Wednesday 14 December 2011

I am in-love

I am in-love with a beautiful man.
A man, who loved me first.

He has the most beautiful eyes
Everytime when I look into them
I see an ongoing depth, so inviting
so marvelously deep and full of
acceptance and desire for me, my love.

Whenever I look into His eyes
I find myself slipping away into a world
a place, so full of peace and understanding.
Jeus's love is so real, so true and honest.
So absolutely intense.

I just want to be in His love. 
I love His Love. The way He loves me,
makes me wanting more of Him.
I have grown so fond of the way He smell
It has become so familiar to me.
He has allowed me
to see Him, to touch and to love Him
He is so part of me.
He is in me 
Forever.

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Petition against pornography on SA TV!

Please participate in this petition against pornography on SA TV.

http://www.voelgoed.co.za/skryfin/?p=80

(copy above link and PLEASE take part in the petition)

Monday 12 December 2011

42day

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 


But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 


All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

~ 2 Tim 3:13-17

Wat is geloof?

Dit is die vaste versekering dat die dinge waarna ons uitsien, inderdaad sal gebeur....

Thursday 8 December 2011

conditions do not apply

from a beloved friend

Moenie wegkruip nie

God:  Adam waar is jy?

Jy kan jouself vandag oof afvra: waar is ek...werklik?
As jy nie weet nie, of wel weet maar ontevrede daaroor is, is hierdie vir jou. 

Adam:  Ek het U hoor aankom en kruip nou weg. Ek was bang omdat ek sonder klere is (Gen. 3:9,10)

Dis verstommend wat ons alles sal doen ten einde te kan wegkruip. Ons sal onsself absoluut in werk verdiep, in 'n verhouding betrokke raak, 'n muur om ons bou - enigiets, solank ons tog net nie die waarheid in die oe hoef te kyk nie. God het goed geweet waar Adam was, maar God wou he dat Adam homself moes vind.

Jy is absoluut verlore totdat jy jouself vind.  Die probleem is dat solank jy wegkruip, jy 'n front voorhou.  Besef jy hoeveel emosionele energie jy verspil deur aan ander voor te gee jy is wat jy nie is nie?

Net 2 dinger is erger: om jouself en God oor jou ware self te probeer mislei. Jy sal dit moeilik vind om enigsins eerlik te wees omdat jy bang is mense deurgrond jou wese en vind die ware jy.

Is dit waar jy jouself vandag bevind?
Bang om in jou eie hart te kyk?

Die wonderlike nuus is dat Adam naak was, maar God het hom aangetrek; hy was skuldig, maar God het hom skoongewas, hy was angstig, maar God het hom getroos.

Wednesday 7 December 2011

where do i run to?

i want to run i want to hide
i want Jesus by my side
i want to laugh i want to cry
but 2day i wanna die

the road is too long
the mountain's too high
the journey is too tuff
i've realised i'm not that strong

my defenses are low
my body is weak
my mind is made up
this time i need to go

to find myself
to find Jesus
to search through my heart
to look for the truth
to look for me-i am lost
to retrace my steps
to find what i did wrong
to mend the broken pieces
to take care of myself

where am i ?
who am i ?


i need to be whole again
i wanna laugh more
i need to cry less
my life is a mess

i want to dance in the rain
i want to laugh until it hurts
will i ever be whole again
will i ever be whole again
will i ever be whole again

Tatoeƫring

Geskryf deur Jimi le Roux

Ek het onderneem om iets oor tatoeering te skryf, en het ook nou te lank uitgestel. Die saak is eintlik heeltemal eenvoudig, maar laat ek maar net eers die opinies stel:

1) die tradisionele beskouing is dat die Bybel tatoeering vir ons uitdruklik verbied in Lev 19: 28 en dit is die einde van argument - wat is eintlik dan nog te se na so 'n duidelike opdrag (Ou vertaling)

Julle mag ook terwille van 'n dooie geen snye in julle vlees maak nie en geen ingeprikte tekening in jul vel maak nie. Ek is die HERE.

Die Jose sit om hierdie rede ook geen tatoeering op nie, en die wat tatoeering op het, mag (tradisioneel) nie in die Joodse begraafplaas begrawe word nie.

2) die meer resente beskouing (onder sommige) is dat die bg. uitleg nie korrek is nie en oor tatoeering gaan nie maar oor iets anders, of nie op ons van toepassing nie, en dat tatoeering us OK is.  Daar is dus ook Christene wat tatoeerings laat opsit.

Die agtergrond van tatoeering is natuurlik meer negatief. Let op die volgende:

* Heidene het hulleself getatoeer, 
en het spesifiek hulle gode se naam op hulleself geker. Tatoeering is dus geassosieer met barbaarsheid (selfs deur die Romeine) en afgodediens.  Die heidene het hulleself ook algemeen as rougebruik stukkend gesny - uit hartseer, maar ook as 'n offer.  Selfs die Jode het op 'n stadium meegedoen.  Die bg. vers verbied beide hierdie gebruike uitdruklik.

