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by Caryl MollThe basin of the internet stands on its pedestal. In it lies the water of the social media. The temperature of the water changes depending on which tap is opened and on which water will flow into this basin.   On most days it is only the cold tap that is working well – the sad, harsh, cold reality of the secular world we live in. Those who wash their faces in this icy water experience an instant shock. But on other days, a small miracle takes place in the basin. It’s a miracle that possibly can make all the difference to our world.This miracle - in the form of new warmth- suddenly emerges from the hot tap. It invites bathers to linger longer and feel how their senses are invigorated. At times, it affects their whole body. On these days, they wish the basin is bigger, so that they can submerge themselves totally and forget about the cold of the world for a while.As you have realised, there are two taps that hover above this basin; one is cold, the other hot. They beg the question: “Which temperature do you prefer?” The cold tap brings the water of reality. It is untouched – real and harsh – and hasn’t seen any heating device. Those who dip their hands into this water feel no need to stay and ponder. But like all human beings, they are curious.In response, some see it as a challenge. They put up all their defences and brace themselves to fight the basin. Gritting their teeth, they plunge their hands in adding more cold water to make it hurt. As expected, it is shocking. They justify this action by saying that their experience is true - unblemished. But, it does nothing for their souls and they leave perturbed.How can this be good?“Feel it like it really is!” they suggest. “Experiencing the warm water won’t change anything – in the end, all water goes cold anyway. What’s the fuss?” “It’s the way of the world,” they say. “Why cover it up with warmth?” “Reality is reality!”But, on other days the small miracle is noticeable. Deep in the heart of the plumbing, someone lights a fire and hot water starts seeping into the basin. It turns the whole experience into an inviting, interesting oasis. Those who choose to put their hands in this water, feel a new beginning. Is it called “hope”?Hope? Yes - for something different, something possible, something warm, something positive. Indeed, warm water nurses our souls and comforts us. It invites us to consider how we, too, can make a difference. In my opinion, this water is good.As many of you know, I choose to interact in social media POSITIVELY. This is not because the world is all positive. If anything, it is because it is not! Neither, is it because I am naïve. I, too, see it like it is. My intention, however, is to write positively in the hope that I will make…

by Luke KincaidThere have been many times while driving when the car in front of me has saved me from driving into a pothole by making a point of missing it in a noticeable way. One time I was super grateful because the driver even made the added effort of putting on their hazard lights a few moments before assisting me in dodging a potential tire-eating sized pothole. What is interesting to me is that to benefit from this offered assistance I needed to be aware of what was going on around me. I could have simply ignored the warning signs and continued driving and then needed to deal with the reality of a potentially damaged tire and/or wheel.While thinking about these encounters with kind drivers I felt like I was being challenged by God in regards to how willing I am to follow the Holy Spirit in my daily life. Do I even pay attention to the Spirit’s leading on a daily basis or do I simply take it for granted or think that I know a better way? While dodging a pothole every now and then is of some benefit to me, what I can experience from following the Holy Spirit is far more valuable. This is what Paul has to say in Romans 8:5-11 & Galatians 5:16-17; 25:5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit] gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through] his Spirit who lives in you. 16 I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want...  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis means that I choose to walk in a way that pleases God and choose to walk in the way of life and righteousness. This is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s assistance because even as a disciple of Jesus we can live in ways…

by Calven Celliers I’m not a fisherman, never have been, probably never will be! But the other day as I was reading a passage of Scripture in the book of James, dealing with temptation, I found myself thinking about the terminology that Jesus’ younger brother used, and for whatever reason it created a story line involving a little fish in my mind. Random, I know. But bear with me and hopefully it will soon start to make sense. “14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” (James 1: 14 & 15NLT) Imagine a little fish swimming along, having a great day. Sightseeing is hungry work and before he knows it, he’s worked up quite an appetite. He has an inner desire. At this point he is still ok; he’s just hungry. No harm done… yet. Just like that hungry little fish we all have inner desires as part of our sinful nature. The word desire in this passage refers to the illicit desires that we all have within us. We all have temptations. Be it to think something wrong, say something wrong, or even do something wrong. So, our little fish is innocently swimming along when suddenly he spots a fat juicy worm dangling in front of him. Instantly, he is attracted by it. The word James used is enticed. Like this little fish, we are all enticed from time to time. We see the bait, and it looks good. It may even make us feel good. We want it. Just as a fisherman puts bait on a hook to lure fish in, so the devil and the world put bait out there for us. Just as our little fish is enticed by his hunger and lured towards the worm, so James says that we are enticed by our own natural desires and lured toward the temptation. When we see that bait, of course, we should immediately turn around and flee. Unfortunately, however, we’re a bit like little fish that hang around dangling hooks too long. Eventually we start playing with the bait, in the hope of satisfying the hunger within. But we need to be aware of the danger. Temptation is not a catch and release game. The moment that you and I said yes to Jesus, we became an enemy of Satan, and he would like nothing more than to see us take the bait and end up sizzling in the frying pan of defeat. The temptation to sin is a given, so don't be surprised by it. Expect to be tempted daily, and be prepared for it. Temptation is not a sin. Sin happens when we yield our wills to the temptation. That’s when we get into trouble. If we do not spend time with God, developing our relationship with Him, how will we ever endure the temptation that will come before us? We…