The Blog Portfolio of Your Man CD

I love the writing thing as I may have mentioned before. What I’m looking to do to keep practice of the gift is to be writing as often and as disciplined as possible. As I mentioned at the beginning of the month contributions to this blog and the Among Friends blog have been alright this year.

Here’s just a bit more on Life’s Journey Notes. One thing I definitely wanted to work on this year was the initiative known as Daily Thoughts. This started at the YMCA but there was interest from wider afield so to meet the demand as well as the email distribution it was the opportune time to do it through the blog. There was an issue with the concept of daily thoughts; chiefly being that it wasn’t always possible to do it on a daily basis. So as things settled down from the hectic beginning of the year I was committed to doing the email but not putting myself under the daily pressure. As I thought it through up came the concept of being on a journey and as with a lot of journeys it’s good to keep a note of what is going on in the journey, hence Life’s Journey Notes. I’ve been really glad that since it started this week ironically there’s been a daily dose of the notes. I like the rhythm and discipline that comes with it and I would love it to continue.

I was also aware that hardly anything had been done with the church blog since August and so noticing that some of the good stuff that we do from week to week can be posted I have done just that following today’s session. On it you can see some of the slides that formed the basis for the lesson I did today, to engage with what we have looked out leave a comment. I really enjoyed the teaching session as we made a start on this tricky subject and note what we’ll be looking at next week! So writing and blogging wise it’s been a good week and I hope that it will continue.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Prayer: Daily Dependence

Following the trend without necessarily getting into a habit of using these as extended thoughts on the ones that I send out, here’s something that forms part of Jesus’ guide to prayer.

Give us this day our daily bread – Matt 6:11

This can appear a rather odd part of the prayer. You woke up this morning, put clothes on your back and then worked hard for the best part of the week to get the money needed to get to the shop to get what you need for the day. In that way of looking asking God for daily bread is pathetic. Then we look at it from another perspective. The very ability to wake up is not something that we have given ourselves. The ability to move and work are blessings from the God who created us. In that way we really are dependent on Him for even the very basic things of life.

Yet this request goes beyond the material basics and to the heart of how we need to completely rely on God to sustain us just for the day. Just as it was with the children of Israel back in their time in the wilderness, there is not enough for us to store up for the next day, week or month. God gives us everything we need to face the challenges of the day ahead of us and our ability to look out for these provisions rather than worry about the past or the future ensures we can make the most of the present that God offers us called Today.

After all that’s why the writer of Hebrews in chapter three stresses the importance of protecting each other from conceit and unbelief by encouraging each other every day as long as it’s called today. It is amazing how often I take things for granted and never realise just how vulnerable I am to sly attacks to distract from what I’m meant to be doing today. Thank God for His Word then that instructs us on how we can do what we do in a way pleasing to Him and avoiding the many pitfalls that are so easy to fall into. We depend on God every day and need to verbalise that dependence throughout the day so as to be able to walk in the provisions that He’s made for every day.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Update on the life of Da Man CD

Oh February! Where did January go? What is this with all the YouTube posts this isn’t Among Friends is it? Where is all the original writing from me? Fear not I am committed to doing even more original thoughts and views from the head of da man cd. January was such an odd month, so many good intentions as 2008 began. However, I’m not so much into New Year’s Resolutions as I am into new day’s resolutions. I figure that really looking to be something for the rest of my life or for the rest of the year or whenever is a bit ambitious on my part so I’d better deal with something a bit more manageable, like a day.

Having said that, there are some decisions I’ve made that will have an impact on this blog. For example, you may have noted that I’ve used this blog to post some of my Daily Thoughts. For more information about what that’s all about you can click here. It’s a blessing to be able to put these thoughts together and publish them. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that this blog is really the place for extended thought that’s as original and personal as possible even if it’s just links to other materials. As a result I’ll only post links perhaps to the odd special DT entry from time to time. Daily Thoughts is primarily an outlet of my work for the YMCA, so it makes sense that you can read it on the YMCA web-site. DT, though, is also circulated by e-mail, in fact that’s how it started off, so if you’d like to receive the thoughts by e-mail send me an e-mail (wow, that word three times in a sentence, really slack n it?) and I’ll happily add you to the list.

As a personal blog it’s perhaps helpful to know a bit about me from time to time. This be one of those times, so appreciate it! I’m enjoying and enduring the challenges of me job at YMCA (I would tell you what I do, but why do that when you can find out here?) The reality of a wise saying keeps me going, that being ‘the job will kill you, the calling will fulfil you’. As yet despite the pressure at times I’m not dead and actually there have been a number of things that’s happened that’s really been fulfilling in more ways than one. It is not all a bed of roses, but there are enough bright moments that makes the job worthwhile.

