A preacher friend Colin McGeer put this note on his Facebook profile today. It really blessed me.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), (2Corinthians 1:3)
For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not fail you or destroy you or forget the covenant of your fathers, which He swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:31)
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God was their redeemer. But they flattered Him with their mouths, and they lied to Him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with Him, neither were they faithful in His covenant. But He, full of pity, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; yea, many times He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath. (Psalm 78:35-38)
We have been taught that God is a different God in the Old Testament to the God in the New Testament. We have this picture of a harsh and unforgiving God who was bent on death and destruction.
What is the truth, though? It seems very confusing because it sounds like two opposing views. Does God have a split personality?
Man is harsh and unforgiving. Demanding justice and very, very cruel.
Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man."
(2Samuel 24:14)
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious, merciful, and full of loving compassion.
(Psa 111:4)
Webster’s Dictionary defines compassion as, "sorrow for the sufferings or trouble of another or others, accompanied by an urge to help; it is deep sympathy or pity."
We can see by that definition that compassion is both an inward feeling and an outward expression toward others.
Jesus ministered to the sick and the hurting from a heart of compassion.
But seeing the crowds, He was moved with compassion on them, because they were tired and scattered like sheep having no shepherd. (Mathew 9:36)
And Jesus went out and saw a great crowd, and He was moved with compassion toward them. And He healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
He had splagchnizomai. (Greek word for compassion.) It is not just concern, it goes beyond the ordinary. The New American Standard Dictionary defines it as: to be moved in the inward parts, i.e. to feel compassion. Strong’s Dictionary terms it as: to have the bowels yearn.
God desires mercy and not judgment. Kingdom life requires genuine love, to know people as God does, not judging from outward appearances, but looking for the inner beauty.
And finally, all be of one mind, having compassion on one another, loving the brothers, tenderhearted, friendly. (1Peter 3:8)
Thursday 22 July 2010
Newsletter July 2010
I have decided to do a newsletter on the blog, so that I can just e-mail the link, and share it on Facebook and Twitter. Its just so much easier, and since my internet access is restricted to my Blackberry at the moment, I can actually get around to do it.
This month has been very good. The Lord has shown His love and mercy to me in a way I can not describe. So many people have started to join us in the weekly outreaches to the hospitals and clinics. More people can simply reach more people. We have seen God perform miracles through the hands of people who have never prayed for the sick before. God is faithful to His Word, and He will do what He promised. His Word says that these attesting signs will follow them that believe, one of which is that they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. We did just that, and many people experienced an immediate change in their symptoms. Mostly the effect was that the pain would be gone immediately, but some people's ears were restored, or could walk better, or could do things they couldn't do before. Praise the Lord. All glory to Him. What we need to realise, is that the scripture mentioned above (Mark 16) says something about our identity. The signs will follow them that believe. We are "them that believe", so now its simple. Because we are "them that believe" we just lay our hands on the sick in simplicity, and the signs do follow us. Jesus is still the same yesterday, today and forever.
The thing God spoke to me this month that touched me most was just a reminder of something He told me eleven years ago as I got saved. Its so close to my heart, and I can't help but get a bit emotional when thinking about it. Phil 1:6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Eleven years ago I was completely depressed, because I was so conscious of my sin. I SOO wanted to change myself. My whole life revolved around changing, because I loathed who I was. Just to give you an idea of what I experienced, I would literally feel like someone hit me in the gut with force if I were just reminded of my sin. My heart felt like there were thousands of fishing hooks stuck in it, being pulled together with string. I would be sick and then brush my teeth till my gums bled. I felt totally empty and it felt like my soul was bled dry, but I couldn't show it, just in case someone found out. I couldn't let anyone know. Every sentence, every move was premeditated and calculated. I would look cheerful, but after closing the door behind me I would collapse in silent tears, just in case someone was listening at the door. I couldn't show weakness, I couldn't be caught off guard. I went for every course. I went for deliverance sessions. I was so hungry for anything that could help me. All the courses was about what I had to do about my sin, and it only gave me a fresh remembrance of the sin.
