_______________________________________________________________________________________

Weekly Message.

Sunday, 08 June 2008                    

Matthew 16:1-12

Mat 16:1-12  Some Pharisees and Sadducees who came to Jesus wanted to trap him, so they asked him to perform a miracle for them, to show that God approved of him. But Jesus answered, "When the sun is setting, you say, 'We are going to have fine weather, because the sky is red.' And early in the morning you say, 'It is going to rain, because the sky is red and dark.' You can predict the weather by looking at the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs concerning these times! How evil and godless are the people of this day! You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah." So he left them and went away. When the disciples crossed over to the other side of the lake, they forgot to take any bread. Jesus said to them, "Take care; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They started discussing among themselves, "He says this because we didn't bring any bread." Jesus knew what they were saying, so he asked them, "Why are you discussing among yourselves about not having any bread? What little faith you have! Don't you understand yet? Don't you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand men? How many baskets did you fill? And what about the seven loaves for the four thousand men? How many baskets did you fill? How is it that you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? Guard yourselves from the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!" Then the disciples understood that he was not warning them to guard themselves from the yeast used in bread but from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Listening to understand. 

Mostly, we are just like the disciples. We only hear what we want to, and understand only the things that make us feel that comfortable in our situation.  So often we will go looking for scripture, just to prove a point, no matter how badly out of context we bend the scripture, just as long as it suits our argument. Just like the disciples, we prefer not to learn a lesson, or look for the real meaning of God's word. We think we can simply limit the meaning to our current situation and we fail to make the time to ask God what the real and true meaning of the words may be. Too often we attend church and listen to a sermon, taking everything that is said at face value, and not searching for God's personal message to us. Sad, but true… Often the words spoken from a pulpit might have been misinterpreted and yet preached as the truth, but because we ignore God's voice and His will, we accept what we hear as being true. The question is, "Do you know God? Do you know His will and understand His heart?"

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 01 June 2008                    

Matthew 11:28-30

Is there, anywhere, still some place where I can find rest? Does such a place still exist on this earth, where there is true peace, where I can flee to in search of calmness for my soul, find answers to the questions that haunt me day and night, and where nobody will judge, nobody will try to find fault and nobody will hurt with poisoned words and statements? Does such a place exist, or is this an illusion - a search for the unobtainable? How my soul yearns to find a place where I may lay down and experience rest, without my mind spinning off in all directions until I finally drift into a restless sleep only to be awoken by an alarm clock, often feeling more tired than when I went to bed. How I yearn to feel content and completely happy. But, another week is starting… The weekend has passed, and I wonder where I will ever find the energy to face another week. I am worried about the economy, and the rising fuel cost. Will we be able to survive? Will my work situation improve in this week, or will new challenges simply be too much for me to cope? What about relationships?  Where will it all end? Will I ever know what true happiness is?

Is there still a place somewhere where true love is always present - where there is no place for anger, hate or hurt? Is there still somewhere where I can be content with my happiness, and feel sufficient love to make me feel happy and carefree because, there, I could find rest through knowing that nothing will go wrong.

And so we search, over and over. We are searching for this place where we can find rest, peace, love and contentment. And yet, so seldom will we find it. The reality of our daily living and conflict is simply too overwhelming and we once again find ourselves tossing and turning on our beds at night - searching for rest, but finding that it keeps eluding us.   Where, then, will we find what we are looking for?

Matthew 11:28-30  "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light."

Psalm 23:1-3  The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength.

If you recognize yourself in the scenario written here, then maybe you should also take a closer look at these verses from scripture. There is a place where we can find rest. There is a place where we can renew our strength. We will find this place at the feet of our Lord.  Go to Him and He will help.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 25 May 2008                    

2 Timothy 3: 1-17

2Ti 3:1-17 Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. Some of them go into people's houses and gain control over weak women who are burdened by the guilt of their sins and driven by all kinds of desires, women who are always trying to learn but who can never come to know the truth. As Jannes and Jambres were opposed to Moses, so also these people are opposed to the truth---people whose minds do not function and who are failures in the faith. But they will not get very far, because everyone will see how stupid they are. That is just what happened to Jannes and Jambres. But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, my persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. You know who your teachers were, and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.  

Difficult times.

We surely know what the Bible is talking about, as we are reading about some of the things that would signal the last days. We read the first few verses, and cannot help to see the things going on around us, being summarized by these verses. People are greedy, selfish, insulting, disobedient, and so more. Yes, they may confess to be a Christian, but as we read here, they will reject the true God, and make His presence in their lives disappear. No longer will we live in a society where Christian values, and strong Christian leaders will set the example of what it really means to serve and love God with all our might, and have His love and power be visible by their actions.  

But, you are called to set the example. You are once again reminded that you were told the truth, and you know what the truth is, as it was taught to you by Christian people, that might have been your parents, grandparents, teachers, ministers, or just someone that God had send across your way to teach you the truth that led you to salvation. You are now called on to go and live your life as a person that will not be deceived by the temptations of this world, and the deceptions taught by others. The Bible clearly teaches what is right and what is wrong. The will of God is known to you. If you read your Bible, and you spend time getting to know what the will of God is, then there is no reason to be deceived by the deceptions of the world. Hold on to what you where taught. It will save your life for eternity.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 18 May 2008                    

Psalm 90 (Modern King James Version) 

Psa 90:1-17  A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. O Jehovah, You have been our dwelling-place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God. You turn man to dust, and say, Return, sons of men. For a thousand years in Your sight are as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. You carry them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep; in the morning they are like grass which grows up. In the morning it sprouts and shoots up; in the evening it is cut down, and dries up. For we are burned up by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are troubled. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your face. For all our days pass away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a murmur. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by strength they are fourscore years, yet their pride is labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? And as Your fear is, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, so that we may bring a heart of wisdom. Return, O Jehovah! How long? And give pity to Your servants. Satisfy us early with Your mercy, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days of our affliction, the years in which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their sons. And let the beauty of Jehovah our God be on us; and establish the work of our hands on us; yea, the work of our hands, establish it.  