* Slawe en oortreders is natuurlik gebrandmerk,
nader na ons tyd was dit gewoontlik maar die rowwe ouens wat tatoeerings gedra het, matrose, gangsters, bikers, tronkvoels,... maw tatoeering was 'n teken van rebellie.

Tatoeering het tradisioneel dus aar 'n slegte naam. Konnotasies met tatoeering is dat dit steeds die rowwe ouens is wat tatoes dra, dat dit steeds uitdagend en onkonvensioneel is.

Kom ons keer terug na die Bybel.

1) Die teks is wel deeglik duidelik in Levitikus 19.  Die Jode verstaan dit uitdruklik en is heeltemal reg as hulle dan nie tatoeer nie.

2) Kom ons lees egter net een vers terug (v 27)

Julle mag die rand van julle hoofhare nie wegskeer nie. 
Ook mag jy die rand van jou baard nie skend nie.

Ortodokse Jode hou ook hier gebod nog net so - Joodse mans laat hulle baard groe en skeer dit nie eens netjies met 'n rand nie. Dis om hierdie vers gehoorsaam te wees. 

As Christene volg ons egter nie hierdie gebod nie.
Hoekom ignoreer ons dan die een vers en gehoorsaam die volgende een?

3) Kom ons lees egter nog 'n een vers terug (v 26)

Julle mag niks met bloed en al eet nie.
Julle mag nie met verklaring van voortekens of goelery omgaan nie.

Die eerste gedeelte het te doen met die belangrike Kosher-reel, wat die Jode net so volg. Ons eie vleis is egter nie Kosher geslag nie, en geen Jood sal sy mond daaran sit nie. Hulle koop net by 'n Kosher slagtery, en nie by Checkers of Pick 'n Pay nie.

As Christene volg ons egter nie hierdie gebod nie.
Hoekom ignoreer ons dan die een vers en gehoorsaam die volgende een?


4) Kom ons lees egter nog 'n een vers terug (v 19)
sien ons 'n opdrag dat ons nie twee soorte saad in dieselfde land mag saai nie, dat ons nie twee soorte klere saam mag dra nie (bv. wol en linne)

As Christene volg ons egter nie hierdie gebod nie.
Hoekom ignoreer ons dan die een vers en gehoorsaam die volgende een?

Julle moet my sabbatte onderhou en my heiligdom ontsien.  Ek is die HERE.

Ons hou  as Christene ook nie die Joodse sabbat nie, en rig nie ons geloofslewe op die (Joodse) tempel nie. Lees maar self verder in daardie hoofstuk na dinge wat ons ook nie meer doen nie.

Hoe moet ons dan nou hierdie vers verstaan?  Let op:

1) Ons is nie langer onder die Ou Testamentiese wet nie.
In Romeine en Galasiers maak Paulus dit duidelik dat Jesus ons losgekoop het vna die wet en dat Christene (ons) nie eers Jode hoef te wees (en die wet te hou, met offers, besnydenis, Sabbat, eetreels ens) te einde Christene te kan wees.  Hy se dat ons die wet volkome nakom as ons deur die Gees gelei word.

Lees Romeine 7-8 en Galasiers 2-5

2) Hoe kan ons dan onderskei?
wat in die ou Testament van toepassing is en wat nie?  Dit is inderdaad 'n gryserige area, maar ons onderskei tussen die kultiese wette en die morele wet. Die eersgenoemde is duidelik spesifieke sake bedoel vir Jode in hulle konteks, hulle hele kultiese stelsel (offers, tempel, feeste, ens) of dit is die toepassing van 'n algemene waarheid in hulle antieke kultuur en dieselfde waarheid sal in ons tyd 'n bietjie anders toegepas word. Die laasgenoemde is meer algemeen van aard -  die Tien Gebooie is 'n goeie voorbeeld - en is duidelik geldige beginsels vir alle tye en mense. 'n Ander nuttige maatstaf is hoe Jesus dit hanteer, want Hy het klem gele op die essensie van die wet, en by ander geleentheid eenvoudig 'n streep getrek deur 'n Ou Testamentiese wet (bv. Mat 5:38). Sy eie wet is dat ons mekaar moet liefhe (Johm 13:34) - dit is die vervulling van die hele wet (Rom 13:10).

3) Die kwessie van tatoeering val duidelik onder die e.g. kultiese wette. Dit het te doen met spesifieke heidense gebruike waarvan die Jode hulleself moes weerhou (soos die hele hoofstuk ten het in die konteks). Dit het te doen met:

*  afgodediens
*  rougebruik

4) In die N.T. is daar geen verdere verwysing na tatoeering nie. Paulus se ons liggame is 'n tempel vd Heilige Gees (1 Kor 6:19-20) en dat ons God in ons liggame moet verheerlik. Dit is inderdaad 'n belangrike beginsel, maar Paulus bedoel daar dat ons nie seksuele sondes moet begaan nie.  Dit is 'n vergryp aan ons liggaam, wat God se liggaam is.  Dit is 'n ope vraag of die gedagte sou impliseer dat ons nie aan ons liggame mag 'verbeter' nie.

