God has the best plan for your life!

It all started with a nation in obscurity, yet chosen by God. The nation of Israel did not start out as a nation deserving of God’s favour, yet He chose to use this nation to showcase what He could do if they surrendered to Him. (Deut 10:15)

As long as the nation of Israel obeyed God, they were triumphant in battle and had the privilege of being led by God Himself through the pillar of cloud in the day and fire by night. This nation had nothing to boast about. They never chose God; rather it was God who chose them. (Ex 13:21)

God wanted the nation of Israel to be different. They were called to be His own peculiar people, a special people close to His heart. In and through them, all the families of the earth were to be blessed. However, instead of embracing their heritage, they yearned to be like the pagan tribes around them and desired their own king. They rejected the rule of the Majesty of Heaven in favour of an earthly king, slave to like passions as themselves. They wanted a king who would ride triumphantly into battle with them, yet their battles had always been the Lord’s! (1 Sam 8:5-20)

In the same manner we being the church, as spiritual Israel, have been called to be kings and priests to our God and to reign with Him in His kingdom which will never end. However, we find ourselves as pilgrims in this far country of life, and instead of seeking the everlasting City of God, we are distracted by this world and it’s people. We long to be like them more than we long to be like our Saviour. He has created us to shine like lights in a perverse world to show all people His glory, but instead we prefer to blend into the crowds. We claim to value originality, but we evidence a pitiful lack thereof. Our dress, the way we walk and talk, and conduct business is the same as is commonly found in this world. It is not often that others see the difference! (Phil 2:15, Heb 11:13, 1 Pet 2:11)

Why is it that we prefer to crawl when God has designed us to soar with Him? We were not made to be creatures of habit, slaves to sin. We are not meant to sit in church for years and years with nothing to show for it. We were made in the image of God, to triumph over evil. Christ is daily restoring that image in us and we are called to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and to overcome sin through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit. The time has come to stop “playing church” and start living it out in our lives! We need the deliverance of Christ to manifest in our lives, so that the whole world can see the difference. (Gen 1:27, Col 3)

God has called us to perfection because He is perfect. He has called us to holiness because He is holy. As His people, we must reflect His character. It is a high ideal to strive for, but with Christ all things are possible! Although our righteousness pales in comparison to His, we are called to model our lives on His life and to walk just as He walked if we are to be His true disciples. Put aside selfish, carnal desires and let Christ unravel the puzzle that is your life today! (1 Jn 2:6, Acts 4:13) 

God has the best plan for your life; why don't you surrender to Him today? With God in your corner, there is nothing that life can throw at you that you and Him together can't handle.You can't afford NOT to know Him!

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." -John 6:37.

The Ministry of Prayer-Talking with God

The gospels often record that Jesus rose early and sought out a solitary place where He would spend time in prayer, communing with His Father. His disciples must have been impressed with His prayerful example, for they asked Him to teach them how to pray. The result of this lesson was the Lord’s Prayer, which is known and loved by Christians the world over for it teaches us important lessons on how we should approach prayer. (Luke 11:1)

What is prayer, and why is it so important? As we face the year ahead and considering the times in which we live, it is imperative that we grasp the true meaning and power of prayer. The Bible teaches in James 5:16 that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much.

Prayer is more than just petitioning God, although that may well form part of a person’s prayer time. Prayer is a ministry. I once read a wise quote on what it means to be in ministry. To be a minister of God means helping, interceding and praying for others even though you yourself are in need of being ministered to. That means that prayer is not something we should do only when we feel like it. There will often be times when you don’t feel like praying, but keep at it. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thes 5:17)

Prayer does not consist of repeating a “shopping list” of your desires to God every day. The most powerful and heartfelt prayers are prayers of repentance, confession, and praying for the needs of others around you. Indeed, you can be truly blessed when you spend the least amount of time listing your needs and praying for yourself, and the most amount of time praying for others. Too often, our spiritual growth is stunted by “give me” prayers and we fail to ask God to deliver us from the temptations of the day ahead and the path of sin that lies ahead of us. True prayer comes from a heart of brokenness and a spirit that seeks after God Himself, and not just the things He is able to provide.

Prayer does not consist of vain repetition; Jesus said that we should not pray as the heathen do. Intimate times of prayer and intercession should not be done in public, but rather in the “closet” i.e. a solitary place of privacy with no disturbances. This ensures that your prayer time is productive and not used as just as an outward show only. If you find it hard to concentrate, keep a prayer journal and write down your prayers. This is an excellent way of reviewing your prayers and recording testimonies of answered prayer that can be used to witness to others. If you don’t know what to pray for, let the Holy Spirit guide you. Intercede, repent, confess, thank, admire and praise God! Ask for spiritual as well as physical needs. (Rom 8:26)

Take your first step in coming to Jesus today by praying the prayer at the bottom of this page. It will change your life forever (in a good way, of course!).  He is longing for you to come to Him today!

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Scripture refs: Luke 11:1-4, Matt 6:5-15, 1 Thes 5:17, Rom 8:26

The Brother who died for me

Our Bible study at church this quarter has focused on what it means to be clothed in Christ. I cannot resist the temptation to share this story told by a Romanian pastor imprisoned for his faith before the fall of Communism, to criminals sharing his cell.

There were once two brothers. The elder was a devout, God-fearing man while the younger was a rebel who surrounded himself with unsavoury companions and riotous living. One day, he ran to his older brother who was reading in his study screaming: “Brother, save me! The police are after me. I have killed a man!” Without hesitating, his older brother grasped the situation. “I will save you, let us change garments,” he replied. The elder brother donned the blood-stained garments, and handed his white robe to his younger sibling. They had barely dressed when the cops burst in on the scene and arrested the older brother on charges of murder.

At his trial he pleaded guilty, saying to the judge: “I accept full responsibility for the crime.” Faced with the evidence-the pursuit, the bloodstained clothes and a confession, he was sentenced to death. “What is your final wish?” the judge asked. “Only one”, replied the supposed criminal. “Please deliver this letter to my brother at the moment of my execution.”

On opening the letter, the younger brother read: “My beloved, at this moment I die in your place, in your bloodstained clothes, for your crime. I am happy to offer this sacrifice because I love you. All I ask is that in the white robe I gave you, you live a life of righteousness and purity. I have no other desire!”

As the younger brother read the letter, tears flowed down his cheeks. He ran in desperation, hoping to stop the execution but no one believed his story. “The crime has been expiated-what happened between you two is none of our concern” said the judge. Thereafter, every time his former friends called him to loose living, the younger brother would say: “In the white robe left to me by my brother who gave his life for me, I can no longer do the evil deeds I did before.”

