A Hindu Woman saw Jesus

 A young woman of Indian descent attended a church in Australia.

The pastor gave her a Bible and she read the New Testament every evening. A few weeks later, JESUS came into her room and spoke to her. HE told her to take a pen and paper and write the following message. Until then she had been a Hindu, but that night she became a follower of Jesus, the Son of God.

King of kings
Priest of priests
My Lord, you are the only way
through which I can attain (get) eternal life.
You are the light of my life
with you in my life,
the darkness cannot settle here
You are my worship;
You are my salvation;
Lord, your grace and greatness shall never be forgotten
Lord, you laid down your life for us
You accepted that you were crucified
So that the holiness of your blood washes away our sin
JESUS, King of Jerusalem

I will praise your name forever
For You are our God and Saviour (Redeemer)
JESUS, I will sing and praise your name
For your holiness and great love for mankind
Are worthy of praise
LORD, I will dwell in your light forever
LORD, receive my humble obedience.

Amen.

She Became Invisible

  Jesus preached a short message in the synagogue where He had grown up. The people only saw him as a normal man, but he demanded the respect due to a prophet.

And He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. Lk 4:24 NASB95

When Jesus continued to challenge them, they were furious.

They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff.

But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Lk 4:29–30 NIV

It happens today too. A man in America was a drug dealer who practised witchcraft.  He was dying of drug addiction but Christians had prayed for his salvation.

Real Christians love their enemies.

A Christian helped him in his extreme need and he was converted.
After a miraculous deliverance and healing process, he became a radical preacher for Jesus.

One day he was talking to a young man on a university campus. The man was deep in darkness, just as the converted missionary had been. He became angry and wanted to knock the preacher out. But he simply couldn't. An angel held his arm.

A young English woman had been a teenage party girl until she saw her christian father die and the glory of God on him as he passed. She was instantly converted,

When she was not yet 30 years old, the young Englishwoman moved to Thailand and served alone as a missionary on a tourist island where there were no missions and no churches. She was a courageous and loving young woman who knew Jesus well and loved people.

She quickly made all kinds of friends and people were converted.

Some Muslims on the island became angry.

When Muslims convert to Jesus, this is the worst mortal sin for the extremely pious Muslims, the unthinkable betrayal, the ultimate catastrophe.

These pious Muslims were determined to kill the young missionary.

They were lying in wait for her. She was hunted down like a wild animal, but each time, amazingly, she simply managed to escape.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit warned her to leave immediately. Sometimes she was told supernaturally that she should not go home or that she had to leave her house immediately.

She was finally ambushed and surrounded and there was no way out.

For nothing will be impossible with God.” Lk 1:37 NRSV

Jesus and the Jews

A time is coming when Jesus will return to this earth in a visible form. The bible does not tell us exactly when He will return but there are prophecies which vividly describe events which we can recognise in the world today.

The bible does not say exactly when Jesus will appear but the bible does say precisely where He will appear.

Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.

On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. Zec 14:3–4 NIV

Jesus will come down from heaven and be seen in Jerusalem, in Israel. Israel at that time will be populated by Jews. It will be the reconstituted Jewish nation of Israel. We are seeing this restoration of Israel in our time.

When Jesus returns, He will take His place as the Jewish King of Israel and rule the whole world from Jerusalem.

The Jews in Bible times rightly believed in these prophecies and were looking for their Messiah who would not only put the world right but also liberate the nation of Israel from foreign domination, just as the biblical prophecies taught.

Shortly before His execution on the cross, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding an unbroken young donkey. This fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the coming of the Messiah King.

"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." John 12:15 (NIV)

The Jews greeted Jesus with jubilation, expecting Him at that time to fulfil other aspects of the prophecy.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. Zechariah 9:9-10 (ESV)

Verse nine foretells the coming of the Messiah as the suffering servant, the Son of God who sacrificed his life on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins.

Verse ten refers to the second coming of the Messiah to judge the nations and establish his kingdom on earth, with his capital city in Jerusalem.

The Jews 2000 years ago did not understand that the Messiah would come not once but twice.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he spent time with his disciples. They were all Jews and they too were confused about God’s historical timetable.

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. Ac 1:6–7 NIV

As Christians, we must not be critical of the Jews because of their misunderstanding. For centuries, Christians have also been misguided in our understanding of God’s long range plans.

Martin Luther and other reformers taught that God had permanently discarded the Jewish nation and transferred all the promises to the Church as the new Israel.

In Romans chapter 11, Paul clearly teaches something quite different.

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,

and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” Ro 11:25–27 NIV

Healing and Forgiveness Together

 If we emphasise healing, are we thereby reducing the importance of the forgiveness of sins?
Not at all. In the Bible, they belong together.

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Ps 103:3 NLT

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.

Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Jas 5:14–15 NLT

If we diminish the healing power of God, we are left with a reduced gospel focused only on sin and forgiveness.

Jesus died on the cross to remove our guilt because he took the punishment for our sin upon himself.

Without this forgiveness, everything is in vain. Our faith would then be a hollow self-deception. 

Without God's forgiveness, we are miserable beggars in filthy rags who can only wait for God's eternal punishment.

For centuries, the Christian religion has propagated the view that we should walk around with false humility as begging sinners, forgiven but still unworthy beggars.

When we are sick, we are allowed to ask for healing, but only as beggars who cannot be sure of receiving God's favour.

But I don't find this way of thinking in the New Testament.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:16 NIV

We must never forget that forgiveness of sins and healing are gifts of grace that we have never earned. We must not arrogantly demand, but we should also not doubt that God wants to help and save us.

When God gives us a promise, he means well with us. He is not a dishones salesman or politician who promises something he does not want to give.

God says what he means and he means what he says.

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Nu 23:19 NASB95

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Ps 103:3 NLT

Why can we ask for God's forgiveness with confidence?

Because Jesus died for our sins.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Co 5:21 NASB95

Jesus himself said:

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Mt 26:28 NIV

But Jesus did not only suffer to abolish our sins, but also to free us from the consequences of sin.

