Where to from Here?

This is an unintended follow up to the previous two posts, Idle Person or Image Bearer. In just a short space of time I have been so overwhelmed by what God has saying through His Word During the past week, I've heard more or less the same message from different people speaking from the Bible. Last night the message was no different, at a weekly gathering of christian people at campus at UBC. The thoughts of friend who spoke from the Bible echoed the same sentiment.

With all my failings, weaknesses, God is the source and strength of my salvation. The last few blog posts have dealt about being an Image Bearer of God. After a week of encouragement, Godly rebuke: What Do I? Where must I go? The lack of control freaks me out but the reality of not knowing, trusting God and letting Him guide me in the darkness excites me because It's about His Glory and His Story, not my story to keep using His resources. Psalm 119, 9-16 : The How

verse 9-11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
verse 12-15, "Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."

In essence storing up his Word in my heart and reflecting on Him. John Piper said the most practical way to start is by memorizing scripture, storing His Word in our hearts. The words I want to memorize is Psalm 119: 105;

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." In the midst of my confusion, fear, excitement and adventure of the unknown of letting God use my brokeness for His glory and honour. Where must I go? To His Word, a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in the darkness of circumstances. You may ask whats the point to all of this?

Psalm 119:16 in closing, "I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." To delight in His way and not to forgot Who I belong to and Whose story should be told. My soul sings and shouts a very loud Amen!

-Lloyd

Idle Person or Image Bearer?

This is a follow up from the previous blog entry, Idle Person.

Reading The Silence of Adam by Dr. Larry Crabb, Dr Crabb makes a great observation,"I wonder if we have, in our day, lost the excitement and Drama of our calling: to reveal the unseen God by the way we live, especially by the way we relate to one another. The single most important truth about people is the truth most easily ignored: that we bear the image of God. As image bearers, we are called to tell his story with our lives, not to tell our lives, not to tell our stories with his resources..."

Now granted, this excerpt came from a book intended to speak to men but I think the biblical principle of being an image bearer (men and women of God) should not be overlooked. Broken people, in a broken world bent on the grace and mercy of God. Why do I chose to hide my brokenesses? We are a church because of what God has accomplished through the death and ressurection of Jesus. There are many things Grace stands for, here's one: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Its not about us. Its about what God has done for us. So what do I have to lose when sharing our vulnerabilities with fellow brothers and sisters?

We are called to tell his story with our lives, not to tell our lives, not to tell our stories with his resources. Hmm...How can we bring encouragement to one another if God's story with our lives if our self image is the focal pont?

-Lloyd

Idle Person

Google Image (http://thebuzz.sheknows.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/bo-on-idol.jpg)

Yesterday, I'd said goodbye to someone I have grown to admire over the last year or so, got to meet this individual earlier this year, April. When the person shared his issues, I began to look at my own life and saw the resemblence. The downside, Why does it take one brave Christian to share his struggles before the rest of us admit collectively we have the same problem too?

Have we become a church, the people, who try to preserve our own image idol to compensate for the brokeness we have inside? I know I do. Problems begin to build that were once buried in a closet and when they surface its like banging your head on a brick wall.

Biblically, starting from Genesis 2, self image was never the issue. Adam upon seeing Eve, said "flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone." Clearly Adam was solely focused on Eve. Genesis 3 the self image became the the issue "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Sin has now entered the world. Adam did nothing while Eve was tempted and ate the fruit. God asks Adam a question. Adam responds by blaming Eve.

Have I become my idle for the sake of my image instead of the Image I was made for?

to be continued....

-Lloyd

Holiday in Seattle USA 2

Only this sort of thing takes place in America. A Misplaced body bag left on the Needle, I Think ;) !

-Lloyd

Holiday in Seattle USA 1

I've had a very short summer vacation, but the 4 day family vacation in Seattle was probably what I needed. Refreshed and relaxed! Some highlights: Pictures taken from the Seattle Space Needle.





-Lloyd

Madiba turns Magic 90

Today (I mean Friday though the post reads Thursday 17th, remember this blogspots runs accoding to South African time) Nelson Mandela or otherwise affectionately known as Madiba celebrates his 90th Birthday First Democratic President of South Africa. Yes I'm sure every South African holds him in high regard as person, leader and president and sure the rest of the world sees him as an icon for human rights and peace. Whatever iconic impression people may have of him he'll probably claim he is not that icon he is held up to be.