Jesus Christ,  Son of God (our elder Brother) paid a terrible price in dying for our sins. Our token of love to Him is a life of righteousness and purity. Our good works cannot save us-if they could, Christ would not have had to die. No matter how good you are now or intend to be in future, your past sins still condemn you until you accept Christ's sacrifice for your atonement. Keeping God’s Commandments should not be a burden to us, but a token of our love for Christ.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. "-John 14:15 (Jesus speaking)
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."- 1 John 5:3
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.-Romans 5:6-10

Also read Matt ch 26-ch 28 on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, remembering that He did all this for you. Also read John 13.

Follow the Leader

It is rumoured that Gandhi respected Jesus Christ as a great teacher and often quoted from passages of Scripture like the Sermon on the Mount. However, when asked by a Christian minister why he so adamantly refused to become a Christian, he replied: “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

I remember as a child playing a simple game called “Follow the Leader.” Everyone would have to follow the person chosen as the “leader”, imitating perfectly that person’s actions and following in his or her footsteps. It is the same with the Christian walk. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Much is at stake if we don’t, including the lives of those who watch our supposedly Christian lives unfold.  Even genuine Christians make mistakes and fall into the trap of sin, but our goal should be to repent, admit our mistakes, seek forgiveness from Christ and not let sin become a repetitive pattern in our lifestyles. (1 Jn 1:9-10)

On the same token, those who choose to reject Christianity merely because of the observed faults of a few Christians are making a grave and perilous mistake. Christ did not call you to follow other Christians, or to judge them. He calls you to follow Him! If you find Christ attractive, follow Him regardless of the unattractiveness of His supposed followers. There are many out there who call themselves Christians, but who are really only taking the Lord’s Name in vain. Jesus Christ left the glories of Heaven to come down to this earth to show us what God’s love looks like and to show us how we should live. We should pattern our lives after His life, and not after the lives of the great evangelists and preachers of our time.

Even the Apostle Paul, a devout Christian leader, told the early Christians to only imitate him as long as he imitated Christ. This clearly meant that the moment he stopped imitating Christ, was the exact same moment that they should stop imitating him! (1 Cor 11:1) Following a Christian is only good when that Christian is following Christ. So I pose the question, why follow Christians in the first place when you can rather just follow Christ?

Jesus often referred to Himself as the Shepherd and His followers as sheep. Sheep are silly creatures which are well known for their tendency to get lost. It is therefore vital that you put your trust in the Shepherd more than another sheep with a penchant for getting lost! Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me.” It is vital that your Christianity hinge on a relationship with the Shepherd Himself. (Jn 10:11-16, 27-29; Mk 2:14, Mk 8:34)

"I [Jesus speaking] am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."-John 10:11-16 
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."-John 10:27-28

The Secret to Contentment Part 1: One Day at a Time

This week, I was reminded of the fragility of life when a good friend of my father passed away. He was fine the one day, and two days later he had passed on! Needless to say, it was a great shock to his family and many friends.

We often live our lives thinking that we’re invincible, but little do we realize the fine line between life and death. One could hope that all of us are alive to be caught up in the air with the Lord at His glorious return, but that would be wishful thinking. Some of us will not be alive then, although that will not detract from the excitement of the resurrection that awaits us! (1 Thes 4:15-18, Phil 1:21)

Life is fragile. It can end at any time, meaning the close of probation for each individual may well be closer than the general close of probation. Wise King Solomon said it well when he said that the living know they shall die, but the dead know not anything. Since life passes so quickly, it should be all the more reason to find those things that matter the most and make your life count for something bigger and better than your wildest dreams -  something that will last for eternity! I speak of the Kingdom of God which will never pass away. Jesus said: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you.” (Matt 6:24-34, Matt 6:19-21)

Are you stressed about things that often seem beyond your control? Do you feel like a headless chicken, or a wave in a tempest, tossed to and fro? Do the little annoyances in life leave you feeling angry and bitter, and then worst of all…ALONE? Are you suffering the negative physical effects of a body and spirit that is exhausted from the relentless pressures of life and the wild dreams and fantasies you chase that mean nothing in the greater scheme of things? Do you feel like a hamster on a wheel, running as fast as you can, but going nowhere? Are you trapped in a vicious cycle of debt that leaves a lump in your throat and feels like an anaconda squeezing the life out of you?

I speak from personal experience when I tell people that Jesus is the answer to true contentment. After all, if the Spirit of the Lord of the Universe dwells within you, what more could you want? I felt my colleague’s sentiments this week when he said that if he didn’t have Jesus, he probably would have committed suicide a long time ago. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with forward planning and a healthy sense of God-given ambition. God wants us to use all our talents, but most times we take it beyond the boundaries for healthful living. None of us is given a guarantee that we will have tomorrow; all we have is today. Make it count! As the old hymn goes: “…one day at a time, Sweet Jesus; that’s all I am asking of You…”

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."- Matt 6:24-34

Scripture refs: Read the whole of Matthew ch 6, 1Thes 4:15-18, Phil 1:21

The Secret to Contentment Part 2-Born to Serve

Last week’s message focused on the secret to true contentment being trust in Jesus Christ who saves us, obedience to His commands because we love Him, and making His Kingdom the overriding passion in our lives.

However, the question may arise: How exactly does one make Jesus’ Kingdom your passion? This week’s message seeks to explore this question. (Matt 6:19-34)

Making Jesus’ Kingdom your passion involves making His mission the priority and central focus of your existence. We are to seek the lost and erring in the same way that the Saviour sought them i.e. with a heart of compassion. The fulfillment of the Great Commission should override your desire for wealth, prestige or status in this world. Let God take care of you, as you focus on serving Him  by taking care of those He loves and gave His life for. (Matt 28:19-20)

There is no career more rewarding than that of being a minister of Christ. It is indeed the highest privilege and calling. Most of us spend at least eight hours at our places of work, but this is no excuse to leave God’s calling on your life unfulfilled. Your place of work is your mission field – don’t wait until you retire to labour for the Master; rather do it now in the days of your youth and vigour when you can offer Him the best years of your life in humble service for His Kingdom. In ministering to the needs of others by tending to their spiritual, emotional and physical needs, you will gain an audience for your promotion of the Gospel of our Lord. The days spent at your work place where you used to complain and experience monotony will be revitalized as you gain new purpose in working for the Master. In His employ, you will find peace and contentment as never before! (1 Tim 4:12; 6:6-12, Lam 3:27, Jer 22:21)

God created us in His image and likeness. When Jesus walked this earth, He revealed His character to be that of a servant leader. Therefore this means that we were created for service! When Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was healed by Jesus, the first thing she did was to arise and wait on the Lord. In the same manner, Christ has brought us into His Kingdom to serve others and to worship Him. In doing so, we will find rest for our souls, for we will then have exchanged our burdens for His yoke of service which is “easy and light”. (Matt 8:14-15; 11:28-30, John 13)

This quiet contentment is evidenced in the life of Paul the Apostle, when as he languished in a damp prison cell, all he asked for was his coat, books and parchments.The degree of contentment you experience is directly proportional to the amount of “dying to self” that you do. Contentment stems from having a meaningful purpose –Jesus is our reason for living. He is our purpose, His mission and passion, ours too!