Wat dan van:
* kosemetiese operasies (ook 'n 'permanente verbetering' van die liggaam)
* ortodontiese handeling
* operasies om gebreke reg te stel
* hare kleur, mooi aantrek, gym to gaan, ens om ons liggame 'mooier' te maak?

Dis te betwyfel of Paulus sulke dinge bedoel - hy skryf teen ydelheid.  Die NT se hele klem is eintlik weg van sulke tipe wettisisme af, en meer na 'n wander deur die Gees en 'n lewe van liefde.   Daar is sekere dinge in die NT (bv, die eet van offervleis, die vier van 'n spesiale dag (Sabbat) wat Paulus oorlaat aan die gewete van die Christen (sien Rom 14) en tatoeering van heel waarskynlik onder sulke temas.  In Openbaring lees ons interessant dat die Here SY NAAM op ons sal skryf (Openbaring 7:3, 14:1, 22:4) - aan die einde van die tyd is Hy dan die Groot Tatoeerder? Weereens sien ons dat tatoeering 'n geestelike konnotasie kry - getatoeer ('gemerk') nie vir die afgode nie, maar vir God.

lees meer hieroor by:
http://christianitytoday.com/ch/bytopic/missionsworldchristianity/tattoosofthecross/html


Tuesday 6 December 2011

the women in me

A strong women
works out every day 2 keep her body in shape
but a women of strength
kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape

A strong women
is afraid of anything
but a women of strength
shows courage in the midst of her fear

A strong women
won’t let anyone get the best of her
but a women of strength
gives the best of her to everyone

A strong women
walks sure footedly
but a women of strength
knows god with catch her when she falls

A strong women
wears the look of confidence on her face
but a women of strength
wears grace

A strong women
has faith that she is strong enough for the journey
but a women of strength
has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong

Monday 5 December 2011

hope in the desert

For I will pour... floods upon DRY land.
~ Isaiah 44:3


5/12/2011


morning has broken ... 4 me


a brand new ending

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

a storm

wasted days and wasted nights
how many of those have i not had
wasted hours waisted times
is my life all that bad

i have been rejected and alone
afraid and misled
holding on to something that cannot be
desiring something, but i'm not free

waking up at night
dreaming of something i hoped i could have
desperately making it right
thinking this is what i want

searching and scanning the crowds
for a once beloved face
wishing and hoping for a brand new start
for a new light to shine in my heart

i'm a faker i'm a loser
i'm a lover i'm sinner
i'm a women i'm a friend
why am i following this trend

my sins caused me 2 b a disgrace
to the one i love by far the most
knowing this could have cost me his grace
it made me fell flat on my face

will i ever get it back
weeping and reaping from the choices i have made
how long will my journey in the desert last
i need to rid of the wrongs in my past

a storm is brewing on the horizon
i want to hide i want to run
how could i thought it 2 b fun
oh God I really need the 4giveness of Your Son

Sunday 4 December 2011

Yes He does

Jesus loves me, this I know
4 the bible tells me so
little ones to Him belong
they are weak but He is strong

Wednesday 30 November 2011

fallen from grace

Is this me?
God I am so ashamed of the burning desires in my heart - my flesh aches for the fulfillment of it. I have fallen so hard, so fast!
Am I a disgrace to You Father?
Why do I long for more, for true happiness? Is there such a thing as true happiness Jesus?
Is it so wrong to crave that, to desire more, to long for something - something I am even ashamed to name, sometimes?
Father I cannot do this anymore - I have been true to You, for many a year - but this I can do no more.
Let this yearning in me subsides...


help me make it through the night

when temptation came my way
i didn't look away
my need was so intense
is this my only defense?


my sin runs deep
will Your grace be more?
is this yet another thing that i will reap?
who is it that i really adore?


will Your mercy endure
the sins of my betraying flesh?
will this also pass?
help me out of this mess!


where grace is found, are You there?
and where You are Lord, am I really free?
or have i forfeited Your trust -
oh Lord, how can this be?


help me to rise to You
when temptation comes my way!
and when i cannot stand
help me to fall on You.

a clean heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God! and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
~ Psalm 51:10


Saturday 26 November 2011

a sinners cry

Jesus of all the people in this whole wide world... only You know me. Truly know me... the condition of my heart....I cannot hide this from You ~ I need to break away, break free. I need to recap. I need to save myself. I need to heal. Help me make a way....

