You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
This is a great verse to quote when you feel like the Devil is having a go at you. The power that lives inside, the power of the Holy Spirit, is infinitely greater than anything the Devil can conjure up against us. The Bible says we are overcomers. God has a plan for our lives that cannot be thwarted by the enemy, in fact his every attack plays right into God’s hands, but we have to believe what God says about us and not allow ourselves to be intimated or discouraged. We are overcomers and the power of the living God is within us!
To listen click here!
Friday 31 July 2009
Wednesday 29 July 2009
Lamentations 3:24-26
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26
I don’t know about you but waiting patiently and quietly is not my speciality! There’s a time pour out your heart and plead earnestly, there’s a time to declare and speak out boldly in faith and there’s a time to make peace with where you’re at, to make yourself comfortable even in difficult circumstances and to wait for the salvation of God to manifest itself. God is our portion and that means we have the best part! Learning to wait and to wait with faith and expectation is one of the hardest tests of the Christian walk, but those who endure will receive the crown of life and the breakthrough that they were waiting for.
To listen click here!
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26
I don’t know about you but waiting patiently and quietly is not my speciality! There’s a time pour out your heart and plead earnestly, there’s a time to declare and speak out boldly in faith and there’s a time to make peace with where you’re at, to make yourself comfortable even in difficult circumstances and to wait for the salvation of God to manifest itself. God is our portion and that means we have the best part! Learning to wait and to wait with faith and expectation is one of the hardest tests of the Christian walk, but those who endure will receive the crown of life and the breakthrough that they were waiting for.
To listen click here!
Monday 27 July 2009
1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11
The God we serve is an awesome God, supreme in power and authority. There is no one higher or greater and His power extends to all heaven and earth. Sometimes we need to step back, look up and have a ‘wow’ moment and worship the One who created the stars and galaxies and the delicate inner parts of our body. God is the rightful owner of all the kingdoms of the earth and one day He will come back to claim that which is His own.
Click here to listen!
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11
The God we serve is an awesome God, supreme in power and authority. There is no one higher or greater and His power extends to all heaven and earth. Sometimes we need to step back, look up and have a ‘wow’ moment and worship the One who created the stars and galaxies and the delicate inner parts of our body. God is the rightful owner of all the kingdoms of the earth and one day He will come back to claim that which is His own.
Click here to listen!
Friday 24 July 2009
1 Chronicles 28:20
Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord, your God is with you. 1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV
So many times in the Bible, God tells His people, don’t be afraid, don’t be discouraged, I’m with you. God will empower us, but we need to do our part, to be bold and to step out in faith. James says that faith without deeds is dead and faith expresses itself through action. We need to be bold and do the work God has given us, knowing that He will equip us and empower us. Don’t let fear hold you back! (And I’m talking to myself most of all!!)
To listen click here!
So many times in the Bible, God tells His people, don’t be afraid, don’t be discouraged, I’m with you. God will empower us, but we need to do our part, to be bold and to step out in faith. James says that faith without deeds is dead and faith expresses itself through action. We need to be bold and do the work God has given us, knowing that He will equip us and empower us. Don’t let fear hold you back! (And I’m talking to myself most of all!!)
To listen click here!
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Isaiah 43:25
I even I am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25 NIV
This verse is such a wonderful reassurance of the forgiveness we have in Christ. God says ‘I, even I’. This wonderful act is not performed by any intermediary or an angel but by the Holy One Himself, the Lord God Almighty. He blots out our transgressions – to blot means another substance covers over the original so it can no longer be seen, and in forgiveness, our sins are covered over by the blood of Jesus.
We might well ask the question, why would God want to do this for me? I don’t deserve it, but in this verse God reminds us that it’s not about us, or what we have or haven’t done, it’s about Him – He does it for His own sake.
It’s also reassuring to know that God chooses not to remember our sins. He banishes them from His memory and in doing so, all record of our wrong doing is erased. What a wonderful verse and our wonderful it is to have right standing with God, and assurance for our consciences.
To listen click here!
This verse is such a wonderful reassurance of the forgiveness we have in Christ. God says ‘I, even I’. This wonderful act is not performed by any intermediary or an angel but by the Holy One Himself, the Lord God Almighty. He blots out our transgressions – to blot means another substance covers over the original so it can no longer be seen, and in forgiveness, our sins are covered over by the blood of Jesus.
We might well ask the question, why would God want to do this for me? I don’t deserve it, but in this verse God reminds us that it’s not about us, or what we have or haven’t done, it’s about Him – He does it for His own sake.
It’s also reassuring to know that God chooses not to remember our sins. He banishes them from His memory and in doing so, all record of our wrong doing is erased. What a wonderful verse and our wonderful it is to have right standing with God, and assurance for our consciences.
