Doing the Deed!

When last did you do ‘a good deed?’

You know that thing that makes others feel good about themselves or the thing that makes you feel you are changing your world or maybe the thing that changes your family life!

Did it make you feel connected?
Jesus calls us to live a life of deeds. He, when He sits on His throne on Judgement day, will separate those believers who did deeds from those believers who did nothing. Feeding the poor, clothing the naked and visiting the prisoner are some of the deeds He identifies.

Now here’s the thing! Believers are called to do good deeds, not because we have to, but because we want to!
That’s the Jesus way.
He died for you and me not because He had to, but because He wanted to……awesome!!

If you could think of doing one thing right now that gives you a warm sense of being, then that’s what Jesus wants you to do.
Don’t wait! Start working out how to do it and ask the Spirit to help you.

Your Spirit inspired deeds will change the world!

If you want to share a good deed that might inspire others, go to the Blog link and place your comment.

[Click where it says Comments. Read any other comments. Type in your message. Click Anonymous (unless you have an id) and then click Publish Comment.]

You are Special!!!

Here’s a thing! Find a place right now where you can see your reflection.
Maybe in the computer monitor, kettle, hand mirror…whatever.

Now…look at yourself.

No, really look. Don’t be shy. Take your time.

Now picture Jesus standing in front of you.
Try to imagine the look in His eye as He smiles at you.

No, don’t turn away or laugh it off. Allow Him to look at you.
That’s better.
Relax.

I’m sure just the very the very thought of being examined so closely is uncomfortable. Maybe you’re checking around now to see if anyone’s watching you. Forget them.
Focus on this one thing. Jesus loves you. Feel the Holy Spirit testifying into your life. You are special and God has a plan for your life.
No, don’t say anything just take this moment to feel God’s love and presence.

Now you are living by the Spirit.
You matter and your life counts.
You are a child of God.

Do this exercise as often as is needed.

Do You Know Where You Are Going?

I don’t know about you but I detest getting lost!
But do you think for one minute I’ll plan my journey or better still, stop and ask for directions?
Never!
Some may say it’s a man thing; others may use more descriptive language.
However, my modus operandi is to set off and then work out how to get there, as long as I have a vague idea of where I’m headed, of course. Leigh-Ann, however, is totally opposite. She plans way ahead, making sure she has all her bases covered and then only will she set off.
This does lead to some interesting en route discussions, but I console myself with the knowledge that somehow we both reach our destinations eventually.
But when it comes to my life journey, I am very careful with knowing exactly where I stand. I want my destination to be an eternity in God’s presence. No compromise. So I live each day in His will for my life.
How about you?
Are you living as one who knows their destination?
If not, then today’s the day to start! Start by asking God each day what His plan is for your life and then live out that plan. By doing so you will live a purpose driven life because when it comes to eternity, getting lost in not an option.

Excitement is:

On Saturday morning, we held a leaders’ breakfast at North Rand. We met expressly to discuss the dreams formulated at the leaders' retreat in January.

With some sense of anticipation, I began to prepare the sessions on electronic format. Included were a time of worship, an inspirational video, Scripture reading and a time of reflection. Even though I say so myself, I was quite prepared and quietly excited.

Saturday dawned softly and checking my cell phone I discovered a message from Ron that the church had no electricity. My first thoughts were for Vanessa, who was preparing breakfast and then for all the hard work with the electronic presentations. This was going to be a disaster, I thought.
On arriving at the church, to my amazement, Ron and Norma were calmly boiling water and had set up skottels to cook the eggs etc. Awhile later, the leaders arrived and amazingly each calmly focused immediately on the job at hand of making things work.
What a blessing!
As we sat down to our HOT breakfast, there was a real sense of oneness and fellowship around the table. Our discussions later continued much in the same way.

Excitement for me is to be involved with deeply committed Christians who understand God’s call and despite the obstacles placed in their way, still give of themselves in service.
North Rand is blessed to have such committed leaders!

Excitement is knowing that I belong to a motivated, inspirational church family that is going to fulfil God’s plan and purpose.

The Holy Spirit Will Never Embarrass You!

Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday and North Rand for the preceding week we prayed that in all our services, we would experience a powerful movement of God’s Spirit in His people.
At first I expected people to fall over, be slain, to sing, dance etc.
But there were precious little visible signs: only the odd tear.
Was God working I could hear a small voice asking - perhaps you’ve missed the thing altogether!

To be honest I had been praying all week that God would not embarrass us and we were not disappointed! In all the services God ministered to His people as they came forward to receive prayer. I was fortunate to be praying with folk and for the most part I prayed for the Holy Spirit to pour into people’s lives.
We might never know the consequences of our ministry but I have absolute peace that God is in control. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Indeed He will work in us according to His purposes.

Do you want more of God in your life?
The first step is to become a Christian by asking Jesus into your life. The next step is to open your heart to Him, wait upon Him with constant prayer and reading of the Scripture and He will reveal Himself. He has promised and He always delivers on His promises.

If you are needing help, go to our link Tell Me About Jesus and pray the prayer with us. If you want to share your story of God’s work in your life then go to the blog comment. Your testimony could change someone’s life!

Power-Filled Living

Imagine living and accomplishing all the things you ever dreamed of doing. Perhaps you wanted to climb Everest, parachute over Hartebeestpoort dam, own your own company, nurse the sick, be a professional sportsman, be the best parent to your child, write a novel, paint a dramatic picture or whatever wonderfully inspiring thing you dreamed.

Well, Scripture says that we can do all these things!
1 Corinthians: 12: 1-11 speaks about the gifts (talents) that are given to every believer. Some are given gifts of healing, some gifts of miraculous powers and so on.
Couple these gifts to our natural abilities, personal style and passions and you have the perfect recipe for Power-Filled Living. It is only when we discover all of these, that we will be enabled to understand what our unique purpose and contribution to God’s creation is.
Scripture says we are given the gifts as determined by the Holy Spirit to enable us to fulfil our God-given purpose for our lives. Although Paul was teaching about the gifts used to glorify God and to edify (encourage moral living), there is no doubt in my mind that once we live in this way, the benefits will spill over into every area of our lives and we will be able to accomplish more than we ever dreamed possible.

POWER-FILLED LIVING IS PURPOSE-DRIVEN EXISTENCE.

Do you know what your gifts, passions and unique style are?
Are you wanting to live with purpose and meaning?
Then take the following steps:

1. Make sure that you are able to claim – Jesus is Lord of my life:

And

2. Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal them to you and join a course
such as Network, which will enable you to discover your servant
profile.

If you need help with number 1, go to our web page http://www.northrandmeth.org.za/ and click on the link – Tell Me About Jesus. You can also email us for information on our courses at nrmcmeth@telkomsa.net .

Energy…..

Just last week, a friend whom I hadn’t seen for awhile phoned me in the middle of a busy morning. You know those mornings when you glance at your watch and it’s 8h45 and when you look at it again it’s 13h00.
To be honest, I wanted to say I’d call him back but something in his tone made me sit back and listen.
“John I’m absolutely exhausted” he began.
“Why?” I asked politely.
“My church is making me tired,” he replied.
“Are you sure it’s them and not yourself?”
“You know, at first I thought it was me and then in my quiet time this morning, the Lord showed me the areas in my work where the energy was literally being sucked out of me. People complaining about the young children making noise in the church, others moaning about the choice of hymns and others concerned about the kind of tea served on Sundays.”
“How can I help?” I asked
“I overheard you telling someone awhile ago that you have regular altar calls in you church…”
“Don’t you?” I asked
“No…” he replied
“Well don’t you think you should?”
“What difference will it make?” he said tiredly.
“It makes all the difference in the world.”
“You really think so?” he replied, his voice starting to reflect a newness of purpose. “We used to do it often but somehow we lost our way. You know I feel better already….”

Another word we can use for energy in the life and calling of the believer is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s work is to make us bold, give us strength, guide, counsel and empower us in our calling.

Are you struggling with energy levels when it comes to your ministry at work, in your family or at home?

If you are: pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart to God’s calling on your life. The power you receive when doing His will, will overflow into every area of your life as you live out your unique purpose for living.

(PS Some of you reading this letter will be able to testify to this and your testimony on the Blog in the comment box may change someone’s life.)