Category: Jesus

Robert was a believer who trusted in God to change all the negative aspects of his life into better days.

Lately, he complained to God about the fact that he does not receive what he trusts God to provide for him.

Jesus answered him. “Robert, you should learn to live in My rest (Heb 4:1). Coming into My rest does not refer to heaven only. Joshua and Caleb wanted to enter but could not because the people did not believe them.” (Heb 4:8)

“Paint Me a picture of your life.”

“Jesus, You know what my life looks like. Everything is wide open to You, even my thoughts and all the intentions of my heart.“ (Heb 4:12,13)

“Yes, Robert, I know, that is why your prayers cannot be answered. The picture of the future in your mind is pretty confusing to Me.”

“I don’t understand, Lord!”

“Painting a picture of your life covers the scene of the present, today, the now. When you pray, you move into a future scene, covering your expectations. However, when you’ve finished praying, you still paint scenes using the colours of today.”

“You asked for a better relationship with your son. You asked for a new car and money to renovate your home. You asked for a new job.”

“To receive what you ask requires faith.” (Heb 11)

“What you see with your eyes is the old now. Faith is what you see in your mind. It should be different but the picture you are painting now, only shows the old. That is not faith. I see no better relationship in your mind, no image of a new car, money or new job.”

“It is time to move into My rest and paint your day according to what you expect to receive. You would be filled with extreme joy when you receive. If you have faith, then where is your joy?”

“Start jumping in joy now because you have everything in your tomorrow scene. Start thanking Me already!”

“I’ve changed your whole life and future on the cross, Robert, not only your life in heaven one day. My rest is meant to start while you are still alive.”

“Watch what you think in your mind. Come now, paint that picture with your son and new car and beautiful home! Live it!”

I posted a letter last week about walking with God the way Henoch did. This raised the question of how did he walk with God? The Bible doesn’t tell us.

The first answer would be that a person constantly has to acknowledge the presence of Jesus. Another reason, I suppose, is illustrated at a school’s year-end function.

A scholar of a primary school received three trophies last week. First was the Ambassador trophy and then the trophy for the Sportsman of the year. When he was presented with the trophy of the most versatile student, the audience kept applauding the young lad for quite a while.

For any student this would be a great achievement but for Nielbert it was special because he only has 40% eyesight. Being one of triplets, his parents did not want him separated from his brother and sister and enrolled him in a normal school.

He received this bundle of trophies because behind him were two wonderful parents and two wonderful siblings, all of them filled with the Holy Spirit.

We know therefore that the honour belongs to Jesus. However, this is not the way Jesus sees it. He told a parable once about the time when He would return. On that day He will give His kingdom to all the people who gave Him water to drink, food to eat or a place to sleep. (Mat 25:31-46)

The people asked Jesus how would that be possible because they never gave Him a thing. He told them that anything any person gives to someone else is seen by Him as having been given to Him personally.

Imagine you give something to someone or assist someone and Jesus says, “thank you My child.”

That great feeling inside your heart, making you feel so good when you give, is the words of Jesus, “I love you.”

It opens our eyes toward other people. Standing in a long queue at the supermarket and someone with one item arrives. If it was Jesus we would give Him space before us. Jesus says, “open your eyes, it is”.

That is not for family members or believers only. In the parable Jesus also includes the stranger. Those we don’t know from a bar of soap. (v 35)

Even when it is evident this person is clearly not a Christian, we should look at him as someone created in the image of Jesus. If the person rejects you or your offer, you’re off the hook.

I know my body looks like Jesus’ because we are created in His image. I know that when we serve people the way Jesus did, our spirits take the shape of Jesus’ Spirit.

Now we can imagine how Nielbert’s parents look like, and his siblings and his teachers, sport trainers, friend’s parents and fellow scholars. They must paint a pretty picture in Jesus’ Family album.

Lastly, Nielbert should tap himself on the shoulder too. I am sure he doesn’t need 100% eyesight to know he is formed in the image of Jesus with a spirit to match.

I can also imagine Henoch walking like this many, many years ago.

It was a very dark and rainy night. “I long for You, Lord,” Lilly said while looking into the darkness through her bedroom window.

“Do you understand the essence of glass?” Jesus asked.

She was startled to hear His voice but He continued before she could respond, “It is as hard as rock, not so strong but hard and yet, you can look right through it.”

