IN HIS NAME, THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS

2010-06-28T20:26:00.000+02:00

THE TRUMPET by Bill Burns -- June 28, 2010:
Come My children and let us reason together. Your ways are not My ways, but if you will partake of My word and open yourselves to the flow of My spirit, then out of your inner most being shall flow rivers of life; rivers of living water. Then, the manifestation of the kingdom shall flow forth into the world and out of you My words shall bring direction. So I say arise into the activity of the kingdom by faith where it is My purpose to guide you; to lead you; to compel you; to instruct you in the ways you should go. Let faith be the foundation that you stand on to generate kingdom life, says the Lord.

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 28, 2010:
In the Spirit I saw a woman dancing in worship to the Lord. As I watched, her feet were no longer on the ground even though she was still dancing. Then, she was dancing in mid-air high above the ground. I believe the woman is the Bride, and the joy of her worship will bring elevation in the realm of the Spirit.
Psalms 48:2 Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King

2010-06-26T10:26:00.001+02:00

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 25, 2010:

Be flexible, for I have places to take you and things to show you that you will miss if you are rigid and unyielding. Keep an open mind and an open heart, and I will give you nuggets of wisdom and spiritual truth in the most unexpected ways in unforeseen places. I want to extricate you from the grip of religious spirits that require you to be stern, precise, and in control. Spontaneity will give you the freedom to move with the wind of My Spirit, says the Lord.

John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

2010-06-10T20:16:00.002+02:00

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 10, 2010:

Beloved, never walk away from a mess. I speak to you of those things that you have responsibility for and authority over. When something is out of order or in disarray, whether spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically, do what is in your power to eliminate the chaos. And, if you have no power to bring change, ask Me in faith with no wavering and you will have the help you need, says the Lord. Anything you ask in faith according to My will, I will do.

1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

KEYS TO VICTORY IN 2009

2009-01-05T12:00:00.007+02:00

Keys to Victory in 2009
David Langerfeld
Jan 5, 2009

Keys to Victory in 2009
Philippians 3:13-14

THE KEY

The key to victory in 2009 is Philippians 3:13-14. Paul was using the illustration of a race to describe his life. He was in the home stretch, but he was still running the race; the race wasn't over. The first thing we need to notice is that Paul was not satisfied with his performance. No runner worth his salt is ever satisfied with his performance. He always wants to go a little faster, a little longer or a little harder. Each runner wants to continually improve himself. and Paul was the same. He said, "I have not apprehended it yet." - NOT YET!

Right behind this conjunction is one of Paul's secrets to living: THIS ONE THING I DO! It's the only time this phrase is used in the New Testament. Single-minded concentration on the things of God is essential to running the race of Christianity. You cannot be dwelling on other things as an athlete and give your best performance. Therefore, Paul says "this one thing I do."

What is "This One Thing I Do"?

"Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." That's the key for victory in the Christian life. That's the key for victory in 2009.

What do we need to forget?

Paul had learned that we have to lock the door on yesterday and throw away the key. Paul discovered that looking back almost always ends up in going back. Let me repeat that... Looking back almost always ends up in going back. In the Old Testament we find the wandering Israelites ready to return to their old ways rather than pressing on. In the New Testament Jesus clearly taught us in Luke 9:62 that "no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God's Kingdom."

4 THINGS WE NEED TO FORGET:

1. YESTERDAY'S MISTAKES

In his book "ENCOURAGE ME", Chuck Swindoll has a chapter entitled, "The Fine Art of Blowing It". It begins like this, "It happens to every one of us. Teachers as well as students. cops as well as criminals. Bosses as well as secretaries. Parents as well as kids. The diligent as well as the lazy. Not even presidents are immune. Or corporation heads who earn six-figure salaries. The same is true of well-meaning architects and hard-working builders and clear-thinking engineers... not to mention pro ball players, politicians, and preachers. What? making mistakes, that's what. Doing the wrong thing, usually with the best of motives. And it happens with remarkable regularity."

Dale Carnegie has a folder entitled "FTD" It stands for "Fool Things I Have Done." Whenever he did something foolish or stupid, he would dictate a record of it to his secretary. He confesses, however, that he was so embarrassed by his stupidity that he was ashamed to have her know it. So he would write it out in longhand and slip it into the file himself.

Everyone makes mistakes. Everybody does stupid, foolish things. God's Word says: "forget it" - leave them behind you.

There are 3 things we should do about yesterday's mistakes:
1. Learn from them
2. Determine with God's help not to do them again
3. Forget them.
Satan will want to remind you and make you feel guilty for your past mistakes – but God says: "Forget Them. I HAVE"!

2. YESTERDAY'S HURTS

Life is a battlefield. You're a soldier in God's Army. On any battleground, injuries will occur and soldiers are going to get hurt. Sooner or later, someone is going to
... hurt you.
... lie about you
... verbally or physically harm you
... misrepresent you
... chop you up in little pieces
... slander you

It's going to happen--what do you do?
You have two choices:
1. Allow the resentment and hate to build
2. Forgive and Forget
A. Forgive as Christ forgave you
- just as He forgave the Roman soldiers who didn't know what they were doing.
B. Forget those things that are behind you Phil. 3:13

You might say, but David -
... You Don't Understand
.... You don't understand what's happened to me.
.... You don't know how bad I've been hurt.
.... I was innocent.
.... I didn't do anything wrong, but they hurt me.
.... They lied about me.
.... They hurt my feelings and they didn't care.
.... They criticized me when I didn't do anything wrong.
.... They talked about me behind my back.
.... They cheated me, they rejected me, they hurt me really bad.

God understands. Jesus was innocent, but they beat him, they tortured him, they mocked him, they crucified him. He didn't deserve it, but they did it anyway. On the cross, He forgave them. On the cross, He provided salvation for even those who beat him, who mocked him, who crucified him. In order to press on in the Christian life, we have to lock the door on yesterday's hurts.

3. YESTERDAY'S POSSIBILITIES

How often do I see people unable to operate in today because they are still living a "what if" life. They keep talking about "what could have been"--"if I had only..."

Quite often they blame someone else
... if only my wife hadn't...
.... if only my parents (children) hadn't...
.... if only my business partner had...
.... if only the war hadn't...

They even blame God - "if God would have… or if God wouldn't have…"

We can't live on yesterday's promises or yesterday's dreams. Too many people are dissatisfied with life because they've had an expectation that just hasn't worked out. Paul is saying--forget your past hurts, forget your past mistakes and forget living with what might have been and finally...

4. YESTERDAY'S SINS

Billy Graham once said that 60% of all the patients in mental hospitals could go home if they would accept the fact that they are not guilty or that they have been forgiven.

Many people are carrying a burden of guilt:
... A past mistake
.... A moral failure
.... A painful cut to a friend
.... A physical hurt to someone
.... A stupid, hateful remark
.... A poor decision
.... A sin so horrible that they believe either God will not forgive them or they will not forgive themselves

***There is no sin, no matter how great or small, once it has been confessed and forgiven, that the memory of it should torment us no more. Let me repeat that: When sin, no matter how great or how grievous, has been confessed and forgiven, the memory of it should torment us no more!

Notice, Paul didn't say, "I've forgotten those things which are behind. Paul said, forgetting those things. Paul had learned the secret. There are some things in our memory that we will never forget.

We have to keep practicing forgetting...

Guilt will eat us alive. Every time the memory comes back, every time a song or a word or a smell or a picture or a person reminds us, we continue to practice forgetting. How long do we practice forgetting?
... until the memory doesn't hurt any more.
... until we allow God to forgive us
... until we allow God to forgive through us
... until the pain is no longer there
... until we can use our past to help us grow in the present
... until we can use our past to help others in the present

God says in Jeremiah 31:34 "I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more."

Psalm 103:12 "I will remove their sin as far as the east is from the west."

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It's time to:
Lock the Door on the Past!
Throw Away the Key!
Forget Where You Have Thrown It!

OPENBARING 19:7-9

2008-11-07T14:20:00.003+02:00

Moet jou net eers vertel! Vroeër vanoggand het 'n vriend van Coenie by die Excell garage se quick shop ingehardloop om koeldrank te koop. Hy sien toe 'n vrou in spierwit klere en maak 'n grappie met haar met haar en vra "wanneer is die troue ..." Sy antwoord hom:" die bruilof is vinniger as wat jy besef, as jy jou oë knip is dit tyd. Ek sien jy is 'n man van God en die Heilige Gees is baie by jou, want jy en jou vrou bid baie." Sy gee hom toe 2 bybel versies – Openbaring 19:7-9 en Matteus 25, om te lees. Toe is sy weg. Hy vra vir 'n man daar naby of hy gesien het waarheen die vrou is met wie hy nou net gepraat het, en die antwoord toe dat hy niemand gesien het nie!

Openbaring 19:7-9

"Laat ons bly wees en juig en aan Hom die eer gee,

Want die bruilof van die Lam het aangebreek,

En sy bruid het haar daarvoor gereed gemaak.

God het haar dit vergun om fyn, helder blink klere aan te trek.

Hierdie fyn klere is die regverdige dade van die gelowiges.

Toe sê die engel vir my:" skryf op: Geseënd is hulle wat na die

Bruilofsmaal van die Lam uitgenooi is."

Verder sê hy vir my:"Dit is die woorde van God, en hulle is waar.""

Matteus 25 is die gelykenis van die 10 maagde met die olielampies!

Wat hy agterna onthou wat sy vir hom gesê het is dat kan ons nie sien die dae het baie korter geword nie, God het die tyd verander sodat Sy koms vinniger kan kom, want Sy mense kry baie swaar. Ons moet kyk na die Morester, sy posisie het geskuif! Die blou lug wat jy nou sien sal jy een van die dae nie meer sien nie.

Ek kry hoendervleis op hoendervleis. Hoop dit stig jou soos vir my!!!

LEES VERDER ASB! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Net nadat ek dit uitgestuur het kry ek hierdie getuienis al die pad van Somerset Wes af:

Danie, ek het nie net hoendervleis geword nie. Ek het koud geword....ek het dieselfde ondervinding gehad. Maar ek het gedink ek het gedroom. Dit was op die 29ste Oktober om 19:30. Ek het op die stoep buite in 'n ou riempie stoel neergesink omdat ek so moeg was. Gewag dat my hond klaar eet. Ek sit gewoonlik by hom om te eet. Toe dag ek ek het aan die slaap geraak. Want ek sien 'n vrou in wit geklee daar staan. Sy is mooi. Ek hou van haar. Toe gee sy vir my 'n bybelvers Openbaring.19: 7-9. Sy het gesê ek moet my nie meer bekommer oor die dinge van die wêreld nie, die tyd is naby God sien al die dinge raak. Maar ek moenie ophou bid nie. Dit was asof ek vir 'n oomblik nie in daardie stoel was nie. Asof ek van iewers anders af kom. Toe dag ek: kyk ek is so moeg ek beter gaan bad en slaap. Hier sit ek en droom op die stoep in 'n stoel. Ek het niks daarvan gemaak nie. Want ek tree die 7de November in die huwelik en ek dag my onderbewussyn hardloop rond met die huwelik op hande. Nou lees ek hierdie getuienis. Kan dit wees dat ek dieselfde engel gesien het? Danie ek het al voorheen drome gehad van dinge wat gaan gebeur. Ek het byvoorbeeld gedroom van my oudste sussie 'n week voor haar dood, dat sy saam met my kerk toe stap en vir my sê van nou af sal ek alleen kerk toe gaan. Ek het gedroom van die swartes wat vir die leeus gevoer was drie dae voordat dit gebeur het. Ag en menige dinge. Danie dis wonderlike nuus is dit nie!!!! Ek huil sommer want ek weet die morester sit nie meer waar dit was nie. Ek het in September agtergekom en gereken dis omdat die seisoen verander en die son skuif en die maan skuif die ooreenkomstig. Maar more oggend gaan ek spesiaal kyk... O God is goed. Ek voel verheug om hierdie tyding te hoor. Nou verstaan ek ook hoekom dinge so vinnig in plek val in my lewe. hoekom ek huil vir die geringste ding. Ek is broos voor God en baie keer skaam omdat ons nie die wese van God ervaar nie. Ons lewe asof ons geregtig is op nog 'n dag. Asof ons die lewe in pag het. Besef ons nie .. weet ons nie dat die eindtyd daar is nie. Mag God aan meer mense hierdie tyding openbaar. Mag ons die harde werklikheid van God se almag ervaar. Vader weet ek bid sommer nou op die plek dat God Sy hand oor ons moet hou sodat ons gereed sal wees.

Dat twee mense duisend kilometers uit mekaar soortgelyke ervaring het is "awesome". Ongeag of jy dit vat of nie. Mag die Here se genade en vrede met jou wees en mag JY gereed wees wanneer Hy ons kom haal.

Die tyd is min en die tyd is nou. Môre behoort nie aan ons nie. Vandag behoort nie eers aan ons nie. Al wat ons het is nou. Maak die beste daarvan en kom in lyn met God se Wil en plan vir jou lewe. Lewe voluit vir Hom!!! Twee van my vriende het in 'n oogwink geliefdes aan die dood afgestaan. Laat ons dan gereed wees, wanneer Jesus ons kom haal

11 SEPTEMBER 2008

2008-09-23T09:55:00.003+02:00

11 SEPTEMBER 2008

Die Hemelse Vader wil nie hê dat:-

a. een mens verlore moet gaan nie – 2 Petr 3: 9
b. die heiliges in geen enkele genadegawe agterstaan nie – 1 Kor 1: 7
c. die heiliges onkundig moet wees nie – 1 Kor 12: 1
d. die heiliges in die duister moet wees nie – 1 Thes 5: 4

In Lukas 6: 11 staan die volgende – But they were filled with lack of understanding and senseless rage......

Ons kan toelaat dat ons gevul word ‘with lack of understanding’ of toelaat dat die Heilige Gees ons in die hele waarheid lei – Joh 16: 13

Ek sê dit omdat God Sy kinders in `n nuwe seisoen gaan inneem en die meeste weet of verstaan dit nie. Hy sê in Ps 95: 10 dat Sy mense is `n volk met `n dwalende hart, en hulle ken nie Sy weë nie.

Wat belangrik gaan wees in die tyd wat voorlê is die volgende:-

a. kennis van God

b. liefde vir God

c. trou teenoor God – Hoséa 4: 1

d. dat die Here ons toevlug en hulp is – Ps 37: 39

e. die waarheid
God van Waarheid – Jes 65: 16
Jesus is die waarheid – Joh 14: 6
Die Heilige Gees is die Waarheid – Joh 16: 13
Hy sal ons in die hele waarheid lei

f. gehoorsaamheid – 1 Sam 15: 22

g. God se wil

SY WIL

Joh 4: 34 – My voedsel is om die wil te doen van Hom wat my gestuur het en om Sy werk te volbring

Joh 5: 30 – omdat Ek nie my wil soek nie maar die wil van die Vader wat my gestuur het

Joh 6: 38 – nie om My wil te doen nie, maar die wil van Hom wat my gestuur het

Mat 7: 21 – Nie elkeen wat vir My sê : Here, Here! sal ingaan in die koninkryk van die hemele nie, maar hy wat die wil doen van My Vader wat in die hemele is

1. Bid daarvoor dat dit op die aarde gedoen sal word – Mat 6: 10, Mat 26: 39 & 42

1.1 dat alle mense gered word – 1 Tim 2: 4 & 2 Petr 3: 9
1.2 wat Homself gegee het vir ons sondes, sodat Hy ons kan uitred, ......., volgens die wil van onse God en Vader – Gal 1: 4
1.3 deurdat Hy aan ons die verborgenheid van Sy wil bekend gemaak het na Sy welbehae wat Hy in Homself voorgeneem het – Ef 3: 1 – 12 ( sien ook 1 Kor 2: 9 – 10)
1.4 en te vra dat julle vervul mag word met die kennis van Sy wil in alle wysheid en geestelike insig – Kol 1: 9
1.5 dat julle volmaak en volkome mag staan in die ganse wil van God – Kol 4: 12
1.6 wees in alles dankbaar, want dit is die wil van God in Christus – 1 Thes 5: 18
1.7 want dit is die wil van God: julle heiligmaking; dat julle jul moet onthou van die hoerery; dat elkeen van julle moet weet om sy eie vrou te verkry in heiligheid en eer, nie in hartstogtelike begeerlikheid soos die heidene wat God nie ken nie – 1 Thes 4: 3 – 5

2. Doen dit van harte – Ef 6: 6

3. Verstaan wat die wil van die Here is – Ef 5: 17

4. Leef dit – 1 Petr 2: 11 – 15

5. Beproef dit – Rom 12: 2

6. Vra wat ons wil – Joh 15: 7

Vrede
Thys

REMEMBER THE SCARS

2008-09-23T09:43:00.003+02:00

REMEMBER THE SCARS

John Gordon was a respected general for the South in the Civil War. After the war, he was running for the United States Senate, but a man who had served under him in the war, angry over some political incident, was determined to see him defeated. Everyone knew this man would fight Gordon's bid to become a senator.

During the convention, he angrily stamped down the aisle with his anti-Gordon vote in hand. As he saw Gordon sitting on the platform, he noticed how his once handsome face was disfigured with the scars of battle - marks of his willingness to suffer and bleed for a cause he believed in.

The old soldier was stricken with remorse. Overcome with emotion, he exclaimed, "It's no use; I can't do it. Here's my vote for John Gordon." Then, turning to the general, he said, "Forgive me, General. I had forgotten the scars."

What a difference it makes in our lives when we remember the scars! With so many things to distract us, we don't often take time each day to reflect on what Jesus went through on the cross for us. But, when we are tempted to stray, it is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice that has the power to draw us back to him.

"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

May I encourage you this Memorial Day, as we remember the sacrifice of so many who gave their lives for our freedom, that you take a moment to pause and "remember the scars".

DIE WEGRAPING

2008-09-06T11:03:00.000+02:00

DIE WEGRAPING

INLEIDING

Lukas sê die volgende:-

Aangesien baie onderneem het om `n verhaal op te stel oor die dinge wat onder ons al vervul is, soos hulle wat van die begin af ooggetuies en dienaars van die woord was, dit aan ons oorgelewer het, het ek dit goedgedink, hooggeagte Theófilus, nadat ek van voor af alles noukeurig ondersoek het, om dit in volgorde aan u te skrywe, sodat u met volle sekerheid kan weet die dinge waaromtrent u onderrig is - Lukas 1 vers 1 tot 4.

Broer Lukas gaan my beskuldig van plagiaat, maar sy woorde is so waar dat ek nie anders kan as om dit my eie te maak nie.

Aangesien baie al onderneem het om die verhaal van die wegraping op te stel en so ook oor die dinge wat besig is om in vervulling kom, het ek dit ook goedgevind, geroepe heiliges, nadat ek van voor af alles noukeurig ondersoek het, om dit in volgorde aan julle te skrywe, sodat julle met volle sekerheid kan weet die dinge waaroor julle onderrig word.

Die inwoners van Beréa het die regte houding want daar staan geskrywe dat hulle die word met alle welwillendheid ontvang en elke dag die skrifte ondersoek of hierdie dinge so was – Hand 17: 11

Dit is my gebed dat elkeen wat die stuk lees die skrifte ondersoek om seker te maak dat hierdie dinge so is.

HOOFSTUK 1

WEGRAPING: FEIT OF FIKSIE

1. Petrus skryf die volgende:

En ons het die profetiese woord wat baie vas is, waarop julle tog moet ag gee soos op ‘n lamp wat in ‘n donker plek skyn, totdat die dag aanbreek en die môrester opgaan in0 julle harte; terwyl julle veral dít moet weet, dat geen profesie van die Skrif ‘n saak van eie uitlegging is nie;
(2Pet 1:19-20)

want geen profesie is ooit deur die wil van ‘n mens voortgebring nie, maar, deur die Heilige Gees gedrywe, het die heilige mense van God gespreek.
(2Pet 1:21)

Hy gaan verder en sê:

Maar daar was ook valse profete onder die volk, net soos daar onder julle valse leraars sal wees wat verderflike ketterye heimlik sal invoer, en ook die Here wat hulle gekoop het, verloën en ‘n vinnige verderf oor hulleself bring; en baie sal hulle verderflikhede navolg, en om hulle ontwil sal die weg van die waarheid gelaster word;
(2Pet 2:1-2)

Baie groepe en gelowiges beweer dat die wegraping nie in die woord van God voorkom nie. Ander sê weer dat die wegraping wel voorkom, maar eers in die middel van die verdrukking ‘n werklikheid sal wees.

2. Baie gelowiges kan nie onderskei tussen die wegraping van die Bruid en die openbaring of terugkeer van Jesus Christus nie. Hulle kan nie onderskei tussen die gebeurtenis wanneer Jesus vir sy Bruid kom, en wanneer Hy met Sy heiliges kom om straf gerig te hou oor die goddelose en om te regeer nie.

3. Die word “wegraping” kom nie in die Bybyel voor nie. Die woord wat by geleentheid deur Paulus gebruik word is die Griekse word “Harpadzo”.

Harpadzo beteken skielik weg te neem of weg te voer.
Die teks lees soos volg:

Want die Here self sal van die hemel neerdaal met ‘n geroep, met die stem van ‘n aartsengel en met geklank van die basuin van God; en die wat in Christus gesterf het, sal eerste opstaan. Daarna sal ons wat in die lewe oorbly, saam met hulle in wolke weggevoer word die Here tegemoet in die lug; en so sal ons altyd by die Here wees.
(1Th 4:16-17)

Ek kan die word dan soos volg vertaal: -
‘Saam met hulle in die wolke skielik weggeruk of weggevoer’

Dis is so ‘n heerlike verwagting dat Paulus die volgende skryf:

Bemoedig mekaar dan met hierdie woorde.
(1Th 4:18)

Lukas skryf die verhaal van Filippus en die Hofdienaar van Etiopië en sê dan die volgende:

En toe hulle uit die water opklim, het die Gees van die Here Filippus skielik weggevoer, (Harpadzo) en die hofdienaar het hom nie meer gesien nie, want hy het sy weg met blydskap gereis.
(Act 8:39)

Paulus skryf die volgende:

En ek weet van so ‘n man—of dit in die liggaam of buite die liggaam was, weet ek nie, God weet dit— dat hy weggeruk (Harpadzo) is in die Paradys en onuitspreeklike woorde gehoor het wat ‘n mens nie mag uitspreek nie.
(2Co 12:3-4)

Vir doeleindes van die stuk, sal ek bly by die bekende woord – WEGRAPING.

4. Ek gaan die verskille tussen die wegraping en die openbaring van Jesus weergee. (Daar kan nog ander ook wees!)

4.1 DIE WEGRAPING

a. By die wegraping ontmoet ons, die gelowige, Jesus in die lug – 1 Tes. 4:17

b. Jesus – as Bruidegom – kom haal sy Bruid – Mat. 25:10; Efe. 5:23 – 33; Joh. 14:3

c. Die gelowiges word hemel toe geneem – 1 Tes. 4:17, Joh. 14:1-3

d. Die antichrist word geopenbaar na die wegraping – 2 Tes. 2:6 & 7

e. Geen tekens sal voor die wegraping plaasvind nie – 2 Pet. 3:10

f. Die duiwel sal nie toegesluit word nie – Op. 13:2

g. Jesus sal self sy Bruid bymekaar maak – 1 Tes. 4:16 & 17; Joh.14:3

4.2 DIE OPENBARING / DIE 2DE KOMS VAN JESUS CHRISTUS

a. By Sy terugkeer sal elke oog Hom sien – Op. 1:7; Mat. 24:27

b. Die Engele sal die uitverkore Jode versamel – Mat. 24:31

c. Satan word gebind en 1000 jaar toegesluit – Op. 20:3

d. Tekens gaan die 2de koms vooraf – Mat. 24:24

e. Die gelowiges keer saam met Jesus van die hemel terug aarde toe – Sag. 14:4; Jud. 14; Mat. 25:31; Op. 19:14

f. Die openbaring van Jesus sal plaasvind aan die begin van die 1000 jaar vrederyk – Op. 20:6

g. Dit sal nie plaasvind voordat die antichrist nie sy rol op die aarde uitgespeel het nie - Op. 13; 2 Tes. 2:2 & 3 & 8; Mat. 24:15

h. Sy verskyning sal die einde van die verdrukking aankondig – Mat. 24:29 – 30

i. Jesus sal kom as Regter en Koning – Joel 3:12; Op, 17:14; Sag. 14:16

j. Hy sal terugkeer net soos hy weggegaan het: Olyfberg – Hand. 1:11; Sag. 14:4

DIE TOORN

5. Paulus deel die gemeente in Tessalonisense mee dat Jesus ons van die toekomstige toorn verlos (1 Thes. 1:10). Hy gaan verder en sê:

Want God het ons nie bestem tot toorn nie, maar om die saligheid te verkry deur onse Here Jesus Christus – 1Thes 5:9

Jesus sê aan Johannes om die volgende aan die engel van die gemeente in Filadelfia te skryf:

Omdat jy die woord van my lydsaamheid bewaar het, sal Ek jou ook bewaar in die uur van beproewing wat oor die hele wêreld kom om die bewoners van die aarde op die proef te stel.
(Openb 3:10)

Die Grieks vir ‘n deel van die teks lees egter soos volg:

EK TES HORES

AFRIKAANS: GRIEKS:
Op Epi
In En
Uit Ek

Die korrekte vertaling moet dus soos volg wees:
… sal Ek jou ook bewaar UIT die uur…”

Die KJV sê:
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee FROM the hour…

In Lukas 21:36 staan geskryf:
Waak dan en bid altyddeur, sodat julle waardig geag mag word om al hierdie dinge wat kom, te ontvlug en voor die Seun van die mens te staan.

Die Griekse woord vir ontvlug is EKPHUGEIN, wat beteken om skoon weg te vlug van, of te ontsnap.

DIE WEGRAPING GAAN SKIELIK WEES!

Ek sê vir julle: In daardie nag sal daar twee op een bed wees; die een sal aangeneem en die ander verlaat word. (Luk 17:34)

Die Griekse woord wat vir aangeneem gebruik word, beteken – Ek neem weg deur geweld.

…en dit nie verstaan het voordat die sondvloed gekom en almal weggevoer het nie, so sal ook die koms van die Seun van die mens wees. (Mat 24:39)

Jesaja 57:1 lees soos volg:

Die regverdige kom om, en daar is niemand wat dit ter harte neem nie; en die vromes word weggeruk sonder dat iemand daarop let; want die regverdige word weggeruk vanweë die boosheid.

King James Version:

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

Die Hebreeuse woord is NATZAL wat die volgende beteken:

To catch up
To catch away
To pull, take by force

Jesus sê:

En as Ek gegaan en vir julle plek berei het, kom Ek weer en sal julle na My toe neem, sodat julle ook kan wees waar Ek is.
(Joh 14:3)

Die Griekse woord vir neem = PARALEPSOMAI beteken “neem met geweld”

Jesus sê dus dat Hy sal kom en deur geweld sal wegneem na Hom.