To listen click here!
Monday 20 July 2009
Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV
This world and all that it contains is subject to shaking – by earthquakes, stock markets, corruption, war and natural disasters, but the kingdom being established in our hearts and to come is being built by a master builder and cannot be shaken. God is holy and He shakes and consumes that which is not holy for our God is a consuming fire. In our lives He will consume that which is not holy. This burning process is not always pleasant but the end result is holy sons and daughters of the most High God whose desire is to please and serve Him with clean hands and a pure heart.
For my part I would prefer to get rid of that which is unholy rather than have God consume it! God is not casual or relaxed about sin, which is why we should approach Him with reverence and awe and seek to live holy lives through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
To listen click here!
This world and all that it contains is subject to shaking – by earthquakes, stock markets, corruption, war and natural disasters, but the kingdom being established in our hearts and to come is being built by a master builder and cannot be shaken. God is holy and He shakes and consumes that which is not holy for our God is a consuming fire. In our lives He will consume that which is not holy. This burning process is not always pleasant but the end result is holy sons and daughters of the most High God whose desire is to please and serve Him with clean hands and a pure heart.
For my part I would prefer to get rid of that which is unholy rather than have God consume it! God is not casual or relaxed about sin, which is why we should approach Him with reverence and awe and seek to live holy lives through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
To listen click here!
word2go change in frequency
Hi everyone – this is just to let you know that I’ll be reducing the pod casts to three a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This is more sustainable for me over the long term. Hope you’re enjoying the pod casts as much I am creating them. Doing this project is such a blessing to me and I can literally feel the difference God’s Word is making in my life as it gets a real hold of my heart. Enjoy and be blessed!
Friday 17 July 2009
2 Corithians 3:17-18
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corithians 3:17-18
God is doing a great work inside of us. Our glory is increasing and we are becoming more and more like Jesus! What an awesome promise. This is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. And with this transformation comes more and more freedom, as God sets us free from sin and negative ways of thinking. The more freedom you give to the Holy Spirit, the more freedom He will give back to you.
To listen click here.
God is doing a great work inside of us. Our glory is increasing and we are becoming more and more like Jesus! What an awesome promise. This is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. And with this transformation comes more and more freedom, as God sets us free from sin and negative ways of thinking. The more freedom you give to the Holy Spirit, the more freedom He will give back to you.
To listen click here.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Hebrews 10:35-36
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36
I think it’s so easy to look at a difficult situation with natural eyes and conclude that God isn’t doing anything and just give up hoping that God will change anything. We need to learn to make a positive confession, and continue to trust God even when everything around us is shouting ‘you’re a fool to keep trusting God!’ Romans 10:11 says anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.
To listen click here!
I think it’s so easy to look at a difficult situation with natural eyes and conclude that God isn’t doing anything and just give up hoping that God will change anything. We need to learn to make a positive confession, and continue to trust God even when everything around us is shouting ‘you’re a fool to keep trusting God!’ Romans 10:11 says anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.
To listen click here!
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Romans 10:17, 8-9
So faith comes from hear
ing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:17, 8-9 NAB
How do we build up our faith? Simply by hearing the Word of God, whether that’s reading the Bible, listening to a sermon or listening to word2go, it’s all faith-building. That’s why it’s so important to let His word dwell in our richly. His Word is the seed, and it will always produce results over time.
To listen click here.
ing, and hearing by the word of Christ.But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:17, 8-9 NAB
How do we build up our faith? Simply by hearing the Word of God, whether that’s reading the Bible, listening to a sermon or listening to word2go, it’s all faith-building. That’s why it’s so important to let His word dwell in our richly. His Word is the seed, and it will always produce results over time.
To listen click here.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
Sometimes I think we fall into the trap of thinking that God is a human like us, only extra intelligent and with a whole lot of power. For sure there are things we can learn and know about God, but truth be said He’s in a league of His own. He’s God Almighty and sometimes it’s beyond our puny minds to try and work out the moves of the master chess player. He’s not unknowable but He’s not fully knowable, otherwise He wouldn’t be God, but merely an extra-ordinary man. He’s great beyond our comprehension and worthy of our praise for ever and ever.
To listen click here.
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
Sometimes I think we fall into the trap of thinking that God is a human like us, only extra intelligent and with a whole lot of power. For sure there are things we can learn and know about God, but truth be said He’s in a league of His own. He’s God Almighty and sometimes it’s beyond our puny minds to try and work out the moves of the master chess player. He’s not unknowable but He’s not fully knowable, otherwise He wouldn’t be God, but merely an extra-ordinary man. He’s great beyond our comprehension and worthy of our praise for ever and ever.