Monday 31 October 2011

Die liefde van 'n Pa

My Liewe Kind


Ek staan langs jou bed en kyk hoe jy besig is om wakker te word. Soms het daar trane oor jou wange gerol, oor verkeerde besluite en soms sommer net omdat jy soos n mislukking gevoel het. Daar was dae wat jy seergekry het, dae wat mense jou nie verstaan het nie, dae wat jy moedeloos was, dae wat pyn jou wou vernietig het!! Ek het saam met jou gehuil, My hande gehou en jou kosbare trane opgevang. Ek ken jou seer, Ek ken jou pyn. Daar is tye wat mense My nie verstaan het nie, My verwerp het, daarom weet Ek hoe jy voel. 

Daar was dae wat jy deurmekaar gevoel het en gewonder het wat, waar en hoekom. Ek wil vandag vir jou sĆŖ, nie een van die foute wat jy gemaak het, het My onkant gevang nie. Ek was nie verbaas nie. Ek weet alles. Ek verstaan alles. Ek sien alles. 


En kyk nie na jou met oĆ« wat oordeel nie. Ek kyk na jou met oĆ« van liefde en Ek luister na jou met My hart, omdat Ek n Pa is wat uit liefde bestaan. 


Soms het mense al n verkeerde prentjie van My vir jou geskilder, Ek wil jou nie straf nie. Ek is nie ver van jou af nie. Ek ken jou beter as enige iemand Anders. Ek weet wie jy werklik is, Ek is lief vir jou! 

Jou hemelse Vader

Thursday 27 October 2011

A song and a prayer

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest

Without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where my sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

~ Chris Tomlin, ' Lord, I Need You'

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Klein begin vs. Groot oes

Alles begin klein, en jou gesindheid aan die begin bepaal dikwels jou sukses aan die einde. Die Bybel sĆŖ, 'Wie minag die dag van oĆ«nskynlik klein dingetjies?' Wees bly oor wat God aan jou gee om mee te begin, want HĆ½ is! 

Elia het 'n wolkie so groot (klein!) soos 'n man se hand gesien voor die reĆ«n begin het (1 Konings 18:44). Dis klein, maar Elia was bly want hy het geweet dis die begin van groot dinge. Moenie jou saad vernietig deur die potensiaal daarvan te misken nie. God gee aan jou 'n saadjie van hoop, iets klein - maar iets klein is beter as heeltemal niks. Plant die saadjie, bid daaroor en glo dat God dit sal vermeerder. 

Baie mense gooi hulle saad weg. Wanneer ons iets 'verag', vernietig ons die potensiaal daarvan, ignoreer dit, verwaarloos dit. As ons dit wat God gee nie oppas nie, verloor ons dit. Sonder die saad sal ons nooit kan oes nie. Die Bybel sĆŖ wees tevrede met wat jy het, en, ...'Onthou dat God die versekering gegee het: "Ek sal jou nie los nie. Ek sal jou nie in die steek laat nie' (HebreĆ«rs 13:5). Dis waarom jy tevrede moet wees met die klein begin. Jy weet dat wat God aanpak, Hy sal deursien.

Wees geduldig, verwag die beste en beur voort. 'Moenie hierdie vertroue in God deur julle vingers laat glip nie. Dit hou vir julle 'n groot beloning in. Wat julle nodig het, is om te volhard sodat julle kan voortgaan om God se wil te gehoorsaam. Dan sal julle ontvang wat God beloof het' (Hebreƫrs 10:35-36).


~ Geskryf deur Bob en Debby Gass

Monday 24 October 2011

Your husband needs "Respect"

When we treat someone as a valued gift and invest ourselves in his or her care, we build up that person’s feelings of self-worth and draw closer to them as well.
When a wife respects, nurtures, and affirms her husband, it deepens her love for him. On the other hand, when we don’t regard something as valuable and neglect it, our feelings for it begin to wane. At the top of any man’s list of needs is respect from his mate; God created men that way. He needs respect as much from his wife as he needs air to breathe. A man who doesn’t receive respect from his wife is a man who begins to wither on the inside. 

That is exactly why God calls wives to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33).   Some believe that respect is something we all must earn. But just like love, respect from spouse to spouse must be unconditional. 

This is what Scripture teaches: “Show proper respect to everyone … not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Peter 2:17-18).

How can a wife show respect for her husband

• Express faith in his decision and ability.
• Leave him notes that tell him how much you value who he is as a person.
• Make positive suggestions without demanding an immediate answer.
• Listen to his upsets and don’t take his anger personally.
• Let him vent when he needs to.
• Encourage him in areas where he doesn’t feel secure and let him know you stand behind him.
• When he makes a decision you’re not in favor of, listen.
• Talk about his positive strengths in front of the children.
• Praise him at least once a day.
• Discover the uniqueness of his personality and learn to understand him and communicate better with him.

Ask yourself which of these you did this past month in an effort to show your husband respect. Then ask yourself how you’ll find ways to do these things in the coming month and beyond. It might be difficult at first, especially if your husband is acting out towards you, not treating you with respect, who is maybe physically/emotionally abusive, who does not show love towards you, who does not love Jesus….

