Mighty Man of Valour

Personal Meditations - God's Heart to Mine

2012-07-02T09:41:00.005+02:00

Some Scriptures that have been my personal meditation in the season gone by. They are eternal words of life and will forever be a comfort to me.

Deuteronomy 28:13 - If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom.

Psalm 34:19 - 20 - The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!

2 Chronicles 20:17 - You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.

1 Corinthians 1:18 - For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Isaiah 58:10-12 - Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness round you will be as bright as noon.The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.

Holy Spirit With, Within, and Upon

2012-07-02T09:29:00.000+02:00

The Holy Spirit is With Us
At Salvation, convicting us of our sins, showing us the righteousness of God and his judgement.

John 16: 7 - 11

Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

The Holy Spirit is Within Us

When we get get saved the Holy Spirit lives inside of us.

John 20:22

And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit."

Romans 8:9

And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

The Holy Spirit is Upon Us

We are baptized in the Spirit with power for service. The Spirit comes upon us.

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Good Shepherd - by Magen

2012-06-15T16:36:00.004+02:00

John 10 speaks about the Good Shepherd. 'I call them by name and they hear my voice... No-one will pluck them from my hands'.

After Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene heard Jesus was gone and assumed His body was removed. When she went back Jesus was there (she didn't know it was Him), she asked if He knew where her Lord's body lays. He called her by her name and she knew immediately its HIM!

After Jesus rose, He went to peter while he was catching fish, after that they had a feast. And Jesus says, 'Peter do you love me, then feed my lambs, and again, 'peter do you love me, then feed my sheep.'

There's always been a difference between lambs and sheep. Lambs as being innocent. Lambs are also sacrifices in the old testament. Jesus is the lamb - both innocent and a sacrifice. Sheep are easily led astray, but they know the shepherd's voice.

So I think Jesus asked Peter to take care of both His lambs and sheep. - Magen

CONQUER IT, OVERCOME IT by Carmy

2012-06-05T15:29:00.002+02:00

I have been experiencing a whole new angle on coming to a stand still. I found that in times of drought when you long for water, God blesses you with the unasked first then the asked. This is so that you will unquestionably give thanks and in so doing forget the drought in exchange for time in His presence and glory.

I asked God for a verse and he gave me one word " drought",its not the extent of your drought that matters, it's about how strong your will power is, not to escape it but CONQUER IT, OVERCOME IT and more importantly to gain VICTORY OVER IT! This reminds me that in order for God to work, I should never make things about me, instead I should act selfless and humble myself to the will of my father.

Prayer From John 16:33 by Magen

2012-06-05T15:27:00.002+02:00

John 16:33 'These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world'

Father God, I start off my day with the revelation of knowing that you are within me and I in you. Lord my day gets so busy, my mind gets filled with the stress of exams, the stress of finance, but in YOU I have peace, because you are within me. I pray for the joy that YOU have, that it would be released in me. Trials and stumbling blocks will meet my path, but I'm of I am of good cheer, because you, MY FATHER, have already overcome this world and that same power and strength you had (and still have) to overcome this world is within me, because you, Father God are within me.

Amen

Just as I am

2012-06-01T17:16:00.002+02:00

Welcome to new MMV Blogger and very dear friend, Magen. She shares a simple but very real thought about God being crazy about who we are.

God gives us all unique personalities, one of mine is that I talk a lot! Throughout high school I was made to hate it and I became sensitive. I found myself trying to speak less, or going with the crowd. Even though it looked good, I didn't feel that way. Jesus said in the book of John, this world will not accept you because you are not part of it, just as they didn't accept Him. It made me unstable, but today I realize that God loves me, and I like to think that He laughs when I 'over talk' and say the wrong things. You don't know that the one thing you hate so much about yourself, might be what God loves. I don't know about you, but God is more important then this world to me. Magen.

You're Not Alone

2012-06-01T17:06:00.003+02:00

Some comforting and thoughtful words from MMV Blogger Carmy Matthews.

