church – the church were the devil is not impressed with us" – I mean...it is rather unique that one can say a tornadoe went through the church premises! Our worship of our king will STILL go on even if there was nothing left – because he is our everything anyway!

The day ended off – having Nando's with awesome friends of mine (Mark & Di) where we could just enjoy each other's company and share a busy and event-filled week!

We serve a great God! All Glory and Honour to Him always!

Portraits of the Past

2008-09-26T12:38:00.001+02:00

A friend of mine, Paul, came into the office a while ago and just chatted about a few things that's happening at the moment. We then went on to look at some of my videos and photos I had on my computer from my previous church – and it was so awesome to see the memories of back then and reminisce. The thought that came to me was that I AM BLESSED! Blessed to have had God in my life and blessed that I am able to serve Him in full-time ministry!

As I was looking at the videos, I thought to myself..."man, we don't celebrate enough". By this I mean, that in churches we sometimes get so focussed on what still needs to be done, that we forget to be thankful for what God has done, as well as celebrate the people who have served alongside you faithfully. I was just again reminded that people are precious to God, and that the local church is made up of the people – and hence we need to give thanks for them daily & CELEBRATE!

I'm taking some of my leaders tomorrow to celebrate – THEY are the ones that need to be encouraged – 'cause they have been a huge support and encouragement to me – and they make it a whole lot of fun to serve as well!

Reflections on the Durban Beachfront

2008-09-19T11:50:00.002+02:00

As I was going through some of my stuff on my computer I found a pondering that I had of 3 years ago…It was incredible how it applicable it was after my retreat day yesterday!

(From 30 August 2005)

The words of Psalm145:4-7 started mulling in my mind

Family Feuds, Fun & Friendship

2008-09-11T23:24:00.001+02:00

Families are incredibly interesting, yet complicated things. I often wonder how so many people from the same family can be so very different, and at the best of times even 'get on' with one another.

This past week I've been in Jo'burg to do my first wedding (not my own...), but the interesting thing was what happened before and after the wedding itself. Now for a little bit of extra info...my brother and I have not seen each other since my graduation (which was in May 2007), which makes it nearly one and a half years since we last saw each other. My brother and my relationship has had its ups and downs, but a miracle happened on Monday...My mom, brother and I had lunch together before I flew back home! WHAT A HUGE BLESSING!!!

This may not sound exciting to many, but for me it has almost been a turning point. I really love my brother, but we are very different, and I had almost lost hope at ever having a relationship with him, but what is amazing is that we were able to sit around a meal and chat about all sorts of stuff. Family, work...life! It was as if the past did not happen – it was just my mom, my brother and I and not a care in the world! We've been chatting too over the last few days, and I have just again been reminded that we must NEVER give up praying for one another! My relationship with my brother hasn't been great over the last 6 – 7 years, but we've made a start, and I thank God daily for the privilege it has been to reconnect with my brother!

So please NEVER stop praying for family members, never stop forgiving, and ALWAYS seek to restore relationships! It may still be a while for it to be what it should, but it feels like I've found something I've lost – and man....what a great feeling it is to have found it!

Let's continue to give thanks for God's 'little' blessings he gives us each day!

Clinton & Lizelle's Wedding

2008-09-11T00:23:00.000+02:00

Coffee Shops, Comfort Food & Good Excercise

2008-09-02T12:13:00.001+02:00

As those closest to me will know…I love coffee shops, and particular Mugg & Bean…free internet, bottomless coffee friendly staff, good music playing in my ears (obviously from a laptop) and the aroma of freshly baked muffins and a whole lot of random people who are going about their daily business…all with their unique stories – it makes one feel rather at "home".

It's quite weird how a few of life's little pleasures can conjure up such a lot of emotions and feelings…and this only from a coffee shop. This feeling of 'home' is actually quite interesting, because I don't even like Johannesburg…I mean…who like to struggle to breathe (I have huge sinus issues here)…wake up at the crack of dawn (5:45 this morning) to leave for work (6:15am this morning – although I was taking my mom to work) to sit in traffic…to drop my mom off and to travel another about 4km (which subsequently takes 20 minutes) to the gym…and then…alas…my little place of refuge…yes…Mugg & Bean!

Why is it that I feel this way? I suppose it's familiar, it's warm and inviting…I feel relaxed…if feel creative! But most importantly I think it reminds me of home (Hillcrest).

As I am pondering this I'm made aware of the fact that as it's written in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are "temporary residents and foreigners" in this world and keep away from worldly desires that wage war against our souls…you see I am not at home at the moment…I'm sitting in Jo'burg, but I "feel" at home… My feelings often tend to drive what is truth and not the other way around. This can so easily happen to us in the world - we get so attached to the things of this world and forget that it is ALL in fact temporary…this is NOT our home. I look at my own life and I see that I can get so caught up with the things of this world that I often loose perspective on what REALLY is important. I think the same is true of the Church – often we are so 'comfortable' in where we are in our walk or church community, that we forget what we are commissioned to do!

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

There are still a whole lot of people that don't know Jesus – the one that is in fact NOT temporary…

As Mugg & Bean have been my "home away from home", let's not forget that this world that we live in is not our real home and that even the church communities that we belong to is NOT home, but a "home away from home" and that we have a job to do that will have an eternal impact on others…so as the book of Hebrews puts it…

Hebrews 12:1

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let's keep our focus and throw off all the things that distract us (even the comfortable stuff) so we can do what God has called us to do!

Nosebleeds and Airports

2008-09-01T07:48:00.001+02:00

It is that time again – flying all over the country...once again. This time I'm heading for Jo'burg! I'm sitting in the Spur with...a nose bleed...man try to have breakfast while your nose is bleeding (trust me – it's NOT fun)...it reminded me of the days when i was a 'litee" and i did not want to eat beatroot because everything turned the colour red on the plate...well...fortunately i stopped the blood from landing on my plate, but i had to run for the toilets to counter this bloody nose...(no pun intended). It was rather funny...as i was in the men's toilet (and my nose just didn't want to stop) – i had the vision of actually going up to a lady and asking for a tampon – do you know that they say it will stop a nosebleed in no time!?! Ha ha – i know – you're laughing now, but it's the truth...fortunately it stopped in the nick of time – but just imagine how funny that would have been in an airport terminal!

So here i am – stomach full of bacon, eggs, mushrooms and pork sausages – enjoying the simple pleasures of life topped of with 2 cups of coffee at 7:38am. God has been so faithful, and i am so privileged to be a part of His story and to be called a child of God! Last night i had to lead Praise and Worship, and God's presence i felt so strongly – it still baffles me that i can have a living relationship with our heavenly father! WOW!!!! I am not sure what all the stuff is that God has planned for the future, but if we put our confidence and trust in Him – what can go wrong?

PSALM 1

"Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, mediating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do! V6: For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction"

I want to be that tree near the river! An awesome reminder that we serve the ONE and ONLY LIVING God and we need to keep drawing close to him – He is Holy, Righteous, Faithful to the end, Saviour, Healer, Redeemer & BEST Friend!