What a work of art

One of my favourite lessons at school was woodwork. I wasn’t much good at it, but I enjoyed it. I still have one of my creations – a carving of a tiger/big cat.  I can remember making it – chopping off big bits of wood and then trying to carefuly add detail by making chips and cuts with a smaller chisle. My tiger has much to be desired, and now doesn’t have much use , except to invoke school memories.

We, as human beings however are very much different to a block of wood that doesn’t have much use.  We have been crafted by God to serve Him - ‘ For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them’ Eph 2:10

So many people struggle in the discovery of who they really are, what their purpose is in life, and many people struggle with who they “think” they are. It’s important that we all have a correct image of ourselves. We are continually surrounded in various walks of life with images of models,celebrities, etc and we are challenged by society around us to aim to be like them. This leads to disatisfaction in our lives, for we then try to be people who we are not.

They key to our true identity is found when we come to Jesus Christ. It’s through our relationship with God, through Christ, that we can truly discover who we are and life can be made sense of.

We are all individuals that God has made, we are his work of art.  The Psalmist says ‘ You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well’ Psalm 139: 13-14.

You are special to God, and he has a plan for your life, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

November Kenya Mission…..

In November 2011, Evangelist Steve Mullins returned to Nairobi, Kenya, for another great Gospel Campaign. Working alongside host, Pastor Tom Abungu of Victory Christian Centre, we again saw the power of God at work……..

Edwin Omole, one of the Kenyan team writes: ‘While planning for the gospel campaign we encountered several challenges, at one point the meeting was almost cancelled due to insecurity in the country. The campaign initially was to be held in Huruma stadium but we had to change the venue with only two weeks left due to security reasons (Kenya’s incursion into Somalia, Huruma is an area with a large Muslim population. The police felt that the Al shabaab Sympathizers might take advantage and bomb where there was a large gathering of people). Because of the change of venue a lot of crusade material (posters & handbills) that had been prepared for Huruma had to go to waste. We had to print new posters for the new grounds. Also the change of venue brought about logistical challenges’

Despite the many challenges, (including the reprinting of the posters and handbills) the meetings took place at the Baba Ndogo grounds where we held a campaign last year. Gospel musicians led by Evelyn Muthoka & Ilagosa wa ilagosa blessed peoples hearts and each night, evangelist Steve Mullins preached a clear gospel message.

We thank God for the thousands that attended the meetings, and in particular those that gave their lives to the Lord. In fact in addition to the many souls that responded to the call of salvation, we received many testimonies of healing, of lives being transformed and of homes being restored.

Edwin concludes his report by saying ‘The Gospel campaign was a success. Despite opposition from the enemy, the Lord showed Himself strong on our behalf …..We thank God for Evangelist Steve for coming to this insecure part of the world for the sake of the dying souls.

It’s LIFE

Join us in praying for DBT’s next gospel campaign in Kenya.

In just under three weeks time I’ll be back in Kenya to preach the life changing message of the gospel.

The gospel must be preached… souls must be saved!

Here’s how you can be involved……  http://www.youtube.com/user/life4sure?feature=mhee

Now is the Time

For the past few years almost everywhere I go I’ve been hearing/seeing the phrase ‘Now is the Time’ – maybe it’s because I’m nearer 50 than I am 40 but the thought of eternity has been at the center of my thoughts for sometime now. Maybe it’s age related, or maybe it’s because I’m an evangelist - I wonder sometimes if I’m alone as I see people out and about and continualy ask myself the questions : where will that person be spending eternity, why am I not doing more to share the gospel, why does the church at times feel as if it has so many other agenda’s other than mission and evangelism, and why does evangelism always come bottom on many church agenda’s? Maybe I’m being unfair both on myself and the church, but I can’t help but wonder if we’re missing it somewhere.

In John 9 verse 4 we read that Jesus said ‘ I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work’. This statement, as many commentators agree refers to Jesus’ own ministry and the ‘night’ refers to the crucifixion – however, I can’t help but wonder if that statement is not also a challenge for the Church to get busy with what it is called to do – proclaim the Gospel.

We live in an age of moral declination, financial unstabibilty, and increasing political correctness. An age where by-gone values have just ‘gone’.

In the wake of the UK riots many have been asking the question ‘why?’  I’ve heard various polititions, celebrities, and even church leaders try to give an explanation to why many ‘normal’ people would act in such an attrocious manner. I’ve not heard too many people say however that the problem is actually to do with the human heart – that our hearts are ‘deceitful above all things, and desperatley wicked’ (Jer 9:17) and that the only solution to this heart problem is for us to come into a relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ  and receive forgiveness for our sin.