Gaining wisdom to spend our time in the right way. 

Time, the modern dilemma. The one thing we always run out off, and the one thing chasing us. But is it such a modern problem? Psalm 90 is seen as the oldest psalm ever written. It was written by Moses in the days when Israel was still working as slaves in Egypt. Even in this time, so long ago, the Psalm was written about time, and how people lived, thinking that they are invincible. They where not seeing the bigger picture, realizing that death may come for them,  and that they may not be ready for it.   

The “good news” translation states “Psalm 90:12 Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.”  As we have read in our exert from Psalm 90, it reads, “teach us to number our day…” But what does this mean? Moses is telling the people that we are only like grass. The people of Israel knew this, as they where working as slaves for the Egyptians, and their lives had no value to their masters. Even their babies where killed. Yet, they did not use every second as possibly their last, and they were making the best of it. They continued life, as if there were many days to come. Moses called to them, reminding them that this is not wise. He said to them that they must know that they are only as grass. They never know when they will be cut down, simply to no longer exist. He also said that a person who has this knowledge, and is numbering his day will become wise. They will not spend their time doing that what is foolish, and wrong, for they will know the value of time, and the value of every single second, as they come but once. So we are often also guilty of living our life’s as if their will not be an end to it, and as if we may not be killed by violence, in an accident, or suddenly die of a medical reason. 

Thus, some people see time as the greatest enemy we have, but time should rather be our companion in life, that constantly reminds us that we should cherish every moment, and every second, for they will never come again. Every second is a gift, all we have is the present, for we know not what the future will bring. Knowing this will bring wisdom to your heart, and you will be able to live the life that will have eternal value, not wasting it on petty things like hate, greed, fighting and selfish behaviour, for that will not be the actions of someone with wisdom about the value of the limited time we have on earth. Go, and spend your time wisely.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 11 May 2008                    

2 Timothy 1: 1-14

2Ti 1:1-14  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dearly beloved child. Grace, mercy, peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, taking recollection of the unfeigned faith that is in you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and in your mother Eunice. And I am persuaded that it is in you also. Therefore I remind you to inflame anew the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore you should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner. But be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the eternal times. But it is now having been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has made death of no effect, bringing life and immortality to light through the gospel; to which I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher of the nations. For this cause I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard My deposit unto that Day. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Guard the good Deposit given through the Holy Spirit indwelling in us.                                        

Being responsible for encouragement.

In this letter from Paul, we learn something about our responsibility as Christians, to care for, and encourage other Christians, and our children, not only by words, but also by example. In this letter, Paul is addressing a young man, called Timothy. From this letter, we can see that Paul loved this young man, and that he knew this young man's family rather well.  Paul obviously heard that this young man was struggling, and writes Timothy a letter to build up his strength and courage.  

In this letter, we see that Paul is referring to the faith that was evident in Timothy’s mother and grandmother. He takes the time to remind this young man of their example. This should serve as an encouragement, thinking back of the example they were to him. Obviously it should show Timothy that, regardless of the circumstances his mother and grandmother faces, they served God, and they never allowed external circumstances to make them doubt their faith. 

What is our message in this? We should take responsibility for those younger than ourselves in their faith. As Paul, we should adopt them as children, and encourage them, even when we ourselves are at a place where we are in need of encouragement.  

It also calls on parents and grandparents to understand the great responsibility they have as parents not only to teach their children what is right and what is wrong, but also to set the example to them of what real faith in God is. 

Let us make this a week of being true to this calling. Be faithful in uplifting the spirits of those that are downhearted, and in need of our upliftment, and support. Go out, and take the hand of another young Christian, reminding them of their faith, and helping them uphold it.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 04 May 2008                    

1 Corinthians 10:1-14

1Co 10:1-14    I want you to remember, my friends, what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the protection of the cloud, and all passed safely through the Red Sea. In the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses. All ate the same spiritual bread and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them; and that rock was Christ himself. But even then God was not pleased with most of them, and so their dead bodies were scattered over the desert. Now, all of this is an example for us, to warn us not to desire evil things, as they did, nor to worship idols, as some of them did. As the scripture says, "The people sat down to a feast which turned into an orgy of drinking and sex." We must not be guilty of sexual immorality, as some of them were---and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell dead. We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did---and they were killed by snakes. We must not complain, as some of them did---and they were destroyed by the Angel of Death. All these things happened to them as examples for others, and they were written down as a warning for us. For we live at a time when the end is about to come. If you think you are standing firm you had better be careful that you do not fall. Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. So then, my dear friends, keep away from the worship of idols.  

“So let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall !” v12 (Modern King James) 

This week, the message from the Word of God is a warning. It is there to encourage us to think about our lives and measure them against God’s will as a test to ensure that we are still on the right track.  But what is the warning all about?  This was written to warn the people about following idols and the desires of the flesh, thinking that there will be no consequence to these actions. It warns us not to take the Spiritual high ground and then think that nothing will happen to us, because we are “okay in our relationship with God” These people thought that the body was for pleasure and, as they no longer lived under the law, they could do what ever they wanted. This scripture is a warning that this perception is not true. God is not pleased with this behavior. We are to ensure that we follow His commandments, and not alter them to suit ourselves. Just because they interpreted the Bible to suit their needs and immoral ways, it did not mean that the message they believed was true. 

So, what are these idols in your life?  What is more important to you than God? Could it possibly be a sexual affair as mentioned in this scripture or lust that has become the lord and master of your life, causing you to sin and yearn for what is wrong? Is it maybe the quest for power and riches that has side-tracked you so that the time you have for God is less and less? Is it gambling, or “the horses” that is taking up your time and your money? Is the time you spend in front of the television or the computer more than the time you are willing to give to the Lord, and getting closer to Him? Are your body and your health more important, causing you to spend hours, either in the gym, or else worrying about your health, instead of using your situation to His glory? Is it your struggle to survive and find self-worth that is consuming your time, rather than being a humble servant of the Lord, simply trusting in Him to provide? 

