Bikers Church Cape Town

Called to HOLINESS #2 We must seek a level of holiness that brings the Glory of God into our lives. Discuss what is Holiness: Holiness is not: Being perfect, never sinning, never being tempted to sin its: To be different Set apart To fulfill His purpose To live our lives in a way that reflects God's glory John 1:14(Amp) – And the word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honour, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favour, loving-kindness) and truth.   Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love    Glory of God is prioritizing His honor, beauty, and magnificence above all else in your life. It involves aligning your actions, words, and thoughts with His will and purpose, ultimately reflecting His character and demonstrating His love and power to the world. It means choosing to glorify Goid in all you do, rather than seeking personal glory or recognition. This might involve saying no to opportunities that would bring you praise but not glorify God.   John 5:44 - How is it possible for you to believe [how can you learn to believe], you who [are content to seek and] receive praise and honor and glory from one another, and yet do not seek the praise and honor and glory which come from Him Who alone is God? This is a Crossroad scripture - Start good, end bad   Galatians 3:2-3 - “I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?   For so many Christians: They display a spirituality to impress man – compromising your values and principles to fit in with the ungodly. Seeking honor and recognition from others – wanting validation from man. Living to appear righteous As long as you are being patted, recognized, praised and fussed about and the honor and glory is flowing then… you are a happy Christian. Can one honestly say you are walking near to God when your motivation is the praise of man?   Here's a clear sign: We know we are relating correctly to God when our hunger for His glory makes us forsake the praise of man. Greek for Glory is “Doxa”:  Glory is: to please – to be of a good reputation – to give honor – full of grace – love – kindness and truth Hebrew for Glory is “Kavod”.  To show much splendor [prag, praal]. “A life of Holiness” is seeking to please God and seek His Glory.    John 5:44 – how is it possible for you to believe, when you thrive on being recognized and praised by one another. Jesus said it – Luke 16:15 -“He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight. Who are you really trying to impress? When we truly desire a life of holiness – seeking God, no one will have to tell us to be humble, to convince us of our old natures – Colossians 3:2-7 - 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.   Holiness comes from seeking His Glory - here's the promise:   If you take time to meet with God, you will meet Him Jeremiah 29:13 (Amp) - “Then you will seek me, enquire for, and require me (as a vital necessity) and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Psalm 27:8(Amp) – you have said, seek my face (enquire for and require my presence as your vital need) my heart says to you your face (your presence) Lord will I seek. As you touch Him, something will come alive in you.  Your life will become significant. You'll become effective in all you do and say. People will be drawn to Jesus because of you. We are talking about “Called to Holiness”. The sad thing is many Christians have NO higher goal, NO greater aspiration than to live a normal in-effective, fairly boring Christian life. 1 Corinthians 3:3 – Paul rebuked the church in Corinth because they walked “LIKE mere man”. (A holy life is a set apart life) He asks – where is the holiness – difference?. Listen – God has so much more for us than just becoming better people. Romans 8:11 – He wants to flood our lives with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. If we are going to be Holy, we must break away from desiring just an average life. We must seek a level of Holiness that brings the Glory of God into our lives. Jonathan Edwards – 18th century revivalist: ”Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” The means to holiness is grace.  Holiness is a product of grace. You may be thinking, I'll never achieve this teaching in my condition.  Then you have only heard half the message. Grace is in the heart of all Gods' truth.  Truth without grace is only half-true. John 1:17 - Grace and truth are in JESUS. For while the law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. What God's truth demands, His grace will provide. Romans 6:22 – But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in Holiness and its end is eternal life. “Holiness is a lifestyle” Seeking to walk close to the Glory of God.  Holiness is doing all within one's power to become more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18(Amp) – And all of us, as with unveiled face [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from on degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.  

Called to HOLINESS #1 This is not a clever chosen topic, it's a God calling for every Christian. By Pastor George Lehman ”A man is what he appears in God's eyes, and not the slightest bit more.” We can outwardly put on an OSCAR award performance. But God knows. For us to see Jesus active and alive in our lives and our ministry “Holiness must be our lifestyle.”   Romans 11:36 (Amp) – For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.(For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).   Romans 12:1 (Amp) – I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your seasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. I don't believe God is going to do a new thing. (Isaiah 43) I read this prophetic word that went out some time ago ! Explain: God sitting as a judge in a Court room, banging with His gavel saying: “Order in My House” Order comes when we put things back the way they were or where they are supposed to be. Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads* and look; ask where the good old way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Crossroads = is a place of decision-making. We all want new Revelations, new interesting facts and new understanding As God's church we have chased after New Things. And been disobedient to the Old Things. We have sadly allowed the basic old way to slip by and therefore our foundation has crumbled. We've become educated beyond our obedience. (We know more than what we are obedient to.) The New Converts pick up the bad habits of the old people. God wants us to have “Revival.” Revival is to bring back an active life that was once in our hearts and lifestyle. Isaiah 66:1-2 - “This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? 2 My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite*(Berouvolle) hearts, who tremble at my word. Hosea 10:12 - “It's time to Sow Righteousness, its time to break up your unplowed ground, for its time to seek the Lord. Make a choice to Plow up That hardened heart, that disobedient lifestyle, that half hearted commitment. God is calling His children to a “A life of Holiness”   Holiness is not: A once off experience, a Feeling or an emotion or an optional extra. It's a direct result of a Jesus filled heart. A life of Holiness without Jesus in your heart is not possible.   1 Peter 1:15-16 (Amp) - 15“But as the One who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.” 16“For it is written You shall be holy for I AM holy.”   Leviticus 11:44 – “I Am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I Am holy….” Holiness: Greek word used Hagiasmos and means: Sanctify – Purity – clean – to be different (dedicated to God's purpose- Set apart.) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Amp) -Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! Jesus prayed this for us in John 17:15-19 - “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.   Can I just say this? The holiness we are seeking goes much deeper than merely cleaning the outside of the cup. (Luke 11:39) we whitewash but God washes white. True holiness does not come from following rules – (so many Christians make up their own set of rules about Holiness what's right of wrong in their own minds – what God's word says is not to important.) Holiness comes from following Jesus Christ Being different being like Jesus John 3:30 - “He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.] Galatians 5:25 (Msg) - Since this is the kind of life we have chosen the life of the spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. This must be our Goal – our aim and our Determination. If your goals are less than Christ likeness If you are happy and content with yourself This word on Holiness will pass right over you. Isaiah 66:2 - This is the man to whom I will look and have regarded him who is Humble.   HUMILITY PRECEDES HOLINESS!!!   Allen Bond - “The bigger I grow in God, the smaller I become.” A holy man is a humble man. Why discuss Humility, while on the subject of Holiness? Simply because holiness is the product of grace and God gives grace only to the Humble. Jesus said: Matthew 11:29 - “Learn of me. I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart.”   The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as: Gentle, Meek, and Humble in heart. It's important we understand, Jesus did not condemn sinners.  He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. No one can remain a hypocrite and find Holiness at the same time. That's why everyday the first step we take to Sanctification* (to be: Pure, clean, different, set apart and dedicated to His purpose.) Is admitting we are not as Holy as what we would like to appear. This 1st step is called Humility 1 Peter 5:5 (LB) - God gives special blessings to those who are humble but sets Himself against those who are Proud. Pride is the only a disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the one who has it. It's at the crossroad*(Place of decision) that: Holy men and Hypocrites are Bred. Those who choose Holiness see their need: Repent, change and pay the price, make the adjustments and “Run to win” Those who choose to be Hypocrites see their sin, excuse it and remain unchanged. A life of Holiness Begins with our determined refusal to hide from the condition of our hearts It will call for deep, serious honesty – everyday. So many Christians want to live double lives: Holy when it's convenient. Unholy when it's inconvenient. The very sad part of all this is: so many think it's okay! Think about this: Hebrews 12:14 - Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and Holiness, without which no one will (ever) see the Lord.   “ORDER IN MY HOUSE.” “What kind of house will you build for ME?” asks God A half-hearted attempt is a wholehearted failure! A man is what he appears in God's eyes, and not the slightest bit more.  

Passion for the church. Far too many Christians take coming to church far to lightly By Pastor George Lehman   The most expensive piece of furniture in the church is the empty seat. We are not in the seat filling business; we are in the heart changing business. When the heart truly changes the seats will be filled. After a bad sermon a pastor was asked what went wrong.  His answer was really good.  He said, “Poor preaching is God's judgment on a prayerless congregation.” You were formed for a family.  From the beginning of time, God has always wanted a family. A family that will last for all eternity. From Geneses to Revelation it's all about God and His family Hebrews 2:11 (Jerusalem bible) - Jesus and the people He makes holy all belong to the same family.  That's why He isn't ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters. NB! We were not just called to believe.  We're called to belong.  To belong to the family of God. John 1:12 (Amp) - But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name. Hebrews 2:10 (NCV) - God is the One who made all things, and all things are for His glory.  He wanted to have many children to share his glory.   1 John 3:1 (NLT) - See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are!   Paul says: 1 Timothy 3:15 (GWT) - God's family is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. A building without a support and foundation will collapse.  In the same way we need people, a family, for support to help us in our walk with God. That's why we need a place of fellowship. Living in the ‘real world' it is so important to establish yourself on a solid foundation.  Surrounding yourself with Christian friends, mentors and make attending church a habit and priority. As a family we all need each other. The church is a body, not a business.  A family, not an institution. Ephesians 4:16 (Amp) - For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love. The more you grow in your faith in God the more you're going to love and treasure the church.  Taking up your full responsibility in the church. When people grow weary, drift and become lukewarm first to go is your church attendance. Sadly, there are people who say to Jesus, “We love you” but we don't “love your body”.  I accept you, but I reject your body. We do this whenever we develop the ‘triple C' [criticize, complain & condemn] towards the church. Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history almost every time the word “CHURCH” is used in the bible it refers to a local, visible congregation of Believers. A Christian without a church home is like: An organ without a body. A sheep without a flock. A child without a family. Ephesians 2:19b - You belong in God's household with every other Christian. There are some whose faith is not strong enough to bring them to church services, - but they expect it to take them to heaven. The difference between being a church attendee and a church member is commitment.  Attendees are spectators.  Members get involved in the ministry. If you're looking for the perfect church when you join it, it won't be perfect anymore!  We are called to - love imperfect people. Psalm 133:1 (TEV) - How wonderful it is, how pleasant for God's people to live together in harmony! Verse3 says: There God commands a blessing. Ask yourself:  Do you build or break harmony in the church? Are you an asset or a liability? Are you a momentum-maker or a momentum- breaker Real fellowship means:  Being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus. 1 John 3:16 (LB) - We know what real love is from Christ's example in dying for us.  And so, we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers. Giving yourself, putting others first, being the least, promoting peace, harmony and unity isn't easy.  But God asks us to do it because He first did it. When there are plenty of oxen in a stable, there will always be a common factor – manure. Proverbs 14:4 (NLT) – Without oxen the stable stays clean but  you need a strong ox for a large harvest. If there's only manure, then obviously something is wrong.   Here's a measuring stick: Philippians 2:3-4 (NCV) - Give more honor to others than to yourselves.  Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others. It's not about thinking less of yourself.  It's about thinking of yourself less.   Romans 12:10 (GWT) - Be devoted to each other like a loving family.  Excel in showing respect for each others.   Romans 12:16 (NLT) - Live in harmony with each other.  Don't try to act important but enjoy the company of ordinary people and don't think you know it all. 2 Corinthians 12:20 (Amp) - For I am fearful that somehow or other I may come and find you not as I desire to find you and that you may find me too not as you want to find me: - that perhaps there may be factions (quarreling), jealousy, temper (wrath, intrigues, rivalry, divided loyalties), selfishness, whispering, gossip, arrogance (self-assertion) and disorder among you. If you proclaim to be a child of God, you're part of the body of Christ.  And as a part of the body you have a responsibility to promote unity and harmony. Colossians 3:14 (LB) - Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Question: How passionate are you to ensure and promote unity in the church? What did you ‘hear' in this sermon?  The Bible says, “let him who has ears (spiritual ears) let him hear what the Spirit is saying”. What are you going to do with what you have just heard?  You CANNOT remain ‘neutral'.  

In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, Hebrews 9:16 (NIV)

Faith 4? Pastor Kobus Massyn 13-4-2025  'Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.'- 1 Corinthians 13:13  Faith for What? Greater things!   “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. ‘ John 14:12 'These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” -  Mark 16:17-18 Faith for What? Hope   'I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.” They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.” - Acts 28:20-22   Faith for How? Love   'So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35   'We love each other because he loved us first. - 1 John 4:19 ' “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. - Matthew 6:14 Faith for When? The Cross Luke 22:3,21,24,31-33,47-48,61-62 - 3Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples,   21“But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.   24Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.   31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” 33Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”   47But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”   61At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's words flashed through Peter's mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. '

FAITH three Fight the good fight of the Faith – 1 Timothy 6:12. Note it's not, fight the good fight against the devil, or your opposition.  NO.  You see when FAITH wins everything wins. Fight: The Opportunity of succeeding by great effort. Many Christians want to succeed by NO EFFORT or little effort. “The devils' number 1 tool is not an active sinner, but an inactive Christian. English proverb: “The devil tempts some, but an idle man tempts the devil.”   Matthew 12:43-45 (Amp) – 43But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any. 44Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order and decorated. 45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked then itself. “Be sure to keep busy doing what's right, so that the devil may always find you occupied.” We are weakest when we try to get something for nothing, taking shortcuts to success. Trying to live an overcoming life without faith. Why are we at our weakest?  Because there is no strength or growth in nothing or in shortcuts.  We're not in a motorboat; we're in a rowing boat!! It takes a committed Faith that works. Proverbs 28:19 (LB) – “Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.” There is no shortcut to a faith-filled life. Here's another aspect with extreme importance: Prayer is very important - but hear me out now…! My experience is, so many Christians think after praying, ALL will be okay – now I have done my share – it's over to you God. Example - looking for work: Send out a CV, get a newspaper and look at the job column. After you've prayed, Begin to speak faith WORDS over your situation, speak the promises speak life. Prayer should never be an excuse for inaction.  As God said to Moses as they came out of Egypt: Exodus 14:15 (LB) - Then the Lord said to Moses, “Quit praying and get the people moving.  Forward march!” It's time for faith in action!! “A faith that works” The fact is most prayers are only going to be answered when you attach action to them. Israel with Joshua – around the walls of Jericho.  God said not to speak.  Why?  They would have spoken faithless, negative words. NB: Prayer is the fuel; Faith is the engine.  Real faith – the Bible kind of strong faith we must fight for. Hear me!!  It takes more than good intentions.  (People judge us by our actions not our intentions.) It's not what we say we want to accomplish for Jesus, BUT what we actually do. James 2:17 – Faith without actions is dead.  Your life will shrink or expand in proportion to your Faith. We live by Faith, or; We don't live at all – our faith is NOT a WISHBONE, it's a BACKBONE. Our “Faith” cannot be hidden.  It has to be obvious, open, effective and producing: Change in us Change in a lost world And it will always be an encouragement to the church (ARE YOU a FAITH INSPIRING person?) Here is a wonderful example 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (LB) - We never forget your loving deeds (ACTIONS) as we talk to our God and Father about you, and your strong “Faith” and steady looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus. Fruit of faith is:  Determination, hard work, endurance, steadfastness, perseverance. Real faith may get knocked down, but it's never ever knocked out. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 (LB) - And now the word of the Lord has spread out from you to others everywhere, far beyond your boundaries, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your remarkable “Faith” in God. Question:  What do people say about your Faith SO!!!  Why all this talk about faith?  Is it really all that important? Just remember, you decide, Hebrews 11:6 - Without FAITH it's IMPOSSIBLE to please GOD Listen to Jesus' own Words: Luke 18:8b – However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find (persistence*) in faith on the earth. *Persistence: Continue firmly in one's action despite persuasion. Matthew 24:10 (NIV) – At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other. Our whole life is encapsulated (ingekapsuleer) in FAITH. Habakkuk 2:4 is repeated in Romans 1:17 – The just shall live by faith. We tend to look at the big outer signs of Jesus' coming. Aids, tsunamis, earthquakes, wars etc. It's about time we start looking at the signs closer to home – the man in the mirror.  How is your faith?  Is it just talk or is it alive and active, full of passion and enthusiasm? 1 Timothy 4:1a (Amp) – But the (Holy) Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn from the Faith, giving attention to deluding(Mislei) and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach. Christians are going to be challenged to turn away from the real faith to a counterfeit.  This warning is for the church NOT the unsaved world. Here's the answer to stay in a good faith fighting spirit: 1 Corinthians 16:13a – Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith.   2 Corinthians 13:5 (Amp) – “Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you-unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected.”   examine and 2.test and 3.evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your Faith and showing the proper fruits of it.   Here's my heart's desire for each of us: Close: Ephesians 3:16-18 (Amp) – “16May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. 17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. 18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it].   Revelation 14:12 (Amp) – Here [comes in a call for] the steadfastness of the saints [the patience, the endurance of the people of God], those who [habitually] keep God's commandments and [their] faith in Jesus.  