Before the fall into sin, there was no sickness in the world.

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Mt 8:16–17 NIV

Here we read in plain language in Matthew that Jesus not only bore our sins and our guilt on the cross, but also our sicknesses.

Forgiveness of sins and healing of sickness belong together.

If we only celebrate signs and wonders but do not take sin seriously, our message is distorted.

But the reverse is also true. If we only focus on sin and forgiveness and not on healing, we are not following in Jesus' footsteps.

Healing for All

 In the beginning, there was no sickness in the garden. Adam and Eve were never meant to die.

What did Jesus say?

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Mt 6:9–10 NIV

Is there a headache or a cold in heaven? Of course not.

Before the Fall, Eden was like God's heaven on earth.

Why did Adam and Eve lose this paradise?

They did not honour Father God. They believed the devil and ate from the forbidden tree.

Because they did not honour Father God, the earth was no longer like heaven.

But God had a plan to restore everything.

Adam and Eve were supposed to rule the earth with God, but they gave their authority over this world to the devil.

Is that really true?

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. 

“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Mt 4:8–9 NIV

The kingdoms of the world were in Satan's hands.

Really?

Now is the time for judgement on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. Jn 12:31 NIV

Jesus acknowledged that Satan had been the ruler of this world since the fall of man, but Jesus had come to take back this rule.

When Peter preached the gospel to non-Jews for the first time, he summarised Jesus' mission in concise words.

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Ac 10:38 NLT

Jesus went about healing all. He healed everyone.

But how can that be? Jesus sometimes chose only one sick person. 

But no one in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John asked for healing from Jesus without receiving it. Not one.

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. Jn 6:37 NIV

If we read the New Testament with open eyes, it becomes clear that Jesus forgives all who seek forgiveness, and if Jesus forgives you, he will also give you eternal life.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro 6:23 NIV

Those who trust Jesus can expect a much better life in heaven after death.
Because of our sin, without God's grace, we can only expect the endless desolation of hell.

Salvation is only by grace, but God will not force you to receive His grace. God gives us the choice.

The same is true for healing from all diseases. Healing is a gift of grace, but you must receive healing. It can be a learning process.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28 NIV

Are you burdened with sickness, shame or guilt? Come to Jesus.

God did not even spare his own Son, but gave him for all of us.

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Ro 8:32 NKJV

What is your Purpose in Life?

 Abraham was a strong old man, but still an old man, that is, no longer a virile bridegroom. His wife was also way past her used by date.

Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Ro 4:19 NIV

But despite everything, Abraham had a promise from God.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Ro 4:18 NIV

If you receive a promise from God and don’t see its fulfilment so quickly, you must cultivate the virtue of hope.

Human hope can be little better than wishing. If you harbour wishes, you can merely dream without really expecting any fulfilment. But with God, hope is an attitude and a way of thinking in which we truly expect God's blessing.

Genuine hope is a gift of God, but we must put hope to work in our thinking and in our lives.

Faith and love are the key to life with God, but you need to have hope to keep your faith alive, so God can use you for his purpose.

And what is God's purpose for you?

God's purpose for Noah was to preach, to warn his contemporaries, to build an enormous ship, to save many animals and his family from the Flood.  

Is shipbuilding your calling? Probably not.

God's destiny for Moses was to free two million slaves and lead them through the desert. You are probably not called to do that.

David was a shepherd, poet, musician, and then a soldier, general, king and prophet.

Esther was an orphan and then a queen.

So we can see that everyone has a very individual destiny and calling.

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel. Jdg 3:31 NIV

Shamgar was obviously a cowherd or farmer. He was also effective as a soldier, but not with conventional weapons.

David was a soldier, but in the beginning he fought with a slingshot.

Maria Luise Prean-Bruni has written a brilliant book on this subject.

‘Come into your destiny. God created you as an original. Don't die a copy.’

God created Billy Graham but only once. Everyone is different.

What is your calling?

God Transforms your Past

 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. Is 54:4 NIV

God remembers everything in your life, the good, the bad and the ugly.
But doesn't the Bible say that God forgets your sins when he forgives you?

God chooses not to consider your forgiven sin as sin. But God keeps a record of everything in your history for a different purpose.

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. Ro 8:28 NIV

God keeps a record of your whole life to heal the wounds in your soul.

Better yet, God uses the wrong and traumatic experiences in your life to bless you and others.

When Moses died, Joshua took over the leadership of Israel.
Before the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan, Joshua sent spies to Jericho.

They narrowly escaped capture when they fled to a brothel. The prostitute Rahab protected them because she believed in the God of Israel.

When the city of Jericho fell, Rahab's house was preserved and she was welcomed in Israel as a convert to the true God.

She became the grandmother of King David's grandfather.
Rahab is one of only four women listed in Jesus' family tree in the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus said to the self-righteous Jewish religious leaders:

... “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. Mt 21:31 NIV

How many prostitutes have been encouraged by the story of Rahab to respond to God's love?

God uses the records of our past lives to bless us and others.

I once heard a very interesting preacher. He told the story of a church made up mostly of converted former prostitutes. They were wonderful street evangelists.

    As prostitutes, they had pursued men with shameless boldness. God used that same shameless boldness to make them marvellous evangelists.

God forgets the sinfulness of your sin, but He uses your sinful past to bring about amazing miracles.

Feeling Love and Experiencing God

We read in the Bible: ‘’God is love‘’. We believe this, but often only in theory.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Ro 5:5 NIV

How is it possible to receive strong love without experiencing tender feelings?

We hold to the truth of the Bible with conviction and determination, but when it comes to experiencing God's love, feeling His tenderness, many Bible-believing Christians shy away.

... to search for God, if perhaps indeed they might feel around for him and find him. And indeed he is not far away from each one of us, Ac 17:27 LEB

According to the Bible, we may find God by feeling around.

This should shake Bible-believing intellectuals out of their theological world of thought.

The Holy Scriptures tell us in plain language that we can feel God.