6. Paulus skryf dat twee dinge moet gebeur voordat die dag van Christus kom:

a. ‘n Afval
b. Die openbaring van die man van sonde

Maar ons vra julle, broeders, met die oog op die wederkoms van onse Here Jesus Christus en ons vereniging met Hom, om nie gou julle verstand te verloor of verskrik te word nie—deur gees of deur woord of deur brief wat van ons afkomstig sou wees—asof die dag van Christus al daar is. Laat niemand julle op enige manier mislei nie, want eers moet die afval kom en die mens van sonde geopenbaar word, die seun van die verderf…
(2Th 2:1-3)

Die Amplified Bybel het ‘n voetnoot op bl. 1403 met die volgende kommentaar:

“A possible rendering of the Greek Apostasia is departure [of the church].
Die woord is in die Afrikaans weer gegee as ‘Afval’.

Die stam werkwoord vorm van apostasia is, as dit vertaal word, die volgende:
Weggeneem
Weggaan
Onttrek
Wyk op
Weg val

As die definitiewe lidwoord wat Apostasia voofafgaan in gedagte gehou word, dan is die die mees korrekte vertaling soos volg: -

“…want eers moet die gelowiges weggaan en die mens van die sonde geopenbaar word…”

Linddell & Scott sê Apostasia beteken ‘n Vertrek of ‘n Verdwyning.

In 1 Tes. 4:17 sê Paulus dat ons saam met Jesus in wolke weggevoer word. As Paulus se bedoeling was dat daar ‘n afval van die waarheid was, sou hy tog die Griekse woord APHISTEMI gebruik het. In die eerste Bybel vertaling was 2 Tes. 2:3 vertaal as ‘Departing First’

En nou, julle weet wat hom teëhou, sodat hy op sy tyd geopenbaar kan word. Want die verborgenheid van die ongeregtigheid is al aan die werk, net totdat hy wat nou teëhou, uit die weg geruim is; (2Th 2:6-7)

Die een wat teëhou is tog die Heilige Gees. Die Griekse woord HOKATELHON kan tog nie die kerk wees nie, want kerk is EKKLESIA en is vroulik.

Sommige beweer dat die Heilige Gees weggeruim of verwyder word, maar dat die die gelowiges deur die verdrukking gaan. Sulke mense maak Jesus tot ‘n leuenaar! Jesus sê dan self die volgende: -

En Ek (Jesus) sal die Vader bid, en Hy sal julle ‘n ander Trooster gee om by julle te bly tot in ewigheid. (Joh 14:16)

Paulus sê in Rom. 8:9 -
julle is egter nie in die vlees nie, maar in die Gees, as naamlik die Gees van God in julle woon. Maar as iemand die Gees van Christus nie het nie, dié behoort nie aan Hom nie.

In Rom. 8:10 staan daar: -
Maar as Christus in julle is, dan is die liggaam dood vanweë die sonde, maar die gees is lewe vanweë die geregtigheid.

Wanneer die Heilige Gees weggeneem word, word die gelowigis saam weggeneem!

Wanneer Christus, wat ons lewe is, geopenbaar word, dan sal julle ook saam met Hom in heerlikheid geopenbaar word. (Kol 3:4)

Waak dan en bid altyddeur, sodat julle waardig geag mag word om al hierdie dinge wat kom, te ontvlug en voor die Seun van die mens te staan. (Luk 21:36)

en die konings van die aarde en die grotes en die rykes en die owerstes oor duisend en die magtiges en al die slawe en al die vrymense het hulle weggesteek in die spelonke en in die rotse van die berge, en vir die berge en die rotse gesê: Val op ons en verberg ons vir die aangesig van Hom wat op die troon sit, en vir die toorn van die Lam; want die groot dag van sy toorn het gekom, en wie kan bestaan? (Open 6:15-17)

Hoekom sal Paulus praat van die gelowiges wat gered sal word van die toorn?

Veel meer dan sal ons, nou dat ons geregverdig is in sy bloed, deur Hom gered word van die toorn. (Rom 5:9)

Paulus leer die volgende: -

Kyk, ek deel julle ‘n verborgenheid mee: Ons sal wel nie almal ontslaap nie, maar ons sal almal verander word, in ‘n oomblik, in ‘n oogwink, by die laaste basuin; want die basuin sal weerklink, en die dode sal onverganklik opgewek word; en ons sal verander word. Want hierdie verganklike moet met onverganklikheid beklee word, en hierdie sterflike moet met onsterflikheid beklee word. (1Kor 15:51-53)

Hoekom verander? Sodat ons in hemelse plekke kan woon!!!

7. Die Hemelse Vader het in Sy Woord vir die gelowiges ‘n kalender gegee waarvolgens Hy werk.

Ethan die Esrahiet sê in die Psalms die volgende: -

Welgeluksalig is die volk wat die geklank ken; o HERE, hulle wandel in die lig van u aangesig. (Ps 89:15)

Die Engelse vertaling sê egter die volgende:-

Blessed and fortunate are the people who know and understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts

Paulus skryf aan die Romeine die volgende:-

Want alles wat tevore geskrywe is, is tot ons lering tevore geskrywe, sodat ons deur lydsaamheid en bemoediging van die Skrifte hoop kan hê. (Rom 15:4)

Die feeste wys na Jesus en die Vader se planne vir die mensdom.
Dawid skryf die volgende oor Jesus:

Toe het ek gesê: Kyk, ek kom; in die boekrol is dit my voorgeskrywe. (Ps 40:7)

Sien ook die woord in Hebreeus waar die skrywer dit op Jesus van toepassing maak:-

Toe het Ek gesê: Kyk, Ek kom—in die boekrol is dit van My geskrywe—om u wil te doen, o God. (Heb 10:7)

Jesus Christus sê in Mat. 5:17 dat Hy gekom het om alles te vervul wat in die wet en die profete geskryf is.

Moenie dink dat Ek gekom het om die wet of die profete te ontbind nie. Ek het nie gekom om te ontbind nie, maar om te vervul. (Mat 5:17)

Lukas 24:44 lees as volg:

En Hy sê vir hulle: Dit is die woorde wat Ek met julle gespreek het toe Ek nog by julle was, dat alles wat oor My geskrywe is in die wet van Moses en die profete en die psalms, vervul moet word.
(Luk 24:44)

8. Die profetiese kalender kom voor in Levitikus 23: 1 – 44

a) Dit is die feestye van Die Here

a.1) Die Hebreeuse woord vir feestye in vers 2 is MO’ED wat die volgende beteken:
- Appointed time
- A fixed time of season
- An exact time
- A set time or
- An appointment

Hieruit kan die afleiding gemaak word dat die Vader ‘n “Set Time or Exact Time or an Appointed time” vasgestel het om seker dinge in vervulling te laat kom.

Luister wat sê Paulus in Galasiers:

maar hy staan onder voogde en bestuurders tot op die tyd tevore deur die vader bepaal.
(Gal 4:2)

Maar toe die volheid van die tyd gekom het, het God Sy Seun uitgestuur, gebore uit ‘n vrou, gebore onder die wet,
(Gal 4:4)

Jesus het dus op ‘n vasgestelde tyd gekom: wat interessant is, is dat die vasgestelde tyd ook bekend was aan God se kinders:

En sy het in dieselfde uur daar gekom en die Here geprys en van Hom gespreek met almal in Jerusalem wat die verlossing verwag het. (Luk 2:38)

a.2) Heilige samekoms in vers 2 van Levitikus 23 kom van die woord MIQRA wat beteken:
- Inoefening
- Repeteer
- Opsom

9. Die eerste fees is:

a) In die eerste maand, op die veertiende van die maand, teen die aand, is die pasga van die HERE; (Lev 23:5)
Op die 14de van die eerste maand = Pasga

b) en op die vyftiende dag van hierdie maand is die fees van die ongesuurde brode van die HERE; sewe dae lank moet julle ongesuurde brode eet. (Lev 23:6)
Op die 15de van die eerste maand = Ongesuurde Brode

c) Spreek met die kinders van Israel en sê aan hulle: As julle in die land kom wat Ek julle gee en sy opbrings oes, moet julle die eerstelingsgerf van julle oes na die priester bring. .....; die dag na die sabbat moet die priester dit beweeg. (Lev 23:10 & 11)
Op die dag na die sabbat = Fees van die eerstelingsgerf

Hierdie drie feeste is letterlik vervul deur Sy dood, begrafnis en opstanding.
Sien Joh. 12:1
Joh. 18
Joh. 20

Jesus is op die Donderdag gekruisig en begrawe, en op die 1ste dag van die week weer opgewek – Luk 24:21

d) Die vierde fees is vyftig dae later.

Dan moet julle tel van die dag ná die sabbat, van die dag af as julle die beweegoffergerf bring sewe volle weke moet dit wees; tot die dag ná die sewende sabbat moet julle vyftig dae tel; dan moet julle ‘n nuwe spysoffer aan die HERE bring. (Lev 23:15-16)
Op die dag na die sewende sabbat = Pinkster

Die fees het ook in vervulling gekom. Sien Hand. 2

Drie feeste bly nog oor, naamlik:

e) Spreek met die kinders van Israel en sê: In die sewende maand, op die eerste van die maand, moet dit vir julle ‘n rusdag wees, ‘n gedenkdag deur basuingeklank, ‘n heilige vierdag. (Lev 23:24)
Die fees van die basuineVerwys na 1 Tes. 4:16

f) Maar op die tiende van hierdie sewende maand is dit die versoendag. ‘n Heilige vierdag moet dit vir julle wees; dan moet julle jul verootmoedig en aan die HERE ‘n vuuroffer bring.
(Lev 23:27)
Versoendag

g) Spreek met die kinders van Israel en sê: Op die vyftiende dag van hierdie sewende maand is dit sewe dae lank die huttefees vir die HERE. (Lev 23:34)
Die huttefees

Die vervulling van die laaste drie feeste gaan ook letterlik wees en in die volgorde soos deur God uiteengesit.

Die fees van die basuin geklank = Wegraping
Die fees van die versoening = Wanneer Jesus terugkom aarde toe
Die huttefees = Die 1000 jaar vrederyk

Wat interessant is, is dat die fees van die basuin geklank twee dae lank deur die Jode gevier word. Dan word die derde dag tot die negende dag deur die Jode genoem – YAMIN NORA’IM of Awesome Days. Die tyd word ook genoem Die Tyd van Jakob se Benoudheid.

Vra tog, en kyk of ‘n manspersoon baar? Waarom sien ek elke man met sy hande op sy heupe soos een wat baar, en is alle aangesigte in bleekheid verander? Wee, want die dag is groot, sonder weerga! En dit is ‘n tyd van benoudheid vir Jakob; maar hy sal daaruit verlos word. En op dié dag, spreek die HERE van die leërskare, sal Ek sy juk verbreek van jou nek af en jou stroppe stukkend ruk; en vreemdes sal hom nie meer diensbaar maak nie.
(Jer 30:6-8)

9. Jesus sê in Matthéüs die volgende:

Toe antwoord Jesus en sê vir hulle: Julle dwaal, omdat julle die Skrifte nie ken nie en ook nie die krag van God nie. (Mat 22:29)

10. In Amos kom die volgende voor:

Want die Here HERE doen niks tensy Hy sy raadsbesluit aan sy knegte, die profete, geopenbaar het nie. (Amo 3:7)

In Hebreers word die volgende neergepen:

Deur die geloof is Henog weggeneem om die dood nie te sien nie; en hy is nie gevind nie, omdat God hom weggeneem het; want voor sy wegneming het hy getuienis ontvang dat hy God behaag het. (Heb 11:5)

En daar was ‘n man in Jerusalem met die naam van Símeon; en hierdie man was regverdig en vroom en het die vertroosting van Israel verwag, en die Heilige Gees was op hom. En aan hom was dit deur die Heilige Gees geopenbaar dat hy die dood nie sou sien voordat hy die Christus van die Here gesien het nie. (Luk 2:25-26)
11. Net soos die son opgekom het vanoggend, net so sal die wegraping `n werklikheid word in ons leeftyd.

HOOFSTUK 2

DIE WEGRAPING – MAG ONS WEET

En hy het gesê: Gaan heen Daniël, want die woorde bly verborge en verseël tot die tyd van die einde toe.
Baie sal gereinig en gesuiwer en gelouter word, maar die goddelos sal goddeloos handel; en geeneen van die goddelose mense sal verstaan nie, maar die verstandiges sal verstaan. Daniël 12: 9-10

Dan sal die koninkryk van die hemele wees soos tien maagde wat hulle lampe geneem het en uitgegaan het om die bruidegom te ontmoet.
En vyf van hulle was verstandig en vyf dwaas. Mat 25: 1-2

Die skrif in Matthéüs 24: 36 word altyd voorgehou dat niemand die dag en die uur kan weet nie.
Die dissipels vra in Matt 24: 3 drie vrae. Een daarvan is: Wanneer is die voleinding van die wêreld?

In Mat 24: 35-39 gee Jesus vir ons belangrike inligting.
35. Die hemel en aarde sal verbygaan, maar my woorde sal nooit verbygaan nie. Sien ook Openb 21: 1
36. Maar van dié dag en dié uur weet niemand nie, ook die engele van die hemele nie, maar net my Vader alleen.

Is dié dag en dié uur nie die dag wanneer die hemel en die aarde sal verbygaan nie? Ek lees in Openb 20: 3 dat die duiwel vir `n kort tydjie ontbind word. Nerens word melding gemaak hoe lank die kort tydjie is nie en daarom weet niemand wanneer Openb 21: 1 in vervulling gaan kom nie.

Luister wat sê Jesus verder:

37. En net soos die dae van Noag was, so sal ook die koms van die Seun van die mens wees.
38. Want net soos hulle was in die dae voor die sondvloed toe hulle geëet en gedrink het, getrou en in die huwelik uitgegee het, tot op die dag dat Noag in die ark gegaan het,
39. en dit nie verstaan het voordat die sondvloed gekom en almal weggevoer het nie, so sal die koms van die Seun van die mens wees.

Kom ons kyk na die voorbeeld wat Jesus vir ons voorhou:

a. Noag het geweet dat die einde van alle vlees volgens God se besluit gekom het – Genesis 6: 13
b. Noag het geweet hy moet die ark bou. Dit was immers die opdrg van God – Genesis 6: 14
c. Noag het geweet dat die mense omkom met `n vloed – Genesis 6:17
d. Noag het geweet wie almal in die arkgaan wees – Genesis 6: 18-20
e. Noag het geweet dat as die ark klaar is, sal hy, sy mense en die diere daar moet ingaan
f. Noag het geweet wanneer die vloed gaan begin – Genesis 7: 4

En God het die waters van die vloed gestuur soos wat Hy gespreek het – Genesie 7: 10

Hieruit leer ons dat die verstandiges verstaan het, maar die dwase dit nie verstaan het nie – Mat 24:39
Jesus gaan verder en sê die volgende in Mat 24: 45-50

45. Wie is dan die getroue en verstandige dienskneg vir wie sy heer oor sy diensvolk aangestel het en hulle hul voedsel op tyd te gee?
46. Gelukkig is daardie dienskneg vir wie sy heer, as hy kom, op hierdie manier besig vind.
47. Voorwaar Ek sê vir julle, hy sal hom oor al sy besittings aanstel.
48. Maar as daardie slegte dienskneg in sy hart sê: My heer talm om te kom –
49. en hy sy medediensknegte begin slaan en saam met die dronkaards begin eet en drink,
50. dan sal die heer van die dienskneg kom op `n dag dat hy dit nie verwag nie en op `n uur dat hy dit nie weet nie.

Volgens die woorde van ons Meester sal die getroue en verstandige dienskneg weet maar die dag of die uur sal die slegte dienskneg nie weet nie.
As gekyk word na Mat 24: 44 dan blyk dit dat die verstandige die dag sal weet maar nie die uur nie.

Paulus gee vir ons `n goeie uiteensetting hiervan. Luister na sy woord in 1 Thes 5:

1. Maar oor die tye en geleenthede, broeders, het julle nie nodig dat aan julle geskryf word nie;
2. want julle weet self baie goed dat die dag van die Here kom net soos `n dief in die nag.
3. Want wanneer hulle sê: Vrede en veiligheid – dan oorval `n skielike verderf hulle soos die barendsnood `n swanger vrou en hulle sal sekerlik nie ontvlug nie.
4. Maar julle, broeders, is nie in duisternis, dat die dag julle soos `n dief sou oorval nie.

Paulus sê baie duidelik dat die dag die een wat in die duisternis is sal oorval; hy sal nie verstaan nie, maar die verstandige sal nie in die duisternis wees nie.

Lot sê vir sy skoonseuns om klaar te maak en uit die stad te gaan want die Here gaan die stad verwoes. Die woord sê: Maar hy was in die oë van sy skoonseuns soos een wat gekskeer – Genesis 19: 14

Weereens gee die woord `n aanduiding dat die verstandige verstaan het.

Die woord het die volgende te sê oor Henog:

Deur die geloof is Henog weggeneem om die dood nie te sien nie, en hy is nie gevind nie, omdat God hom weggeneem het; want voor sy wegneming het hy getuienis ontvang dat hy God behaag het – Hebr 11: 5

In 2 Konings 2 lees ons van Elia, Elisa en die profete seuns – Weet u dat die Here vandag u heer van u hoof sal wegneem? En hy antwoord: Ek weet dit ook, bly stil.

Behalwe wat hier geskryf is, moet die gelowiges ook die feeste van die Here in gedagte hou. Die wegraping gebeur op die vyfde fees van die Jode.

Wagter, hoe ver is dit in die nag? Wagter, hoe ver in die nag?
Die wagter sê: Die more kom, en ook die nag. Wil julle vra, vra; keer terug, kom – Jesaja 21: 11-12

HOOFSTUK 3

DIE WEGRAPING – WANNEER?

Op die 15de Junie 2008 het die volgende woord van die Here tot my gekom:-

Gaan sê aan die mense dat die profetiese woord van vandag in vervulling sal kom.

Terwyl ek bid en die woord bepeins, het ek op 20 Junie 2008 na `n skrif in Eségiël begin blaai. Die Heilige Gees het so duidelik vir my gesê om die woord in Daniël 9: 2 te lees. Met die lees van die skrif het die Heilige Gees die hele kwessie aangaande die eindtyd in `n oogwink soos `n kaart voor my oopgemaak.

Daniël 9: 2 lees soos volg – in die eerste jaar van sy regering het ek, Daniël, in die boeke gemerk dat die getal jare waaroor die word van die Here tot die profeet Jeremia gekom het met betrekking tot die puinhope van Jerusalem, sewentig volle jare was.

In Matthéüs 23 praat Jesus oor sekere dinge wat gaan gebeur en dan noem Hy in vers 38 dat hulle huis woes gelaat gaan word. In Matthéüs 24: 2 sê Hy dat daar nie een klip op die ander gelaat word, wat nie afgebreek sal word nie. Wat insiggewend is, is dat Jesus sê dat dit oor Sy geslag sal kom – Matt 23: 36. In die jaar 70 AD het dit in vervulling gekom.

Jesus sê in Lukas 21: 32 – Voorwaar Ek sê vir julle, hierdie geslag sal nie verbygaan voordat alles gebeur het nie.
Jesus gee self `n aanduiding van watter geslag Hy praat.

Toe vertel Hy hulle `n gelykenis: Let op die vyeboom en al die bome. Net soos hulle bot, weet julle vanself, as julle dit sien, dat die somer al naby is – Lukas 21: 29-30

Volgens die skrif is Israel die vyeboom. Die geslag wat die vyeboom sien bot sal al die dinge sien gebeur. Dit is gemene saak dat Israel in 1948 begin bot het toe dit onafhanklik geword het.

Wanneer 70 jaar by 1948 getel word is die datum vir Jesus se terugkeer 2018!

Hoekom sewentig jaar?

In Deut 32: 8 staan – Toe die Allerhoogste aan die nasies `n erfdeel gegee het, toe Hy die mensekinders van mekaar geskei het, het Hy die grense van die volke vasgestel volgens die getal van die kinders van Israel.
Dit wil sê: die getal van die nasies is sewentig.
Genesis 46: 27 sê – Al die siele van die huis van Jakob wat in Egipte gekom het, was sewentig. Sien ook Exodus 1: 5
Moses sê dat die getal van ons jare sewentig is – Psalm 90: 10

In Matthéus 24: 8 sê Jesus – Maar al hierdie dinge is die begin van die smarte. Die korrekte vertaling is egter geboortepyne afkomstig van die griekse word odin.

As die geboortepyne in 1948 begin het, sal daar bevestiging in God se word wees.
(Sommer `n stukkie inligting hier invoeg wat van die internet afgehaal is deur my seun. Van Genesis tot Job is 19 boeke en van Spreuke tot by Openbaring is 48 boeke)

Kom ons blaai na Psalm 48 en veral vers 7 wat soos volg lees – Bewing het hulle daar aangegryp, smart soos een wat baar. Die Engelse vertaling lees soos volg – Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
`n Mens kan sê dat dit blote toeval is dat Psalm 48 praat van geboortepyne terwyl die vyeboom in 1948 begin bot het. Die profeet Jesaja profeteer dat egter dat God die einde van die begin af weet.

Indien 2018 die jaar van sy terug keer is, sal Psalm 118 daarvan melding maak.

In Matt 21: 9 is uitgeroep – Geseënd is Hy wat kom in die Naam van die Here. Dit was met die intog van Jesus in Jerusalem. In Matt 23: 39 maak Jesus die woord weer `n profetiese woord waar Hy sê – Want Ek sê vir julle: Julle sal My van nou af sekerlik nie sien nie totdat julle sal sê: Geseënd is Hy wat kom in die Naam van die Here!

Die woorde kom voor in Psalm 118: 26

(Weereens `n brokkie inligting wat my seun van die internet afgehaal het: al die hoofstukke tot by Psalm 117 is 594 en vanaf Psalm 119 tot Openbaring 22 is ook 594. Psalm 118 is die middelpunt vandie woord van God)

Wat nog meer insiggewend is is dat Psalm 117 die kortste Psalm en hoofstuk in die bybel is. Dit maak egter sin as die woorde van Jesus in Matt 24: 22 in gedagte gehou word waar Hy sê – En as daardie dae nie verkort was nie, sou geen vlees gered word nie; maar ter wille van die uitverkorenes sal daardie dae verkort word.
Psalm 119 is weer die langste Psalm en hoofstuk en dit slaan weer op die duisend jaar vrederyk.

Wanneer die woord in Sagaria 12 en 13 met Psalm 118 vergelyk word dan kom `n mens regtig agter dat Psalm 118 inderdaad die tydperk net voor sy terugkoms en dan ook Sy terugkeer aarde toe beskryf.

Dit is gemene saak dat die verdrukking sewe jaar is. Indien die sewe jaar afgetrek word van 2018 kom `n mens by 2011 uit. As dit wat in hoofstuk 1 uiteengesit word, in gedagte gehou word, is die wegraping op die fees van die basuim in 2011.

HOOFSTUK 4

DIE ANTICHRIS

INLEIDING

Jesus sê dat Hy die weg en die waarheid en die lewe is – Joh 14 v 6. Hy gaan verder en sê dat ons die waarheid sal ken, en die waarheid sal ons vrymaak – Joh 8 v 32.
Jesus sê verder dat die Gees van die Waarheid ons sal lei in die hele Waarheid – Joh 16 v 13
Petrus sê weer dat die skrif vervul moes word wat die Heilige Gees voorspel het deur die mond van Dawid aangaande Judas – Hand 1 v 16

Ek moet aanvaar, soos hierbo uiteengesit, dat Jesus die Waarheid is. Ek aanvaar ook dat alles wat hy gesê het, is die waarheid. Ek aanvaar verder dat die Heilige Gees slegs die waarheid aan ons sal bring, daarom word Hy ook die Gees van die Waarheid genoem. Dan moet ek ook aanvaar dat die woord wat geskryf is, deur die Heilige Gees voortgebring is, en die waarheid is.

Dan moet ek die volgende Woord aanvaar as die waarheid ten opsigte van Judas

DIE WOORD

En ek het `n dier uit die see sien opkom met sewe koppe en tien horings, en op sy horings tien krone en op sy koppe `n naam van godslastering – Openbaring 13 vers 1

Toe sê die engel vir my: Waarom het jy jou verwonder? Ek sal jou die verborgenheid van die vrou vertel en van die dier met die sewe koppe en die tien horings, wat haar dra.
Die dier wat jy gesien het, was en is nie en sal uit die afgrond opkom en na die verderf vaar; en die bewoners van die aarde wie se name nie van die grondlegging van die wêreld af in die boek van lewe geskryf is nie, sal hulle verwonder as hulle die dier sien wat was en nie is nie, alhoewel hy is – Openbaring 17 vers 7 en 8

Jesus antwoord hulle: Het Ek nie julle twaalf uitverkies nie? En een van julle is `n duiwel – Johannes 6 vers 70

Jesus bid – Oor die wat U My gegee het, het Ek gewaak; en nie een van hulle het verlore gegaan nie, behalwe die seun van die verderf, sodat die Skrif vervul sou word – Johannes 17 vers 12

Laat niemand julle op enige manier mislei nie, want eers moet die afval kom en die mens van sonde geopenbaar word, die seun van die verderf – 2 Thessalonicense 2 vers 3

Paulus skryf dat die mens van sonde, die seun van die verderf die antichrist is; Jesus sê dat die seun van die verderf Judas is; hoekom sukkel die gelowiges dan om die mens te identifiseer?

Petrus maak die stelling dat Judas afgewyk het om heen te gaan na sy eie plek – Handelinge 1 vers 25

Judas is die enigste persoon in die bybel wat heengegaan het na sy eie plek. In Openbaring 17 vers 8 word gesê dat hy uit die afgrond sal opkom en na die verderf vaar (sy eie plek).

Jesus verwys na skrif wat vervul is as hy praat van die seun van die verderf (Judas); Petrus verwys na skrif wat vervul as hy praat van Judas – sien Psalm 109.