  FAITH #2 (Everyone needs a FAITH-Lift.)   We trust God that with His Sword He will cut and do surgery on us – to give us a faith-lift – to remove that which is old and not so pretty anymore. Our key scripture Hebrews 11:6 - “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”   Hebrews 11:3 (NIV) – By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible. 1 Peter 1:3-8 -  3“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, Oswald Chambers wrote in “My utmost for His Highest”: Before I can say “I saw the Lord” there must be something in my character that conforms to the likeness of God.  What we need is God's surgical procedure – His use of external circumstance to bring about internal purification.   Our Faith can re-write our future (allow Him to give you a Faith-lift) Regret looks back – past possessed. Worry looks around – seed among the thorns, Chokes your Faith. FAITH looks UP. Here's the promise – plus side of: Hebrews 11:6a – with faith we can please God (WHY) Hebrews 11:6b – He is a rewarder of those who *earnestly and *diligently seek Him. * Earnestly = showing intense feeling *Diligently = hard-working, showing effort Prophetic word God is calling for “Order in my house Hebrews 6:11-12 (Amp). The Challenge “But we do [strongly and earnestly] desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity [all the way through] in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of [your] hope until the end, 12 In order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith ([b]by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises. You must first be a believer if you want to be an achiever. Without a “Faith”- driven life you will become disinterested, and a spiritual *sluggard. *sluggard = lazy person “Faith” is action – never a “passive” [not active] attitude. “Faith” is not a pill you take, but a muscle you use. You see – faith is when your hands, your heart and feet keep on working, when your head and others say it can't be done, that the situation has become too BIG for me to handle. The ones who get anything significant of eternal value done for God are: Faith-filled, Faith-focused, Real faith will refuse to see anything that is contrary (opposite) to the Bible.  It doesn't look at circumstances or conditions, but it looks at the promises. We must be moved by the “Word of God” not our feelings. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith and NOT by feelings Smith Wigglesworth said: “I'm not moved by what I feel.  I'm not moved by what I see. I am only moved by what I believe.” You must remember, when Adam and Eve fell, their emotions fell too. Romans 14:23b – whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Ever since that day, man kinds' of emotions have been: Inconsistent, Misleading, and Often plain WRONG Do you know what I'm talking about? One minute you'll feel happy. The next minute sad. One minute calm. The next you're steaming angry. One minute radically saved – the next not sure if you are a Christian. Imagine a world in which all of our decisions were based on our feelings.  Life run on emotions would be chaos!!  That's why we don't feel the Holy Spirit – we sense Him.  The difference between a born-again child of God and an unsaved person is  - the One lives by faith, while the world runs on emotion.  That's what they should be seeing in US - active faith. The good news is the more we walk in faith, the more our feelings start lining up with faith. Ralph Wald Emerson said: “All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen.” Here's a stern warning: Hebrews 3:9 – Where your fathers tried (My patience) and tested (My forbearance) (tolerance) and found I stood their test, and they saw My works for 40 years. Their faith-less life caused them to be “skape met bokneigings”. Sheep with Goat attitudes Many times, we know and believe God has come through for us and still we chose to be “faithless”, negative, ungodly and disobedient and long to go back to the Egypt ways. The real reason why Israel missed the promised land and God's best for them.  Only a faith-filled Joshua generation went in. Romans 11:19-21 - 19They were pruned (broken) off so that we might be grafted in. 20That is true.  But they were broken (pruned) off because of their unbelief (their lack of real faith), and you are established through Faith (because you believe).  So do not become proud and conceited but rather stand in awe and be reverently afraid. 21For if God did not spare the natural branches (because of unbelief), neither will He spare you (if you are guilty of the same offense). James 2:14 (Msg) -Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything?  Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really, has it? (No!) In closing: How is your faith walk?  Is your “Faith” showing itself through your daily actions? - o O o -

FAITH By Pastor George Lehman It must be important because without faith we cannot please God! Our FAITH will never rise above the words of our lips. How many times do we speak defeat or negative over our lives. When last did you experience God's nearness, have real intimacy with Him?  Tears fill your eyes as you meditate on Him – when last? What is coming out of your heart – is it faith statements? Without it we cannot please God. Without it we can't protect ourselves either. Ephesians 6:16 – Lift up over all the (covering shield of Faith upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked (one). When you leave an opening, the arrow comes in and the results come out of your mouth. Without it a victorious, successful, overcoming, devil chasing fulfilled life will not be possible. If the disciples who, saw Jesus, touched Jesus, walked with Jesus and experienced all the wonders and miracles - if they had to be spoken to so sternly about their faith, what about you and I? Mark 16:14 (Amp) - “Afterward He appeared to the Eleven [apostles themselves] as they reclined at table; and He reproved and reproached them for their unbelief (their lack of faith) and their hardness of heart, because they had refused to believe those who had seen Him and looked at Him attentively after He had risen [[d]from death].” Hebrews 11:6 (Amp) – But without FAITH, it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.  For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out). Notice the condition in this verse. It does not say that God is the rewarder of everyone but "of those who diligently seek Him." Living faith is direct; it has its foundation in diligently, actively, consistently, and zealously seeking Him in study and prayer and in conforming to His will. If God demands we have faith when it's impossible for us to have faith, then you and I have every right to question and challenge God and His Word. But, if God has placed within our ability and means, and our choice that faith can be produced, and He did, then the responsibility rests with us, whether we have FAITH or not. Luke 22:31-32  -“31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to *sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” *Sifting: To see what's really in you Peter If we don't have faith or we don't exercise the faith we have, it's not God's fault – it's our fault. Romans 12:3 – God has given us a measure of FAITH. Going back to the day you received salvation – none of us could ever have been saved if it wasn't for our FAITH. Rom 10:8-9, 10 , 13, 17 Romans 10: 8-10 - “8But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[d] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. What 3 steps does a person take to receive salvation: (Let me just say this – they are all faith in action steps) Confess Believe Receive For whom is it available?  Verse 13 says  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  So where did all this FAITH come from to confess, believe and receive? Verse 17:  Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. – by hearing and believing the WORD of God. Titus 1:1 – Paul, a bond servant of God and an apostle (a special messenger) of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) to *stimulate and *promote the FAITH of God's chosen ones and to lead them on to accurate discernment (onderskei) and recognition of and acquaintance with the “Truth” which belongs to and harmonizes with and tends to godliness. *Stimulate = live with excitement *Promote = advance, to a higher position Paul says “Our faith is foundational to accurate living to walk in the TRUTH.  The result will be Godliness or a lifestyle of Holiness. We proclaim we believe but when the “Tire hits the tar”, we seldom mix the Word or our belief with “FAITH”. You see – mere belief is not “FAITH” - even when a man believes in the right God, he might still be “faithless”.   Jack Coe, Jr said: “A person can believe that the true God of the Bible exists until you are blue in the face, BUT, until that belief leads to  Works (Deeds) of OBEDIENCE and TRUST, it's far from biblical FAITH”   The Bible drives this point home: James 2:19 – You believe that there is one God.  You do well.  Even the demons believe and tremble. James 2:17 – So also, faith, if it does not have WORKS (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead). James 2:26 (Msg) – The very moment you separate body and spirit; you end up with a corpse.  Separate Faith and Works and you get the same thing – a corpse. Maybe that's why some of you are experiencing a dead kind of relationship with God? What is FAITH Hebrews 11:1 (LB) – What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. Children of God, it's high time we start living like FAITH people;  like Jesus is alive in 2025. We can say we know God's Word is right and good and true, but unless we act on the Word by faith, be obedient and reap its results, we will never really know and be victorious or obedient over comers. FAITH in God is simply faith in His WORD. To sum up: Romans 10:17 – FAITH comes by hearing and by hearing the WORD of God. One of the major benefits of reading the Bible, “Gods Word”, is that it teaches us how to respond in FAITH in advance to life's challenges: Dig a well before you are thirsty. Plant a seed before you are hungry. Don't wait until your whole life is turned upside down, to then try make out which way is up. When fear comes, expect the opposite – let FAITH rise up inside you. When symptoms attack your body – expect the opposite.  Have FAITH in God's healing power to touch you. When lack comes in – expect the opposite.  Have FAITH in God's provision to meet your needs – Philippians 4:19 - And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us. When confusion comes, expect the opposite.  FAITH in God's wisdom, peace and comfort. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We Walk by FAITH and not (feelings) or sight. Poem: Doubt sees the obstacles (FAITH sees the way) Doubt sees the darkest night (FAITH sees the day) Doubt dreads taking a step (FAITH soars on high) Doubt questions: “Who believes?” FAITH answers: “I” We can't just pray for more faith. We must do what the Word teaches us Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the Word of God.  

True faith must show character. By Pastor George Lehman   2 Timothy 3:16 (Amp) - Every Scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought purpose and action.)  Ephesians 4:23-24 (Msg)- A life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in us.  Acts 17:11 (NIV) – Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 1 Thessalonian 1:3 (AMP) – Recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith and service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 1 Thessalonian 1:8 (AMP) –  For not only has the Word concerning and from the Lord resounded forth from you unmistakably in Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere the report has gone forth of your faith in God [of your leaning of your whole personality on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. So we [find that we] never need to tell people anything [further about it]. James 1:26-27 (LB) – 26 Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn't control his sharp tongue* is just fooling himself, and his religion isn't worth much. 27 The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father's point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world. *What's in you comes out of you. A sharp tongue: Destructive power of words, causing harm and division, gossip and lies.   There is so much counterfeit Christianity in our day and age. James said, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious”. Many people consider themselves religious. So many think they can go through the bible picking and choosing commands they want to obey. Then believe they are good religious people.  People don't change because they believe they are okay. Credibility in the Christian's life involves knowing Christ and sowing consistency of lifestyle. A genuine Christian character is evident in three ways: By our conversation Our concern and Our conduct The evidence of our conversation. James said: “Those who consider themselves religious but don't control their tongue” are deceiving themselves and their religion is useless - James 1:26. In short, it's just an empty show and will have zero kingdom effect on anyone. The word deceived can also mean ‘cheat'. People who can't control what comes out their mouth… …whether it is filthy language or *gossip or *slander or lies or whatever, are only cheating themselves in the process. *Gossip[skinder] =idle talk or rumour about a person behind their back. *Slander [laster] = malicious, false, defamatory to cause hurt. The only one that loses is you! Our character is often revealed in our conversation before anyone has a chance to observe our conduct.  You'll know what will follow that mouth. Our behaviour will always match our speech. James says, “Control your tongue”. The evidence of our concern. True faith is demonstrated by our character and our character is evident in what concerns us. What concerns us must be what concerns God. James 1:27a (NIV) – Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress… Clearly God is concerned about the orphans and the widows. The things we are concerned about reveal our true character. As Christians we are to show mercy and kindness to people in such need. Especially to those who can never repay the help. Keep in mind what Paul told Timothy: 1 Timothy 5:3-4 & 8-9 (NIV) – 3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband After all, a true sign of Christian character is a genuine concern for anyone in need. “To add value to others, one must first value others”. -Maxwell It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.  If God can get it through you, He'll get it to you. The evidence of our conduct. We get this right – our conversation and concerns will be right. James completed this initial chapter with a firm warning to us to keep “unpolluted from the world”. James 1:27 The tragedy is that this world system has polluted many who are called by His name. Paul warned the church because he saw the pollution taking hold of the church. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT) – But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. How many of you have seen in a department store – there's a table with all sorts of odds and ends – skirts, dresses, shorts, sweaters piled up on it. The big sign above it reads: “Slightly soiled…greatly reduced in price.” Just let those words penetrate your heart when you think of them. Slightly soiled Greatly reduced in price How many Christians have had those words written across their lives… …because of their inconsistent and ungodly conduct.  People ‘de-value' themselves. The truth is, if you allow your life to become spotted and stained by sin….… you lose much of the value of your Christian witness. When James challenged us to keep unspotted or unpolluted from the world… …it was not a calling to become a monk and isolate yourself. James was talking about insulation, not isolation. Jesus prayed this over us: John 17:14 (NIV) – I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. Jesus left us an example… in the world but not of the world. We are to take His glorious, good news, the gospel, into a dying world. Letting our character shine brightly and credibly as we insulate ourselves from the world's influence. First by knowing Christ, then by sowing consistency in our lives and finally by showing godly character in our conversations, our concerns and our conduct. The world is watching and waiting to see credibility. 2 Corinthians 8:21 – For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.  

The ethical* /[gedragsnorme] effect By Pastor George Lehman   Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man a more clever devil. C.S. Lewis Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.  - Aristotle The revelation must become the application. Ethical =Relating to beliefs about what is moral or principles of right and wrong. A positive or negative impact on decisions we make (our behavior values) Unethical = unprincipled, dishonorable, corrupt James 2:14-26 (NIV) – 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. We regularly, in the news, hear reports of some or other effect - the effect of global warming, the effect on the world economy and the effect of poverty. The church faces its own effect that can be called the “ethical effect” (principles of right and wrong) or……as James puts it, “A faith without fruit”. As the world watches, too many Christians profess one thing but practice another. A counterfeit faith produces no genuine fruit. The result is, the church has little influence on the world today, even while we are proclaiming our faith. While so many places and in so many ways, the church is losing its voice as the culture suffers from this ethical effect. An integrity or credibility crisis is running rampant in every aspect of society. The ethical effect has touched government, politics, business, law, sports and yes, unfortunately, religion. The ethical effect has brought down high-profile individuals in every professional field. Our world needs people whose lives match their lips and whose walk matches their talk. As we journey with James through this section of verses, we come to what is called a contentious subject. From time to time over the past twenty centuries this debate has flared up. James 2:14-26 is like a boxing ring where the so-called learned have put James and Paul in the ring. Paul with the emphasis on FAITH! James with the emphasis on WORKS! In this corner we have the apostle Paul wearing the GRACE trunks. His claim: Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God In the other corner we have James wearing the WORKS trunks. James 2:18 (NIV) – But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. Make no mistake about it, the Bible plainly teaches that our eternal salvation rests entirely on God's grace through our faith in the finished work of Christ. Salvation is a free gift of God to everyone who will receive it. The bible also says that true, saving faith will always result in good works. NB! After all, how could the living Christ come live in our life and not make any difference in the way you think, act and speak. This whole debate hinges on the failure of some to make a clear distinction between… The REQUIREMENT for true salvation and The RESULT of true salvation. Good work is never a requirement for salvation but they are certainly the result. People who have passed from death to life; from darkness to light. Whose sins have been forgiven; who have become a new creation in Christ. They can't help but see the world differently and respond accordingly. With passion, enthusiasm, a fire to purity and proclaim the Gospel! In the FAITH versus WORKS debate… People tend to gravitate toward the extremes. Some over-emphasize the faith aspect while completely neglecting the fact that it should result in good works. Faith not works school of thought: You pray a simpler sinner's prayer - have no change of lifestyle. Develop no real desire to pray - hardly ready your bible. Exhibit zero desire for spiritual things yet still saved because you ‘believed'. It's called easy Christianity. Faith or works: Their understanding is if you have faith, that's fine with them or if you do good works in your community, that's also fine. They trust faith or works will get them to this perfect place. The ones who believe in a works salvation somehow think there's a way to earn our way into eternal life. James revealed to us the code we need to understand the relationship of faith and works. Paul and James complement, NOT contradict each other. Here it is: Salvation is not about faith and works.  It's about a FAITH that WORKS. If you can grasp this simple sentence, you will understand the heart of the issue.   The church today desperately needs to rediscover a faith that works. Christianity is a faith that demands a response not just a nod of the head. A faith that bears fruit. After all, a faith that has no fruit is a false faith. To have an ethical effect on the world we need to live out a faith that works. Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV) – “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”  

Arrogance of Our age. By Pastor George Lehman “Arrogance is knowledge minus wisdom.” – Celso   Isaiah 40:25-26 - 25To whom then will you liken Me, that I should be equal to him? Says the Holy One. 26Lift up your eyes on high and see! Who has created these? He Who brings out their host by number and calls them all by name; though the greatness of His might and because He is strong in power, not one is missing or lacks anything. Isaiah 40:28 - 28Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.   Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before your face.   Hebrews 10:31- It is a fearful (formidable and terrible) thing to incur the divine penalties and be cast into the hands of the living God.    Philippians 2:3 - “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. (This is a call to a certain behaviour)   Arrogance: (Arrogansie, voorbarig) is over-confidence, overbearing pride, in self – in self's abilities and self's-reliance. We know the truth but still choose to live arrogantly. We need to always recognize God in everything.   A spiritual atmosphere is what James addresses. James 4:13-17 (Amp) - 13 Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit.” 14 [a]Yet you do not know [the least thing] [b]about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]*. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast [vainly] in your pretension and arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin. Merely a vapor… [into thin air]* - It is God who gives us breath. Acts 17:25-26 (NIV) - 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. We all know and have seen the effects that a Recession has on an Economy. A recession is a consistent decline in overall economic activity resulting in the loss of jobs, rate hikes – just a downturn in our economy. If we honest we all have times of decline - We all know the meaning of a spiritual recession. James wasn't interested in the economic recession, but in the recessions that plague many hearts. The roots of spiritual recession are the same as the roots of any other kind of recession. According to James the roots are threefold: #1 Spiritual recession in your life can result from foolish presumptions* (Vermetal – astrant) *Presumptuous – Forgetting your limits; disobedience; being disrespectful arrogant. James 4:13 (Amp) – Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit.” James 4:15 (NIV) – Instead you ought to say, “if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” This person lives as if tomorrow will never come The obsession is with making money and enjoying the pleasures of this world. God is not our first priority; things are! Materialism is his master, motivated by greed. Nothing indicates that this is a bad person – acting unethical or unprofessional. However, his problem is his Attitude not his Actions. His attitude produces his actions. He made all his plans without any consideration of God whatsoever. James called him out: “You boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” He forgot: James 4:15 (NIV) - 15Instead, you ought to say, “if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” Proverbs 27:1 (NIV) – Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. So, what motivates you? You first do it - then ask God's approval. The warning for us is plane: Don't make presumptions about the future without consulting God. God always knows best. Ephesians 3:20 (Amp) – Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us. #2 Spiritual recessions can also result from “Forgotten perspectives” God ultimately has the final say over my life James 4:14 (NIV) - Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. That's why James reminded us that our lives are like: “A Vapor that appears for a little time and then it vanishes away .” It's easy to brush right over this verse: But imagine you were caught in a fox hole with bombs exploding near to you. Most times life and death are forgotten perspectives (you're so fixated on the details and what is directly in front of you that you can't see the bigger picture). People live as though this life is all there is For too many people act and live as if they have a Ninety nine year lease with an option to renew. James asked – “What is your life?” Many highly educated – Scientists & Philosophers have never been able to satisfactorily answer this question… As Christians we know life doesn't end when our physical bodies die. The bible answers the question. 1 Chronicles 29:15 (NIV) – “Our days on earth are as a shadow.” 2 Samuel 14:14 (NIV) – Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. A fable is told of a Bagdad merchant who sent his servant to the market to pick up some goods for him. While the servant was making the purchases in the marketplace he found himself face to face with Death! In great fear he returned to his master and told him that Death had given him a menacing look and that he must have a horse so he could escape to Samara, a city some distance away. The master quickly gave his servant a horse, then went to the marketplace to find Death. When he found him he asked, "Why did you give my servant a menacing look?" Death replied, "I wasn't looking at him menacingly, I was merely surprised to see him here in Bagdad; for, you see, I have an appointment with him tonight in Samara." Each of us has our own appointment. Don't allow foolish presumptions or forgotten perspectives to distract you. Amos 4:12 (NIV) - “…..prepare to meet your God,….”   → Thunders down through the centuries “Prepare to meet God” #3 Spiritual Recessions can also occur because of “Forsaken priorities” In James's words “To Him who knows to good and does not do it, to Him it is Sin.” James 4:15-17 (NIV) - 15Instead, you ought to say, “if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil, 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James is calling us to get our priorities in order and remember the bottom line when we make any plans… “If it be the Lords will.” James was just saying → Matthew 6:33 (Amp) - But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. To avoid Spiritual Recession, we need to keep our priorities straight. What is God's will? → It's His Word. Forsaken priorities come when we stray from God's way and will in our lives. James 4:17 (NIV) – Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. It's not only the sins of willful outward acts of disobedience But it's also not doing what we know is right and not doing it. May we say what Jesus said (and mean it) Matthew 26:39 (Amp) - And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup [a]pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