I know for many, “evangelism” is not easy: fears, guilt, worries of rejection and failure surround like a fierce pack of wolves and cause us to become immobilised, like rabbits caught in headlights.

The word of God still stands. We have the many promises in scripture that declare that God is with us, for us not against us, and that he will equip us and empower us – we need not fear. I’m stirred by the words of Peter and John, when commanded, yes commanded, to stop speaking of or teaching in the name of Jesus, the reply came: ” Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.For we cannot but speak of the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4: 19,20)

I believe we need this same boldness today, that NOW IS THE TME.

Now is the time for us for be sharing the truth of the life giving Gospel with our family, friends, with whoever we can in whatever way we can.

My prayer today is ‘Lord give me the boldness to tell someone about you today’ – may it be your prayer too: Now is the Time!

The Power of the Gospel

One of the most powerful statements about the Gospel is the apostle Paul’s declaration in Romans that he was not ‘ ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes’ Rom 1:16

The Gospel is simple but powerful. It is a Gospel that changes lives, brings hope to the helpless and freedom to the captives. It is a Gospel not to be ashamed of and that must be preached. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, is not just an invention,  or a good idea – it is indeed ‘Good News’!

We see around us a world in turmoil and pain. Countries torn apart by natural disasters, wars, unstable governments, and a world of financial unstabilty. Jesus said these things would happen ( Mark 7: 6 -10) The situation is urgent and the Gospel is needed.

A watered down Gospel is no Gospel at all. It is the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ that we need to preach – salvation for the world through Jesus Christ alone. The Gospel of love that streams from the heart of the Father, the Father who loved the world so much he gave his only Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life! (John 3:16)

The Storm

Sinking Ship

As the storm raged, the captain realized his ship was sinking fast. He called
out, “Anyone here know how to pray?”

One man stepped forward.
“Aye, Captain, I know how to pray.”

“Good,” said the captain, “you pray while the
rest of us put on our life jackets – we’re one short.

I’ve been reflecting recently on Mark 4:35 – 41 – here’s just a snippet of what I’ve been thinking…….

It had been a busy day. Jesus had been teaching and now to get away from the bustling crowd he gets into a boat and tells his disciples to take the boat across the lake to the other side. It wasn’t a problem. Some of them had been fishermen.They knew the lake well, and they knew the weather patterns, going across the lake wouldn’t be a problem - but they were not prepared for what happened on this trip. Before they knew it a great storm arose and waves crashed over the side of the boat – the rain was torrential and showed no sign of stopping, they thought they were going under, that the boat would sink and all would be lost, including their very lives. In the boat the disciples were scared, they didn’t know which way to turn, what to do, or how to deal with the situation. Sometimes that’s how it is for us – life can throw all kinds of issues and problems our way and at times we just don’t know how to deal with them. It can feel like everything around us is just caving in – and we can’t cope with it on our own.

As the rain lashed down, and the disciples despaired, Jesus slept in the boat. He was woken by the panic-stricken disciples who questioned his seemingly uncaring status: ‘don’t you care that we are perishing’? they screamed!! Interestingly, Jesus didn’t start to debate with them, he didn’t say ‘ pass a bucket lads I’ll help bail the water out’. No. He stood up and addressed the storm – “PEACE, BE STILL”. Immediately  the storm stopped and the lake was calm. It was then that he questioned the disciples – why are you afraid? why do you have no faith? We read so many times in the bible ‘do not fear’ – fear is the opposite of faith, and even though at times it can be hard we have to make a choice to trust God’s power whenever we face a crisis.

It’s easy for us to so often focus on the issues that come against us, and to think that we have to try to cope and solve everything on our own – but that’s not the case. As believers in Christ we are not alone. Remember when the storms of life come against you, Jesus has not jumped overboard – he’s right there in the boat with you ready to still the storm! ………………and I know, sometimes it seems that it’s not quite as easy as that, but what do we believe, the storm or God’s word which says - ‘cast all your cares upon Him, for he cares for you’! (I Peter 5:7)?

Back to Kenya!

I’m glad God made us with emotions – just think how boring life would be without emotions! – no joy, happiness, laughter, tears, sadness, excitement, anticipation, love etc. 