The Secret to Contentment Part 3-Sabbath Rest

In the fast paced modern era we live in, many struggle to find some quiet time for rest and repose. However, God has always emphasized the need for His people to come away from worldly concerns for a time of reflection and communion with Him. (Gen 3:8-9, Gen2:2-3, Mk 6:31)

We were not designed to operate in a 24/7 working environment. As the Creator and Master Designer of the Universe, God alone knows the optimal conditions in which we should live. Just as you would not subject your car or a piece of expensive machinery to undue stress by using it contrary to the operating instructions (abuse), so you should also take care to heed God’s operating instructions for your own well-being, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

It is the same Lord who decreed the boundaries of the oceans who also has decreed the boundaries of time and space, giving us six days in which to labour and commanding us to rest on the seventh day to commemorate the great work of Creation that He had accomplished. It is also a time to contemplate the restoration of all things which He has already set in motion by His redeeming death, victorious Resurrection and atoning priestly ministry.

Jesus, when He was on this earth, showed us in what spirit we ought to keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath is God’s gift to man. This is what Jesus meant when He said that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. (Mk 2:27) No gift is a burden; hence the Sabbath ought not to be kept in legalistic tradition, but in joyous freedom and should be our delight. (Is 58:13-14) Also notice, He did not say: “The Sabbath was made for Jews…” He said “man”, meaning ALL of mankind, non-Jews included.

Many have neglected the Sabbath or have chosen to replace God’s Holy (sanctified*) Day with a day of their own choosing. At Creation, God rested on the Sabbath (seventh day), setting a pattern for us that was to last for all eternity. If the Sabbath had been changed to Sunday (first day of the week), surely something as important as this would have been an explicit command of Jesus Himself! Yet we see no such command in the entire Canon of Scripture. We see the price of neglect of God’s Sabbath all around us, in the maladies of the depressed and anxious. People are suffering from stress, overwork and depression from their youth. God has given us a command to rest – if He has decreed it, why should we fight it? In God’s Kingdom made new, ALL peoples will celebrate the Sabbath. (Is 66:22-23) Why not embrace and enjoy it now!

* to sanctify = to set apart for holy use

"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."-Is 66:22-23

The Secret to Contentment Part 4-A Learned Behaviour

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have it all, yet never find true happiness? Scripture is fraught with examples and wise lessons on how being physically rich in the wares and treasures of this world makes it even harder to find entrance into the Kingdom of God. Since the Kingdom of God begins in our hearts, if our hearts are full of restless striving for worldly treasures, one can clearly see the problem! Jesus Himself said that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt 19:24) The love of money is the root of all evil, and those who possess such greed will never experience true contentment. It is not impossible for rich people to enter into Heaven; it’s just a lot harder! (1 Tim 6:10)

True contentment comes from recognizing the value of the eternal and unsearchable riches of God’s grace. After all, your heart is where your treasure lies (Matt 6:19-21). Those who practice the art of contentment make it look easy! However, contentment is a behaviour that often comes by way of learning some hard life lessons. I must confess, I myself only started experiencing contentment after the year 2008 which to me was one of the worst years of my life! It took  spending my first stint in hospital, escaping unscathed from two car accidents (one from a horse and trailer truck which would have demolished my poor Tazz had it not been for the hand of God), having one cell phone destroyed from liquid damage and another stolen, together with a season of unemployment and depression to teach me contentment. Yet despite this, I consider it one of the most valuable gifts I have been given – the ability to treasure and savour each passing moment of life, valuing it for the precious gift of God it really is.

The Apostle Paul states in Phil 4:11-13: “…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” From this, we can clearly see that contentment exists in the heart of one who is totally surrendered to God and who gives up his own willful passions, plans and desires placing them subject to the Will of God. In this he takes up his cross and follows the Master, and in denying himself he finds true contentment (Matt 16:24-26). Contentment is a learned behaviour. It is when everything is stripped away from us that we learn that we really don’t need that much to survive after all! God will take care of you; if you make His business your priority, He will make your business His priority. (Is 33:6,16)

Calling God a Liar?

I struggled with the title of my message this week. It seemed like such an unconventional title, one that was a jolt of lightning in my mind when it arrived in my thoughts as I pondered on what I should write about. Calling God a liar? How exactly does one accomplish that? Are we even guilty of that?

We worry about the visible sins in our lives, but what about the invisible sins, the ones no one knows about but us and God? Because no one knows about them, we often find ourselves procrastinating when it comes to dealing with them, and while we delay we condemn the same faults in others that we ourselves are guilty of.

1 John 1:10 states that if we say are without sin, we are deceiving ourselves and also calling God a liar. Cherished sins, though often hidden from the prying human eyes, do not escape the eyes of the One who searches the hearts of men and reads them like an open book (Prov 21:2).  When mixed with pride, these invisible sins are a dangerous concoction brewing in our hearts leading to denial (a state of spiritual blindness where we refuse to acknowledge our sins) which further leads to the trap of presumption which makes our hearts hard so that we cannot admit our need of a Saviour. This is a very dangerous condition which often leads to a festering wound of hypocrisy, which destroys the credibility of our witness for Christ.

There is also the other extreme, where people have committed such heinous sins that they think they don’t deserve to be forgiven or cannot be forgiven. The Bible provides many examples of people in history who experienced God’s great forgiveness regardless of the “size or seriousness of the sin” in men’s eyes. King David was forgiven for lying, adultery and murder when he confessed it to God and was able to say: “Blessed is he whose transgression is covered and whose sins are forgiven.”

Both extremes lead to the deadly sin of calling God a liar. We call God a liar when we think we have no need of His forgiveness because we refuse to admit our failures. We also call him a liar when we underestimate His redeeming love for us and His ability to save to the utmost all who call on Him. (Heb 7:25) Some of us find ourselves hemmed in by a pattern of destructive, dangerous sinful practices. It’s one thing accepting the Lord and being baptized. That only leads to a greater confrontation with sin than ever before, a spiritual battle we will wage all our lives, but praise God that with Him ALL things are possible! (Matt 19:25-26) Jesus wasn’t lying when He said this! Old habits die hard, but deliverance is ours if we claim it in faith, asking Him to transform our characters every day.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."-1 John 1:8-10

Scripture refs: 1 John 1:10, Prov 21:2, Heb 7:25, Matt 19:25-26

Jesus Christ-The Reason for Life itself!

Famous playwright and author, William Shakespeare once described the world as a stage and all the people on it as players. For a short while, they strut their stuff but before long the curtains close and death marks the end of the last chapter of their lives.