O God, you are my God; I will seek you diligently. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you as in a dry and weary land without water. Ps 63:1 LEB

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Ps 84:2 NIV

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Ps 34:5 NIV

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Ps 34:8 NIV

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Ps 36:8 NIV

The Song of Solomon is intended to illustrate the love of God.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. So 1:2 NIV

We also read in the New Testament that extreme emotions are quite all right.

You have sorrow now, but I will see you again and then you will rejoice; and no one can rob you of that joy. Jn 16:22 The Living Bible

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, 1 Pe 1:8 NIV

Hiding from God

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Ge 3:8 NIV

We are often like Adam and Eve. God wants to go for a walk with you and with me.

He also wants to have a deep friendship with you, but you hide.

We all hide sometimes.

Some hide behind intellectual objections or philosophical systems of thought.

We study theology and want to understand God as a concept, but no longer know him as Father and Friend.

Some hide behind activities in the church.

They want to prove themselves as good Christians and be recognised. But God does not want good Christians, but dear children and friends.   

Some strive for Bible knowledge and hide behind Bible texts.

But Paul said:
Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
But whoever loves God is known by God. 1 Co 8:2–3 NIV

Jesus also said:
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,

yet you refuse to come to me to have life. Jn 5:39–40 NIV

Some hide behind virtue and righteousness, but Jesus wants nothing to do with self-righteousness.

Some hide behind humility. They think and perhaps even say: ‘I am nothing, I can do nothing.’

Jesus told us about one such negative person.

“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
But the Lord condemned the man who only appeared to be humble. Mt 25:24–25 NIV

What is true humility?

Jesus is our role model. He was and remains today the Eternal Son of God, God the Son, God who knows everything and understands everything.

But then he made himself small, weak and vulnerable. The Eternal Son of God became a human baby.

Jesus became like you and me, small, with limited intelligence. He had to grow up and learn step by step, just like us.

But he was totally open to his Heavenly Father. He lived in communion with the Father.
We can learn humility from the Christmas story.

We are all like Adam and Eve, who did not trust God, who did not believe God's word, who did not follow God's instructions.

We are all like Adam and Eve, who were ashamed and tried to hide in God's garden.

But you cannot hide from God. He sees everything and still loves you unconditionally.

He wants to find you in your hiding place, but not to punish you, but to love you and set you free.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Mt 11:28–29 NIV

Have you ever felt the need to meet God in person but felt as if God was trying to hide Himself from you?

Is it possible that God is not hiding Himself, but that you are hiding yourself from Him?

But perhaps sometimes God hides Himself, not so that you will not find Him, but so that you will seek Him and then find Him.

Should you love yourself?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28 NLT

God loves you and me. We have all gone wrong. We are all unworthy sinners, we need God's forgiveness. Without God's forgiveness, we must always strive to hide our shame and disguise our failures.

You and I have a longing for love, but we always doubt whether we can be lovable.

Many react with exaggerated self-centredness. Religious Christianity has therefore rejected all self-love as sin. Many strive to resist self-love. They try to love others, but not to love themselves.

But this does not work well.

We learn from social science that many patients visit a doctor, get a prescription, but they don't buy the medicine. Others buy the medicine but don’t take it. Then there are others who take the medicine but take it incorrectly, or forget to take it when they are in a hurry.

(Peterson, Jordan B.. 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote for Chaos. Kindle Edition.)

Why do we neglect our own health? Because of a lack of genuine, healthy self-love.
But social scientists have revealed an even more astonishing finding.

When they get a prescription from the vet, almost all people are very reliable and use the medicine just right.

Jesus tells us to love ourselves. But no! Really?

... ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ … Mk 12:31 NLT

But many preachers have always claimed that we all love ourselves too much. We must therefore endeavour not to love ourselves.

And the very many people who despair and commit suicide, do they really love themselves?
So many people do not respect themselves, do not care for themselves, do not protect themselves.

Yes, there are people who seem to worship themselves, but there are also so many who hate or despise themselves.

I visited a church in Germany where the preacher was praying with longing for revival. He once asked God why the long-awaited revival had not yet come.
He told us that God had given him an amazing answer.

We are still waiting for revival because so many Christians do not love themselves.

I once had a problem because a pastor had arrogantly dominated me.

Again and again I thought how I should have resisted his domination. Anger and resentment kept surfacing in me. Then I repented each time. I prayed to God for forgiveness. I proclaimed my forgiveness for the pastor.

But a few days later, the anger resurfaced.

Then I gave up the fight. I simply told God:
``Dear God. You see my thoughts. What do you think about it?
The Holy Spirit answered immediately:
‘’You can't forgive the pastor because you can't forgive yourself. You should have resisted, and you failed. You have to forgive yourself for your failure.
Then I was set free.

It was a lack of self-respect. There is a God-given self-respect. This is an aspect of healthy self-love that Jesus is talking about.

Paul deals with the same topic.

He warns against extreme subservience, which is also an aspect of a lack of self-love.

In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. 2 Co 11:20 NIV

Jesus also warns us against authoritarian preachers.

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. Mt 23:8 NIV

Extreme submissiveness is terrible, but rebellion and selfishness are no better.
When a man visits a prostitute, he not only despises the woman, but also himself.

Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 1 Co 6:19 NLT

Healthy self-love is also an antidote to drug addiction and pornography addiction.

You can only love yourself properly if you learn to experience the love of God, if you learn to value yourself as God values you.

Did Jesus Choose a Chief Apostle?

When God wants a great work done, He chooses one man to pioneer and lead. It is not difficult to find examples in the bible or in history. 

It is easy to conclude that God’s operating principle is always to appoint a hierarchy and a clear chain of command. Most of our churches operate this way.

But when we read the New Testament, we encounter something new and strange. Jesus selected twelve apostles, and He favoured three above the others, Peter, James and John. But there is something about the story which is so weird, that it is like something from another planet.

Jesus did NOT appoint one successor. Abraham appointed Isaac; Moses appointed Joshua; Elijah appointed Elisha and David appointed Solomon, but Jesus did not appoint a supreme leader to take over after He returned to Heaven.

