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GRACE BLOGS COLLECTION

Establishing A New Heart

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As a believer, you already have the very life of God right here and now! God preplanned for us to have His life from the beginning of time (Eph. 2:10).

Before we were saved, our hearts were established in a belief system based on worldly views, self-effort and performance. But when we accept Jesus, we are regenerated in spirit and in heart!

A New Heart

“A new HEART also will I give you, and a new SPIRIT will I put within you: and I will take away the stony HEART out of your flesh, and I will give you an HEART of flesh.” —Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

Something supernatural and spiritual happens IN and TO us; we are recreated in Christ and given a new heart. But unfortunately, many people continue to re-establish their hearts in the same old belief system that they had before.

Developing the Heart

Proverbs says, that we are to incline our ears to the Word, keep them in the midst of our hearts (Prov. 4:20-27). Why? Because the Word will never be life and health to us unless it works from a believing heart!

Re-establishing the Heart

Proverbs also tells us our hearts are like the human equivalent of a computer operating system!
“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts!” —Proverbs 4:23 (MSG)
When the Bible speaks of the heart, it’s talking about our deepest convictions, persuasions, and belief-system.

Believing only takes place in the heart.

“For as he (man) thinketh (BELIEVETH) in his heart, so is he….”—Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

Thinketh means to calculate; to estimate the price or market value.

It’s clear that what we believe, esteem, and value in our hearts determines who and what we are! If a man’s “default” belief system is not correct, he won’t think or function correctly.

God Ministers to Your Spirit

God ministers to your spirit through the Holy Spirit. As a believer, you have already been made fully complete and mature in the spirit through Christ— wanting and lacking nothing (Col. 2:8-10). You cannot grow or mature spiritually any more than you are already!

When we accept Jesus, we are regenerated in spirit and in heart!

The Five-Fold Ministry Ministers to the Soul

God has established the five-fold ministry for the perfecting of the saints (Eph. 4:11-13).

Perfecting comes from the root word meaning to mend. Thayer’s defines it as: to render, complete, to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair or to complete and make whole!

The five-fold ministry ministers to the soul of a believer to repair his mind, will, and emotions.

Only You Can Guard and Minister to Your Heart

Mark Twain said, “It’s not what you don’t know that’ll kill you. It’s what you know for sure that isn’t true that will kill you.”

Others cannot guard, protect, and minister to your heart for you.

Today, many people have stopped taking responsibility for their own lives, blaming someone or something else for their circumstances. Anytime you blame someone else, you unknowingly sabotage your life and hinder your success.

It’s not so much about what is right or wrong. What’s more important is whether what you are exposing your heart to is going to bring life or death. Only you can guard your heart.

The Ways of Death!

There is a way that seems right, and all things are lawful, but how is it affecting your heart? (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23)

Throughout Scripture, we find those who were chosen and anointed by God, but because they didn’t guard their hearts, they lost their ministries, kingdoms, and some even their lives!

Guarding your heart is one of the most important things you can do on a daily basis!

Guard Your Heart with Truth

Jesus explained that the degree of attention we give to the truth we hear will determine what we get from it (Mk. 4:23-25). He was saying that whatever we listen to and focus on will increase, grow, and multiply in our hearts and lives.

The condition of your heart determines how much you will live and enjoy the abundant life!
Blessings,
Arthur Meintjes

The Heart and the Power of Belief

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Jesus spoke to the father of the boy with an evil spirit in Mark 9, and said, “…If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23 (KJV)

After Jesus cursed the fig tree, He said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11:23 (KJV)

What a powerful statement! We find the heart and the power of belief throughout the Bible.

Proverbs tells us how our boundaries of belief are established:

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues (boundary – in Hebrew) of life.” Proverbs 4: 23 (NKJV)

The heart plays a very important part in believing and living the abundant life. But it’s frustrating when you know the promise of abundant life, but aren’t experiencing it.

Possessing the Life of God!

Believers have the promise of partaking in the abundant, Zoe Life of God here and NOW!