My dear friend Jacques Botha, a big rugby player filled with the Spirit of God, used to just be there for me, not judging me, or trying to change me. Every time I would ask him one of my complicated philosophical questions, he would reply the same thing: I don't know, but I just know that the work God started in your life, He will complete.
He was right! Ten years ago, I had an experience with Jesus in my room. The reality of Christ entered my life like a rushing flood, taking away my torment and anguish, replacing it with joy and peace. Since then, God has done so much. This scripture is so true. I was really in the deepest hole, unable to help myself, and Jesus started a work in me, and He still helps me, and changes me daily. He will do the same for you, no matter who you are, what you are, what you did, or where you are. He will help you. Stop trying to save yourself, and let Him do His work in you.
I pray that you will experience the Lord Jesus Christ in reality as I do, and even more. He is truly the same yesterday, today and forever.
Gerrit
This month has been very good. The Lord has shown His love and mercy to me in a way I can not describe. So many people have started to join us in the weekly outreaches to the hospitals and clinics. More people can simply reach more people. We have seen God perform miracles through the hands of people who have never prayed for the sick before. God is faithful to His Word, and He will do what He promised. His Word says that these attesting signs will follow them that believe, one of which is that they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. We did just that, and many people experienced an immediate change in their symptoms. Mostly the effect was that the pain would be gone immediately, but some people's ears were restored, or could walk better, or could do things they couldn't do before. Praise the Lord. All glory to Him. What we need to realise, is that the scripture mentioned above (Mark 16) says something about our identity. The signs will follow them that believe. We are "them that believe", so now its simple. Because we are "them that believe" we just lay our hands on the sick in simplicity, and the signs do follow us. Jesus is still the same yesterday, today and forever.
The thing God spoke to me this month that touched me most was just a reminder of something He told me eleven years ago as I got saved. Its so close to my heart, and I can't help but get a bit emotional when thinking about it. Phil 1:6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Eleven years ago I was completely depressed, because I was so conscious of my sin. I SOO wanted to change myself. My whole life revolved around changing, because I loathed who I was. Just to give you an idea of what I experienced, I would literally feel like someone hit me in the gut with force if I were just reminded of my sin. My heart felt like there were thousands of fishing hooks stuck in it, being pulled together with string. I would be sick and then brush my teeth till my gums bled. I felt totally empty and it felt like my soul was bled dry, but I couldn't show it, just in case someone found out. I couldn't let anyone know. Every sentence, every move was premeditated and calculated. I would look cheerful, but after closing the door behind me I would collapse in silent tears, just in case someone was listening at the door. I couldn't show weakness, I couldn't be caught off guard. I went for every course. I went for deliverance sessions. I was so hungry for anything that could help me. All the courses was about what I had to do about my sin, and it only gave me a fresh remembrance of the sin.
My dear friend Jacques Botha, a big rugby player filled with the Spirit of God, used to just be there for me, not judging me, or trying to change me. Every time I would ask him one of my complicated philosophical questions, he would reply the same thing: I don't know, but I just know that the work God started in your life, He will complete.
He was right! Ten years ago, I had an experience with Jesus in my room. The reality of Christ entered my life like a rushing flood, taking away my torment and anguish, replacing it with joy and peace. Since then, God has done so much. This scripture is so true. I was really in the deepest hole, unable to help myself, and Jesus started a work in me, and He still helps me, and changes me daily. He will do the same for you, no matter who you are, what you are, what you did, or where you are. He will help you. Stop trying to save yourself, and let Him do His work in you.
I pray that you will experience the Lord Jesus Christ in reality as I do, and even more. He is truly the same yesterday, today and forever.