The Bible tells us a lot about the sins and faults of the Apostles, and preachers love to make sermons about them.

But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 

And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. Mt 23:8–10 NKJV

What were the Apostles disputing? Was each of the twelve claiming to be number one? That would be absurdly childish. I have never heard a group of men or boys being so silly.

What most preachers fail to notice is this. Jesus had not conformed to the perfectly reasonable expectation of any group of leaders. Jesus had not appointed a single successor to be supreme leader after His departure.

• Peter was an obvious candidate, but he could be impulsive and make mistakes.

• John was especially favoured and loved, but he was the youngest.

• James was also a serious candidate.

But who was the chosen one? Since Jesus had not told them, they did what any group of men would do. They tried to work it out themselves.

After Jesus returned to heaven, Peter seemed to take the lead in Acts chapters 1 to 3. Nevertheless, the writer of Acts emphasises the collective leadership of “The Apostles.” In Acts 2, Peter preached the first sermon, but the main emphasis is on the inspired and inspiring unity of all the disciples.

All this is not because of any neglect or forgetfulness of Jesus or the Father in Heaven.
Jesus declared a whole new approach to leadership in Matthew 23.

But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. Mt 23:8–10 NKJV

This is so radical, that most Christians and most Christian leaders have not even begun to understand it. I have been a member of Pentecostal churches for 35 years and I have never heard any preacher, any teacher or any pastor seriously attempt to explain this vitally important text.

Near Death Experience. God Sent her Back

I filled the sink with cold water, held my left arm in, put the knife to my wrist, sobbed and stammered in tears: ‘Please God, forgive me, but I have no strength left.’

Toscani, Gabriel. And then there was light: 35 people, all of whom were clinically dead, talk about what they saw and experienced ‘on the other side’. Some were in paradise, others in hell. (German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

Instead of leaving all my problems behind me, as I had intended to do with my suicide, my soul was now transformed into a being of fear, pain and total isolation....

The only thing that interested me in my burning agony was that Jesus Christ was born on earth. And here I was, trapped in this world of suffering and torment, and all that mattered to me was my remorse that I had never confessed Jesus in my life, that I had never believed in a Creator.

Toscani, Gabriel. And then there was light: (German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

The miraculous thing about my story is how God's love brought me back to earth. How he heard me when I pleaded with him before I cut my wrist. And that in my anger, despair and pain, he heard my plea for forgiveness and did not send me to this hell.

Toscani, Gabriel. And then there was light: (Und dann war Licht… German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

Near Death Experience. Pilot Sees Heaven.

 Captain Dale Black was a pilot who died in a plane crash.

‘’The plane burst apart, the three pilots were thrown at about 220 kilometres per hour onto the concrete from about twenty metres. Only Dale survived, somehow...

Suddenly I was thrown into the air and hovered over my shattered body...
Two angel escorts accompanied me, dressed in seamless white robes woven from silver threads.‘’

He reached God's heaven. After God sent him back to his body and his earthly life, he tried to describe what he had experienced in heaven.

‘’Each house was customised and unique, yet they all looked very harmonious together. Some had three or four storeys, others were even higher. No two houses were alike.‘’

Burke, John . This is what heaven is like: near-death experiences, the promises of God, and the extraordinary future that awaits you (German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

Shortly before his death on the cross, Jesus wanted to encourage his disciples.

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? Jn 14:2 NRSV

The home of the heavenly Father is the city of God in heaven. When you trust Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you have a new and eternal citizenship.

Your home is God's heaven. God has prepared a home for you, your own home.

Have you ever been to a church service and the singing gradually became boring?

Then the question arises whether worship in heaven will only be a service without end. The thought is discouraging.

But if heaven will only be a never-ending worship service, why will we need houses?

In God's heaven, everything is indescribably beautiful, the trees, the flowers, the music and even the houses.

Surely we will worship God with songs of praise.

The apostle Paul was stoned and died. He died and then came back.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 2 Co 12:2 NASB95

From the context of the passage, we understand that Paul was most likely talking about his own experience.

God created you with a mortal body, but you are also a spiritual being. Your life will never come to an end.

Where will you live forever?

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jn 11:25–26 NIV

In God's heaven are all those who trust and love Jesus from the heart, but all others will continue to exist elsewhere, without God, without love and without hope.

Lazarus Came Back

 Yegor was a young Russian communist sent to America on a secret mission. He was enchanted by freedom in the USA and wanted to defect, but he was so naive that he made his intention known.

That was his death sentence. He was poisoned by a KGB agent. A few hours later, his body was in a refrigerator in a hospital, but his mind was wide awake. He was astonished. He was dead, but he was still conscious. As a communist, he didn't believe in an afterlife.

For two days he was freed from his body and was able to reconsider the reality of his life, but then things got really serious. He was enveloped in deep loneliness and darkness. He knew he was on his way to hell.

‘Jesus Christ, if you really exist, then please, please take me away from here. Forgive me for all my sins, forgive me for never believing in you, but please, please take me away from here!’

“I put my last spark of hope into this prayer, and at the exact moment I uttered the last word, the miracle happened: I saw a small, bright light in the pitch-black darkness.”

Toscani, Gabriel. And then there was light: 35 people, all of whom were clinically dead, told me what they had seen and experienced ‘on the other side’. Some were in paradise, others in hell. (German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

Jesus revealed himself as a radiant light but also as a loving presence. Yegor had never experienced such love.

After two days they took me out of the fridge and after another twelve hours they wanted to start the autopsy. Just as the doctor was about to put the scalpel to work and make an incision in my chest, I opened my eyes.

Toscani, Gabriel. And then there was light: (German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

He had to stay in hospital for another nine months. Without the intensive care and God's healing power, he would not have survived.

Only later did he fully understand that it was actually Jesus who had answered his prayer.

It is exactly as it says in the Bible: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jn 14:6 NIV

“I am convinced from the bottom of my heart that what it says is true.”

Toscani, Gabriel. And then there was light: (Und dann war Licht) German Edition) . Kindle Edition.