One hears stories of famous people, see them speak on television and watches how history is made. This makes my story all the more memorable. Four years ago back in South Africa I was with my Mom and Brothers (Uwen and Byron) in Cavendish square (a shopping centre) outside Exclusive Book Store, we saw people gathered around the entrance and we were curious as to what could be the cause of attraction. Curiosity may kill a cat but our curiosity nearly brought me alone a heart attack! What I saw to my surprize, schock and thunderous heart pulpitations: the very cause of attraction was Nelson Mandela leaving the bookstore. As he came by our way, my youngest brother Byron had the guts to strech out his hand and Madiba shook his hand. I could barely muscle a wave. This moment was all to surreal for me to handle and for one reason only. Actually I lied, there were two reasons. I was struck by this world famous person's, (nevermind being the former president and all) humility and love. Nevermind the bodyguards, he was greeting the bystanders around him and introducing himself interacting with the old and young with much affection. As overwhelming as it may have been, seeing a world famous in close proximity I mean this type of occurences takes place everyday, the love he displayed to the people and his humility were very hard to overlook.

So I found this quote said by the man himself and it is hard to overlook the simply fact what considering what he experienced for many long years he could have not loved or shown humility unless he understood the meaning of grace. I think the quote was taken from inauguration speech, "If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."

As surreal as that moment was seeing Nelson Mandela, just as a thought maybe we hold our "icons" too high that we miss the importance of the message that they seek to bring, share, speak or live?

-Lloyd

Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian

I've been looking forward to the movie all year. I had finished reading Prince Caspian within the week and...after seeing the movie as a puritinarnian (pure narnia book fan made that up but it fits well), Prince Caspian was absolutely awesome! Usually with adaptions from book to silver screen key elements often get overlooked. Not so in this film. Yes details is important but what amazed that the additons made did not detract from key themes in the book but also I, think enhanced the main themes of Prince Caspian namely, the authority of Aslan.

When circumsances become overwhelming in a god forsaken or atheistic state, where the environment is hostile, it is call to courage to take refuge in our King Jesus and in His Word, the hope we all share in. The journey of faith is also challenging, dare say seem impossible at times. Sometimes we are called to walk alone, along a path we not seen before. The more we learn to trust God in the little we know, it is then we begin to grow and thats the joy of faith for me. Our trust in Him depeens, we see the things we hate about ourselves and marvel, at the Majesty of our King Jesus and learn something new about His Glory and Splendour.

“But every year you grow, you will find me bigger,...It is hard for you, little one," said Aslan. "But things never happen the same way twice." (Aslan speaking to Lucy). The theme song of the movie, written by Switchfoot-This is Home reiteriates this theme and our longing for eternity. I'll post the lyrics under comments (guess the long entry makes up for the lost time)!



-Lloyd

My First Landmark, Turned 21!!!

So I thought I'd post something for blog cause. Not forgetting, that I'm proudly South African through and through and the significance in turning 21. I'm out the country but you can't take the country out of me. The blog entry reads, March 31 and my birthday is April Fools but for birthday sake I'm operating on South Africa time.

I'm so grateful to God for His grace, mercy and goodness over the nearly 10 years in my relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Almost eight months ago I should have been literally dead and buried after a head on collision car collision on the highway. The car was a right off. How I survived with very minor injuries, truly a miracle.

The hardships that have come my way over the ten years, dealing with the issue of death be it myself at 20, or that of loved one who died of cancer when I was 15, or even my freind who took his life, I was only 16 at the time. It only gets better, struggle with depression 17, emigrating at 18 to Canada and trying to settle down and my health that continues to be tough to deal with. How is it even possible that I'm still remotely stable, alive and well?

All I can say is God is good and has sustained me through His word and prayer. Through every affliction He has carried me and still carries me to this day. I have seen the best of life and the worst of life and I'm sure there is more to come but there are no words of large enough for me to encompass my praise to my Maker, Father and King. Through my joys I grown a lot and through my sufferings I grown even more and loving every minute of it. He is building my character and I'm a better preson for it and of course using me for His purpose and glory so that others may know of Him as I'm able to share His grace, love and mercy He has afforded me.

I'm a blessed and grateful person. There has been great times of enjoyment too, all be it, coming to know him as my Saviour and King at 11, being blessed with many friends in two different countries, skydived, mission trips, university etc. For me, it is my suffering presently and over the last 10 years that I have grown in my realtionship with Jesus. I regret nothing and would not trade any of those experiences for the world.

To be Christian, Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, pick up your cross and follow Him. Suffering is part and parcel of being a Christian. What I have enjoyed the most is that I know Who's scars I am marked by. What Jesus did for us on the cross, is beyond my comprehension. His love. God's grace to save a wretched sinner like me. Making me into new creation in robes I do not deserve. Man was made in the image of God. Jesus came to restore God's image in man and has offered us eternal life. Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain and truly demands my life, my soul, my all.