“You don’t question the fact that light travels through glass because you’ve grown accustomed to it.”

“You know I am always with you. However, every time you find yourself in dark circumstances, you think I have left.”

“I am in heaven and you are on earth. However, there is only a thin spiritual ‘glass curtain’ between us.”

“This ‘glass curtain’ has a diverse quality than the one you know, because you can move and speak through this ‘glass’, but you cannot see through it.”

“I am omnipresent… For Me to be omnipresent means that heaven is right next to you. The moment when you die, you will be stepping right over into My domain.”

“You cannot move into heaven now but when you raise your hands into the air when you praise Me, you are raising your hands into heaven. Your whispers and your thoughts are clearly heard in heaven.”

“One day I went onto a mountain with Peter, James and John where I was transfigured, My face shone like the sun while Moses and Elijah appeared with us. At that moment the ‘glass curtain’ was temporarily removed.” (Matthew 17:1-3)

“Don’t be afraid of the dark. Don’t be concerned about stuff that troubles you on earth. I came as a Light into this world. I am still the Light. Darkness will never overcome Me and since I am in you, neither will it overcome you.” (John 1:4,5)

“Rejoice my child! You will always be close to Me! You will always have Light.”

My wife and I were on honeymoon in Cape Town, when we walked into a restaurant one evening, found a small table and sat down.

Someone immediately approached and informed us that this particular restaurant had just opened and had a special opening night for the owners and close partners only. They were not open to the public yet.

Discovering that you don’t belong somewhere is a very uncomfortable experience.

Do you belong?

Our parents might have planned our conception or it happened after no planning at all. Whatever the case may be, do you belong?

I’ll take the liberty and answer that question on your behalf. Yes, you do.

There was a day when God decided that you should live, regardless of who your parents were. He sent your spirit into your mother’s womb. On that day He made a decision that you are worthy to live. (Isaiah 42:5)

He did not concentrate on your good looks, he saw your spirit and He loved it!

God did not ask either of your parents whether it would be fine. In fact, He took no counsel with anyone when He made that decision. (Isaiah 40:14) No-one had to persuade Him that you definitely do belong on earth.

He personally sent you, which means He knew you well before you were born. He saw you then and He was pleased. He sees you today following Jesus and He is still very pleased. Yes, you belong!

He is also the One who feeds His flock like a shepherd and gathers the lambs in His arms. (Isaiah 40:11)

On the day you were born, He was there, smiling at you. Yes, you belong. You belong in His arms and in His love, don’t deny Him that! Seek Him as often as you can. You belong among those who worship and praise him, do that as often as you can.

Without God, nothing would be abounding. Let me be more specific, without God there would be nothing and no-one at all! He decided that we should live.

Don’t let anyone say you don’t belong, because you do!

Some people receive what they ask from God but some struggle.

Thomas, was one of those who struggled.

He was thinking about his problems when Jesus told him, “Faith is visible, Thomas and I don’t see faith when I look at you.”

“Why, Lord, no, I do believe! You are real!”

“Really, then why the long face, why the new wrinkles on your forehead?”

“If you have faith, why don’t you make a joyful shout to God and sing out in honour of His Name?” (Psalm 66:1-7)

“But I haven’t received anything yet, Lord.”

“That is the problem. You are counting your needs instead of your blessings. Faith is not meant for needs, Thomas. Faith is to know that although I have ascended into heaven, I did not leave nor forsake you.”

“Because of My death on the cross, you are righteous. All you need to do is to establish your righteousness by believing (Isaiah 54:14) and to live in victory. Righteousness is established through faith.”

“When it is established, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. That is your heritage.” (Isaiah 54:17)

“Seeing is believing and with your worries written all over your face, anyone can see that you don’t.”

“If you have believed that you are in the presence of God through the Holy Spirit, you would have been shouting in joy. You would have bowed your head in worship to thank Him instead of crying.”

“Life ought to be a constant praise and worship in His presence regardless of the fact that you haven’t received yet.” (2 Chronicles 20:17-22)

“All over the world My people are under attack. If only they would establish their righteousness by faith. A brand new life awaits them – all they need to do is to live in praise and honour to God.”

The committee gathered around the huge oval table to pray. They have been experiencing a severe drought for months, accompanied by devastating fires in many places. It would have been somewhat more bearable if the financial situation was not so bad either.