I'm sitting here listening to Jason Upton's 'You're not Alone'. In this song he speaks of Martin Luther King sitting at his kitchen table all by himself, his family had already gone to bed. All of a sudden he received a phone call and this man said Martin if you don't stop preaching what you're preaching, we going to take your family and kill you. And after he hung up he sat at the table and just began to say father I grew up in the church, I have preached your kingdom all over the earth, all over America and I know that you are real but right now I'm so afraid, and I don't think I've ever heard you say my name, I need to hear you say my name father. And he just began to cry. And out of the silence he heard a voice begin to say, never alone Martin, never alone Martin, I'll never leave you.

I'm thinking how beautiful this story, God mentioning your name, comforting you, reassuring you, LOVING YOU. What better way to stand on the promise of God than this. He said that he would never leave nor forsake us. Therefore we have no need to ever doubt God.

Father God thank you, thank you that your grace is sufficient for me, thank you that your very love overwhelms me. Thank you Holy Spirit for reminding me today that I am never alone and that i never will be. You have searched me God and you know my heart, you know when I rise and sit, you know every hair on my head father. How precious your thoughts are toward me o God. Just overwhelmed right now, how awesome He is to just fill an entire room with His presence, with those words alone. God changes people, listen he revives, restores, heals, gives life and is love. Who am I that you are mindful of me Lord that you see me, you hear when we call. Who was Saul that you were mindful when he was blasphemous, or David that you appointed him king!or Sarah Lord Sarah that she was able to bear child at that age,or Mary when you saw her virtuous enough to carry a king!... you called us friend!!! Or Lord Samuel when at that young age said here I am Lord I am your servant, who are we that you saw us worthy of a struggle, you called us your friend...

About Faith

2012-05-31T14:37:00.003+02:00

In my quest continuously to bring about encouragement and insight I have invited other believers to contribute to this Blog. Here's a revelation from my dear friend Carmy. It's about faith!

"Early in the week I was speaking to God or rather he was speaking to me. He gave me these words... UNSHAKEABLE FAITH, and then LET YOUR ROOTS GROW DEEP. which Craig confirmed when he mentioned that he had a message on it. I searched earnestly for a word on faith, how we gain it,how we become consumed by it, what it means to have faith and the effect it has on our lives. We all know that faith without work is dead. Many times we repeat this scripture but do not acknowledge the strength which lies therein or the effect it has. Paul wrote in Hebrews chapter 11, describing what I believe to be an unshakable Faith, one that reflects a heart and spirit willing to sacrifice and live solely to believe in God. When Chantelle mentioned that unshakable faith is what we all strive for, it reminded me of Matthew that states even faith as tiny as a mustard seed can move mountains. Its extremely easy to lose faith; but imagine the reward you receive for holding onto your faith. I believe that the strength of your faith ties you to what you believe in God for which in turn ties you to God. Dont lose heart in any given situation. Deuteronomy 4:29 states that if we seek the Lord we will find him, if we seek him with all our hearts and souls. Remember that without faith it is impossible to please God. Our faith assures Us that the God we serve is omnipresent and constantly eager to hear us. Smith Wigglesworth said that we are not nearly as eager to ask God than He is to answer us. Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. ASK IN FAITH, WAVER NOT AND WATCH HOW MIGHTILY GOD MOVES" - Carmy Matthews

The Precision of His Word

2012-05-29T20:32:00.000+02:00

Often I find the need to re-read a portion of Scripture to ensure that I have not missed out on any simple little words that add so much more vigour and power to His Word. When David says in Psalm 34 "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles."(AMP), I find great delight in knowing that through the inspiration of Holy Spirit this author took the time to include the word "all". There is deliverance from ALL circumstances. In every trial and during each anxious moment I find myself staring into the inevitable Light. What a joy to know the truth; that He will deliver me from "all" distress and trouble. The Scriptures are filled with little pieces of dynamite such as this. I love it! It brings about a greater dimension of hope and the extreme assurance of a promise from my Father's heart. "All" my troubles? All! Great God. Blessings.

