He was beaten, whipped, stoned, and shipwrecked. He lived in danger from foes and friends alike. He went without sleep, food and water. And on top of this, he lay awake at night agonizing for the churches he had founded. Despite all this, Paul could say, ‘Thanks be to God!’

You may be in a tough situation, a real calamity that seems totally hopeless. But when you trust the Lord with Your pain, nothing is out of control in your life.

After God told the Jews He had plans for their welfare that would give them hope, He went on to say, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

The Lord is faithful to protect us!

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s Triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Excerpt accredited to ‘Daily Splashes of Joy – 365 gems to sparkle your day’ By Barbara Johnson

God Bless

Tess (in Derek’s absence)

CHMC Notices – 3 April 2011

An eight-month pregnant woman was in Tokyo when disaster struck, 25 kilometers from her home. She was desperate to get back home to make sure her husband was still alive and she didn’t want her husband to worry about her.

She had forgotten her cell phone at home that day. Not that it would have helped much, for the phone lines were perpetually busy. Payphones were out of the question as well, as long lines of people were waiting to make their desperate calls. Likewise busses and taxis were not an option, as there were also long lines waiting for these, and even if she could have boarded a bus, traffic was at a standstill.

So she did the impossible, she walked the 25 Km to her home. She made sure to hydrate herself regularly. At least there were no lines in front of vending machines! Restrooms were also available by stopping in one of the numerous office buildings in Tokyo.

It took her seven hours to reach her goal, and when she arrived, her husband wasn’t even home. He, too, had been far from home when disaster struck, 32 Km to be exact. Not knowing what had become of his wife; he borrowed a bicycle and cycled home, arriving thirty minutes after she did. What a happy reunion that was!

Funny that they weren’t worried about their possessions or the money in their bank accounts – for the only thing that mattered was finding each other.

God Bless,

Derek

CHMC Notices – 27 March 2011

John Ortberg writes that shortly before he was martyred, Bonhoeffer wrote a poem that has haunted people ever since. It gives voice to the struggle of a sensitive soul grappling with the tension between the public and the private and the real self. It is a gift to all of us who aspire to follow in the steps of the One who went before us. Here is his poem:

Who am I? They often tell me I would step from my cell’s confinement calmly, cheerfully, firmly, like a squire from his country-house.

Who am I? They often tell me I would talk to my warden freely and friendly and clearly, as though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me I would bear the days of misfortune equably, smilingly, proudly, like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of, or am I only what I know of myself, restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage, struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat, yearning for colours, for flowers, for the voices of birds, thirsting for words of kindness, for neighbourliness, trembling with anger at despotisms and petty humiliation, tossing in expectation of great events, powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance, weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making, faint and ready to say farewell to it all.

Who am I? This or the other? Am I one person today, and tomorrow another? Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others, and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling? Or is something within me still like a beaten army, fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?

Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.

Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am Thine.

God Bless

Derek

CHMC Notices – 20 March 2011

Interesting word: ‘mistaken.’  Miss – not to hit; not to see; not to understand… I’m sure you could add more.  Then the word ‘taken.’  Taken – ‘dooped’ could one say?  Loss of something in a sense.  Let down in another.  Being mistaken about something could be exceedingly costly!

Please don’t mistake humility for weakness.  In looking at Jesus’ life we find that humility requires great Strength and that a humble life reflects God-given Courage.  It is an unshakeable confidence in Almighty God that is the source of both Strength and Courage.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! [Philippians 2:5-7]

Jesus knew who He was in relationship with God!  It’s when we know who we are in relationship to God that we are freed to humbly serve God’s purposes in, through and with our lives.  What a privilege!

Are you finding it difficult to reflect a Christ-like humility in your life?

Pray and ask the One who was willing to become a servant for our sake.  He knows the prideful places in our heart, the places that fight the thought of humbling ourselves.  Despite knowing this – Jesus still loves us.  He loves you and is willing to forgive if you commune with Him.  Continually ask that His example of humility would continually permeate your life this day, tomorrow – and all tomorrow’s tomorrows.

God Bless

Derek

CHMC Notices – 13 March 2011

Now, if I take my phone, it’s more like a PC that can make telephone calls than a cell phone that is programmed to do many other functions.  I did not purchase this little monster – it was an insurance “apology” that gave me the opportunity to “select any model” I fancied at the time.  The initial replacement on a claim was way off track to what I should have received.  The supply company apologised for the inconvenience and then gave a much wider selection (and more expensive range) from which to choose.

I can imagine that God looks at us, like a cell phone in His hand, and asks us: “Why are you not functioning to your full potential, when I’ve given you so much – why have you settled for so little?”  Why do you just want to make telephone calls – when there is so much more that you are!

Here’s the question: Do you really, really, really know what you have in your hands as a child of God?  I’ve no doubt there are programmed functions, abilities, gifts within you that have not yet floated to the surface!

You have been fearfully and wonderfully made!  Read Psalm 139.  Are you able to grasp the magnitude of your potential in Christ – not purely for your own purpose – but that which God is whispering within you this very minute.

God Bless

Derek

CHMC Notices – 6 March 2011

Here’s the question.  Imagine you’re walking along the street and suddenly one of these roving news reporters shoves a microphone in your face and asks:

“What do you think of the budget speech?”

What would your reply sound like?  Would you get stage fright?  Would you keep walking and give the poor bloke, trying to earn an honest living, an evil intent stare?

Listening to some of the South African’s that experienced such an occasion – it dawned on me that every negative response had a positive side.