For most people, life is a mad rush to nowhere. Like a hamster on a never-ending wheel, we follow the same tireless routine day after day, often not taking time to ponder upon the reason for life. Renowned poet T S Eliot wrote about this in his poem entitled “Preludes”. He wrote about how people who have lost their purpose go through life suffering, as their creativity and emotions are crushed day after painful day. To repeat what does not work is to be trapped in a cycle of insanity.

Some people find themselves impatient and always on the run, but have no reason why. What is the hurry? To what end is the needless fuss and stress? I am reminded of an old children’s story. It told of a young boy who, in his eagerness to grow up, asked God to speed up the process. God granted his wish. Finding himself encumbered with the stress and responsibility of supporting his family in gainful employment, he wished for the bliss of retirement. God granted his wish. Having retired, he sought out his family but found that most of them had passed away. Alone, he traveled to the village of his birth to visit his mother and on seeing her, was shocked to find her aged, infirm and unable to remember him. He had embarked on a mad rush through life only to discover that he had let his life slip through his fingers, and had paid a great price.

Don’t live a life of regrets. Live your life in a way that will not leave you wishing you could turn back the clock. Great and small, rich and poor rush through life only to meet with the grave. There is much meaningful work to do in life, yet much of it is left undone while we chase after wind. (Eccles 5:15-16)

To those who put their hope in Christ, the grave is not the final destination. They will be raised incorruptible at the last day. However, Jesus desires that we surrender ourselves to Him now while we are yet in this world. In Jesus Christ, one finds a mission and a purpose like no other. He is the Reason for life itself! He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Put Him first and you will not regret it! (Jn 14:6, Job 19:25-27, 1 Cor 15)

"What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah." -Ps 89:48 


The question above is asked in the book of Psalms. It's answer is found in the Resurrection Chapter of 1 Cor 15, Rom 8:11, John 5:28-29, John 11:25. In the same way that God raised Christ from the dead, so will HE raise all those who believe in Him and whose works reveal the REALITY of their belief and testimony. They will reign forever with Christ, while the wicked will be raised for judgment and damnation.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."- John 11:25

True Worship Part 1

Jesus defined true worship in John 4:23 when He said that the true worshipers would worship God in spirit and in truth. It’s not where you worship that matters; rather it’s who you worship and how you worship that makes the difference. 

Popular culture dictates that “all roads lead to Rome.” The world holds the view that you can choose any belief system that suits you and live your life in the manner you deem most convenient and God will accept you just as you are, without expecting any transformation whatsoever. “All roads lead to God,” they say!

This is the one of the most harmful lies propagated by satan in order to prevent people from coming into a relationship with the only one true living God. He uses the same clever rhetoric that deceived Eve in the Edenic paradise to deceive us today! Just as he deceived her into thinking that breaking God’s commands would not lead to death, so he tries to deceive us today into thinking that God is a “wishy-washy” lenient God who will continue to tolerate our idolatry and that if He doesn’t, then he is not worthy of our worship! Satan makes us think that we can strong-arm God into accepting us after we choose to worship false gods and live any way we please.

God gave the Israelites of old an explicit command never to worship false gods and idols or any graven images, yet the first chance they got, they turned their backs on Him to worship a golden calf and ever since then, the world has been in a cycle of idolatry. Some of us believe that there is a God, and rightly so. The Bible records for us that even the demons believe and tremble! Believing is not enough-it’s what you do about it that matters. There are many atheists and evolutionists out there who only cling to their beliefs because just the thought that there is a God out there scares them. If there is a God out there, it means that they are accountable to Him for their actions, how they worship and how they conduct their lives. The world’s refusal to accept God into their lives is sometimes not a problem accepting His existence. History, science, creation and logic scream that that there is a God! Once again, it boils down to our tendency to neglect responsibility and accountability. The world believes that if they ignore God’s existence, maybe they won’t have to be accountable for their actions. They can live a carefree life and still be granted eternal life because God will still love them! They want their proverbial bread buttered both sides. They want to make choices, but not have to live with the consequences.

Don’t you hate it when people don’t call you by your correct name? How much more must God hate it when He is not called by His name which He has clearly revealed to His people! He has given us direction on how to worship Him and how we may be saved from our sins. Jesus Christ is the only way, the only Truth and the only Life! There is no other way to God, except through Him. Who wants to worship a god who is not powerful enough to demand worship on His terms?! We must worship the true living God in the way He directs – anything else is an abomination! If you’re going to worship God, at least worship the True God! There is no middle ground on this decision.

Scripture refs: Ex 32:4, James 2:19, Gen 3:4

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die."-Gen 3:4 
[This was a lie. The moment Adam & Eve sinned, they experienced separation from God which started the process of spiritual death, a pre-cursor to physical death which was never part of God's plan for them.]


"And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves."-Ex 32:1-7

[They may have declared a feast to the Lord but their method of worship was an abomination in His sight. How you worship DOES matter.Worship is not about the enjoyment of the worshiper but rather it is all about the one who is worshiped.


Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.-James 2:19
[Even the demons believe that God exists, but they still walk in disobedience. Obedience to God's commands is an act of worship.]

True Worship P2- Approaching the Altar

Last week, we started a series on “True Worship.” This week’s message delves into a bit more detail on what constitutes true worship. What is worshiping “in Spirit and Truth” supposed to look like?

In Gen 4:2-7, we read of two young men who bring an offering to God. At first glance, both offerings seem acceptable. They are both the results of the hard work of these two young men. I remember as a young Christian having great difficulty understanding why God would accept Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. To find out, one has to look beyond the offering itself to the attitude and posture of the two worshipers.

Cain brought an offering symbolic of his hard work in his chosen profession of tilling the ground. There was a curse on the ground due to the sin of Adam and Eve in breaking God’s command by eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, so Cain would have had to make a concerted effort to grow his produce. Of this, he was proud and he offered the first fruits of his labour to the Lord. He brought to God an offering symbolic of his pride and his works.

Abel, on the other hand, also brought an offering from his chosen profession as a shepherd. However, his offering foretold of the coming Redeemer who would wash his sins away by the pouring out of His blood. Abel offered his sacrifice in faith and it typified the Messiah who was to save all mankind from their sins. Cain did not offer his sacrifice in faith, so to him it became sin. (Rom 14:23). The Lord’s response to Cain: “if you do well, will you not be accepted?” gives us the clear message that there was a standard for offering sacrifices to God and Cain was not true to that standard. God is no respecter of persons – if Cain had brought the right offering with the right attitude and posture of worship, it would have been accepted! (Rom 2:11, Col 3:25)Cain’s attitude when His sacrifice was not accepted demonstrates his attitude in bringing the sacrifice in the first place! If it was mere ignorance that had caused him to bring a sacrifice of the wrong nature, he would have immediately repented and asked his brother for a lamb to offer to God. Instead, he was driven to wrath and fell prey to the heinous sin of murdering his brother.