Psalm 109 v 2 & 3 – mond van die goddelose, mond van bedrog, gespreek met leuenagtige tong, woorde van haat omring. Openbaring 13 v 5 & 6 – mond is aan hom gegee wat groot woorde en godslasteringe uitspreek, om te laster teen God

Psalm 109 v 4 & 5 – vir my liefde behandel hulle my vyandig. Openbaring 13 v 7 – oorlog te voer teen heiliges en om hulle te oorwin

Psalm 109 v 6 – stel `n goddelose oor hom en laat `n teëstander (KJV praat van ‘satan’) staan aan sy regterhand. Openbaring 13 v 2 – hy kry sy mag en krag van die duiwel

Psalm 109 v 16 – hy het die ellendige en behoeftige vervolg en die moedelose van hart, om hom dood te maak. Openbaring 12 – vervolg die vrou en probeer om haar en die manlike kind dood te maak

THYS STANDER
0842992442

WEGRAPING: FEIT OF FIKSIE

2008-09-06T10:56:00.002+02:00

WEGRAPING: FEIT OF FIKSIE

1. Petrus skryf die volgende:

En ons het die profetiese woord wat baie vas is, waarop julle tog moet ag gee soos op ‘n lamp wat in ‘n donker plek skyn, totdat die dag aanbreek en die môrester opgaan in0 julle harte; terwyl julle veral dít moet weet, dat geen profesie van die Skrif ‘n saak van eie uitlegging is nie;
(2Pet 1:19-20)

want geen profesie is ooit deur die wil van ‘n mens voortgebring nie, maar, deur die Heilige Gees gedrywe, het die heilige mense van God gespreek.
(2Pet 1:21)

Hy gaan verder en sê:

Maar daar was ook valse profete onder die volk, net soos daar onder julle valse leraars sal wees wat verderflike ketterye heimlik sal invoer, en ook die Here wat hulle gekoop het, verloën en ‘n vinnige verderf oor hulleself bring; en baie sal hulle verderflikhede navolg, en om hulle ontwil sal die weg van die waarheid gelaster word;
(2Pet 2:1-2)

Baie groepe en gelowiges beweer dat die wegraping nie in die woord van God voorkom nie. Ander sê weer dat die wegraping wel voorkom, maar eers in die middel van die verdrukking ‘n werklikheid sal wees.

2. Baie gelowiges kan nie onderskei tussen die wegraping van die Bruid en die openbaring of terugkeer van Jesus Christus nie. Hulle kan nie onderskei tussen die gebeurtenis wanneer Jesus vir sy Bruid kom, en wanneer Hy met Sy heiliges kom om straf gerig te hou oor die goddelose en om te regeer nie.

3. Die word “wegraping” kom nie in die Bybyel voor nie. Die woord wat by geleentheid deur Paulus gebruik word is die Griekse word “Harpadzo”.
Harpadzo beteken skielik weg te neem of weg te voer.
Die teks lees soos volg:

Want die Here self sal van die hemel neerdaal met ‘n geroep, met die stem van ‘n aartsengel en met geklank van die basuin van God; en die wat in Christus gesterf het, sal eerste opstaan. Daarna sal ons wat in die lewe oorbly, saam met hulle in wolke weggevoer word die Here tegemoet in die lug; en so sal ons altyd by die Here wees.
(1Th 4:16-17)

Ek kan die word dan soos volg vertaal: -
‘Saam met hulle in die wolke skielik weggeruk of weggevoer’

Dis is so ‘n heerlike verwagting dat Paulus die volgende skryf:

Bemoedig mekaar dan met hierdie woorde.
(1Th 4:18)

Lukas skryf die verhaal van Filippus en die Hofdienaar van Etiopië en sê dan die volgende:

En toe hulle uit die water opklim, het die Gees van die Here Filippus skielik weggevoer, (Harpadzo) en die hofdienaar het hom nie meer gesien nie, want hy het sy weg met blydskap gereis.
(Act 8:39)

Paulus skryf die volgende:

En ek weet van so ‘n man—of dit in die liggaam of buite die liggaam was, weet ek nie, God weet dit— dat hy weggeruk (Harpadzo) is in die Paradys en onuitspreeklike woorde gehoor het wat ‘n mens nie mag uitspreek nie.
(2Co 12:3-4)

Vir doeleindes van die stuk, sal ek bly by die bekende woord – WEGRAPING.

4. Ek gaan die verskille tussen die wegraping en die openbaring van Jesus weergee. (Daar kan nog ander ook wees!)

4.1 DIE WEGRAPING

a. By die wegraping ontmoet ons, die gelowige, Jesus in die lug – 1 Tes. 4:17

b. Jesus – as Bruidegom – kom haal sy Bruid – Mat. 25:10; Efe. 5:23 – 33; Joh. 14:3

c. Die gelowiges word hemel toe geneem – 1 Tes. 4:17, Joh. 14:1-3

d. Die antichrist word geopenbaar na die wegraping – 2 Tes. 2:6 & 7

e. Geen tekens sal voor die wegraping plaasvind nie – 2 Pet. 3:10

f. Die duiwel sal nie toegesluit word nie – Op. 13:2

g. Jesus sal self sy Bruid bymekaar maak – 1 Tes. 4:16 & 17; Joh.14:3

4.2 DIE OPENBARING / DIE 2DE KOMS VAN JESUS CHRISTUS

a. By Sy terugkeer sal elke oog Hom sien – Op. 1:7; Mat. 24:27

b. Die Engele sal die uitverkore Jode versamel – Mat. 24:31

c. Satan word gebind en 1000 jaar toegesluit – Op. 20:3

d. Tekens gaan die 2de koms vooraf – Mat. 24:24

e. Die gelowiges keer saam met Jesus van die hemel terug aarde toe – Sag. 14:4; Jud. 14; Mat. 25:31; Op. 19:14

f. Die openbaring van Jesus sal plaasvind aan die begin van die 1000 jaar vrederyk – Op. 20:6

g. Dit sal nie plaasvind voordat die antichrist nie sy rol op die aarde uitgespeel het nie - Op. 13; 2 Tes. 2:2 & 3 & 8; Mat. 24:15

h. Sy verskyning sal die einde van die verdrukking aankondig – Mat. 24:29 – 30

i. Jesus sal kom as Regter en Koning – Joel 3:12; Op, 17:14; Sag. 14:16

j. Hy sal terugkeer net soos hy weggegaan het: Olyfberg – Hand. 1:11; Sag. 14:4

DIE TOORN

5. Paulus deel die gemeente in Tessalonisense mee dat Jesus ons van die toekomstige toorn verlos (1 Tes. 1:10). Hy gaan verder en sê:

Want God het ons nie bestem tot toorn nie, maar om die saligheid te verkry deur onse Here Jesus Christus
(1Th 5:9)

Jesus sê aan Johannes om die volgende aan die engel van die gemeente in Filadelfia te skryf:

Omdat jy die woord van my lydsaamheid bewaar het, sal Ek jou ook bewaar in die uur van beproewing wat oor die hele wêreld kom om die bewoners van die aarde op die proef te stel.
(Openb 3:10)

Die Grieks vir ‘n deel van die teks lees egter soos volg:

EK TES HORES

AFRIKAANS: GRIEKS:
Op Epi
In En
Uit Ek

Die korrekte vertaling moet dus soos volg wees:
… sal Ek jou ook bewaar UIT die uur…”

Die KJV sê:
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee FROM the hour…

In Lukas 21:36 staan geskryf:
Waak dan en bid altyddeur, sodat julle waardig geag mag word om al hierdie dinge wat kom, te ontvlug en voor die Seun van die mens te staan.

Die Griekse woord vir ontvlug is EKPHUGEN, wat beteken om skoon weg te vlug van, of te ontsnap.

DIE WEGRAPING GAAN SKIELIK WEES!

Ek sê vir julle: In daardie nag sal daar twee op een bed wees; die een sal aangeneem en die ander verlaat word.
(Luk 17:34)

Die Griekse woord wat vir aangeneem gebruik word, beteken – Ek neem weg deur geweld.

…en dit nie verstaan het voordat die sondvloed gekom en almal weggevoer het nie, so sal ook die koms van die Seun van die mens wees.
(Mat 24:39)

Jesaja 57:1 lees soos volg:

Die regverdige kom om, en daar is niemand wat dit ter harte neem nie; en die vromes word weggeruk sonder dat iemand daarop let; want die regverdige word weggeruk vanweë die boosheid.

King James Version:

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

Die Hebreeuse woord is NATZAL wat die volgende beteken:

To catch up
To catch away
To pull, take by force

Jesus sê:

En as Ek gegaan en vir julle plek berei het, kom Ek weer en sal julle na My toe neem, sodat julle ook kan wees waar Ek is.
(Joh 14:3)

Die Griekse woord vir neem = PARA CEP SOMAI wat beteken “neem met geweld”

Jesus sê dus dat Hy sal kom en deur geweld sal wegneem na Hom.

6. Paulus skryf dat 2 dinge moet gebeur voordat die dag van Christus kom:

a. ‘n Afval
b. Die openbaring van die man van sonde

Maar ons vra julle, broeders, met die oog op die wederkoms van onse Here Jesus Christus en ons vereniging met Hom, om nie gou julle verstand te verloor of verskrik te word nie—deur gees of deur woord of deur brief wat van ons afkomstig sou wees—asof die dag van Christus al daar is. Laat niemand julle op enige manier mislei nie, want eers moet die afval kom en die mens van sonde geopenbaar word, die seun van die verderf…
(2Th 2:1-3)

Die Amplified Bybel het ‘n voetnoot op bl. 1403 met die volgende kommentaar:

“A possible rendering of the Greek Apostasia is departure [of the church].
Die woord is in die Afrikaans weer gegee as ‘Afval’.

Die stam werkwoord vorm van apostasia is, as dit vertaal word, die volgende:
Weggeneem
Weggaan
Onttrek
Wyk op
Weg val

As die definitiewe lidwoord wat Apostasia voofafgaan in gedagte gehou word, dan is die die mees korrekte vertaling soos volg: -

“…want eers moet die gelowiges weggaan en die mens van die sonde geopenbaar word…”

Linddell & Scott sê Apostasia beteken ‘n Vertrek of ‘n Verdwyning.

In 1 Tes. 4:17 sê Paulus dat ons saam met Jesus in wolke weggevoer word. As Paulus se bedoeling was dat daar ‘n afval van die waarheid was, sou hy tog die Griekse woord APHISTEMI gebruik het. In die eerste Bybel vertaling was 2 Tes. 2:3 vertaal as ‘Departing First’

En nou, julle weet wat hom teëhou, sodat hy op sy tyd geopenbaar kan word. Want die verborgenheid van die ongeregtigheid is al aan die werk, net totdat hy wat nou teëhou, uit die weg geruim is;
(2Th 2:6-7)

Die een wat teëhou is tog die Heilige Gees. Die Griekse woord HOKATELHON kan tog nie die kerk wees nie, want kerk is EKKLESIA en is vroulik.

Sommige beweer dat die Heilige Gees weggeruim of verwyder word, maar dat die die gelowiges deur die verdrukking gaan. Sulke mense maak Jesus tot ‘n leuenaar! Jesus sê dan self die volgende: -

En Ek (Jesus) sal die Vader bid, en Hy sal julle ‘n ander Trooster gee om by julle te bly tot in ewigheid
(Joh 14:16)

Paulus sê in Rom. 8:9 -
julle is egter nie in die vlees nie, maar in die Gees, as naamlik die Gees van God in julle woon. Maar as iemand die Gees van Christus nie het nie, dié behoort nie aan Hom nie.

In Rom. 8:10 staan daar: -
Maar as Christus in julle is, dan is die liggaam dood vanweë die sonde, maar die gees is lewe vanweë die geregtigheid.

Wanneer die Heilige Gees weggeneem word, word die gelowigis saam weggeneem!

Wanneer Christus, wat ons lewe is, geopenbaar word, dan sal julle ook saam met Hom in heerlikheid geopenbaar word.
(Col 3:4)

Waak dan en bid altyddeur, sodat julle waardig geag mag word om al hierdie dinge wat kom, te ontvlug en voor die Seun van die mens te staan.
(Luk 21:36)

en die konings van die aarde en die grotes en die rykes en die owerstes oor duisend en die magtiges en al die slawe en al die vrymense het hulle weggesteek in die spelonke en in die rotse van die berge, en vir die berge en die rotse gesê: Val op ons en verberg ons vir die aangesig van Hom wat op die troon sit, en vir die toorn van die Lam; want die groot dag van sy toorn het gekom, en wie kan bestaan?
(Rev 6:15-17)

Hoekom sal Paulus praat van die gelowiges wat gered sal word van die toorn?

Veel meer dan sal ons, nou dat ons geregverdig is in sy bloed, deur Hom gered word van die toorn.
(Rom 5:9)

Paulus leer die volgende: -

Kyk, ek deel julle ‘n verborgenheid mee: Ons sal wel nie almal ontslaap nie, maar ons sal almal verander word, in ‘n oomblik, in ‘n oogwink, by die laaste basuin; want die basuin sal weerklink, en die dode sal onverganklik opgewek word; en ons sal verander word. Want hierdie verganklike moet met onverganklikheid beklee word, en hierdie sterflike moet met onsterflikheid beklee word.
(1Kor 15:51-53)

Hoekom verander? Sodat ons in hemelse plekke kan woon!!!

7. Die Hemelse Vader het in Sy Woord vir die gelowiges ‘n kalender gegee waarvolgens Hy werk.

Ethan die Esrahiet sê in die Psalms die volgende: -

Welgeluksalig is die volk wat die geklank ken; o HERE, hulle wandel in die lig van u aangesig.
(Ps 89:15)

Die Engelse vertaling sê egter die volgende:-

Blessed and fortunate are the people who know and understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts

Paulus skryf aan die Romeine die volgende:-

Want alles wat tevore geskrywe is, is tot ons lering tevore geskrywe, sodat ons deur lydsaamheid en bemoediging van die Skrifte hoop kan hê.
(Rom 15:4)

Die feeste wys na Jesus en die Vader se planne vir die mensdom.
Dawid skryf die volgende oor Jesus:

Toe het ek gesê: Kyk, ek kom; in die boekrol is dit my voorgeskrywe.
(Ps 40:7)

Sien ook die woord in Hebreeus waar die skrywer dit op Jesus van toepassing maak:-

Toe het Ek gesê: Kyk, Ek kom—in die boekrol is dit van My geskrywe—om u wil te doen, o God.
(Heb 10:7)

Jesus Christus sê in Mat. 5:17 dat Hy gekom het om alles te vervul wat in die wet en die profete geskryf is
Moenie dink dat Ek gekom het om die wet of die profete te ontbind nie. Ek het nie gekom om te ontbind nie, maar om te vervul.
(Mat 5:17)

Lukas 24:44 lees as volg:

En Hy sê vir hulle: Dit is die woorde wat Ek met julle gespreek het toe Ek nog by julle was, dat alles wat oor My geskrywe is in die wet van Moses en die profete en die psalms, vervul moet word.
(Luk 24:44)

8. Die profetiese kalender kom voor in Levitikus 23: 1 – 44

a) Dit is die feestye van Die Here
b) Die Hebreeuse woord vir feestye in vers 2 is MO’ED wat die volgende beteken:
- Appointed time
- A fixed time of season
- An exact time
- A set time or
- An appointment

Hieruit kan die afleiding gemaak word dat die Vader ‘n “Set Time or Exact Time or an Appointed time” vasgestel het om seker dinge in vervulling te laat kom.

Luister wat sê Paulus in Galasiers:

maar hy staan onder voogde en bestuurders tot op die tyd tevore deur die vader bepaal.
(Gal 4:2)

Maar toe die volheid van die tyd gekom het, het God Sy Seun uitgestuur, gebore uit ‘n vrou, gebore onder die wet,
(Gal 4:4)

Jesus het dus op ‘n vasgestelde tyd gekom: wat interessant is, is dat die vasgestelde tyd ook bekend was aan God se kinders:
En sy het in dieselfde uur daar gekom en die Here geprys en van Hom gespreek met almal in Jerusalem wat die verlossing verwag het.
(Luk 2:38)

Heilige samekoms in vers 2 van Levitikus 23 kom van die woord MIQRA wat beteken:
- Inoefening
- Repeteer
- Opsom

Die eerste fees is:

a) In die eerste maand, op die veertiende van die maand, teen die aand, is die pasga van die HERE;
(Lev 23:5)
Op die 14de van die eerste maand = PASGA

b) en op die vyftiende dag van hierdie maand is die fees van die ongesuurde brode van die HERE; sewe dae lank moet julle ongesuurde brode eet.
(Lev 23:6)
Ongesuurde Brode

c) Spreek met die kinders van Israel en sê aan hulle: As julle in die land kom wat Ek julle gee en sy opbrings oes, moet julle die eerstelingsgerf van julle oes na die priester bring.
(Lev 23:10)
Fees van die eerstelingsgerf

Hierdie 3 feeste is letterlik vervul deur Sy dood, begrafnis en opstanding.
Sien Joh. 12:1
Joh. 18
Joh. 20

Jesus is op die Donderdag gekruisig en begrawe, en op die 1ste dag van die week weer opgewek – Luk 24:21

d) Die 4de fees is 50 dae later
Dan moet julle tel van die dag ná die sabbat, van die dag af as julle die beweegoffergerf bring sewe volle weke moet dit wees; tot die dag ná die sewende sabbat moet julle vyftig dae tel; dan moet julle ‘n nuwe spysoffer aan die HERE bring.
(Lev 23:15-16)
PINKSTER

Die fees het ook in vervulling gekom. Sien Hand. 2

3 Feeste bly nog oor, naamlik:

e) Spreek met die kinders van Israel en sê: In die sewende maand, op die eerste van die maand, moet dit vir julle ‘n rusdag wees, ‘n gedenkdag deur basuingeklank, ‘n heilige vierdag.
(Lev 23:24)
Verwys na 1 Tes. 4:16

f) Maar op die tiende van hierdie sewende maand is dit die versoendag. ‘n Heilige vierdag moet dit vir julle wees; dan moet julle jul verootmoedig en aan die HERE ‘n vuuroffer bring.
(Lev 23:27)
VERSOENDAG

g) Spreek met die kinders van Israel en sê: Op die vyftiende dag van hierdie sewende maand is dit sewe dae lank die huttefees vir die HERE.
(Lev 23:34)
DIE HUTTE FEES

Die vervulling van die laaste 3 feeste gaan ook letterlik wees en in die volgorde soos deur God uiteengesit.

Die fees van die basuin geklank = Wegraping
Die fees van die versoening = Wanneer Jesus terugkom aarde toe
Die huttefees = Die 1000 vrederyk

Wat interessant is, is dat die fees van die basuin geklank twee dae lank deur die Jode gevier word. Dan word die derde dag tot die 9de dag deur die Jode genoem – YAMIN NORA’IM of Awesome Days. Die tyd word ook genoem Die Tyd van Jakob se Benoudheid.

Vra tog, en kyk of ‘n manspersoon baar? Waarom sien ek elke man met sy hande op sy heupe soos een wat baar, en is alle aangesigte in bleekheid verander? Wee, want die dag is groot, sonder weerga! En dit is ‘n tyd van benoudheid vir Jakob; maar hy sal daaruit verlos word. En op dié dag, spreek die HERE van die leërskare, sal Ek sy juk verbreek van jou nek af en jou stroppe stukkend ruk; en vreemdes sal hom nie meer diensbaar maak nie.
(Jer 30:6-8)

9. Jesus sê in Matteus die volgende:

Toe antwoord Jesus en sê vir hulle: Julle dwaal, omdat julle die Skrifte nie ken nie en ook nie die krag van God nie.
(Mat 22:29)

10. In Amos kom die volgende voor:

Want die Here HERE doen niks tensy Hy sy raadsbesluit aan sy knegte, die profete, geopenbaar het nie.
(Amo 3:7)

In Hebreers word die volgende neergepen:

Deur die geloof is Henog weggeneem om die dood nie te sien nie; en hy is nie gevind nie, omdat God hom weggeneem het; want voor sy wegneming het hy getuienis ontvang dat hy God behaag het.
(Heb 11:5)

En daar was ‘n man in Jerusalem met die naam van Símeon; en hierdie man was regverdig en vroom en het die vertroosting van Israel verwag, en die Heilige Gees was op hom. En aan hom was dit deur die Heilige Gees geopenbaar dat hy die dood nie sou sien voordat hy die Christus van die Here gesien het nie.
(Luk 2:25-26)

Maranata – Jesus kom weer

THYS STANDER
PRIVAATSAK X05
VREDENBURG7380

COMMUNICATION DIFFERENCES

2008-08-25T12:49:00.002+02:00

Communication Differences, Marriage Message 5

Someone once said, "Love does not consist of just gazing at each other,
but in looking together in the same direction. And for that, you need to
open the lines of communication."

This week, we'd like to address opening the lines of communication for
you and your spouse a little bit wider. To do this we will address both
husbands and wives. I (Steve) will address a marriage tip for husbands
and Cindy will address a marriage tip for the wives.

Marriage Tip for the Ladies: "WARNING: YOUR HUSBAND CAN LOVE YOU AND
STILL NOT HAVE A CLUE ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED!" This marriage tip actually
came from author Sandra Aldrich, but I'd like to expand upon it a bit
because I've found it to be so true.

What's amazing to me is that Steve and I have been married for over 36
years and yet my wonderful husband is still clueless as to what I need in
certain situations. And while it perplexes and frustrates me when this
happens, I've come to the same conclusion as Sandra Aldrich: "A
relationship can die while we wait for our spouse to learn to read our
mind!" She goes on to write: "Women keep having this idea that if we're
truly loved our minds will be read and every little wish we have will be
anticipated. That's too heavy of a burden to put on another human being."

The simple fact is that men and women look at things from different
angles and that complicates matters. An example of this is when we would
have guests coming over. I used to get perturbed when Steve wouldn't help
get things ready with the same effort I would put into it (after-all
they're his guests too). We'd often start out at the same pace but
eventually he'd stop. He'd tell me that "everything looked done" to him.
He figured if things looked good enough to him it was fine to stop. If I
wanted to do more than what he deemed necessary, it was my decision.

But they sure didn't look done from MY PERSPECTIVE. It was still
"obvious" to me that there was more to do. When I'd see Steve sit down as
if done, I'd get angry that he would think of leaving the rest for me to
do alone. He'd be angry at me for wanting him to do more than he thought
needed to be done from HIS PERSPECTIVE. Our differing perspectives
brought differing expectations, which muddied up the lines of
communication between us, causing us to be angry and resentful towards
each other. It was a real problem.

After years of frustration, we've finally figured out how to handle this
situation. We've chosen to tackle things as a team in agreement where I'm
the "task manager" in this particular area of our lives because of my
"homemaking skills." I survey what needs to be done and write a running
list, which helps my husband. I don't just assume he knows what needs to
be done anymore (eliminating mind-reading). We then tackle the list
together as a team. (I'm also learning to ease up on expecting more to be
done than we both agree upon.)

I've also learned not to ask Steve to do things that take "fussing over."
He's not patient or talented at doing fussy work. We both become
frustrated with the results. Steve is best at tackling the bigger,
general type of cleaning, with me doing more of the detailed work to make
our home look welcoming. It's a system that works best for us. We also
strive to be done at the same time. That also works best for us!

Over-all, I'm trying my best not to put Steve into any type of "mind-
reading" situation. This is difficult because I want my husband to "know"
what I need. After-all, isn't he my "soul-mate" and isn't that what we
expect of a soul-mate? Yes, but the reality is that only God is my true
soul mate (and even HE wants me to voice my needs to Him). A spouse is
just a fallible human being who loves us. Expecting a husband to see
things from our perspective isn't the real world, and it causes problems.
If you find yourself falling into this trap, readjust your thinking to
reality. Respectfully tell your husband what you need from him, being
careful of your timing and attitude while doing so. This will honor him
and the Lord as well.

MARRIAGE TIP FOR MEN: First of all, you'll notice a difference in the
amount of words I'll use to give you my perspective, compared to my
wife's. It's important to note that WE THINK AND COMMUNICATE DIFFERENTLY.
It's common for men to use fewer words in a day from women. That doesn't
mean that men are right and women are wrong in the way they communicate
or that men are wrong and women are right -- it's just different because
we are different!

But because we use fewer words it's very important to make sure the words
we speak to our wives are edifying, express our genuine love and
appreciation for them, and addresses the needs that they feel and
express. Don't use the "fewer words" argument to be an excuse for not
connecting with our wives as we should. As husbands (and wives) we need
to each stretch ourselves to meet each other's communication needs. The
quieter spouse can stretch to talk a bit more and the more verbal spouse
can expect less verbal communication (and personally use fewer words so
the other spouse isn't flooded by the amount of words you use).

To piggyback on Cindy's tip, I found the best way to avoid Misunder-
standing and conflict when a project needs to be done is to simply ask
her, "What is it that I can do for you right now that would be most
helpful?" ...and then do it! It's not quantum physics, yet it took me
many years of frustration and friction before I discovered this
technique. It works wonders in relieving the pressure our wives feel in
this situation. And if their pressures are relieved, so is ours! Try it!

Also, if you have access to the Internet and would like to read marriage
tips titled "4 Communication Firecrackers and How to Avoid them" you can
go to the Marriage Partnership web site at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/mp/2006/003/3.42.html to read the
article they have posted. We have additional marriage tips and articles
on our web site at www.marriagemissions.com as well.

The point in giving you these marriage tips is to help you to open your
lines of communication. Learn to communicate as God would have you in
your marriage, to reflect the love of Christ.

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you
know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel;
instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those
who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant
them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will
come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken
them captive to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life
of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Have a blessed week working on your communication with each other in your
marriage,
Steve and Cindy Wright

P.S. If you think of others who may benefit from these weekly messages,
please forward this to them and encourage them to subscribe to this FREE
ministry. To subscribe, go to www.christianchallengeandblessing.com,
fill in the necessary information, check the boxes of the message groups
that you wish to subscribe to and then click on "submit". Every week we
add new articles to the web site, so return often because you'll find
other helpful marriage information as well as the previous Marriage
Messages. If you don't have access to the Internet, you can send an e-
mail to email@marriagemissions.com and write "subscribe" in the subject
line. NOTE: If you receive our messages at work, be sure to ask the
Administrator of the e-mail accounts to add Marriage Missions to their
list of acceptable IP addresses, otherwise your company's SPAM filter may
prevent our Marriage Message from reaching you.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!
Yesterday is Gone.
Tomorrow is not Promised.
What have you done for Christ today?

HE WILL DELIVER YOU

2008-08-13T08:41:00.003+02:00

He Will Deliver You

Today's Scripture

“Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you facing trouble in any area of your life today? God is standing ready to deliver you. He promises in His Word that He is near to all those who call upon His name. No matter what you may be going through, have confidence knowing that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. He promises to deliver you!

Notice that this verse tells us that our part is to honor and glorify Him. You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect to give Him praise. You can give Him honor and glory right now. You can thank Him for all He’s done in your life so far, and what He will do in your future. Call on Him today and focus on having an attitude of faith and expectancy. Speak His Word and declare His promises over your life, knowing that He promises to deliver you. Trust in Him because He will take you places you’ve never dreamed. As you praise Him, He’ll take you higher and higher into the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I call upon Your Name. I call upon You as my Salvation and my Deliverer. I trust that You are working on my behalf and choose to give You all the honor and glory. In Jesus’ Name.

ARE YOU JESUS?

2008-08-05T08:48:00.005+02:00

ARE YOU JESUS?

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.

In their rush, with tickets and brief-cases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of baskets of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.

All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

He was glad he did.

The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping, and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"

She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes.

She continued, "Are you Jesus?"

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"

Do people mistake you for Jesus?

That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.