Be warned, as this scripture shows us because, of these people falling into sexual immorality and idolatry, we read: “and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell dead” 

So my brothers and sisters, “If you think  you are standing firm you had better be careful that you do not fall” This implies that you may die without God, because you never stopped to look at this warning….  ”So let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall…

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 27 April 2008                    

1 John 1:4-10

1John 1:4-10   And we write these things to you so that your joy may be full. And this is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.  

Do you need some Light?

Other than the norm of looking at the darkness of sin, I would like to look at another type of darkness today because, as the very first sentence states, this passage was written to ensure that our joy could be full. So, what is this darkness that I am talking about? Well, let us look at some examples.

It may be the darkness brought into your life by pain, and sorrow. Is the pain that you are carrying inside you becoming so overwhelming that it is the cause of darkness, resulting in the fact that the Light of Jesus becomes only a dim flicker of light in your day to day living?

Is your darkness caused by depression? Have the worries of life become so overwhelming that you simply don’t see how it will ever get better, resulting in your becoming depressed? Or is it more of a feeling of hopelessness that you are experiencing? Often, situations seem so bad, that we simply don’t see the possibility of things ever getting better again.

Maybe your darkness is caused by a hunger. You may hunger for Love, for Acceptance, for Security, or for God -  or maybe it is simply a hunger for food.  A hunger like this can cause you to experience a darkness or void which you search to fill. But where is the answer?

God is the Light.

God knows you, and he knows about all your pain and suffering. God would like to help you with this. He is the God that heals. Have you asked Him to assist you in your darkness? Are you feeling depressed or fearing that all is hopeless? Well, looking at 1 Cor. 13, we see that of the three gifts that will remain at the end, one will be hope. “Only three remains, faith, hope and Love”. We serve a God that has taught us that all things are possible for Him. Even when we don’t see a way, God will surely make one. All we need to do is to have faith in God's promises to us, and to know that hope remains.

And hunger? If you have a hunger for Love, then know that God loves you so much - to the extent that He gave His son to die for you. Acceptance?  As the old song says,… “Just as I am….”  God created you, and He loves you, faults and all. He would like to make you a child of God, and a prince or princess. Should you be yearning for the security and closeness of God,  He is waiting for you right now. You don’t have to wait any longer.  God is light, and He would like to take care of all the darkness that is bothering you. Are you willing to give Him a chance?

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 20 April 2008                    

1 Samuel 3: 8-18

1Sa 3:8-18  The LORD called Samuel a third time; he got up, went to Eli, and said, "You called me, and here I am." Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy, so he said to him, "Go back to bed; and if he calls you again, say, 'Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went back to bed. The LORD came and stood there, and called as he had before, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak; your servant is listening." The LORD said to him, "Some day I am going to do something to the people of Israel that is so terrible that everyone who hears about it will be stunned. On that day I will carry out all my threats against Eli's family, from beginning to end. I have already told him that I am going to punish his family forever because his sons have spoken evil things against me. Eli knew they were doing this, but he did not stop them. So I solemnly declare to the family of Eli that no sacrifice or offering will ever be able to remove the consequences of this terrible sin." Samuel stayed in bed until morning; then he got up and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. Eli called him, "Samuel, my boy!" "Yes, sir," answered Samuel. "What did the LORD tell you?" Eli asked. "Don't keep anything from me. God will punish you severely if you don't tell me everything he said." So Samuel told him everything; he did not keep anything back. Eli said, "He is the LORD; he will do whatever seems best to him."

 Answer to His call!

 Here we find a young boy, being awakened in the very early hours of the morning by a voice calling out to him. It is suggested that the boy, Samuel, must have been about 12 years old when this happened. We find this young boy serving under Eli, the great church leader of that time. Eli was at this stage already struggling with his sight, and in need of assistance at night. Thus, we find a boy caring for Eli, a boy who is used to running whenever Eli might call at night for assistance. And now, for the third time that night, the boy is awoken by the voice calling out his name. A voice not yet known to him, and so the boy believes that it must be Eli. 

We find two interesting scenarios here. The one calling is to a little boy, not really significant in the eyes of any adult, and the other is a calling to Eli, an elderly man, close to the end of his life, and in need of assistance for daily living. Neither of them would seem to be likely candidates for a calling. And yet, both of them answer the calling.

 I feel sorry for Eli in this passage. He was the great spiritual leader. His sons were supposed to follow in his footsteps and take over his position after his death, but he already knew that would not happen. God had already made it clear that they would soon die, as would Eli. In the first verses of chapter 3, we read that there were very few messages from the Lord to Israel. Eli, the spiritual leader, was to make peace with the fact that the Lord was not speaking to him, and neither to his sons. At this point, he realizes that God is speaking to a child, and he finds himself placed in a position where he has the choice of, either helping this child reach his potential as a great prophet, or misleading the child into keeping quiet about what really is being said to him. But Eli does the right thing. He teaches the child how to approach the Lord and listen to His words. Then, the next day, he encourages the child to testify without fear or disbelief in the message, everything that was said to him, failing which, he may also die for not being obedient. After failing miserably with his own children, Eli is teaching this boy the right way of being obedient to God. He also listens to a message from the Lord that is not good news for Eli and his family, but which shows the boy that he should not fear when delivering bad news, but that he should be obedient in doing so, for the message is the will of God.  "He is the LORD; he will do whatever seems best to him." Thus, do not fear to spread the word of the Lord. It will never fail you and, if you do it, God will reward you for your obedience. 

 Are we obedient? We have the word of the Lord, and we have received the calling to go and tell the world, without fear of what others may think. Without looking at our own short-falls, whether being too young, like Samuel, or too old and weak like Eli – whether being cared for or even maybe in an old-age home… They remained obedient to their calling.  Will You?

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 23 March 2008                    

Luke 24:25-34

Luk 24:13-16  On that same day two of Jesus' followers were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him.

 Luk 24:25-34  As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther; but they held him back, saying, "Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark." So he went in to stay with them. He sat down to eat with them, took the bread, and said the blessing; then he broke the bread and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, "Wasn't it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others and saying, "The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon!" 

