So… how many of us have had 7-8 hours of sleep last night, started our day in contemplation with our Lord, studied our Bible, drank 8 glasses of water, exercised for at least 30minutes, achieved our goals at work, tended our home grown veggie garden, focused on our family in meaningful conversation over a home prepared well balanced nutritious meal, disposed of the trash in environmentally sorted bins, ensured our pets have had exercise, assisted a friend/family in need, tidied the cupboards and last but not least – laid out tomorrows choice of clothing according to your Dress Me app?

This could well be a “me” thing – but I am finding that the more “help” is available, the less capable I find myself feeling. My mobile phone never ceases to provide me with prompts ready to easily distract an already distracted woman – dare to open the internet or a news app you will immediately be bombarded with the latest news (which is then analysed from every angle – reminding you of certain impending doom and gloom). Constant pop ups offering me diet, exercise, cooking and innumerable self-help tips – from how to train my brain to be more productive to how to live a life of joy and happiness in a body that looks half my age.

Recently I met up with a previous work colleague/friend, whom I had not seen for some time. Arriving at breakfast I thought how stunning and slim she looked – WOW. I told her so. She giggled and told me that the night prior she felt nervous about meeting up – stating that she did not know what to wear. Seated in a 6-year-old pair of jeans, cardigan and very unfashionable takkies – I could not help but ask why on earth she would worry about that when meeting up with me?? Her reply was that she had always viewed me as being perfectly turned out at work every day. I was in total disbelief – were we talking about the same person – me??? I had congratulated myself if I arrived in clothing that fitted, was clean and briefly ironed – in fact 99% of the time I considered myself something of a “hot mess”.

Why on earth have I recounted this? I have a feeling that many of us do not see ourselves as others see us. We find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, not able to measure up to the world’s images depicting success, joy and freedom.

The media leaves me feeling inadequate, ill equipped – as if my operating system is outdated and slow. Overweight, unfit, unproductive and far from achieving the perfectly described online “joy in life”.

STOP RIGHT HERE – This is where we remind ourselves of the true source of joy.

The Truth to living in light (as my daily reading reminded me) – is to CENTRE OUR LIVES WHOLLY AROUND THE ONLY TRUE SOURCE – OUR LORD

We read in John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

We cannot escape sin/imperfection (darkness) by just focusing on it and trying to fix or heal it. No matter how many self-help articles we read, we cannot walk in joy and light, unless we seek it by following Jesus. Resolution and freedom results from turning our attention to God. Jesus died for our sins. God conquered sin and death. God is the author of our life story – and each story is unique. Each person has unique gifts and talents – we were not intended to be the same or to live the same life story.

There is a saying out there that reads “God is the author of our life story – stop trying to steal his pen”. You are who God says you are.

Joy and peace are available to us from God. If we surrender our lives to God and the light He brings, we will experience a life of freedom and joy founded in his unconditional love. All we are required to do is to place Jesus at the centre of all we do and who we are, that we may receive deliverance from the constraints and bonds of darkness.

2 Corinthians 4:6 reminds us “Let light shine out of darkness”.

The darkness will not overcome you.
The love of God is real, available and powerful enough to set you free from whatever darkness entangles you.

Whilst I have realized that I do have a super-power – apparently, I can see dirty dishes that no-one else in my house can see 😊 – I officially hand in my cancellation of membership of the Super-hero club. I am handing my pen …or is that keyboard – over to God.

Love & blessings in Christ
Vanessa

The Season of Creation is a worldwide Christian initiative highlighting the urgent need for humankind to be more aware of the many environmental and ecological tipping points as the world becomes so much more industrialised and commercialised, and as the human population keeps growing and is too consuming of resources.

The atmosphere, the seas, the rivers and the land are becoming so critically polluted that life, as we know it, is becoming threatened by the host of consequential problems. We Christians need to be part of the solution by using our God given gifts and intellect, by prayer and by active involvement.

Every year the Sustainable Seas Trust coordinates beach clean-ups around Algoa Bay at numerous sites, each site managed by a concerned organisation or group of citizens. This happens on International Coastal Clean-up Day. This year it is on this Saturday 20 September. If you are interested, please contact Tim on 082 775 8816.

Spirit of Earth, be the stillness beneath our feet,

grounding us in the wisdom of the land.

Spirit of Water, flow through our hearts,

renewing our hope and refreshing all life.

Spirit of Wind, stir our souls,

carrying our prayers to the far corners of the world.

Spirit of Fire, kindle within us a passionate love for creation

that cannot be extinguished.

May our care for earth, water, air, and flame

reflect God’s own care for this sacred world.

Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our Prayer

Author: Philip Newell

Centre of Concern Golf Day –

Sponsorship Opportunities! 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️

We’re inviting local businesses to partner with us for this exciting day! 🙌 It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business while supporting the work of the Centre of Concern.

✅ Sponsor items or your services for our auction
✅ Provide golf prizes (two of each)
✅ Advertise your brand by sponsoring a tee box

Your support makes a difference to the community!💛

📩 Contact us today to get involved.

Rachelle – 082 719 8830 / bakker@webafrica.org.za

Topic: Fruit of the Spirit – Gentleness
25 September
@ 7pm in the Youth Centre.

We are delighted to invite all the men to our Men’s Ministry.
Contact the office 041 5812162. (Weekdays 8:30am – 1pm)

🧶 Lesotho Youth Outreach (6-13 Dec)🧶

Our wonderful team of 30 knitters from Beanies for Africa & PE Clothing Guild are hard at work creating beanies and clothing for those in need. Right now, the focus is on knitting beanies for school children in Lesotho. 🎓❄️

We’d be so grateful for donations of double-knit yarn, especially in grey, black, or navy (school colours). Every ball of yarn helps keep a child warm this winter. 💙

Other items requested by Africa 4 Jesus in Lesotho are:

►Packets of treats (chips, sweets, chocolate etc.)

►Face cloths, soap, toothpaste & toothbrushes.

Please include till slips with purchased items (required at the border).

If you’re able to help, please drop off donations at 
St John’s church office,
Cnr 8th Ave & Church Rd, Walmer.
Office hours: Weekdays 8:30 am – 1pm.
Tel: 041 581 2162

Please continue to pray for the confirmation candidates on their journey towards Confirmation and growing their relationship with God.

In need of prayer?

If you or a loved one need prayer, please contact Vanessa on 0614874639 or Claire on 0735149350 or to be added to the prayer chain. This is a closed group on which you are welcome to remain anonymous.

Lesotho: Please pray for the youth team preparing to go to Lesotho at the end of the year. Pray that those God is calling will respond in obedience, and that their hearts will be open and expectant. We thank the Lord for the path He has already laid out for this trip. Please also lift up Pieter and Keila as they prepare to receive the group.

Let’s get to know each other better.

Order a magnetic name badge. The cost is R55 each.

NOTICES

Mondays:

Please be aware our pastoral staff have the day off on Mondays.

You are welcome to contact the office for assistance.