Gerrit
Thursday 8 July 2010
Live and let live
We as Christians have so much to give. If what we believe is true, why is it that the earth hasn't been saved in over two thousand years time? I personally think that most of our lethargic lackadaisical existence comes from fear of what we profess not to believe in, and a lack of action in what we do believe in. When asked the question if we believe in God's healing power, most will react and say: yes we believe that God heals the sick. Yet very few people put their actions with what their creed says and lay their hands on the sick for the fear of it not happening. It is the same with other things in life. We are used to fulfilling the identity of victim, and not victor. We stand and watch how our lives and dreams are plundered and destroyed, and do nothing, because we are victims, and someone needs to come and save us from the outside. We are used to blaming, in stead of realising what we have been given, and changing the world with what we do have to give to others. We believe that Jesus Christ came to save the world from sin and death, but we live as though the end is upon us and as if we are defeated without recourse. Why are we living with a victim mentality if salvation has already come? If I were on a sinking ship, I would have reason to cry out for help. If I were then resqued from the ship and placed on safe land, I would rejoice in my salvation, and carry on living my life. Most people live a shipwreck-christianity. We constantly call for salvation, never receiving it and acting on it to maybe save others. Yes we're not perfect yet, and Jesus is saving us daily from sin's dominion, but initially we were saved. If I were saved from certain death, I would certainly rejoice, and speak to others about it, especially of that would bring salvation to them too.
I am very simpathetic to people who have lost much in whealth and loved ones, but when will we stand up and start smiling, living our lives, in stead of constantly looking for reasons why we can't? Are we defining our identities by all the bad things that has happened, or are we rising up from it and living lives inspired by what we actually could experience?
I think its about time we got over ourselves and start taking back what is ours. We have been given the Holy Spirit, of Whom it is written that all things were created through Him, and to Whom all things are possible. Can we please realise now that we are saved, and that there might be others who need what we already have? We constantly ask God to keep giving us what He already has. We ask Him to do what He already did. We even try to do what He already did. We are distracted with sin and morals, trying to overcome our evil tendencies with our behaviour modification programmes. If we are justified by His grace; if we are saved by grace, when will we start giving this grace to others?
I am not being negative, quite the contrary. My aim is to make people conscious of what is inside them, so they can stop being afraid of what happens around them, and change the reality of the world, through the treasures they carry inside them. We have the Holy Spirit. We have His power. We have His grace. We have His love. We have His healing light. We have His mercy. Rom 5:17 says that those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness will rule as kings in life. Rule over what? The suffering of people: sin and death. Just this morning I went to a clinic in one of the poorest areas in the city I live in. About 50 people experienced some sort of change, be it pain that genuinely left, or just emotional change because someone simply cared about them. 10 years ago I was depressed. Now I bring hope to others. In between I realised I was saved.
We feel unfulfilled, because we are so misdirected in our thinking. We think its about us, when the One Who is in us is desperately trying to help those in need. The only reason we are so sad, is because we are bored to the point of insanity with our own shortcomings, and desperately need any distractions. People sin, because they don't realise the whealth of the treasure God put inside them. So something happened to you. Okay, fine. Receive grace, receive help from God, and get on with it. You can't go around expecting everyone to keep on swooning around you for all eternity because you got hurt 15 years ago. If you play the role of victim, you will victimise others for the rest of your life. The oppressed will become the oppressor. Realise that the victory is won and that you are made new in Christ, more than a conqueror through Him, and then get out there and destroy the works of darkness in the lives of others. Our destiny is to BE the help God extends to others, and not to overcome our own selfish sins and woeful characters. You are the answer to their prayers. Where do you see yourself? In Christ the Victor? Or in natural man, the victim of a defeated ruler? The more we go out and be Christ to the people, with that I mean carriers of the Holy Spirit (anointing-Christ), ministering Him to them, the more we will realise that we are not bound, weak, and defenseless, but strong, overcoming and victorious in Him. Don't change yourself before you go. Believe, go, and realise that you already are what you desired to become.
I will close with this thaught: One day I prayed. I asked Jesus to help me with something (as in: I am here, He is there, and He must now come to where I am and help me). I started to pray in the Spirit (in tongues) as I was accustomed to do. Then God spoke so clearly while I prayed through His Spirit. He said: "This is me helping you."