The Lord is risen indeed!

 Easter… Another week has gone by, but for some without the reverence it deserves. A week generally referred to as a holy week. But does it have a real impact on us, and our lives? It is seen as the most Holy week for Christians, but often we get spiritually more from Christmas than from Easter. It during Easter that we celebrate that which made a difference in our lives. Christ dying for our sins, Christ, undeserving of the suffering, being crucified, and suffering an horrific death. Christ entering death, and in death, defeating Satan, and setting the captives free. Christ then, after all of this, rising from the grave, for us, never to fear death again. The birth of eternal life!

 How was this Easter weekend for you? Were you maybe like the Emmaus travellers, spending time to think back on this wonderful time, trying to understand it, but not really understanding the meaning of it all? Did you spend time, trying to meet with Jesus, and learning more about the meaning of it all? Did you yearn for more information and knowledge, and spend time at church, and sitting at the feet of Jesus, trying to learn from Him, refusing to let Him go, for you need His teaching, more than anything?

 What is the message of Easter for you today?  It’s a special message, and it is intended for you. For we are all like Simon. In the mentioned scripture we read about Simons testimony to the others. "The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon!" God wants you to know that He is not in a grave, and He is not gone. He is alive, and He has a special interest in your live. Like with Simon, He would like to walk with you, and guide you in your times of trouble, and uncertainty. He did not die on a cross for nothing, but with you in mind. He went thru all of that so that you may know that you will never again have to fear separation from God.  Thus, regardless of what this week may bring, be encouraged by the knowledge that our Lord is risen, and He will be with you, always, and in everything.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 16 March 2008                    

Psalm 82:1-12

Psa 84:1-12  How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! How I want to be there! I long to be in the LORD's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, LORD Almighty, my king and my God. How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you. How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools. They grow stronger as they go; they will see the God of gods on Zion. Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty. Listen, O God of Jacob! Bless our king, O God, the king you have chosen. One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of the house of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. The LORD is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right. LORD Almighty, how happy are those who trust in you!  

My true desire.

 Being in God’s presence is the only real desire the psalmist has. He is praising God in this psalm, and singing about the wonder of God’s presence, and God’s protection. How wonderful is our God indeed.  

But what is my true desire? Do I desire riches, and health? Do I desire fame and fortune? Am I working extremely hard to reach an earthly goal, be it success in business, or financial security at the expense of my family, my friends and even my time with God?  Will my desire consume me in such a way that it will blind me to things that may actually be more important than my goal? Will it happen, or has it already happened, that I am blind to that which I should actually be striving towards.  Priorities are so important in life, but they are often completely wrong. What should my priorities look like? God should always be my first priority, then my family, then my work, and then my service to God. However, we allow Satan to convince us that our work is often more important than God or our families. Sometime it’s more subtle. We see our work for the Lord as being more important than God, or our relationship with Him, or our families’ relationships. It’s so sad when that happens. People are so pre-occupied with the work of God, that they do not have time left for the God of all these works. Don’t fall into this trap.  Do not forget your family. God has given them to you, and you are responsible for them. Do not neglect them.  But, is your relationship with God still your only true desire?  

The one thing that I truly desire is to be in God’s presence always. To feel His heartbeat, to hear His voice, and to feel His love. God, please, never leave me, nor forsake me!  Let me keep growing closer to you. God, I would rather stay at the gates of your house, than live in a castle where your presence is never experienced. Is this your prayer?  Is this your desire?  Remember, we first have to seek God, and His kingdom, then everything else will follow.  We often try working towards everything else, with the idea that we shall one day worry about God. It is then that we are left wondering why everything is going wrong … Why is nothing working out for us?  “… how happy are those who trust in God…”

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 09 March 2008                    

Matthew 6: 25-34

Mat 6:25-34  "This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? "And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is God who clothes the wild grass---grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won't he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! "So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?' (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.  

God will provide.

 It is a fact, God will provide. God is the One who is constantly providing in all our needs, and He is faithful in doing so. But, we often are the ones who are lacking in the faith and trust to believe that God will really provide. You see, my brother and sister, we need to trust in God, and be obedient to His will, and then He will provide in our needs. We should blindly trust God, and do as He asks. Thinking back in Biblical history, I can recall several instances where this has happened. Lets look at Moses. He had to appear before Pharaoh trusting only in God’s instruction. God said to Moses to tell Pharaoh that a miracle will happen, and he did tell. He only had God’s word that it would really happen, and trusting God, he acted out his orders, and miracles did happen. We also find Israel in the desert, complaining about the lack of food, saying that they trusted God when He told them to move from Egypt, and now the will die of hunger in a desert. But, because they trusted God, God provided food for every day.  We find more and more miracles like this in the Bible. Even looking at some miracles performed by Jesus, where Jesus said to the people that their faith will bear fruit, and thus, a miracle will happen. Do we have the faith required for miracles to happen in our lives? 

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 02 March 2008                    

Psalm 27: 1-14

Psa 27:1-14  The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid. When evil people attack me and try to kill me, they stumble and fall. Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God. I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance. In times of trouble he will shelter me; he will keep me safe in his Temple and make me secure on a high rock. So I will triumph over my enemies around me. With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the LORD. Hear me, LORD, when I call to you! Be merciful and answer me! When you said, "Come worship me," I answered, "I will come, LORD."   Don't hide yourself from me! Don't be angry with me; don't turn your servant away. You have been my help; don't leave me, don't abandon me, O God, my savior. My father and mother may abandon me, but the LORD will take care of me. Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and lead me along a safe path, because I have many enemies. Don't abandon me to my enemies, who attack me with lies and threats. I know that I will live to see the LORD's goodness in this present life. Trust in the LORD. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the LORD.

 Discouraged?

 Some weeks are just worser than others. You just get those weeks where everything simply goes wrong, and it would feel like the entire world is against you, and nothing wants to go the way you would like it to. Do you know this feeling, or am I the only one that sometimes feels like this? Often we feel betrayed and let down by those we trusted to always be there for us, and wonder if it is even possible to trust at all. We see in scripture that David wrote that even his father and mother may abandon him, and he knew what is was to flee from your own son, who was wanting to kill him.