It’s not a future goal. It’s our present-day reality as we are seated with Christ in

heavenly places. Look at what Jesus said about it.

“For this is My Father’s will and His purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Him should HAVE eternal life….” John 6:40 (AMP)

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy LIFE, (Zoe) and have it in ABUNDANCE (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 (AMP)

We must have a clear definition of what the Zoe Life of God is!

The Zoe Life is the life that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have and experience for all eternity—a life of unconditional love, acceptance, oneness, transparency, generosity, belonging, value, appreciation and prosperity!

It’s a life of other-centeredness. There is no self-centeredness, selfishness, self-interest, hidden-agendas or ulterior- motives, and no greed!

It empowers freedom and strength. There is no guilt, condemnation, shame, rejection, fear or suspicion! There’s no corruption, decay, loss, lack or poverty!

This “Zoe” Life Is for the Believer

In 1 John 5:9-13, John assures us we have the life of God, so no one can deceive us. Therefore, it is clear that we already have the very life of God—right here and now!

Estranged and Self-banished from the Life of God!

In Ephesians 4:17-18, Paul warned believers not to walk or live in the sinful ways of the Gentiles. But I believe he was also encouraging them not to live a lower quality of life as mere Gentiles or as unbelievers.

“…henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”

To be alienated means to be separated or divorced from. The Amplified Bible speaks about being estranged and self- banished from the life of God!

“Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of HEART [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature].” Ephesians 4:18 (AMPC)

It’s possible for a believer, possessing the Zoe Life of God,

to be estranged or self-banished from experiencing and enjoying it because of what we believe in our hearts!

Unfortunately, this is the condition of so many people today.

It is important for believers to learn to guard their hearts, and establish them in the truth of the Gospel.

The current condition of our lives is a direct result of what we have believed in our hearts in the past, and what we believe in our hearts today will produce the quality of our lives in the future.

Blessings,

Arthur Meintjes

Practical Partnership in the Kingdom

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For our future success, we must realize that we can’t do anything about our past, but we can do something about our future. Paul said:

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. …For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry…. —I Corinthians 3:4-9

Husbandry means management team! If we don’t give people the opportunity to partner with us, ministry becomes a source of frustration.

Why Partnership?

We’ve all heard the saying: “Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.” One thing we can do for a more successful, productive future is to learn about and partake in the practical wisdom of partnership.

Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Partnership

When someone starts a ministry or church, the leader does almost everything because of a servant’s heart. But as it grows, if he continues to do everything, he will burn out and hinder its effectiveness. Practical partnership of any kind takes teamwork. In the past, I thought no one would be interested in being part of our vision and ministry and backed away from making partnership available.

I’ve realized that if we don’t give people the opportunity to connect with us, it damages them and Kingdom. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. Over the last six months, the Lord has instructed that if we’re going to grow our vision and ministry impact, we have to give people the opportunity to partner with us!

I haven’t always understood this biblical truth, and I’ve not focused on building a culture of partnership in our ministry. We have done what we have done without relying on partners, though we’ve had some faithful supporters. Now I know how important it is to have teamwork and co-operation to accomplish a common purpose.

But it’s not that other people aren’t interested; sometimes it’s that we don’t make the opportunity available to people.

What Is Partnership?

The Lord has given me some clear understanding of what partnership should look like for our ministry.

Partnership = a group of people working together for a common purpose. This is important because the Kingdom and the world were created as a team system.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Godhead) is a team concept! Only as partners will we reap the full benefits!

The Tower of Babel

Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than in the account of the tower of Babel!

And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them. — Genesis 11:5-6 (AMP)

Multiplication—the Dynamic of Partnership!

The spiritual implications of partnership is a 10X multiplication! “One puts a thousand to flight, and two puts ten thousand to flight” (Deut. 32:30). We can see the benefits of partnership in serving others in the Kingdom of God.

What We Do!