Build your Faith. Start Small

Are you stuck in your Christian life? People talk about Bible study in your church, but you're not an academic. Start small, you can read a Psalm and half a chapter of Mark, Luke or John every morning or evening.

It is not important to be a trained theologian. What matters is that you gain insight from God.

But how does this wisdom come?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Mt 7:7–8 NIV

It is better to read a little with childlike faith and feel God's heart than to read many theological books without knowing God's heartbeat.

Some pray long prayers. They speak to God, but do not listen in their hearts to hear God's answer.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Jn 10:27 NIV

God wants to encourage and guide you, and sometimes correct you with love. He speaks in the Bible when you seek God's guidance in your Bible reading, but not only directly through Bible texts.

Do you know any poems or worship songs? If a song touches your heart, you can worship God in that song and He can speak to you through it as well.

I was once in a blessed church service. The preacher prayed for me and I felt the loving presence of God. Then an old poem came to my mind, a poem by Heinrich Heine. Here is a rough translation.

Quiet stealing through my mind,
sweetly ringing spring song,
ring out a little spring tune,
ring out little song!

Ring out to the house,
where the flowers are blooming:
If you see a rose
tell them I send my love.

A few years later, Jesus called me to travel to Germany. After arriving in Frankfurt, I spent a few days as a house guest in a beautiful village in the Taunus Mountains.

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, I went out into the garden. It was 25 December and spring was still a long way off. I looked around the garden until I saw a plant. There before my eyes was a rose.

God speaks through signs and wonders, but signs and wonders are not always spectacular. If your heart, eyes and ears are open to God, you will also experience signs and wonders.

Do you want to get to know God? Start small.

What are your Priorities

 What is important in your life?

There are people who do not pause to consider their priorities.

A well-known management expert taught that a company must have clear priorities. If you have ten priorities, you have no priorities.

Many organisations have many rules, but no clear priorities.

But what's it to you? You are an employee and you simply have to adapt.

But you also have your own life. What are your goals in life? What are your priorities?

All the main characters in the Bible had clear goals.

• Noah was to build a ship to save his family and all kinds of animals from the Flood.

• Moses was to save the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, and he led them to the Promised Land.

• Deborah was to lead the Hebrews in a war.

• After the death of her husband, Ruth determined to provide for her mother-in-law.

• God gave Nehemiah the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

• Paul was given the task of missionary work among the Gentiles in the Roman Empire and to plant new churches everywhere.

  What is important in your life? Maybe you have clear goals and priorities, but maybe not.
  
  Many people have a vague idea that they should be good Christians. But otherwise they don't have clear priorities.
  
  What is a ‘good Christian’? If your ideas of the Christian life only come from Bible teachings from your church or your family, you will always be torn by other people's expectations.
  
  Again and again we read in the Bible how an apparently ordinary person had an encounter with God and received a calling for their life.
  
  Do you perhaps feel frustrated because you have no clear direction in your life? God loves all his children with all his heart. Jesus is the great King of kings. If you are a son or daughter of a great king, should you remain an insignificant nobody? God forbid!
  
  God has important tasks for you. If you are always busy fulfilling all the wishes of your family or your church or your boss, you will not be able to hear God's guidance.
  
  If you do not yet know Jesus as your Saviour and guide, you will either be enslaved by your own drives and desires, or you will be enslaved by other people.
  
  There are selfish, self-centred people who deal with all kinds of addictions, porn, alcoholism, drug addiction etc.
  
  On the other hand, there are virtuous people of duty who are enslaved by the desires of other people.
  
  Jesus wants to set you free, but not so that you can always satisfy your own desires.
  
  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Co 9:24 NIV
  
  But the Christian life is not a competition. Paul does not mean that only a hero of faith should win God's prize.
  
  Every Christian has a unique calling from God, a very special mission in life. If your life is based only on religious duty, you will never find out what God's purpose is for your life.

God Changes Bad People

There are terrible people who repent and God forgives them.

Hermann Zaiss was a very blessed German evangelist at the end of the war. As early as 1945, thousands and thousands of people from all regions of Germany and other countries came to his meetings.

Many gravely ill people were miraculously healed, but these were not the greatest miracles.  

There was a young soldier in the British army of occupation. He had a burning hatred of the German people.

His commander was a Canadian officer who looked upon this young man with Christian compassion because his uncontrollable bitterness was poisoning his own soul.

This young man was no monster. A Jewish child from Germany, he had found refuge in England, but his entire family was murdered by the Nazis.

The Canadian officer brought the emotionally wounded young soldier to the meeting where the German evangelist was preaching.

Also among the audience was another seriously injured man. He was a hardcore Nazi from the Waffen SS, a loyal disciple of the Führer.

In the last days of the war, he was hit by an artillery shell explosion.

When he woke up from a coma, he saw a black American nurse smiling at him with Christian compassion.

He no longer understood the world. One of his legs had been torn apart, and he was permanently crippled.

The helpless SS officer and the embittered young Jew listened to the sermon, saw the healings and felt the presence of God with his love and mercy.

Then their hearts became warm and soft. They turned to Jesus and testified of their experience.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Ps 147:3 NIV

Then the most amazing of all miracles took place. They became firm friends.

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 1 Jn 3:14 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Ro 5:1 NIV

What is truth?

 In today's world, our minds are overwhelmed and confused. The current opinions and discoveries of science determine our world view, although many people are now sceptical of climate science.

What the great thinkers of the past taught is, in many people's eyes, long outdated and no longer relevant.

Many consider the mainstream media somewhat reliable. Others think the opposite.

They believe what politicians or newspapers claim is nothing but lies. These people firmly believe in unconfirmed conspiracy theories.

But as I see it, we are inundated with opinions and alleged facts. Is everything in the mainstream media true? Of course, it isn't. But is everything false? Really?

Are all conspiracy theories false? No. Are they all true? Nonsense!

Some claim that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. Others claim the Antichrist will be King Charles of England. Some claim the Antichrist could be Bill Gates.