 What can we learn from David? When everything was going wrong, and all seemed hopeless for him he had only one wish. “Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God. I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance”  David did not ask for freedom, health, or even for his life to be spared, but he asked for God’s presence to be with him. His one desire was to get closer to God, to experience God’s goodness, and learn from God’s guidance. Nothing compared to this one desire of David. Unlike us, for we often turn away form God when all seems lost. We may pray for deliverance, and peace, and ask it from God. Should we not be more like David, simply trusting in God, and His protection and guidance?. But we are fearful creatures, wanting to run and hide. We fight for self preservation, and see ourselves in need of defending ourselves to men. We care more about what man thinks about us, and what man will see as being the truth, rather than only caring about getting closer to God, and trusting Him for our protection, and safe keeping.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 24 February 2008                    

Revelations 1:4-8

Rev 1:4-8  From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world. He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Look, He is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see Him, including those who pierced Him. All peoples on earth will mourn over him. So shall it be! "I am the first and the last," says the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come.  

Who is this Jesus? 

What a vision to see! How amazing this vision of the trinity must have been, and what a powerful testimony of who Jesus truly is. Jesus is called the faithful witness. The first to be raised from death that spelled the end for all sinners. The one who concord the eternal condemnation brought by sin, and is now our counsellor, and ruler of the kings of the world. Jesus is hailed the one who freed us for sin, and the One who made us a nation of priests and kings, in service of the Father.  Truly, to God be the Glory and power, forever and ever! 

In these few verses, we see a reflection of the greatness and magnificence of Christ. We see the purpose of Jesus coming to earth, and dying for our sins, and the sovereignty as God and King.  This is the Lord I serve, and the Lord I have to praise and give thanks to, for He saved me. But, are we doing it with the needed respect, or do we often forget who out Lord and God is? Are we so often also guilty of being the ones to turn our backs on Him, when our testimony is needed? Are we often the ones who will criticize others, and hurt fellows Christians? Are we often the ones that are nailing Christ to the cross in the way we treat others?  Are we faithful servants, looking forward to Christ’s return on the clouds on the day of Glory, or will we be shocked to see Him return? 

Yes, all will see Him return! Even those who pierced Him. All peoples on earth will mourn over Him. Why?  Is it maybe because we will see the part we have played in His suffering? Will it be because on His return, we will be the ones caught red-handed standing with the hammer in our hands, the hammer used to drive in the nails that caused His death, and suffering? Be it by our acts of hate, betrayal, selfishness or lack of love for all, or maybe in not testifying to those who so much needed to know Jesus, but we acted like a Peter. Will the cock be crowing for us when Jesus returns? 

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 17 February 2008                    

James 1:1-12

James 1:1-12  From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: Greetings to all God's people scattered over the whole world. My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord. Those Christians who are poor must be glad when God lifts them up, and the rich Christians must be glad when God brings them down. For the rich will pass away like the flower of a wild plant. The sun rises with its blazing heat and burns the plant; its flower falls off, and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way the rich will be destroyed while they go about their business. Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him.

 Are you discouraged?

 Don’t get discouraged when troubles and difficulties are plenty. Wow, this is a difficult one. I don’t know about you, but when everything goes wrong, and nothing works out the way I would like it to, I often find myself getting discouraged, and blue. Why me? Can’t something good happen to me for a change?

 Does this sound familiar, or am I the only one feeling like this? Do problems and uncertainties in your family get you upset, and do you sometimes feel unappreciated and forgotten? Do you feel taken for granted, or are people always assuming things on your behalf, not really interested in your opinion? Have your dreams been destroyed, and your feelings been ignored? Have you been hurt, and are you sometimes yearning for someone’s acceptance, and love? Does it feel like life is just one long up-hill struggle?  Well, does it?

 Then you are not alone. Even in the days when James wrote this scripture, he knew that life very seldom works out as we plan it, and very often we will get disappointed and discouraged by what is going on. But he is telling us not to give up, and to trust in the Lord. He believed very strongly that when things are going wrong, God is just giving us an opportunity to grow. When thing go wrong, pray, and believe that God will use this situation to make you stronger, and learn endurance. This will happen, and should we endure in doing what is good and right, we will be rewarded.

 Thus, when things go wrong, we need to pray. Not as much for the problems and afflictions to go away, but for wisdom, wisdom to handle even the worst of situations in such a manner, that God will be glorified. And then, trust in God to do a miracle. God will never leave you, nor forsake you.

 **  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 10 February 2008                    

Matthew 26:36-46

Mat 26:36-46  Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, and he said to them, "The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me." He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want." Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, "How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour?   Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Once more Jesus went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done." He returned once more and found the disciples asleep; they could not keep their eyes open. Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then he returned to the disciples and said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!"

What is it that you fear, regarding your future?

If only we knew exactly what the future holds and how everything will happen. If only there was no more uncertainty about anything in the future, and we had all the answers to the "why's". But we don't. We are faced with uncertainty about our relationships, marriages, our job security, our safety, our health and even our own deaths.  What causes fear about uncertainty?

Going back to scripture, we find God's promise that we will never be tested beyond our own strength, but so often it feels like we are tested to our limits, and we feel as if we are failing in our own strength and ability to handle the crisis we are facing. We roll around in our beds at night, unable to fall asleep. Our appetites fail, and it feels like there is a big black hole in our stomachs, eating away like a cancer.  What will tomorrow bring? What pain and suffering is waiting around the corner? Will I be able to remain standing when all is about to collapse around me?  How will I make it, and what will carry me through this time of uncertainty?