Cathy and I travel throughout the world, preaching the Gospel of peace and teaching the grace, love, mercy and forgiveness of God in a practical way that highlights the value and dignity of every individual in God’s sight. This atmosphere helps restore relationship with God, our families, our neighbors and ultimately, our nation.

We want to thank all of our faithful supporters and partners. You’ve helped us reach people around the world with the message of the Gospel.

And if you are not yet partners with us, we want to invite you to consider becoming one. You can partner with us financially by donating here and making it a monthly donation.

Together, we can achieve what would be impossible by ourselves.

The Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation”—wholeness in every area of life—that’s
what KLM is all about. We teach the true Gospel with integrity and openness. We speak into desperate situations, and see people of all backgrounds respond to Truth. It’s practical grace for extraordinary living!

Blessings,
Arthur Meintjes

God’s Righteous Judgment

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The Righteous Judgment of God!

Nothing causes more emotional pain, mental anguish and instability than the expectation of retribution and impending punishment, especially when it comes to the wrath and judgment of God!

Many people believe they have committed some unforgivable sin, invoking God’s anger and impending judgment!

Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might … make of no effect him who had the power of death–the devil– And also that He might … completely set free all those who through the [HAUNTING] FEAR OF DEATH … were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives. —Hebrews 2:14-15 (AMPC)

The good news is that Jesus has destroyed the enemy and made the power of death of no effect, delivering us from the haunting fear of death through the impending judgment of God!

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Paul speaks about us all appearing before the judgment seat of Christ!

For we must ALL APPEAR before the JUDGMENT SEAT of Christ; that every one may receive THE THINGS DONE in his body, according to that HE hath done, whether it be GOOD or BAD. KNOWING therefore the TERROR of the Lord, we PERSUADE men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. —2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (KJV)

This passage is not a self-defining scripture, and we must never interpret it as if it stands by itself! It must be interpreted in context.

The Hope of Eternal Life!

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul is addressing what interests and sometimes haunts every man—the mystery of physical death and the afterlife! He addresses the anticipated hope that we all face in death—the hope of eternal life! Judgement for the believer is not a place of scrutiny, condemnation, shame or fear, but a place of great joy, peace and gratitude in the presence of God. Judgment for the believer is not a place of scrutiny, condemnation, shame or fear, but a place of great joy, peace and gratitude in the presence of God.

For we know that if our earthly house … is destroyed, we have a building from God … in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, … having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. … that mortality may be swallowed up by life. —2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NKJV)

God Has Prepared Us for Eternal Life!

Then Paul gives us the good news in the hope of eternal life! In 2 Corinthians 5:5 he tells us God has prepared us and “given us the Spirit as a GUARANTEE.” In facing death, God is the one who has prepared us and made us ready to face it without fear by giving us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee!

Then in verses 6-8 Paul speaks of the boldness and confidence we can have in the performance, accomplishment and achievement of God through Christ on our behalf!

The Judgment Seat of Christ!

Paul is using this to contrast the difference between the TERROR of the Lord, as in (the angry God portrayed by religion), with the good news of the Gospel of Christ!

Knowing the Terror, We Persuade Men!

KNOWING, therefore, the TERROR of the Lord, we PERSUADE men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. —2 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV)

“To persuade” means to be (wax) content, to make friends, or persuade to trust!

One Died for All!

We can now JUDGE that one man (Jesus) died for all, therefore all are dead, and we regard no man after the flesh! Paul makes it abundantly clear God is the one who prepared us for eternal life, not we ourselves! He ends this portion of his letter by saying that he is a representative of Christ, as if God Himself is pleading with you. Don’t be fearful of impending judgment because God has made His peace with you. Now you make your peace with Him!

Blessings,
Arthur Meintjes

God’s Restoring Grace

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Every person has a divinely implanted destiny and purpose, and we can never really be fully satisfied unless we live out that destiny and purpose through Christ.