Sure there are going to be more pothills, valleys and mountains to climb. Who cares! He has carried me and will continue to carry me. God is good. A new life in Canada, turned 21, trying to adapt in a foreign sure ain't easy but I' learning slowly but surely its not where I'm going that is important but it is Who I belong to and Whom I am traveling with that counts. Forgetting what is behind me,I want to know Christ more.

-Lloyd

If Only We Understood...

When Jesus approached Jerusalem, Luke 19:41,42
"As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes."

A friend reminded me, if Jesus Death on the cross was to be fully understood, our hearts, minds, attitudes. lives should be different. Maybe we ought live out the message of the Gospel, by telling others of this good news? Not just during Easter...

-Lloyd

The Life to Come

2 Corinthians 5:1-4
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."

I heard this great talk tonight and was reminded and encouraged of the hope of eternal life we all share in. That we, here and now only experience a glimpse of the everlasting life to come. Death is not the end, but the beginning. This was the illustration that was used (Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis).

"Then Aslan turned to them and said: 'You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be. There was a real railway accident,' said Aslan softly. 'Your Father and Mother and all of you are as you call it in the Shadowland-dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.' And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at least they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."

-Lloyd

3 Years on...

Never mind the challenges of emigrating, settling in a foreign land or any unforeseen pothole. Since leaving South Africa February 23,2005, all I can say God is good. Drama has been following me around the past year, so what. God is good.

-Lloyd

Walking and Talking

I have learned one lesson of truth that could have saved me from some stresses concerning guidance. Three words, Trust and Obedience. I've been reading, John Chapman's Book, Know and Tell the Gospel. No other words in my quiet time have sounded louder.

Here's the sad irony behind the stresses, not to mention the disobedience. Glossing over the obvious and much needed instruction of the Gospel, I avoided the instruction and continued to read the Bible. That does not take a rocket scientist to figure out my confusion's and stresses came from.

The very core of the Gospel demands obedience and trust. Obedience in the sense that one has to submit to the Kingship of Jesus. He is Lord, because He is Saviour. Not to forget that we who are believer's share in the Hope of His resurrection.

Proverbs 3:5-6, can be summarized in three words, trust and obedience.
v5- "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
v6,obedience- "all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." More strikingly, in the Context of Proverbs Chapter 3, the command could have not been any clearer, starting from v1-4; v7-8; v9-10; v11-12; v13-18. Faith in God (v19-26) demands obedience to his instruction, (v27-35).

James 1:5-8, in the context of trials and temptations, concerning wisdom:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." The rest of the chapter isn't much different. If you profess to listen you have to walk. "Do not listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what its says." (Read the rest of James 1 v21-27).

There is no other hymn that could elaborate more eloquently in expressing this important truth: Trust and Obey

"When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)

But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)

Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey."

-Lloyd

"My Saviour, My God"-Aaron Shust

2008

Life can be tough, last year was probably the toughest year of my life. Dealing with health and school and very fortunate to be alive after a head on collision. Turning 21 this year! I have been through a lot. Losing a friend ( a year after losing a family member), had depression, emigrating and settling down in a foreign country that list will be probably go on...

Even though there has been hard times, slowly but surely I beginning to rejoice and praise God. Suffering is to be expected, after all "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"(Mark 8:33-35). Paul says we should rejoice in our sufferings.

The year 2007 was great year. I grew in God's word. Funnily enough I have grown the most in times of affliction as opposed to times of joy (Switchfoot concert last year, mission trips, camps, traveling,skydiving, skiing, friendships,family, holidays etc). This year is going to be even tougher. The aftermath of school in '07 I have to deal with now in '08. Returning to UBC-O was the lowest I felt. It is easier to quit and move on and I have considered and explored these options. Only because, the circumstances overwhelm me.

God has made it clear through His Word, prayer and other people that this is where He wants me to be. Truth be told, it has pained me greatly. But I forget to easily that God has carried me and that I have to lean and fall on Him, staying down on my knees resting on His instruction and not my own understanding.

I have three goals for 2008 after reading Philippians 3:1-4:1.

1) Know Christ More (3:10,11)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

2)To Move on (3:13-14)
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I have to move on with Christ." I cannot live in the past and be living in the present at the same time. Carrying unnecessary burdens I never been equipped to deal with on my own.

3)Stand firm in the Lord (4:1)
"Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" Focusing on Christ alone in lieu of coming months, God willing many, many years ahead. No need to look around on earth and every corner "What's happened and what to do next?" Heaven is our home. Suffice to say, that is not important because Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. All I can do is grow in His Word and stand upon His instruction and bearing witness to His work as humble and faithfully as possible.

-Lloyd