New photo's

I've posted some new photo's; if your interested click on link below:
http://mlk30.blogspot.com/

Could this be a picture of life?

Five jets of water not really getting anywhere!

Don't we in life try to juggle to many things? Maybe if their was simply one jet the water would get somewhere!

How can I drop all those things baying for my time I hear you say; You can't, but you can concentrate fully on one thing at a time and get somewhere.

All the way my Savior leads me

All the way my Savior leads me

Who have I to ask beside

How could I doubt His tender mercy

Who through life has been my guide

All the way my Savior leads me

Cheers each winding path I tread

Gives me grace for every trial

Feeds me with the living Bread

You lead me and keep me from falling

You carry me close to Your heart

And surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me

All the way my Savior leads me

O, the fullness of His love

O, the sureness of His promise

In the triumph of His blood

And when my spirit clothed immortal

Wings its flight to realms of day

This my song through endless ages

Jesus led me all the way

Jesus led me all the way

All the way my Savior leads me

All the way my Savior leads me

(Chris Tomlin - All The Way My Saviour Leads Me)

Yummy!

The wife really can make cheese cake!

What me?

I'm to lazy to hold a grudge!!

Let all that I am praise the Lord

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!
22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created,
everything in all his kingdom.
Let all that I am praise the Lord.
(Psalm 103:1-22, NLT)

Readers

Last night my mother started her course to become a "reader" (a bit like a vicar), in the Church of England. I'm so proud of her, I know shes going to do great.
What an amazing God we have, look what He is doing in the Knight family.
My brother is on his third and final year of study to become a reader, my mum is now starting the same course and I'm studying theology with a view of becoming a pastor.
What a turn around for us all, and some question whether God is real!
Are they blind?
Lord, give sight to the blind I pray.

Song of Victory

Psalm 18

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
(Psalm 18: 1-3, NIV)

I'm preaching from this Sunday.

England, you Beauties!

Come on England!

Wow, what a win last night; Croatia 1-4 England.
Theo Walcott hit a stunning hat-trick as England thrashed Croatia in a World Cup qualifying tie in Zagreb.
Check out the report below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7602774.stm
Croatia haven't lost a competitive game at home since 1994 so the commentators reported.
THEY HAVE NOW!!

Love is....

1 I may speak in different languages, of people or even angels. But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal.
2 I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great I can move mountains. But even with all these things, if I do not have love, then I am nothing.
3 I may give away everything I have, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing if I do not have love.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.
5 Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done.
6 Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth.
7 Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures.
8 Love never ends.
(1 Co 13:1-8, NCV)

My devotional for the past leaders meeting can be found at the link below:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddp84qn2_2hbnz598q&hl=en_GB

Leaders Meeting

Monday night we have our next leaders meeting at Church. I'm leading the devotional and have been trying to think of a challenging message to really get us going as leaders, but is that what's needed? Isn't a devotional meant to lead us to a place where we are in complete devotion to our Lord? Wouldn't being in such a place set the meeting of on the right footing?
It's when we are in such a state of humble devotion that the challenge to love Him, and fulfill all He is calling us to as leaders comes.

The Message

Some time back, as a small group we completed a course of studies called "In the dust of the Rabbi". Towards the end of these studies we were encouraged to get back into the regular reading of God's Word as disciples of Jesus.
I've tried to take this on board and have been regularly using Eugene H. Peterson's "Message".
I know this bible translation isn't new, a number of people have been using it and praising it for a longtime.
Well anyway, I've been using it and really enjoying it's contemporary language .
Some will say that it's simply a paraphrase of the bible and not great for a deeper study of God's Word, that's fine; I would still choose the NIV for study purposes, but for everyday reading I'm loving the Message.
You can actually access an online version by clicking on the link below:
http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=Matthew+10&section=0&translation=msg&oq=mt%252010&new=1&nb=mt&nfc=%A0%7C%3C%A0&ng=10&ncc=10.

Give it a try and decide for yourself.

Check it out!

Every one's getting into this blog stuff!
My mum, now back in the UK has started her own blog. Check it out at:

http://sueknight.blogspot.com/

Isn't she doing well?

Go for it mum.