When I met Jesus a couple of years ago, my husband and I had serious marital problems. In fact we were on the verge of a divorce and it was in this challenging times when Jesus prompted me to behave and treat my husband with respect.  I couldn’t. In fact, I haven’t for many years. And I [thought] had all the legit reasons for not treating him with respect; my husband was very violent towards me - physically and emotionally, drank excessively, had several affairs and often visited prostitutes.

But Jesus [lovingly] convinced me to obey His word, that I should respect my husband regardless… (1 Peter 2:17-18).

I chose to be obedient and started treating my husband the way God wanted me too… sometimes I had to force myself and there were times it really came naturally.

I was so desperate to save my marriage, to change, to serve and obey God that I sucked up [almost] everything from my husband.  I wanted my husband to approve of the ‘new me’.  I longed for him to see a renewed women of God and most of all I’ve hoped that he would change too. That the changes in me would spark a desire in him to accept Jesus Christ and that the 3 of us would start a new journey.

I am absolutely convinced that the changes in my behaviour, how I treated my husband, how I reacted to situations; together with my non-stop fervent prayers were the triggers that caused him to accept Jesus.

But this is an on-going process; and I do make mistakes, I fight hard against the desires [that so often rises] to be sarcastic, to ignore him, to insult him… sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t.

But I am a firm believer, that because I love Jesus and have a burning desire to be obedient, I will always try again, and again, and again.

Friday 21 October 2011

Restorer

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations; and you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
~ Isaiah 58:12



A word or 2

You will find in praise; spiritual understanding and strength for my My Spirit saturates the soul that learns to pour itself out in worship and that one becomes the object of My love and instruction.

Impossibilities vanish when you and God confronts your mountains


Friday 14 October 2011

What is your prostitute?

Do you remember the “great old bible stories” you heard as a child and how captivated  you were by the greatness of it all?

Noah - the man of faith, building the ark, with all the different animals under one roof? How on earth did he get them in there? What methods did he use to get them to follow him?



What about Jonah and the Whale – What went through his mind exactly when he was in the stomach of the whale? I cannot - not even in my wildest dreams, [and in the comfort of my home] imagine what he must have felt like... thinking about? Or was he just praying and repenting - scared of drowning everytime the whale opened his mouth. Surely it must have smelled!! 



Another old time favourite is the wonderful story of Moses. A story with so many hidden truths. And also a  story of a mothers protective love for her child, how she decided to stand the chance of ‘loosing’ him by hiding him by the side of the River Nile, not knowing if she will ever see him again! But in the end, God’s merciful love, orchestrating events for her to still raise her own child whilst in the care of another women. And then this young man, who grew up as an Egyptian prince, never forgot that he was a Hebrew and that his God had a calling on his life: to free the Hebrews from slavery.


Then there was Samson!  No ordinary man. A super human being.  A real-world Superman. Who killed a lion with his bare hands!  A man who's life story made me look deep and hard into my own life...




Samson. A captivating story of a man whom God miraculously brought into this world and whom He ordered to be put under a special consecration governed by the Nazirite vow. 

Not only was Samson a man called to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines who were occupying the land and oppressing Israel, he was also a man who did not share God’s hatred of evil, a man who lacked a compelling zeal to see Israel freed of Philistine domination.

Samson didn’t think the Philistines were all that bad. He even made an attempt to blend into their lustful and perverted society. His first girlfriend was a Philistine from Timnath (chapter 14). He became so infatuated with her he pressured his parents to approve their marriage. It was on one of his trips to visit his girl that he was attacked by an Asian Lion. Whom he bare-handed grabbed and tored in two.

Samson married her but their marriage did not last a week.  His wife betrayed him. He was angry and discouragedRejected and alone.  And after a while when he got lonely he went back to get his wife - only to find that she had been given to another man (chapter 15).


He frequently visited prostitutes – giving in to the lustful desire of his flesh. Then he met Delilah.  A [another] prostitute with whom he was besotted with.  A prostitute – a wrong decision - that caused him to lose everything;

His strength.
His sight.
His honour.
His life.


And still didn’t he realise he was on a destructive path…
Samson and Delilah.

A true story with great lessons to be learnt and still very relevant in this day and age.
Just like all of us, Samson wanted love and happinessAcceptance.

But he chose the wrong path.
He made bad choices.
He made mistakes.
He gave in to the luring of the evil --- Very relevant to me and you, as we too make wrong decisions. Bad choices. More often than we would admit. 

What did I learn from Samson and Delilah?
To really look deep into my own life, and ask myself this one question:

What is the ‘prostitute in my life? [and in your life]

- Is it my longing for affection and acceptance?
- Rebellion perhaps?
- The internet?
- My marriage?
- Maybe your work?
- Friends?
- An affair?
- Pornography?
- Unforgiveness?
- Money?
- Not sowing?
- Swinger parties?
- An old flame?
- Strip Clubs

What is ‘it’ that cause you to go astray?
To not be obedient?