Ecclesiastes says,

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy]…. —Ecclesiastes 3:11 (AMP)

But there are many things that can hinder or destroy our destiny and sabotage the fulfillment of God’s purposes for our lives! But most believers are usually able to trust God to restore their lives from the consequences related to these kinds of destructions.

What If We Mess Up?

What happens if we are the ones who have failed and hindered our own life’s purposes? This is usually where we struggle to trust God.
David, made a really powerful observation:

…Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction…. —Psalms 103:2-4 (KJV)

God is willing and able to restore our destructions.

The Power of Sin to Destroy vs the Power of Grace to Restore
The gospel reveals that the power of sin and iniquity to DESTROY your life, is never greater than the power of God’s love and grace to RESTORE your life!

…But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded. —Romans 5:20 (AMP)

This truth is so apparent in Paul’s life and ministry because he had firsthand experience of the power of God’s grace on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–9). Paul wanted to destroy every Christian and was on a mission to do so. On the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus.

The Whole Outlook Changes

On the road to Damascus, sin in Paul’s life was abounding, increasing and overflowing.

Every person has a divinely implanted destiny and purpose, and we can never really be fully satisfied unless we live out that destiny and purpose through Christ. But Paul said,

…Yet, though sin is shown to be wide and deep, thank God his grace is wider and deeper still! … but now GRACE IS THE RULING FACTOR. —Romans 5:20 (Phillips)

When you trust in the Lord and His finished work, the whole outlook changes! Even in our greatest failures, God’s grace is more powerful to heal, deliver and restore, than the power of sin to hinder, sabotage and destroy! You’re never out of God’s reach to restore you and fulfill His purposes for your life!

God Has No Expectations of Us, Just Expectancy for Us

Scripture reveals that God has no “expectations” of us, but rather only has an “expectancy” for us.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. —Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)

If God had expectations of us, He would be disappointed all the time. But He only has an expectancy for our gifts, callings and ministries. Therefore, He’s never disappointed in us. He only has hope and is excited for us! God is always ready, willing and able to help us get where we need to go in life, no matter how many times we’ve failed.

God Can Recalculate! I’m glad I have a navigation app on my phone. When driving in unfamiliar cities, I put the address of my desired destination into the app, and the voice will guide me where I need to go. If I take a wrong turn or exit, the app will immediately recalculate and get me back on track.

If we are able to devise an app to help us stay on track, how much more is God able to recalculate our failures to help us get where we need to go in life!

And I am convinced and sure … that He Who began a good work in you will continue … developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. —Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

Blessings,
Arthur Meintjes

Jesus Changes Everything: And We are Safe and Sound

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The validity of the New Testament Gospel message is based upon the crucifixion of Christ, signifying the finished work of the cross.
When it comes to interpreting Scripture, we need to have a Christ- centered view. Jesus, and what He accomplished on the cross, CHANGED EVERYTHING!

The New Covenant – A Superior Covenant

When we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, we must understand that Jesus on the cross changed everything by establishing a new and far superior covenant.

…He [Christ] has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is as much superior and more excellent [than the old] as the covenant (the agreement) of which He is the Mediator (the Arbiter, Agent) is superior and more excellent, [because] it is enacted and rests upon more important (sublimer, higher, and nobler) promises. —Hebrews 8:6 (AMP)

This makes it very clear that Jesus’ priestly ministry is superior, and He is the Mediator of a superior covenant than the Old Covenant!

The New Covenant is a superior one between the Father and the Son!

It is a covenant eternally established and ratified between God the Father and God the Son! An Arbiter is a person who has the power and authority to decide what will be done and accepted, someone with entire authority and control. A Mediator is a person who acts as a guarantee! Jesus, on our behalf, has the authority to decide what will be done and accepted. Furthermore, Jesus is the One who is guaranteeing the terms, conditions and legal requirements of the New Covenant are already fulfilled on our behalf! We don’t have to fulfill any requirements to keep the covenant.

Jesus changed everything, and we are safe and sound through Him!

The New Covenant is superior based upon better promises.