Are all conspiracy theories true? Simply impossible, because one theory excludes others.

A wise person does not believe everything, but he who believes nothing is not wise either.

The problem is that we cannot know infallibly what is true and what is false, regardless of whether the information comes from the mainstream media or from alternative sources.

Jesus lived in Israel 2000 years ago. For many modern and post-modern people, this means that the story of Jesus is a trivial legend.

But the Bible is still relevant. All over the world, there are 7 days in a week. One day is supposed to be a day of rest. It wasn't like that everywhere, and not always. 

The seven-day week comes from the Jewish scriptures, the first part of the Christian bible.

There are many religions in the world, but only a few so-called ‘great religions’.

Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The founders of the great religions claimed to teach eternal truth and reality. All were human, but all but one claimed to be only human.

Only one claimed to be God himself, Jesus Christ.

“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” Jn 8:57–58 NIV

Many people have claimed to be God, but none has been recognised throughout the world as a great teacher.

In Islam, Jesus is said to be a great prophet. Many Hindus, Buddhists and humanists respect the teachings of Jesus, but they ignore what Jesus said about his identity.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Jn 14:6–7 NIV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jn 11:25–26 NIV

No wise person can say this without being God himself.

Who was Jesus? A wise man? A wise man must be humble. Jesus said he was humble. A humble man does not say what Jesus said if it is not true.

I once heard a funny story. A man was visiting a psychiatric hospital.

    A patient came up to him and said:

Do you know who I am? I am Napoleon.
The visitor asked who had told him that.
The patient replied proudly, ‘God told me!’
Then a loud voice was heard from another patient: ‘I never told you that!’

Jesus was more than a great teacher of wisdom.  

Jesus was either a mentally ill egotist, or a brazen deceiver, or he was and is God's eternal Son.

What is in your Hand?

The Philistines were fully equipped soldiers. They had chariots and weapons made of iron. The Israelites were just poor farmers.

Perhaps you are also faced with terrible challenges. We can learn something from ordinary people in the Bible story.

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad. He too saved Israel.  Jdg 3:31 NIV

Shamgar was determined to defend his land and his inheritance. He had only one weapon, a long spear made of wood with a point to prick and drive oxen.

Shamgar was not a trained soldier, but he used what he had.

Moses was just a shepherd in the desert. God commissioned him to lead the enslaved Hebrews out of captivity.

How did Moses respond?

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Ex 3:11 NIV

We are like Moses back then. We read that Jesus is calling us Christians to continue his mission on this earth.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt 28:18–20 NIV

How do we react? Often just like Moses.
Who am I?

And how did God respond to Moses?

Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. Ex 4:2 NIV

What is in your hand?

A couple in South Africa wanted to save lost people, but they were not evangelists themselves. A great evangelist visited their town.

What was in the hands of these ordinary people? They were not billionaires, but they had a bank account.

They withdrew the money in their bank account. Then they went to the prostitutes on the street and paid the young women for their time when they came to the event so they would hear the sermon.

Many of the young prostitutes heard God's message and converted to Jesus. 

Who are you?

Probably no Billy Graham or Reinhard Bonnke either, but you have something in your hand.

You have a mobile phone or a laptop. You have an internet account and a car.

• Who can you call? Who can you visit or invite?

• Who can you encourage?

• God loves you immeasurably.

• He is waiting for your reaction, for your love.

But God's love is practical. What can you do for God? 

What is in your hand?

Expect Good Things from God

 God has good plans for me today. God has a good plan for you today.

A preacher was praying one day, when God spoke to him.

“Tell the people to expect good things from God. Tell them something good is going to happen today.”

God is for you and not against you.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Ro 8:31–33 NIV

Some will doubt if God loves them. They may have grown up in a religious tradition which teaches that God chose some to be saved and others to condemn. Your fate is already determined

But Jesus died for you. Jesus died to save us from our sins, to rescue us from our guilt and punishment.

But does this mean that God loves everyone? What if you are not one of the chosen ones?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

Who did God love? The world. Who does that include? Everyone in the world.

Who did Jesus die to save?

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 Jn 2:2 NIV

Jesus died for you.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Ro 8:31–32 NIV

God is for you, not against you.

If you have problems today, God wants to help you.

If you are sick, God wants to heal you.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Jn 10:10 NIV

God is not making you sick. He wants you to be well.

God does not want you to be anxious or confused. He wants you to be full of hope and clear thinking.
You can pray to God, read your bible and say with confidence.

“God loves me. Something good is going to happen to me today.”

Love is a Choice

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

God sent His only Son into this world to rescue us from our self-destruction. God’s original purpose for us all, is that we know him as our creator, who loves us and cares for every aspect of our lives.

Why didn't God just make us perfectly good and leave it at that?

Then none of us would turn bad. None of us would kill or steal. We would never mess up our lives with useless addictions.

In fact, God did make the first man and woman perfect and good.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Ge 1:27 NIV

God is perfectly kind, loving and good. So the first man and woman were created fully formed with the same character as their loving creator: kind, loving and good.

Even today, we can see imperfect manifestations of God’s goodness in many people.

We see faithful couples, loving mothers, skilful doctors who care for their patients, judges who do their best to be fair. Not all politicians and rulers are corrupt.

So why did people go wrong?

God created men and women with his own nature.

One essential aspect of God’s nature is his freedom to make decisions. God did not have to create anything or anybody. He freely chose to create everything, and everybody, including you and me.

If we are created in the image of God, we must also have this essential attribute of God, the ability to make decisions, to marry or stay single, to love or hate, to obey or disobey.

When God created the first man and woman, he put them in a garden full of fruit trees. They could choose to eat any fruit except one, the fruit of the forbidden tree. They had to make a choice, whether to trust and obey God or to disobey.

True love is always a choice. A newborn baby feels the love of its mother and returns that love, but as boys and girls grow up, they must choose to love their parents, or they can rebel and make bad choices. 

We must also choose to forgive our parents, which can be a serious problem.