What is the ‘prostitute in your life that brings distance between you and Jesus?

and then finally.... Is it worth it to have this ‘prostitute’ on the side…..

Thursday 6 October 2011

Small Straws in a Soft Wind


Beloved, I am creating opportunities in your life that will lead to greater unity with Me, says the Lord. I will reveal those things that create hindrances and distance between us. Let Me show you the way to restored innocence and purity, not as one who worships from outside, but as one who can enjoy spiritual intimacy with confidence in the reality of oneness.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.


~ by Marsha Burns

Friday 30 September 2011

Gentleness

Nothing is so strong as gentleness
and nothing is so gentle as real strength

Wednesday 28 September 2011

What my husbands pornography addiction did to me.


Before I became a reborn Christian I use to watch pornography every now and then with my husband. I used to say there is no harm, but the fact was: I was not OK with it. Whenever we were intimate I always wondered if my husband fantasised about the women we saw in the movies. I always felt self-conscious because I was not able to do what the people in the movies could and I definitely did not look as good as the 20 year old in the movie who had never had children.

Intercourse was not intimate at all, but more of a race to try and live out something I saw in a movie. I did a lot of things just to please my husband. I didn't want to be boring in bed. I did some disgusting stuff in an effort to keep things interesting.

Later on in my marriage Jesus saved me from my sins and I devoted my life to Jesus. Shortly after that I found out that this was not the only extent of my husband’s pornography viewing. It was also books and websites that he viewed continuously. I found that anything with a dress was a potential fantasy, him wondering what is beneath it all, not able to keep his eyes off women. I felt so hurt, lied to, angry, ashamed, shocked, insecure, and heartbroken... the list goes on.

Let me tell you, your wife might say she is ok with watching pornography with you, but deep inside, she is not. You are hurting her, she feels that she will never be good enough to satisfy you. She is doing things that are against her will and morals. The perverse sex disgusts her, she cannot do the same things the people in the movies do, it is physically impossible.

This is something you should know... Your wife cannot fully respect you as she feels that you have no respect for her. She is afraid of denying because she is afraid you will reject her.

If you are not certain if it is wrong to watch pornography, masturbate, have perverse sex, feel free to 1st ask God’s blessing before you do it and see if you feel OK with it? I guess not.

My husband will never fully understand the impact his addiction had on me. With God’s grace I have forgiven him. Some scars take longer to heal, but Jesus is the only true Healer.

I beg of you to call on Jesus to heal you of your addictions, He is so faithful. He will restore your marriage and intimate relationship with your wife.

From a wife, a mother, a lover.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Men under construction

Jesus is alive!

I spoke to Him this morning.

In who's shoes?


Stop and ponder.....

In who's shoes are you walking?

In who's shoes do you desire to be in?

Are your shoes to big for you?

Does the shoe fit?

I found a Love greater than life

Therefore the Lord will wait [silence, linger] that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy [compassion, forgiveness, kindness, sympathy, understanding, bigheartedness] on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait [long, desire] for Him.
~ Isaiah 30:18


Monday 19 September 2011

Walk with me through this fire

Heavenly Father

If one's heart has been broken, over and over again... will it ever heal completely? Or will I always be reminded of the evil by the harsh scars that never seems to mend...

Abba Father help me not to hold on to yesterday, help me not to become bitter, or to take the easy way out... Father I need to let go but I don't know how anymore.

Why has it become so difficult to forget, to forgive?

Today, yet again I need Your healing mercy
Walk with me through this fire
I trust in You Jesus


Tuesday 13 September 2011

My addiction


Conceived in Rape, Living With Purpose

As I sat across from a social worker in 2003, ready to receive my adoption records, the women said, "since you're going to find your mother, you need to know about the father."

I hadn't given any thought to him, except that he might have been a hit and run.  Without any preparation she bluntly said, "Your mother was raped."

Read more...
http://christianity.about.com/od/depressionandsuicide/a/Conceived-In-Rape.htm?nl=1


A Christian Testimony
By , About.com Guide
A website worth browsing:  http://christianity.about.com/

Friday 9 September 2011

Shall we dance, my Lord?

Do You hear the music in the distance? Lord it is so all-around us, so real, so part of me and You that I cannot help but to fulfill the desire in my heart to just dance with You, again and again!

O my Lord, do You remember our first dance? The memories of that day is forever imprinted in my soul – a beautiful everlasting moment we had… You and I. You pulled me up from where I laid on the floor, buried in my grief. You knew that my crushed spirit needed You so desperately right then. I could hardly breathe... Jesus I will never ever forget the love and tenderness I have experienced in Your arms that day.

I was so overwhelmed by the immensity of Your love for me. I knew then that You would move mountains to protect me!