Author Unknown
Posted at Food for Thought
To subscribe to Food for Thought: subscribe@dailyfoodforthought.org or go to: www.dailyfoodforthought.org

TRUST

2008-07-30T08:52:00.003+02:00

Trust

A new school Principal was checking over his school on the first day. Passing the stockroom, he was startled to see the door wide open and teachers bustling in and out, carrying off books and supplies in preparation for the arrival of students the next day. The school where he had been a Principal the previous year had used a check-out system only slightly less elaborate than that at Fort Knox.

Cautiously, he asked the school's long time Custodian, "Do you think it's wise to keep the stockroom unlocked and to let the teachers take things without requisitions?"

The Custodian looked at him gravely and said, "We trust them with the children, don't we?"

Trust. A simple and short word, but one that implies so much. If I trust someone in one area, but not in another, have I really trusted them? Can trust be area specific? I know confidence can be, but trust implies the whole package.

How do you trust God? Do you, as many people do, trust Him for your salvation, but you don't trust Him to take care of your daily needs? Do you trust Him to forgive you of your sins, but not to help you in personal areas that you lift to Him in prayer? In other words, do you trust the Lord for the big things, but doubt Him (distrust) for the relatively little things?

We need to make a decision right now! Do you trust God for EVERYTHING or do you pick and choose where you trust Him? How does God want you to trust Him? I'm so glad that God forgave me of ALL my sins, not just the ones He thought about, rationalized, and made a decision based on my life experience or my worthiness.

God can be trusted in ALL things; we need to show Him that we trust Him in ALL areas by giving Him our WHOLE life, not just certain areas.

" Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

LEAVE ROOM FOR GOD

2008-07-28T12:02:00.004+02:00

LEAVE ROOM FOR GOD

One night, when I was worried sick about something, I found four words sitting quietly on page 1291 of my Bible. I'd read them countless times before, but as I stared at them this time, they fairly flew at me like stones from a slingshot. The four words, now well-underlined in my New International Version, are "leave room for God."

The immediate context, Romans 12:19, involves retribution. When someone harms us, advised the writer, we shouldn't try to get even, but should leave room for God's wrath. There are times when we need to let Him settle the score.

But if we can leave room for God's wrath, I reasoned, can we not, when facing other challenges, leave room for His other attributes? For His power? For His grace? For His intervention? I underlined the words "leave room for God" and have leaned on them ever since.

I can't solve every problem, cure every hurt, or avoid every fear, but I can leave room for God. I don't have the answer to every dilemma, but I can leave room for God to work. I can't do the impossible, but He is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all" that I could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). The Lord delights in the impossible.

Robert Morgan
"The Red Sea Rules" (pp. 50-51)

DIE ANTICHRIS

2008-07-25T11:54:00.001+02:00

DIE ANTICHRIS

INLEIDING

Jesus sê dat Hy die weg en die waarheid en die lewe is – Joh 14 v 6. Hy gaan verder en sê dat ons die waarheid sal ken, en die waarheid sal ons vrymaak – Joh 8 v 32.
Jesus sê verder dat die Gees van die Waarheid ons sal lei in die hele Waarheid – Joh 16 v 13
Petrus sê weer dat die skrif vervul moes word wat die Heilige Gees voorspel het deur die mond van Dawid aangaande Judas – Hand 1 v 16

Ek moet aanvaar, soos hierbo uiteengesit, dat Jesus die Waarheid is. Ek aanvaar ook dat alles wat hy gesê het, is die waarheid. Ek aanvaar verder dat die Heilige Gees slegs die waarheid aan ons sal bring, daarom word Hy ook die Gees van die Waarheid genoem. Dan moet ek ook aanvaar dat die woord wat geskryf is, deur die Heilige Gees voortgebring is, en die waarheid is.

Dan moet ek die volgende Woord aanvaar as die Waarheid ten opsigte van Judas

DIE WOORD

En ek het `n dier uit die see sien opkom met sewe koppe en tien horings, en op sy horings tien krone en op sy koppe `n naam van godslastering – Openbaring 13 vers 1

Toe sê die engel vir my: Waarom het jy jou verwonder? Ek sal jou die verborgenheid van die vrou vertel en van die dier met die sewe koppe en die tien horings, wat haar dra.
Die dier wat jy gesien het, was en is nie en sal uit die afgrond opkom en na die verderf vaar; en die bewoners van die aarde wie se name nie van die grondlegging van die wêreld af in die boek van lewe geskryf is nie, sal hulle verwonder as hulle die dier sien wat was en nie is nie, alhoewel hy is – Openbaring 17 vers 7 en 8

Jesus antwoord hulle: Het Ek nie julle twaalf uitverkies nie? En een van julle is `n duiwel – Johannes 6 vers 70

Jesus bid – Oor die wat U My gegee het, het Ek gewaak; en nie een van hulle het verlore gegaan nie, behalwe die seun van die verderf, sodat die Skrif vervul sou word – Johannes 17 vers 12

Laat niemand julle op enige manier mislei nie, want eers moet die afval kom en die mens van sonde geopenbaar word, die seun van die verderf – 2 Thessalonicense 2 vers 3

Paulus skryf dat die mens van sonde, die seun van die verderf die antichrist is; Jesus sê dat die seun van die verderf Judas is; hoekom sukkel die gelowiges dan om die mens te identifiseer?

Petrus maak die stelling dat Judas afgewyk het om heen te gaan na sy eie plek – Handelinge 1 vers 25

Judas is die enigste persoon in die bybel wat heengegaan het na sy eie plek. In Openbaring 17 vers 8 word gesê dat hy uit die afgrond sal opkom en na die verderf vaar (sy eie plek).

Jesus verwys na skrif wat vervul is as hy praat van die seun van die verderf (Judas); Petrus verwys na skrif wat vervul as hy praat van Judas – sien Psalm 109.

Psalm 109 v 2 & 3 – mond van die goddelose, mond van bedrog, gespreek met leuenagtige tong, woorde van haat omring. Openbaring 13 v 5 & 6 – mond is aan hom gegee wat groot woorde en godslasteringe uitspreek, om te laster teen God

Psalm 109 v 4 & 5 – vir my liefde behandel hulle my vyandig. Openbaring 13 v 7 – oorlog te voer teen heiliges en om hulle te oorwin

Psalm 109 v 6 – stel `n goddelose oor hom en laat `n teëstander (KJV praat van ‘satan’) staan aan sy regterhand Openbaring 13 v 2 – hy kry sy mag en krag van die duiwel

Psalm 109 v 16 – hy het die ellendige en behoeftige vervolg en die moedelose van hart, om hom dood te maak. Openbaring 12 – vervolg die vrou en probeer om haar en die manlike kind dood te maak

THYS STANDER
0842992442

Four Anchors

2008-07-11T08:58:00.003+02:00

Four Anchors

One of my uncles had a tattoo of an anchor emblazoned on his arm. I admired that emblem.
As a boy I toyed with the thought of one day having my own anchor tattoo. The closest I
ever came was a tattoo out of a Cracker-Jack box. I later realized that I was more
fascinated with the purpose and function of an anchor.

Anchors come in many sizes and weights. Some are a few pounds and some are a few tons in
weight. All anchors though serve essentially the same purpose – to catch hold of the
bottom of the deep and hold the ship in place. Without an anchor a ship could not be
held in place. The wind and waves would drive it along. The anchor gives stability.

We all need an anchor in our lives to hold us in place and give stability against the
waves and winds of adversity. Many have lost their moorings and are adrift in a sea
of turbulence and trouble. In America storms of economic, cultural, moral, and spiritual
tumult are raging around us. Families, marriages, and lives are being broken apart. Do
you have an anchor to hold you in place and give you stability?

The apostle Paul had much experience with rough and perilous seas. He tells us that he
was shipwrecked three times and once spent a whole day and night adrift at sea. (II
Corinthians 11:22-33) Paul was arrested for his testimony of Jesus Christ and was put on
a ship bound for Rome to be put on trial and imprisoned. Before Paul could get to Rome
the ship encountered a ferocious storm at sea. The ship lost its sails and was beginning
to break apart. The ship’s crew was afraid they would soon be driven against the rocks,
"so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight"
(Acts 27:29 NLT).

The sailors put down four anchors to try to hold the ship in place. But Paul put down
four spiritual anchors that saved their lives. An anchor tattooed on your arm won’t
save your life but these four anchors tattooed on your heart and put into practice will
hold you in place and save your life through any storm. (Acts 27)

First – Paul PRAYED. Jonah prayed from inside the belly of a whale. Daniel prayed from
a lion’s den. Paul and Silas prayed at midnight from a dark dungeon. (Acts 16)
Paul prayed to a God who hears and answers prayer. (Psalm 118; Philippians 4:6-7)
Prayer is an anchor for your soul.

Second – Paul had THE WORD OF GOD. God sent an angel and assured Paul that there would
be no loss of life. "Therefore, take heart, men, for I believe God that it
will be just as it was told me" (Acts 27:25). Storms may rage and things may
change but God’s Word will never change. (Luke 21:33) Believe His promises and
they will anchor you to the Rock of Ages.

Third – Paul OBEYED GOD. He instructed and warned them about the consequences of not
obeying the Word of God. (Acts 27:21) An old hymn reminds us, "Trust and obey
for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey." David
writes about this key to success and security in Psalm 119. Obedience to God
and His Word is a firm anchor.

Fourth – Paul’s HOPE OF SALVATION was the anchor of his soul. "This hope we have as an
anchor of the soul . . . even Jesus" (Hebrews 6:19). The sailors put down four
anchors and hoped and prayed for daylight.

Friend, "Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has
visited us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide
our feet into the way of peace"(Luke 1:78). The Daystar, Jesus, has a risen victorious.
Jesus is the anchor that holds to the solid rock.Be sure to put these four anchors deep
down in your heart as an anchor for your soul. Commit your life to Christ. (Psalm 37:3-7)
The Lord Jesus will hold you in place.

Shalom, Cliff Sanders. Eagle Life Ministries, Eaglelife2@juno.com, www.dailyshepherd.com
With thanks to Ernie Meadows

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Sealed By God

2008-07-10T13:21:00.001+02:00

Sealed By God

Today's Scripture

“…I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,' declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:23).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

We don’t often hear about signet rings anymore; but in Bible times, they were very significant. The signet ring was used to identify the message or messenger and the authority they had. In other words, you knew something was from the king because it was marked by His signet ring. It was representative of power and authority. This verse is saying that you are the mark of authority of Almighty God. You have been chosen and set apart to be identified with Him. When you have someone’s power and authority, you have access to everything they have. It’s like having power of attorney; you have the authority to act on behalf of that individual. As a believer in Jesus, marked with His seal, think of all you have access to today. Think about the authority you have. Everything He has is available to you—healing, provision, strength, peace, joy. You have been given authority to “sign His name” in order to receive His blessings. You are God’s seal, and you are marked to live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me and calling me Your own. Help me to fully understand the authority You’ve given by Your Son Jesus. I receive all You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Danger Zone

2008-07-09T09:14:00.001+02:00

THE DANGER ZONE

Anger is just one letter short of danger -- it seems to be as true in English as well
as in practice. Dr. Bedford Williams at Duke University has determined that students
who score high on a "hostility test" are in far greater danger of dying young than
their peers. In fact, those who are prone to anger are in greater physical danger than
those who smoke, have high blood pressure or even high cholesterol.

Not that we should never be angry. It is a normal part of life. We all get "worked up,"
"overheated" or just plain "hopping mad" at times. Those closest to us know it best.
(Just ask my kids!)

One little boy said about his mother: "When she starts to act real weird, you have to
look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder when you
giggle."

The good news is that simply getting angry does not seem to be the problem. Well-
directed anger can be a helpful emotion. But STAYING angry is dangerous -- to our
health and to our relationships.

Here are four simple steps that can help move us out of the danger zone when we feel
as if our hostility is running the show.

1. Control it. Uncontrolled anger will take over.

2. Talk it out. Don't keep it in and let it fester.

3. Act on it. Do what needs to be done to resolve the situation. Helplessness will
only provoke more anger and, eventually, despair.

4. End it. Just as there is a starting point for anger, there must be an ending. Make
a decision not to prolong destructive hostility.

It can help to remember that for every minute we're angry, we lose sixty seconds of
happiness and sixty seconds of peace. The sooner we get out of the danger zone, the
sooner we can get back to truly living.

-- Steve Goodier
Now you can add your own comments to Life Support. http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Living Under Grace

2008-07-07T09:37:00.003+02:00

What 99% of Christians Do Not Understand About: "Living Under Grace"

World's Last Chance, released a video explaining the biblical truth about “living under grace”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmExj6-cses .

The video unveils the truth behind the ubiquitous belief that “living under grace” liberates a Christian from obeying the law. It provides a biblical definition of what grace really is. Whilst also explaining Romans 6:16, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

This topic is urgent; it’s Satan’s ultimate desire for you to believe that grace has abolished God’s law. Or that it is of no consequence what you believe as long as you believe in Jesus. The Bible disagrees with both of these notions.

Obedience to God’s law will never save. However the law plays an integral role in pointing out what sin is thus creating the need for Christ, our Saviour. The fruit of accepting this invitation is living in obedience to God’s laws.

The conditions of eternal life, under grace, are just what they were in the beginning in Eden - perfect harmony with God through conformity to His law.

The standard of character presented in the Old Testament is the same that is presented in the New Testament. And God has made provision to attain to this standard by beholding Jesus and becoming like Him.

Law and grace are as closely knit together as Christ is to the cross. As it is the law that triggers the need for grace.

Jesus said “if you love me keep my commandments.” And seeing that He and the Father are one then the Ten Commandments are also Jesus' Commandments.

Just think - if God could have cancelled His law then Jesus would never have needed suffer death on the cross in place of humanity’s transgression of God’s law.

To understand what “living under grace” means from God’s point of view watch “The Law and Christians”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmExj6-cses

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

In His love,

The World’s Last Chance Team

Alone Together, Marriage Message 76

2008-07-05T09:12:00.003+02:00

Alone Together, Marriage Message 76

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down,
his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also,
if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one
may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

How strong is the cord or the rope you’re hanging onto in your married life? Does it have
the strength of one, two, or three strands? In every day life the strength of one strand
may seem sufficient and you don’t really think about it needing to be any other way. But
what happens when life unexpectedly gets a bit slippery?

And what happens when you slip and find yourself dangling over the edge of some very
dangerous territory and all you have to hang on with is the strength of the rope you’ve
created? How important would the strength of that rope be to you at that point? Would it
matter to you then if that cord or rope contained one, two, or three strands?

We don’t live in a predictable world. Strength in numbers can sometimes play a key role
in whether we survive some of the crisis that comes upon us unexpectedly. We can see in
the Bible verses above that two are better than one but the real strength comes from the
cord of three strands. And when you really need maximum strength to overcome a difficult
situation, you’ll be especially appreciative that you prepared ahead of time for whatever
storm comes your way!

"God proclaimed that it was ‘not good’ for Adam to be alone, and it’s not good for us either"
(Tim Gardner). This is especially true in our marital relationship. One of the reasons we
marry is so that we’re no longer "going it alone." We’ve chosen a life partner to walk
together with us throughout the rest of our lives. They’re to be our companion, our "soul
mate" and our helper through thick and thin. But our life partner can only be there for us
to the degree that we allow them to be.

A huge fallacy we fall into is that we believe when we marry we’ll live "happily ever after"
and we won’t have to battle through life alone any longer. And that can be very true. But
that can also be a huge lie we tell ourselves. It’s called "the loneliness lie." Just
because we’re married, it doesn’t mean that our aloneness will always be addressed. In fact
very often the opposite becomes true. We can find ourselves feeling very alone even when
we’re together with our spouse because we haven’t cultivated the marital relationship into
one of real partnership and togetherness as a team.

A great magazine article we came across a few years ago in "Marriage Partnership Magazine"
addressed this issue. The article was written by Tim Gardner (a marriage and family counselor)
and was titled, "Alone Together." Tim wrote: "If you’re married but still feel single, follow
these tips to reconnect with your spouse." We’d like to share a portion of those tips with
you and continue to address this issue in upcoming Marriage Messages from other angles
because of the huge problem we see in so many marriages today.

What we’ve observed is that if we don’t pro-actively, continually work to build and maintain
a connectedness—an intimacy with each other as husband and wife and a close relationship
together with the Lord, the time most likely will come when we’ll experience being "alone
together." And the "one accord" of our own marriage will eventually unravel. In other words,
if we don’t continually fight against the aloneness the enemy of our faith is trying to get
us to buy into, the inertia of "creeping separateness" will take over.

And when a crisis comes upon us, we most likely will find ourselves all alone in the fight.
Keep in mind that in marriage, God is working to make the "two of us" into one team that
works together with Him. The enemy of our faith is trying to take the "one (team) of us" and
divide us so we become two individuals with God shoved on the outside grieving the loss. We
need to be "on the alert" to his schemes. (See 1 Peter 5:8-11)

In "Alone Together," Tim Gardner says,

When couples come to me for counseling, we often discuss the need for a "married mindset."
It sounds obvious, but the truth is married couples often continue to think like single
people. They agree to be places and do things without considering their partner’s schedule—
or even his or her preferences. They’re married, but their actions don’t reflect it. That’s
what leads to loneliness.

I’ve yet to meet the couple who say, "You know, we think about each other constantly. We
never commit to a weekend or evening activity until we discuss it. We’re always calling each
other during the day to touch base. But you know what? I just wish this loneliness would end."
When couples are guided by a married mindset they don’t struggle with loneliness. Considering
one another’s needs, wants and preferences shows that they’re committed to loving each other,
to nurturing and caring for one another, to treating each other with respect. They solve
their own loneliness by working to obliterate their mate’s loneliness.

Spouses become lonely because one or both partners focus most of their energy on something
other than their mate. Their communication dwindles to "what’s for supper?" "Where’s the
mail?" and "here’s what I’m doing this weekend." Without communication, there can be no
emotional connection. And without a strong emotional connection, there can be no relationship.
Being married but feeling alone is no way to live, so what should you do? First, admit you’re
lonely. It does no good to deny that you feel emotionally disconnected. But you also need to
realize that any apparent quick cure—from playing golf to working longer hours to having an
affair—will only lead to more pain. So once you admit that you’re lonely, decide to take
positive steps to change things.

Next, take stock of what’s missing in your relationship. How would your marriage need to
change to restore emotional closeness? Do you long to share relaxed time together like you
did when you were dating? Do you wish you could still take walks at night to look at the
stars? Has the "business" of keeping your family running smoothly crowded out the tenderness
that used to come so naturally? What are the specific patterns that need change?

Third, ask yourself an even tougher question: what are you doing (or neglecting) that makes
your spouse feel lonely? Just as it takes two to get married, it nearly always takes two to
let a marriage drift. So identify your own contributions to the problem. Is your schedule
so crowded with outside commitments that you’re seldom home? Have you neglected other
activities that used to draw you and your mate closer? Have you started taking your spouse
for granted—failing to express thanks, neglecting to extend common courtesies? Are you too
preoccupied with work, the kids or family finances to listen to your spouse?

After asking yourself the hard questions, commit to making the personal changes necessary to
reverse the emotional drift.

Finally, after much prayer, reflection and planning, talk to your mate. Tell him/her what
you believe is missing, and confess the ways your own actions have contributed to the problem.
Without accusing or condemning, communicate how much you want to feel close to your spouse
and describe the changes you’re willing to make. When your spouse sees your willingness to
change, chances are good that he or she will gladly join you on the journey from loneliness
back to the closeness you both desire.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We pray this has been helpful to your marriage. It has been to ours. As we press forward as
students of marriage and of each other and pass that information along to you, we find our
own marriage benefiting from the "wake-up calls" the Lord reveals to us. We also would greatly
value learning whatever you’re learning about marriage so we can pass that along so hopefully
we’ll all receive the benefit. Live, learn, and pass it along—that’s our motto!

God Bless!
Steve and Cindy Wright

Every week we're adding new articles to the web site, www.marriagemissions.com so
return often because you'll find other helpful marriage information as well as all
of the previous Marriage Messages. If you don't have access to the internet, you can
send an e-mail to liverite@christianchallengeandblessing.com and write "subscribe
to Marriage Messages" in the subject line. NOTE: If you receive our messages at work,
be sure to ask the Administrator of the e-mail accounts to add Marriage Missions to
their list of acceptable IP addresses, otherwise your company's SPAM filter may
prevent our Marriage Message from reaching you.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!

Stay Awake

2008-05-28T09:31:00.004+02:00

Stay Awake
Jim ClarkMay 21, 2008

Early one morning in February of 1994, an experienced pilot named James Rich climbed into his small airplane with plans for a short flight to the next state. Little did he know of the near-disaster awaiting him.

James hadn't slept much the night before, and he was still tired as he sat behind the controls of his private plane. He was planning a 30-minute flight to visit a friend in East Tennessee. As he leveled off at 3,500 feet, James decided to rest his eyes for a quick nap. He set the airplane on auto-pilot, closed his eyes, and fell asleep...

But he dozed for three hours! When suddenly he awoke, he frantically looked down and saw what appeared to be a lake. Then he realized two frightening things. First, he was over an ocean -- with no land in sight. And second, his gas gauge was registering empty. As it happens, during his slumber he had flown out over the Gulf of Mexico, and was 85 miles from land and almost out of fuel! Although he crashed into the sea, James Rich was blessed -- he was rescued and he survived his ordeal.

What a great reminder to us all to stay spiritually alert each day! It's so tempting to put our spiritual lives on autopilot. Little prayer. Sporadic Bible study. Casual about our relationship with God.

Have you been cruising on autopilot lately? Or are you focused each day on Jesus Christ, and on His will for your life? It might help if we stopped everything, thought about our spiritual lives, and asked ourselves in what ways you've stopped paying attention -- or dozed off completely!

1 Peter 5:8 warns us, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Realize that we all have an enemy that that's trying to steer us off course. Yet if we stay close to Jesus, we're promised a safe journey.

(c) 2003, Herald of Truth and Jim Clark Posted at www.hopeforlife.org

Life Lessons

2008-05-27T15:56:00.004+02:00

Life Lessons

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things
of life. Her coat was new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her
life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others
had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled.

To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white
teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president.
Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under
his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me
alone."

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to
his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here
for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat
and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!"
Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up "Let me go, officer.
I didn't do anything."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into
the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.

It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left
and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria
and stood by his table.

"What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this Is this man in
trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is
bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let
me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with
Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly
meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly
meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference."

She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join
us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel "I'll get your coffee for you right
away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him
intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old , rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you
do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in
my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold
and hungry.

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a
magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking
for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents
and had been kicked out of my apartment.

I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving.
I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. & quote; "I was behind the
serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat.
I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich
that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner
table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I
looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then
that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own
business, that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled
out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a
Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company.

I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around
the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a
little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you
get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you? " he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He
led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before
going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today,
something that I will never forget. And. . . and thank you for the coffee."

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST,
you have missed everything in the world!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can
curl up inside your heart.

With thanks to Nhlanhla Mazibuko

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

There Through the Tears

2008-05-26T14:18:00.000+02:00

There Through the Tears

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” Psalm 71:20

A young lady gathered the necessary ingredients from the refrigerator and stood over the kitchen counter preparing to cook her favorite dish. The key ingredient for the dish was onion, which she did not like preparing. As she began preparing the onion, tears began to stream down her face as a result of the onion. As the tears continued to flow, she never ceased preparing the onion simply because she knew the onion was necessary in order for the dish to be what she wanted it to be. When the dish was complete, she tasted it and was thoroughly pleased with the final product. In order to get to the final product she desired, not stopped by tears.

Life is full of ups and downs, joy and sorrow, trials and tribulations. Some situations we face in life are simply not enjoyable and we experience pain. Classes not going well, bank account a bit shaky, trouble on the job, trouble at home, and other things go on that are just undesirable. As a result, the tears are (have been) flowing. God never promised we would never have trouble, He does promise that the end shall be greater than the beginning and He will be with us through the tears. In the midst of flowing tears, we must prepare for the breakthrough by continuing to walk in His Word and in His promises. Some simply need to be reminded that breakthrough is on the way and God is still “there through the tears.”

Timothy Jackson, Jr.
Copyright © 2006 by Timothy Jackson, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

STORMS

2008-05-24T11:14:00.003+02:00

Storms

And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and
rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26

We can avoid storms in our lives about as often as we can divert weather patterns
over our city. Go stand outside and try. The reality is you will always face times
of uncertainty. In the landscape of your life, you will enjoy a few blue-sky days,
but mostly there will always be a dark cloud gathering somewhere on the horizon of
your life, reminding you of the daily need to trust God with tomorrow. You can’t
set your hope on the illusion that somehow you’re going to sort everything out one
day. There will always be enough to keep you on your knees. And just about the time
you think, I don’t really need to pray that much this week-wham. Face it; on this
side of eternity, there will never be a day when you won’t need to trust the God
who loves you.

My future and yours will be ravaged by the waves until we embrace the fact that
God allows these storms for our good. He won’t let us drown. Can you imagine how
it would have wrecked the Gospels if it went down like this: There was this storm
and Jesus was asleep and four of the disciples drowned? Of course not! He would
not let them--nor will He let you--drown.

But back in the moment, the disciples were wild with fear. Even the professional
fishermen knew things were out of control. In the original language the disciples
said just this: "Lord, save!"

Notice Jesus’ response to them: "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"
(Matthew 8:26). Bible scholars debate whether or not that was a rebuke. Matthew
was clearly fond of reporting how many times Jesus said it: First, here in
Matthew 8:26, when they feared the storm; then in Matthew 14:31, when Peter took
his eyes off the Lord and began to sink; again in Matthew 16:8, when they forgot
about the miracle of multiplying bread; and again in Matthew 17:20, when they
failed to heal the demon possessed boy. "O you of little faith!"-Jesus said it
to them a lot.

In my mind’s eye, I see Him smiling when He says it here in the storm. I think
it’s tender, like He’s saying, "You don’t get it yet, do you?" He’s not mad at
them, but sad that they didn’t think He could take care of them.

Makes you wonder how often He says "O you of little faith!" to us.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Hurry Up and Wait

2008-05-23T10:43:00.003+02:00

Hurry Up and Wait
David Langerfeld
May 19, 2008

Hurry Up And Wait

"...but those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

When Brad was in the second or third grade, his class did a project on safety. All of the students drew a poster at the conclusion of the week showing what they had learned. Brad's poster was typical for a boy his age. He drew a fire truck and ambulance parked outside an emergency room. A patient lay bleeding on a stretcher and the sign at the doorway to the emergency room said, "Hurry Up And Wait".

Obviously, Brad at that age didn't realize the importance of the words he wrote, but they convey a worldly truth. We spend many minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years rushing through life only to find ourselves waiting, waiting, and waiting some more.

We wait at the doctor's office; we wait at the grocery store; we wait at the post office; we wait at the pharmacy; we wait for our children to grow up and then anxiously wait for them to come home again. Waiting is hard, exasperating work. The fact that we hate to wait has created a "quick fix" society.