Patterson, the acting chairman, looked at them and said, “People, what we are experiencing is bad but as believers we know that God is in charge of the universe. So something is terribly wrong somewhere.”

“Looking at all the faces in front of me, it is evident that we need to change our attitude if we expect God to answer our prayers.”

A murmur exploded. “Are you saying that because of our sins, our prayers are not answered?” someone asked.

“Calm down please. I am sorry to say that but yes, I do believe that is the case but let me explain.”

“The Bible says that the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who HOPE in His mercy.” (Psalm 33:18)

“We believe in Jesus Christ who were raised from the dead so that our faith and HOPE can be in God.” (1 Pet 1:3,21)

“That means in the eyes of God, hope is equal to faith.”

“Obviously, that also means that hopelessness or despair is sinful because it is equal to unbelief in the eyes of God.”

“Look at us! We are sitting here portraying an image of utter despair. I know it is bad to suffer these losses, but people, we have a God, a living Father at our side.”

“Why would we pray and ask God’s favour on us with and attitude of disbelieve and hopelessness! He is not going to answer us if we show Him we have no hope.“

“You see, if we would distinguish between big and small sins, despair would be counted as the biggest! Almost equal to not believing in Jesus Christ!”

“Being in despair will not rob us of our eternal life with God but it surely would rob us of blessings that God is willing to bestow on us for free.”

“We have Jesus… we have Hope! Create an image in your minds of the advancing rain and more.”

“Come, people, be glad for what is due to happen shortly! Let us pray in joy and gladness! See the clouds, smell the rain and thank Him in advance!”

In May of this year the life of the McCombs turned completely upside down. The family consisted of Jonathan and his wife, Laura, their son (6) and daughter (4). (www.godvine.com)

They lived in Wimberley, Texas, next to the Blanco river. One evening a severe storm caused a flash flood so strong that their house was swept down the river. Everyone had to fight for his life.

Jonathan himself was at the point of surrendering when he found the edge of the river. He miraculously survived with broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

Search teams did everything in their power to find the rest of his family but they could only find the bodies of his wife and son.

He had to accept the fact that he and their dog were the only survivors.

All that he had left were photos telling the story of their happy family life. He logged into the Facebook account of his wife and was encouraged by all her friends. He is a Christian and he knew his family was in heaven.

Jonathan accepted his loss but the fact that they could not find his daughter made closure very difficult.

One night he had a dream.

He saw his daughter running towards him. When she reached him, she said, “We didn’t make it, Daddy, but you did.” She told him that they were picked up by a Man next to the river and the Man was Jesus. Then she said, “We’re in heaven now.”

The excruciating agony that he went through is something everybody would hope to avoid in their lifetime. However, in the end Jonathan knew, there is victory in the life of a Christian. With Christ, even death becomes a victory.

How blessed are we as Christians to have a Saviour who earned our victory!

How sad must it be for millions of Muslims or anybody who does not follow Jesus to find that what they thought was victory was nothing more than black, cold nothing the moment they die.

The irony in their mission is that the Christians they murder, are the victorious ones in the end.

For us, the last day of our lives is the first day of eternal victory.

This is so good to know but keep in mind that millions of unbelievers are on their way to eternal death. Keep praying that some would bump into us in order for us to introduce Jesus to them. They desperately need Him.

Without Jesus… agony remains agony.

Muslims created quite a stir recently in France and other countries in Europe.

With disgust and disapproval, we’ve followed the news about leaders allowing thousands upon thousands of young Muslim men to simply march into their countries with sinister agendas.

In disgust we noticed how the world is manipulated by some evil forces to use a religion to destroy peace and order.

Consequently, in the eyes of many, Muslim is becoming a despised religion.

The war between good and evil has become much more evident lately. If we think that we are losing it, we should get to grips with who we really are. We are the children of God and yes, He is still in charge.

God wants us to take a look at Israel, a blessed nation despite their Muslim neighbours hating them passionately.

There are 130 Christian-majority countries in the world, 49 Islamic and 3 Hindu. Israel is the only Jewish-majority country in the world, so small in size but a giant in spirit. It is the only Middle Eastern country where the Christian population has grown in the last half-century. (www.israelvideonetwork.com)

Israel is protected by God and thriving. It is the only country whose desert is shrinking and who entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.

Israeli scientists developed an AIDS treatment and leads the world in both water recycling and solar powered water heaters.