Together we waltz, following the rhythm of our hearts, the beating of Your healing mercy. I broke down at every turn we took, but You kept on dancing, kept on turning, knowing how much I needed to rid of the hurt that drenched my soul. You held me steady. You held me together. Lord, You never deserted me that day! You kept me close. Safe. I breathed Your Healing...

Looking back on the past 7 years… we have danced a bit, haven’t we Jesus?
I love dancing with You.  I was born to dance with You my Lord. To be in Your immediate presence soothes my soul.

Whenever I needed comfort or protection, we danced! When I wanted You to love me; we danced! When I just wanted to love You, we danced! Oh Lord, we have had so much fun together.

Do You remember the day when You surprised me - in the middle of the traffic – You took me to the dance floor and we showed off our gum-boot moves! Oh Lord, we've laughed so much that day! You have this mind-blowing ability to just make my day!.

Thank you, Abba Father for being so nice to me. More than nice.

Lord, I love it when You romance me. Please Lord don’t ever stop doing it. You fill my heart with such joy and laughter I cannot get enough of it.

I want it. I need it so much. It makes me fall in love with You more and more and more. Is it possible? To fall deeper and deeper in-love with Someone that already holds your heart captive? I think so … because each time I look into Your eyes… I love You more and more. And more. And more.

Signed, Your dance partner...
xxx

My love

When I first laid my eyes on you
You were quite shy
Soon after that I knew
I found a love so true.

Through thick and thin we vowed
Alone you and I
Our heads closely bowed...
until we die.

I promised I would be true, I would be faithful
I will be there when you need me
To lean on
To be strong.

Shaken over our past -
We fought for our love to last
The roads were very tough
Often thinking we won’t make it, it's just too rough

Until one glorious day, …
He seemed like an ordinary Man
He spoke one word and forgave our sins
He healed our broken hearts

Today I know you never gave up
each time you pulled us through
A strong tower... that's what you are
fighting like a lion...
soaring like an eagle.

My darling, I can honestly say
You are the best thing
that ever happened to me…

Thursday 8 September 2011

Out of darkness

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fevered pitch and it's bringing me out the dark
Finally, I can see You crystal clear,
Hanging on the cross with Your soul laid bare

The scars of Your love remind me of my past
They keep me thinking of a Love that will last
The scars of Your love, they leave me breathless
Knowing I will make in times of distress

You have my hart inside Your hand
I gave You all of my love
Leaving my past behind
With a fire burning,
Reaching a fevered pitch that keeps me out the dark

Monday 5 September 2011

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He! Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings. You are my everything and I will adore You.

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of Your Name! Jesus Your name is Power, Breath and Living Water, such a marvelous mystery. 

You are worthy Jesus!
You are worthy to be praised!
To You be the Glory!

Wednesday 31 August 2011

I hear You say

I know I need You
I need to love You Lord
I'd love to see You
but it's been so long
I long to feel you
I feel this need for You
and I need to hear You, is that so wrong?

Now You pull me near You
when we're close I fear You
still I'm afraid to tell You all that I've done
Are You done forgiving?
or can You look past my pretending?
I'm so tired defending what I've become..
what have I become?

I hear You say:
"My love is over, it's underneath
it's inside, it's in-between
In times that you doubted Me, when you can't feel
In times that you question, is this for real?
In times that you are broken, in times that you are mend
the times that you hate Me, in times that you bend
My love is over, it's underneath
it's inside, it's in-between
In times you are healing and when your heart breaks
the times that you feel like you have fallen from grace
the tines that you are hurting, the times that you heal
the times you go hungry and are tempted to steal
in times of confusion, chaos and pain
I am there in your sorrows under the weight of your shame
I am there through your heartache
I am there in your storms
My love I will keep you by My power alone
I don't care where you have fallen of where you have been
I will never forsake you, My love never ends,
it never ends!"

Wednesday 24 August 2011

a Wilderness Experience

This winter is really stretching me... in more than one way.  I feel... almost... 'post-mortem-ish'. It feels as if I just cannot get past this roller-coaster-emotional-ride I am on!

I know that emotion and faith has nothing do with one another. It's a faith thing and that I should keep my focus on that.

But I am really struggling through all of this. The mountain is just toooo high this time; maybe my aging hormones plays a role, or another exam on its way, or my all-time-weight-battle, my summer clothes that doesn't fit anymore and the mere thought of going on another diet.... agh,!  I just feel sick to my stomach.

So between all of my emotions I thought exercise would do me good; so I went surfing ..  offcourse I took the easy route = Internet Surfing and that really did me gooooood.

The [ever loyal and my best Friend] Holy Spirit led me to a fabulous website on 'Wilderness' and thought I should share this with the world!

That some of the people in the Bible's elite list; Jesus, Moses, David, Abraham, Elijah and Paul (etc.) experienced the same.