To listen click here.
Monday 13 July 2009
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
I am reminded that the Christian life is not a short sprint, but a long distance race – a race that calls for endurance and stamina. It’s not about how well you’ll do in the next few years, but how strong will you be going for God 20 years from now, that’s the challenge! Because the way that you run a sprint and a marathon are very different.
There are 2 main thoughts in the first line that talks about ‘the great cloud of witnesses’. We have a magnificent history of people that have endured and won their race through faith. Ordinary people like you and I have done great things for God simply by believing that God could use them. And secondly I like to think the greats are watching us from heaven, taking an interest in our progress. Their race is finished and now they’ve handed the baton to us.
I had a bit of fun playing this one. You’ll hear what I mean – there’s a few added extras. Enjoy.
To listen click here.
I am reminded that the Christian life is not a short sprint, but a long distance race – a race that calls for endurance and stamina. It’s not about how well you’ll do in the next few years, but how strong will you be going for God 20 years from now, that’s the challenge! Because the way that you run a sprint and a marathon are very different.
There are 2 main thoughts in the first line that talks about ‘the great cloud of witnesses’. We have a magnificent history of people that have endured and won their race through faith. Ordinary people like you and I have done great things for God simply by believing that God could use them. And secondly I like to think the greats are watching us from heaven, taking an interest in our progress. Their race is finished and now they’ve handed the baton to us.
I had a bit of fun playing this one. You’ll hear what I mean – there’s a few added extras. Enjoy.
To listen click here.
Friday 10 July 2009
John 15:7-8
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:7-8 NIV
This is a really encouraging verse. We have unlimited resources in God, and we have but to ask, but notice the condition; remaining in Jesus and letting His word remain in us. That means not just knowing His word, but obeying it – active adherence to the words and commands of God. This will ensure that our will is aligned with God and that we ask for the right things, ie things that will result in us bearing much fruit. God is a God that loves to give and to bless, just let His words be central in your thinking and lifestyle and ask!
To listen click here!
This is a really encouraging verse. We have unlimited resources in God, and we have but to ask, but notice the condition; remaining in Jesus and letting His word remain in us. That means not just knowing His word, but obeying it – active adherence to the words and commands of God. This will ensure that our will is aligned with God and that we ask for the right things, ie things that will result in us bearing much fruit. God is a God that loves to give and to bless, just let His words be central in your thinking and lifestyle and ask!
To listen click here!
Thursday 9 July 2009
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Another translation says ‘guard your affections’. The TNIV say ‘above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. I think this verse can apply to people or things and perhaps when Jesus said ‘where your treasure is, there your heart is also’ He may have had this scripture in mind. Guarding means we need to pay careful attention to what gets a hold of our hearts, monitor it closely, and not get caught by surprise.
To listen click here!
Another translation says ‘guard your affections’. The TNIV say ‘above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. I think this verse can apply to people or things and perhaps when Jesus said ‘where your treasure is, there your heart is also’ He may have had this scripture in mind. Guarding means we need to pay careful attention to what gets a hold of our hearts, monitor it closely, and not get caught by surprise.
To listen click here!
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Here’s the answer to the big question – How do we please God? What is it that God really wants from us? And this is the thing that all the great men and women in the Bible were commended for – their faith. Applying God’s word in a practical way in our lives, even when the world says that’s foolish.
And then there are two parts that follow, firstly believing He exists I think is a very easy thing, but then comes the harder part – earnestly seeking Him. Notice the word earnestly. It’s not a casual thing but there is a seriousness and a deliberation with which we need to pursue God. Notice in the gospels that the people who got something from Jesus, i.e. a healing, had to overcome obstacles and push through crowds or social barriers to get their answer. The Bible says the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. 1 Peter 2:6
To listen click here!
Here’s the answer to the big question – How do we please God? What is it that God really wants from us? And this is the thing that all the great men and women in the Bible were commended for – their faith. Applying God’s word in a practical way in our lives, even when the world says that’s foolish.
And then there are two parts that follow, firstly believing He exists I think is a very easy thing, but then comes the harder part – earnestly seeking Him. Notice the word earnestly. It’s not a casual thing but there is a seriousness and a deliberation with which we need to pursue God. Notice in the gospels that the people who got something from Jesus, i.e. a healing, had to overcome obstacles and push through crowds or social barriers to get their answer. The Bible says the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. 1 Peter 2:6
To listen click here!