Knowing that there is a bigger picture is what will carry you through. Let us look at the example of Jesus in the garden, knowing what was about to happen to Him. Knowing that Judas was on his way to bring the soldiers that would arrest, torture and kill Him. We find Jesus praying to God… If possible, please let this pass Me. Let not my will, but Yours be done.  Jesus knew that everything had a reason for happening, and He knew that God will always ensure that everything will work out for the best for His children. Even if the road ahead will be difficult, and painful. We should keep walking the road, trusting in God, for in the end, the reward will be worth it.  Regardless of what you fear regarding the future, listen to Gods promise. Even if your relationships may fail, your job security dwindle, or your health threatens to make an end to life, God is there, and He has a plan. He will be with you, and all will work out for the best, for God will never fail us.  Yes, we do not have all the answers now, but one day, when we are in Heaven, then we will understand the reasons, and then we will see why this was good, and perfect.

1Corinthians 13:12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know even as I also am fully known.

 **  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 03 February 2008                    

Colossians 3:23-24

Col 3:23-24  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.

Always giving my best.

So often we only do enough to not get into trouble, and because we have to do it. Finding people committed to their jobs, and calling is rare. Finding loyalty and eagerness in the working environment is something we read about in books of years gone by. People are downhearted and tired. They feel unappreciated, and if the boss wants loyalty he should buy a dog. Trying to lift the spirit in the work place, and getting everybody to work together would actually require a team-building event, should you be successful enough to get everybody to attend. But is this the way things should be for a child of God? We are often so guilty of also not giving our everything, in all situations. I am reminded of a story I heard many years ago. Let me share it with you.

A few years ago, there was this young boy who lived in England. This boy was very talented in playing soccer. When I say he was talented, it is actually not giving enough credit, for he was very good at this sport. The one problem was that he knew he was the best, and he would obviously make the team, regardless of his performance at team practice, or qualifying matches. Thus, if the coach asked the boy to do 20 set-ups he would do 10. Should the boys be told to run round the field 10 times, well, maybe he will go 5 times round.  The coach was getting very upset with this boy. So often, the boy would even skip a practice session. The coach decided that he will teach this boy a lesson. It so happened that when the Thursday practice session was about to start, someone came to call the young boy back home. Apparently there was a crisis at home. The coach saw a opportunity, and decided to apply the rule that said, “should you miss practice, you will not be allowed to play the match.”  The team had a major match that Saturday.

That Saturday morning, when the match was about to start, the boy came running to play, but the coach had bad news for him… No practice, - no play!  The boy started to beg the coach, “Please sir, Please allow me to play…”  But the coach said: “NO!”  Now, it so happened that this match was not going as planned for the coach and his team. The were really loosing this match in a bad way. When it was half time, the scoreboard was so bad, that there was no way this team would ever win the game. Again the boy started pleading with the coach…  “Please sir, Please allow me to play…”  The coach feared he might loose his job, and allowed the boy to play… Just maybe they will get some points on the board, and he would not look as bad.  But on this occasion the boy surprised everyone present. He played like they have never seen him played before. He played so good that the team actually won their game.  When the game was over, coach called the boy and asked him what made the difference today, why now, suddenly he is performing as they always knew he could, but never did?  The boy looked at the coach with tears in his eyes. He replied : “Sir, you remember that I was called home on Thursday, It was because my mother was very sick. My mother was blind, and was never able to come see me play. My father died when I was a baby. On Thursday my mother died, and she went to heaven. She could never see me play before, but today sir, she is watching me, and that is what made the difference…” He pointed to people waiting for him, and told the coach that he is now going with those people to a orphanage, and today might have been his last chance to show his mother just how good he could play. Anything to make his mom proud.

Why are we going thru live, as if our heavenly father is not watching us. Do we forget that we should always do everything as for Him, and not to satisfy others? Let us not get tired, and despondent, but truly go out and give our everything, for God will renew our strength.

Isa 40:31  But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.

**  Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 27 January 2008                    

Galatians 6:7-10

Gal 6:7-10    Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant. If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.

 What riches will my harvest yield?

 A powerful question as our theme for this week. What are we aiming to gain from all our toils this year? Have I set myself a target of what is it I truly desire to accomplish this year, and have my plans been but into some form of actions that will ultimately lead to me obtaining, or reaching my set goal? But what are my goals and what should I be aiming for? 

In our morning service, the minister asked a question about our witness. He asked if we can recall when last we actually spoke to someone on a one to one basis about God, and what God has done for us?  Do you still remember when last you have witnessed for Christ? Has His name been used in witness by you in this year yet?

The message is clear. We are now living in a time of sowing seeds. We also read that we will be receiving a harvest. What we reap, we shall harvest. The only question remaining is then, what are we planting, and there are two very prominently mentioned areas where planting is done. One in the flesh, and the other is the spirit.  Are we not so busy planting seeds and setting goals in the flesh, that we for the most, forget about the spiritual seeds.  That which occupies your time and actions is what you will receive a reward from. So, are you spending your time working for riches, and chancing fame? Are you working hard to look more appealing for the world, altering your looks, and body for more appeal to those you aim to impress? Are you spending your free time watching television, or DVD’s as your entertainment enjoys priority above spending time with God.  What is your witness to the world. When you invite friends over, what will be more important to you, making sure that there is enough  to eat, and enough liquor to consume, or will it be to share special moments with them, about the wonderful thing God did for you in the week that passed. Is it acceptance from your friend you wish for, or is your goal to ensure that one day they will be in heaven with you.

**Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 20 January 2008                    

Luke 23:39-42

Luke 23:39-43  Now one of the criminals hanging there kept insulting him, saying, "You are the Christ, aren't you? Save yourself and us!" But the other one rebuked him, saying, "Aren't you afraid of God, since you are suffering the same penalty? We have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he went on to say, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!" Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."  

The Greatest forgiveness

This scripture brings us to one of the darkest hours in the life of out Lord Jesus Christ. A moment of incredible pain, and suffering. The moment where death is the only way of getting any relief from the pain, the humiliation and scorn of the people around Him. How extremely horrific this must have been, having to experience pain that is so severe that is will kill you shortly, and having people around cursing you, insulting you, and this, while having to hang there, naked, and with no defence. Having no friend sitting by your side, holding your hand while death is immanent, and having no-one assisting you, making you as comfortable as possible during your last moments. Alone, and stripped of everything possible. 