[some] Reasons for Wilderness Experiences:
So that you would decide in your deepest being to place God in exclusive control of your life.
So that you would decide on the deepest level of your life to trust God, no matter what you are facing.
So that you would understand the reason for your life.
So that God could equip you for greater service and usefulness.

[originally posted in 2011]

Tuesday 23 August 2011

What is Repentance?

Repentance means a sincere turning away from sin and turn to God. A person must repent to receive eternal life in heaven, but this act does not earn salvation.


 Ezekiel 18:30:
"Therefore,O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall." (NIV)

Jesus also calls for repentance:
"The time has come," Jesus said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15, NIV)
Repentance is an essential part of salvation, requiring a turning away from the sin-ruled life to a life characterized by obedience to God. The Holy Spirit leads a person to repent, but repentance itself cannot be seen as a "good work" that adds to our salvation.

The Bible states that people are saved by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, there can be no faith in Christ without repentance and no repentance without faith. The two are inseparable.

Rahab: Prostitute turned spy for God

By her Profession, Rahab was known as a scandalous woman in the Old Testament, yet this prostitute turned spy was honored by God twice in the New Testament. Like Rahab, you may not have a spotless history, but that won't stop God from choosing to use you, and perhaps even recognizing the noble accomplishments He wants to perform through your life.  If you feel unworthy or marked by the embarrassing mistakes of your past, let Rahab's example encourage you.  Rahab turned from her pas to follow God, and her life was forever changed.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

a Prophetic word

Isn't it amazing that a prophetic word from God can make you feel airborne?

God must have known in His infinite wisdom, what His words, spoken in season will do to His children.  Man oh Man oh Man.... how I love this Man!

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
1 Corinthians 14:3

Thank You Heavenly Father for the profound prophetic word
Thank You for trusting me
Thank You for expanding my territory
Thank You for Restoration ministries
Thank You for my new 'boots'
and Thank You for all the blessings You have promised to send to me and those who stood by me and supported me all these years
I receive it in Jesus Name

Friday 29 July 2011

Weet jy waarom jy lewe?

Jesus het presies geweet waarom Hy gelewe het.  "Hiervoor is Ek gebore en hiervoor het Ek na die wereld gekom, met die doel om vir die waarheid getuienis af te le".
Hy het dit oordink, daarvoor gebid, beplan, gewerk, Sy lewe afgele, weer opgestaan en Sy roeping uiteindelik volbring.

Weet jy waarom jy lewe?

Wat doen jy om jou doel te bereik?

"Hy het ons gemaak dat ons die goeie werke wat Hy vir ons bestem het, kan uitlewe" - Efesiers 2:10

Die klink nie na 'n doellose rondwaal nie. Die bybel se " 'n mens beplan sy koers maar die Here bepaal sy bestemming "- Spreuke 16:9. Jy moet goed beplan, maar God se rigting inslaan.
~ Bob en Debby Gass

Thursday 28 July 2011

Never !

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Character vs suffering


Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls, the most massive characters are secreted with scars...

The desires of my heart


What an amazing Father we serve in deed !

For so many years – in fact, for as long as I can remember, I have always wanted long hair but never could have - my hair is very fine and battles to grow.  And for all these years – since I was a little girl, I have had this secret desire in my heart to one day being financially able to have human hair extensions weaved into my hair.

Then for the last couple of months I have been searching the web, getting the cheapest possible quotes and then… got one , then finally decided last week, I am going to do it!

My excitement knows no end, I dream long hair, I eat long hair… I am on top of the world.  So I started praying, God let it look nice, let my husband fall in love with me all over again (nothing wrong with surprising my fabulous hubby with a ‘new wife’ hahaha), let me not struggle with it, help me to maintain it, oh God!

Then my wonderful Father even went one step ahead…. And surprised me BY PAYING FOR IT!

Oh Jesus thank-You-thank-You-thank-You!!

From a very thankful daughter J


Wednesday 27 July 2011

How do I invite Jesus into my heart?


Pray this simple prayer and believe ...

Jesus I have sinned against You and I ask You for Your forgiveness. I really need You in my life. I believe You are the Son of God. Please Lord, accept me as Your child.

In Jesus Name I pray

Amen

My brand-name clothes

I will wear forgiveness like a crown

Every single morning is a new beginning



No matter what wrong we did yesterday; the abortion we have had, the bad choices, the money we lost in gambling... no matter the wrong turn we made, the Word says, His Mercies are new every morning. Every single morning.

But we must apologize to our Father, repent of our sinful ways. And strive towards living a holy life...

God says that He is slow to anger... and rich in love.

And I believe Him.
If God says is, that settles it.

And therefore I know, when I sincerely apologize, and ask for His forgiveness, I know ~ without a shadow of doubt ~ that I am forgiven. And with that powerful knowledge in my mind and spirit I have full confidence again when I pray or just speak to my Father again.

 I don't feel guilty because I believe every word He says.