SCANDALON  Circumstances do not make you what you are … they reveal what you are! It's our reaction that matters. James 1:19 (Amp) – Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.   Slow to speak – if we get this right everything falls into place. Our response to scandalon determines our credibility.   So what is a scandalon? It's the Greek word for “offend”, [struikelblok, aanstoot te gee]. It refers to the part of the trap to which the bait is attached The word ‘offend' means: a trap or a snare – stumbling block. Explain a trap with the bait – It's not always visible. We are all more than likely to take the bait many times in our lives. Jesus said in: Luke 17:1 (NKJV) – “It is impossible that no offences should come.” Offence is a tool of the devil to bring people into captivity. If you give him a foothold it becomes a stronghold. Satan is not sitting in an armchair waiting for hell. Revelation 12:12 (NIV) – Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!  But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!  He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”   Paul warned – 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (note verse 26) 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (LB) – 24 God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. 25 Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.  26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin, which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God. Because of hurts, bitterness, unforgiveness, quarrels, opposition, unresolved differences, carrying grudges. People fall into the trap/snare and are then held by the devil as a prisoner to do his will. The devil wants to destroy relationships in marriages, families and churches. If he succeeds, he achieves a great victory – Why? Unity goes Joy and Peace goes Vision goes – Purpose goes The very essence of our calling losses impact. People take the bait of offence so quickly without thinking of the consequences. LET IT GO! The worst part is most times people are unaware of their captivity. The saddest thing is to see a person so deceived. He believes he is right even though he is not. Pride causes you to view yourself as a victim. People think or say, “I was mistreated and misjudged, therefore I am perfectly justified in my Attitude Behaviour. Because you believe you are Innocent you hold back forgiveness. Notice verse 10 says “Many - not a few, not some” Matthew 24:10-13 (LB) – 10 and many of you shall fall back into sin and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and lead many astray. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many. 13 But those enduring to the end shall be saved. (Those who do it Gods way) I believe one of the great key ingredients that tests relationships is offence. Can I just say this: “We set ourselves up for offence” when we expect or require certain behaviours – from those whom we have relationships. Listen, the more we expect, the greater the “potential” offence. There are times we must give grace to others. Proverbs 18:19 (LB) – It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars. Don't forget Jesus warned us that offence will come... Luke 17:1 (NKJV) - “It is impossible that no offences should come.” Did you know there are 4 stages of relationships? It's good to remember that: People judge us by our actions, not our intention, (“Example, Diet”) You can't get thin on your intentions “You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.”                                                                                 -Henry Ford Relationships don't just happen; you and I must make them happen. Don't give offence and don't take it. 4 Stages Courtship / Fellowship Confrontation / Conflict – “Offence Zone” Growth / Maturity Multiplication #1 Courtship/ Fellowship (The Honeymoon stage) Like the engagement stage, we just except one another and love one another we willing to overlook anything we see in the other person. We put our best foot forward. #2 Confrontation/conflict The grass is greener on the other side because there's more manure there! David said: Psalm 55:12-14 (LB) – 12 It was not an enemy who taunted me—then I could have borne it; I could have hidden and escaped.  13 But it was you, a man like myself, my companion and my friend. 14 What fellowship we had, what wonderful discussions as we walked together to the Temple of the Lord on holy days.   Confrontation requires boldness not arrogance. Humility and peace seeking. Confrontation is an opportunity for forgiveness. The aim: To heal and restore the Relationship. Think about this: Any relationship within the family of God is going to be as good as you want it to be.   Romans 12:14-19 (LB) – 14 If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don't curse him; pray that God will bless him. 15 When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. 16 Work happily together. Don't try to act big. Don't try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don't think you know it all!  17 Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. 18 Don't quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.  19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don't take the law into your own hands. You will either grow or go!   #3 Growth / Maturity This is when we do it God's way - not our own way Maturely loving one another in spite of our shortcomings. Proverbs 19:11... it is to one's glory to overlook an offence. Romans 15:1-2 (Amp) – We who are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves.  2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbour for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].   #4 Multiplication Matthew 13:23 (Amp) –  As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the Word and grasps and comprehends it; he indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundred times as much as was sown, in another sixty times as much, and in another thirty.   This is when relationships are now mature enough to move on. You can now encourage and be an example to others. And thereby develop other meaningful relationships. Never before in History as in the 21st Century: Has knowledge increased in the church at the rate it is. But with all this increased knowledge... We seem to experience: More divisions among believers and leaders. More hurts and bitterness and unforgiveness. More couldn't care-less attitudes toward relationships. We know it ALL but we don't live it ALL. 1 Corinthians 8:1 – Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up and encourages one to grow (to his full stature). If we keep the Love of God as our Motivation. In all we do or say, we will not fail. Love Never Fails.   1 Corinthians 13:5,8a (Amp) – 5Love is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride), it is not rude (un)mannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.  Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way for it is not self-seeking, its not touchy or fretful or resentful, it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong). 8aLove Never Fails 1 Peter 4:8 (Amp) – Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (forgives and disregards the offences of others).

16/2/2025 My Holy Spirit By Pastor Kobus Massyn I am the great I am - Yahweh Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, I Am Who I Am and What I Am, and I Will Be What I Will Be; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I Am has sent me to you! Genesis 1:2 2The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. 1 Peter 1:15-16 15 But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.16 For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:44,45) 44 For I am the Lord your God; so consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am holy; neither defile yourselves with any manner of thing that multiplies in large numbers or swarms. 45 For I am the Lord Who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God; therefore you shall be holy, for I am holy. Like a dove Matthew 3:16 16 And when Jesus was baptized, He went up at once out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. Geneses 8:11 11 And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a newly sprouted and freshly plucked olive leaf! So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the land. Fruit of the Holy Spirit John 20:22 22 And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! Galatians 5:22 22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,   To grief the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).   Gifts of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:2 2 When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 4 Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. 5 And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. 6 And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit. 8 To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; 9 To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. 11 All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses. 12 For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 12:6-8 6 Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; 7 [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; 8 He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness. Ephesians  4:11 11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. 1 Peter 4:10-11 10 As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the [a]extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. 11 Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes [b]abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it). To quench the holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; Allow the Abundance of God Luke 6:45 45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.

The Credibility Crises (Consistency will produce credibility) Credibility means: “The quality of being trusted and believed in”. By: Pastor George Lehman   James 1:19-22 (Amp) - 19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.  20 For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].  22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. I want to focus on what James's thought was important to address: Anger is just one letter short of danger.   Ephesians 4:1(Amp) - I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, If we are going to live a life that is credible, we will have to learn to act rather than REACT.  Act out the word; not to react in a manor that destroys your testimony. They say the world needs more warm hearts and fewer hotheads.   Story about Moses: The day begins like any other day but ends like no other day. For on this day Moses gives full vent to his anger and finds himself running for his life. Moses is part of a mistreated minority who were grievously mistreated. Not for doing something wrong but for being perceived as a possible threat. He grew up privileged in the palace of a king.  He himself was spared such heartless treatment.  However, year after year he sees his people suffer. One day he snaps.  He is filled with rage as he sees one of his own being beaten. That day Moses kills an Egyptian and hides his body. The Pharaoh hears about it and Moses flees for his life from Egypt. Question:  Have you ever become so angry to the point that you acted rashly?   Looking at the life of Moses you can see the result of the power of anger... We all have a choice, whether to act wisely or to react foolishly. We must learn to keep our anger under control. Proverbs 29:11 (NIV) - He who being often reproved* hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy.  *reproved = being spoken to about your conduct Injustice provokes many people to anger. Moses felt understandable anger over the injustice of his brothers. What he did got him into trouble.  What he revealed is his true character and inability to fulfil the task ahead of him. God sent him into a desert place for 40 years to learn to do it God's way. Acts 7:24-30 (Amp) - The story about Moses how he killed the Egyptian and fled into the desert What is the meaning of anger that James is talking about? Fire-fighters know the danger of letting a flame get out of control.  They respond quickly because they are trained to. We need to train ourselves to respond quickly to the flame of anger before it consumes our life and destroys relationships. Proverbs 14:17 (NIV) - A quick tempered man does foolish things… Anger: A strong emotion of irritation or agitation* that occurs when a need or expectation is not met. *agitation = disturbed mental state (Agitasie) Proverbs 29:22 (NIV) - An angry man stirs up dissension* and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. *dissension= problems arising from difference of opinions Proverbs 22:24 (Amp) - Make no friendship with a man given to anger and with a wrathful man do not associate. What is the magnitude of anger?  Anger, the word, covers many levels of emotions. Anger is like heat - it ranges from mild, controlled irritations to hot uncontrolled explosions. The bible uses many words to express the word ANGER We see this in the Book of Ephesians 4:   Indignation[verontwaardiging]: It's an anger provoked by something appearing unjust or unworthy.  It's often seen as justified. Mark10:14 (NIV) - …Not allowing the children to come to Jesus; when Jesus saw (it) He was indignant… Wrath[toorn/woede]: Is burning anger accompanied by a desire to avenge. Wrath often moves from the emotion of anger to an outward expression of anger. God expresses His wrath as divine judgement upon those who commit willful sin. Fury[ontplof]: Fury is fiery anger.  It's so fierce that it destroys common sense.  Fury suggests a powerful force wanting to harm or destroy. The Jews were so angry with Peter and the apostles: Acts 5:33 (Amp) - When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. That's why the Bible says in Proverbs 27:4 - Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming…   Rage[woede/uitbars]: Rage is blazing anger.  It involves loss of self-control, violence and temporary insanity.  Many people after an outburst of rage, have remorse.  “I can't believe I did that”. Proverbs 19:3 (NIV) - A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord. What are some of the misconceptions about anger? Do you view your anger as negative and sinful?  If you hide your anger from others and even yourself, you'll place yourself in bondage and false guilt. Is it a sin to be angry? NO!  The initial feeling of anger is a God-given emotion.  The way you respond or express these feelings determines whether you have allowed your anger to become sin. Ephesians 4:26-27 (Amp) - When angry, do not sin, do not ever let your wrath, your exasperation, your fury or indignation last until the sun goes down.  Leave no (such) room or foothold for the devil (give no opportunity to him). How can I keep from feeling guilty when I'm angry? Anger is a signal that something is wrong- -like a red light on a dashboard).  Stop, take action.  Deal with what is causing your anger. Colossians 3:8 (Amp) - But now put away and rid yourselves (completely) of all these things:  Anger, rage, bad feelings towards others, curses and slander, and foul-mouthed abuse and shameful utterance from your lips. It's a choice!!!   James is dealing with our credibility [geloofwaardigheid] How we conduct ourselves says a lot about what's happening within us. What do you need God to help you with in the area of anger?  

Faith involves *consistency. By Pastor George Lehman   Consistency:  It's the jewel worth wearing; it's the anchor worth securing; it's the thread worth weaving; it's a battle worth winning.”   - Charles Swindoll *consistency = stability, to change you go forward not backwards, steadfast to the same principles Inconsistency – when your words and actions don't align. James 1:18-25 (NIV) – 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.  19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for human anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. *Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. *Do what it says = Like Putting a password in your computer but never pressing enter, it will never open the programs. True faith is characterized by Knowing Christ. Sowing consistency   True faith starts with knowing Christ as our Saviour. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) – 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Our best offer was… Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV) – As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. You are not born a Christian - you must be born again. Then our true faith involves sowing consistency in our lives. This consistency manifests itself in our talk and our walk – our conversations and our conduct. This is when consistency begins to become a reality. If we are going to be a credible witness of Christ to the world… …we must not only genuinely know Him; we must also be consistent in living in a way that honours Him. Consistent in our talk. The mark of genuine Christianity is having one's conversations consistent with biblical standards and Christian beliefs. James encouraged the church to listen more than we speak. Let your life do the talking.   Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) – When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Jesus gave us this warning: Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV) – 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Genuine Christian living demands that we be cautious in our conversations and that our words are consistent with God's word and character.   James admonishes us: James 1:21 (NIV) – Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Although God chooses us and calls us to Himself, there is something for us to do. We are to take off our old coats of sin and strip away all filth. You can't keep playing in the mud when God has taken you out of it. James was writing to believers like you and me who already know Christ. Knowing and representing Jesus, we need to be consistent in our conversations as well as our conduct. James never held back to make his point. That if we are going to show the world a credible Christ then… …we must know Christ and sow consistency in our lives. Consistent in our walk. This is some of James' most famous and most repeated words. “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.”   Then comes a promise: James 1:25b -“He who is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does”. My desire is that I would rather see people “DO” one sermon than hear a hundred of them. Consistency is in the DOING not just in the HEARING. Like: How did you learn to ride a bike ? By reading a manual Watching others ride Listening to instructions about keeping your balance No! You'll never learn to ride a bike until you get on it and do it over and over. James likened the one who only hears God's word, but does not do it to… “A man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of a man he was.” His message is all too clear.  A mirror doesn't lie – it tells the truth. The Bible is like a mirror, when we look into it, we see ourselves as we really are in God's eyes. Not what we say we are or who others might think we are. Have you been looking in the mirror of the Bible lately?  Not just a passing glance. See yourself in: Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) - 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  24 See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. James spoke of one who every day opens the Word and looks intently into it… The result is a “Blessed life in what he does”. E.g. We are not blessed in our stewardship and tithing by studying what the bible teaches us, but in doing it. He challenged us to: James 1:21 – Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James must have had Jesus' word in mind. Luke 11:28 (NLT) – Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” When we humbly receive God's word in our hearts, it has a supernatural way of leading us to… “Be doers of the word and not hearers only”. True faith involves not just knowing Christ but also sowing consistency between what we read and hear and our conversations and our conduct Close: 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (Amp) – And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well doing without weakening].  

 Your Passion will lead the way. By Pastor George Lehman   There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.     Passion is a powerful emotion that drives us towards a deeper commitment to God. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58(Amp) – 57But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labour in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. Passion - there's just so much in this word – even if you just whispered it. How do you know someone has Passion? You see it. What is passion?  It's the driving force behind ordinary people performing extraordinary tasks and achieving great accomplishments. Passion means: eagerness[entoesiasme], enthusiasm[ywer], fire, intensity, zeal[geesdrif], desire[brandende begeerte], hunger, craving[smag/verlange]. Our greatest example… Acts 1:3 (Amp) - To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God.   Matthew 11:12(TPT) – From the moment John stepped onto the scene until now, the realm of heaven's kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken hold of its power.   Passion will move you… beyond yourself, (It draws you away from self-centred life) beyond compromise, (you do what the word says) beyond your shortcomings, beyond your failures (indifference; detachment, cold, disinterested) Passion gives you the desire, the fire so strong to succeed, that no force on earth can stop you! It's passion that makes sacrifice easier and hardship bearable. It's passion that will endure all persecution. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (Amp) - 7However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.  8We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;  9We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed. Those who remain faithful and fruitful over the years learn to keep the fire of passion flaming! 2 Timothy 1:6 (Amp) -  “That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[a]with those of the elders at your ordination]. Don't ask yourself what the world needs.  Ask yourself what makes YOU come alive AND THEN you go and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive with passion. God is looking for His passionate children. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (Amp) - For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are ‘blameless toward Him'. Nothing great in this world has ever been accomplished without passion. God's people are passion-carriers, looking for a place to manifest. Passion and power are inseparable[onafskeidelik]   Matthew 11:12b (TPT) - Passionate people have taken hold of its power. We will never experience the full effect of the power of God UNLESS we get the Passion of God. Without passion you don't have power. Without power you have nothing! We need to renew our passion daily! We need to be passionate about our Praying, reading our bible, Praising, Witnessing, Giving, Church attendance, our Love for each other. 1. Join a home cell Group: Connect with fellow believers who share your passion for God and explore Scripture together. Find a Spiritual Mentor: Seek guidance from a mature Christian who can encourage and challenge you in your faith. Attend Church Services: Participate in corporate worship, learning from sermons and fellowshipping with other believers. Serve Others: Engage in acts of service, demonstrating God's love and compassion to those around you. But mostly, passionate about our 1st love JESUS. On a scale of 1-10 where would you place yourself on the scale of passion for the things of God?  What do you plan to do to increase that level? Passion sets goals.  What is your goal for this year Passion will drive you towards fulfilling that goal. Let us ask God to ignite the fire of passion in our hearts.

Faithfully yours… By Pastor Kobus Massyn I am Faithfully yours. Genesis 17: 1-2 1'When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me]. 2“I will establish My covenant (everlasting promise) between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly [through your descendants].” ' Faithfully your will be done. Romans 4:3 - ‘'For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God , and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).” Romans 4:24 'but for our sake also - to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead' Faithfully yours alone. Romans 14:7 'None of us lives for himself [for his own benefit, but for the Lord], and none of us dies for himself [but for the Lord].' Romans 14:12 'So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ' Romans 14:17-19 'for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [what one likes], but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this way [recognizing that food choice is secondary] is acceptable to God and is approved by men. So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth]. '

5-01-2025  The effort of Faithfulness produces the promised fruit By Pastor Kobus Massyn     Matthew 25:21 (Amp) His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. Psalms 25:21 'Let integrity and uprightness protect me, For I wait [expectantly] for You. ' True faithfullness is a caracter It is about the fruit.... Proverbs 13:17 (Amp) A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings healing. Proverbs 20:6 (Amp) Many a man proclaims his own loving-kindness and goodness, but a faithful man who can find? Faithfullness is about hope and perseverance. Luke 16:10 (Amp) He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much. Hebrews 3:2-6 (Amp) 2[See how] faithful He was to Him Who appointed Him [Apostle and High Priest], as Moses was also faithful in the whole house [of God]. 3Yet Jesus has been considered worthy of much greater honor and glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house [itself]. 4For [of course] every house is built and furnished by someone, but the Builder of all things and the Furnisher [of the entire equipment of all things] is God. 5And Moses certainly was faithful in the administration of all God's house [but it was only] as a ministering servant. [In his entire ministry he was but] a testimony to the things which were to be spoken [the revelations to be given afterward in Christ]. 6But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father's] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the endour joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ]. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

REMOVE ANY BARRIERS AS YOU FACE 2025 By Pastor George Lehman   “It's never too late to be what you might have been”                                                                           - George Elliot   Philippians 3:12 - Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.   I may not be where I want to be, but I'm not the person I use to be. Barriers = an obstacle that blocks advancement, circumstances that keep things apart. (Barriers = “hinderpaal”). Think seriously about this, what are the barriers you have in your life? Barriers that are preventing you from becoming what Jesus saved you for: - Your calling, your purpose, to be fruitful. 1 Timothy 4:8 - “Bodily exercise is alright, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do.  So, exercise yourself spiritually and practice being better Christians – because that will help you not only now in this life, but the next life too”. The fitness industry is worth billions of dollars, and is growing due to a number of factors. The Global Wellness Institute estimates the wellness industry is worth $5.6 trillion. The global health and fitness club market was valued at $104.05 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow to $202.78 billion by 2030. It's amazing how much money, time, energy, commitment and dedication goes into bodily exercise, and how little goes into being Spiritually fit and healthy. What is Paul saying – “Keep spiritually fit by actively removing the barriers that are keeping you from being obedient/effective”. It's not about achieving perfection over night; its more about subtraction. The question as you look back over the past year. In the last 12 months have you become, Committed Dedicated - Is the same fire still burning in you? Obedient Fruitful - Is there real evidence of the fruit of the Spirit? Gone deeper Have you grown in your knowledge of Jesus? I want us to look at …… “The other side of God”. Prophetic Word for His church. Isaiah 45:17-19 (Amp) - “17 But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be put to shame or confounded to all eternity. 18 For thus says the Lord—Who created the heavens, God Himself, who formed the earth and made it, Who established it and did not create it to be a worthless waste; He formed it to be inhabited—I am the Lord, and there is no one else. 19 I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call the descendants of Jacob [to a fruitless service], saying, Seek Me for nothing [but I promised them a just reward]. I, the Lord, speak righteousness (the truth—trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words); I declare things that are right.   Here is the cross reference – Hebrews 5:8-9 (Amp)  -“8 Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered 2 Timothy 3:12 – All who want to live a devoted life will suffer persecution. 9 And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him, Something God revealed to me – when we get saved, we cross the border FROM: – darkness to light – Death to life – religion to a relationship “Here is the problem” – many hang around the border post. We read so many scriptures and hear sermons about The HOW TO. But still do not fully put the word into practice. Walk with me through scripture and see God's heart. James 4:17 - “So, any person who know what is right to do (what is obedient) but does not do it (disobedience to it) to him it is sin”. Matthew 21:28-31 - “28 What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard. 29 And he answered, I will not; but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of the father? They replied, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the harlots will get into the kingdom of heaven before you. Obedience vs. Disobedience. God is pleased with submission that leads to true obedience. Matthew 22:14 - “For many are called but few are chosen”. Means – Called = to be a Saint (child of God) Chosen = willing to surrender self – the thing that blocks your advancement. Circumstances that keep things apart. But have you chosen the deeper walk with Jesus – deeper, higher, more fruitful, deny self, take up the Cross – Growing in Grace. Moving away from the border post going further, and deeper into the things of God? John 14:24 - “Anyone who does not (really) love me does not observe and obey my teachings”. (Church of Ephesians). Revelation 2:4 - “But I have this one charge to make against you, that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first (you have deserted Me, your first love)”. You see my friend; our relationship is more than just “Praying a sinner's prayer” –That's only the start, we must work at removing the barriers that are blocking your progress The church has neglected or placed no emphasis on keeping His commands. Acts 10:34-35 - “34Peter says God is no respecter of people – God shows no partiality.  35But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed (by Him)”. Hebrews 2:2-3, Jesus said: - “Those who will be in heaven are those who confess and do the will of God”. It is not a once off Sunday decision or a New Years decision; it is a lifetime decision, summed up in one word – Obedience!   1 Peter 1:14 (Amp) - “[Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel].   What barriers are blocking your obedience? Simple things like: Prayerless Reading God's word Sharing your faith Slack on church attendance Carrying grudges / unforgiveness Anger issues Gossip Telling lies  

I believe in I AM by Pastor Kobus Massyn   Exodus 3:14 (Amp) – And God said to Moses, I AM Who I Am and What I Am, and I Will Be What I will Be; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I Am has sent me to you! John 9:5 (Amp) – As long as I am in the world, I am the world's Light. John 14:28 (Amp) – You heard Me tell you, I am going away and I am coming [back] to you. If you [really] loved Me, you would have been glad, because I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater and mightier than I am. 2 Corinthians 11:6 (Amp) – But even if [I am] unskilled in speaking, yet [I am] not [unskilled] in knowledge [ I know what I am talking about]; we have made this evident to you in all things. 2 Corinthians 12:18 (Amp) – [Actually], I urged Titus [to go], and I sent the brother with [him]. Did Titus overreach or take advantage of you [in anything]? Did he and I not act in the same spirit? Did we not [take the] same steps? 2 Corinthians 12:10 (Amp) - So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).