It is also in this situation where we see two people that were crucified on either side of Christ. These two, deserving of what is happening to them. They that caused similar pain to others, only for personal gain. They are heartless, and mean. Even in their own moments of death, they find time to make rude and painful remarks towards Christ. If I were Christ, this would have been the moment where I would condemn the entire earth, and simply say that these people are not worth dying for, I most likely would have asked my Father in Heaven to destroy them all, and remove me from the cross. But Christ is not like me, fortunately. He was not angry at those that caused Him this humiliation, and He prayed that God would forgive them for this.  And when one of those horrible murderers and robbers crucified at His side repented, and asked Christ to please think of him when Christ is to arrive in heaven, Christ accepted him without hesitation. This is true forgiveness.  

**Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 13 January 2008                    

Mathews 7:21-28

Mat 7:21-28  "Not everyone who keeps saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will get into the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who keeps doing the will of my Father in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name, drove out demons in your name, and performed many miracles in your name, didn't we?'  Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you evildoers!'" "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation was on the rock. "Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and battered that house, and it collapsed, and its collapse was devastating.

Do you know your Saviour?

 The scripture we have read today refers to the fact that even those who regularly attend a church service, or even become preachers, or doers of miracles in the name of Jesus Christ may not one day be in heaven.  Wow, powerful words. Jesus is giving the sermon on the mount, and is addressing a great number of people listing to Him. He is teaching them what the only way to get into heaven is to be obedient to God, and to build your foundations on Him, Jesus Christ.

 What does all of this then mean? Simple, we cannot be seen as people confessing that Christ is our Lord and Saviour with our tongues, but not a life that shows our love and admiration for what Christ has done for us. If your life was the only Bible ever to show to the world who Jesus Christ is, would anybody get to know Jesus by simply looking at your life, and the witness you are living. Are your actions and faith really showing to the world that you are a true believer?

 To often, our faith is like some people we know. They represent themselves as the greatest football players in the world, the know everything about the game, and the rules, but have never ever played the game themselves. Knowledge never used is useless.  It’s the same with being a Christian. Having all the knowledge, and knowing the Bible may give you a wonderful knowledge of all the facts, but if the facts have never changed your heart, of what use is it?  We all know that the Devil also knows scripture very well, and He also knows that God truly exists. But for him it is knowledge, and not a witness. Are we like this?

 So, we also know that we are to often side-tracked by earthly goals and targets. We are racing after our dreams, and goals on earth, and in the process we forget that what we should truly concentrate on is our relationship with Christ. Do you actually have a relationship with Christ, and are you setting a new goal for 2008, one of getting to know Him more intimately, and living as a witness of your faith in Him. Can you say like Paul in James 2:18  But someone may say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without any works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 06 January 2008                    

Hebrews  12: 1-3 

Heb 12:1-3  Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, looking off to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Think about the one who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you may not become tired and give up.

 New Years Resolutions.

 Yes, a new year is here, and ready or not, we have to continue living to the best of our abilities.  When we face the new challenges it may bring we cannot help but wonder how we will ever make it. We may have knowledge of a possible illness, an operation awaiting us, or even a family member whose health is rapidly failing, and we fear what results this year may hold. We may have to start on a new road to travel on, and we find ourselves unsure if we should be going in the one direction, or the other. Those who completed the schooling or university training are venturing into a new world, unsure if there will be employment for them, and how would the new, unknown environment accept them, and treat them.  Plans are made, and goals are set. 

 Maybe your goals for 2008 are not as drastic as the ones mentioned, but more reachable, and obtainable with less effort, for example, to lose some weight, and get fit. To read at least 12 books this year, or learn a new language.  Take a course, and better your chances of getting a better position, or even a raise. Who knows.  Maybe your goal is to make your first million this year, and to be known as a millionaire. Maybe you plan on buying a new car, or house, getting married, or even starting a family. You will know the goals and targets that you have set for yourself. You will know the challenges waiting on you in 2008. Are you ready for them?

 Looking at a future that is an unknown is more often than not, simply scary. Especially if the odds are mostly against you, for example in a health situation, or talks of retrenchments at your place of employment. It is challenging to have to go and look for employment, and we often fear the results, and rejection. Reading our scripture in Hebrews, we are once again reminded of life, being a race. We all know that a race is not known for being the easiest thing on earth. Mostly it is associated with hard work, exercise, sweating, cramps, fatigue, steep inclines, hurdles, injuries and a good chance of failing. No wonder it is compared to life. But Paul is giving us a winning recipe. He is teaching us to keep our eyes on Jesus, our encouragement to keep on going, regardless of the possibility of hurdles, and stumbling blocks. We will never be alone in this coming year, for we have the Promise of the Lord that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. No matter what the year may hold, He will be there for us, and take us through it. We have a choice, either looking down at all the stumbling blocks around us, and getting downhearted, or keeping our eyes on Jesus in 2008, and making stepping stones of all the stumbling blocks, that potentially threaten to make us fall. Where do you fix your eyes for 2008?  The choice is yours.

Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 16 December 2007                    

Isaiah 9: 6-7

Isa 9:6-7  A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace. He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The LORD Almighty is determined to do all this.  

Who was that baby, born on Christmas day? 

Here we find one of the earliest Scriptures foretelling of the birth of Jesus Christ. Isaiah told Israel about this baby that will be born, and what the significance of this baby would be. He said that this baby will be called “Wonderful Counselor”  for that is what Jesus had become for all who are in pain, and all those suffering. How wonderful is it to know that when all is going wrong, Jesus will always be there for us, guiding us, and supporting us. What would have become of us, had we not have such a “wonderful Counselor” 

The baby would have been called “Mighty God”.  Although this was often misunderstood, and in the early days, a person crowned as king would have been seen as a son of God, as a king would represent God on earth, we now know that this was not only a symbolic reference to a mighty ruler that would free the nation from bondage, but it refers to a person that is truly God. And a mighty God indeed. Nothing is impossible for our God.  