I heard a few days ago that Pastor Tom who I work with in Kenya is well on the mend  after his terrible car accident. This means that we are now starting to put plans together for a gospel  campaign later this year – a campaign I thought that may not happen. I’m filled with emotion - the prospect of returning to Kenya again, the opportunity to preach the gospel, the anticipation that hundreds of people will hear the gospel and many will respond and give their lives to Jesus!! 

 There is nothing more exciting than leading someone to the Lord, whether it’s one person, or several hundred  - it’s awesome. The gospel has not changed – it is still the power of God to salvation for all who believe – what a privilege we have to share this wonderful news!

The appointment everyone will keep

It’s amazing how a day can tun out. There I was feeling pretty chuffed this morning because I’d actually made it back to the Gym after a long absence (my waistline can testify to that fact!) when I was about to leave the gym I saw my wife’s car parked outside. Despite looking for her around the building  I couldn’t locate her so went and sat in the coffee bar area and sent her a text to tell her I was waiting for her. To pass the time I decided to check up on Facebook and twitter….. then I found out the news that Rev.David Wilkerson had died suddenly yesterday in a car crash, aged 79.  Rev Wilkerson is well-known throughout the Christian world as the author of the best-selling book ‘The cross and the switchblade’, and also as the founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York.  That’s the thing with well-known people – although you may not know them personally, you can still feel the emotion of loss. For sure David Wilkerson will be a great loss to many, and thought’s and prayers go out to his family, especially his wife, who is still critically ill in hospital.

As I scrolled down the page after reading the note on this news I came across another post about three or four below: ” Death is not by accident but by appointment. “It is appointed for men to die…” (Heb 9:27). “Into your hands, I commit my spirit…” (Psalm 31,5). It is well; it is well with my soul!” someone had written.

This has all really got me thinking today. No one knows when there time will be up.The Bible makes it clear as the verse quoted above says’ it is appointed for men to die..” (Heb 9:27)  We only have the everlasting hope and truth of God’s word to stand on, and on it we must stand. The question we have to ask ourselves is – am I ready if I were to go today? Could we say ‘It is well with my soul’?

I actually had the privilege of briefly meeting David Wilkerson about four years ago. it was only a short meeting, maybe three or four minutes. I’d invited him to come to the UK for some meetings but he declined due to his already very busy schedule. I’ve met many ‘important’ people in my time but the reality is when it comes down to it, death is the great equalizer. Whoever we are, rich, poor, and whatever we’ve done, things great or small, death makes us all equal.

Our hope as Christians is the new life, the eternal life that is ours in Christ. That is the comfort we have in God, knowing that when we pass from this world we will be with Him for eternity in the next. The line in the sand though, is that the promise is only for those who are in Christ. If you are reading this as a Christian, then take comfort, even at times when we suffer the loss of a loved one, God has promised to be with us, and to be our comforter. If you are reading this and you are not sure of your eternal destiny, then I’d urge you to get a bible and start to read through the new testament, and discover for yourself how much God loves you. I didn’t think I’d be writing a blog like this today… it’s amazing how a day can turn out.

The Cross

The other day my 8-year-old daughter sat down to write an easter poem for a competition at her school. She made a list of things to do with easter – chocolate eggs, bunnies, chicks etc. I reminded her that easter was about more than that. Easter is about remembering God sent Jesus to die for us so that we might be forgiven, and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Easter is a great time to once again consider the wonderful love of God, and to focus again on the cross.

The cross of Jesus speaks of LOVE. God’s love for a broken, sinful world made up of individuals that are hurting, lonely, and though many don’t recognise it, are in need of Him. ‘God demonstrates his own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8)

The cross of Jesus speaks of FORGIVENESS. Jesus died that we might be forgiven and made right with God. ‘He made him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him’ (1 Cor 5:21)

The cross of Jesus speaks of POWER. The world can’t understand it, grasp it or comprehend it, but the cross is the gateway to relationship with God and a transformed life! ‘ 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’ (1 Cor 1:18)  

For the Christian ‘Easter’ is much more than just a ’once a year event/remembrance’ – It’s an ongoing celebration – in fact each day becomes easter day because each day we should be celebrating what the RISEN Christ is doing in, and thorough, our lives. Each day may you experience God’s love afresh, rejoice in his forgiveness, and know His power at work in your life!

First post

Well here I am in blog world, just trying to find my feet. Did have another blog but decided this one would be slightly better (I’m sure they’ll be a sermon illlustration come out of this change over somewhere). So for those of you who like short blogs – this will be right up your street.I’m going to attempt to blog on here once a week so you may want to subscribe and we’ll see what gems God has me share! Until next time be blessed!