Our indescribable gift Pastor George Lehman   25 December – the day or date is not important? What is important is that it did happen.   Psalm 118:22-24 - 22The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.   My scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV).  It's a short verse – only 8 words long. Paul says: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” [Maar God sy dank vir sy onuitspreeklike gawe]                                Most of us have survived the shopping experience. Choosing Christmas gifts for those special people in our lives. Let me ask you: “have you ever received an “indescribable gift?” I thought about this - what kind of gift would it have to be, to be called “indescribable”? If you opened it, what would you say?  Wow, it's beautiful, something you always wanted.  Whatever the gift, what would make it an indescribable gift? There are many life tales of great gifts given to people: Mark Shuttleworth gave each one of his employees R1 Million. When he sold his company Joan Linden, a radio show host, featured some gift ideas: $300 000 for a gold and silver toilet seat inlaid with precious stones (R5.7 Million).  “You could be King of your Castle on this seat”. $18 000 frisbee (R342000) $10 000 Yo-yo (R190000) $12 000 mouse trap (R228000) $27 000 pair of sunglasses (R513000) and then for grand parentsto buy for the new baby - $28 000 dummy (R532 000) boats and cars valued at billions of rand. I think these gifts stagger our imagination – don't they?  But all these human gifts are very describable by someone. Paul at first talking about gifts in the passage of scripture in 2 Cor 9 – he is discussing human gifts.  He commends them for their eagerness to help and for their generosity for giving so abundantly. If you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly. If you sow generously, you will reap generously. The attention then goes to God's gift of sending Jesus. Paul has no words to describe this.  All he says is: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”  A gift beyond description. So many people, poets, musicians, painters and sculptors have tried to bring tribute and express this indescribable gift the person Jesus, the gift of God's love.  Why does Paul call Jesus “INDESCRIBABLE”? I think there are at least 4 reasons     I'm not trying to describe it, because I can't.  But I want to stir your heart to focus afresh on “God's gift to you”.   #1  Because of His nature     How do you describe Jesus?  What words would you choose?  How do you describe God in flesh – reaching out to the hurting masses of humanity and being the 100% cure?   John 10:10 (AMP) – The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).    “God's love is not logical.  It is unimaginable that God descended in His Son to bring salvation to ungrateful people.  Jesus became what we are in order to make us what He is.”       Isaiah said:  He will be called Emmanuel (God with us); Paul said:  We can't describe the “indescribable” gift The sms making its rounds lately reads as follows: He had no servants – yet they called Him MASTER No degrees – yet they called Him TEACHER No medicine – yet they called Him HEALER No army – yet the King's FEARED Him He won no military battles – yet He CONQUERED the world He committed no crime – yet they CRUCIFIED Him He was buried – yet He ROSE AND LIVES TODAY! The birth of Jesus brought God to man, BUT it took the cross of Jesus Christ to bring man to God.       He is indescribable!   #2  Because of His purpose in coming to earth     What is the Christmas celebration [Kersfees vieringe] about after all? Not decorated trees, not presents, not holidays, not some overweight dude wearing red either. OUR GREATEST NEED: for HIS coming If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator; If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist; If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist; If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;   The Answer is: Our greatest needwas forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour – to bring hope to a lost, sinful world.   God's gift is indescribable!     #3  Because of the grace by which Jesus is given     We buy gifts for people we know – like our wife and kids because it's kind of the right thing to do.  Normally if people give us a gift, we feel obliged to give one back.  We feel we must help the needy, the poor, because we have an obligation to them.   This is what makes God so special – He doesn't owe us anything, in fact:     Romans 5:8 (NIV) - But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.                                            We deserved the WORST, but we got the BEST.  A gift is not a gift if you pay for it – it's free by GRACE.   Lastly, it's indescribable!   #4  Because of His overwhelming [oorweldigende] effect on us     The gifts you got for Christmas may be wonderful and you may be very thankful, BUT tomorrow you will still be the same – it will not change you. The Bible teaches that when we accept Jesus Christ, “The indescribable gift”, we can NEVER be the same again.     Our sins are forgiven and forgotten.     2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - “We're a brand-new person.”     Let us thank God for this season as we celebrate “His indescribable gift”, JESUS, to a lost world. He became like us– that we might become like Him. He was rejected– that we might be accepted. He was condemned– that we might be forgiven. He was punished– that we might be pardoned. He suffered– that we might be strengthened. He was whipped– that we might be healed. He was hated– that we might be loved. He was crucified– that we might be justified. He was tortured– that we might be comforted. He died– that we might live. He went to hell– that we might go to Heaven. He endured what we deserved– that we might enjoy what only He deserves.                                                      

Thanksgiving - this is the season Pastor George Lehman Thanksgiving is not just a December thing. It's a lifetime attitude. Luke 2:10 – But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people. It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.   If Thankfulness was determined by what's in our pockets most of us would have good reason to be unthankful. We all understand we need to be thankful. How many times do we really express it? Once in a while or is it constant. A thankful heart is far more important to your experience of life than most people realize. It puts you in a great frame of mind. Most people know they should be thankful, but do not put a premium on proactively cultivating a thankful heart. The optimist says, “the cup is half full”. The pessimist says, “the cup is half empty”. The thankful child of God says, “my cup runneth over”. - Go for it!! Tonight, we come to express our thankfulness to our Heavenly FATHER. Our favorite attitude should be gratitude [dankbaarheid]. (A mother was reading from a book of Bible stories to her little daughter Lucy when she came to a page showing Christians being fed to the lions.  The little girl began to whimper.  Mom said, “It's all right honey, I'm sure they're all going to heaven.”  The little girl answered, “But Mommy, that little lion in the corner doesn't have a Christian!”  I think it's safe to say that Lucy missed the point. (Hope you don't miss the point of this sermon…) An unthankful heart will produce negative issues in your life. I personally have rarely seen a happy ungrateful person. Romans 1:21 says, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Clearly being thankful is on Gods heart for mankind - how much more for His children)   If you're not thankful to God for what happens in your life, then, who takes the credit? You do! You become puffed up, arrogant, and vain. You become stuck on yourself. That kind of focus just darkens your heart, creates a foolish heart, and keeps your attention on things you have done and achieved. One of the surest and best ways to remain positive and have a great attitude is to express gratitude and appreciation. Thankfulness to God should be as regular as our heartbeat. They say God as 2 dwellings - one in Heaven and the other in a THANKFUL heart. Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving.” Experiencing the presence of God requires that you be a thankful person. We see it again in Psalm 100:4 - “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving.” (Not complaining, murmuring or grumbling) Ephesians 5:20 (Amp) - At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.                                         Philippians 4:6 says, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; For you to have answered prayer, you need to pray out of a heart of thanksgiving. Many Christians pray out of a heart of desperation instead of a grateful heart. Thankfulness is God's will for our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Amp) - Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. Colossians 3:15 (Amp) - And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live].  And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].    “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them” - JFK            Quotes: You cannot be a testifier until you've been through the test of fire. Of one thing you should be thankful, only you and God have all the facts about yourself. Real happiness comes when we stop murmuring and complaining about the troubles we have and begin to offer thankfulness for all the troubles we don't have. Therefore, we want Gods church, His body, to come give thanks and deep appreciation for what He has done. So, we want to bring as the following scripture: Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV) - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess His name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.   Heaven is a place where we will be thankful for: Having received what, we did not deserve; and For not receiving what we did deserve. Psalm 106:1 (Amp) – Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!  

Courage to live by By: Pastor George Lehman   “I will go anywhere, as long as it's forward” – David Livingstone. (There is no time to get sidetracked) Courage has been used in the Bible more than 114 times. Why the need to speak on courage?  I believe it's been on God's heart from the beginning of mankind and it's relevant for us here tonight. (God would never call us to live courageously if it were not possible) Scripture is full of God's instruction to live a life of courage. Courage is activated when I'm plugged into God. Joshua 1:6 (Amp) – Be* strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause these people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. “BE" is used to create the continuous form not stopping, not just for a day but every day. It's a lifestyle word. In our day and age there are so many things that seem to be attacking our lives.  Challenges to give up to sin and give in to temptations.  I don't think there is anyone here right now who is not: Going through one or other issue in life. Just come through something. Just about to go through some or other issue. I can tell you, it's certainly different being a Christian now than it was 20 or 30 years ago. There is a great onslaught on God's people. The good news is: The anointing, power and ability to walk courageously is still the same and is available today as it was 7000 years ago. The challenges of this time and age when sin is no longer called sin, standards are lowered and below the average is the norm.  Mans opinions take the place of God's word. People serve God by their own interpretations. Christians are not faithful, and any old lifestyle will do. The truth is: Those disciples that are serious about their relationship with God carry a bigger responsibility than those of a couple of years ago. The world is following its own direction. “Eternity, going to heaven is a choice.  Hell is guaranteed”.  We need to be alert to what's going on around us. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (Amp) - But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].  2For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters.  They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.  3[They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman) relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), in temperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.  4[They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit.  [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.  5For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession].  Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. As God gave this message to Moses about Joshua who would take Israel on the next leg of the journey: Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) - Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.                                   So, we draw comfort and courage from this word for us, for now. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. COURAGE; Means: Readiness to face and capacity to endure danger or difficulty.  Ability to control or suppress fear. The Bible defines “Courage” as the willingness to act in obedience to God, relying on His strength and guidance. You're not finished when you are defeated.  You're finished when you quit. People may think you're finished, but don't quit on God because He will never quit on you. 1 Chronicles 19:13 (NKJV) - Be of good courage and let us be strong for our people, and for the cities of our God.  And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.                       Remember Numbers 13:18-20 when Moses sent out 12 men to check out the “Promised Land”.  They were not asked to draw conclusions.  You see, God had already promised and guaranteed the victory. 10 men give an accurate report from a heart of discouragement. 2 men (Joshua and Caleb) speak from a heart of courage. Courage tells us we believe what God says, NOT what our feelings and circumstances tell us.  When you make up your mind to live courageously, courage will find a way to do something, not a way not to do it. James 1:22-25 (Msg) – 22-24Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.  25But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.                                              Winston Churchill's famous speech at the Harrow School in 1941:  He said: “Never give in, never give in; Never, never, never.  In nothing great or small, large or petty.  Never give in”. Isaiah 41:3 (NKJV) - For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you”.                  When you decide to live by courage, it will conquer the: Temptation to give up. Maintain a Godly pure lifestyle. You will remain faithful no matter what. You'll change and grow into the person God called you to be. Courage helps you to be transparent; to want to be more like Jesus. Make a decision to leave church tonight and live courageously tomorrow, Will take courage to back up that decision and to see it through. When Monday comes, that's the time to say: “I courageously ‘Fight the good fight of the faith'”. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Are you willing to live by courage?  God is interested in your answer!!

Worry less, laugh more. By Pastor George Lehman Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. Worry is the ultimate knock-down tool. The devil uses worry as an effective tool to discourage us. Someone said:  Laughter is the cheapest luxury that man has.  It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, electrifies the nerves, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a cleansing rehabilitation. Why would we not want to laugh more? Here's God's view on worry… Philippians 4:6-7 (LB) – Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything (the things effecting your life); tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers.  If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. We live in an age that's increasingly fast-paced and uncertain. When a crisis is added to our plate, it's natural for our worry and anxiety levels to shoot off the charts. They say worry and anxiety is on the rise. More and more people are more anxious more often then 5 years ago. …unfortunately, this makes it twice as difficult for us to respond well to the new challenges. Anxiety can cause heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, lack of sleep, loneliness, depression and …plenty more symptoms we'd just want to avoid. “Anxiety and worry do not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”  - Spurgeon   Worry, meanwhile, is like negative meditation. Worry is a continual over thinking of potential disastrous outcomes.  (The what if's, should haves, & would have's) Worry robs us of energy and the ability to focus on the actual problem. They say, “Worry is like a ‘rocking chair'.”  It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere. That's why we need to be mind made up, making faith-filled decisions not to worry or be anxious. We need to fix our minds on God's promises. One great line of defence is a sense of humour.  Lighten up a bit. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.   WORRY BUSTERS! Jesus made it plain where He stood on the subject of worry… Matthew 6:25 (NIV) – “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:27 (LB) – Will all your worries add a single moment to your life? [it will shorten your life] Matthew 6:34 (LB) - So don't be anxious about tomorrow.  God will take care of your tomorrow too.  Live one day at a time. The amazing thing is even with this promise, we still struggle with fears about the future. We know this; but we still choose to be anxious and worry.  Somehow, we think it helps us cope! THE HARDEST HABIT TO BREAK IS WORRY. “If you can't help worrying, remember that worrying can't help you either.” Next time you find yourself dwelling on your concerns, try a few of the following ideas… Worry buster #1  Try to calm down. Catch yourself if you're starting down the worry path - change directions. Maybe take a brief walk - movement will help you release tension. Replace your negative thinking by meditating on a positive idea or a verse of scripture. Philippians 4:8 (Msg) – Summing it all up friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst;  the beautiful, not the ugly;  things to praise, not things to curse. Play some uplifting spiritual worship music – I find it hard to worry about ME when I'm thinking about HIM. Worry buster #2 Sort out your concerns. How do you make a mountain?  You just keep adding a little dirt on top of each other. The A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) have a ‘serenity' prayer begins with these words: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. If you're weary from worry, write them down and talk them over with someone you trust. A problem shared is a problem halved... Galatians 6:2 (Amp) – Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and  troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. Separate what you can influence and change from what you have no control over. Make a choice to let go of things you aren't able to fix. To worry about things, we can't change is useless and stupid. Most of the things we worry about never happen in any case!!!   Worry buster #3  Turn over your worries to the Lord. Ultimately, trusting God is the only effective response to our tendency to worry. If you do, the apostle Paul says… Philippians 4:7 (NLT) – Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Peter was of the same conviction… 1 Peter 5:7 (Amp) – Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. If you're drowning in worry, can I suggest you spend extra time in prayer and meditation on the Word. Worry and anxiety are like heavy weights that trail along behind you wherever you go. It will drag you down! It's time to release your worry weights hand them over to God and trust His promises to take care of your PROBLEMS. Worry less, laugh more! Proverbs 15:13, 15 (LB) – 13A happy face means a glad heart; a sad face means a breaking heart.  15When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right! Studies have shown that laughter does indeed prompt a host of positive influences. It stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin hormones that create feelings of well-being and confidence. Laughter reduces tension and stress, strengthens the immune system and protects the heart. Think about it, who are you mostly attracted to…? Sad, morbid, negative, always complaining, fault-finding type people or... Joyful, fun, jolly, positive people. Milton Berle once said, “Laughter is an instant vacation”. Learn to laugh at yourself. When we can see humor in a problem, then life's problems don't seem quite so serious. A sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive; tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected and smile through the unbearable.  Rabbi Moshe Waldoks NB!!!  Worry doesn't prevent ‘DISASTER' it prevents JOY. Don't ever forget… “He who laughs – lasts”