Under the Old Covenant the promises were dependent upon our ability to perform certain requirements. But
the New Covenant surpasses the old because it’s enacted upon far better, higher, nobler and unconditional promises!

Jesus changed everything, and we are safe and sound through Him!

For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God. —2 Corinthians 1:20 (AMP)

All the promises of God in Him are now YES and AMEN!

The New Covenant is superior because of sin removed!

Hebrews says that by a single offering Jesus established the New Covenant, which is superior and more excellent because
our sin was eternally taken away, leaving us to serve God with a clear conscience and a promise that He will never again remember our sin! (Heb. 10:14-17)

The New Covenant is superior because of justification by faith!

The Old Covenant was one of fault finding, but the New Covenant is one of justification by faith! In Matthew, Jesus said,…except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:20 (KJV) Exceed means to superabound in quantity and quality, to be in excess, or to excel!

What Jesus was saying is unless you have a righteousness that is far more superior than the righteousness of the Old Covenant, both in quantity and quality, you will never enter into kingdom living! Paul said that because of the finished work of Jesus, we are made righteous, a righteousness that is far superior to righteousness under the Old Covenant.

The New Covenant is superior because of no judgment!

The Old Covenant was one of judgment and punishment, but in the New Covenant, punishment and judgment have been satisfied!
There has always been only one way we can have access to God and confidence and peace before Him—by faith in the finished work of Christ alone! It’s essential that we absolutely know that we are no longer under the Old Covenant. We are now safe and sound in a new, superior covenant of grace through Jesus Christ!

 

Discovering True Love

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John is known as the apostle of love. Let’s look at some well-known verses in one of his letters.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God….
—1 John 4:7-8

Unfortunately, this scripture has caused much confusion. We think this means that we should love other people so God can love us, and if we love others, it proves we love Him. Then He can love us back. No! This is what I call a dyslexic verse.

This verse says: If you know God’s love for you, only then will you be able to love others, and when you love others, you understand God’s love for YOU! You can only share or give what you’ve received.

I John 4:9 and 10: “In this was manifest ed the love of God toward us (This is how the love of God is shown toward us). Herein is love (this is what love is), not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (parenthesis mine)

When “the love of God” is mentioned, people think they need to do something because that’s what we’ve been taught. But it says the love of God is “toward” us. This is about how He responds to you, not you to Him!

God is not concerned about whether or not you love Him. What is important to God is: Do you know that He loves you? You can put on your mask and say the right things, but God sees your heart. He wants you to know that HE LOVES YOU! Once you know He loves you, loving Him is no problem. Understanding His love for you is what brings peace and changes you!

Most Christians have heard about the love of God, but few believe it. It’s easy to believe that He loved the world. But we question it as individuals. We find it difficult to believe that He loves us in spite of our shortcomings. Our shortcomings and failures actually cause us to believe we are separated from the love of God.

This is my charge to you today. Don’t just listen to what His love is about, believe it. Start persuading your heart of His love toward you today. Don’t wait a moment longer. Your very life depends on you understanding His great love.

Love: The Foundation

The truth that most people seem to ignore is, love is the foundation for everything that God did.

John 3:16 is a wonderful reminder of this.

“For God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV)

I John 4:16 tells us that “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

Love is not something God does. Love is who God is. Therefore, no matter what God does, Love is doing it. It makes no difference how or when you come into contact with God, you will be contacting love. There is never a time that God is not love. Have you ever opened your Bible and found that God has changed His mind, said He doesn’t love the world and takes back everything He’s ever said and done for mankind? No! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. —Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)

Blessings,
Arthur Meintjes

Trust God, and Take a Risk with Jesus

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One big thing we can all learn is that God is a risk taker. We are going to have to trust the Lord, and that means being willing to take a risk and move out of our comfort zones.

There’s always a temptation to play it safe and just maintain what we have. But to succeed in life, you have to risk possible failure.

In the gospel of Luke, there’s a great example of the risk involved in trusting God.