One reply was: “This means I’ll need to cut down on my smoking – the Government is forcing me to!”  Hey!  Don’t point fingers at the smokers – there’ll definitely be many of their breed with you in heavenly places one eternal day.  The government calls it ‘sin tax’ – not Christ!  Surprised? Don’t be!

The response could have been: “It will make me a healthier person to cut down on smoking.”  One person cutting down or stopping.  More people cutting down or stopping.  Less and less people causing their health to degenerate.  Imagine if ‘this’ became the next epidemic!  Less pressure on Medical Aid funds.  Lower premium increases could result.  More …… (you finish the sentence!)

OK – it’s a very simplistic view of a more complex issue – but, just imagine!

Better still.  Imagine how many of your negative responses throughout life could have been rephrased with a positive turn.  Imagine the domino or osmotic effect that could have on everyone that enters your space.

Just Imagine!

God Bless,

Derek

CHMC Notices – 27 February 2011

Our family legend is that I married Cheryl – to find the things I keep hiding away from myself. Please understand, it’s not that I forget where I place things. I simply hide things very well! Especially from myself.

Not from Cheryl, though. Cheryl finds them!

What have you been given – that you’re hiding away – even from yourself. When we can’t find these things – we kid ourselves that we still have them. We don’t really have them – until we find them again. (Or be smart enough to marry someone who can find them for us!)

In Jesus, we’ve been given an amazing Gift. Yet, many have hidden that gift away – from themselves. When we do that, we kid ourselves that we actually have that gift. We really don’t have it. We live as if we have that Gift – pretending that the Gift is real in our lives. Going through the motions – even mimicking those who really have the Gift.

For God so loved – that He gave His Son …. A Gift!
[Jn 3:16]

The family legend continues that Cheryl, on the other hand, married me to fix things, make things better – that Cheryl can’t fix, or make better. The problem is – I can’t fix anything that I do not have in hand, or cannot find – no matter how hard I try.

None of us can! We either cherish and live God’s Gift – or hide it away, lose it, neglect it. My prayer? That you can see God’s Gift in me and I can see His Gift in you.

God Bless

Derek

CHMC Notices – 20 February 2011

Here was where the whole beauty was lost – in a single fold. Imagine hearing the words: “Oh, let the Son of God enfold you, with His Spirit and His love” What picture is painted on the canvas of your imagination when you hear those words? To me it’s one of the warmest picture experiences that I can imagine – almost becoming real. My sense and image of a loving Jesus as the Son of God; arms wrapped around me – protecting me, loving me.

My eye catches the folder advert in my hands – folded poorly. There’s nothing of that warmth, that beauty that the content exudes. It’s spoilt by the final touch of design. The final touch of art work – spoilt! Often, if honest, you find yourself like that. Demanding that Jesus be that wrapping, that folder of perfection: “Hold me Jesus” is prayed as if Jesus is the one waiting on our tables. Yet, we do not “fold” those in need – or even this piece – in a loving, perfect way.  Paul encourages: “In all you do, with thanksgiving do everything to the glory of God?” Pity the one who folded this paper did not understand the scriptures or the encouragement of Brother Lawrence: “In all you do – sweep the sidewalk, washing the dishes, writing a letter, cleaning your car …… folding this paper……..”

In today’s consumerist world – many have lost the plot …… how are you doing? Remember, we love because He first loved us. Yes, my friend, never forget that he loves us. So we do all to His glory!

Refold your paper …

God Bless,

Derek

CHMC Notices – 13 February 2011

“Never have a home without music. Take away the music and you take away the love.”

Now I know some of you have frowned at that statement as you‟ve possibly shouted: “Turn that music down!” to some offspring or sibling. A neighbour‟s party has kept you up later than you intended – because of the music. Yet, all these musical intrusions into our lives do not take away the enjoyment that music, song and dance ultimately brings.

As I contemplated my week’s experiences to pen this article, simultaneously cocking an ear in anticipation of a Holy Spirit Whisper, I began humming an ancient song: “Have I told you lately that I love you.” Ancient? To some, yes! The words changed to: “Have you told them lately that I love them?” An admonition?! Quickly I reviewed the past months Sunday messages and conversations – yes!!. Phew!! Then a clear, distinct, thundering whisper – another song:
“Play it again Sam!”
“Tell my people that I love them.”
That’s the greatest message, encouragement,wrapping, Garfield Hug that could ever permeate your being. Sit a while. Soak in it.

There is no greater flaming torch I can pass on to you as you run, walk or crawl your race of life:

God Loves You!

CHMC Notices – 6 February 2011

Stuff breaking when you least expect it to – the inconvenience of arranging repairs and the associated pennies to make good again.  Finding myself behind the 8 ball somewhat and the “Have-To-Do” list running ahead a little too much. You‟ve been there, too?

Yep! You probably know the 4 P’s of Marketing – Product, Price, Place and Promotion. Someone I grew up with in Port Elizabeth says we have the 4 P’s of living
in todays world:
Pace – Pressure – Problems – Painful people

Mmmmm You’ve been there too?

It’s in such times that I cherish the ability, the discerning spirit, of seeing God‟s Fingerprints in the midst of chaos, confusion, commitments, and conspiracy – so to
speak, the gift of Holy Spirit to take the Scriptural and Experiential picture I have of my Heavenly Father into the P’s and C’s – and other stuff of life.

Hey, I don’t do this on my own! It‟s knowing there is a granny (not family) that prays for me every morning at 5am – no matter where she is in the world and what time zone she‟s in! Someone (like an Ananias) who received a whisper to do so many years ago for this Paul.

Here’s what I know ……

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Cor 12: 9 & 10]

That’s when my favourite Psalm comes to life:
Ps 40: 1 – 3. Go read it!

CHMC Notices – 30 January 2011