We conquer by Enduring Endurance is the ability to persist and exert oneself over a long period of time, while conquering is the act of overcoming adversity. If I endure, I will conquer Hebrews 10:36 - 'For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise …' Hebrews 10:36 (Amp) – For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. This is no time for ease, comfort or procrastination. It is time to ENDURE - to press on and press through. Why is endurance so important in the life of God's children It is because Endurance (perseverance) is the key to a productive, fruitful, effective, overcoming life The most authentic thing about a child of God is their capacity to endure any hardship and suffering. You are equipped to endure. In Romans 5:3-4 the Apostle Paul says: “3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. 4 And endurance (fortitude)* courage in pain or Adversity develops maturity of character (approved faith and [b]tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Endurance mostly runs parallel to pain, tribulation and opposition. Do not despair! This is where the master plan of God is revealed once more – where He catches the devil in his own schemes. The devil says, 'let's give them pain and opposition, let's threaten them, distract them, disappoint them, make them depressed, anything to get them to quit this walk of faith.' God looks at this and says, 'keep your eyes on Me; keep on loving me; keep on obeying Me and you will see Me turn this very cursed plan of the devil around to give you greater breakthroughs and awesome opportunities! You didn't imagine was possible. Don't quit! Keep on keeping on and you will see My salvation!' An Enduring life is never forged in the lap of luxury or in the comfort-zone but in the reality of opposition. You conquer when you endure. Let opposition and adversity be your fitness instructors for endurance in God's will. What must we endure in? From our text we can plainly see that endurance is tested in the area of doing His will. The following are key issues of His will that we need to keep on doing: Loving God. Loving others. Listening to His voice. Reading and Doing His Word. Praying. Believing. Proclaiming the Gospel. Doing good. Living by mercy and truth; and Giving. If you want make progress and mature, you will need to ENDURE (persevere) in doing life according to God's ways. It is all about keeping on doing His will. While we endure in doing God's will a wonderful work is done in us. Endurance builds character and releases hope. (See Romans 5:3,4) Tested, persevering people are hopeful people! While we are doing God's will there is a powerful inner peace and a sense of His security released in us. Revelation 3:10 the Word of God promises us: 'Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Boost your endurance In Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God's throne. We find the following instructions to boost our endurance: Surround yourself with encouraging believers – a cloud of witnesses, not sceptical pessimists and doomsday prophets like Job's friends; Lay aside every weight. (Self-imposed duties and responsibilities).What burden, problem, hurt or habit is weighting you down? Get rid of sin; and Set your eyes on Jesus who endured and sat down in the victor's seat! Jesus showed endurance in fulfilling His Father's will to die on the cross. The Father kept His promise and raised Him from the dead to be seated in the ultimate place of victory. CONCLUSION - We have great examples! Praise God for the likes of a Joseph, Caleb, Abraham, David, Joshua, Paul and the other Hebrews 11 heroes of faith who kept on and on! They conquered by enduring. Endurance in His will brings promises to fulfilment. What great encouragement 'If we endure, we will reign with Him!' -2 Timothy 2:12 By endurance we conquer! Praise God for the many others who have endured and left inspiring examples of breakthrough by their endurance. Endurance can make miracles happen: An 8-year-old child heard her parents talking about her little brother.  All she knew was that he was very sick and they had no money left.  They were moving to a smaller house because they could not afford to stay in the present house after paying the doctor's bills.  Only a very costly surgery could save him now and there was no one to loan them the money. When she heard daddy say to her tearful mother with a whisper, Andrew's operation, “Only a miracle can save him now', the child went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jar from its hiding place in the closet.  She poured all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.  Clutching the precious jar tightly, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to the local drug store.  She took 25 cents from her jar and placed it on the glass counter. “And what do you want?”, asked the pharmacist.  “It's for my little brother”, the girl answered back.  “He's really, really sick and I want to buy a miracle.” “I beg your pardon?” said the pharmacist.  “His name is Andrew, and he has something bad growing inside his head and my daddy says only a miracle can save him.  So how much does a miracle cost?” “We don't sell miracles here, child, I'm sorry”, the pharmacist said, smiling sadly at the little girl.  “Listen, I have the money to pay for it.  If it isn't enough, I can try and get some more.  Just tell me how much it costs”. In the shop was a well-dressed customer.  He stooped down and asked the little girl, “What kind of a miracle does your brother need?”  “I don't know”, she replied with her eye welling up with tears.  “He's really sick and mommy says he needs an operation.  But my daddy can't pay for it, so I have brought my savings”. “How much do you have?”  asked the man.  “I have 25 cents, but I can try and get some more”, she answered barely audibly. “Well, what a coincidence,” smiled the man.  25 cents is the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.”  He took her money in one hand and held her hand with the other.  He said, “Take me to where you live.  I want to see your brother and meet your parents.  Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need.” That well-dressed man was Dr Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon specializing in Neurosurgery.  The operation was completed without charge, and it wasn't long before Andrew was home again and doing well.  “That surgery”, her mom whispered, “was a real miracle.  I wonder how much it would have cost.”  The little girl smiled.  She knew exactly how much the miracle cost – 25 cents … plus the Endurance and perseverance and faith of a little child.

Plant a seed and reap the harvest you want #2 Plant a seed and reap the harvest you want #2. Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seed you sow (plant). (Because you reap what you sow) By Pastor George Lehman If things are filled with joy and peace, having a great attitude and being fruitful, faithful, reflecting Jesus, keep checking what seeds those were you sowed, to get you to such a courageous, victorious place. So too, if you're regularly miserable, have a bad attitude, always filled with anger, negativity and unforgiveness, just check the seeds you're busy sowing into your life. When you're assessing your harvest, deal with the cause not the symptom. Cause = seeds we're planting. Symptom = harvest we're reaping. Far to many nurse their miserable harvest. The fruit that's on your tree has everything to do with what you're sowing into your life right now. Have you ever wondered why God did not choose something else to create us from?  Like gold, silver, precious stones or wood? But He chose to make us out of the dust of the earth – out of dirt.  Why?  Because soil is capable of growing and developing life, it's a God-given resource for bearing fruit. We are designed to be cultivators, producers and creative centres, empowering us to yield a rich Godly harvest from seeds sown. Unfortunately, some people are passive – waiting for something to happen; even at times, expecting the worst to happen = Just my luck I never win I'm a failure. I can't seem to grow spiritually. I always make bad choices. Things are always difficult and hard for me. Life must just be HARD! These are all lies from Satan! A song called “Que sera sera” which means “Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see”. That's a lie!  The truth is whatever you sow, will be!    You've got unlimited power Ephesians 3:20 (Amp) - Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [Action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely) beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams). Your heart is ready to receive God's seed.   If you don't like the life, you have right now, you can change the seeds you're sowing. You are never to old to change! That's the beauty of a seed! It contains the power to create the life you want. Seeds meet needs.  No matter how small they maybe they flourish when watered and give them the right climate to live in.  They will eventually come to bloom. Jesus spoke about the mustard seed: Matthew 13:31-32 (Amp) – 31Another story by way of comparison He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. 32Of all the seeds it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and  find shelter in it's branches. The Bible is not a book of rules, but a bag of seeds. All the answers and seeds of greatness lie within it. A seed is basically a copy of the plant it came from.  Jesus by means of the Holy Spirit is the plant from which we received our seed.  We must be reproducing the plant – Jesus. Matthew 5:48 (Amp) - You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. The words of the Bible are described as the seeds that, when planted, will surely produce the abundant life. The Higher Life, The Unshakable Life. Here are some simple steps to get started: #1 Chose your harvest. (If you want corn; you plant corn seeds) Decide what kind of ‘HARVEST' you want i.e. What kind of life you truly want. You need to be very clear, and mind made up that you want to grow spiritually and become like Jesus! If you want to have tomatoes in your yard, you don't plant carrot seeds. #2  Plant the seed. (That will produce the harvest you want) This step is all about taking action.  Once you've determined the Godly fruitful harvest you desire. Plant seeds that will produce it. Your words, your choices, your commitments, your diligence, your excellence and your actions are all seeds that with time will produce a bumper harvest. 1 Peter 1:23 (KJV) - Being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever. The seed we have within us will never die and will produce if we allow it to! Isaiah 55:11 (Amp) - So shall My word be that goes forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return to ME void (without producing any effect, useless) but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. #3  Protect your field. Your heart is the soil of your life, so what goes into your ears, your eyes and your mind goes directly to your heart. The heart can't decide on which seeds are good and which aren't.  The heart is set on automatic pilot – it will accept whatever you put into it. Proverbs 4:23 (Amp) - Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance[watchfulness] and above all that you guard for out of it flow the springs of life. What you plant in it will flow out of it.  It will grow what I sow. Clear out the negative seed that will choke your harvest. Eliminate:  criticism, complaining, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness, compromise, excuses, discouragement, judging, fear and failure. Seeds (positive or negative) grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition. What you keep repeating, you going to be producing.   #4  Don't give up. So many Christians get discouraged by the process and give up just before their harvest comes. This is where perseverance and endurance comes alive. Galatians 6:9 (Amp) - Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.  Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.  Succeed anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.  Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.  Think bright anyway. The good that you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.  Build anyway. We will reap if we don't give up.   #5  Harvest it. James 3:17-18 -  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. If you stay relentless(meedoënloos)… You will reap the reward of your effort. You'll begin to see Godly fruit. You'll be happier, calmer, stronger, kinder, patient, have self control, be faithful. Remember you hold the keys (seeds) in your hands to live the life you desire by choosing the seeds you plant. No one can stop your harvest.  It's up to you!   Genesis 8:22 (Amp) - While the earth remains, seed time and harvest …shall not cease.  

Who wants the full blessing, anointing, power, favour and gifts of God on their lives every day? Plant a seed and reap the harvest you want. #1 By Pastor George Lehman   “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”   Our potential is limitless The fruit we are bearing in our life right now has everything to do with what we have been planting in our life. We all want to hear the words from Father God one day, “Welcome my good and faithful servant”. Your potential to bear lasting effective abundant fruit is limitless. People say, “Everything happens for a reason”.  Have you ever thought about the reason? It's found in another saying: “You reap what you sow.”  No seed, no harvest! Bad seed, bad harvest! Far too many are not reaping the Godly life they want. After the flood, Noah got off the ark. Just imagine what he saw. Destruction and ruin lay before him. It must have felt hopeless to him, until he heard these words from God… Genesis 8:22 (Amp) - As long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest shall not cease. NB!!! This principle stands firm from the day God said it Imagine if we only had 1 avocado seed left in the world all other Avo's had died.  If we planted it, we could supply the whole world with avocados again in a matter of time. That's the power of sowing – seed time and harvest time. In other words, whatever is messed up or ruined in your life can be overcome and rebuilt when you put this amazing principle to work. Fears of failure, living with a negative attitude, or defeat will become a thing of the past when you learn the secret of planting good Godly seed. Consider this - everything in life begins with a seed.  Babies are conceived from seed.  Fruit/vegetables come from seed.  As do flowers and all that God has given us. Even our imaginations are seeds.  Everything tangible in our modern world, TV's, telephones to spaceships was created from the seed of thought.   Even works of art and inventions. The truth is:  Every thought, every word, every decision we make is a seed that shapes the outcome of our lives. What we put out is what we get back.  “Every action has a reaction”. The bible talks about sowing seeds If you want to live a victorious, fruitful, God glorifying life and experience the power to change anything… “Simply plant biblical truth seeds in your heart”. This universal law is totally predictable and works both positively and negatively. We either reap the reward or pay the price for virtually everything we do. The bible says that our hearts and minds are the soil of our lives.  We can grow whatever we plant. Hosea 10:12 said, “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” That's why we have this serious warning Proverbs 4:23 (Amp) - Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance [waaksaamheid/watchfulness] and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life (your harvest). Who you really are!! 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) - Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. What do you really want to reap in your life? If you want a God glorifying, lush, fruitful life as per John 15:8 - “My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. You have to water the seed - Work in it (remove the weeds). - Cultivate it (being disciplined). It's not going to happen by magic, accident or by chance. It happens on purpose. Seeds we sow are powerful things that have the ability to create something out of almost nothing. Have you seen how a plant or flower can just appear or burst through concrete or tar? It just appears through the harshest of surfaces! When you are going through a tough challenge, the odds seem to be against you and victory seems unlikely. Planting the right seeds can breakthrough any ceiling, any limitation or boundary that life has set over us. You have the power within to change Galatians 6:7 (Amp) - For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Sometimes people think they've inherited a bad seed, that they're cursed because members of their family always had the ‘same problem'. Stop asking yourself:  Why do bad things keep happening to me? The fact is: “Nothing just happens”. If you don't like the harvest you're reaping, change the seed you're sowing. Every bad seed may not always be of your own doing, BUT your response to those adversities and difficulties has everything to do with you!!! So, whether it's a thought, word, attitude or action, anything we put our energy into returns to us like a boomerang. We all respect the law of gravity (We won't jump off a 20 story building) or electricity (we won't touch a 100000volt power line), yet we'll take other kinds of risks like defying the law of sowing and reaping. We sometimes believe we can make bad choices and ‘get away' with them. We think it is okay to tell white lies. Cut corners at work. Say one thing and do another. Ignore our known Lose our tempers, gossip, live with unforgiveness and bitterness. It's not that God won't forgive us or loves us less. But HE has set up a system that has established the FACT  “That we will reap what we sow”. So, we can't blame God for the consequences of our own lives. The story of the man who bought a run down dilapidated old farm: Thorns and weeds filled the land.  The house was crumbling apart.  Over the next year the man toiled and laboured furiously.  He rebuilt the house and replanted and cleared the fields. When he was finished, a neighbour came and said, “My, wonderful how you and God turned this farm around.”  To which the farmer replied, “Well, if you had seen the farm 12 months ago, then you know what it looked like when God had it all to Himself!” God has given us the power and responsibility to: - manage our own lives, - take responsibility for our own decisions and - determine our future by “The seeds we sow”.   Make a quality decision right now to- Plant a seed and reap the harvest you want.  

Prayer: living in the presence of God By Pastor George Lehman   God always knows where we are. Are you always aware of His presence? Prayer is the breath of our Spirit man. (Prayer is the very pulse of our spiritual life.)   No pulse in your body equals no life, No Prayer in your spiritual man No life either.   Seeking God through prayer Elliot, a boy aged 10 wrote: “Dear God, I think about you sometimes even when I'm not praying.” This sums up a praying persons life - always in communication with God.   The power of Polly's prayer: There was a pastor who had a parrot.  All the parrot would say was, “Let's pray, let's pray.”  The pastor tried to teach him to say other things but to no avail.  He learned that one of his deacons had a parrot.  The parrot would only say, “Let's kiss.  Let's kiss.”  So, the pastor decided to invite the deacon and his parrot over to his house.  When the deacon arrived, they put the parrots into the same cage to see what would happen.  The deacon's parrot said, “Let's kiss.  Let's kiss.”  The pastor's parrot said, “Thank you, Lord.  My prayers have been answered.” There's great power in prayer. Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I AM God… The main objective of seeking God is to draw closer to Him and to know Him more. Prayer places us in the presence of God. Probably the first and most important step to accomplish this is:  PRAYER (The pulse).  If you're not praying, you're straying. Possibly the greatest area most Christians fail in is: “their prayer life”.  YET it is the key to seeking the presence of God. PRAYER is like a diamond – one precious gem with many facets. Some of the different kinds of prayers: Conversational prayer: - Sharing your highs and lows with God (as you would share with a friend). - Just pouring out your heart in honesty before Him. Intercessory prayer: - It's standing seriously in the gap for a specific person/situation. - It's carrying a prayer burden from God in your heart. SOS prayers: They are prayed in an emergency: “Help Lord.”  It's so comforting to know we can call on God in times of trouble. Supplication*(Smeking)  prayers. For many Christians, it's the grocery list prayers all about what I want. Making a serious request to God on important issues. This is something we do regularly. When we bring our family, ministry and work situation before God Focused prayer: (is the diamond): This prayer is seeking God exclusively: - It's not about things; - It's not about people or needs; - It's about Him. -This is seeking prayer. There are many kinds of prayers and many ways to pray like the diamond. We must always remember that God loves it when we seek Him and pour out our hearts to Him. Prayer is never a one-way street.  We must make room for God to speak to us. Psalm 40:1 (NIV) - I waited patiently for the Lord;(he prayed) He turned to me and heard my cry. How did David know God answered him by the outcome of his prayer a two-way communication The base of all prayer is wrapped up in Heb 11:6– where seeking meets FAITH. Hebrews 11:6 (Amp) - But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.  For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. Notice - it does not say who diligently* seek: - His answers - His provision - His healing - His blessings - or what we can get out of Him. BUT, who diligently seek HIM. *diligently = careful; with effort The most important step in prayer is coming to God FIRST – Focused prayer. When you come seeking God in prayer, is He a God far away or is He God living inside of us? Jeremiah 23:23(Amp) – Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off? For us to have a real effective prayer life, we must know that He is near to us. It's not a casual coming though; it calls for desperate seeking.  Hungry and thirsty = coming diligently carefully and with effort. We often seek in so many other places before we come to God to seek Him first.  Answers to life are only found in Him. The trigger for God-Revelation. Imagine your finger on the trigger of a hunting rifle as you take aim.  You need to pull the trigger for the shot to go off. In the spiritual realm, many Christians are waiting for something to happen, BUT there's a specific trigger that needs to be pulled to release the super-natural. Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know… The trigger for revelation is:  BE STILL - and then the rifle fires AND KNOW -revelation comes and impacts your life and you begin to understand and experience that God is who He says He is. Like Heb 11:6 – seek Him diligently. The devil will oppose any attempt we make to “be still”. He knows we receive awesome power against him. You will never be the same again, you can never be the same again (it's the pulse of your spiritual life) when you decide to seek God in PRAYER First.  Seeking Him first, diligently. When you've placed God first, Be still and knowledge of Him comes. Then we will know how to pray for our needs, our problems, our healing, our blessings, our many answers. What is your prayer life like? Are you living in the presence of God; or do you only have an occasional visit?

Prayer defines Christianity (It's the clear identification mark of a saved life) By: Pastor George Lehman   “True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in cases of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice”  - Billy Graham   Two boys were on their way back from Sunday School, talking about prayer they had learned.  One boy said, “I'm not sure my mommy prays”.  The other said, “My mom prays every night, because when she puts me to bed, I hear her say ‘thank you Lord”. When saying his prayers one night, a little boy was heard to say, “Please God, make Paris the capital of Turkey”.  After repeating it several times, his mother asked why it was so important to him?  He said, “Because that's what I wrote in my Geography exam”.   “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.”                                                                      - Brother Lawrence 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Amp) - Be unceasing in prayer The reason why we need to be unceasing in prayer is: Prayer has infinite power.  And for this reason Satan tries everything to prevent us from praying.  He knows that we are not a real danger when we work and accomplish a great deal – even if it is for the Kingdom of God.  But when we pray much, we invade Satan's dominion and rob him of his captives.  There is nothing Satan dreads so much as our prayers. “Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and an affliction for Satan.”  - Bunyan   “Need we wonder at the lack of power in our prayer when there is such reluctance to make the needful sacrifice in waiting upon God?”   - Andrew Murray James 5:16b (Amp) - The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].   2 Corinthians 5:21 (Amp) – For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. Prayer is a matchless opportunity, for through prayer we can change everything - ourselves, problems, circumstance and people. Prayer can go where we can't! What an unspeakable grace to be allowed to deal with God in prayer for the blessing and supply of the needs of others.  It is indeed worth living for to know that God will use me as an Intercessor. Out of compassion in action flow these 3 functions of intercession: The action of intervening on behalf of another. Matthew 9:36 – When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion. #1  Intercession is serving. It's making oneself available. Jesus our chief intercessor said: Mark 10:44-45 (Amp) - 44And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  45For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.   Serve [Greek] in Mark 10:45 is ‘doulos' meaning “in bondage by choice”. You cannot pray effectively for others if you don't have the servant heart of Jesus Christ. Prayer is striking the winning blow.  Service is gathering up the results. When last did you choose to place yourself in bondage to stand in the gap for others? #2 Intercession is fighting. It's being involved in battle. Ephesians 6:18 (Amp) - Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit with all (manner of) prayer and entreaty.  To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people). Dr. Luke the disciple describes the intensity of Jesus' battle in prayer: Luke 22:44 (Amp) - And being in agony*, He prayed all the more earnestly and intently, and His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground. *Agony [Greek]:  A place of contest; a battlefield. When we intercede for others we are engaging in battle on their behalf.  Interestingly, their victory brings blessing to us too! Job 42:10 (Amp) – And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, when he prayed for his friends; also, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. What a greater joy is it not to see God change the circumstances of someone whom you have been praying for!! The enemy is running wild because we are not interceding for those in need.   #3 Intercession is weeping. It's brokenness before God.  Psalm 126:5 “They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing. “Tears are water to spiritual seeds we plant in prayer”. The result will be a bountiful harvest from our brokenness. When last did you pray for someone that you shed tears for them? Child of God, God counts on you to take your place before His throne as an INTERCESSOR. Let us ARISE and be conscious of our Holy calling. Take our place and commit to be a prayer warrior for God's Kingdom. In closing: It is not just saying prayers that gets the results BUT it is spending time with father God: - Learning His wisdom; - Drawing on His strength; - Being filled with His anointing; - And living in His love that brings results to our prayers.