God did not make us as perfect computers, infallibly programmed to do what we were programmed to do. God made you and me to be unique individuals who mature by making good choices.

When we love as God wants us to love, it is always a choice.

What will you choose today?

We have all inherited a degree of corruption from our parents, and we have all been exposed to bad influences by the world we live in. 

We don’t live in a perfect relationship with God because the first man and woman ate the forbidden fruit and passed on a corrupted nature to all generations.

But God knows all things. He saw that we would misuse our free will. Free will involves rewards for good choices and bad consequences for bad choices. By distancing ourselves from the only source of love and goodness, we are all doomed to die and continue in the next life without any hope or goodness.

God is the God of justice. He did not want to punish us. He sent His own eternal son into this world to pay the penalty for our sin. If we turn to Jesus, we will be forgiven and given a new life, life in the image of our creator.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  Jn 3:16 NIV

Loving and trusting are choices. Believing in Jesus is a choice. How will you choose today?

Reaching Broken People

 Are you under threat? Attacks can come from all directions.

I have had to go through many crises in my life: Illness, unemployment, bullying, persecution, financial problems.

I am grateful for the help of my parents and my Christian relatives and friends, but without God's faithfulness I would have been ruined.

I know a very likeable young woman who had no help from her family. As a young girl she had already believed in Jesus, but she went through traumatic experiences and then she was alone.

She worked as a prostitute for years until she finally experienced real Christian love when some Christian women visited the brothel. She is now a faithful Christian.

She told me that she believed in Jesus as a young child, but not that she prayed as a prostitute. But I suspect that she sometimes begged God for help.

Gaby Wentland is a pastor who does missionary work among prostitutes and ex-prostitutes. She said there is more prayer in brothels than in many churches.

I read in the Bible that the Hebrews were enslaved and horribly bullied in Egypt. When God spoke to Moses in the desert, he said that he had heard the desperate prayers of the Hebrews.

Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. Ex 3:7 NLT

When it comes to mind, I often pray for prostitutes.

There are already Christians who help prostitutes and victims of human trafficking. Jesus said that many people are ready to receive God's salvation, but they need help.

Not all Christians can visit brothels or minister in pubs, but some can and should minister in difficult worldly places.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few.
Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” Mt 9:37–38 CSB

We can find broken victims everywhere, in schools, universities, offices, shops in your neighbourhood and on the street. Broken victims often maintain a facade of respectability, but not always.

I know a pastor who was shocked to learn that a seemingly decent woman in his congregation was a stripper in a nightclub.

When I see people who look very sad, impoverished or mentally disturbed, I often pray for them briefly. I believe God will answer many such prayers in an amazing way.

When I see people who look very sad, impoverished or mentally disturbed, I often pray for them briefly. I believe God will answer many such prayers in an amazing way.

Friendly greetings can also be a meaningful encouragement to many people.

(Jesus) said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

This is the greatest and first commandment.

And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Mt 22:37–39 NRSV

Freedom from Real and False Guilt

 Psychologists warn us about the toxic effects of guilt. But many preachers condemn psychologists because they want to explain away feelings of guilt as neuroses, instead of recognising our guilt in God's eyes.

In reality, all people are guilty because we disrespect God and treat our fellow human beings unjustly.
 
When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they immediately became guilty because they disobeyed God.

But their feelings of guilt were also partly neurotic and false. They were ashamed to be naked, even though it was not a sin to be naked together as man and wife.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

And the LORD God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” Ge 2:15–17 NRSV

Then Eve was deceived by the devil's lies.

But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die;

for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Ge 3:4–5 NRSV

That was a lie. Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, and immediately they became unable to properly discern good from evil, because it was not a sin to be naked.

We still see this confusion. There are women in Africa who walk around with bare breasts without feeling guilty, and there are women in the Middle East who feel guilty if they don't wear a headscarf.

Jesus died on the cross to free us from our sin and guilt.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Is 53:6 NRSV

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn 1:8–9 NRSV

But many Christians confess their sins and still remain burdened by feelings of guilt. They still feel guilty, even though God promises that their sins are forgiven.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Ro 8:1 NRSV

They are plagued by shame, unworthiness and self-loathing.

A woman sins or is raped and has an unwanted child. The child always feels unwanted and rejected. Children like this often feel responsible for their mother's suffering

The child feels guilty about his or her own existence. If the child then really does sin, there is never any forgiveness in his own eyes.

It is well known that women who have been abused or raped are often rejected and judged by others. They then feel guilty, even though they were actually victims.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they broke off their close relationship with God. Without a loving relationship with God, they could not clearly distinguish between good and evil.

Are you burdened by guilt and shame? Jesus wants to invite you to come to him so that he can forgive you completely and heal your deeply wounded soul.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28 NRSV

God's Plan for your Life

Are you in an impossible situation, and you can’t see a way out? In spite of everything, there is a good, all-powerful God who loves you with all his heart.

The 57th Psalm is a prayer by David, who was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel.

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Ps 57:1 NIV

King Saul was consumed with jealousy and murderous rage. David was surrounded by Saul and his soldiers and took refuge in a cave. David had no help but God.

He cried out with all his heart, but not loudly. He desperately needed help.

If you are being interrogated by the police or a mean boss, you can’t pray out loud but God hears the cry of your heart.

He was crying out for mercy. God's help is always grace, and God's mercy and grace is always there for you because He loves you.

God answered this prayer. David survived and became king.

God had a plan for David to become king.

 You may be overwhelmed with problems right now. God has a good plan for your life. He doesn't just want to help you through this crisis. He has a good future for you.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfil his purpose for me. Ps 57:2 NLT

The Power of Good Thoughts

 I was studying to be a social worker. I had a practical placement in a public hospital. 

The social worker introduced the students to a cancer ward. She explained that dying patients were given strong narcotics to ease the pain and mental suffering. The medication was effective but it also helped the patients to die more quickly.

I began to think more intensely about my mortality and the meaning of my life. I was in my twenties and I could look forward to 50 or 60 more years, but what then?

I was going to a church which focused on humanist theology, social justice, therapy for troubled souls and human solutions to problems. I had a nagging feeling that I was avoiding eternal spiritual issues, but I was afraid to commit myself to the God of eternal heaven and hell.

In my confused state of mind, I was enticed by a horrible cult following a false Messiah. After a few days of brainwashing I was on the edge of a mental breakdown and I walked out of the commune.

I was desperate and I was finally ready to go to a church that took the bible seriously. I made a real commitment to be a disciple of Jesus, but I was still very depressed.

A good Christian friend took me to a church where I encountered the love and the real presence of God, but sadly this was not a happy ending.

This church turned out to be an authoritarian cult. I was told to fast a lot and to stop seeing my psychiatrist. It was a disaster. I became upset and angry and I was excommunicated by the pastors.

I spiralled down into an abyss of mental illness and I spent 12 months in a psychiatric ward on strong medication.

In the few months before I was excommunicated, I had been hammered by severe preaching. We were told we must be broken in spirit, that our wills must be broken to submit fully to God. I was already broken by terrible trials and I just could not take this poisonous mixture of obligation, fear and guilt.

Before and long after I left that church, I lived in fear of condemnation from God. At times, I was terrified.

Eventually I left the hospital and went to a good church, where I found kind people and good ministers, but I struggled to overcome the deep depression.

I remember standing outside the church after a good meeting. I looked up at the night sky and told God I just wanted to die and go to heaven.

In this short article, I don't want to tell my whole life story, but the question is how I overcame my trauma.

I found a church where God's grace and miraculous healings were emphasised. I learnt to experience and enjoy God's loving presence on long walks.

Even in the hospital, I learned to distract myself from the horrible thoughts with positive and creative activities.

Sometimes I hear Christians condemning psychiatry and medication. I can only say that they are often misguided by ignorance and prejudice.

I am eternally grateful for the support of my parents, and also of good friends and loving Christians.

I have been in a church for seven years where a pastor has taught us to unleash our imagination to think of fond memories and develop an attitude of gratitude.

This is so important that we focus on beautiful thoughts.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling bad, I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don't feel so bad.’ (The Sound of Music.. Rogers and Hammerstein)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Php 4:8 NIV

Reaching Difficult People

 I was in a wonderful church for a few years where all kinds of people were welcome, strange looking people, prostitutes and ex-prisoners.

There was a man in the community who had spent 23 years in prison. He was probably a murderer.

He regularly visited prisons and often brought ex-prisoners to the church meetings..

This man's previous life was undoubtedly terrible, but after his conversion he was like an angel to broken men.

When Jesus was a guest of a Pharisee, a woman came in who was living a sinful life.

As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Lk 7:38 NIV

The religious host was indignant.

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Lk 7:40–43 NIV

The Pharisee was probably shocked when Jesus then explained that the woman's sins had been forgiven.

The religious types said that Jesus was a friend of sinners, but in their eyes that was not a compliment. But God is very different from many religious legalists and perfectionists.

How can we apply this approach of Jesus today?

I know women who visit brothels and help prostitutes with kindness, but not all Christians can do that, and many Christians should not.

I have once visited a pub and had friendly conversations with a New Age mystic. Not all Christians can or should not try this.

A man in our church told of a friend who rented a house where the neighbours made his life a living hell. He prayed regularly for the neighbours and treated them politely. Little by little, bad neighbours became human and friendly.

If you treat all kinds of people with respect and kindness, you will sometimes be amazed at how God can transform evil people.

But we also have to be careful.

There are people who only want to manipulate and exploit you. Beware of narcissists with cold hearts.

There are also self-centred criminals who go to church to find sexual victims, especially children and young women.

Not only men can be dangerous, but also some evil women.

I know a Christian couple who always wanted to be kind and help outsiders. They regularly drove a couple to church services, but it turned out that the woman was a witch who was causing great harm in the church.

Dangerous people can be outsiders who attend church services, but there are also priests or preachers who are really wolves in sheep's clothing.

Beware of preachers who want to dominate and personally control everything and everyone in the church, no matter how holy they may appear.

Back to Basics with Jesus

Jesus was surrounded by conflict and rejection from his birth in Bethlehem to his death on the cross. 

He was born in a barn. Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt to save their baby from assassination. 

When Jesus began his ministry, he was opposed and persecuted by the religious leaders for three years until they had him executed on false charges.

His nation was occupied by brutal Roman soldiers. The Jewish people were divided between religious and political factions, religious legalists, violent freedom fighters, corrupt collaborators who worked for the Roman occupation.

In this chaotic environment Jesus loved people, cared for people, practised and taught forgiveness, loved his enemies.

The world we live in now is catastrophically messy. When I vote in an election, I am painfully aware that which ever way I vote, I am supporting some horrible anti-Christian policy. When I vote, I ask myself which alternative is worse.

There is no really good alternative on offer in most countries, no party which supports the teachings of Jesus in a balanced way. Christian churches are painfully divided by political issues. Both sides appeal to biblical principles to justify their preference.

I find myself engaged in culture wars. My opponents are often fellow Christians. 

Jesus himself had to deal with these kinds of conflicts. We need to get back to basics.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Mt 5:6–7 NIV

If we are committed to personal righteousness and moral virtue, we must also be committed to social justice, because the original bible word for righteousness included both moral virtue and social fairness.

If we are committed to mercy for unborn babies but not equally committed to care for poor single mothers, and for victims of rape and incest, we are not merciful as God wants us to be.

Hope for Dark Times

 You are weak, but you refuse to stop believing.. God will reward you.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:3 NIV

You are broken, misunderstood, mistreated, but you refuse to blame God. God wants to comfort you.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Mt 5:4 NIV

You are in a dark place. You see no way out, but the light of God's love shines in the darkness.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Jn 1:5 NIV

You are in trouble, but Jesus is on your side. Don't give up!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jn 16:33 NIV

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Ro 8:31 NIV

When you are mistreated, never give in to hate and bitterness. God still loves you. Never give in.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Ro 12:21 NIV

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Jas 1:12 NIV