We microwave our food; pump our own gas; process our words on a computer; write notes of affection on the internet, not paper; jet to locations far and near; hear news from across the world in fractions of a second; eat out because it takes too much time to cook, and so on.

In our world, waiting is bad. However, in God's world, waiting is good. God has given us many instructions on the necessity of waiting. Let's look at some of these:

"My soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation." (Psalm 62:1)

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart" (Psalm 27:14)

"Blessed is he who waits..." (Daniel 12:12)

"We have waited for Him and He will save us." (Isaiah 25:9)

"I will wait for You, O You his Strength; for God is my defense." (Psalm 59:9)

Did you notice the words used by those who wait on God? These are not words of frustration and confusion. These are words of strength, salvation and blessings. Waiting on God, as David, Isaiah and many others learned, means letting go and letting God. It involves study, reflection, prayer, solitude and time apart from the world.

We microwave... God works miracles.
We rush... God refreshes.
We get angry and impatient... God gets busy reorganizing our priorities.

Hurry Up And Wait.
Spend time giving time to God.
Block out a section of your calendar for the Son of Man.
Then sit quietly...

sh... shhhh... and wait on God.

Eagles in the Storm

2008-05-14T13:04:00.001+02:00

Eagles in the Storm

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us... and all of us will experience them... we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward Jesus.

The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. The Bible says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31.

Author Unknown

Dead End?

2008-04-12T08:55:00.000+02:00

Dead End?

The car was rammed tight into a V-shaped concrete median.

I passed by the car for several days. The front end was crushed against concrete and
the car appeared to be wedged in so tight that a wrecker would be challenged extricating
it from the wall.

The car stared back at me as if trying to tell me something.

"Why didn't the owner come and move it?" I thought.

Then it hit me, A MountainWings Moment.

So many lives are like this car. It told a story.

I turned around, parked my car, and got out to take pictures. I knew that you needed to
see this car and its predicament.

The median had bales of straw guarding the entrance; obviously the construction crew
was to use the straw to cover the dirt for the grass to grow.

The middle was mud, yet this car had traveled well over a hundred feet to get wedged in,
stranded, damaged, and unable to back out. People gawked and wondered why.

Are you traveling down such a road now?

Something or someone warned you at the beginning not to go down this road. You broke
past the warnings and went on anyway.

The dirt and mud didn't bother you; you were still rolling, traveling on your own road,
feeling fine, maybe even excited.

Sometimes when we crash through the warnings we don't realize it is a dead end. We
can't see there is disaster, not deliverance waiting at the end.

If you are traveling on the wrong road in life, there is still time to back up and
turn around, before you get so stuck, before you can't move.

Look at the pictures that I took, and make sure you aren't on a dead end road. A
picture is worth a thousand words. To view the pictures, click below:

http://www.mountainwings.com/past/3070.htm

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Vertrou in God se bestaan.

2008-03-25T11:02:00.001+02:00

Vertrou in God se bestaan.

Insig:

Hebreers 11:1 - Die geloof dan is 'n vaste vertroue op die dinge wat ons hoop, 'n bewys van die dinge wat ons nie sien nie. (Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Het jy al ooit gewonder of God real is? Dit is nie net 'n vraag by nie gelowiges nie, maar net so veel van 'n vraag by Christene. Omtrent almal wat eerlik sal wees, sal erken dat hy al daaroor gewonder het. Dit is in die mense ingebou om dinge te bevraagteken. Gaan kyk net na Adam en Eva se storie, hulle het God se woord bevraagteken. Nou om God se bestaan of sy goedheid te bevraagteken, maak jou nie 'n nie-Christen nie, dit maak net die deur oop vir die duiwel om met jou kop te smokkel. Geloof! Dit is waarop ons verhouding met God gebaseer is. God het dit vir Thomas gesê nadat Hy weer opgestaan uit die dode, toe Thomas gesê het hy sal nie glo dat Jesus opgestaan het nie. Hy wil eers die gate in sy hande en voete sien. Wat het Jesus hom geantwoord? Thomas kyk en twyfel nie meer nie, geseend is die een wat glo, want hy het gesien, maar meer geseend is hy wat glo en nie gesien het nie. Sien, ons het 'n spreekwoord wat totaal en al verkeerd is; sien is glo. Hebreers 11:1 sê dat ons geloof is nie wat ons sien nie, maar dit wat ons op hoop en dat ons 'n vaste vertroue daarin het. Die Bybel sê ook dat ons hoop moet daarin lê, dat Jesus weer vir ons opgestaan het en sodoende dit moontlik gemaak het vir ons, sy volgelinge om ook eendag uit die dood op te staan en 'n ewigheid in die hemel saam met Hom te kan woon. Maar ons hoef nie te wag tot dan om op te staan nie, ons kan nou uit ons omstandighede opstaan en die mense rondom ons vertel dat God bestaan.

Uitsig:

Twyfel jy in God se bestaan?
Waarop vertrou jy?

2008-03-05T08:56:00.004+02:00

The ABC's of Starting Over

Mark 10:46-52

Is your life predictable? Do you do the same thing, day after day? Do you feel as though 2008 will be just as dull and monotonous as 2007? There is a wonderful passage that gives you a practical example of how one man changed his life. It gives you the ABC's of how to change your life.

Mark 10:46-52 - Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [49] Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." [52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

From this passage, we can discover the ABC's to help us change our life.

A - Assume Responsibility For Your Own Life!

v. 47 - When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

We live in a generation that tries to blame someone else for its problems.

Teenagers blame their parents,

Parents blame their children,

Workers blame their co-workers or their boss.

Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. Let me repeat that. Things happen that you can't control - but you can control your response. I hear people say all the time. He makes me so mad or she makes me so mad.

Nobody can make you mad. You're the only person who can make you mad. People can do things that upset you, things you don't like, things that hurt you. But you decide how you're going to respond.

Look back at the scripture. See what did Bartimaeus did and did not do.

1. He didn't blame someone else.

He didn't think that God or anyone else owed him something.

2. He did go to Jesus. He humbled himself and sought help and deliverance.

B - Believe You Can Change (V. 51).

[51] "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."

He believed he wouldn't walk away the same.

He believed that he'd be DIFFERENT.

So often people pray...

"God, if you'll just change my employer,

if you'll just change my husband or my wife

if you'll just change my children or my Friend,

if you'll just change my boss, or co-worker, or relative.

God never promises that he will change your situation. God does promise that he will change YOU. He'll change your attitude... your perspective... Your outlook... Then you can change your attitude toward your situation.

C - Clarify What It Is You Really Need

[51] - "What do you want me to do for you?"

Specific prayers get specific answers. How often do we pray, "God bless the missionaries overseas." Jesus already knew what the man needed. Jesus just wanted the man to say it.

How often do we play communication games with each other? A wife will tell me, "He doesn't meet my needs." "Well, does he know what you need?" "Sure, he loves me, he ought to know." " Maybe he ought to know, but that doesn't necessarily mean he really knows. You have to tell him what your needs are."

Another example: "I'm so mad at him." "Well, does he know why you're mad at him." "Of course, he does. He knows what he did!" "How does he know? Did you tell him?" "I don't have to tell him. He knows."

We do the same thing with God. We assume that since God knows everything, we don't have to tell him. But that's just exactly the opposite of the way God operates. He wants us to tell him what we need. Exactly what we need. Jesus will meet your needs when you tell him what your needs are. But sometimes He doesn't meet your needs because you never tell Him what you really want and how you really feel.

Notice his cry - "Have mercy on me." He was Beggar. Yet, notice, he didn't cry out for food, or clothing, or money or housing. He was given sight that day. He was healed that day - because he realized that his most basic need was for mercy and grace. He needed what only Jesus was offering - and because of that, he was healed.

D - Decide to Stop Worrying

1. First, Stop Worrying About What Other People Will Say

(v. 48) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.

What were they telling him?

Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!

This isn't the right place.. This isn't the right time...

Nobody's ever done it that way before...

You can't do that - just be quiet

We have to quit worrying about what other people think. In this particular situation, everyone else was wrong. Everyone else told him he shouldn't do it that way. He didn't care what the protocol was. He didn't care if all the people agreed that you just don't approach Jesus that way. He knew he needed help and he wasn't going to be denied.

Have you prayed for something and God hasn't answered you yet?

Keep on calling out to God.

Do you have a need and God hasn't met it yet.

Keep on calling out to God.

Are you hurting and don't have an answer?

Keep on calling out to God.

Are people telling you to give up?

Are people telling you to quit?

Are people telling you that God doesn't care?

Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say?

Are you concerned about how it might look?

Are you worried that other people will think you crazy or you're a fanatic?

Stop worrying.

Don't quit.

Don't give up

JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER

One of the greatest attributes a Christian can have is persistence and perseverance. Jesus tells a parable about the neighbor who comes at midnight and is rewarded for his persistence. Someone once said, God doesn't answer shallow prayers, he answers desperate prayer.

2. Second, Stop Waiting for the Ideal Circumstances

v. 46 As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging.

Bartimaeus almost missed his chance. Jesus was on his way out of town. This is the last time Jesus would come to Jericho. If he had missed JESUS, he never would have been healed.

We have to quit waiting for just the right time.

We have to quit waiting for the right opportunity to come along. It may not happen.

We have to do something now.

E - Exercise Your Faith

[50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

Sometimes, we have to do something different.

We can't do the same old thing.

If we're really going to change,

If we want life to be different,

we have to do something bold and dramatic.

Bartimaeus did something unique and unusual for that day and time. It was not normal for a man to cast aside his garment. It was not the usual protocol for a man to leave his garment. Sometimes we have to do something totally out of the norm. Totally different. Hebrews 12:1 says, let us lay aside every weight, every sin that so easily entangles us." Notice those words, lay aside every weight and every sin.

We know the sins. But what are the weights? Whatever is keeping you from keeping Jesus first in your life. Whatever is keeping you from running to Jesus. Whatever is holding you back from surrendering your life to the LORDSHIP of Jesus so he can do a miracle in your life.

F - Follow Jesus

[52] "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

He was a beggar, he was blind, he had been healed. It would have been so easy to go into town and tell everybody what had happened - to show the priest, to show his friends and relatives, to let the whole town know that he had been healed - but that's not what the scripture says. It simply says, "He followed Jesus!"

2008 can be totally different from 2007 if you'll...

A - Assume responsibility for your own life

B - Believe you can change

C - Clarify what it is you really need.

D - Decide to stop worrying

1. Stop worrying what other people will say

2. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances

E - Exercise Your Faith

F - Follow Jesus!

Human Jumper Cables

2008-03-03T08:10:00.001+02:00

Human Jumper Cables

One little light. That's all it took to render our car totally unusable. The little
light in the rear of our vehicle was left on one night after we unloaded some things,
and it stayed on for several days while we were gone. When we got back, everything
in that car said, "I'm not starting, pal!" because that one little light totally
drained our battery, of course. But then came the hero—our friend in his pickup
truck with his trusty jumper cables. And those cables delivered the energy that my
flat old battery needed to run again!

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Human Jumper
Cables."

What does it take to get a drained and tired battery going again? A jolt from jumper
cables that infuses the energy needed to revive it. And what does it take to get a
drained and tired person going again? Human jumper cables that deliver new energy
to revive them.

I'm guessing that you know someone right now who is pretty depleted—emotionally,
mentally, maybe spiritually, even physically. When they turn the key, not much is
happening because their battles, their responsibilities have left them unable to
get going again. That's why God has given us each other. To be jumper cables for
each other when we sense that someone we know is pretty run down. If you've got
your eyes open for them, you'll see someone in need of an emotional and spiritual
"jump" most every day of your life.

There's a wonderful example of that in II Timothy 1:16-17, our word for today from
the Word of God. This is the last letter Paul ever wrote. He's away from most of
his friends, he's locked up in Caesar's prison in Rome, and he knows he may never
leave there alive. And in fact, he won't. Then along comes an unsung hero named
Onesiphorus, and he is God's jumper cables to help the great apostle find the
energy to go on. Listen to Paul's testimony and think about how you can be this
for someone you know: "May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,
because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains...When he was in
Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me."

When you're one of God's jump starters, you wake up in the morning and you say, "Lord,
show me who needs me today." Then you look for, even go out of your way if necessary,
to call that person who needs encouragement, to write them, e-mail them, visit with
them, or just stop and take time with them. It's almost always a sacrifice to do that
because of all the things you have to do. But you may have nothing more important to
do than this extension of Jesus' love to someone who's really depleted. Your joy can
jump start theirs. Your praying in faith can jump start theirs. Your affirmation of
their value and their significance can jump start them believing it again themselves.
Your belief in them can reenergize their courage to get back in the ring for another
round. Your reminder of who they really are to God and to you may be just the spiritual
jolt they need to get going again.

You may say, "Yeah, well, I need someone to jump start me!" You're thinking a lot
lately about your burdens, your problems, and your feelings. The greatest way to get
out of your pit is to reach out and help someone else get out of theirs. Proverbs 11:25
says: "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

You have what someone needs today to get started again. Don't just cruise on by,
oblivious to the needs right in front of you. "Lord, show me who needs me today." That's
the prayer that will make you the conduit to deliver the resources of God to someone
who really can't go on without them. You are God’s jumper cables!

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!

Bid vir jou geliefdes

2008-02-20T15:59:00.002+02:00

Bid vir jou geliefdes.

Insig:

Johannes 17:9 - Ek bid vir hulle; Ek bid nie vir die wêreld nie, maar vir die wat U My gegee het, omdat hulle aan U behoort. (Ou Vertaling)

Oorsig:

"Jy kan jou vriende kies, maar nie jou familie nie", is 'n gesegde wat ons almal al gehoor het. Watse soot familielid is jy? Om geskenke te gee en te sê jy is lief vir iemand is nie die enigste manier om jou liefde te bewys nie. Ons moet ook vir hulle bid. Jesus het vir sy dissipels gebid, sy aangenome familie vir 3 jaar. Ons lees daarvan in Johannes 17. Om vir ons familie te bid, is 'n teken dat ons vir hulle omgee. In Efesiërs 6: 13, lees ons van die wapenrustiging van God. As ons na die toerusting kyk, die helm van verlossing, die borswapen, die gordel, swaard, skild en skoene, is daar nie iets wat die rug van die soldaat beskerm nie. Maar, lees aan. "Terwyl julle met alle gebed en smeking by elke geleentheid bid in die Gees, en juis daartoe waak met alle volharding en smeking vir al die heiliges." Om te bid vir ons geliefdes, is om hulle rûe te beskerm teen die duiwel. Soos die Engelse daarvan hou om te sê: "I've got your back". Dis hoekom gebed so belangrik is: dit is die enigste wapen om ons rug te beskerm en die rûe van andere. Kom ons hou op om te sê "ek bid vir jou" as ons nie vir hulle bid nie en wanneer jy dit tog sê, maak 'n punt daarvan om dit te doen!

Uitsig:

Is gebed deel van jou wapenrusting?
Bid jy vir jou geliefdes?

Bodybuilding met gebed.

2008-02-12T16:09:00.000+02:00

Bodybuilding met gebed.

Insig:

1 Petrus 5: 5b -want God weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar aan die nederiges gee Hy genade. (Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Op 'n stadium, kort na die verskyning van my eerste boek oor gebed, het ek gedog ek kan bid. Ek het na soveel gebedsgroepe toe gegaan en elke keer as ek begin bid het, het ek bewus geword van die Here se teenwoordigheid. Ek het gedink ek kan bid en kort voor lank het ek dit nie net vir myself nie, maar ook vir ander mense begin sê. Toe my gedagtes woorde geword het, het ek besef dat ek glad nie kan bid nie! Terselfdertyd het ek agtergekom dat ek ook nie kan preek nie! Dit was vir my 'n groot skok toe ek besef dat ek sonder God niks kan doen nie. As 'n liggaamsbouer gedurig sy spiere in die spieël staan en bewonder, maar nie daaraan oefen nie, gaan hy definitief nie baie lank iets hê om na te kyk nie! Ek het binne vier maande al die spiere verloor wat ek in 'n jaar-en-'n-half van harde gim opgebou het, net omdat ek meer voor die spieël gestaan het as wat ek in die gim besig was om te sweet. 'n Mens sou dink dat ek my les geleer het, maar nee! Ek het in my gebedslewe dieselfde fout gemaak. Ek het meer afgewys as wat ek regtig in my stiltekamer gebid het. Wanneer jy meer voor ander mense wil bid as in jou stiltetyd, alleen in jou kamer agter die toe deur, dan stel ek voor dat jy diep in jouself kyk en die vraag vra: 'Staan ek voor die spieël van hoogmoedigheid, of is ek op my knieë in 'n gesindheid van nederigheid?' Wanneer jy ernstig is oor gebed kom jy gou agter dat jy nie kan bid nie. Dit is God wat deur jou bid, wat kan bid, nie jy nie. Dit is iets wat ons sal moet verstaan as ons wil hê God moet ons vir sy koninkryk gebruik. God kan nie iemand gebruik wat trots is nie.

Uitsig:

Spog jy met jou geestelikheid?
Praat jy meer van God as met Hom?
Is hoogmoed in ander area's in jou lewe 'n probleem?

Monkey Spit

2008-02-11T15:53:00.000+02:00

Monkey Spit
Author unknown

When I was so isolated from others, I didn't realize it for many years. But mounting friction with
my wife and sons revealed the isolation.

I recall one day in the summer when our teenage boys were watching TV as I came home for lunch. It had been an extra stressful morning for me at the radio stations that I manage. So, when I walked in the door and saw these slacker-couch potatoes (in my rash opinion at that moment) in front of the plug-in-drug, I went ballistic. I yelled things I later deeply regretted. It took one of my sons a year to get over the verbal assault.

You know what, God redeemed that situation by convicting me of an anger stronghold that was much deeper than I had ever thought. I knew I had an anger issue, but that day i recognized the depth of it in a way I never had. I soon studied "The Anger Workbook" by Les Carter. God used this book to help me greatly control my anger. In fact, I still read page 112 from it every month just to try to avoid set backs and to continue to embrace truth.

Pain has a way of pointing us to truth if we allow it to. Truth always has come to me in the form
of brokenness, feeling like a worthless piece of monkey spit. But Jesus once took spit and made a
man see. He did that for me, too.

I realized God's power shows up in being broken before Him as well as before other Christian men whom I trust. In fact, with me, there are still periodical times of brokenness. Each one always has led me to a revitalization of my spirit and soul. I don't particularly like the process, but I surely love the peace and tranquility that follow.

Isn't it amazing how God works.

With thanks to Gary Chester at http://menwhowin.com/home.asp. Men this is a great and very frank and honest site dealing with men. I encourage you to visit his ministry site. Keith

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Phil 4:13

2008-02-05T09:56:00.000+02:00

Phil. 4 : 13

This will give you chills....

Phil. 4:13 states:

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.'

Here's the story:

A young man who had been raised as an atheistwas training to be an Olympic diver.

The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend.

The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often.

One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college heattended.

The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by.

The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall.

The shadow of his body, was in the shape of a cross.

The man felt a strange feeling, like someone was speaking to him.

Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked God to come into his life.

As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.

The pool had been drained ! for repairs.

Yes I do Love Jesus.

He is my source of existence and Savior.

He keeps me functioning each and everyday.

'Without Him, I will be nothing.

Without him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthensme.

'Phil 4:13.

Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow.( This is very wise thinking.)

Determinig Your Course of Action

2008-01-29T13:02:00.000+02:00

Determining Your Course of Action

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7

When I was in college, I kept a motto on my desk that said, “He who would not fall down
ought not to walk in slippery places. Keep yourself clean. Keep yourself pure. Watch
what you set before your eyes.” There needs to be discipline.

Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look upon a maid” (Job 31:1). If we are
to have a walk of purity in obedience to God, we must determine ahead of time what our
course of action will be. One big decision will take care of a lot of little ones.

Are you going on a trip alone any time soon? If so, make the decision right now to keep
your walk pure and holy for God’s glory.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat."
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

David's Armor

2008-01-28T12:09:00.000+02:00

David's Armor

David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used
to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took
them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39

David, the young shepherd boy, heard the challenge from the Philistines to send someone to
fight Goliath. No one volunteered to fight except David. King Saul reluctantly agreed and
offered David his armor. David put on the weighty equipment, but quickly concluded he could
not fight in this heavy armor.

God equips each of us in such a way that is unique to our strengths and abilities. David was
trained as a shepherd to use another weapon. For David, it was a slingshot. David showed
great maturity in realizing he could not be effective with Saul's armor.

What are the gifts and talents God has given to you? Have you ever tried to accomplish a task
with tools you were not trained to use? God allows each of us to develop skills that are
unique to our life. He will not call you to use someone else's tools.

However, this is only half of the equation. These talents must be mixed with faith. Talent
alone is not enough. Faith alone is not enough. It is only when the two are combined that
God's power is released and manifested in the physical realm.

Mix your unique gifts with faith today; you will be surprised at the power of God that will
be manifested.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Watch!

2008-01-17T13:57:00.000+02:00

Watch!

Watch! Begin to see everything around you with My eyes.
Much is happening that fulfills My end-time plan if you have eyes to see.
Most of My church is either asleep or distracted by their lusts for the world and its ways.
They are blind. You watch! You listen!
You tell others of the coming peril, so that they can be prepared to act
like Jesus would act when it comes.
Open your eyes so that you can see with My eyes!

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Joshua 7:13 Amp Up, sanctify (set apart for a holy purpose) the people, and say, Sanctify
yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: There are
accursed things in the midst of you, O Israel. You can not stand before your
enemies until you take away from among you the things devoted [to destruction].

Matt. 5:11-12 NIV "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say
all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the
same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Ten years ago if someone would have said that there would come a time in this nation when we
could lose our freedoms overnight or be persecuted for our faith in the United States, we
would've thought that they were some kind of false doom and gloom prophet. How different
the world looks now!

There's no denying that as we look around and open our eyes, things sure have changed. Anything is possible and could very well become probable as time goes on. How are you preparing to represent Jesus in a world that may be unrecognizable from even today's world? Are you preparing for what is on the horizon or are you like the proverbial ostrich with your head in the sand, hoping that the bad things will go away?

There is incredible power and safety for those who are walking in the fullness of Jesus. It is
the only true place of His incredible presence.

Make me aware and ready, Lord.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Gebed is noodsaaklik

2008-01-16T15:58:00.000+02:00

Gebed is noodsaaklik.

Insig:

Romeine 8:28 - En ons weet dat vir hulle wat God liefhet, alles ten goede meewerk, vir hulle wat na sy voorneme geroep is.'(Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Of ons na gebed kyk soos werk of 'n stokperdjie, die belangrikste punt van gebed is dat ons geestelikke groei daarvan afhang. Snaaks hoe ons partykeer sê hoe dringend ons 'n chocolate nodig het. Ons besef nie wat ons regtig nodig het nie; gesonde kos.

Gebed is soos gesonde kos, jy kan daarsonder lewe maar jy sal nie so lank of sorg-vry lewe nie. So, dit is elkeen se verantwoondelikheid om gebed as 'n noodsaaklikheid te beskou. In Romeine 8:28 lees ons dat alles sal ten goede uitwerk vir diegene wat God lief het. Hoe wys ons vir God dat ons Hom liefhet? Ons is gehoorsaam aan Hom. Ons loof en prys Hom. En ons gesels met Hom in gebed. So, hoe meer ons bid, hoe meer wys ons ons liefde vir God en hoe meer sal dinge goed vir ons uitwerk. Maar die Bybel het nie gesê die lewe gaan lekker en maklik wees nie vir diegene wie God lief het. Dit sê goed uitwerk. Jy sien, toe God die wêreld geskape het, het Hy die lig van die duisternis verwyder, nie die duisternis weggeneem nie. Want sonder donker sal ons nie die lig waardeer nie. In die moeilike tye van 'n mens se lewe, die nag, word 'n mens sterker deur om te leer hoe om temptasie en probleme te oorkom. God het geweet, sonder duisternis, sal niemand groei nie. Daars 'n liedjie wat sê 'partykeer kalmeer God die storm en ander keer kalmeer Hy sy kind'. Gebed is noodsaaklik, nie om die lewe vir jou maklik te maak nie, maar om jou te versterk om die lewe met woema in te gaan.

Uitsig:

Is gebed deel van jou geestelik maaltyd?
Is jy gehoorsaam aan God?

Longing for His Return

2008-01-09T10:14:00.001+02:00

Longing for His Return

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“...we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Is your heart longing for Jesus to return? Are you looking for Him? I am. The coming of
Jesus is really the only hope for this world. And when will that be? I don’t know. It
may be at morning when the clouds break open with sunlight and shadows of night recede
from the sky. It may be at noon when the world is hustling and bustling. It may be at
dusk when the birds are singing their evening song or at midnight when the stars will
dim by the blaze of glory when He descends from the heavenlies. What joy fills my
heart! Does it fill yours as well to think of that moment? Are you ready?

ACTION POINT:
Look up into the skies today and think about His return. Can you imagine the sound of
the trumpets and the voice of the angels announcing His return?

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Lord, Prop Us Up

2008-01-03T09:23:00.000+02:00

LORD, PROP US UP
author unknown

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.'

After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this....I got an old barn out back. It's been
there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it's gone through a lot of storms, and
it's stood for many years. It's still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one
side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it
wouldn't fall.

Then I got to thinking 'bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a
long time, I've withstood a lot of life's storms, I've withstood a lot of bad weather in
life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself
leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our
leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.'

Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred,
leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't, so we need to
pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side,' so we will stand straight and tall again,
to glorify the Lord.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Raak verslaaf op gebed

2007-12-31T10:32:00.000+02:00

Raak verslaaf op gebed.

Insig:

Openbaring 3:16 - Maar nou, omdat jy lou is en nie koud of warm nie, sal Ek jou uit my mond spuug."(Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Was jy al ooit in 'n kroeg waar jy gesien het dat 'n dronk persoon sy alkohol mors? Jy kon dalk al in 'n kroeg gewees het en jy het dalk al selfs 'n dronk persoon gesien, maar een ding wat jy nooit sal sien nie, is 'n dronk persoon wat sy drank mors! Hoe so? Dronk mense mors nie hulle alkohol nie. Die ou kan so dronk wees dat hy nie regop kan staan of reg kan praat nie, maar sy glas bier of wyn sal hy mooi regop hou. Daar sal nie een druppel alkohol uitstort nie. Hoekom nie? Want die dronk persoon dra sy alkohol op die hande. Op daardie oomblik is die alkohol sy meester en hy is maar net die slaaf. Hy sal nie sy meester laat val nie. Hy doen slegs wat die alkohol vir hom sê om te doen. Die alkohol neem sy lewe geheel en al oor. Snaaks hoe ons kan toelaat dat alkohol meer beheer oor ons lewens kry as wat God oor ons het. Ons sê God is ons meester. Ons sê ons dra Hom op ons hande. Ons sê ons gehoorsaam Hom, maar by die eerste geleentheid laat ons Hom val, mors ons Hom. God verwag meer van ons, veral as ons verklaar dat ons Christene is. Dit is tyd dat ons as Christene begin verslaaf raak op God, op gebed, sodat ons nie in die eerste versoeking wat ons onself in bevind, ons meester laat val nie. Gebed moet so verslawend word dat dit ons hele lewe oorneem. Wat help dit dat ons reg bid, maar nie reg lewe nie? Mense wat God op die hande dra, mense wat verslaaf is aan gebed, praat nie net reg nie; hulle lewe ook reg!
Uitsig:

Is jy verslaaf aan ander dinge?
Laat val jy jou goddelike beginsels 'n bietjie te gereeld?
Dink jy dit is nou die tyd om God op jou hande te begin dra?