Tuesday 7 July 2009
John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 NIV
This is a real core of our Christian faith. Jesus puts a strong emphasis on this value. Notice He says a new command I give you, not a new suggestion. God expects this of us. Everything needs to go through the filter of love. This needs to be our motivation for what we do. And then Jesus adds an interesting comment – this is how the world will know that we’re Christians, not by our great worship services or the teaching or anything else, but by the way we love one another. The world is looking to see if the way we treat one another matches up with our theology. This is a verse that I need to keep coming back to again and again. I’m such a goal-orientated person, which is ok but I always need to keep this verse in my line of sight.
To listen click here!
This is a real core of our Christian faith. Jesus puts a strong emphasis on this value. Notice He says a new command I give you, not a new suggestion. God expects this of us. Everything needs to go through the filter of love. This needs to be our motivation for what we do. And then Jesus adds an interesting comment – this is how the world will know that we’re Christians, not by our great worship services or the teaching or anything else, but by the way we love one another. The world is looking to see if the way we treat one another matches up with our theology. This is a verse that I need to keep coming back to again and again. I’m such a goal-orientated person, which is ok but I always need to keep this verse in my line of sight.
To listen click here!
Monday 6 July 2009
1 Chronicles 16:10-11
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NIV
I love this psalm of David written at a time of great celebration. The focus of these verses is on seeking the Lord, His strength and His face. It’s so easy just to do things in our own strength, but then we miss out on so many wonderful blessings that God wants to pour into our lives. Seeking God is a joy – like finding a treasure – and when God comes through for us, we will have even more reason to rejoice.
Click here to listen!
I love this psalm of David written at a time of great celebration. The focus of these verses is on seeking the Lord, His strength and His face. It’s so easy just to do things in our own strength, but then we miss out on so many wonderful blessings that God wants to pour into our lives. Seeking God is a joy – like finding a treasure – and when God comes through for us, we will have even more reason to rejoice.
Click here to listen!
Friday 3 July 2009
Hebrews 9:14
How much more then will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14 NIV
This verse is the climax of a lengthy discourse on how the sacrifice and service of Jesus our great high priest is so much superior to anything that preceded it. We are saved from death, but our purpose in life is to serve the living God. It’s interested to note in this one verse how the Trinity works together to accomplish the greatest feat of all time, the salvation of every single person who has lived, is living, and will live. Jesus relied on the power of the Holy Spirit operating in His life in order to offer Himself unblemished to God the Father. Jesus blood poured out for us makes us acceptable to God.
The next podcast will be on Monday. Have a good weekend.
Click here to listen!
This verse is the climax of a lengthy discourse on how the sacrifice and service of Jesus our great high priest is so much superior to anything that preceded it. We are saved from death, but our purpose in life is to serve the living God. It’s interested to note in this one verse how the Trinity works together to accomplish the greatest feat of all time, the salvation of every single person who has lived, is living, and will live. Jesus relied on the power of the Holy Spirit operating in His life in order to offer Himself unblemished to God the Father. Jesus blood poured out for us makes us acceptable to God.
The next podcast will be on Monday. Have a good weekend.
Click here to listen!
Thursday 2 July 2009
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
This pod cast is dedicated to a family friend Kay Jurgeleit who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I think cancer is such a hard thing to come to terms with, but even in the midst of our deepest hurts and pain, God’s presence is there and His Word can be such a powerful source of comfort and strength in times like these. I was singing this scripture to myself during the course of the day, and even as I was singing it, I could tangibly feel God’s peace and assurance flowing into my heart. Kay our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Click here to listen!
This pod cast is dedicated to a family friend Kay Jurgeleit who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I think cancer is such a hard thing to come to terms with, but even in the midst of our deepest hurts and pain, God’s presence is there and His Word can be such a powerful source of comfort and strength in times like these. I was singing this scripture to myself during the course of the day, and even as I was singing it, I could tangibly feel God’s peace and assurance flowing into my heart. Kay our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Click here to listen!
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Psalm 85:5-6
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble, I will call to You for You will answer me. Psalm 85:5-6 NIV
Recently we had a good friend of ours from New Zealand, Bruce McGrail stay with us for a few days. We really enjoyed catching up with him and I seized on the opportunity to record Bruce singing and playing on the piano. Bruce has been singing and playing scripture for many years and has a real ability to capture the essence and soul of the verse in music. I know this podcast from Bruce will be real blessing to you. Enjoy!
Click here to listen!
Recently we had a good friend of ours from New Zealand, Bruce McGrail stay with us for a few days. We really enjoyed catching up with him and I seized on the opportunity to record Bruce singing and playing on the piano. Bruce has been singing and playing scripture for many years and has a real ability to capture the essence and soul of the verse in music. I know this podcast from Bruce will be real blessing to you. Enjoy!
Click here to listen!
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