The baby would have been called “Eternal Father”.  This is something so wonderful that was taught by Jesus in the New Testament. He taught us the “Our Father”. Jesus who Himself is God, told us about God, the Father. We learned that our God is truly a father who cares about us. He is the Father whose arms that will carry us, protects us, comfort us, and with an enduring love, bless us, not because we are deserving, but because of that Love. 

The Baby was also to be called the “Prince of Peace”. How amazing is the peace we see in a person that is walking close to God. It is a peace we can neither understand, nor explain. It is a peace that touches lives, and it is not changeable by the circumstances surrounding the person possessing it. It is the peace of God. The closer we come to God, the more evident this peace will be in our lives. How wonderful will it be in heaven, a place where this peace will strongly rule forever. 

Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 09 December 2007                    

Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26-38  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. He had a message for a young woman promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!" Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, and she wondered what his words meant. The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end!" Mary said to the angel, "I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God's power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy child will be called the Son of God. Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have children, but she herself is now six months pregnant, even though she is very old. For there is nothing that God cannot do."  "I am the Lord's servant," said Mary; "may it happen to me as you have said." And the angel left her.  

If we trust in God, then everything is possible.

In the first chapter of Luke, we read about two miraculous pregnancies. First we see Elizabeth’s pregnancy, and then we read about Mary's. Two simple women, who knew the Lord, and with whom the Lord has found favour. Elizabeth was old, and was not supposed to have kids at that age, and that made her pregnancy a miracle. Mary was the young virgin who has not been with a man before, and thus, she was not supposed to be pregnant either. But God wanted to do a miracle, and so it was.  

We find Mary listening to the words of the angel, and wondering how this will be possible. She questions the angel about this, and he told her that a miracle will happen. He assures Mary that this is the will of God, and the child will be the Son of God. The angel assured Mary that this child will be a great King, and God. He told Mary that she should call the baby Jesus, as He will be the Saviour. Shocked, and amazed by what she heard, Mary replied, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it happen to me as you have said.”  She trusted God, and although she could not understand how all of this could happen, she knew that nothing was ever impossible for God, as the angel reminded her when he referred to her cousin, Elizabeth. She was willing to trust God, and by doing this, experiencing a true miracle.  

Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 02 December 2007                    

Matthew 1:18-25

Mat 1:18-25  This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus---because he will save his people from their sins."   Now all this happened in order to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet,  "A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel" (which means, "God is with us"). So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told him to. But he had no sexual relations with her before she gave birth to her son. And Joseph named him Jesus.  

To be like Joseph.

 Can you imagine the shock of Joseph, having to find out that his wife to be is pregnant, but knowing that the child is not yours. Even in today’s modern world, with very few people with good values and morals, this would be a difficult situation to handle.  In the days of Joseph, an engagement was as legal as marriage itself, and if he wanted to end the engagement, he would have to “divorce” Mary. We read in this scripture that Joseph was a man that always did what was right, and by law, he should have had Mary stoned for being unfaithful to him, but he decided rather to quietly end the engagement, not to disgrace Mary in public. He saw no other option for himself.

 I guess Mary had told him about the angel, and the fact that she got pregnant in that way, but “WOW” what a story to believe? Then God intervened. God send His angel to Joseph, to go and talk to Joseph about Mary. The greeting of the angel was; “Joseph, descendant of David.” reminding Joseph about the fact that the promise was given so many years ago that the Saviour would come from David’s descendants. Again the message was clear, not to be afraid. Not only of the angel, but for what the message was, and for what the implications of this message would be. Be not afraid, for God is in control over all of this. The angel continues to assure Joseph that the message is true, and is actually the message prophesied so many years ago. He tell Joseph that the son to be born of Mary, will be the one to save all people from sin, he reminded him of the prophecy of a virgin birth, and that this Son will be Immanuel, “God is with us”. Joseph must have known these scriptures, and he understood what the angel referred to, for he hesitated no more. He got up, and married Mary. He respected the Holiness of the mother and child, and had no sexual relations with her, until the child was born. He was obedient also in naming the child Jesus, as he was instructed by the angel.  

Are we like Joseph? He knew that people would talk, and talk behind his back. He knew people would think that he was the one that made Mary pregnant, and that people would gossip. He had a way out of the relationship, but he chose rather to obey God, than seek the acceptance of man. Joseph is teaching us that if we should ask God for His guidance and answers to difficult situation, that we will get an answer to our question, and we should trust God's answer to be right. If we obey His guidance, then we can walk in peace and with the assurance that all will be just fine.

Should you wish to write me, and are in need of someone who would listen and pray with you... Please do.

________________________________________________________

Sunday, 25 November 2007                    

Luke 6:43-45

Luke 6:43-45  "A healthy tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a poor tree bear good fruit. Every tree is known by the fruit it bears; you do not pick figs from thorn bushes or gather grapes from bramble bushes. A good person brings good out of the treasure of good things in his heart; a bad person brings bad out of his treasure of bad things. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Does my life reflect my relationship with Christ?

Today, I reflect back on the well known saying: “If my life should be the only Gospel ever written, will anybody come to Christ by looking at the witness I am living?”  Wow, such powerful words. Is there a chance that someone may commit their life to Christ, because of the way I am living? When I think of these words, it makes me feel ashamed, for I know that my own life is far from the perfect witness in what I claim to believe, and in whom I believe.  So often it is simply too easy to lose your temper, get angry, depressed or even just to moan and groan about everything that makes us unhappy. But what does that reflect of our faith to others that do not have a relationship with Christ? It actually shows that we are failing in living a life that should glorify our Lord. I also makes the Lord unhappy, for at the one side we proclaim Him to be our Lord and Saviour, but on the other side, we use the same mouth that we praised Him with to hurt, curse, complain and gossip. We are then the “good trees” but we are showing the world that maybe our trees are not as healthy and as good as we would like to believe.  

There is a very powerful verse in James 1:26  “Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself.”  Yes, you have read it correctly.  If we can not control our tongue, we are showing the world that we are failing in having a real relationship with Christ. We are saying that there was no real life changing experience brought on by the realization of what Christ has done