The same issue was at the forefront in Jesus’ day when the Pharisees prayed aloud on the street corners, but their hearts were far from God, and the poor publicans who asked for mercy and rested on the promise of the Messiah to atone for them, were vindicated .(Luk 18:9-14)

Our tithes, offerings, praise and worship to God are not acceptable unless they are of the right nature, and brought with the right attitude and not one of hypocrisy or trusting in our own works for salvation. We should not compare our sacrifices of praise to that of other worshipers, for God looks at the heart of those who worship Him. Forgive each other before bringing gifts to the altar. Let the older ones be an example to the younger, teaching them true worship!

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."-Matt 5:23-24

"And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering, but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."-Gen 4:2-7

"And he [Jesus] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."-Luke 18:9-14

True Worship P3-Reverence in His Sanctuary

In Part 1 of our series on “True worship”, it was emphasized that WHO you choose to worship DOES matter. True worship does not exist apart from the true God. Part 2 examined the bringing of gifts to the altar and the posture of a true worshiper. This week we will spend a bit more time examining the state of a true worshiper’s mind and heart during worship. When we enter the sanctuary of God, we must always remember to do so with great reverence, but also great enthusiasm! We should exclaim with the Psalmist: “I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord!”

We are reminded of the words of Jesus when he admonished the moneychangers in the temple, saying: “My house is the house of prayer, but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Luk 19:46) Today, He could well say to us: “My house is a house of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a social club!” God’s sanctuary is not the place to catch up on the latest gossip. Rather, it is a place where we ought to give Him our most precious gift of all. Rom 12:1 describes this as surrendering yourself to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him. God wants your heart, not your money! Although tithing is an important part of worship, a heart surrendered and totally yielded to Him is what He requires. When your heart is surrendered to God, your body will always stand ready to serve Him with great enthusiasm, respect and love.  Your duties in the sanctuary will no longer seem a chore, but a precious gift of love evidenced through devoted and committed service. Service without being asked-first time, on time, every time! A soldier is always to be in a state of readiness for battle – so it must be with the soldiers of the Cross! Our minds and hearts must be ready to worship and our hands eager for service.

There are many activities in the house of God which the servants of God have prepared with the help of the Holy Spirit, with the sole purpose of encouraging the people of God. We must come to His sanctuary on His holy day to learn of Him and to ensure that our relationship with Him gets stronger daily. Sabbath school, mission stories and divine service are equally important in equipping the child of God for active service in His Kingdom. There are many churches that do not have such privileges as we do, so we should not miss any opportunity to take advantage of these opportunities for radical spiritual growth. However, just coming to church on time and performing your duties is not enough! The mind and heart must be wholly focused on worshiping God and giving undivided attention to the message He has for His people, as delivered by His servant.  If Christ Himself were in the pulpit, would we be spending nearly as much time watching others so we can find fault with them, or would our very beings be entranced by the words spoken by Him? We ought to remember that the presence of God IS in the sanctuary and when we fail to pay attention, we disrespect Him. Come to the sanctuary with the sole aim of meeting with God, and come timeously and with great excitement! After all, if you can keep appointments with your employer, how much more should you keep your appointment with the King of the Universe!

"A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD"-Ps 122:1.

The Loneliness of God

Have you ever been lonely? To be lonely is to be misunderstood, to have experienced something that you long to share with others only to be shunned. One can feel lonely despite being surrounded by the crowds. Did you know that Jesus felt lonely too?

Jesus had just finished feeding 5000 people, excluding woman and children. He had the crowds following Him, but He knew they were following Him for the wrong reason. In John 6:26-27, Jesus displays the true intent of the people. They followed him for the loaves and the fish, the physical food for their mortal bodies. Jesus, by feeding the 5000, was not just trying to teach them a lesson about faith but also about the truth of Him being the Bread of Heaven. He longed for them to hunger and thirst for righteousness, for He promised that He would fill that desire yet none seemed to understand His message.  (Matt 5:6)

Jesus described Himself as the Bread of Heaven, saying that whoever ate of His body and drank of His blood would taste everlasting life and share in His eternal Kingdom. The people misunderstood His message and, thinking He spoke of cannibalism, some walked with Him no more.

In exasperation, He looked at the twelve men before Him. Even among them, He knew that there was a traitor. In a feeling of utter loneliness, He uttered these words in verse 67: “Will ye also go away?”

Jesus knew that a lonely road lay ahead of Him. God who created the Universe, who owned all the silver and the gold and the cattle on the thousand hills and who doesn’t need anything from man, felt lonely. So the Bible tells us that He emptied Heaven so He could fill it. He gave His only begotten Son to the world to walk the lonely way of the Cross.  He gave one Son in order to bring many sons to glory. (Heb 2:10)

Today, the world has largely forsaken God. Some who profess His Name merely utter it in vain. The Bible says that when we who have known God choose to forsake His ways, it’s like we’re crucifying Jesus all over again and putting Him to an open shame. God made us so He could share His love with us. Heaven will be restored when the loneliness of God meets the loneliness of man, and loneliness will forever be banished in the Heavens and Earth made new.  Surrender to Jesus today-it’s the first step to not being lonely anymore. What will your decision be? He is asking you today: "Will you also go away?"

Scripture refs: Read John 6, Heb 4:15-16, Matt 5:6, Heb 2:10, Heb 6:4-6

"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?"- John 6:66-67

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."-Matt 5:6

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."- Heb 4:15-16

"For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation [Jesus] perfect through sufferings."-Heb 2:10

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."-Heb 6:4-6

True Worship P4-Walking in the Dust of the Rabbi

One day, I saw a bumper sticker which read: “Exercise daily-walk with the Lord…” This seems like an apt topic to finish off our series on true worship. What does it mean to “walk with the Lord”? Your walk with the Lord is your relationship with Him. The way you worship will largely determine the way you walk with Him. Are you running ahead of Him, or are you so far behind that you can’t seem Him anymore?

An ancient Jewish Rabbinical blessing goes something like this: “May you walk in the dust of your Rabbi!” To walk in someone’s dust means you have to be walking just behind that person i.e. following close on his heels. Jesus explained this to His disciples in John 13:16 when He said that no servant is greater than his Lord. You cannot walk next to the Rabbi for you will never be His equal. You cannot run ahead of Him because He alone can lead the way as you journey through life’s uncharted territory. True worship comes in taking the posture of discipleship by following close on the Rabbi’s heels; He is the light and without Him you will be walking in darkness. Let Him light up the road that lies ahead so that you can pass safely. (John 8:12, John 1:9, 2Pet 1:17-19, Ps 119:105)

We know all about reverence in the sanctuary and bringing gifts to the altar. These are important aspects of true worship. However, true worship is not situational-it does not occur only in the sanctuary. The Psalmist echoes it perfectly in Ps 63 when he says that his longing to worship God grows because of his personal encounter with Him in the sanctuary (Ps 63:1-2). His sanctuary experience translates into a longing to shadow the Lord, “following hard after Him” (v8). Sadly, in many churches there is a lack of emphasis on this crucial aspect of true worship. If our worship is not revolutionizing and transforming our lives and making us more like Christ, then it is not true worship!

