Hillside Community

03/06/2026

Love Has No Beginning and No End

In YouVersion recently I read that love is the only thing that can reach beyond time and distance. The more I thought about it the more I realized just how true that is. Think about it for a moment - we can still love someone who lives on the other side of the world. We can still love someone we haven’t seen in years and we still carry love in our hearts for people who have already gone before. Distance doesn’t stop love. Time doesn’t erase it.

And that is exactly how God loves us.

Long before this world was ever created God already existed and because God is love, love already existed too. Imagine that! Before you and I took our first breath God already knew us, already loved us, and already had a plan for our lives. When Jesus went to the cross, He was thinking about you and me. Across all of time, His love reached forward to every single one of us. That is something our human minds can’t fully understand. The distance between Heaven and earth did not stop God from reaching down to us. The mistakes we make do not stop Him from loving us. Even when we wander far away like the lost sheep in Jesus’ parable the Shepherd still comes looking for us because His love never gives up. Sometimes we may feel distant from God. Maybe life gets busy. Maybe we feel unworthy. Maybe disappointment, hurt, or guilt creates a gap between us and Him. But God’s love is bigger than every gap. His love bridges every distance.

God loved us yesterday.
He loves us today.
And He will love us tomorrow.

His love truly has no beginning and no end. And the beautiful thing is that He has placed that same love within us. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every hug, every prayer for someone else, every moment of forgiveness — all of these are little reflections of God’s heart shining through us. The closer we grow to God, the more we learn to love like Him.

May we never doubt how deeply we are loved by our Heavenly Father.

Let’s Pray: Jesus thank You for loving me with a love that never ends. Thank You that nothing can separate me from Your care not distance, time, failure, nor fear. Help me to rest in that love and to share it with others every day. Teach me to love with kindness, patience, grace, and compassion so that people may see a glimpse of You through me. In Jesus’ name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons and tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

Thanks be to God for today’s inspiration, and for the many ways He chooses to share His Word through us. To God be the glory!

01/06/2026

Are you on standby 24/7?

Recently I was thinking about the forty years I worked at Makro. I would often be on standby which meant sleeping with one eye and one ear open, being prepared for that call which would mean me jumping into action. Then I thought of other professions that required 24/7 alertness…firefighters, doctors, pilots, parents — always ready when someone needs them. It struck me that as followers of Jesus we are also called to be alert and prepared, not with fear or pressure but simply with hearts that are open and willing for Jesus to use everyday.

In 1 Peter 3:15 Peter says we should be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason of the hope that we have. This is a reminder to always be ready to share our story. Sometimes we think sharing Jesus means having all the right words or all the answers. But perhaps the greatest witness is simply the way we live. People are not looking for perfect Christians. They are looking for peace in the middle of worry, kindness in a harsh world, and hope when life feels heavy. And that is where Jesus quietly shines through us.

We all have moments when we become frustrated, impatient, discouraged, or hurt.

We all fail at times but as we walk closer with Jesus He slowly changes us. We begin to forgive more quickly, love more deeply, and show compassion more freely and caring enough to notice when somebody is hurting. Sometimes it is the smallest things that speak the loudest, and often those are the moments when people begin to see Jesus in us. When we genuinely try to live like Jesus people are drawn to the love, peace, and hope of Jesus shining through ordinary people like you and me. The closer we walk with Jesus the more His love naturally flows into us and we are ready to help someone in need.

Let’s Pray: Jesus thank You for loving ordinary people like me and patiently helping me grow closer to You each day. Please help me to reflect Your kindness, compassion, and peace in the way I live. When I fail please remind me that Your grace is sufficient and help me to be a conduit for Your love to shine through me. In Jesus name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.
Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons and tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

Thanks be to God for today’s inspiration, and for the many ways He chooses to share His Word through us. To God be the glory!

29/05/2026

Jesus please forgive me when I continually sin and mess up. Create in me a clean heart and pure mind. I want to run into Your open arms instead of towards sin. Thank You for always being faithful to forgive me. You remain perfect when I am far from it. Please help me to seek You daily. In Jesus' precious name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

Just a reminder that this prayer is adapted from Daily Guided Prayer in YouVersion.

27/05/2026

Faith is Not Denying Reality

On Monday we spoke about trusting God when nothing seems to be happening. Today let us remember that faith does not mean pretending everything is okay when it is not.

In life we sometimes try to put on a brave face. We say we are fine, we keep smiling, and we carry on, even when deep down we are hurting or worried. But faith is not about hiding reality from ourselves, others, or from God. Real faith is being honest about what we are facing while still believing that God is greater than the problem.

David often cried out to God honestly about his fears and struggles yet he never stopped trusting Him. That is real faith — not denying the storm but believing that God is still with us in the middle of it.

If we only focus on our problems we can easily become overwhelmed. But when we lift our eyes to Jesus peace begins to replace fear. What we are facing today may be difficult but it is temporary. God’s love, strength, and promises are eternal.

Faith says,
“This is hard but God will help me through it.”
“I may not understand but I know He has not left me.”

We do not have to pretend to be strong all the time. We simply need to keep holding onto Jesus one day at a time.

Let us pray:
Lord thank You that we can come to You just as we are. Help us to be honest about our struggles and to never lose hope in Your love and care for us. When life feels heavy lift our eyes back to You and remind us that You are always near. Give us peace, strength, and faith to keep trusting You each day. In Jesus’ precious name we pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

25/05/2026

Never Fear God is Near!