Uniting Communion and Worship Hebrews 13:15 - “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.”   Romans 12:1 (Amp) – I appeal to you therefore, brethren and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Praise comes naturally for us when it costs us nothing, we find it easy to praise God when things are good when we blessed, prospering and helped by God. Isaiah 29:13  - “The Lord says: These people come near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. The bible calls for a SACRIFICE of Praise Real Praise and worship should continue regardless of circumstances. The Sacrifice of Praise comes from a humble heart that has been changed and purified by Jesus. It rises from a Spirit that has chosen to honour God in spite of the pain and hardships that life is causing. Psalm 51:16-17 - “16You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Communion and worship are integral parts of Christian practice Communion is an act of worship (1 Corinthians 11:24) Remembering Christ's sacrifice, we honour Him Our gratitude and humility are offerings to God 1 Corinthians 11:23-26  -23“For I received from the Lord Himself that which I passed on to you [it was given to me personally], that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was treacherously delivered up and while His betrayal was in progress took bread, 24 And when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, Take, eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance. 25 Similarly when supper was ended, He took the cup also, saying, This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance. 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until He comes [again]. Worshiping through Remembrance Communion reminds us of Christ's love (John 3:16) We recall His death, burial, and resurrection Our Memory fuels our worship, inspiring us to praise The Table Prepares Us for Worship Psalm 100:4-5  -“4Go through his open gates with great thanksgiving; enter his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation. We examine ourselves, confessing sin. 1 Corinthians 11:28 - That is why a man should examine himself carefully before eating the bread and drinking from the cup.) - Purified, we approach God with clean hearts We must live as continuous worshipers, fueled by communion Lord, may our communion deepen our worship Help us remember Your sacrifice and love Unite us as one body, worshiping YOU.

Praying creates an impactful life By Pastor George Lehman   “An impactful life is one that has significance in the lives of others. It is impacting your world positively with the talents, gifts and abilities God has blessed you with. So, beginning from where you are, and with what you have, you become relevant to others.”   Prayer is the highest order of business; for it links a powerless human to the creative force of God's sovereign power.   2 Peter 1:12-13 (Amp) 12So I intend always to remind you about these things, although indeed you know them and are firm in the truth that [you] now [hold].  13I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle (tent, body), to stir you up by way of remembrance,   Participating in a life of prayer.   When people cease to pray, no matter the reasons, Christians backslide, youth rebel, preachers leave pulpits, missions close and denominations die. “God forbid that our prayer should be a mere leaping out of bed and kneeling down and saying anything that comes first to mind.  On the contrary, may we wait upon the Lord with Holy fear and sacred awe.” -Charles H. Spurgeon Paul understood the results of prayer: Philippians 4:6 (Amp) - Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. There is no doubt that the Apostle Paul was a man who made a difference.  His influence extends far beyond his day; it continues down the centuries up to you and me. Our Praying will do the same for us There is enough evidence in the bible of the value Paul placed on prayer throughout his 13 epistles which he wrote. The more his life influenced people, the more he participated in a life of prayer. The two go hand in hand prayer and influence. Paul's prayer life is most evident in the books (or letters) he wrote while in prison.  (Many people think, ‘well, he had nothing else to do, so he prayed'.) In reality it's not our schedule that keeps us from praying.  It's our failure to understand the importance of daily prayer. Not praying says you don't believe it's very important. “My schedule is so busy today that I need to spend more time than usual in prayer.” - Martin Luther Don't let busy-ness keep you from prayer. We need to pray for direction. Paul, in Acts 9:6, after asking for direction, Jesus gives Paul his first instruction. Acts 9:6 (Amp) - Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do? The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. Remember, praying for directions doesn't always mean you will receive a complete set of instructions right away. But if you are willing to pray and rely on God's wisdom and direction and guidance and wait patiently as God, over time will make His direction known to you. Praying for the right things. Paul knew the importance and power that comes from strategic prayer.  Paul prayed for spiritual issues for himself and those he prayed for.Most times we have it backward – we pray about physical matters, not realizing that the real battles are fought in the spiritual realm.Paul says in Ephesians 6 “to put on the full armour of God”.  (Note:  all the armour is spiritual) After putting on the full spiritual armour of God.  Paul says then… Ephesians 6:18 (Amp) - Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding on behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people). Paul knew if we win the battle in the spiritual, we can overcome all things in the natural. That's why he prayed for spiritual maturity in Colossians 1:9-11. Colossians 1:9-11 (Amp) - 9For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things--  10That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].  11[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, If people are living as per Colossians 1:9-11 – spiritually right.  Things will always be naturally right. It's not what you have in the natural.  It's what you have IN YOU that counts. 1 John 4:4 (Amp) – Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in he world. Your influence can't help but be felt if you have… The endurance to cope with difficult circumstances and not give up but stay in your season. The patience to live and function around difficult people. The joy to respond to all forms of trials with thankfulness. WOW!!!  Now that's spiritual maturity. Putting God's power to work. How can you experience God's strength and power in your life? How can you become the influential man/woman God desires for you to be? How can you be more faithful and consistent in your prayer life? Here are a few suggestions for putting God's power to work in your life. #1  Desire to grow spiritually mature. Maturity doesn't just happen.  You must desire it and do your part.  If it's going to be, it's up to me. Set time for prayer and then show up for it. #2  Take an honest look at your excuses for not praying. I remind you of the 8 reasons we fail to pray… Worldliness – too worldly, not spiritual. 2. Busyness – making time for everything but not prayer. 3. Distance – Feeling God is far and doesn't hear our prayer. 4.  Ignorance – Know God's word and the promises. 5.  Sinfulness – Sin separates us. 6.  Prideful ness – Thinking I'm okay not to pray. 7.  Inexperience – Practice the spiritual discipline. 8.  Laziness – Just not making time to pray. Ask God to help you overcome these excuses, then do something about changing. #3  Start a prayer list or notebook. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Get a diary or daily planner – use anything.  Begin to write a list of people and things to pray for.  Write the scriptures down God gives you.  Be organized as you do business with God and record the answers as they come. #4  Talk to God all through the day. Any concern too small to be turned into prayer is too small to be made into a burden. Prayer is a silent surrendering of everything to God! You can pray while in the car, in the shower, in the gym, in the shop.  God wants us to share all things with Him. #5  Set an initial goal. Start by praying 5-10 minutes a day.  Increase the time if you are praying already. The more time you spend in prayer, the more you'll mature, the more you'll become “One who makes a difference”. I trust that you are convinced that prayer is a vital key to having a life of impact. James 5:16(Amp) - The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

Let's walk in the light - Pastor Kobus Massyn 29-9-2024 Psalm 18:28 (Amp) -  28For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. The lamp…   Matthew 5:16 (Amp) - 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. My light comes from the Lord Psalm 119:105 (Amp) -  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Proverbs 6:23 (Amp) -  For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life, Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV) - 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 2 Samuel 22:29 (Amp) -  “For You, O LORD, are my lamp; the LORD illumines and dispels my darkness Job 29:3 (Amp) - When His lamp shone upon my head and by His light I walked through darkness; Give me oil Matthew 25:1-13 (Amp) 1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went to [a]meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish [thoughtless, silly, and careless], and five were wise [far-sighted, practical, and sensible]. 3For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them, 4but the wise took flasks of oil along with their lamps. 5Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! The bridegroom [is coming]! Go out to meet him.' 7Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order [trimmed the wicks and added oil and lit them]. 8But the foolish virgins said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.' 9But the wise replied, ‘No, otherwise there will not be enough for us and for you, too; go instead to the dealers and buy oil for yourselves.' 10But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. 11Later the others also came, and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.' 12But He replied, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].' 13Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come]. My lamp is what matters 2 Corinthians 12:9-10  (Amp) - 9but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough-always available-regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God's strength]. Matthew 5:14a - “You are the light of the world. John 8:12 - When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Luke 2:30-32 - 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” John 9:5

My free will is allowing God's will - By Pastor Kobus Massyn John 18:1-11 1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. 8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”  10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Luke 22:47-51 47While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man's ear and healed him. Exodus 21:6 'Then his master shall bring him to God [that is, to the judges who act in God's name], then he shall bring him to the door or doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl (strong needle); and he shall serve him for life. Matthew 6:14-15 'For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses. ' Colossians 1:14 'In whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins' penalty]. ' 2 Peter 1:5-9 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

My mission is to LOVE. The way He wants me to love - By Pastor Kobus Massyn Sermon scripture: John 21:15-17 Supporting scriptures: skills and values Psalm 1:3, Eph 3:17,Acts17:28, John 15:1- 8, Agape love John 15:17, Matt 22:37-39, 1Joh4:16, John 13:35,Rom 5:5, Gal 5:22, 2Kor 9:7 Sermon scripture: John 21:15-17 (Amp) - 15So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Skills and Values Psalm 1:3 (Amp) - 3And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. Ephesians 3:17 (Amp) - 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, Acts17:28 (Amp) - 28For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being], as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.' John 15:1- 8 (Amp) - 1“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]. 3You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have discussed with you]. 4Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.  5I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies; and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. Agape love John 15:17 (Amp) - 17This [is what] I command you: that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.   Matthew 22:37-39 (Amp) - 37And Jesus replied to him, “‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38this is the first and greatest commandment. 39the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].'   1 John 4:16 (Amp) - 16We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him.    John 13:35 (Amp) - 35By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”   Romans 5:5 (Amp) - 5Such hope [in God's promises] never disappoints us, because God's love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.   Galatians 5:22-23 (Amp) - 22But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.   2 Corinthians  9:7 (Amp) -  7Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].

Sermon theme: Call me by my new name AKA Overcomer. Sermon scripture: Genesis 32:24-30 supporting scriptures: Rev 2:7 Rev 2:11 Rev 2:17 Rev 2:26 Rev 3:5 Rev 3:12 Rev 3:21 Rev 21:7 Rev 5:5 Heb11:1 Phil 4:13 Genesis 32:24-30 - 24 -So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” 29Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” Revelation 2:7 (NIV) – Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:11 (NIV) – Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelation 2:17 (NIV) – Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2:26 (NIV) -  To the one who is victorious and does My will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. Revelation 3:5 (NIV) -  The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before My Father and His angels. Revelation 3:12(NIV) -  The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Revelation 3:21 (NIV) -  To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on My Throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 21:7 (NIV) -  Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be My children Revelation 5:5 (NIV) – Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) -  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) – I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

TIME by Pastor George Lehman   Today we have had 237 days of time and 136 days left to Year End. Time is such an important commodity. Time allows us to learn, grow, and improve. God speaks to those who take Time to listen. If you could be given time back to rectify mistakes or start over again, what would you change if you had that time back? If everyone were met by an angel tonight and everyone was given a guaranteed 24 hours of time, Before Jesus comes to fetch you, what would you begin to do in the next 23h55 minutes? All of us here have been created equal in this one respect. Each person has been given 24 hours each day,  7 days a week (None of us were given a bit more or  less) The difference between people is determined by what we do with the amount of Time given to us. It's not how many hours you put in, but how much  you put into the hours.   Ephesians 5:15-16 - “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless*(foolish, idiotic) but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.” God takes the time He gives us seriously and so should we! Remember, every minute spent angry, is Sixty Seconds of wasted Joy.   We need to make every second count, because we either positively or negatively influencing others or ourselves. The Times demand sober living. (Dis tyd dat ons moet begin om nugter te lewe.) I believe God is saying to His Church: We are living in a Time of Grace. He is giving us a Time of favour to become a mighty instrument in His hand to become effective and useful, to break out of Luke-warmness and compromise. But for us to become an instrument in God's hand, we are going to have to look at how we are using our time given to us 24 hours a day, each day. We need to make sure we don't waste valuable Time on things that have no eternal value. And making sure that we are actively addressing those things in our lives that we know are not right with God.   2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (Amp) - “Labouring together [as God's fellow workers] with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain [that merciful kindness by which God exerts His holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ, keeping and strengthening them—do not receive it to no purpose]. 2 For He says, In the time of Favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation! We must make the most of the Time given to us. It has been my observation that many Christians get ahead, during the time that others waste.   We need to ask: “LORD what am I spending my time on that You give me” Don't waste time! Have you ever used this quote? This is a true expression and a good thought – But its really not accurate, when you waste time, its not time you are wasting, its your very life Activity equals accomplishment. Activity is not accomplishment; hard work is not results. We should not ask ourselves whether we're busy, But what are we busy with.  We serve a God who is interested in results. It's not how much we do, that matters, it's how much we get done. In other words, don't spend R100-00 worth of time on 10 cents worth of results. We have a real bad habit of putting things off for tomorrow. What you put off until tomorrow, you'll probably put off tomorrow too. The lazier and uncommitted a person is, the more he is going to do tomorrow. “Psalm 23” The TV (the mobile phone) is my Shepherd; I shall not want. It makes me lie down on the sofa. It leads me away from the Scriptures, It destroys my soul. It leads me in the paths of distraction and violence, For the sponsor's sake. Yea, though I walk in the shadow of my Christian responsibilities, There will be no interruptions; For the TV and (mobile phone) is with me. It's cable and it's remote control— They comfort me. It prepares a commercial before me, In the presence of my worldliness. It anoints my head with humanism. My coveting runneth over. Surely laziness and ignorance shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house Watching TV  and my mobile forever. TV and may I add, mobile devices are one of the major causes of wasted time. Tomorrow is the only day in the year that appeals to a lazy man.   Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Romans 13:11-14 “11 Another reason for right living is this: you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. 12-13 The night is far gone; the day of his return will soon be here. So quit the evil deeds of darkness and put on the armour of right living, as we who live in the daylight should! Be decent and true in everything you do so that all can approve your behaviour. Don't spend your time in wild parties and getting drunk or in adultery and lust or fighting or jealousy. 14 But ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help you live as you should, and don't make plans to enjoy evil. We really need to take control of the time that God has given us. Every time you look at your watch on your arm, in your car, on the wall – Ask yourself: “How am I using time?” Don't be like the airline pilot flying over the Pacific Ocean, who reported to his passengers: “We're lost, but we're making great time.” Going places but really going nowhere ® we need to be going somewhere with purpose on purpose. It's called procrastination.  Sitting and doing nothing.  (Dis soos makeer die pas.)  You are marching but going nowhere.  It's like walking on a treadmill. The first step in overcoming procrastination is to get rid of all excuses and reasons for not taking decisive and immediate action. The best time of the day is now. It's not so much that you are going through the Christian motions - but are you progressing, are you growing. We are called to: - Make progress and not excuses. We must realise that when we choose to kill time. We begin to kill those wonderful gifts, abilities and talents the successes, the calling, the usefulness, which God has placed within your life.   Ecclesiastes 11:4 (LB) – If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Psalm 90:12 - “So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom. Colossians 4:5 - “Behave yourself wisely (living carefully and with discretion) in your relations with those of the outside world (non-Christians) making the very most of the Time and seizing the opportunity.”  

JUDGING # 2 Pastor George Lehman God has a very clear opinion in His word on this subject. In public, guard your tongue, in private, your thoughts.   Psalm 19:14  - “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Our thinking and speaking must honour God) To re-cap on last Sunday: We said: - When it comes to judging most of us are either    - Ignorant or Disobedient (As of today – ignorance won't be an excuse) However, whichever it may be If we don't guard our heart and our tongue when it comes to judging…… We will cause major damage to God's Kingdom and to an unsaved world out there. Do you realise Judging is a choice. Let us continue now to look at what the scriptures say on this subject. There are some scriptures that say we may not “judge” and just about as many that say we must. Here are some clear examples against “judging”. Matthew 7:1-5 - “Do not judge, or you too will be judged*. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (These were not idle words!) *Don't be surprised or take offence when you are judged. Here Jesus makes it very clear do not judge, if you do, the same judgement will come back to you. It's on 2 levels:  Human level                          Divine level. Here Paul addresses religious people. Romans 2: 1-3 - “Therefore, you have no excuse or defence or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. 2 [But] we know that the judgment (adverse verdict, sentence) of God falls justly and in accordance with truth upon those who practice such things. 3And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God's judgment and elude His sentence and adverse verdict?   Have you ever noticed that religious people often think because they perceive to know what is right and can prove others wrong. This now proves them right. Rather win a friend than win an argument. In fact, people who are always judging others are usually wrong themselves. James 4:11-12 - 11“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbour? Galatians 5:14(Amp) – For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept. You shall love your neighbour as [you do] yourself. James makes it very clear – bad mouthing or evil speaking of another person is actually judging that person.   Here are some scriptures for judging. John 7:24 – Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement. I Corinthians 5:1-5 (NIV) – It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3Though I am not physically present; I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.   2 Corinthians 2:6-11 – (Restore the person) Notice Paul said he had already judged – and he wanted the Corinthians to endorse his Judgement. He actually asked for a serious judgement – to hand the man over to satan. I Corinthians 5:11-13 (NIV) – But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside of church? Are you not to judge those inside? Those on the outside – are the unbelievers. Those on the inside are the believers. Paul is saying we are not responsible to judge the unbeliever, but we are required to judge our fellow believers. The scripture does not contradict itself but gives a clear pattern of who can judge. The main biblical reason for judging was never meant to punish the wicked, It's not The primary function of judging is to protect the righteous. We will rule and judge in heaven.   I Corinthians 6:3 - “Do you not know also that we [Christians] are to judge the [very] angels and pronounce opinion between right and wrong [for them]? How much more then [as to] matters pertaining to this world and of this life only! – I would like to touch on the subject of the judgment seat of Christ. This is a judgement that nobody shares with God. Romans 2:16 Paul say's the day will surely come when “At God's command Jesus Christ will judge the secret lives of everyone, their inmost thought and motives, this is all part of Gods great plan which I proclaim. This was for all believers – not a judgement of unbelievers. Romans 8:1 - There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. It's a judgment to evaluate our service. I Peter 4:17 – For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children.  And if even we who are Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed in the Lord? II Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all stand before Christ to be judged and have our lives laid bare, before Him.  Each will receive whatever he deserves for the good or bad things he has done in his earthly body. Once you grasp this fact – you and I will rather make ourselves busy with looking at our own lives. Judging ourselves so we don't have time passing judgement on other people. We will be wise to know how our lives affect other people.   Romans 14:13 – Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather, try instead to live in such a way, that you will never make your brother stumble, by letting him see you doing something he thinks is wrong. How we need to judge our own lives and make sure our own actions and motives are in line with God's requirements. What are we responsible to judge? We are responsible to judge, ourselves, personal conduct and relationships. Not by our own estimations Not by our own opinions Not by our feelings BUT… By the clear teaching and standards revealed in the word of God (our final judge) NOTE:  John 12:47-49 - 47“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.