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:22-24 (KJV)

Jesus and His disciples were having great success, preaching and ministering in the cities and villages of Galilee. So when Jesus said, “Let’s go to the other side,” His disciples might have thought ‘Don’t rock the boat, Jesus. We’ve got it made. Why do you want to go to another place?’ But they trusted Jesus, and were willing to take the risk.

As we move on with Jesus, let’s go for it! Why? Because the regret of doing nothing is more painful than trying and failing. Everything worthwhile in life is a risk.

    • To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
    • To cry is to risk appearing sentimental.
    • To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
    • To expose feelings is to risk rejection.
    • To place your dreams before a crowd is to risk ridicule.
    • To love is to risk not being loved in return.
    • To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.

The woman with issue of blood took a risk (Mark 5:25-34).

When a woman had an issue of blood, she was considered to be unclean. She was probably banished outside the city gates with all the others who were unclean or lepers.

But when she heard the words of Jesus, she was willing to take a risk.

She was willing to take the risk of leaving the leper colony and being exposed as unclean. She risked not getting to Jesus, being rejected, being ridiculed and possibly not getting healed. But she did something great and ended up healed with a testimony of great courage and faith that no one could take away from her.

The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing at all. A person who risks nothing does nothing and has nothing of real value.

Is God asleep?

Back in Luke 8, Jesus fell asleep, and the storm came.

Taking a risk with Jesus doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing, but it does guarantee you’ll see and experience wonderful miracles.

When you take a risk with God, it may sometimes seem that He has fallen asleep, and you’re alone facing the storm and about to sink. But look at verse 23. Another translation says that the boat was filled with water, yet they did not sink. With Jesus in your boat or life, you will not sink!

When we move on with Jesus, it will always be a risk, but it is always guaranteed by the words of Jesus.

…he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

We can always trust that He will come through for us. So go for it!

To encounter means to run into or collide with the unexpected. So, a grace encounter is when we feel the furthest from God and when we least expect to experience God’s favor, but then unexpectedly run into or collide with the unearned, undeserved favor and goodness of God!

Blessings,

Arthur Meintjes

The Tender Mercies of God

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As believers, our theology (study and view of God) and our doctrines (principles) must be consistent with our heartfelt beliefs.

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant PEACE (Shalom) whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. —Isaiah 26:3 (AMP)

Our lives are dependent on what we believe because we can’t go where our hearts won’t lead us! The heart is the driving force of life.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. — Proverbs 4:23 (AMP)

The inconsistencies between what we believe in our hearts and what we see around us many times paralyze us in our walk with God.

The Mercy of God

Our beliefs about God may be deeply influenced by legalism and the concept of an angry, judgmental God. So many misunderstand the wonderful truth of the mercy of God. What we believe about God’s mercy will either assist or sabotage our faith.

Being Treated Better than We Deserve

Jesus told the Pharisees to learn what it means for God to desire mercy and not sacrifice.

Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. —Matthew 9:13 (AMP)

If the Gospel says anything today, it’s that people are way more important to God than any religious regulations!

What Does Mercy Mean?

People have many different definitions for the mercy of God. The Old Testament concept of mercy comes from the Hebrew word kapporet, describing the mercy seat of God where the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sin offering.

Treating People Better than They Deserve

A simplified view of the mercy seat is: It was the place where God treated people better than they deserved.

Every time we hear or see the word mercy, referring to God, His willingness, ability, and passion to give us better than we deserve should enter our minds.

Our lives are dependent on what we believe because we can’t go where our hearts won’t lead us! The heart is the driving force of life.

Everlasting Mercy

The mercy of God is an everlasting mercy!

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting …. —Psalms 103:17

The mercy of God endures forever.

To endure is the ability to withstand prolonged use or strain. So the mercy of God is eternal and endures prolonged use and strain!

Unfortunately, many Christians can’t just relax and enjoy life because they’re afraid of God’s wrath. They live life on the edge, toeing the line with no room for error.

Yet, Paul tells us not to fear the wrath of God.