There is an old saying: “By beholding, you are changed.” I believe the Bible echoed this sentiment long before the secular author of this saying. In 2 Cor 3:18 it states that by beholding the glory of God, we are transformed by His Spirit into His image and likeness. How is the glory of God revealed to us? It is through the life of Christ, the visible representation of the invisible God, that the glory is revealed! Therefore, we must behold the life of Christ and meditate upon its scenes. Only then can we be changed. Only then can our worship be true, faithful and meaningful not just to us, but to the watching world as well! We can no longer pay lip service and pretend to be “holy” in church yet live our lives any way we please as soon as we leave the sanctuary. Those who desire to truly worship God and attain a place of honour in His Kingdom must be closest to the Rabbi. His yoke must become their yoke, His passion their passion and His work their work! (Matt 11:29)

Being close to the Rabbi means being totally covered by the dust from His sandals. Our lives must be modeled on the life of Christ. Let us take our worship to the streets-let us walk in the dust of our Rabbi, Jesus Christ!

1Jn 2:6  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Who among us is the greatest?

On Monday, 18^th July, South Africa will celebrate the birth of an icon-Nelson Mandela. He has been described on radio this week as “the man who turned the world around.” Oprah Winfrey was once again inducted into Time 100’s list of most influential persons to have affected the 20^th century. Muhammad Ali once declared: “I am the greatest!” In summary, there have been and will no doubt, continue to be many influential and great people in this world. However, what are the hallmarks of true greatness? This question has been the source of debate since the days that Jesus walked the earth.

In Luke 9, Jesus had delivered a young boy of demon possession. The disciples could not cast out the demon because of their unbelief and so the boy was brought to Jesus Himself. After having witnessed Jesus casting out the demon, everyone marveled at His power, but the disciples still argued among themselves about which of them was the greatest. They did this even after Jesus spoke of his demise at the hands of men; they were bold in the shade of His protection and thought only of themselves. Jesus taught them that those with childlike faith would be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

In Luke 22:10-30, we come to the scenes of the Passover. The first Communion service was celebrated by Jesus with His disciples on the eve of the Passover. While He spoke of his betrayal and death, they argued amongst themselves regarding who among them should be accounted the greatest. Jesus then contrasted the greatness of the world’s leaders with true greatness, saying that whoever wished to be great should take the position of a servant.

A person of true greatness does not laud it over others or publicly and arrogantly express it. A person of true greatness does not derive his greatness from the empty flattery coming from the praise of lying lips, but rather he seeks his praise from God who when he testifies of His servants, does not lie.

True greatness can only be found in following in the footsteps of Christ. You can only find yourself when in Christ, you lose yourself. True greatness comes from desiring His Name to be known and not your own.

Jesus Christ is, was and will be the GREATEST! His Name never comes off the Google searches, and it will endure FOREVER.


"And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth."-Luke 22:15-27

Scripture refs: Also read Luke 9:42-48 and John 13

The Fragrance of Christ

As I write this week’s message, I can’t stop thinking about the woman who anointed the Lord with a costly ointment in the house of Simon the Pharisee. She came bearing a gift that was a representation of the love that the Lord had already shed abroad in her heart. She came recognizing that she was no better than anyone else, and in a posture of humility and deep contrition, she poured the ointment on the feet of the Saviour. She came with mixed feelings, weeping with godly sorrow for the sins in her life, but with joy that He had granted her a royal pardon. (2 Cor 7:10)

There was no judgment or condemnation in her thoughts or actions. She had forgotten about the people around her. Her eyes were on the Lord and nothing could detract from the special moment she shared with Him. Their disbelieving stares and hurtful words that ordinarily would have cut to her heart like a knife through butter had no effect on her that day. All she knew, all she remembered was the saving grace of the Lord.

Sometimes, like that woman, I find myself thinking about the Saviour. There are days when thoughts of Him fill my mind even as I go about the daily tasks of life. Those are the really good days, when the fragrance that He put in my heart bubbles over, exuding grace, serenity and beauty. This I have come to know as the fragrance of Christ, the fragrance of His Spirit. It is the same Spirit that binds us together as brothers and sisters in the family of God. It is the same Spirit who caused the Psalmist David’s cup to run over (Ps 23), who emboldened the testimony of the Apostles (Acts 4:13, 29, 31), who testifies that we’re saved by His grace and we’re nothing without Him. (John 15:5)

The fragrance of Christ is what makes the world stop and take notice that He reigns, and to truly taste and see that the Lord is good, and that His mercy endures forever!(Ps 34:8) I am sure I am not alone in saying that friends sometimes ask: “What happy pills are you on today?”  Some have said: “You always say you’re okay…sometimes I think you’d say that even though the world crumbled around you…” (Ps 46) All I can say is that it is the Spirit of Christ, the Comforter, who makes all the difference. The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, to bring us to the Saviour, to bring to remembrance and fruition Christ’s teachings in our lives, to help us renounce evil and do good (Jn 16:8, 14:17).  May the Spirit of the Lord always be with you as you labour for Him, and let the fragrance of your heart be the fragrance of Christ. Though you may go about life unassumingly and quietly, let the Spirit testify of the reality of a life surrendered to the Saviour. May all the world see it and give glory to the Father! (Matt 5:16)

Scripture refs: Please read the Scripture refs quoted in this message. Also read Matt 26, Mark 14 and Luke 7 for the story of the woman who anointed the Lord in the house of the Pharisee.

Biblical Prosperity

It has become commonplace in the day and age we live in, to hear ministers of the Gospel speak more about prosperity than any other topic. In fact, I would dare to say that many try to attract the multitudes into the Church by making extravagant promises and guarantees of prosperity, mostly relating to the realm of finances.

What is true prosperity? This week’s message seeks to explore this from a Biblical perspective. Is prosperity constrained to just financial blessings, or is it more than that? In fact, could a person be prosperous without being extremely well off financially?

What does the Bible say about prosperity? The elder writes in 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Prosperity therefore is more than just financial abundance. The Lord’s vision of prosperity for us includes our entire well-being in all spheres of our existence i.e. emotional, physical, spiritual etc. Prosperity essentially means leading a balanced life, having enough financial provision for yourself and enough to give generously to those in need. You cannot be prosperous if you’re rich financially, but if the maintenance and upkeep of your riches leaves you precious little time to spend with the Lord, in service to others and with your family. You cannot be prosperous if you deny yourself those very basic but essential life experiences that bring so much variety and joy to life!