JUDGING #1 by Pastor George Lehman People tend to judge others about various aspects, including: Appearance Personality Behaviour Choices Beliefs Mistakes Background Successes Remember, judging others often stems from personal biases, insecurities, or limited understanding. Practicing love, empathy and self-reflection – these will help us become more accepting and less judgmental.  “In public, guard your tongue.  In private, your thoughts.” I think, when it comes to the subject of Judging. It's possibly one of the misunderstood and difficult subjects to come to grips with, because it starts with me first. Why do I say this? Well, it's because Christians are partly ignorant and partly disobedient. The result is, we act contrary to scripture “and thereby, just satisfy the flesh”. Our default is to judge. And OH!! Boy can we get ourselves in hot water. “We should be rigorous (strong) in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.”  - John Wesley I think we need to look at this teaching on Judging with the following scripture as our guide. Romans 2:1-3 (Amp) - “Therefore you have no excuse or defence or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. 2 [But] we know that the judgment (adverse verdict, sentence) of God falls justly and in accordance with truth upon those who practice such things. 3 And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God's judgment and elude His sentence and adverse verdict? The word Judging (oordeel) as shown throughout the New Testament scripture. The Greek word used in the bible 114 times is “KRINO”: To Judge in the sense of condemnation, to sentence or punish. – To express a usually negative opinion about someone or something, to criticize. When I do this I open a door to the enemy and I am the one who suffers. Just by reading this we can see for ourselves that Judging this way is very bad, unacceptable and dangerous. Because it gives the devil a foothold, destroys relationships, breaks up ministries and neutralises your testimony. How important is this: Make sure you have all the facts before you set yourself up as judge. Most problems arise from this very important failure!! Taking sides. Think about this.  What colour robe does Jesus give to believers? White. What colour robe do judges wear – Black.  There might just be a lesson here. Galatians 2:6 Paul says – “God does not judge by “external appearances” In other words, God looks where it's really going wrong: - He looks at the heart. God is in the heart correcting business. Jeremiah 17:9 - “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?   Scripture warns us not to judge others based on our own self-righteousness because we all fall short of the glory of God and only God can know the state of anyone's heart You see judging is a heart thing, and an attitude thing. Jesus said in John 7:24 – Be honest in your judgement and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously) It's when I've done the mirror on the wall test first – In other words, I Corinthians 11:31 - “For if we searchingly examined ourselves [detecting our shortcomings and recognizing our own condition], we should not be judged and penalty decreed [by the divine judgment].   A guy was sailing for Europe on one of the great transatlantic ocean liners. When he went on board, he found that another passenger was to share the cabin with him. After going to see the accommodations, he came up to the reception's desk and inquired if he could leave his gold watch and other valuables in the ship's safe. He explained that ordinarily he never availed himself of that privilege, but he had been to his cabin and had met the man who was to occupy the other berth. Judging from his appearance, he was afraid that he might not be a very trustworthy person. The receptionist accepted the responsibility for the valuables and remarked, 'It's all right, bishop, I'll be very glad to take care of them for you. The other man has been up here and left his for the same reason!'“ Jesus tells us, “Judge not lest ye be judged” Matthew 7:1 It should be obvious to any practicing Christian; Jesus didn't intend for this verse to obliterate (uitwis) our ability to judge between behavior that the Bible encourages and behavior that the Bible forbids. The beam (balk) Splinter thing Then and only then may I even look at the situation – then with an attitude of great care and caution make your judgement. What a different place this world our homes our work, our church and our relationships would be like if we practiced judging at this level. We are all struggling, so let us be gentle with one another. We most times don't know what their struggles are.   Let us focus on our own growth, and issues we need to overcome. We all have lots to deal with. 1 Corinthians 11:31 – For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. Romans 2:4 (Amp) - Or are you [so blind as to[ trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact ] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)? Next week we will be looking at things like – Who is authorized to Judge? When is judgement called for? What are we authorized to Judge? Where are our limits? Why does our attitude matter?

CONTENTMENT by Pastor George Lehman Contentment is what's on God's heart for us. Contentment[tevredenheid] is accepting what God has given you and by His strength, making the most of it. This word will bring real meaning to your spiritual race. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (Amp) – 6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.  7 For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world; Having things is not the problem; it's when the things have you! God will not invest, if there's going to be NO RETURN. This should give you confidence because God believes in His investment in you!!! A content life is a reservoir of abundance. What TENT did you live in? We live in one of two tents. Content… Or Discontent “A content heart is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.” - Joseph Addison. Someone said: “When we cannot find Godly contentment in ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.”  Here's the real issue: So many people are always wishing things were different or better or nicer or more comfortable this is a great way to torture yourself. The truth is – always appreciate what you have.  There is always someone out there who wishes that they had what you have. This world is really run on discontentment.  We find fault with our work, our boss, our church and other people. Our old sinful nature is generally discontent. How many people become discontent because there's a new Cell phone, TV, bike that they don't have. So, they feel discontent if only I can have !!!! So many people are trying to fill a void with things that will never satisfy. Today again….God is calling us to make radical adjustments to our lives. “They say wealth is like sea water – the more you drink the thirstier you become.” Asking John D. Rockefeller, how much money it took to make a man happy, his reply was, “Just a little bit more”. Please follow this very carefully: The bible calls us to our convictions not our circumstances, to govern our sense of contentment. Convictions = Is to follow and believe God's word. True biblical contentment is a conviction that Christ's power, purpose and provision is sufficient for every circumstance.   Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” Our growth and maturity are to learn how to walk through every adversity and difficulty fully trusting in Christ's sufficiency. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (Amp) – 4 Such is the reliance and confidence that we have through Christ toward and with reference to God.  5 Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God. We must be content in our convictions (i.e. what do I believe?) to live content. Please note that from all these scriptures below there is a common thread… …you can find contentment only in Jesus Christ and in striving to serve Him (seek first the Kingdom of God – Matthew 6:33). Philippians 4:11-13 (Amp) – 11 Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted(panic) in whatever state I am(Paul is not looking at his circumstance, but his convictions).  12 I know how to be abased(to be brought low) and live humbly in straitened(poverty/restricted) circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.  13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].   Romans 8:28 (NIV) – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Notice – Christ is the source of our contentment. Job 36:11 (NIV) – If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity(immense profit and abundant gain) and their years in contentment.   Proverbs 19:23 (NIV) – The fear of the Lord leads to life;  then one rests content, untouched by trouble. As God's child you are called to learn to be content. This is a lifelong process – but well worth the time and sacrifice. How important is contentment when serving Jesus? The wise Solomon said: Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 (NIV) – 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.  My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.  11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Like an engraving on a tombstone said: She died for want of things.  He died trying to give them to her. Story of diamond mine: Years ago, Russell Conwell told of an ancient Persian, Ali Hafed, who "owned a very large farm that had orchards, grain fields, and gardens... and was a wealthy contented man." One day a wise man from the East told the farmer all about diamonds and how wealthy he would be if he owned a diamond mine. Ali Hafed went to bed that night a poor man--poor because he was discontented. Craving a mine of diamonds, he sold his farm to search for the rare stones. He travelled the world over, finally becoming so poor, broken, and defeated that he committed suicide. One day the man who purchased Ali Hafed's farm led his camel into the garden to drink. As his camel put its nose into the brook, the man saw a flash of light from the sands of the stream. He pulled out a stone that reflected all the hues of the rainbow. The man had discovered the diamond mine of Golconda, the most magnificent mine in all history. Had Ali Hafed remained contente at home and dug in his own garden, then instead of death in a strange land, he would have had acres of diamonds. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) –  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (Amp) – 6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.  7 For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world.  

Sermon - 28-07-2025 Pastor Joe van der Berg More like Jesus 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV) 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate a the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV) 13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,  God made you  alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Colossians 3:3 (NIV) For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Ephesians 4:30-32 (NIV) 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Psalm 139:17-18 (NIV) 17How precious to me are your thoughts, a God! How vast is the sum of them! 18Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand - when I awake, I am still with you. Romans 2:4 (NIV) Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 4:7-8 (NIV) 7“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'

Trust in the Lord! - By Pastor Kobus Massyn 14-07-2024 Key scripture: Luke 17:5-6 1 And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Temptations (snares, traps set to entice to sin) are sure to come, but woe to him by or through whom they come! 2 It would be more profitable for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea than that he should cause to sin or be a snare to one of these little ones [lowly in rank or influence]. 3 Pay attention and always be on your guard [looking out for one another]. If your brother sins (misses the mark), solemnly tell him so and reprove him, and if he repents (feels sorry for having sinned), forgive him. 4 And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled). 5The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God). 6And the Lord answered, If you had faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.' Faith vs Trust Faith - pístis (from 3982/peithô, "persuade, be persuaded") – properly, persuasion (be persuaded, come to trust); faith. Faith - pistis ("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion" Trust- pepoíthēsis (a feminine noun derived from /peíthō, "persuade, be persuaded") – properly, persuasion; used of human confidence (deluded self-persuasion in Phil 3:4) Trust – mental assessment / sense and knowledge Trust- peíthō(the root of pístis, "faith") – to persuade; (passive) be persuaded of what is trustworthy. Trust that God is Sovereign! Colossians 1:16-17 'For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). Trust that God knows best! Rom 8:28 ' We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.' Trust is bracing yourself! Ephesians 6:11 ' Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.' Exercise to trust Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.'

The inward life. by Pastor George Lehman   Our outward life is what we project on the outside and it reveals what's going on, on the inside. Philippians 1:6 (Amp) – 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.   The outward work will never be weak, small, insignificant or inadequate if the inward work is great. “A man who, as a physical being, is always turned toward the outside, thinking that his happiness lies outside him, finally turns inward and discovers that the source is within him.” -  Soren Kierkegaard (We try living our lives from the outside – inward) You don't have to come out of the spirit realm. This is the great discovery The same closeness, strength, joy, confidence and direction you experience on a Sunday service… …. God intends for you to walk in the rest of the week. The measure of a man is not what he does on Sunday, but rather who he is Monday through Saturday. The devil is waiting to ambush you the moment you leave church. He wants to bring to your mind thoughts of fear, failure, doubt, unbelief and destruction. You got the Monday blues...?  Put on your Holy Ghost shoes! We must “Arm ourselves” – as believers we must guard our minds and hearts. The Armour of God is a Spiritual Armour, not a flesh armour. Like an alarm Keypad when you put in the correct code the property is ARMED and no one can break in without the alarm being activated. The code is the word of God!   As spiritual creatures the word says: 2 Corinthians 5:5-7 (NIV) – 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.  6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. Clearly, we are commanded to live in the Spirit and not in the natural. Romans 8:5 (NIV) – Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.    Romans 8:8-9 (NIV) – 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.  9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.  We must be conscious of our inner life all the time. It's the engine room from where we live. Romans 8:14 (NIV) – For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.   Romans 8:16 (NIV) – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.    Proverbs 20:27 (NIV) – The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one's inmost being.   Isaiah 60:1 (NIV) – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Your inner life is your most valuable possession. As Christians we can expect God to enlighten us and to guide us by the powerful inner working of the spirit. With the inner life we are magnificently equipped to face whatever life throws at us. Ephesians 3:16 (Amp) – May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], The Peasants story: The story of John Tauler, the 14th century Dominican monk whose writings so greatly influenced Martin Luther. One day, we are told, Tauler was walking in the city of Strasbourg when he met a peasant. By way of greeting the man, the monk said, “God give you a good day, my friend”. “I thank God I never have a bad day,” answered the peasant. Astonished, Tauler was silent for a moment, then tried again.  “God give you a happy life, my friend.” The peasant replied, “I thank God I am never unhappy.” “Never unhappy?” cried Tauler, bewildered.  “What do you mean?” “Well,” came the response, “when it is fine I thank God, when it rains I thank God, when I have plenty I thank God, when I am hungry, I thank God, and since God's will is my will, and whatever pleases Him pleases me, why should I say I am unhappy when I am not?” Tauler looked at him with awe. “Who are you?” he asked. “I am a king” said the peasant. “A king?  Where is your kingdom?” The peasant smiled, “In my heart,” he whispered. The problem is many times we seek answers and guidance by some means other than the way God said we should. When we do we get into trouble. Our inner man is always willing but our natural man resists. Jesus warned us: Matthew 26:41 (NIV) –  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Clearly continuous prayer keeps the inner life alive. The advantage of living the inner life in the Spirit is that it keeps us on the right path. Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV) – 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. You can be absolutely sure of this as the inner life goes, so goes the outward life. Have bulldog inward faith: “The nose of the bulldog is slanted backwards so he can continue to breathe without letting go.” - Winston Churchill One person with commitment, persistence and endurance will accomplish more than a thousand people with interest alone. Hebrews 12:1 (LB) – Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. The stronger the inner life, the harder it is to quit!!! 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Amp) –  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

REPENTANCE by Pastor George Lehman Admitting sins; is no substitute for quitting sin. This sermon of Peter had a great life changing impact.    Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Each of you (None of us is exempted) must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The sermon of ± 2 min long – had an incredible result – 3000 people became Christians. Notice  ACTS 2 verse 41. “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” The word Peter used – Repent – the actual meaning of the word in Greek is “Metanoeo” which means: - 1) Changing of purpose – Not to continue a wrongful purpose. 2) A complete change in direction 180° turn to go the opposite way. It's a change of mind. The person who is truly repentant – is a person who forsakes their sin and turns and follows Jesus – 2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. You cannot be (born again) saved or converted without genuine “repentance”. 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinary patient) towards you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance. Acts 17:30 – In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to “repent”. Jesus' message. Mark 1:14-15 - 14Now after John was arrested and put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News (the gospel of the Kingdom). 15And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; REPENT (have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe the Good News the Gospel. Paul spoke a lot about repentance as well Acts 26:20b – I preached that they should “repent” and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. Many Christians are under the wrong impression that: - Repentance is only for the Lost or the unsaved. Boy do I have news for you: Repentance must be a daily exercise for each and every Christian. I want to talk to you about the blessing of repentance. The problem with the church of today as in Jesus' day. It's easy to point out the faults others and their mistakes; but very slow to examine our own lives. Quick to judge others but slow to repent ourselves. Revelation 2:5 - Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. No repentance – No revival ] Victory Without repentance – there's no forgiveness ] lies on the Without repentance – there is no freedom ] other side of Without repentance – there is no blessing. ] repentance Why was David a man after the heart of God?  Because he understood the meaning and result of repentance. Here's a journey to victory as an example to us from David's life of repentance. PSALM 32: Verse 1: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. This verse does not say “blessed is he who never sins”. God will have that we don't sin but when we do: - He wants us to repent and receive forgiveness. Verse 2: Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 1 John 1:9 (Amp) – If we (freely) admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and (continuously) cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought and action). What an awesome freedom to know that the blood of Jesus has us covered. A repentant heart will never want or allow deceit* into it. (“Deceit”: - dishonesty – unfaithful) Verse 3 When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Refusing to repent will drag you down, it will make you sick, miserable. You won't experience spiritual renewal. Instead of mounting up on eagle's wings, you'll feel like an ostrich. Acts 3:19 – Now repent change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins – and send you wonderful times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.   Verse 4: For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is weighty and powerful Revelation 3:19 – Those whom I dearly love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten (I discipline and instruct them).  So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent (changing your mind and your attitude.) The devil condemns: Rejection, guilt, shame, despair. God convicts: Prompts a desire to change, take responsibility, leads to repentance. You sense you are in a dry place – repentance brings water into that desert.   Verse 5: Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. This needs to be the very cry of every child of God. This is a genuine heart of repentance. Isaiah 43:25 – I even I am He who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.   Verse 6: Therefore, let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. Repentance is for everyone who considers themselves a child of God; Must pray continually repenting cleansing the temple – while the door of Grace is still wide open. Verse 7: You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. You are my hiding place (stronghold) is a person who habitually repents and judges his life, his sins and his conduct. This will remove the enemy's stronghold and leave a clean house for God to live in. Verse 8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Because of David's repentant heart, God begins to speak – Isn't it amazing how clearly, we hear the voice and guidance of God when we have a clear channel – cleaned by repentance. Verse 9: Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. God is saying don't be stubborn because it's a form of rebellion We must be so careful if we are slow to repent – He may just have to stick a bit in your mouth Proverbs 26:3  - A whip for a horse a bridle for a donkey and a rod for the fools back. Verse 10: Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. God is full of mercy and is more ready to forgive your sins – than what you are willing to repent from them. You see – repentance is how we access – His mercy and forgiveness. Just the presence of the CMA God ordained ministry was brought about because God loved you Bikers.   Verse 11: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Repentance brings Joy and blessings and peace it unleashes the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Because you are vertically right you will be horizontally right. The sad thing is that so many Christians don't think it's necessary to repent and so they became stiff necked. Proverbs 29:1 – A man who remains stiff necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed -without remedy. Luke 15:7 – Thus I tell you, there will be more Joy in heaven over one wicked person who repents (changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance. Jesus will not be Saviour without behaviour if you've allowed Him to be Saviour He'll change your behaviour.

A disciple is a persevering, steadfast person. The great majority of men are bundles of beginnings. By Pastor George Lehman There are a great many starters but so few persevering, enduring, steadfast disciples that actually press on to the finish line. Here Paul is talking about an amazing event that will take place when Jesus comes. He ends it with this instruction, that we must first stand strong, persevere and endure throughout our life, and live as genuine disciples.   1 Corinthians 15: 51-58 (Amp) - 51Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). 53For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death). 54And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory.  55O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law.  57“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. Rich Mears, a racing car driver, said: “To finish first, you must first finish”. Every child of God will finish first at the end of your life's race if you were faithful, because we each are running our own individual race our competition is none other than ourselves! The point is: Persevering [volhard, volhou, aanhou], steadfast, enduring, persistent people begin their success where most others quit.   Quitters never win and winners never quit Jesus said:  Matthew 10:22 (Amp) - All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. We will have to endure and persevere much in this life – go through difficulties, hardships, temptations, tests, trials.  By not giving in or up, you'll be saved. The crowns that will be worn in heaven have been tried and smelted and polished and glorified through the furnace of suffering and tribulation. (We prepare our own crowns)   1 Thessalonians 3:3 (Msg) - Not that troubles (hardships, difficulties and affliction) should come as any surprise to you.  You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing.  It's part of our calling. Clearly tests, trials and troubles are a part of a child of God's life. Hebrews 12:1b (Amp) - … and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 1 Timothy 4:16 (Amp) - Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching: persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Hebrews 10:36 (Amp) - For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away (and enjoy to the full) what is promised. James 5:11 (NIV) - As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. There may be someone here who once walked with passion and fire on this disciple road…   Job 4:3-7 (NIV) - 3Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 4Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. 5But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. 6Should not your piety* be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?  7Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? *Piety:  Devotion/ Toewyding Job's message is: Your commitment to persevere and endure, your lifestyle should be pulling you up. We must resist discouragement. Under difficult, challenging circumstances the majority of people only just survive.  But the righteous thrive. James 1:12 (Amp) - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. First the cross then the crown. To many Christians want the crown without the cross. Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair. The victory lies in the struggle – not the prize.  He who courts slackness, marries disaster.   Listen to this: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (Amp) - 4And this is a cause of our mentioning you with pride among the churches (assemblies) of God for your steadfastness (your unflinching endurance and patience) and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions under which you are holding up.  5This is positive proof of the just and right judgment of God to the end that you may be deemed deserving of His kingdom [a plain token of His fair verdict which designs that you should be made and counted worthy of the kingdom of God], for the sake of which you are also suffering.   This is what Jesus is warning us about Revelation 3:10-11 (Amp) - 10Because you have guarded and kept My word of patient endurance [have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that I give you], I also will keep you [safe] from the hour of trial (testing) which is coming on the whole world to try those who dwell upon the earth.  11I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown.