Hell Can't Put Out the Light

2007-12-27T11:56:00.000+02:00

Hell Can't Put Out the Light

In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness,
for the darkness has never overpowered it." (John 1:4-5, the Amplified Bible)

Whenever things around you get dark and you feel the devil is about to overpower you, remember
this: You have the Light of the world in you, and try as they may, all the forces of hell can't
put it out! Even when you're at your weakest, even when you feel like the light within you is
small, the devil's darkness is no match for you.

Let me show you what I mean. Imagine for a moment that you're in a large auditorium that has
no windows or doors to let in outside light. The place is so black you can't see anything, not
even your hand in front of our face. There's nothing around you but complete darkness!

Now, imagine one little lightning bug flying around that auditorium. Every eye in there would
turn toward it. As small as that little light is in comparison to the great darkness around
it, you would still be able to see it. That massive blackness wouldn't be able to do a thing
to shut off that bug. Everywhere he flew, the darkness would just have to yield. It would
always be dispelled by his light.

When the circumstances around you begin to get black and you're tempted to despair, think about that lightning bug. Meditate on the fact that

Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is in you. When the revelation of that hits you, you'll
never again let the darkness back you into a corner. You'll start chasing it down-- overcoming
it with your light!

SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 5:8-16

With thanks to Percy Chepkosgei

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

The Glove

2007-12-24T12:05:00.000+02:00

THE GLOVE

"You're so quiet, Son. What's on your mind?" asked Ben's father as he stopped at Ben's room to tell him good night.

Ben put his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling above his bed. "Oh, I've just been wondering if I should be a missionary."

"You don't seem very excited about the idea," said Dad.

"It seems like such a hard job," said Ben, propping himself up on one elbow. "I have this feeling that I might not be any good at it. What if God calls me to do something I can't do!"

Ben's father thought for a moment, then reached over to Ben's desk and picked up his baseball glove. "What's this?" he asked.

Ben laughed. "Don't be silly, Dad! It's my ball glove."

Dad walked over to the corner of the room. He propped the glove against the wall, found a baseball, and threw it at the glove. Though the ball hit the center of the glove, it rolled to the floor. Dad picked up the glove and looked at it in disgust. "This glove is a total failure," he said, shaking his head.

Ben laughed and laughed. "Oh, Dad, you know it can't catch by itself! It has to have a hand inside."

Dan smiled at Ben. "You're just like this glove," he said. "God has a purpose for your life, Ben, just as there is a purpose for this glove. You put your hand inside the glove to give it guidance and strength----you give it power to catch the ball. In the same way, God will give you power to do whatever He calls you to do. Don't worry, Son, God will never prop you in a corner and leave you alone. It's His mighty hand that does the work when you are willing to be used."

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

Redeeming the Time

2007-12-19T10:36:00.000+02:00

Redeeming the Time

Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the
towns until he reached Caesarea. - Acts 8:40

Many times I've heard a man or woman say they cannot participate in an event, a service,
or activity for God because of the time it will take away from their job. God has called
each of us to be good stewards of our time and our resources. It is just as important to
learn how to say yes as it is to say no, and we must be faithful to our employers if we
do not have freedom to take time away. However, many times I sense that workplace
believers justify a lack of obedience under the guise of stewardship.

Philip was one of the first businessmen who was given a commission to preach the gospel.
He was in the city of Samaria preaching when many miracles began to take place and the
crowds came to see what was happening. Then in the midst of this great move of God, the
angel of God spoke to Philip and told him to leave Samaria and go to a desert road that
led from Jerusalem to Gaza. Imagine how Philip must have questioned the logic of this
decision when he was seeing such results in Samaria. But Philip was obedient to the angel.
Along the road, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who wanted to have the Scriptures explained
to him. Philip explained the Scriptures to the Ethiopian, who was the treasurer of
Ethiopia under Queen Candace, and led him to the Lord, then baptized him in a nearby
lake. A few moments later, Philip was supernaturally transported many miles northwest
of his location to Azotus, where he preached Christ along the way toward his final
destination of Caesarea.

So often we think that if we give our time outside our work life, our work will suffer.
God redeemed the time for Philip by supernaturally transporting him to the next place
he was to be. God always blesses those who serve Him. He can redeem lost time for those
who willingly give of themselves for His purposes. Do not fall into the trap of
believing that God cannot redeem the time you give for Him. If He calls you to give
outside your normal work life, be assured He can make up that time. I have heard countless
examples of workplace believers who experienced God's supernatural financial provision for
time given for the sake of the gospel through unexpected business or unusual income that
resulted after they made the commitment to take time away from their work for service to
God.

God desires that we respond as Philip did in order to be used by Him in the life of
another person. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that you can go and speak when
He says go and speak. Do not fear the consequences of what that might mean if it requires
leaving your work interests for a time. God will make it up. He always takes care of
those who are obedient. He is more concerned about obedience than the bottom line.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Praat Reg

2007-12-18T10:55:00.000+02:00

Bid Reg Stap (Praat reg)

Insig:

Efe 4:29 - Laat daar geen vuil woord uit julle mond uitgaan nie, maar net 'n woord wat goed is vir die nodige stigting, sodat dit genade kan gee aan die wat dit hoor.'(Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Wat help dit as ons kan reg bid, maar ons kan nie reg praat nie? Die antwoord, niks nie. En daar is soveel van ons wat met hierdie probleem sukkel. Ons het respek vir God wanneer ons kerk toe gaan of wanneer ons bid of oor Hom gesels, maar die oomblik wanneer ons saam met ons vriende is, dan vergeet ons van al ons goeie maniere. Dan slaan ons oor tot 'n ander woordeskat, wat geen verduideliking nodig het nie. Vloek en vulgere taal! Daar moet geen plek in 'n Christen se lewe wees vir dit nie, veral nie een wat wil hê dat God sy gebedslewe moet beantwoord nie. Jesus sê in die Nuwe Tesament dat daar 2 hoofgebooie is; Wees lief vir God en wees lief vir jou naastes, soos vir jouself. Dink jy dat dit net goed genoeg is om net een van hierdie toe te pas? Die waarheid is, dat wanneer jy vloek en skreeu op jou naastes, is dit nie waar dit eindig nie. God het ons almal gemaak en daarom a s ons mense aanval, dan val ons ook hulle Skepper aan. God is nie beindruk as ons met Hom mooi praat, maar nie met die mense rondom ons nie. Die Bybel sê ook dat wat die hart van vol is, loop die mond van oor. As jy werklik wil weet wat in jou hart aangaan, luister wat by jou mond uitkom. En moenie nou net luister as jy in die kerk is nie, want daar is dit so maklik om heilig voor te kom. Hoe praat jy op kampus, in die werkplek, op die markplein? God soek nie 'n fassade nie, Hy soek mense wat eg is. Mense wat net soveel respek vir hulle naastes bewys as wat hulle vir God wys.

Uitsig:

Moet jou mond uitgespoel word met seep?
Wat is werklik besig om in jou hart aan te gaan?
Sal jy van nou af reg bid en reg praat?

Not Crushed

2007-12-12T08:17:00.000+02:00

"Not Crushed"

There are times that the oddest things catch my attention. For example, I am fascinated about the ball in United States football. This relatively small, oddly-shaped ball is constantly crushed beneath hundreds, and maybe even thousands of pounds of football players, and it bounces back every time. I have never witnessed or heard of one of these balls exploding or collapsing under the pressure. Why is that? I cannot give you the detailed scientific explanation, I do know that main reason is the air pressure inside the ball.

Have you ever seen a Weeble? It's a child's toy that carries the image of a person on it, but its claim to fame is that it wobbles but it doesn't fall down. That fascinates me, too. These little toys get knocked, pushed, and thrown around, yet they always end upright. The reason for this wonderful gift is due in part to their shape. But there are also strategically placed tiny weights inside the Weeble that make it possible for it to accomplish its feat.

Christians are a lot like the football and the Weeble you know. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)

One paraphrase of "jars of clay" reads, "cracked pots." That may be more accurate, but the key here is that we are breakable, finite beings, made from the dust of the earth.. At times life pounces on we "jars of clay," like a ton of football players. Other times evil pummels us with blow after blow. Yet, Christians continue to stand firm and strong, like that little football bouncing back and those little Weebles, wobbling but coming right back up to our feet. The world stands in awe of the resilience of the people of God and wonder how they can have such peace and strength amidst the crushing blows. But we know. It's what's inside!

"This treasure" spoken of in this verse is the gospel, the light and the person of Christ; it is the "all-surpassing power" given to us through the abiding Holy Spirit. It is not us, but Christ in us. Though pressure squeezes from every side, the power of Christ keeps us from being crushed. Though perplexed with all that is happening, we do not despair, for in Christ we know we are on the victorious side. Though we are persecuted, we remain strong in Christ, knowing that He never abandons His people. Though at times the blows knock us to the ground, we rise in grace and strength in Christ, not destroyed.

"Therefore, beloved, do not lose heart. Though these jars of clay are wasting away outwardly, inwardly Christ is renewing us day by day. These pressuring, perplexing, persecuting, knock down times, are but light and momentary and they are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Let us keep our eyes fixed not on the present happenings which are so visible to us, but upon the eternal, which is not seen by the earthly eye, but through eyes of faith." (paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry
"A Pause to Ponder God's Word"

When We Miss the Target

2007-12-08T10:48:00.000+02:00

When We Miss the Target
by Max Lucado

Read the first verse of Matthew’s gospel. Jesus knew David’s ways. He witnessed the adultery, winced at the murders, and grieved at the dishonesty. But David’s failures didn’t change Jesus’ relation to David. The initial verse of the first chapter of the first gospel calls Christ “the son of David” (Matt. 1:1 KJV). The title contains no disclaimers, explanations, or asterisks. I’d have added a footnote: “This connection in no way offers tacit approval to David’s behavior.” No such words appear. David blew it. Jesus knew it. But he claimed David anyway.

He did for David what my father did for my brother and me.

Back in our elementary school days, my brother received a BB gun for Christmas. We immediately set up a firing range in the backyard and spent the afternoon shooting at an archery target. Growing bored with the ease of hitting the circle, my brother sent me to fetch a hand mirror. He placed the gun backward on his shoulder, spotted the archery bull’s-eye in the mirror, and did his best Buffalo Bill imitation. But he missed the target. He also missed the storehouse behind the target and the fence behind the storehouse. We had no idea where the BB pellet flew. Our neighbor across the alley knew, however. He soon appeared at the back fence, asking who had shot the BB gun and who was going to pay for his sliding-glass door.

At this point I disowned my brother. I changed my last name and claimed to be a holiday visitor from Canada. My father was more noble than I. Hearing the noise, he appeared in the backyard, freshly rousted from his Christmas Day nap, and talked with the neighbor.

Among his words were these:
“Yes, they are my children.”
“Yes, I’ll pay for their mistakes.”

Christ says the same about you. He knows you miss the target. He knows you can’t pay for your mistakes. But he can. “God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins” (Rom. 3:25 NLT).

Since he was sinless, he could.

Since he loves you, he did. “This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10 NLT).

He became one of us to redeem all of us. “Jesus, who makes people holy, and those who are made holy are from the same family. So he is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (Heb. 2:11 NCV).

He wasn’t ashamed of David. He isn’t ashamed of you. He calls you brother; he calls you sister. The question is, doyou call him Savior?

Hoe om gebed te gebruik om nee te sê vir sonde

2007-12-07T11:23:00.000+02:00

Hoe om gebed te gebruik om nee te sê vir sonde

Insig:

Jakobus 1:15 - Daarna, as die begeerlikheid ontvang het, baar dit sonde; en as die sonde tot volle ontwikkeling gekom het, bring dit die dood voort. (Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Die Bybel sê in 1 Korintiëns 10:13 dat God goed is en nie sal toelaat dat ons bo ons kragte getempteer sal word nie en wanneer daar 'n temptasie kom, sal Hy altyd 'n uitweg vir ons gee. Daar is 'n paar algehele 'exits' van temptasie, maar die twee bestes wat vir my werk, is gebed en nee sê voordat die temptasie kom. Moenie nee sê vir sonde nie, sê nee vir temptasie. Die rede? Want om nee te sê vir sonde is amper onmoontlik, maar om jouself te verwyder van die temptasie, is wel doenbaar en as daar geen temptasie is nie, dan sal daar ook geen sonde wees nie. Jakobus 1:15 verduidelik die 4 stappe van sondegroei; konsepsie, geboorte, volgroeid en dood. Wanneer sal dit die maklikste wees om nee te sê vir sonde? Wanneer dit net 'n gedagte is. Hoe meer ons onsself toelaat om oor die sonde te dink, hoe moeiliker gaan dit wees om weg te stap daarvan. In die Bybel is daar verskeie plekke wat sê bid, sodat jy nie in die versoeking kom nie.' Dit is uiters belangrik om elke dag jou gees kos te gee. Die Bybel sê ook dat die vlees is in konstante stryd teenoor die gees en andersom ook, daarom is dit belangrik om jou gees sterk te hou, want anders sal jy te swak wees om nee te kan sê. Maak seker dat jy of elke dag die Bybel lees, bid of selfs net in jou dagboek skryf oor jou geestelike wandel. Onthou, skryf asof jy vir die Here skryf.

Uitsig:

Sukkel jy om nee te sê vir sonde?
Gee jy vir jou gees genoeg kos?
Sal jy van nou af eerder nee sê vir temptasie, in plaas daarvan te wag om te sien of jy die sonde kan weerstaan?

Mitte oor Kersfees

2007-12-06T14:53:00.000+02:00

Mitte oor Kersfees

Is Kersfees regtig Jesus se geboorte datum?

Rede vir die brief

Oor die afgelope paar weke het ons verskriklik baie navrae gekry oor die oorspong van Kersfees. En dit het ons laat besluit om vir ons lesers ons opinie oor die saak te gee.

Oorsprong van Kersfees

Die probleem wat die gelowiges mee sit is dat vir al die jare was Kersfees die dag van herdeking van Jesus Christus se geboorte. Maar onlangs is daar al hoe meer verwarring oor die saak en gelowiges weet nou nie meer of hulle dié eens heilige dag mee moet vier of nie. Dit is waar dat die ontstaan van Kersfees ‘n Roomse Katolieke fees tyd was om meer mense in die kerk te kry. Om hulle weg te lok van ‘n ‘pagan' fees wat oor die selfde tyd geloop het. So het baie van die ‘pagan' tradiesies deur geglip.

Die Skrif is nie duidelik op watter dag Jesus gebore was nie en as jy dit gaan bestudeer sal jy spekelasie datums kry vanaf Maart, September en Desember.

Ons opinie oor dit ten spyte van Jesus se ware geboorte dag of die ware oorsprong van die feestyd, is dat dit ‘n goeie platform skep vir familie en vriende om weer by mekaar uit te kom en om dank en eer te gee aan hulle Skepper wat hulle deur die jaar gebring het. Ook om te reflekteer oor alles wat Jesus vir ons gedoen het in sy leef tyd op aarde asook in ons lewens.

Ons Opinie

Om die waarheid te sê, as die jy die Kerk geskiedenis gaan bestudeer, en die oorsprong die kerk soos ons dit vandag kem, gaan opsoek, sal niemand hulle voete in die kerk sit nie.

So ons opine is, ja daar is valsheid, bedrog en leuens daar buite. Maar ons is in die wêreld maar nie van die wêreld nie. Die dinge van die wêreld is nie veronderstel om ons te beïnvloed nie.

Ons sal enige fees(gelowig of pagan) gebruik om eer aan God te gee, en ons sal in enige kerk (deurtrek met vrymesselary of satanisme) preek en die goeie nuus verkondig.

Kieswetter Bedieinge
www.grootisutrou.co.za

If you're not sure of your part

2007-12-06T12:07:00.000+02:00

IF YOU'RE NOT SURE OF YOUR PART

I heard about a junior high music teacher who had just organized a band in her school. The principal was so proud of the music teacher's efforts that without consulting her he decided that the band should give a concert for the entire school. The music teacher wasn't so sure her young musicians were ready to give a concert, so she tried to talk the principal out of holding the concert, to no avail.

Just before the concert was ready to begin, as the music teacher stood on the podium, she leaned forward and whispered to her nervous musicians, "If you're not sure of your part, just pretend to play."

And with that, she stepped back, lifted her baton and with a great flourish brought it down. Lo and behold, nothing happened! The band brought forth a resounding silence.

I can't help but wonder if we have the same problem in the church at times. Christians may have the idea that since they're unsure of the part that they are to play, they'll just sit and pretend. The problem is, when everyone is unsure of what part they're supposed to play, the result is silence -- nothing gets done.

What is the solution? The solution is helping each and every member of the body of Christ to learn their part. In I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, Paul pictures the church as a body with all of the different parts of that body having different functions.

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them..." (Romans 12:6).

I can't do everything, and I certainly can't do everything well. But that's OK. The saxophonist in an orchestra isn't expected to know how to play the drums. His talent is playing the saxophone. His job is simply to make use of his talent and do the very best that he can.

Learn what your gift is, and then use it to the glory of God. Paul offers a list of possibilities. Maybe your gift is speaking, or serving, or encouraging, or giving, or leading, or showing mercy (Rom. 12:6-8).

Perhaps your gift is in that list, perhaps it's something else altogether. But, if you're not sure of your part, please don't sit and pretend to play. Find out what your gift is and then make use of it to the glory of God!

Alan Smith
"Thought For The Day"

Pardoned

2007-12-03T10:20:00.000+02:00

Pardoned

"But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

The story is told about a young man who received a ticket for a speeding violation. As he stood before the judge, the judge found himself in a dilemma because he knew the young man didn't have any money to pay the fine and he didn't want to send him to jail. However, the judge had to fine the young man $150, which was the accepted amount for this traffic violation. Immediately the judge handed down the sentence, he stepped away from the bench, took off his robes, went to the defendant and paid the fine for him.

The young man was his own son whom he loved.

That's what God's Son, Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross of Calvary. God's justice required death as the automatic judgment upon our sin. However, because he loved us, the Son of God laid aside his "judge's robes," stepped out of the "ivory palaces" of heaven, came to earth and identified with us as a man, and died on the cross in our place to save us from our sins.

Because of this, God offers each of us a free pardon with forgiveness for all our sins and gives us his gift of eternal life. Jesus, the Son of God, paid the "fine/penalty" for us with his life. All we need to do is confess our sinfulness and accept his gift of salvation—the greatest gift known to man."

He paid a debt he didn't owe to free us from a price we couldn't pay."

Suggested prayer: "Father God, thank you for your great love gift for me in giving your Son, Jesus, to die in my place to pay the just penalty for all my sins. May I never take your love for granted but learn to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

Cross Carrying

2007-11-30T15:11:00.000+02:00

Cross Carrying

"Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)

Looking back at the cross we see... pain, agony, ridicule... the pain, the embarrassment, the ridicule that it caused those that Jesus loved - His mother, His best friends. No one understood. To think that God allowed them to beat His Son to a pulp, allowed them to hammer spikes into His body. Jesus could have gotten down, but He didn't. He didn't deserve what He received - He was innocent.

Living my life with the cross ever before me
...... I would not be afraid of looking like a fool for You, when You were willing to hang naked before the world
..... I would not think twice about the sacrifices You ask me to make, because You were willing to give Your life for me
..... I would not spend needless time, on my own selfish desires, because there is a world all around me that is perishing--the world that You gave Your life for
..... I would not waste time on the temporal, the unimportant. Rather, I would invest in people, my family, my friends, and those who are hungry to know You
..... I would not worry about speaking the Truth, for You died for the Truth
..... I would not demand my own agenda, for You left the confines of Heaven and gave up all to follow Your Father's agenda
..... I would do what You did, preach the Good News, heal the sick, comfort the brokenhearted, proclaim the Good News, not pass judgment
..... I would mingle with the "sinners," for that is who You mingled with
..... I would never again look at anyone as anything but lost, and loved by You
..... I would never think negatively of myself, because I am loved by the King
..... I would not question Your will, but submit to it as You did
..... I would follow You no matter the costs.

A Prayer to Pray:"Father, forgive me for taking the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the cross, for granted. Forgive me for blatantly sinning, not comprehending that that is what put You there. Oh Lord, forgive me for not living my life with the cost before me. If I did, my life would be so different. Show me clearly what it cost You, so that I will never consider anything You ask me to do as too costly!"

When a Problem Turns Into a Calling

2007-11-28T15:31:00.000+02:00

When a Problem Turns Into a Calling
by Os Hillman

As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found.
And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and all your father's family?
- 1 Samuel 9:20

Saul and his servant were out seeking his father's lost donkeys. This was symbolic of the
waywardness of the nation of Israel. The people of Israel had just asked the prophet Samuel
to have a king rule over them. This saddened God greatly, yet God granted their request.

Saul and his servant heard of a man of God named Samuel. "Perhaps this man of God can tell
us where to find our donkeys," said the servant. Isn't that just like us? We seek God to
solve the issues related to material life. Saul was about to receive the greatest opportunity
of his lifetime. He was about to be crowned as king of Israel. His life would never be the
same. What was he concerned about? His donkeys. We don't have to be worried about the
material things of life if we are about the things He's called us to do.

God called Saul to be the next king in order to free the people from the Philistines. God
sent a messenger, the prophet Samuel, to inform him of his new career. The messenger also had
to ease his mind about his donkeys. Donkeys often represent commerce in the Bible. They were
the primary means of transporting goods; therefore, in essence, what was Samuel saying to
Saul? He was saying, "You don't need to worry about your business if you respond to the call
of God on your life. All the material things will take care of themselves."

Jesus said the same thing to the disciples years later. "But seek first His kingdom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt. 6:33).
When God calls us, it often involves making major adjustments in our lives. Saul went from one
kind of business to another. He went from working for his father to being a king. What changes
is God calling you to make today in order to join Him in His work?

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Going the Extra Mile in Apologizing

2007-11-22T11:23:00.000+02:00

Going the Extra Mile in Apologizing

You say: "I've already said I'm sorry, what more does she/he want from me?" -or- "I said I'm sorry once -- that should be enough!" -or- "I give up! What more can a human being do to make him/her understand that I'm sorry?!"

The "what more" that can be done, is being sorry enough that your spouse knows beyond a shadow of doubt, that you TRULY "get it" as far as how much you hurt him or her. Guard against being one who only gives an apology equaling a handful's worth of repentant sorrow, when you have piled a bucket's worth of hurt onto your partner. Give what they really need, not what would satisfy you. You are different from your spouse, so give what is needed to remedy the situation.

After all, who is the apology really for -- is it for you or for your spouse? Are you going through the motions of being sorry just to appease your spouse, so that you can go on with your life in a less stressful way? Or is your apology a true expression of sorrow to the point that you are willing to go the "extra mile" (as the Bible talks about in Matthew 5:41) to show your remorse, your change of heart, and your willingness to try to heal the emotional damage you've inflicted upon your spouse? There IS a difference. If your apology is to appease you and make YOUR life easier, then a quick apology or an apology that YOU believe is enough, probably won't work in reality, because the emphasis should be on the receiver -- not the giver. It is one of those cases where "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

But if you are truly sorry for what you have done and you want to make sure your spouse under- stands your sorrow, then you need to express it in a way that opens his or her heart, mind, and countenance. It means getting out of YOUR comfort zone and being willing to help them enter theirs. You may not be comfortable with the questioning that comes when you confess your sin against them, but you need to be willing to allow them to deal with the healing process in a way that works for them. It might not make sense to you, but if it does to them and eventually it brings rest to the issue as they settle it in their mind, then that is part of the price you should be willing to pay to show your sincere sorrow and repentance.

Even if you never meant to hurt your spouse and it happened anyways, don't let that hinder your apologizing as you should. You have to deal with the reality of the situation, not your original intention. If you run over your spouse's foot with an automobile -- even if it was an accident, it still hurt them, and you should make sure they know how sorry you are for how you hurt them. Sometimes your spouse can become the "accidental" victim in something you do. Your intentions may have been "perfect" -- you may have wanted to only show love and not hurt. But it's like what it says in the book, "The Five Languages of Apology" by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas:
"It is true that perfect love would never hurt the one loved. But none of us is capable of perfect love for one simple reason: We are imperfect. The Bible makes this very clear. We are all sinners. (See: Romans 3:23.) Even those who say they are Christians are still capable of sinning. That is why we must learn to confess our sins to God and to the person we've sinned against. (See: 1 John 1:8-10.) Good marriages are not dependent upon perfection, but they are dependent upon willingness to acknowledge our wrong and seek forgiveness."

And just to warn you: Some spouses are not open in the beginning to fully receive your apology after you've hurt them deeply. They may be so hurt that it will take your "going the extra mile" before their hearts will be open enough for the healing to begin. It can be like a layer of unhealthy scar tissue that has built up to such an extent that it causes more harm than good. Sometimes scar tissue can interfere with the healing and impede the flexibility that is needed so that a person can fully function. By properly working with the scar tissue, the healing can begin. So be patient and do what it takes to help your marital partner know that you are seriously sorry for how you have hurt them. Even if they never forgive you, you should still do your part in this process. When we handle the gravity of the situation as we should it shows maturity. Properly apologizing shows we own up to our actions and truly want the healing to take place in our marriage.

And another thing, don't demand forgiveness. Express your sorrow, and what you intend to do so this doesn't happen again and actually say the words, "Will you forgive me?" That is gracious - ness in action. Keep in mind that giving forgiveness is a gift someone gives you voluntarily, and sometimes they need to work through the process of giving this gift in a different way than you may think it should happen. However, if you demand it and/or you belittle them because they aren't giving it to you in the way or time-frame that you want, you're further
victimizing them. (We'll go into this subject more next week.) "An expression of sincere regret should not manipulate the other person into reciprocating" or into accepting the apology sooner than it is best to do so. Be sincere and patient and "go the extra mile" in apologizing.

For those on the receiving end of the apology, ask the Lord to help you to be as gracious as it is possible in receiving it. Sometimes it takes longer to heal, and it's fine to give yourself the necessary time to do so, but to the best of your ability and with the discernment the Lord can give you, try to lean into the healing over your situation. Sometimes we can draw something out longer than we should because we choose to hold onto hurt that we should be releasing. Holding unto unforgiveness can poison our own inner being and prolong the pain.