Church is interesting at the moment. I would say we’re in a transition stage, but then I get the impression we’re always in a transition stage. This particular stage is somewhat conflicting. In the sense that there is a clear direction of where we’re going and how we’re growing and in principle overall I’m fine with that. Then we get to some of the detail and nuances and that’s where in some cases I’m somewhat reserved. That’s all down to me personality though, so I acknowledge the issue with that and we’ll just have to see how God allows me to navigate those areas. The fellowship is growing even in terms of visitors, activities and the such like. We’re busier than ever and the pace is about to pick up so by all means check here for more details, or check the Facebook group.

I teach my daughters to pray and as a result Deborah is more than apt at praying for anything and everything. Apparently at one point she prayed not only for the fart, but for the pardon me as well, which is a clear sign of God’s goodness to me. Today it’s the fart, tomorrow it’s praying for people suffering across the world. So as the teaching bit is straightforward I think its worthwhile giving God thanks.

“Dear Lord, thank you for food. Thank you that I am a vegan. Thank you for Linda McCartney. Thank you for her contribution to the non-meat eating community. Thank you that her husband wasn’t the only blessing to the world. Thank you for her country pies. Thank you that they taste awesome. Dear Lord. Help me to be more grateful for the great food that you give me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen”

Take care of yourself, get to know Christ more and I’ll write back soon.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: What A Relief

And when he saw their faith, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." (Luke 5:20)

Often with festivities it is a chance to reconcile with those who we have hurt or may have hurt us. The guilt and heaviness of ruined relationships or harbouring resentment for the hurt that’s been caused can weigh us down. Celebrating Christ at this time involves remembering Him in how He reconciled the human family into a right relationship with God and each other. Those powerful words ‘your sins are forgiven’ can mean so much for those weighted down for so long, and the relief it can cause is a more than a justifiable reason to celebrate.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Good News Expressed

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18, 19)

Celebrating the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ – is about what that baby ‘in a manger’ would grow to fulfil. This good news had particular impact in a society of bad news with oppression and depression on every side from without and within. With broken promises and false hope a part of life’s experiences it would be understandable to be somewhat sceptical or cynical at the offer. This, though, was not just spin to get people onside. These were words with effect – as seen millions of lives since He spoke these words – all the more reason to celebrate.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Fatherly Seal Of Approval

The Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you." (Luke 2:22)

The Son that we celebrate at this time of year may have been born of the Virgin Mary, but was also gifted from a loving Father. He starts His mission with a blessing from His Father. As we celebrate the Son we are also invited to relationship with Him and the Father who offers acceptance and inclusion in His family. As children we don’t do anything to earn His love but as an expectant parent He longs to welcome us back into His loving arms and hear Him say the same words He showered on His beloved Son.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Believing Before Seeing

He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation (Luke 2:28-30)

Imagine the scene – a baby brought in according to the law’s customs; then someone lifts the child and celebrates the greatness of … a baby! We don’t always live to see the benefits of the investments we make in people’s lives. Yet sometimes it is just by using the gift of faith and vision to imagine the joy of that which will take place even before it happens that is worth celebrating. In a day and age of seeing before believing this episode highlights just how exhilarating it can be to rejoice in believing before seeing.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate Jesus: Good News From The Beginning

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

At this time of year many remember the birth of the Messiah and the reasons for such celebration. This celebration also remembers His amazing life that inspired others to live a similar life of love for others. It commemorates His birth, purpose, death and miraculous resurrection that would allow others to experience new life to the full. Over two millennia later, and two billion people in the world celebrate this good news. It is just as exciting now as it was then, and this glorious gift of the good news of Jesus is freely available to all people at anytime.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Little Wonders

And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. (Luke 17:6)

The longest journey begins with the first step. The greatest empires begin with an idea. The beauty of complex creation came from divine thought. In a world often obsessed with size and quantity it is refreshing to stop and celebrate little things. That one liner that made you chuckle. That cup of water that quenched your thirst. That word of encouragement that spurred you on when no one else believed. For all our great schemes and dreams they are only ever realised through those little wonders of life even as God’s wonderful kingdom is realised in mustard seed faith.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: New Hope

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. (1 Peter 1:3)

There is a fatal approach to life that says this is all there is; it’s pretty miserable and it won’t get better so the best we can do is make ourselves as happy as we can until we die. Indeed if that is all there is life is pretty miserable. The claim of Christianity is that Jesus lived, beat death and lives on as an Example. That gives us an enduring hope that says there is more to life than what we see. This is cause for continual joy and celebration to the Father that makes it all happen.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: New Mercies