Fathers at the Frontlines: Standing Strong in the Face of Adversity By Pastor George Lehman Father is an appointed position from God; He has a very specific role. A father is neither an anchor nor a sail, but a guiding light in the sea of life 1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  On Mother's Day many pastors across the nation praise our moms for her sacrifices, her dedication and everybody rejoices, we give her honour, some even weep. But on Father's Day there is this tendency to talk about absentee father's, deadbeat dad's statistics are repeated about his failures, and we lay on the guilt for not being there for the kids. If you look up the word ''father'' in the dictionary it occurs just before the word ''fatigue,'' and just after the word, ''fathead!'' Women today are looking for the ideal man. What does that even mean? He must be strong, good looking, aggressive, successful, dependable, well-dressed, and a responsible businessman, He must be interested in all things and excel in most. He must be a super spiritual leader in the home. Have you seen anyone that fits that description? Take heart, neither has any woman. What is a total complete man, might I ask? He is the one who understands and accepts the responsibility for the development of his mental, emotional, and spiritual capacity and demonstrates this by his maturing attitude and actions in his personal life, his home life, his vocational life, his social life, and his spiritual life. Right? A father standing strong in the face of adversity. 1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” A good father is an example of what it means to be a man of faith. Psalm 22:4-5 - “Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to you, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed.” From one generation to another, we pass on the faith, we are to point our family and friends to Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12(Amp) – 11For you know how, as a father [dealing with] his children, we used to exhort each of you personally, stimulating and encouraging and charging you. 12To live lives worthy of God, Who calls you into His own kingdom and the glorious blessedness [into which true believers will enter after Christ's return]. We need men who have both a knowledge of God's Word and the conviction to follow that Word: Men of faith who aren't afraid to live out their faith before the world and in their homes consistently 24/7. 1 Kings 22:42-43 - “Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: Research has established that parents can have a significant impact on the religious beliefs and practices of their children. In one recent study it was found that fathers who frequently attend church, discuss religion at home, and are committed to their religion have sons who follow the same pattern concerning religious values and behavior. Interestingly, fathers who did not do these three things had an inconsistent pattern of influence over their son's religious responses. - Dr. Michael Green, Kindred Spirit, Autumn, 1989 A good father exhibits purity and holiness 1 Timothy 2:8 - “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” God wants us to be pure in everything we think, say, see and do. God is looking for men who aren't afraid to strive to live holy lives. Malachi 4:5-6 - “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” What a premium, the Bible places on fatherhood. Psalm 128:1-2 (Amp) - “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. 2. For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labour of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you. “   You say pastor, I just feel so in inadequate as a father. Well, so do I my friend. That's the reason I'm glad for the Psalm 127:1 ''Except the Lord build a house, they labour in vain that build it.'' You see, we can't do it alone, God will do it and he'll do it in us. Listen, I don't know what kind of family you came from. I don't know what your background is. There may be some who are sitting here today, you were raised in a home where there was child abuse. You were raised in a home where there was drunkenness. You were raised in a home where there was greed and selfishness. There may some sitting here, that would say I'd give anything, if my daddy would just put his arms around my neck and tell me he loves me. If my dad would just tell me he loves me. The deepest need of your heart is for a dad just to hug you and say, I accept you, you're good, I approve you. But you don't have a dad like that and maybe you never will have a dad like that, please listen to me, somebody has to break the cycle! We cannot camp out at our place of hurt. You can't do anything about your past, but you can certainly do something about your future.  How has what happened to you stopped God from restoring and restarting your new life? I mean you can say, maybe I didn't have that kind of a home, but thank God I have a church family and I have a pastor and I've got the word of God , I have Jesus and I can break the cycle. And the Bible says in Psalm 128:6 Yes, may you see your children's children. That is, I'm going to see the peace of God upon my children's children, if you'll start today, and trust God. One father said, if I had it to do all over again, here's what I would do. I'd love my wife more in front of my children. I'd laugh with my children more at our mistakes and our joys. I'd listen more, even to the youngest child. I'd be more honest about my own weaknesses and stop pretending perfection. I would pray differently for my children. Instead of focusing on them, I'd focus on being like Jesus in me. I would do more things with my children. I would be more encouraging and bestow more praise. I would pay more attention to little things, deeds and words of love and kindness. And finally, if I had it to do all over again, I would share God more intimately with my family. I would use every ordinary thing that happened in every ordinary day to point them to Jesus.

Character Development - By: Pastor George Lehman We are who we are before God nothing more and nothing less.   “Character is what God, and the angels know of us; reputation is what people think of us.”  Horace Mann. Godly excellence flows from Godly character. No character, no excellence. 2 Peter 1:5 - In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with (Goodness) a generous provision of *moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge Moral – Its about the Principles of right and wrong behaviour. Have you ever stopped to think what God sees when He looks into the depth of your being?  What kind of person does He find in you? Sadly, so many Christians live so carelessly it doesn't even bother them!! Are you: Loving, generous, full of the fruit of the Spirit, with a serving forgiving heart? OR are you: full of anger, bitterness, and self-centeredness, walking with un-forgiveness? Who you are determines how you will react to any and every situation whether good or bad; positive or negative; favourable or unfavourable – KNOW THIS:- God is in the character development business. He is more interested in your Character than your comfort. Ephesians 4:23-24 (Msg) - “A life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His ‘character' in US.” God is committed to develop, discipline and to stretching our lives to form our characters so we will become vessels of honour for His use. We are in the University of God getting our degree in Character Development. Luke 6:40(NLT) – Students are not above their teacher but everyone who is fully trained will be like their Teacher.   Prove of His unending love and involvement in our lives. Philippians 1:6 (Amp) - 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. No matter how long it takes or how uncomfortable it makes you feel as long as there is growth, it's our responsibility to partner with God in this lifelong process. One thing we must clearly understand is that the destiny and fulfilment of our purpose lies in a fine balance of: God's awesome grace and sovereignty. 2. Human responsibility We are ultimately responsible for responding: - Correctly; - Godly and - Biblically. Not just any old way will do. The way you respond to situations will determine the character you will possess. Like so many sad stories of failure in the word of God. Reuben was Jacob and Leah's son. He lost his birth right to Joseph. Genesis 49:3-4 (Amp) - Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the beginning (the first fruits) of my manly strength and vigor; [your birthright gave you] the preeminence in dignity and the preeminence in power.  But unstable and boiling over like water, you shall not excel and have the preeminence [of the firstborn], because you went to your father's bed; you defiled it - he went to my couch! Reuben thought it didn't matter about his quality of character, he will receive the blessing and inheritance anyway. Reuben was born into greatness, but there is not guarantee that he would become great. He had a failed Character You cannot think if you violate God's word and live with wilful deliberate sin and an ungodly Character there won't be consequences. So it is with us, if you want to receive ‘the best which is to come' you need to be committed to personal character development. “Not education, but character, is man's greatest need and man's greatest safeguard.” Spencer…. So many people are educated beyond their obedience. Definition of Character: Character is the inner life of man. Character is displayed in the actions of an individual under pressure. Character is the sum-total of all the negative and positive qualities in a person's life. A godly character refers to a person who constantly displays uprightness and characteristics that line up with Jesus' teachings.   To help define what character is: Character is what a person is at this present time. It's not what you will ideally be in the future; so many Christians live with lots of good intentions, but they put up with poor characters and think I'm okay because I intend becoming a better Christian some day. Change comes when you DO! Not intend to do! It's when pressure comes to a person's life, the real person surfaces. You may act and think one way under the blessings of the Lord, BUT quite another way when trials of life are your portion. Character includes a person's inner thoughts, motives and attitudes, not just a person's actions. Thoughts, though hidden, indicate the real character of a person.  Our motives too are true expressions of the inner man.  To change the character of a person, one must go deeper than action.   Character does not appear without pressure. The pressures of life, test what the Lord has really accomplished in a person's character. Deuteronomy 8:2(Amp) – And you shall [earnestly] remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to prove you, to know what was in your [mind and] heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. When the heat is on a person's character, the true character, surfaces.  Ask yourself, “how do I respond to difficulties, disappointments and pressure of everyday life?” The real quality of your character will be consistent, whether the heat is on or off.   Character is not only that which other people see on the external, but that which other people DO NOT SEE. Will the real you stand up? People may see only the side of a person that a person wants to display.  God sees the real person. Hebrews 4:13 (Amp) - And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. Do you realize a person can be so involved with outward religious ministry works AND still be ungodly? Proverbs 11:5-6 (Msg) - “Moral* character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.  Good character is the best insurance; crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.” *moral = standard of behaviour   A person's character can be discerned by the way he treats and respects and honors his family. Character is not just how you treat, respect, and honour your spiritual family; you see it also shows, by how you treat your natural family.  Your character development is on God's heart. 2 Peter 1:5 (Msg) - Do not lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding. The Bible teaches that as we approach the last days the character of the world will become more corrupt BUT God is calling His church to become MATURE in character.

Self-Control is an outer sign of an inner change. (The True you always reveals what's in you.) By Pastor George Lehman “Though we cannot see the heart, we can see the life” [David Kirkpatrick] Each of the different characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit focuses on how we respond to God and how we treat other people. John 15:11 – That our joy may be full Joy and faithfulness are expressed vertically while peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness bear directly on how we interact with others. And, the juiciest fruit, which is at the centre of our spiritual fruit salad, is love, which has both a horizontal and vertical dimension. HOW TO LIVE A LIFE OF SELF-CONTROL IN A SOCIETY OUT OF CONTROL 2 Timothy 3:2-3  - “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, When the Greeks wanted to illustrate self-control, they built a statue of a man or a woman in perfect proportion. To them, self-control was the proper ordering and balancing of the individual. Husband: “When I get mad, you remain calm and don't react. How do you maintain your self-control? ”Wife: “I just go and clean the toilet.” Husband: “Really How does that help?” Wife: “I use your toothbrush.” Aristotle once said, “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.” The word translated “self-control” in the NIV is rendered “temperance” and in the King James Version. It comes from the word “strength” and means, “one who holds himself in.” To be self-controlled is to not live in bondage to the desires, passions, and appetites of the flesh. While “self-control” is a good translation of the Greek word, it's a bit deceiving because we all know that we can't control ourselves simply through our own willpower or self-determination. Self-control is more than just self-help. Paul speaks of our dilemma in Romans 7:18 - “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out.” We can get a fuller meaning of self-control from Paul's extended discussion of his ministry in this passage, Paul contrasts exercising control over his body with running “aimlessly”. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 - “25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. He argues that athletes exercise self-control because they have a clearly defined purpose or goal. They cannot afford to be distracted by every passion or desire that comes along. We can therefore define this final fruit of the Spirit as the “control of the self by the Spirit for the sake of the gospel.” What looks like self-control is actually the result of letting someone else take control. Self-control, biblically speaking, means walking by the Spirit, under the Lordship of Christ. It's not by human effort or willpower – but by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. God will not give us His Spirit of self-control if it were not possible to control-self. In order to fully understand this fruit, it's helpful to describe what the absence of self-control looks like. Proverbs 25:28 provides a dramatic description of the individual living out of control, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” When the book of Proverbs was written, one of the main sources of strength and protection for a city consisted in the building and maintaining of walls. A wiped-out wall was considered a breach in security. A city with walls in disrepair was a city with a shameful reputation. That's one of the reasons Nehemiah was so motivated to begin a building campaign in Nehemiah 1:3 - Those who lived in the capital were in “great trouble and disgrace” because the wall of Jerusalem was broken down.” It was open to attack and ultimate destruction. The man or woman who lacks self-restraint is like a city that has no effective defence. They are not able to resist those things that can destroy their lives and the lives of others. SELF-CONTROL or controlling self: Would you agree that most of the other fruit depend on this one. If the enemy is going to attack - this is always a very good target. How to Develop Self-Control #1 - Know God's word (Who God is, what He's done for you, who are you in Him) The very first thing to enable us to cultivate self-control is knowing God's Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 - 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. And the only way to know God's will is to know his word, and the only way to know his word is to read it, and study it, and hear it often, and apply it. #2 - Be aware of the danger of the lack of self-control. Matthew 5:29-30 - “29If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.” If anyone doubts that the Bible teaches of the reality of Hell, you have to realize that Jesus is the one that talks the most about Hell. And so, how to develop self-control, number two: be aware of the danger of the lack of self-control.   #3 - Be prepared to suffer (You need to be willing to pay the price of following Jesus) Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 to his disciples, what should they do if they want to be his disciples? Well, he says, "They have to deny themselves and pick up their crosses and follow him. Most people who fail at gaining self-control over self. They fail because they think this should come without cost. I Corinthians 10:13 - “No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. #4 – Pray Jesus in keeping His human body under control required effort, just like the rest of us. How many times we say the Lord's prayer? We say it by heart. "Lead us not into temptation..." Do we just think that's like a closing thing? Matthew 26:41 - “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” How desperate are you to allow God to  help you to become more SELF-CONTROLED? Zechariah 4:6b (Amp) – Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts.

Training yourself in Unshakable Resilience !!!Maranatha!!! My faith in Christ James 2:26 - 'As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.' Luke 17:6 - 'He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. ‘ Romans 5:3 - 'Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ‘ 2Pet 1:10 - 'Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, ' 2 Pet 1:5-9- Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. ' 2 Peter 1:2-3 - May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).'

Ordinary Christians in extra ordinary times - By Pastor George Lehman What the world needs is NOT more Christianity but more Christians who practice Christianity. We cannot live ordinary lives anymore! Here Jesus is speaking to the scribes an Pharisees: Mark 7:13 – Jesus said, “Tradition destroys the effect of the Word”. We become comfortable with traditionally doing church and spiritual things, We go through the motions in a way that's marked with ordinary and don't by faith - rise up to an extra ordinary life. A life touched by Jesus cannot be the same. Story of a statue in a cemetery in America: It was not a statue of a man, angel, or Mary, but a statue of a dog.  They say when his master was buried.  The dog followed the procession to the graveyard, and he lay on the grave and wouldn't leave until he died.  They put up a memorial next to his master because he demonstrated extraordinary loyalty. Here's a story of extra ordinary loyalty: 2 Samuel 15:13-21 (Amp) - 13And there came a messenger to David, saying, the hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.  14David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, Arise and let us flee, or else none of us will escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring evil upon us and smite the city with the sword.  15And the king's servants said to the king, Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king says.  16So, the king and all his household after him went forth. But he left ten women who were concubines to keep the house.  17The king went forth with all the people after him and halted at the last house.  18All David's servants passed on beside him, along with [his bodyguards] all the Cherethites, Pelethites; also all the Gittites, 600 men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.  19The king said to Ittai the Gittite, why do you go with us also? Return to your place and remain with the king [Absalom], for you are a foreigner and an exile.  20Since you came only yesterday, should I make you go up and down with us? Since I must go where I may, you return, and take back your brethren with you. May loving-kindness and faithfulness be with you.  21But Ittai answered the king, As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or life, even there also will your servant be.  What an extra ordinary dedication to serve his King, “no matter what”. Paul writing to the church in Corinth: (over a period of time ordinary will become lukewarm / backslidden) 1 Corinthians 3:3 (Amp) - For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling* (stryery) and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men? (Clearly by this message it's clear that Paul is talking about an Extra Ordinary life!) Our ordinary should be Extra Ordinary. The Moffett's translation says:  “Are you behaving like ordinary people?” Why did God allow these disciplining correcting verses in the Bible?  “It was for our good so we can change and serve Him correctly. To live an extra ordinary life. We have come to a time in the history of the world when, for those of us who are Christians it's not acceptable it's a sin to live ordinary. It's no longer enough to live nominal (not real) lives in a time of phenomenal need. Acts 17:30 -31a(Amp) – 30Such [former] ages of ignorance God, it is true, ignored and allowed to pass unnoticed; but now He charges all people every where to repent (to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways with abhorrence of their past sins). 31Because He has fixed a day when He will judge the world. The words of Josiah G. Holland:  God give us men!  A time like this demands great hearts, strong minds, and willing hands. (Simply – Extra ordinary Christians) It's not enough that we just be “ordinary people”.  This is what Paul was addressing in our scripture – there were ordinary Christians of that day! The gospel would never have been launched if it wasn't for a multitude of extraordinary christians. People who were committed in an extra ordinary way to a truly extra ordinary gospel. It's no different.  Today we serve the same reigning God; have the same powerful anointing an extra ordinary gospel; the same challenges in a needy world. That's why we need to rise above the ordinary, basic, empty, ineffective life and live extra ordinary lives. My greatest desire is to see this church rise up and live extra ordinary Christianity. Serving – going the extra mile. Giving God our reasonable service. Living committed Holy, effective lives – building unity. Being salt and light to a dying world – saying NO to ordinary Christianity. This means we will first of all have to have... Extra ordinary faith. How do you make ordinary extra ordinary – you add a little extra.  Fighting the good fight of the faith. We must believe the “But God” factor in our lives.  It's knowing and being motivated that God is near and will not forsake us. Extra ordinary faith knows “The Lord is my shepherd” and “we shall not want”. Take a faith step and attempt something extra ordinary in an extra ordinary way. We also need... 2: Extra ordinary conduct. Philippians 1:27 (Amp) - Only be sure as citizens so to CONDUCT yourselves (that) your manner of life (will be) WORTHY of the good news (the gospel) of Christ... As someone has said:  The world at its worst needs the church at its best. Jesus asked a very pointed question of His disciples – which can be asked of us...Matthew 5:47(Amp) - “... what more than others are you doing?” Are you behaving like ordinary people? We are not saved to stagnate.  We are saved to serve in an EXTRA-Ordinary way. It's not what you say with your lips that count.  It's what you do with your life that matters. In these extra ordinary times, the WORLD is much more concerned with our extra ordinary demonstration of the Christian life than it is with our declaration of the Christian truth. Demonstration beats declaration every time.   The question is: Have you been saying one thing with your lips and another with your life? Does your life encourage people or discourage people? NB: All souls are of equal WORTH to God, but not all souls are of equal USE to God. How about you?  Will you rise to the challenge?  Will you contribute to that uncommon conduct the world needs so desperately today? Conduct: Personal behaviour; living with God's standards. A young Chinese communist (Christian) stood before the firing squad of Chinese soldiers.  As the captain gave the order to aim, the girl cried out, “I'm dying for a cause!!  What are you living for??” (What is your contribution?)   Have you chosen “ordinary” or “extra ordinary”? Colossians 1:10 (Amp) - That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves in a [extra ordinary] manner) worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in ALL THINGS, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by knowledge of God (with fuller, deeper and clearer insight, acquaintance and recognition. Will you like Ittai, say “I will follow you “no matter what”?