Audio Sermons - MP3 and Podcast

2012-05-28T13:17:00.000+02:00

Enriching, life-changing sermons from my home fellowship - Alpha and Omega Christian Fellowship

Get Perspective

2012-05-28T13:09:00.001+02:00

Perspective - much needed in bustling times and even amidst the desire to be of exceptional service to God and others. Step aside from the chaos and confusion of life and know what He says about each area of your being. What is His promise for you for THAT area that you are struggling with? Search His Word and get to know His heart. Blessings.

A New Season

2011-10-19T10:22:00.000+02:00

More than two months have passed since I last posted here. Wow, time has simply run away with me it seems. Well, nonetheless I am making a commitment to encourage and keep you updated far more often.

On the 1st of October I exchanged vows with Chantelle! No words can express the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that we both experienced. We were so tremendously blessed to have a perfect day and having our desires fulfilled. The amazing thing was that the natural circumstances was not favourable for us to have such an amazing day or even for a wedding to take place. But my God shall supply...!

And so we have entered into a new season in our lives. One of the most exciting things of marriage is that no matter what happens during your day at work, you KNOW that you have a home to go to with someone you love waiting for you. And I beleive this is how we as Christians should approach life. KNOW that you have a place in heaven. No matter what, you are assured of a place at home with your Father.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name - John 1:12

This season is so exciting and filled with seeds of new beginnings. Look, He is doing a new thing.

From My Heart

2011-08-05T09:58:00.001+02:00

It's finally here. ONE8 is going on camp tomorrow! My heart is full of joy and pumping with Spirit-filled excited.

Personally I have been through so many trials in a short period of time. Some of them still continue. One thing is certain, I am not the man I used to be. I have always loved the Word of God. I have loads of head-knowledge of His Word and I love to share what He says in His Word. In these last few months I had the amazing privilege and joy of enduring trials of many kind during which His Word became life to me. My heart overflows with joy, excitement, new passion and desire.

As many of you know I have been without permanent work for a long time and finally God provided me with a good job. Why did it take so long? Because quality education requires the master to take the student aside and coach him one-on-one. I still have this deep sense that I am only in this position for a season because God wants to blow my mind with something greater. This is only the tip of the iceberg.I thank Him for a season that has ended, for new doors that have opened and for greater things to come.

Often we look at our weak and vulnerable moments and wonder where the power is. When will God show up? When will he do something? Friend, picture the scene at the cross. Weakness, lonliness, hurt and discouragement in the physical. But the complete message of the cross is power! And so it is with us today. When we are weak, His strength is being perfected in us.

My heart is bursting with a message that I want to share this coming weekend at our first camp. Please hold us in prayer.

The big day is also coming closer where I will exchange vows with my beautiful fiance, Chantelle. I am my beloved's...

The 'Qualification' for Unmerited Favor

2011-07-18T23:05:00.000+02:00

The sweet grace of God. Wow! While we were yet sinners he came to save us - Romans 5:8. While we cannot earn or deserve God's unmerited favour (grace) we are certainly called to be positioned to receive His grace. I love this portion of Scripture from Proverbs 3:3-4

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
   bind them around your neck,
   write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name
   in the sight of God and man."

Launching Pads

2011-07-14T12:27:00.000+02:00

Joseph Prince, in his book 'Unmerited Favor', says this:

"There are many times where the lowest points in your life are actually the launching pads to God's promotion in your life. It was so for Joseph!"

He goes back to the Genesis account of Joseph's life and says,

"If Joseph had not been betrayed by his brothers, he would not have been sold as a slave. If he had not been sold as a slave he would not have been in Potiphar's house. If he was not in Potiphar's house, he would not have been thrown into an Egyptian prison meant specifically for the king's prisoners. If he was not in that specific prison, he would not have interpreted the dreams of Pharoh's officers. If he had not interpreted their dreams, he would not have been summoned to interpret Pharoh's dreams two years later. If he had not interpreted Pharoh's dream, Pharoh would not have promoted Joseph to become his prime minister over the entire Egyptian empire!"