It is important to remember the graciousness that the Lord extended to us "while we were yet sinners" and the forgiveness He readily gives us. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13). "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:17-18).

And lastly, please don't use anything in this message as a weapon against your spouse. Some husbands and wives will take that which is intended to bring you together to justify their actions in a way that is anything but gracious. That only complicates the situation all the more. Graciously give and graciously receive and ask the Lord to show you how to work with your situation so you are building healthy relationship bridges wherever it is possible. You aren't accountable for your spouse's motivations and actions but you are for your own.

Cindy and Steve Wright

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!

Getting What We Ask For

2007-11-21T11:07:00.000+02:00

GETTING WHAT WE ASK FOR

A man asked his wife, "What would you most like for your birthday?"

She said, "I'd love to be ten again."

On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a theme
park. He put her on every ride in the park -- the Death Slide, The Screaming Loop, the
Wall of Fear. Everything there was, she rode. She staggered out of the theme park five
hours later, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.

Into McDonalds they went, where she was given a Double Big Mac with extra fries and a
strawberry shake. Then off to a theater to see Star Wars -- more burgers, popcorn, cola
and sweets. At last she staggered home with her husband and collapsed into bed.

Her husband leaned over and asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being ten again?"

One eye opened and she groaned, "Actually, I meant dress size."

That story reminds me of what happened to James and John. They came to Jesus with a request.
Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10:36).

"They said to Him, 'Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your
left, in Your glory.'" (Mark 10:37)

Jesus told them they really didn't know what they were asking for. He asked them, "Are you
able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized
with?" (Mark 10:38)

Their response? "Of course!" However, what they had in mind (prestige, power and glory)
wasn't the same thing Jesus had in mind (persecution, suffering and servanthood). Jesus
gave them exactly what they asked for, but it wasn't at all what they were hoping for
when they made the request!

So often, the same thing happens in my life. God has a way of answering my requests, my
prayers, in ways I never even dreamed of -- not always in a pleasant way, not always in
a way I would have chosen, but always in a way that He sees best.

Alan Smith
"Thought For the Day"

To subscribe to "Thought For the Day," send a blank email to join-thought-for-the-day@hub.xc.org

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

The Waiting

2007-11-20T11:28:00.000+02:00

The Waiting

Those who wait upon the Lord, will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like the eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

...for twelve years she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. (Mark 5:25 )

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said, "Why bother the teacher any more?" (Mark 5:35)

Parents waiting for children out past curfew know it. Couples having trouble conceiving a child know it. A family separated by overseas military service knows it. A person needing an organ transplant knows it. A candidate for law or medical school knows it. A pregnant mom 10 days past due knows it. A person struggling to be hired for a job knows it. In fact, at one time or another, most of us come to know this brooding beast. It's the long wait -- that drawn out time of fretful anticipation and extended longing.

"Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength..." Often, this is easier said than done. Before we get to "mount up on wings like eagles," we often have to obediently grind away through the brutal passage of agonizing time. Before we can "run and not grow weary," we have to trudge on as anticipation dims and hope's flickering flame fights against the winds of despair. Many times, we just have to keep walking and trust that some hidden grace will help us "not faint."

That's what makes this story of Jairus' daughter so compelling to me. Like you, I don't like to wait. In my mind, if there is any privilege for those with power and position, one should not have to wait! "They" surely don't have to wait like I do. "They" get to move to the head of line. "They" get to throw around their weight and get what they want when they want it. In this case, however, "they" (or more accurately, "he") didn't. (see Mark 5:21-43)

Instead, Jairus' humbling approach to Jesus, an approach that could cost him everything in sacred society, was interrupted by a desperate woman who had faced "the long wait" herself as she had hopelessly gone to every healer available to her, and no doubt prayed incessantly for her own cure. This woman, who could not go into the synagogue because of her uncleanness, derailed the hope parade of Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue.

I find two things amazing about both of them. First, neither complains about his or her wait. Not the woman, who has spent her fortune on false medical hopes, nor Jairus, who has spent his respect capital to associate himself with a suspicious teacher. Both wait for their Lord to act. Impatiently waiting? Probably! But, they waited and received their grace.

Second, they both received the personal attention of the Lord -- the man of power who could expect that attention and the woman on the fringes who, in her day, could not expect it. Jesus refused to let the woman have an anonymous miracle! He personally and specifically blessed her. Jairus' daughter would not be healed for the crowd, but only in the closed intimacy of Jesus' chosen few and Jairus' family. Both waited faithfully. Both received the personal attention of the Master! Each received his or her heart's greatest desire.

This is not a story about long ago and far away. It is a reminder that Jesus is there for those who wait. It is a renewal of the ancient hope that God will act for those who don't give up during the long wait. You see, the issue isn't the wait. Instead, it is all about refusing to give up hope when the journey seems so long (12 years for the woman) and the problems so insurmountable (a dead 12-year old daughter for Jairus).

Maybe you face the long wait right now. Maybe your heartbreak or shame or disappointment or loss seems insurmountable. If so, I want to encourage you to come back to this story of the powerless woman and the powerful man and remember the place their broken hearts met, the place their broken dreams were mended, and the place their long wait ended. Know that place is really a person, and his name is Jesus.

Phil Ware

Grace

2007-11-16T10:57:00.000+02:00

GRACE

I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study time right before the final in my Youth Ministry class at Hannibal-LaGrange College in Missouri. When I got to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying. The teacher came in and said he would review with us for just a little bit before the test. We went through the review, most of it right on the study guide, but there were some things he was reviewing that I had never heard of. When questioned about it, he said that they were in the book and we were responsible for everything in the book. We couldn't really argue with that.

Finally it was time to take the test.

"Leave them face down on the desk until everyone has one and I'll tell you to start," our prof instructed.

When we turned them over, every answer on the test was filled in! The bottom of the last page said the following: "This is the end of the Final Exam. All the answers on your test are correct. You will receive an 'A' on the final exam. The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A. You have just experienced... GRACE."

He then went around the room and asked each student individually, "What is your grade? Do you deserve the grade you are receiving? How much did all your studying for this exam help you achieve your final grade?"

Now I am not a crier by any stretch of the imagination, but I had to fight back tears when answering those questions and thinking about how the Creator has passed the test for me.

Discussion afterward went like this: "I have tried to teach you all semester that you are a recipient of grace. I've tried to communicate to you that you need to demonstrate this gift as you work with young people. Don't hammer them; they are not the enemy. Help them, for they will carry on your ministry if it is full of GRACE!"

Talking about how some of us had probably studied hours and some just a few minutes but had all received the same grade, he pointed to a story Jesus told in Matthew 20. The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed to pay them a certain amount. Several different times during the day, he hired more workers. When it was time to pay them, they all received the same amount. When the ones who had been hired first thing in the morning began complaining, the boss said, "Should you be angry because I am kind?" (Matthew 20:15).

The teacher said he had never done this kind of final before and probably would never do it again, but because of the content of many of our class discussions, he felt like we needed to experience grace.

"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:7 )

Have you thanked your Creator today because of the grace you've experienced?

The Mayonnaise Jar

2007-11-15T09:35:00.000+02:00

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem Almost too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is
not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, He picked up a very large And empty mayonnaise
jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar
was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook
the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full..

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the
sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the
entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the Empty space between the sand.

The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that
this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions -- Things that if everything else was
lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else -- The small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," He continued, "there is no room for the pebbles
or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the
small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your
children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

"Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked".

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room
for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Die bank of die OTM?

2007-11-12T08:45:00.000+02:00

Die bank of die OTM?

Lukas 5:11 – En nadat hulle die skuite aan land gebring het, het hulle alles verlaat en Hom gevolg.

As ons moet kies tussen die lang ry binne in die bank of om vinnig ? draai te maak by die OTM, sal almal van ons die OTM kies. Maar wat gaan met die OTM gebeur as die bank nie meer daar is nie? Die gerief van die OTM is te danke aan die bank.

Baie Christene soek net vinnige OTM diens van God, maar is nie bereid om die moeite te doen om in die lang ry te staan en aan die verhouding te werk nie. God gee nie om dat ons OTM diens verlang nie, dit is ? diens wat die bank, (God) vir Sy kinders gee. Maar ons moet nooit vergeet waar kom die geld vandaan nie. En die antwoord is nie die OTM nie.

Kyk na die verhaal van Petrus toe Jesus hulle geseën het met ? groot vangs. Hulle het so baie vis gevang dat twee skuite amper gesink het. Nadat hulle aan land gekom het, het Petrus alles net so gelos, (al die klomp vis) en Jesus gevolg. Hoekom? Want hy het verstaan as Jesus dit een keer kon laat gebeur, kan Hy dit weer laat gebeur. Hy het besef dat dit beter is om Jesus te kies as die groot klomp vis.

Soek jy God vir wat Hy vir jou kan gee?

Soek jy Sy gawes meer as Hom?

Of soek jy 'n verhouding met God?

Run and Don't Burn Out!

2007-11-10T09:49:00.000+02:00

Run and Don't Burn Out!

Do you ever have a day when you just feel you are used up? Have you ever hit a time when you realize that there is just nothing more to give? One of the current words used to describe that feeling is "burn out." In other times it was just called being spiritually exhausted, tired or weary. There are a myriad of camps and retreat centers which address nothing else.

Why do you suppose we have fallen prey to this particular malady so frequently today?

My best guess is that many of us who are Christians have lost sight of the real goal. Human beings often need to be able to have an end in sight if we are to retain our enthusiasm. The work of Christian service is never easy. It is often filled with disappointment and hardship. Without a clear view of a finish line, the race becomes too difficult. The Apostle Paul could speak of finishing the race as he neared the end of his life because he knew where the finish line was. He had continued to run, in good times and in bad, because the goal was never in doubt.

Paul also knew how difficult the race could be. So the determined apostle also encouraged the runners with words like, "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good" (2 Thessalonians 3:13). He also encouraged the Christians of Galatia with these words: "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9).

Jesus spoke of being "weary and heavy-laden" with sin and teachings that exhausted and defeated them; he promised his followers relief and blessing (Matthew 11:28). Paul wrote to those who were worn out doing of good. We will reap in due time if we do not exit the race. The light at the end of the tunnel, the finish line, the reward for continuing, are all more than phrases to be quoted; they are also promises from God Himself. The writer of Hebrews continues this same encouragement with these words: "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:3). Keep Jesus before you as an antidote against that weariness and the resultant hopelessness of forgetting your goal.

While looking to the finish and contemplating the reward is certainly motivating, we must never forget that the deeper motive of our "doing good." That cardinal motive of all good things must be love. Revelation calls Christians to "perseverance and endurance." Jesus also reminds us in his message to the churches in the book of Revelation that perseverance and endurance are not enough. God's Son reminded the church in Ephesus of this truth: "... you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place - unless you repent' (Revelation 2:3-5).

Perseverance and endurance are not enough!

When we are motivated out of guilt, competitiveness, fear, or anger, we burn out more quickly and more completely. This is especially true when we feel like we didn't get the "big pay off" for doing what we did. We forget that such motivation is based on our power and our motives and not God's grace and power. Like Paul, we need to be compelled by the love of Christ -- love for Christ and love like Christ's (2 Corinthians 5:14). So "not losing heart" is an integral part of the journey; however, unless it is motivated by love, "it profits nothing" (1Corinthians 13:3).

Run the race with perseverance.

Run and do not lose heart.

Run in expectation of the finish.

Run always compelled by love!

Twelve Reasons Why God Restored Job

2007-11-07T11:06:00.000+02:00

Introduction

The Book of Job is a very important philosophical treatise on how to interpret and process pain and tragedy when it hits. Although there are some who teach this book is not relevant to the New Testament since the cross of Christ, the Book of James quotes Job as an example for us to follow (James 5:11).

While tragedy strikes many people, very few ever see everything they lost doubly restored! This book shows that in spite of God bragging about Job's righteousness and obedience to Him, Job wasn't exempt from trouble. The following twelve principles are essential to everyone desiring full restoration after experiencing life's challenges.

1. Job fell to the ground in worship after news of tragedy (Job 1:20).
The Bible tells us to give thanks to God "in" everything, not "for" everything. God is not the
author of sin and tragedy but sometimes allows the enemy to attack us.

2. Job didn't accuse God of any wrong doing (Job 1:22).
Satan successfully tempted Eve to sin by accusing God's motives (Genesis 3:1-6).

3. Job maintained his integrity in spite of satanic attacks against his family and property
(Job 2:3). Oftentimes, many Christians fall away from God when tragedy or trials strike because their faith is superficial and not interwoven into the very fabric of their being.

4. Job didn't allow the backslidden state of his family to bring him down during his time of trial
(Job 2:9-10). Many allow those weaker in the faith to bring them down to their level of emotional and spiritual lack during times of testing.

5. Job didn't allow sinful talk to come out of his mouth (Job 2:10).
During times of testing we must be very careful what we allow to come out of our mouths because our words can control the direction of our hearts and minds (James 3:1-6).

6. Job's commitment to God transcended his physical life and the things of this world
(Job 13:15). Like Paul, he lived the crucified life (Galatians 2:20). Many, like those spoken about in the parable of the sower and the seed (Mark 4), backslide because of the cares of this world, desires of this world, and the lust for money and material things.

7. Job maintained his faith and ultimate hope in God to redeem and resurrect him on the last day (Job 19:25-27).
In spite of his emotional pain, his belief in the basic tenets of the faith remained unshaken.

8. Job didn't allow the negative words of his friends to confuse and condemn him (Job 16:2-5).

9. Job heard the voice of the Lord "out of the storm" (Job 38:1).
The storms in life are God's way of showing us who we really are and what our true goals should be. The storms in life provide a great opportunity to refocus your life and mission.
The storms in life are a great opportunity to allow God to speak to us.

10. Job stood up like a man (Job 40:7).
Even when tragedy strikes, men are called to continue to function in their role as leaders of
their families and communities.

11. Job submitted himself to the wisdom of God's sovereignty (Job 42:2).
Although God promises divine health, wealth, and an abundant life (1 Peter 2:24; John 10:10)
there are times when things contrary to this happen and we must trust in God's ultimate wisdom for allowing it.
In many instances, God allows certain things because of hidden sins, unbelief in His power, and
numerous other issues that allow an open door to the enemy in our lives and families.

12. Job didn't hold resentment against disloyal people around him and even prayed for them (Job 42:10).

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Die wat ryk is sal ryker word en die wat arm is sal armer word.

2007-11-06T11:05:00.000+02:00

Mattheus 25:29 – Want aan elkeen wat het, sal gegee word, en hy sal oorvloed hê; maar van hom wat nie het nie, van hom sal weggeneem word ook wat hy het.

Hierdie moet een van die hartseerste verse in die Bybel wees. Dis duidelik dat daar twee groepe mense in die wêreld is en veraltyd sal wees. Die "haves" en die " have-nots ". Gelukkig is dit nie een van daardie gevalle dat jy so gebore is of nie.

Ek ken baie mense wat uit arm huise kom wat groot sukses in die lewe bereik het. En dan ken ek ook mense wat met alles begin het, maar wat op die straathoeke geëindig het. Wat beteken hierdie vers dan? As jy die skrifgedeelte lees, sal jy sien dat dit meer gaan oor ? gesindheid as oor fisiese geld. As jou gesindheid vrot is, sal jy met niks eindig nie, en as jou gesindheid reg en gesond is, sal jy eindig met meer as genoeg.

Hierdie vers waarsku ons om nie 'n gesinheid van armoede te hê nie, want hoe meer gaan van ons weggeneem word. Begin positief bely. Begin ywerig en fluks werk, en begin om produktief vorentoe met jou geld te werk, en God sal vir jou byvoeg.

Silwer en Goud

2007-11-03T09:32:00.000+02:00

Handelinge 3:6 – Maar Petrus sê: Silwer en goud het ek nie; maar wat ek het, dit gee ek vir jou: In die Naam van Jesus Christus, die Nasaréner, staan op en loop! Toe gryp hy hom aan sy regterhand en rig hom op, en onmiddellik het sy voete en enkels sterk geword.

Op pad na die tempel, loop Petrus en Johannes verby ? kruppel man. Hy het twee behoeftes. Hy het geld en genesing nodig. Natuurlik verwag hy nie genesing van die verbygangers nie, net ? bietjie simpatie en ? muntstuk of twee. Petrus draai na hom en sê: "Silwer en goud het ek nie, maar wat ek het, gee ek vir jou. In die naam van Jesus Christus staan op en loop." Die baie bekende gesegde sluit mooi hierby aan: "Gee ? man ? vis en voed hom vir ? dag. Leer ? man hoe om vis te vang en jy voed hom vir ? leeftyd."

Ons gaan dalk nie almal uit rolstoele uit kan bid nie, maar ons sal vir mense in nood meer as net ? muntstuk of twee kan gee. In plaas van om ? muntstuk vir 10 verskillende mense in nood te gee, kies een en leer hom hoe om vis te vang. Kyk of daar ? situasie is waar jy meer as net tydelik kan help.

Die wêreld vandag het baie kits geword. Alles moet baie vinnig gebeur. Ons sit met ? " drive-through" mentaliteit. Enigiets wat tyd kos, wil ons nie doen nie. Selfs mense wat hulp nodig het, moet net regstaan om, terwyl ons verbygaan, geld te vang. Kom ons neem ? bietjie die tyd om ander werklik te help. Help hulle uit hul situasie.

Dark Light

2007-11-02T12:35:00.000+02:00

Talor

2007-11-02T12:29:00.000+02:00

Pardoned

2007-11-02T12:05:00.000+02:00

Telescope

2007-11-02T12:00:00.000+02:00

Dynamite

2007-11-01T16:01:00.000+02:00

Knock Knock

2007-11-01T15:55:00.000+02:00

Don't Open That Door

2007-11-01T15:44:00.000+02:00

Don't Worry

2007-11-01T15:42:00.000+02:00

Carry Your Books?

2007-11-01T14:52:00.000+02:00

Mon With One Eye

2007-10-31T10:51:00.000+02:00

Mom With One Eye

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such An embarrassment. She cooked for
students & teachers to support the family. There was this one day during elementary
school where my mom came to say hello to me.

I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look
and ran out.

The next day at school one of my classmates said, "EEEE, your mom only has one eye!" I
wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day
and said, If you're only going to make me a laughing stock, why don't you just die?"

My mom did not respond... I didn't even stop to think for a second about what I had said,
because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings. I wanted her out of that
house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard and got a chance to go
abroad to study.

Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with
my life, my kids and the comforts. Then one day, my mother came to visit me. She hadn't
seen me in years and she had not even met her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming
over uninvited. I screamed at her, "How dare you come to my house and scare my children!"

GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!"

And to this, my mother quietly answered, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I might have come to the
wrong address," and she disappeared out of sight.

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife
that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to our old shack just
out of curiosity.

My neighbors said that my mother had died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me
a letter that she had wanted me to have when she had come to visit me.

"My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I'm sorry that I came to your house and
scared your children. I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the school reunion.
But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you or maybe see you again. I'm
sorry that I was such a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

You see........when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye.
As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave
you mine. I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my
place, with one of my eyes.

With all my love to you,
Your Mother.

When I read this I just thoght what Jesus has done to us. Read Isaiah 53v2-13. He endured
the suffering that should have been ours.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Kan nie 2 Meesters dien nie

2007-10-30T10:59:00.000+02:00

Mattheus 6:24 – Niemand kan twee here dien nie; want òf hy sal die een haat en die ander liefhê, òf hy sal die een aanhang en die ander verag. Julle kan nie God én Mammon dien nie!

Die Bybel maak dit duidelik dat jy nie twee meesters kan dien nie. Jy sal of die een liefhê en die ander een haat. En nêrens is dit so duidelik sigbaar as dit kom by geld en God nie. Maar, weereens sê ek dat dit is waar die duiwel vir ons lieg. Dis 'n leun dat as ons goeie Christene wil wees, moet ons al ons geld weggee.

Die Here wil nie hê dat ons platsak moet wees nie. Hy wil ook nie hê dat ons geld se slaaf moet wees nie. Daar is net een manier om seker te maak dat jy nooit geld se slaaf word nie, en dit is om genoeg daarvan weg te gee. Die kuns is om genoeg oor te hou sodat jy weer kan weggee. Wat help dit jy gee net een keer en daarna moet die ander Christene maar geld saai vir jou. Om Mammon te dien beteken dat geld jou lewe bestuur. Soms is mense nie ryk nie, maar hulle dink aanhoudend hoe om geld te spaar en tel hulle sente sodat hulle meer aandag gee aan geld as aan God. Dit is ook verkeerd. Dien die Here en heers oor jou geld.

The Train Stop Just In Time

2007-10-29T13:12:00.000+02:00

The Train Stops Just In Time

The British express train raced through the night, its powerful headlamp spearing the black darkness ahead. The train was carrying Queen Victoria. Suddenly the engineer saw a startling sight. Revealed in the beam of the engine's headlights was a weird figure in a black cloak, standing in the middle of the tracks and waving its arms. The engineer grabbed for the brakes and brought the train to a grinding halt.

He and his fellow trainsmen climbed out to see what had stopped them. They could find no trace of the strange figure. On a hunch, the engineer walked a few yards farther up the tracks. Suddenly he stopped and stared into the fog in horror. A bridge had been washed out and had fallen into a swollen stream. If he had not heeded the ghostly figure, the train would have plunged into the stream.

While the bridge and tracks were being repaired, the crew made a more intensive search for the strange flagman. But not until they got to London did they solve the mystery. At the base of the engine's headlamp was a huge moth. The engineer looked at it for a moment, then on impulse wet its wings and pasted it to the glass of the lamp. Climbing back into his cab, he switched on the lamp and saw the "phantom flagman" in the beam. He knew what had happened: the moth had flown into the beam, seconds before the train reached the washed-out bridge. In the fog, it appeared to be a phantom figure waving its arms.

When Queen Victoria was told of the strange happening she said, "I'm sure it was no accident. It was God's way of protecting us."

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Gebed

2007-10-26T16:00:00.000+02:00

Insig:

Dudes op die dakke, gaan binnekamer in Mattheus 6:6 (Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Terwyl ek met 'n persoon gesels oor hoe opwindend gebed is en hoe lekker dit is, kon ek aflei van die persoon se gesigsuitdrukking, dat hy nie 'n idee gehad het waarvan ek praat nie. Hy moes gedink het ek is mal of iets. Ek probeer myself toe verduidelik en sê dat gebed baie lekker word wanneer 'n mens dit reg doen. Die persoon antwoord my dadelik om te sê hy glo nie dat 'n mens verkeerd kan bid nie. Hoe meer ek daaroor gedink het, hoe meer het ek besef dat 'n mens verseker verkeerd kan bid en dit selfs gereeld doen. Die grootste fout wat gereeld gemaak word, is wanneer 'n rympie gebid word, in plaas van 'n opregte kommunikasie vanuit jou hart. Een van my vriende het vir lank, elke aand gebid: 'Dankie Here vir 'n mamma en 'n pappa, 'n boetie en 'n sussie'. Dit is nou baie jare later en hy wag nog steeds vir 'n sussie. Sy antwoord hoekom hy dit elke aand gebid het, was dat dit is hoe iemand hom geleer het om te bid. God stel nie belang in ons kopkennis nie. Hy is nie beindruk hoeveel groot woorde ons in 'n sin kan inpas nie, of in watter stemtoon ons bid nie. Al wat God werklik in belangstel, soos eninge goeie vader, is om te hoor hoe dit met sy kinders gaan. Die Bybel sê God is nie beindruk met mense wat op straathoeke staan en hardop bid en vir almal wys hoe 'goddelik' hulle kan bid nie. God wil hê dat ons onsself moet afskakel van die buitewerêld en nie omgee wat ander van ons dink nie en Hom net begin vertel hoe ons dag was. Kom ons hou op met rympies en begin fokus om 'n lewendige gebedslewe te hê met God.

Uitsig:

Bestaan jou gebedslewe tot dusver net uit kopgebede (rympies)?Dink jy nie dit is tyd om met God te begin praat en nie net vir Hom wys hoeveel jy kan onthou nie?Sal jy van nou af eerder met God kommunikeer, soos met jou aardse vader of beste vriend?

Anger

2007-10-25T08:14:00.000+02:00

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your
wrath." Ephesians 4:26

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

God’s Word tells us to be "slow to wrath" (Proverbs 14:29,
James 1:19). There’s nothing that will do more damage to your
relationships than unwanted, unwarranted anger. If you are
given to anger, let me tell you a couple of things the Bible
says, and it won’t be flattering. First, the Bible says you
are foolish. Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, "For anger resteth in
the bosom of fools." Second, you have a weak character.
Proverbs 16:32 says, "He that is slow to anger is better
than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that
taketh a city." Uncontrolled anger is like throwing a rock
into a wasp’s nest.

ACTION POINT:

Do you have a short fuse? If so, confess it. Don’t let Satan
get a stronghold in your life. If you get angry today, ask
yourself what need is not being met and give it to the Lord.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Can you sleep when the wind blows?

2007-10-24T12:34:00.000+02:00

Can you sleep when the wind blows?

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He
constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant
to work on farms along the Atlantic . They dreaded the awful storms
that raged across the Atlantic , wreaking havoc on the buildings
and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he
received A steady stream of refusals.

Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the
farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well,
I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help,
Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from
dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.
Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping
out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to
the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and
yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they
blow away!"

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I
told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on
the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.
To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had
been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the
chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The
shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing
could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand
meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically,
you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through
your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because
he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves
against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of
God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand
to have peace in the middle of storms.

With thanks to Ben Jordan

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Are YOU too busy?

2007-10-23T10:38:00.000+02:00

Are YOU too busy?

A FEW YEARS ago, an unemployed cleaning woman in St. Louis, Missouri noticed a few bees buzzing around the attic of her home...

Since there were only a few, she made no effort to deal with them. Over the summer the bees continued to fly in and out the attic vent while the woman remained unconcerned, unaware of the growing number of bees. Soon the whole attic became a hive, and the ceiling of the second-floor bedroom finally caved in under the weight of hundreds of pounds of honey and thousands of angry bees.

While the woman escaped serious injury, she was unable to repair the damage of her accumulated neglect.

THOUGHT: We must not get so busy that we neglect the really important matters in our lives. Accumulated neglect can wreak havoc in the spiritual realm. Are YOU too busy?

"How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him" (Heb. 2:3).

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Bid

2007-10-22T16:23:00.000+02:00

Hoekom wil ek nou juis bid? Dit is boring!