I realised how he helps me. He lives in me, and prays through me when I pray, works through me when I go and minister. He helps us from the inside, not the outside. He doesn't do it FOR you. He does it THROUGH you and IN you. Its still Him doing it, but you are involved. Don't sit and wait for things to happen from the outside. Go and change the world. Go and give God the opportunity to do things on the earth through your body, yielded to His Holy Spirit.
Its all about relationship with Him, not about how perfect you can live. Your morality won't change the world. Your faith will.
I am very simpathetic to people who have lost much in whealth and loved ones, but when will we stand up and start smiling, living our lives, in stead of constantly looking for reasons why we can't? Are we defining our identities by all the bad things that has happened, or are we rising up from it and living lives inspired by what we actually could experience?
I think its about time we got over ourselves and start taking back what is ours. We have been given the Holy Spirit, of Whom it is written that all things were created through Him, and to Whom all things are possible. Can we please realise now that we are saved, and that there might be others who need what we already have? We constantly ask God to keep giving us what He already has. We ask Him to do what He already did. We even try to do what He already did. We are distracted with sin and morals, trying to overcome our evil tendencies with our behaviour modification programmes. If we are justified by His grace; if we are saved by grace, when will we start giving this grace to others?
I am not being negative, quite the contrary. My aim is to make people conscious of what is inside them, so they can stop being afraid of what happens around them, and change the reality of the world, through the treasures they carry inside them. We have the Holy Spirit. We have His power. We have His grace. We have His love. We have His healing light. We have His mercy. Rom 5:17 says that those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness will rule as kings in life. Rule over what? The suffering of people: sin and death. Just this morning I went to a clinic in one of the poorest areas in the city I live in. About 50 people experienced some sort of change, be it pain that genuinely left, or just emotional change because someone simply cared about them. 10 years ago I was depressed. Now I bring hope to others. In between I realised I was saved.
We feel unfulfilled, because we are so misdirected in our thinking. We think its about us, when the One Who is in us is desperately trying to help those in need. The only reason we are so sad, is because we are bored to the point of insanity with our own shortcomings, and desperately need any distractions. People sin, because they don't realise the whealth of the treasure God put inside them. So something happened to you. Okay, fine. Receive grace, receive help from God, and get on with it. You can't go around expecting everyone to keep on swooning around you for all eternity because you got hurt 15 years ago. If you play the role of victim, you will victimise others for the rest of your life. The oppressed will become the oppressor. Realise that the victory is won and that you are made new in Christ, more than a conqueror through Him, and then get out there and destroy the works of darkness in the lives of others. Our destiny is to BE the help God extends to others, and not to overcome our own selfish sins and woeful characters. You are the answer to their prayers. Where do you see yourself? In Christ the Victor? Or in natural man, the victim of a defeated ruler? The more we go out and be Christ to the people, with that I mean carriers of the Holy Spirit (anointing-Christ), ministering Him to them, the more we will realise that we are not bound, weak, and defenseless, but strong, overcoming and victorious in Him. Don't change yourself before you go. Believe, go, and realise that you already are what you desired to become.
I will close with this thaught: One day I prayed. I asked Jesus to help me with something (as in: I am here, He is there, and He must now come to where I am and help me). I started to pray in the Spirit (in tongues) as I was accustomed to do. Then God spoke so clearly while I prayed through His Spirit. He said: "This is me helping you."
I realised how he helps me. He lives in me, and prays through me when I pray, works through me when I go and minister. He helps us from the inside, not the outside. He doesn't do it FOR you. He does it THROUGH you and IN you. Its still Him doing it, but you are involved. Don't sit and wait for things to happen from the outside. Go and change the world. Go and give God the opportunity to do things on the earth through your body, yielded to His Holy Spirit.
Its all about relationship with Him, not about how perfect you can live. Your morality won't change the world. Your faith will.
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