True prosperity is not about the wealth you slave for in life, nor the size of the estate you leave behind in death. True prosperity comes from leading your family and friends to the Lord, proudly handing down a legacy to your children that is more than financial reward. True prosperity is like a footprint that you leave behind on this earth- your niche, your mark on this world. It is evidenced in the godly example and lessons you teach others, which live on through them long after you are no more.

This marathon of life is no ordinary marathon. It’s a relay race-you’re constantly handing down the baton to the next generation. The Church runs this race together, as a team. Our success in this race depends on our ability to work cohesively and gracefully. As we race to the finish, let us work as the Body of Christ for our success depends on it. To run a relay, you have to give up the baton! True success and prosperity comes not from amassing great wealth or gratifying selfish desires, but from leaving a legacy. Pour out your life in service. Share your knowledge, talents, wisdom and gifts with others. That is true prosperity!

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."-Luke 12:15-21 

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."-Luke 12:34





"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. "-Acts 20:35


"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."-Matt 16:24-27

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."-Matt 6:19-20

The Yoke of Service-About my Father's Business

Jesus was only 12 years of age when, on a yearly temple visit, He went missing. His parents anxiously sought after Him and eventually found Him in the temple, talking earnestly with the learned men. The doctors and elders marveled at his understanding for a youth of such tender age. When His parents asked why He had stayed behind and caused them so much anxiety, He replied: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” [Luke 2:42-52]

Jesus’ entire life was spent doing the Will of His Father [John 4:34]. He went about doing good, healing and setting at liberty all who were oppressed by the evil one. His meat was to do His Father’s Will and to finish the work.

Jesus has bid all who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him and rest. However, the rest He offers is not a passive rest of inactive lethargy. Instead He offers to exchange your yoke of sin, bondage and the cares of this world for a yoke of service which is “easy and light.”[Matt 11:28-30]

God sent Jesus into the world for a purpose-to redeem us from our sins and to show us the way to the Father. Just as the Father sent Jesus into the world, so He sends us out to finish the work [John 17:18].  He has left nothing undone for our salvation. Now He bids us to go and tell the world of His marvelous grace and redeeming love. Jesus’ heart beats for the lost children of this world. His passion should be our passion. His mission should be ours.

He has left each of us a special work to do in the Great Commission [Matt 28:18-20]. He has given gifts to be used earnestly in this service. It is time to stop playing church and start working for God. The church has been asleep for long enough. It is now time to cast off the cloak of slumber and get moving for God! Time is fast running out, and the harvest is ready yet workers are still few.

It is encouraging to have attended the last Church Business meeting and to know that there are plans to get everyone actively involved in the mission of promoting the Good News of the Gospel beyond the walls of our church. We must pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send us forth as His workers to complete the Mission that He saw fit to entrust us with.

Let us get enthusiastic as we go about our Father’s business with zeal.

Scripture refs:Luk 2:42-52, Jn 4:34, Jn 17:18, Matt 11:28-30, Matt 28:18-20, Hab 2:2)

"In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."- John 4:31-34


"As thou [Father] hast sent me [Jesus] into the world, even so have I also sent them [ my disciples] into the world."-John 17:18


"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."-Matt 11:28-30

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."-Matt 28:18-20

The True "Cost of Living"

Sometimes I wonder what our predecessors would have thought if our current headlines had made breaking news in their day! They would probably have thought the end was near, yet surprisingly we refuse to see the signs! Just a few years ago, none of us would have expected to hear that in 15 years time, South Africa’s freshwater resources would be totally depleted or polluted to the extent that it would not be fit for consumption. Yet, a few months ago radio news emphasized the looming water crisis that is soon to hit our country.

This year, the Lord is especially impressing upon us the importance of our environment  and natural resources and our God-given mandate to be the earth’s custodians. Indeed, if mankind continues to deplete the world’s non-renewal resources as we have been doing, we had better pray that the coming of the Lord be hastened lest we end up destroying ourselves!

Poaching has increased this year with the senseless killing of over 200 rhinos to harvest their horns for sale on the black market. Their bodies lie scattered across the African plains, a sad testament to the cruelty of a human race that has abandoned its God-given purpose to care for God’s creation and elected to serve Mammon instead.

We thought technological advances would make our lives easier. Well, life was never meant to be easy! (Gen 3:19) Anyway, we have only succeeded in making the physical aspect “easier”, but we bear the scars of a populace that faces greater mental and emotional strain than ever before. The human body works much the opposite way to the man-made machines we are so used to. While machines suffer the effects of wear and tear and are broken down by physical use, the human body was designed to be used. In fact, the human body gets stronger through physical exercise! However, our space-age lifestyles have eliminated any desire for such exercise, resulting in myriads of physical ailments. Seems like the cost of technology is outweighing the perceived benefit, doesn’t it? Cost is measured in more than just financial terms, but we seem to have the habit of feigning ignorance until our disobedience hits our pockets! Just a FEW examples to bring the true cost of living to light:

-increase in child and adult obesity and related diseases

-violent crime, abuse against the vulnerable in society

-immorality on the increase resulting in transmission of deadly diseases

-abandonment of children & the orphan crisis

-plundering of natural resources and resultant consequences e.g. acid mine drainage problems in Gauteng

-large scale oil spills

-looming water crises

-global warming, climate change & war

We cannot leave it to politicians and environmentalists to fix the problem and just throw money at it, hoping that it will disappear. We need to change our mind-set for the time is coming when God will judge and destroy those who destroy the earth. (Rev 11:18). The Bible says that Jesus would make His grand entrance upon the scene of Earth's destruction in time to save His elect; if He doesn't, there would no one left alive on the Earth. He has promised to cut short the days of tribulation to save all those who trust in Him. Until then, be the custodian of the Earth that the Lord intended you to be. 

Scripture refs: Gen chapters 1 to 3, Rev 11

Gen 2:15  And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Rev 11:18  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Things I will NOT miss in Heaven!

Last week, we were reminded that the many trials and hardships we face on earth are not to be taken personally. They’re only reminders that our home is not in this world. Those who have surrendered to Christ don’t have a kingdom in this world. We are only pilgrims passing through. This got me thinking about the many things I most definitely will not miss in Heaven. I have listed them here as an inspiration to us all so that we may desire that day even more. When you feel downcast, write your own list. It certainly helps get things in perspective again!

-No more alarm clocks at 3AM/ traffic jams!

-Work will no longer be tiresome, but a joy.