Today, when you wonder why God has allowed (or is allowing) you to experience the recent storms in your own life, hold on the promise of His heart, "I know the plans I have for you".

He will never leave you and He will never forsake you. Take courage today dear friend, "if God be for us, who can be against us"

Have we drifted too far?

2011-07-12T23:25:00.000+02:00

Often, in both the setting of ministry and my personal walk with God, I have needed to stop and ask if I am still on track and in-line with the heart of God and the message He wants me to proclaim. Oh, how exciting it is to go and tell the world that Jesus that loves them. Be it from a pulpit, filling a program for two minutes, running a youth project or just speaking to someone casually, seeing hearts light up because they come to learn that there is a God who loves them is really amazing. But God allows certain periods on the journey when rest needs to be taken. At those moments I often wonder and echo the words of the crowd in John 6:28 "What must we do to do the works God requires?". And our Lord responds: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”. The journey is marked with different seasons, milestones, sufferings, remarkable moments, life-altering experiences and decisions. But one thing remains, God's Word. Have we drifted too far and gotten so caught up in events, programs, agendas, line-ups and church? To do what God requires we need to come back to the Rock of our salvation. Jesus, the One the Father has sent. He died as an eternal sacrifice. Once. Forever. And through Him we have eternal life and a present purpose.

Current Reads

2011-07-12T13:37:00.000+02:00

As much as I enjoy reading, I find it very challenging to stick to one book for any length of time and often find myself reading and digesting nuggets from various discourses. Some of my current reads (apart from my Bible) include the following:

Welcome, Holy Spirit - Benny Hinn

This is your Day for a Miracle - Benny Hinn

Unmerited Favor - Joseph Prince ( A gift from my dear fiance, Chantelle)

Very powerful, sincere writings. I cannot wait to share what I have read and experienced with you. I will do my best to post a snippet from any of these books on a daily basis.

Blessings and Favour Upon Your Life.

Listen for His Voice

2011-07-01T22:51:00.000+02:00

1 Kings 19:11-13 (King James Version)

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening - Tuesday, June 28, 2011

2011-06-28T08:17:00.000+02:00

"Looking unto Jesus."

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus." All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that "Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee--it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee--it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument--it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by "looking unto Jesus." Keep thine eye simply on him; let his death, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; when thou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee.

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name."

This Week in Ministry

2011-05-24T12:04:00.000+02:00

Anglican Cell Group Prayer Meeting - Kensington, Tuesday at 19h00.

Marriage Preparation, Alpha and Omega International - Pinelands, Wednesday at 18h30.

Living with Purpose - Heideveld, Friday at 19h00.

Youth Delivered - Mitchells Plain, Saturday at 17h00.

Weekend Line-Up

2011-03-25T16:42:00.000+02:00

Friday, 25 March 19h30 - Docks Mission Factreton Youth, Cape Town.

Saturday, 26 March 19h30 - Benny Hinn, Good Hope Christian Centre Ottery, Cape Town.

Sunday, March 17h30 - Healing Service, AT THE CROSS Church, Tafelsig, Cape Town.

Join the Bands

2011-03-08T17:34:00.001+02:00

Join The Bands this Friday at New Life Factreton, Windemere High School. Everyone is Welcome! I am honoured to share a Word on the night!

Awesome Time in Heideveld with ONE8

2011-03-05T00:15:00.001+02:00

The power of God descended the moment we started preaching the Word. They will never be the same again!

How To Perform God's Works

2011-03-02T10:55:00.000+02:00

The crowds followed Jesus after he had performed the miracle feeding. They wanted to know what they should do to perform the works of God just like Jesus did...Here's how the story plays out in John 6:28-29.

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”
Jesus told them,
“This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

2011-03-01T17:24:00.000+02:00