This past Sunday was one of those moments that leaves you standing in awe of God.

I had the privilege of sharing my testimony at church — speaking about the long journey through skin cancer, lung problems, and the many years of learning to wait, trust, and lean on God even when nothing seemed to be happening. To God be the glory as the testimony was well received and some people said it truly touched their hearts.

What amazed me even more was what happened just before the service. Earlier that morning I read a devotion based on Matthew 10:20: “For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” The devotion spoke about how God uses ordinary believers in ordinary moments — through quiet conversations over coffee, thoughtful words, and simple acts of obedience. It reminded us that we do not need perfect words only surrendered hearts.

Well that hit home deeply because standing there on Sunday I realized something very special - it was not about me having the right words. God had already gone ahead of me. The Holy Spirit carried me through every sentence, every emotion, and every memory shared. Suddenly all the nervousness disappeared because it felt as if God Himself was gently saying, “Just trust Me, I’ll do the rest.” And He did.

What overwhelms me is that out of all the chaos happening in the world today God still cares about the details of our lives. He still thinks about “little old me”, He still arranges moments, He still prepares hearts. He still uses broken people to bring hope to others. How incredible is that?

Sometimes we think God only works through pastors, great speakers, or people with all the answers. But this devotion reminded me that God often works through simple conversations, honest testimonies and ordinary people sitting around a table sharing what Jesus has done in their lives. That means every one of us can be used by Him.

You may feel unqualified.
You may feel nervous.
You may think your story is too small.

But God does not need perfection He simply asks for willingness. When the moment comes He will give you the words. Maybe today God is nudging you to encourage someone, send a message, make a phone call, or share part of your journey with a hurting person. Don’t hold back waiting for the “perfect moment.”

Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you. Your voice may be exactly what someone needs to hear today.

Let us pray: Jesus thank You for loving us so personally and so deeply. Thank You that even in a noisy and troubled world You still see each one of us and care about the smallest details of our lives. Lord thank You for the reminder that we never stand alone when we speak about You. Your Holy Spirit gives us courage, strength, and the right words at the right time. Please help us not to hide our stories or hold back in fear. Use our lives, our conversations, and even our struggles to bring hope and encouragement to others. May we always point people toward You and give You all the glory for every good thing that happens through us. Thank You for “spoiling” us with Your love, Your presence and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ precious name we pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving. Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons and tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

22/05/2026

Jesus, please open my heart so that I to can to see those in need as You see them. Help me serve with compassion and humility, reflecting Your love through my words and actions. Please let my acts of kindness no matter how small or big point others to You. Help me to remember that all the glory belongs to You. In Your precious name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving, Amen.

Just a reminder that this prayer is adapted from Daily Guided Prayer in YouVersion.

21/05/2026

It's that time again 😇 Sonvalley will be putting their teams together for the Men's and Ladies Walks that will be happening from Thursday 8th to Sunday the 11th October 2026.

Team and Pilgrim forms are available on their website: https://www.sonvalley.co.za/forms

21/05/2026

Please share with those in need. Gates open at 8am - there will be access control - entrance is on 15th Avenue (MW de Wet Primary School, Edenvale). Should you wish to donate any good quality, clean, 2nd hand clothing please drop it off at Impact Community Church on or before Friday morning. https://www.facebook.com/ImpactCommunityChurchEdenvale

20/05/2026

Lost, who me??

Have you ever been lost without even knowing it?

I’ll never forget the day Lyn and I lost sight of our 3-year-old son on a crowded beach. One moment he was there the next moment he was gone among all the sun worshippers. We were frantic searching everywhere. But the strange thing was he didn’t even know he was lost. He was happily wandering around completely unaware that mom and dad were desperately looking for him.

You know I think our spiritual lives can be a bit like that. Saul was like that on the road to Damascus. He thought he was doing the right thing persecuting Christians. Confident. Determined. Religious. Yet spiritually he was completely lost — and didn’t even realize it.

Then Jesus met him. That encounter changed everything. Saul became Paul, one of the greatest apostles the world has ever known. What an incredible reminder that nobody is beyond God’s reach. Even the unbeliever. Even the hardest heart.

Even the person who thinks they don’t need God.

And what about you and me? Sometimes we can wander through life thinking everything is fine, yet deep down something is missing. The wonderful news is that Jesus still rescues lost people today.

Romans 10:13 says:
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Everyone. No one is too far gone for God’s grace.

Maybe someone around us today is lost and doesn’t know it. Perhaps a kind word, a caring conversation, or simply showing the love of Jesus may help point them toward the One who has been searching for them all along.

Let’s Pray: Jesus thank You for never giving up on me even when I didn’t realize how much I needed You. Thank You for Your love, grace, and rescue. Please help me to gently point others toward You through kindness, love, and compassion. Use my life to reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name I pray with so much love and so much thanksgiving, Amen.

Please take care. God bless you and all those you love and care for.

Tons and tons of love and hugs ~ Lyn & Colin

Thanks be to God for today’s inspiration, and for the many ways He chooses to share His Word through us. To God be the glory!

19/05/2026

No matter what you’re facing right now, this message is a reminder that God is still with you, still speaking, and still faithful! Thought I'd share Colin Cocking's and Tanya Gregory's testimonies regarding their season of waiting:

Fear is loud.It speaks in uncertainty, doubt, and worry. It tells you to hold back, play safe, and expect the worst.But what if fear doesn’t get the final wo...