The Shack

I've just finished reading the controversial book, "The Shack" written by William P. Young.
It's a story that is very hard to read in the begin chapters, where we are introduced to "The Great Sadness" of the main character Mackenzie but read further and the story just explodes. I know that a number of people who read my blog will at some stage read "The Shack"; I can't say too much without spoiling it for them, so I will concentrate on sharing my thoughts on the book if I may. There has been a lot of mixed responses to this book, mainly in America but over here in SA as well, some good, some bad. All I can say on that score is that we need to remember that this is a work of fiction it’s not meant to be taken literally. There was for me, one particular moment that raised my uncomfortable antenna, it was where we were first introduced to the Trinity. However, I decided to put to one side my deeply held understanding of the Trinity and to read on. I'm glade I did as the picture becomes much clearer and my concerns lessen. What I take away from this book is a deeper appreciation of God's love for all whom He has created. This awareness comes through a fictional story that promotes much thinking; could we not liken such an approach to parables? I wonder.
I've heard some of the negative stuff that has been said about this book and know that for many these thoughts come out of a deep love for God and I respect you for such, I however have decided that this book has encouraged me to love God all the more, not the picture of the Trinity seen in the book, but the one who makes Himself known to me through His living Word, through creation, through many people and all kinds of situations encountered in life. My hope is that others will also be led deeper into their relationship with God, or better still, brought to a place where they may seek the one true God for the very first time in life.
I will try to keep my closing thoughts brief. Before reading this book I had never heard of the author William P. Young; from his notes at the back of the book I believe that he has written this book while living out his own relationship with God. He may be unknown to many; my question is, "If he was one of the familiar Christian greats of our time, would we be so troubled by this book"? If you are tempted to read this book, remember that it is fiction and persevere, I think you, like me will be rewarded if you do so.

....And Then!

Life begins at forty I've recently written! Well to the horror of those close, me included, I've recently endured a spell in hospital. Week ending the 16th August 2008 goes down as one I don't care to repeat. I said goodbye to my mum on the Monday, who had been out here in SA for some seven weeks; I had a day to wallow in my loneliness then bang, and I mean BANG! On the Tuesday night I woke with a growing pain in my chest and upper stomach, a pain that just wouldn't go away no matter how many pain killers I swallowed. By the morning I conceded that I needed to see a doctor and ended up in town at the surgery. An ESG showed worrying signs and I was sent of to hospital in Humansdorp. There treatment began and a heart attack was thankfully ruled out. I was admitted into hospital where I continued to be treated for an infected ulcer. Friday saw me being shipped by ambulance to a rather rundown hospital in Port Elizabeth; I was sent there for the test where they stick the scope down your throat, however I never got such a test. I did undergo various nasty X-rays with a tube up my nostril and down my throat. As a result, the doctors were able to rule out a hernia (again, thankfully). I was sent off to another department where the treatment for an affected stomach ulcer was again started, and in time Louise and I were eventually sent home (YAY).

Back home, I've continued with my pills and I'm pleased to say that I'm a lot better. It's all been a bit dramatic, particularly when I went into hospital with a suspected heart attack, but it's also been something of a wake up call for me. Stomach ulcers come for a reason; I know that I need to assess my whole lifestyle and make changes. So, life does indeed begin at forty, a new life (all be it, a blander one!).

I just want to make a note here of my thanks to Louise, my family here, friends everywhere, family in the UK and all the hospital staff who have been a great help and support to me.

Dreams fulfilled

Towards the end of mum's stay here in SA we took a week to just do things together, hit the beach, visit St Francis that sort of thing. The highlight of the week was a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary at Plettenberg Bay. We set of on a beautiful warm day and enjoyed the ride down. Once at the sanctuary we soon got to see the elephants, wow what amazing animals. We paid our fees and waited for our guide full of excitement. The guide met us and the others who made up our party and did a great job explaining all sorts of things to do with the elephants. Once we were introduced to the three elephants that would make up our experience everything began. We got to walk with them while they, with their trunks held our hands. This was followed with a show of some typical elephant behaviour and a chance to take photos while getting to look closer at these amazing creatures. We fed them some nutritious pellets and some butternut and got to hangout with them.