Israelis have won three times more Nobel Prize per capita in science and economics than the next highest-ranked countries. The Pill Cam, ReWalk, Drip irrigation, Waze, Intel computer chips, USB drives, and much more were all invented in Israel. (www.israelvideonetwork.com)

Israel has the most high-tech start-up companies per capita in the world.

This hatred by radical Muslims is nothing new to Israel.

The Syrians tried to destroy them many years ago and Elisha’s servant was very afraid when he saw the army. He prayed that God would open the servant’s eyes and He did.

He saw the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17)

God is still in charge. Yesterday, God gave me not one, but three messages that we should pray. He is always in charge but if we want to make a difference too, we need to pray!

God protects us personally and by using His angels in our world.

Prayers are our number one weapon in the war against satan and his hordes. This is the sword of the Spirit, the word of God on our tongues. (Ephesians 6:18)

We called it New Year a couple of days ago and already a few wrinkles are starting to show.

In this particular time frame we are well aware of the war between darkness and light.

The enemy, the devil, managed to get millions to follow him with the task to kill, rape or assault any person who refuses to follow him.

World leaders suddenly started to abuse, lie and mislead their countries to follow his sinister plan.

Even nature is captured and involved in this fight. Recently, I asked God to extinguish a raging fire in the mountains and hills around a small town when the Lord told me to read Psalm 114:4. “The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs” (NKJV).

I didn’t understand this and asked Jesus why would the mountains and hills be jumping around. If in pain, He knows the urgency to stop the fires or… are they jumping in joy?

He said they know Him and that He is on His way. Creation is also eagerly waiting for the revealing of the sons of God and will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Rom 8:19-21).

When Adam sinned, he was not the only one who lost his right to live in the immediate presence of God. The earth was also cursed. (Gen 3:17)

What should we do then in times like these?

The moment we cast everything onto His shoulders, He wants us to trust and rest in Him completely.

What we see on earth, is not what is happening in heaven. The preparation for the wedding feast has started and the devil is not invited.

We should speak words of wisdom, raise our arms to Jesus and worship our Bridegroom in everything that we have the privilege of experiencing now. Trust that what is happening in nature was prophesied thousands of years ago and must take place before Jesus returns.

Pray for people in need but during times of fires, storms and earthquakes we can be calm and collected in the knowledge that God is in control!

We are allowed to cast our every burden onto Him and He will carry it! Trust Him! (Psalm 55:22)

Cast even those images that we’ve seen of people being killed, onto His shoulders. Those who were beheaded because they refused to deny Jesus, is already with Him right now (Rev 4:11).

What appears to be signs of the end, is in fact not a burden, but signs of a brand new beginning!

The recent Blood Moons created quite a stir and triggered questions in the minds of many.

Will there be another blood moon or has this been the final one? If it is the end, what would Jesus expect me to do in the final hours? Will the end be soon and how long is soon in God’s time calendar?

We desire to hear what He answers but sometimes we are unable to hear His voice. Some of us erroneously think He doesn’t speak to us.

Every follower of Jesus Christ have received the Holy Spirit, the Helper (John 14:16). He would not send His Helper to indwell us in such an intimate fashion and keep quiet all the time.

And yet, I have so many questions I need answers for. Questions about where we should stay and how to get rid of my debts are only a few floating at the top of my list.

When I blame Him for not answering, He reminds me how much He loves me.

Eventually, it dawned on me that I am His main concern. He cannot talk to me about common problems when I am deviating from the main reason He created me, to enjoy life… with Him.

How can He talk to me about money when He notices my pain and concern for attempting to carry my burdens all on my own?

He wants me to rest in Him with my arms holding tight around His neck. He loves to see me laugh. I am the apple of His eye, that is why He desires to see me seeking Him first every day.

The blood moon emphasizes the fact that He is so concerned about us, otherwise He would never have warned us about the signs of the last days.

We looked up to see what the moon looks like when the shadow of the earth falls on it. What does Jesus see when He looks down at us when the cares of this world cast shadows over us?

It is time to take a selfie and study the features carefully.

Ask Jesus what might be amiss in the image and we will absolutely hear His voice. Make room for Him and surrender into His love and He will touch us where no human hand can reach.

When we ask the right questions we will hear His voice. Take that selfie now and look at the object of Jesus’ great love.

He will not Photoshop the image to appear perfect, He will update the real deal.