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

In hard times when it’s difficult to smile let alone celebrate there’s something worth remembering. Like a beam of sunshine on a rainy day and the glowing ember in a fire there is something irresistible about the never-ending love of God. That love is expressed in mercy – not feeling the full brunt of life’s miseries. For bad though things may appear things could be worse – whether missing that accident, seeing a smile instead of a frown, eating rather than starving, having a friend and not being lonely, life and not death. Every day new mercies are offered for our celebration.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: A New Day

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

There are two ways to approach the day, first the ‘Oh no, another day where … [cue list of negative experiences expected]’, or the approach that the writer of this Psalm takes. This approach is not an idealistic view that ignores life’s real challenges. It is however a focus not on the circumstances that may or may not occur in the day, but the Father of Love who has not only laid the day out for us, but even promised to walk with us through it in all its highs and lows. That assurance in itself is worth celebrating.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Family

Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.". (Matthew 3:17)

From the beginning the idea of family was at the heart of everything that was important. We all came from someone and what this verse highlights is that Someone is actually a Creator who looks on His child and as He looks He is pleased. Perhaps rather than pointing out faults with family members it’s time to celebrate our own flesh and blood for whom the love of the Father expresses even before we do anything that He is pleased with us. For those for whom family brings hurt and pain there is the offer of our Father who cares.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Intimates

Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. (John 2:2)

Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding party. It is as if He wanted people to keep on celebrating one of the most precious moments in life. The idea of keeping the wine flowing may seem shocking to the prudish, but when you consider two becoming one was the first human relational contact recorded at creation, it’s no surprise that the One who created it would want us to celebrate it. Even beyond marital union sharing a love for each other that brings a sense of oneness – community in all its splendour – is something worth celebrating.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Connections

What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself (Ephesians 4:25)

Sometimes in reflecting on those bigger life issue, when you look a little closer it was those small connections that made the difference. Maybe the time where check-out person cheerfully helped pack your bags with such an effect that helped relieve the stress on a busy day. Perhaps that occasion with the stranger kept the door open for you with a free smile. The beauty of humanity is that we’re all so interconnected that one act of kindness can have a ripple effect that blesses others. Celebrate the wonder of those little connections. In life – we’re in this together.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts – Celebrate: Friends

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15)

You do not choose your family, but you do choose your friends. These choices do not always work out, yet there are those who stand through thick and thin. Not only in faithfulness but in terms of sharing life together, being willing to be vulnerable and share issues of the heart and mind. Where sometimes forces may look to separate people from meaningful relationships through money, technology, work and anxieties, celebrate those people who are more valuable than that. Also endeavour to remember those for whom such relationships have never been possible and perhaps reach out that hand of friendship.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Celebrate

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! (Psalm 100:1)

Celebrate – making a big deal about something that brings joy and happiness to life. It’s not always easy to celebrate; sometimes life’s circumstances appear to highlight negative things. So in this season for a few moments reflect on that which is worth making a joyful noise about. From the air we breathe to that major breakthrough achieved – birth, new job, helping one in need. It’s more than just a quiet nod of assent in gratitude to the little things. It’s taking time out to express in word and action, song and thought how these ‘little things’ brighten up daily living.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Feed The Children

The LORD blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

A healthy baby is born in the maternity ward of the local general in Guildford. A malnourished baby is born in a make-shift covering in the harsh winds of south-east Angola. Where’s the justice in that? One baby is expected to live well into his 70’s, where the other may never see 40. It seems so unfair. There are no easy, glib answers that can be made for the injustice. What can be done is to support efforts made by those seeking to make a difference and give a chance to those children by feeding the hungry.

(Stats from infoplease.com.)

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Why You Matter To God

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13, 14)

It’s fascinating looking at a baby at various stages of development – spotting the head shape, finding the gender, the fingers, etc. The intricate design and ongoing developments in their own small and glorious way get people all mushy. Yet if we look with wonder can you imagine the joy of the Creator who put us together? Now why would He put so much into something that didn’t matter? Sure we’re not as thin/fat/tanned/toned as we’d like, but it was only after man and woman (i.e. you) were created that God looked at it all and said it was very good.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Why Do You Matter

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Psalm 127:3)

This marks a new series of thoughts for the Month of November. From 11-17 November The World YMCA and YWCA celebrates it’s annual Week of Prayer this year’s theme is Children First. From this, November’s theme for daily thoughts will be reflecting on You(th) Matter. With that in mind whether young or not as young…

Why
Do
You
Matter?

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd