Persecuting Jesus

We heard about two remarkable characters on Sunday. The first was a religious fanatic who was determined to promote his religious beliefs by violence and with a 'whatever it takes' attitude. This guy was confronted by Jesus in an awesome experience that convinced him that in hurting other people he was hurting - even persecuting - Jesus himself.

The other character was quite the opposite. Rather than take to violence, he became convinced that God was calling him to go and pray for this religious fanatic. Even though he knew he was risking his life, he acted on that conviction and went to visit this man. The result was that the fanatic renounced violence and became a dedicated 'Christ-follower'.

Where do you find yourself? Are you perhaps persecuting Jesus somehow in your life? Do you know that every human being bears the image of God? Even that difficult woman in the office. Even the slow-moving clerk behind the counter. Do we persecute Jesus in our dealings with other people? Or do we persecute Jesus by relegating him to the bottom of our list of priorities?

Or perhaps you are the one who God is calling. Is God asking you to make a stand in a difficult situation? Are you challenged by your fear of what he is asking you to do?
The good news is that God wants to bring good out every circumstance. He can change you, strengthen you, encourage you - if you will just allow him.

Take that courageous step in your life today. "Lord Jesus, I don't want to persecute you. I want to stand for you and be your instrument in helping to transform the world."

(Acts 9:1-19)

Parenthood

Father’s day at North rand was a wonderful celebration and a huge challenge of parenthood.

As one of our values, Family is important to us.


As Desmond Tutu once said:


You don't choose your family.
They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

Awesome !
My prayer is that you will be God’s gift to your family. If not then start today!

Bless you

Agents Of Change

As Christians I believe that we are called to be agents of change.

Awesome!

To tell the world of Christ’s healing and transforming power.

This takes strength and courage, sometimes more than we think we have.

From the moment we take that step, we place ourselves in a position to be criticised, ridiculed for our beliefs and the need to examine our own behaviour.
I mean, how can we tell others that Jesus can do for them, when we ourselves don’t believe it or that Jesus gives us new values when we don’t live them out?

So, here’s the challenge!

Think and pray about a person you believe needs Jesus.

Now think of a way to tell your story to them.

Bless you for being an agent of change!

Bringing Others To God

If you could give a significant other in your life an enduring gift, what would it be?

Perhaps something like:

Our children – confidence and prosperity

Loved ones – peace and joy

One of the greatest gifts we can give others is Jesus because then we give them all those things and of course, much more!

Andrew shared his testimony with us on Sunday and it always amazes me how God has our well being first on His agenda and how He goes out of His way to bring us to Himself.


It was also special to allow ourselves to express names of people we wanted to bring to Jesus. We know that God is going to do mighty things in their lives!

Do you have someone who you’re thinking about right now?
Someone who needs Jesus?

Take a moment right now – pray a short prayer that God will give them the opportunity to receive Jesus.

Bless you for giving them the greatest gift – Jesus.