Insig:

Jakobus 5:17 'Elia was 'n mens net soos ons, en hy het ernstig gebid dat dit nie moes reën nie, en dit het op die aarde drie jaar en ses maande lank nie gereën nie.' (Ou vertaling)

Oorsig:

Gebed is baiekeer vir ons jonger generasie 'boring', want ons probeer ons gebedslewens bou op twee dinge; groot woorde wat jy self nie eers verstaan nie en 'n postuur van op jou knieë met jou hande teen mekaar. Gebed is kommunikasie met God en dit kan jy op enige manier doen wat vir jou lekker is. Gebed is die laaste ding op die aarde, wat veronderstel is om vervelig te wees, maar soos met enige ding, as jy dit nie reg doen nie, mag jy dalk voel om dit nie weer te doen nie. Wanneer jy gebed reg doen, dan is dit alles behalwe 'boring'. As ons gaan kyk in die Bybel wat alles gebeur het toe die mense bid; blindes het gesien, dowes het gehoor, dooies het opgestaan, die son wat stilgestaan het vir 'n ekstra dag en reën wat in die wolke toegesluit was vir 3½ jaar, totdat die profeet Elia weer gebid en gevra het dat dit weer begin reën. Baie mense sê dat die wonderwerke van ouds nie meer gebeur in vandag se tyd nie. Wel, ek s&ec irc; dit is omdat mense nie meer bid soos die mense van ouds nie. Dit het niks te doen met God se krag wat minder geword het nie, maar eerder sy kinders wat te lui geword het om te bid. Dink net vir 'n oomblik hoe 'nie boring' was Moses se gebed toe hy sy staf oor die Rooi see strek en sien hoe dit oopkloof. Of toe Hezekiah bid dat die son moes terugskuif en sien hoe die skaduwee teruggaan. Ek bedoel dit is alles behalwe boring! Jakobus 5:17 sê dat Elia was 'n mens net soos ons, en so ook was al die ander groot manne in die Bybel wat nie 'n 'boring' gebedslewe gehad het nie.

Uitsig:

Het jy opgehou bid omdat dit boring geword het?Glo jy dat dinge kan en sal begin gebeur as jy net bid?Dink jy daar is 'n regte en verkeerde manier om te bid?

Bestuurder Materiaal

2007-10-20T08:57:00.000+02:00

Genesis 3:12 – En die mens antwoord: Die vrou wat U gegee het om by my te wees, sy het my van die boom gegee, en ek het geëet. Daarop sê die HERE God aan die vrou: Wat het jy nou gedoen? En die vrou antwoord: Die slang het my bedrieg, en ek het geëet. Wat het van Dawid ? goeie koning gemaak? Hoekom was hy 'n man na God se hart? (Hand. 13: 22)

Dawid het dieselfde eienskap gehad wat ? goeie bestuurder vandag moet hê, naamlik verantwoordelikheidsin! Die nommer een rede hoekom Dawid ? man na God se hart was, was omdat hy nooit skuld ontken het vir sy sonde en verkeerde besluite nie. Hy het nooit verskonings gemaak nie. Hy het volle verantwoordelikheid vir sy optrede geneem. Dit is baie makliker om die skuld op iemand anders te pak en te sê, "Dis nie my skuld nie."

Goeie bestuurder is iemand wat nie net vir homself verantwoordelik is nie, maar ook vir ander. Dit moet een van die moeilikste dinge wees om verantwoordelikheid te neem as iemand anders droog gemaak het. Maar dit is presies wat ? bestuurder veronderstel is om te doen. Hy moet kan sê, "Jammer dat dit gebeur het, dit sal nie weer gebeur nie." Hy moet dan seker maak dat hyself daaruit leer, en nie weer sy fout herhaal nie. Hy moet ook sorg dat die ander persoon nie weer dieselfde fout maak nie. 'n Goeie bestuurder is iemand wat breë bors, skouers terug, kop om hoog staan en mans genoeg is om te kan sê, "Jammer, dit was my skuld."

Message in a Bottle

2007-10-19T07:32:00.000+02:00

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
(Adapted from the Parable of the Sower)

A man was strolling along the beach one day when he spotted a bottle washed up on the shore.
He went over and picked it up, and noticed a message in the bottle. He popped the cork out
and inside was a weathered treasure map indicating that there was buried treasure to be found
in the shallow waters below. But the man thought it was a hoax, so he slipped the map back
in and threw the bottle back into the ocean...

A little later, another man was walking along the beach and the bottle had washed upon the
shore. He too picked up the bottle, popped out the cork, and found the treasure map. This
man, however, was curious enough to wade into the water and hoped it was buried shallow
enough to find. But once the cold ocean waters reached up to his thighs, he decided to
quit. "This is not worth it!" he thought to himself. So he scrambled back to shore and
chucked the bottle back into the ocean....

A third man was walking by the beach and noticed the bottle washed upon the shore. He went
over, opened the bottle and found the map. The map looked authentic enough, and promised
great treasure... So he got himself a small raft and set out into the ocean to claim the
treasure..he rowed out far enough into the ocean where the "X" on the map was and to his
surprise, he saw the glint of something shining in the waters below..he dove into the ocean
and swam towards the shining object below..he could see that there was something that looked
like a treasure chest, but he couldn't quite reach it and the deeper he went, the greater
the cold and pressure on his body and his mind..," I am about to lose my breath, and the
longer i take, my raft might be swept away!", he thought. So the man decided to give up
the hunt so he would ensure his own life and safety..when he reached the shore once more,
he took the bottle from the raft and tossed it back into the ocean...

Finally, one more man was walking along the beach. He noticed the bottle, went over, popped
it open, and was excited to find a map promising great treasure. He noticed someone had
left a raft by the water's edge, so he took it and paddled out. He too, got far enough to
where the "X" marks the spot, and squinted into the waters and saw the shadow and glint of
the treasure below. He took a deep breath and plunged into the waters. Like the man before
him, the cold, darkness and pressure upon his senses increased as he got closer. He also
realized that if he kept swimming, that he might lose his breath, the raft, and even his
own life! But this treasure could be worth all the risk and he persisted. Just as he was
about to give up, he grabbed the long chain that was binding the chest and pulled it up
along with himself back to the surface. He broke the surface of the water gasping and
exhausted but with the treasure chest safely in his grasp. He paddled back to the shore,
opened up the treasure chest and found what the map had promised--gold, and precious
diamonds and jewels that would make him secure for the rest of his life.

A relationship with Jesus Christ is a similar treasure hunt. People hear the same message,
but the way they receive it will determine the reward they might find. Eternal life is
waiting for all those who are willing to take that risk to follow Jesus all the way to
the "X" (the Cross), where we find love, forgiveness and life everlasting.... for eternity.
Author Unknown

With thanks to TOM & MARY

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,

tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!

Drome

2007-10-18T10:39:00.000+02:00

Psalm 37:4 – V erlustig jou in die HERE; dan sal Hy jou gee die begeertes van jou hart.

Moenie ophou droom nie. Niemand het al ooit iets bereik sonder om eers te droom nie.

Drome is die beginpunt van jou finansiële rykdom. As jy net by drome bly dan sal dit ook al wees wat jy gaan bereik, maar sonder drome sal jy nie rigting kry nie. Spandeer nou die tyd om te begin droom. Jy mag nie nou logies dink nie, jy mag nie nou met jouself redeneer nie, jy mag nie nou eers aan "moontlike" dinge dink nie. Dink buite die boks...

Droom jy is president, droom jy is die eerste persoon op Mars. Wat is jou begeerte, jou passie, jou droom? Nadat jy gedroom het van alles wat jy wil bereik in die lewe, hou dit vir jouself. Mattheus 7:6 sê dat jy nie jou pêrels vir die varke moet gooi nie. Partykeer is dit moeilik om die varke van jou vriende uit te ken. Ander mense gaan nie noodwendig jou drome verstaan of waardeer nie. Gaan lees in Genesis die verhaal van Josef en sien hoe nie eens sy familie sy drome geglo het nie. Inteendeel, dit het vyandskap tussen hulle gebring. Drome is daar vir jou en jou alleen. Dit is ? plek waar geen wette of reëls geld nie. ? Plek waarnatoe jy kan ontsnap. God het vir ons elkeen ? verbeelding gegee, so kom ons begin om dit te gebruik. Droom groot!

The Sustainer of All Things

2007-10-16T10:53:00.000+02:00

The Sustainer of All Things

[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17

Did you know that there are forces in nature that science can’t explain? Forces such as gravity, centrifugal force, and others. Scientists can study them; they can analyze them; they can even measure them, but they don’t know why they are there.

One of the physicists who developed the Big Bang Theory puzzled over how we could live in a world in which practically every object was a potential nuclear explosion, and yet not be blown to bits. Carl Darrow, a physicist at Bell Laboratories, wrote that these particles have no right to be alive at all-they never should have been created and, if created, they should have blown up instantly. Yet there is something that relentlessly holds them together.

What is this force that keeps the universe intact? Where does the power come from to keep us from instantly dissolving into one massive nuclear explosion? The answer is found in Colossians 1:17, "[Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Not only did He create all things (v. 16), but by His hand, we are held together. Jesus Christ is the power behind every mysterious force in the universe.

Someday at the time of His Father’s choosing and as 2 Peter 3:10-12 teaches, Jesus will withdraw His sustaining influence and there will be a blowout such as none of us has ever imagined.

Then, after our old universe has passed away, He will create a new heaven and a new earth, where we will live with Him forever (v. 13).

By just a word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), Jesus holds all things together. He is the relentless force in the universe, and although unbelieving men and women turn away from Him, we worship Him as the central figure in all time and space. He is supreme; He is eternal; He is the Sustainer of all things.

What burden can He not carry for you?

Walking in the Word

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!

Our Opposition

2007-10-13T11:13:00.000+02:00

Our Opposition

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the rulers of the darkness of this world. . . ." Ephesians 6:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
There is a ruthless, cruel underworld system that wars against you. The crime bosses are but
amateurs compared to this syndicate, ruled by the Master of Deception. He’s called the "destroyer," "liar," "accuser," "tempter," and "prince." Satan is indescribably wicked, brilliantly stupid, and hideously beautiful. If he can’t convince you that he does not exist, then he tries to spread the lie that he is only in hell. He is not in hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, but he is not there yet!

Be warned: Satan comes against you to obsess, depress, and possess. But, be encouraged: Jesus has purchased your victory by His blood!

ACTION POINT:
Satan is portrayed as a roaring lion in 1 Peter 5:8. Put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18)
and claim the victory that only faith in King Jesus can achieve.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!!

Practicing the Presence

2007-10-12T10:16:00.000+02:00

Practicing the Presence
by Max Lucado

How do I live in God’s presence? How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his
inaudible voice in my ear? A sheep grows familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How
can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step
out of bed, step into his presence. I have a friend who makes it a habit to roll out of
his bed onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. Personally, I don’t get that far.
With my head still on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer God the first seconds
of my day. The prayer is not lengthy and far from formal. Depending on how much sleep I
got, it may not even be intelligible. Often it’s nothing more than "Thank you for a
night’s rest. I belong to you today."

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence. The mature married couple
has learned the treasure of shared silence; they don’t need to fill the air with constant
chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being silent with God. "Be still, and
know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10 niv). Awareness of God is a fruit of stillness before God.

Give God your whispering thoughts. Through the centuries Christians have learned the value
of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can be whispered anywhere, in any setting.

Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. By giving God
your whispering thoughts, the common becomes uncommon. Simple phrases such as "Thank you, Father," "Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord," "You are my resting place, Jesus" can turn
a commute into a pilgrimage. You needn’t leave your office or kneel in your kitchen. Just
pray where you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or the classroom a chapel. Give God
your whispering thoughts.

And last, give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on
him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God. Thank him for the good parts.
Question him about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his strength. And as you close
your eyes, take assurance in the promise: "He who watches over Israel will neither slumber
nor sleep" (Ps. 121:4 niv). If you fall asleep as you pray, don’t worry. What better place
to doze off than in the arms of your Father.

From Just Like Jesus

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, bring out the best in others,
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

2007-10-03T10:36:00.000+02:00

Spreuke 19:21 – Baie planne is in ? man se hart, maar die raad van die HERE, dié sal bestaan.

Iemand het my op 'n keer gevra wat die hoofredes is hoekom mense finansieel sukkel. In my opinie is daar 3 hoofredes:

• Beplanning en besparing

• Tiendes

• Werk – of altans 'n te kort daaraan

Baie min mense kyk verder as vandag. Al waaroor dit vir hulle gaan is wat hulle volgende met hul salarisse kan koop. As ons regtig finansieel sterk wil wees, het ons nie net ? goeie werk nodig nie, maar ons gaan moet weet hoe om te beplan.

Jy kan elke maand 'n groot salaris ontvang, en nog steeds elke maand met niks eindig nie. Daar is niks verkeerd om geld te gebruik om te kry wat jy wil hê nie, maar met 'n bietjie beplanning kan dit jou vêrder neem as om net die volgende ding te koop wat jy in 'n advertensie gesien het.

Dit is skrikwekkend om te sien hoe min mense genoeg geld op hulle ou-dag het om gemaklik af te tree. Hoofrede? Onvoldoende beplanning. Ek praat nie eers van ? ingewikkelde 10 jaar finansiële staat nie. Ek praat van om te dink voordat jy nou iets doen of koop. ? Bietjie geduld nou sal vir jou meer finansiële ruimte gee later. Pasop om impulsief dinge te koop. Koop net wat jy vooruit beplan het om te koop.

Vrae aan jouself:

Hoeveel selfbeheersing beoefen jy as dit kom by koop?

Begroot jy?

Watse aanpassings moet jy in jou lewenstyl aanbring om in die toekoms meer geld te hê?

Never Discouraged

2007-09-28T11:02:00.000+02:00

Never Discouraged

Imagine that I dump 10,000 plastic eggs in your back yard. I assure you that inside one of
those hollow eggs is a check for $1 Million dollars with your name on it. Would you get
discouraged if you opened the first 100 eggs without finding the check? How about the first
1000 eggs? Of course not ! You'd just keep opening those eggs, just waiting for the moment
when you'd find the check.

Paul knew the meaning of the word "suffering." He had been beaten, stoned, imprisoned,
shipwrecked, starved, and rejected. And yet Paul said that his sufferings were nothing
compared to the glory that would come. In other words, Paul had opened a lot of empty eggs,
but he never gave up or got discouraged. He believed that something great was in his future.
God's glory revealed in him.

Perhaps it feels to you as if your life has been nothing but empty eggs. You've already
opened 99000 of them and you're not sure you've got the will to go on. Let me encourage you
today. Don't give up. I don't want to trivialize the challenges you are facing, but I do
want to help you put them into perspective. They are only temporary, and God has something
much greater in store for you. Compared to the glory that will be revealed in us one day,
our suffering doesn't merit discouragement.

Hang on. Don't give up. Keep going. One day God will replace your discouragement with
incomparable glory!

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will
be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Do your best, Bring out the Best in others.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

The Red Leaf

2007-09-27T14:46:00.000+02:00

The Red Leaf

A man that was "big game" hunting in an unfamiliar land, was crouched low, waiting for his prized moment to shoot. He heard a 'rustling' behind him. He looked, but saw nothing so he resumed his position, waiting. He heard it again. As he looked in another angle, he noticed the commotion was coming from a tree very near him. He spied a large snake slowly making its way to a nest, high up in a tree. The mama bird was frantically fluttering her wings while chirping, trying to 'scare' the snake away. Not working, and seeing it was too close to her, she left her nest.

The hunter sat there, watching, knowing the sure outcome of these little birds, when he noticed
the mama bird making a quick dash back to her nest. She was holding a red leaf in her beak, she
dropped it atop her nest, and flew away to a nearby branch, watching. The hunter thought on this action that this little creature took, so puzzled by it, he thought, surely the bird was maybe
trying to "hide" her chicks. He thought in his mind, not a chance! That snake has "zeroed -in"
on his prey. Then the hunter witnessed something very perplexing.....strange. Just as the snake
came up to the tip of the nest, he turned and began his journey back down the limb and then off
the tree.

The hunter could not figure this out at all until he came to one of the natives later that night.
The native asked him if he had any "luck" today, during his hunt. The hunter replied, "I didn't,
but a little bird did"...as he began to relay to the native about what he saw, the native told him that it was a poisonous leaf that she dropped in the nest. Highly poisonous to the snake, they "just know" NOT to TOUCH it!!!!!

The Bible says that God sees the’sparrows’. If He provided a certain leaf that is offensive to
this snake, thus by it her young were not devoured. I ask you……..HOW MUCH MORE pleading the BLOOD of JESUS over our kids, to keep them from being devoured by our Enemy? The BLOOD of JESUS is an OFFENSE to him!

With thanks to John & Ramona Rohrer

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Got Joy?

2007-09-26T13:32:00.000+02:00

Got Joy?

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

As hard as it is to accept, joy is a personal choice. I’d much rather think the opposite-to claim
that people and circumstances steal my joy. I hate the idea that the reason I don’t have joy
sometimes is because I’m not choosing it.

I don’t know how high your joy meter is right now, but I can tell you on the authority of God’s
Word that if it’s low or if it’s lost, you can find it again in the person of Jesus Christ Himself.
You can choose the joy found in following Jesus.

Sometimes people who have known the Lord for a while get bored. They think, There’s gotta be
something more, something better, something different and off they go in search of some kind of
unbiblical extravagance to satisfy that itch. To that, the apostle Paul posts a big warning sign
in Philippians 3:16-14:

" what lies behind and forward to what lies ahead . . . I press on!"

Instead of longing for more or better or different, God calls us deeper and stronger. Philippians 3
continues, "hold true to what we have attained."

If you want to choose joy every day, then hold fast to God. Keep depending on Christ. Do you still lean on Him as completely as when you first came to the Cross? Is every step with God one of dependence and faith? What uncertainty lies ahead? What obstacle are you being called to conquer right now? Do you want joy amidst those challenges? Say, I can’t do it, Lord; only You can do it in me.

What do you need to do today to regain lost joy? Maybe you need to stop trying so hard in your own strength to be what God wants you to be and move back into that dependent, Christ-centered approach to life. Remember that the same way you came to the Lord is also how you’ll grow in Christ.

Want more joy? Get back on the track of desperate dependence on God and abiding faith.
Walking In The Word.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

A Lesson in Humility

2007-09-25T15:55:00.000+02:00

A Lesson in Humility
by Max Lucado

Jesus … made Himself of no reputation … He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point
of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5, 7–8

Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that he offers to help.

He helped me. I recently spent a week on a book tour. We saw long lines and crowded stores.
One person after another complimented me. For three days I bathed in the river of praise. I began to believe the accolades. All these people can’t be wrong. I must be God’s gift to readers. My chest puffed so much I could hardly see where to autograph the books. Why, had I been born two thousand years earlier, we might read the gospels of Matthew, Max, Luke, and John. About the time I wondered if the Bible needed another epistle, God shot an arrow of humility in my direction.

We were running late for an evening book signing, late because the afternoon signing had seen such long lines. We expected the same at the next store. Concerned, we phoned ahead.

"We are running behind. Tell all the people we’ll arrive soon."

"No need to hurry," the store manager assured.

"What about the people?"

"Neither one seems to be in a hurry."

Neither one?

By the time we reached the store, thankfully, the crowd of two people had tripled to six. We had scheduled two hours for the signing; I needed ten minutes.

Self-conscious about sitting alone at the table, I peppered the last person with questions. We talked about her parents, school, Social Security number, favorite birthday party. Against my pleadings, she had to go. So I sat alone at the table. Big stack of Lucado books, no one in line.

I asked the store manager, "Did you advertise?"

"We did. More than usual." She walked off.

The next time she passed I asked, "Had other signings?"

"Yes, usually we have a great response," and kept going.

I signed all the books at my table. I signed all the Lucado books on the shelves. I signed Tom Clancy and John Grisham books. Finally a customer came to the table. "You write books?" he asked, picking up the new one.

"I do. Want me to sign it?"

"No thanks," he answered and left.

God hit his target. Lest I forget, my daily reading the next morning had this passage: "Do not be wise in your own eyes" (Prov. 3:7).

When you’re full of yourself, God can’t fill you.

But when you empty yourself, God has a useful vessel.

From Cure for the Common Life
Max Lucado

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Failure is Not Final

2007-09-22T09:51:00.000+02:00

Failure is Not Final
Lk. 22:31-32

Hi, I'm Crawford Loritts with a Legacy Moment. Just because you’ve blown it does not mean God won’t use you.

I have a friend who, for many years before he became a Christian, was a cocaine addict. Then he
gave his life to Christ, and God wonderfully delivered him from this addiction. He began to
grow in his faith.

Some years after he gave his life to Christ, he went to seminary to prepare for the ministry,
but while he was in seminary he took a fall. Through a chain of events and some moments of
weakness, the urge to use cocaine visited him with a vengeance, and he fell. He gave in. But
God so convicted his heart that he sought out some wise, godly people, and he repented. He
placed himself under their leadership and accountability, and in time God restored him back to
ministry. Today he’s the pastor of a thriving church. God is using him in a powerful way, and
he has a wonderful testimony.

His story is really a picture of God’s grace, love, and mercy in all of our lives. We don’t
glory in the fact that somebody fails. God can reach us and turn our lives around, even when
we mess up. The Bible is full of examples.

Take Peter. You recall that Jesus foretold Peter’s betrayal in Luke chapter 22 verses 31 and
32. Listen to what Jesus said to Peter just before Jesus is to be crucified; "Simon, Simon,
behold, Satan has demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed
for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

What a wonderful thing! Here’s what I want you to remember today. Failure is not final. If
you’ll confess and repent of your sin, God will restore you. He’ll put you back together, and
He will use you.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Leave the Trouble in God's Hands

2007-09-20T15:11:00.000+02:00

Leave the Trouble in God's Hands

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.

George Muller Massena, one of Napoleon's generals, suddenly appeared with 18,000 soldiers before an Austrian town which had no means of defending itself. The town council met, certain that capitulation was the only answer. The old dean of the church reminded the council that it was Easter, and begged them to hold services as usual and to leave the trouble in God's hands. They followed his advice. The dean went to the church and rang the bells to announce the service. The French soldiers heard the church bells ring and concluded that the Austrian army had come to rescue the town. They broke camp, and before the bells had ceased ringing, vanished.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians. 4:6-7

The Daily Encourager

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

SOMETIMES

2007-09-19T15:34:00.000+02:00

Sometimes we try to move a giant tree when God only expects us to plant a seed. You do what you can, and God will do what you cannot.

Diane Hampton

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Can We Live Sin Free?

2007-09-14T10:31:00.000+02:00

Can We Live Sin Free?

1 Peter 4:1 says, "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." In recent meetings I have been asking congregations if we can live a sin free life? The response is usually silence! Some say yes while others say no, but the general response is mostly "We're not sure?"

The purpose of the question is to challenge people to examine a "sin free" possibility and to ask themselves why they do sin. No one ever commits a sin without first deciding to do so. All sin requires a decision to be made on our part before the sinful action takes place. Actually, the reason that people sin is because we want to sin! Most of us won't admit that, but it is true! The scripture we quoted from 1 Peter 4:1 tells us that people sin because they are unwilling to "suffer in the flesh." We like our comfort too much. Let me explain.

When we are tempted to sin, we are being drawn away by the lust of our flesh. In short, our flesh desires something that we should not do! At that point, a battle usually follows. "After all, that guy just cut me off in traffic and he deserves to be cussed out! Maybe I can get him at the next stop light!" Our flesh really wants to get back at this guy, but the Word says to walk in love! If I decide to walk in love, my flesh is going to "suffer". It suffers because I am resisting
the desire to sin. It's much like the suffering an athlete does when training for competition. Training is tough, hard work on the body, but it pays off in the end!

Hebrews 5:14 tells us that through practice, we can develop our senses (flesh) to actually resist sin's attempts to knock us off course! Training camp is not always easy, but it's rewards are worth the effort! Be blessed!

With thanks to Kandy Colby

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

2007-09-11T15:43:00.001+02:00

"When you yell at someone there’s a part of the brain that shuts down – it’s the part of
the brain that houses how we reason through a situation." Did you read that right? Yes!
It’s been proven scientifically that when yelling starts there is a part of the brain that
goes offline – much like a computer goes offline when its circuits become overloaded. That
proves all the more how true it is when the Bible says, "A fool gives full vent to his
anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Proverbs 29:11). In other words, a
wise man yells but a wise person listens and reasons.

Ten Guidelines From God

2007-09-07T10:09:00.000+02:00

Ten Guidelines From God

1. QUIT WORRYING:

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Alternatively, do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I cannot help you until you turn it over to Me. Moreover, although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of many things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME:

Once you have given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:

Do not wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now; I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It is simple. You gave Me your burdens and I am taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:

I want you to forget many things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I am in control. Nevertheless, there is one thing I pray you never forget. Please, do not forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:

I see many things from up here that you cannot see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I am doing. Trust Me; you would not want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you do, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you are. Share your joy with Those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who have not heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, and rush.

9. BE KIND:

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? I created you for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. Also, love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Do not ever forget...

Touch someone with your love.
Rather than focus upon the thorns of life, smell the roses and count your blessings!
With thanks to Grace Tlou

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Salt of the Earth

2007-08-30T11:21:00.000+02:00

Salt of the Earth
Reading: Psalm 47

"Your Kingdom come, for Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever" (Mt 6:10,13)
God is not interested to pour out His Spirit on His people just to excite them or make them
feel good. No! He is interested in the "world!" He sent His Son to die for the world. He sent
His Spirit to convict the world of sin and woo sinners to the Saviour. He anointed the 120
disciples on the Day of Pentecost that they might be His witnesses throughout the whole world.

Evan Roberts (1878-1951) of Welsh Revival prayed, "Lord, bend the Church and bless the world!"

Most of the revivals of the past have given birth to great missionary and evangelistic
movements. But there are also stories of revivals which died out too soon, one of the main
causes being the failure of the leaders to channelise the revival blessings into aggressive
evangelism and soulwinning.

The theme of the discourses of the risen Christ with His disciples before Pentecost was the
Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). When the disciples mistook the mind of Jesus and asked Him, "Lord,
will You at this time restore the Kingdom of Israel?" (v 6), He explained to them that He
was talking about the spiritual Kingdom that would be established in the hearts of men and
women through the preaching of the Gospel all over the world beginning with Jerusalem (vv 7,8).

The Great Commission, as it is called, was given just before Ascension. He commanded them to
GO! To all the nations! Throughout the whole World! To preach the Gospel! To reach every
creature! To teach all the Truths! In His authority! As His witnesses! In the power of the
Holy Spirit! With His presence with them always! (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18; Lk 24:47-49;
Acts 1:8). Revival is not an end in itself. It's a means to an end, the end being evangelism.

David prayed, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your enthusiastic
Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners shall be converted to You"
(Psa 51:12,13). It is necessary that we understand why we pray for revival. Revival is not
evangelism, but revival begets evangelism.

We are living in a time in Church history when revival is not a luxury but a necessity. Revival
delays because prayer decays. Let's repair the broken altar of our prayer life so that the fire
of God may again fall on us. Then every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that
Christ is Lord! (1 Ki 18:38,39).

- R.Stanley

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
"In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Richard Eastman
When you are down to nothing, God is up to something.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!