-No more Eskom/load shedding! (Rev 22:5, 21:23)

-No more death, sorrow, crying/pain (Rev 21:4)

-No more separation (Rev 21:1)

-No more travelling to Church! (Rev 21:22)

-No more sun/moon worship-everyone will worship the Lord, our Creator & Redeemer (Rev 21:23)

-No more fear of the dark or terrors of the night. There is no night there! (Rev 21:25)

-No more sin and we will no longer be sinners! (Rev 21:27)

-No more arrogance, stubbornness or pride; man will freely submit to God’s authority without resistance. (Rev 21:24)

-No more orphaned, suffering children. All who enter will be the sons of God. (Rev 21:7)

-No more trying to convince people that God exists, only to be regarded as a fool. There will be no unbelievers in His Kingdom. (Rev 21:8)

-I may not have a mansion here, but He has promised me one there! And better still, nobody will envy/hate me for it because everyone will have one (John 14:2)

-No more gravel roads. The streets in God’s City are paved with gold so pure that it’s like transparent glass! That also means no potholes or begging municipalities to fix them! (Rev 21:21)

-No more war, murder or destruction (Mic 4:3)

-No more worrying about security and fear of burglars and thieves. Our treasure will be Heaven which moth and rust can’t corrupt, nor thieves steal away. (Matt 6:19-20)

-All the material things people value on earth will be like the playthings of a child when compared to Heaven! No one will judge your character based on expensive cars/houses or a six figure salary there!) (Rev 3:4-the Lamb will make us worthy)

-No more economy, because there’s no scarcity!

-Bonus of all bonuses…wait for it…no more satan!

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. There are so many more things I can think of, but I thought I would give you readers a chance to think up some of your own before stealing ALL the ideas! This is a wonderful way to vent your frustration about this present world but also dwell on the promises of God. And to think that God used my annoying alarm clock this morning to inspire these thoughts just when I thought I wouldn't have anything to write about this morning! God can use the annoying things (and in some cases, annoying people) in your life to inspire you if you will allow Him:)

Heaven is a forever place with my forever God:)

Count your Blessings!

Count your blessings

Though far and few they may seem;

Though storm clouds gather on the horizon

And life is an impossible dream…

Along the pathways of life you’ll find them

Strewn like beautiful flowers at your feet,

Precious petals with dewdrops gleaming

Waiting for your tortured gaze to meet…

God desires you to look up

For your redemption is nigh;

But even when your gaze bends downwards,

His blessings you will find…

He wants you to remember His love for you

That will never, ever die

So He makes the birds to sing carols

And with smiling sunrays, He paints the sky…

Count your blessings

Though sometimes they seem unseen;

Others count blessings far smaller than yours

And God causes them brighter to gleam!

Count your blessings!

Someone once wrote an old song

That says you should name them one by one,

For then it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

A "Parable" on Law and Grace

The Apostle Paul wrote eloquently in the book of Romans on the theme of Law and Grace, and I think we are all enjoying studying this topic immensely. However, many still find it difficult to understand despite their best efforts and intentions.

I have often found that analogies, hypothetical examples and practical experience are the best ways to understand abstract concepts. Our Lord often spoke in parables, using the simple everyday things of this Earth to illustrate certain aspects or Kingdom principles. And so, here goes my attempt at trying to make this a bit easier to understand. (Rom 6-7, Jude 1:4, Heb 12:4)

The Law of God is like a trapeze artist who has the task of walking a tightrope, a difficult if not impossible task for most of us! Just like the Law is difficult to keep in our own strength, so it is with the trapeze artist who has not put in hours of dedicated practice – raw talent can only take you so far; the rest is dependent on the amount of effort you put in. In the same manner, keeping the Law without the aid of the Holy Spirit working within the recesses of our heart, is an impossible feat for the best of men. We often fall!

Just as the trapeze artist cannot afford to look to the right or the left, so we are encouraged to “meditate on His Law day and night,” for then we will have good success. We cannot afford to cruise through life unintentionally, without thinking of doing our best to keep God’s Royal Law in the strength of His Spirit and with the “mind of Christ.” (1 Cor 2:16, Jos 1:8)

How does grace fit in with the Law? Well, the trapeze artist feels a lot safer while swinging across the heights or walking the tightrope because she knows that if she falls, there is a net beneath that is strong enough to catch her. Secure in this knowledge, she is able to test the limits of her endurance. She hopes she will never need to use the safety net, but she is thankful that it is there when she does fall. In fact, the safety net gives her the mental stability and comfort she needs to soar higher and more gracefully than ever! So it is with us. The “safety net” of God’s Grace is not meant to be spurned or taken lightly. We should not spend most of our time there, but rather we should live in greater consecration and sanctification because we have experienced what it is like to fall and be caught by God’s Grace. Sin should never abound because Grace abounds! We should never give up the battle against sin because we have misinterpreted Grace to be a “comfort zone.”

God’s grace is meant to lead to greater obedience to His Law, because we love Him and desire to please Him. Love springs to obedience, which then springs to greater love! We can do nothing in and of ourselves; it’s faith in the righteousness of Christ that saves us, but on the same token this does not give us license to be indifferent and complacent regarding asking God for victory over our weaknesses and sins and living out our lives as a testimony of His Grace which enables us to soar!

You have not yet “resisted unto blood.” Christ did that for you; don’t take that lightly!

Scripture refs: Romans ch6-ch7, Jude 1:4, Heb 12:4, 1 Cor 2:16

The Jesus Touch-Part 1

When Jesus walked the earth, he healed the sick. He raised the dead. He cured the blind and the lame. He healed lepers, the outcasts of society. Jesus was never afraid of touching the “untouchables” and loving the “unlovables.” He was often criticized by the hypocritical Pharisees for his close proximity to the poor, disenfranchised, sinners and publicans. (Matt 9:10-13)

Today, we as Christians proudly bear His Name yet we have distanced ourselves from the problems of society. We tell the poor about a God who cares, but we leave them hungering for bread (James 2:14-20). How are they supposed to believe that we have had an experience with God ourselves if our character does not reveal it? To many people, our lives will be the only Bible they read.

God created us for good works that His Name may be glorified. What are we doing instead? Dragging His precious Name through the mud perhaps? The sad lack of outreach and service programmes at local church level reveals our need for revival and reformation. Are we busy with the Great Commission or have we become stagnant? Are we perhaps focusing a bit too much on in-reach at the expense of the Gospel Commission?

Our activity reveals the reality of our faith. Jesus said that whatever good we do for the least of His people, we have done unto Him. This begs the question then: what are we doing for Him? Since we are doing nothing for His people, we are doing nothing for Him. What will He say to us when He returns? Will He even recognize us or will He sadly dismiss us, having not known us? Will He describe with disappointment the times when we saw Him hungry and did not feed Him, naked and didn’t clothe Him, sick and didn’t visit Him? (Matt 25:33-46)

Although our works don’t save us, this is no excuse not to participate in good works that leave this world in a better state than we found it. We are the light of the world. We are the salt of the earth. If our light is hidden or we lose our saltiness, of what use are we except to be trodden underfoot by men? (Matt 5:13-16)

The end will only come when the Gospel of the Kingdom goes out into the entire world. Are you tired of the inequities in this world? Let’s help usher in God’s Kingdom of Righteousness. Get involved in outreach today! Touch humanity like Jesus did. Love like Him.