Then came the finale, mum and I got to ride an elephant each! Man, what an experience, up on the back of such a huge animal. The ride wasn't the most comfortable form of transport I've been on, the spine of an elephant is quite raised and when the elephant trotted a bit it was hang on for dear life! But man, both of us were just blown away by our experience. We disembarked with the biggest grins on our faces ever seen. What a fantastic day?

Thanks mum for making this one of the most amazing days of my life.

A new arrival in our Church family!

Early this morning I had the fantastic news that my friend and pastor Don, his wife Caryn and daughter Kylie welcomed baby Joel into the world. I'm so pleased for them all and really look forward to their return to Jeffrey's and a chance to meet Joel.

Well done Caryn, God bless you all.

Life Begins at 40!

And so the saying goes..."life begins at 40", I would agree!

My birthday celebrations started on the day of my birthday (obviously!), I was inundated with calls, text messages and loads of birthday wishes from friends and family. Evening time was gift time; I was blessed with having many, included within these was a wonderful painting from my uncle Jack and not to forget an AFC Wimbledon DVD from Trev (Cool). The day continued with a great meal out with mum and Louise; we went to a restaurant called "Three Fat Fish" and had the best time.

The birthday celebrations continued at the weekend where I enjoyed a Lunchtime birthday braai with loads of my SA family and friends, a particularly special thing was that my mum was here to enjoy the celebrations. I missed everyone from the UK, but hey guy's, mum flew the flag for you all! While enjoying my party, Louise gave me my birthday gift from her and my family here, wow it's great. Louise, with the help of loads of family and friends put together a "This is Your Life Book". Contained within it are pictures, letters and all sorts of goodies. I have to say, when I got back home where I could enjoy it properly, I was moved to tears; the memories that are within this book remind me of some the greatest parts of my first 40 years, IT IS GREAT. Louise, and all who contributed to my book, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Lastly, to all who made my birthday so incredible, THANK YOU SO MUCH, I LOVE YOU ALL.

My Induction

Above: Pastor Don on the left, myself and Pastor Roy on the right

On the 27th of July 2008 I was inducted as a student pastor into my home Church, Jeffrey's Bay Baptist Church. It was a great service, one where I had my mum sat their in the congregation (I have to say, I couldn't stop thinking about everyone back in the UK; I so wish everyone could have be their). I've been feeling that God has been calling me into the pastorate for a long time now and at last things are coming together. God really blessed me in the service; not only was I officially inducted but also, Louise and I were together prayed for by so many people. As a couple we recognize that we are both called into this position, I know that without Louise's support it’s unlikely this would have happened. However, I'm also very aware that God calls the shots and brings all things about; Louise and I hope to serve and glorify Him wherever we can. When it came to the moment of prayer, mum joined us, together with Dad, who represented my family here in SA and just so many people from our Church; what love and warmth we both felt.

Wilderness

Wow, what a beautiful place Wilderness is? It’s been really cool to explore more of SA. While mum has been here with us, we got together with Louise’s folks for a little holiday in a place called wilderness which is very close to a town called George in the Western Cape. It’s a place where you have the coast on one side and mountains on the other, the views were amazing.


Our accommodation was right on the seafront and gave us frequent opportunities to see whales, dolphins and all kinds of local birds. To wake up and watch whales while eating breakfast is pretty cool eh?


We filled our week with many activities from visiting a safari to meeting ostriches at an ostrich farm (I even got to sit on an ostrich, poor thing!). The safari gave me a chance to see my first ever white lions and white tigers along with many other fantastic animals. The ostrich farm, and the guided tour enabled us to learn all about ostrich farming including how they incubate the eggs (we all got to stand on a bundle of eggs, man those suckers are strong!); we were even shown how they make feather dusters out of the various different ostrich feathers!

Another day on our holiday was spent up in the mountains; we travelled up on the power van (a single carriage diesel rail van) from George; the views from the mountains were just great. We all had an amazing time away but it didn’t end their, on out travels home we stopped of in Plettenberg Bay and a wild cat rescue centre where I got to stroke a cheater (not forgetting licked and nibbled!!), what an experience!