…The proof of God’s amazing love is this: … while we were sinners Christ died for us. … what reason have we to fear the wrath of God? … We may hold our heads high in the light of God’s love because of the reconciliation which Christ has made. —Romans 5:7-11 (Phillips)

God’s mercy sets us free to live without fear. It liberates us to tackle life head-on and expect only good things.

Mercy Over All His Works

God’s mercy is over all His works!

The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created]. —Psalms 145:9 (AMP)

Now, if we connect that with Ephesians 2:10, it gives us a beautiful picture of His mercy in our lives.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus…. — Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)

Every thought that God has of us and every decision He makes about us is always bathed in His mercy, goodness, and loving kindness.

Fully Persuaded

When we become absolutely confident in the love and mercy of God is when we will start to live victoriously, peacefully, and productively.

Blessings,

Arthur Meintjes

 

Born Free

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Anytime that we discuss freedom as it relates to believers in the kingdom of God, we must realize that freedom means different things to different people!

In Acts 22, an incident in the life of Paul powerfully illustrates the New Testament truth regarding Christian freedom in the kingdom of God!

Paying a High Price!

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. (As a Roman Citizen or a FREE man, Paul had rights!) And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this FREEDOM. And Paul said, But I was born FREE. —Acts 22:25-28 (KJV)

Freedom meant something totally different to the Roman captain than to Paul.

Many today believe that their Christian May freedom is obtained by ‘paying a high price’—hard work, moral discipline, personal sacrifice! They think that if you sacrifice much in zealous pursuits of Christian discipline, you are ultimately rewarded with victory and freedom.

But I like what Paul said, “Maybe your freedom cost you a high price, but I was born FREE.” Before we can understand and experience true freedom, we have to know that it’s not something we obtain through personal sacrifice, we are born into it!

That doesn’t mean that our freedom was without cost. It came at a very high cost—THE LIFE OF THE SON OF GOD. The degree to which you understand and believe in the freedom you are born into in Christ is the degree of true freedom you will experience in everyday life!

Freedom of the Heart

Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he [man] thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

“Thinketh” means “to calculate; to put a valuation on.” “What” and “who” we value in our hearts determines where we go and what we become! Therefore, the way I believe about God and our relationship, controls the way I see and relate to myself and others.

Before we can understand and experience true freedom, we have to know that it’s not some- thing we obtain through personal sacrifice, we are born into it!

True Freedom Starts at a Heart Level!

All the experiences of our lives, can be directly linked to the condition of our hearts or our belief system! (Prov. 4:20-23)

You can be a God-fearing, Holy Spirit-filled, Bible-quoting, morally-disciplined Christian, living in a reclusive commune! But if your beliefs are still deeply rooted in performance religion, you’ll never be free from the destructive behaviors and bondage that dominate your life.

Unfortunately this is the sad reality of many Christians in the church today.

Knowing the Truth Will Set You Free

The Jews served God based on performance religion that unknowingly kept them in bondage. Jesus said to them:

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? —John 8:31-33 (KJV)

They didn’t even recognize the religion they were in. They thought that everything was just great!
They served God under a system governed by rules, regulations and performance that could never make them acceptable before God. This is what they needed to be set free from, and it’s the same for many today.

Jesus said, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” That truth is relationship with God—free from legalism, self- righteousness and the guilt of the law! Jesus came to give us freedom and abundant life in Him. Celebrate the freedom you were born into every day!

Blessings, Arthur

Preaching the Gospel to all the World!

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I often hear people talking about a Grace Revolution taking place in the church today. I think it is more of a “Grace Reformation” that has the potential to sweep throughout the whole world!

Jesus said, ”And this good news of the kingdom (the Gospel) will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then will come the end.” —Matthew 24:14 (AMP)

Jesus did not say that the Gospel should, could or might be preached. He said this Gospel of the kingdom WILL be preached! Never in all of history has it been more possible for this scripture to be fulfilled than in the time we are living in today. The question we need to ask ourselves today is this:

“Will we be the ones to preach it?”

Are we ready to take this challenge to boldly go into all the world and preach this gospel as a witness to all nations?

The religious world is suspicious of the Gospel of Grace because they feel that they are losing control. That’s why Paul wrote to the believers at Galatia saying,

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. — Galatians 5:1 (AMP)

Most of us are not easily hampered or ensnared by the scare tactics of condemnation, guilt, judgment and shame any longer. There are, however, other methods of hampering being used to try and restrict people today: the threat and accusations of heresy, false doctrines and error. Many men and women of God have become afraid to preach the Gospel of Grace and Peace because of the potential accusations that could be leveled against them!

The Word of God assures us that if we stay focused on Jesus and God’s love for people, there is no fear of deception, delusion or error!
Are we ready to take this challenge to boldly go into all the world and preach this gospel as a witness to all nations? Just like in the days of Paul and many other men of God throughout history who have preached this gospel in times of reformation, there is mounting pressure to compromise
this message. It’s a pressure warranting “so-called” balance, referring to the message of the gospel as hyper-grace, sloppy agape and greasy grace!

In Jesus is all Truth!

Paul, writing to the Church at Ephesus, said;

“But you did not so learn Christ! Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as all Truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him]” — Ephesians 4:20-21 (AMP)

Even in the book of John, Jesus taught extensively on the Truth and the Truth being in Him! (John 14:6)
If we keep our focus on Jesus as the Christ, as the one and only reason and solution for our redemption and salvation, we are abiding in the truth, and the truth is in us!

The Guarantee of God

In the book of First Corinthians, Paul assures us of God’s ability to hold, keep and maintain us to the end!

“And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)”. 1 Corinthians 1:8 (AMP)

The Holy Spirit of God

When we live in the awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us and on us, it becomes impossible to go into error.

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall everything I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”— John 14:26 (AMP)

I’m not making light of heresy or error in any way. What I’m saying is that a fear of error will hinder us from the freedom of peaching the Gospel fully. God assures us that He will keep us from falling into error through the leading of His Holy Spirit that dwells in us!

Keep the Message Alive

Jesus said, “Staying with it – that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved.” — Matthew 24:13 (MSG)

If we are going to be the generation who is going to preach the Gospel as a testimony and witness to the whole world, we are going to have to keep this message alive!

So my charge and encouragement to us all today is this:

Stay with it to the end. Keep this Gospel alive! Do not give in. Do not give up. Do not go back. Do not recant!

Resolving Insecurities

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Success in life is all about wholesome, positive relationships.

But here are some eye-opening facts:

  • 87% of our success is directly related to our ability to get along with others!
  • 90-95% of all the people we come in contact with are moderately to severely insecure!
  • We are included in that 90-95%!

An insecure person doesn’t know their true value, so they feel rejected, unaccepted and abandoned. Unresolved insecurities control and influence our decision-making processes, which ultimately determine our future and hinder our success!

Nothing kills relationships quicker than unresolved insecurities. They destroy relationships, driving more people out of business and ministry than anything else.

Most people just hide their insecurities, living behind masks and denying their true selves—and believers are sometimes the best at it!

But in hiding our insecurities, we slowly lose who we were created to be.

Hiding your insecurities is like treating cancer with an aspirin—it might make you feel better for a couple of hours, but it won’t fix the problem.

Doing My Part

Getting along with others actually has more to do with us than with them.

1. I Must Deal with My Own Insecurities

Knowing God and His love will positively affect our relationships, but we still need to work on our people skills. The true mark of a mature Christian isflexibility and tolerance.

May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop MATURITY in you so that you can GET ALONG with each other as well as Christ gets along with us. —Romans 15:6-7 (MSG)

And Christ gets along with us based on who HE is—not on us.

2. Find Something Good in Others.

Those who are not like us may seemstrange or weird. We find reasons not tolike, accept or get along with them.

Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody… —Romans 12:17 (MSG)

Nothing kills relationships quicker than unresolved insecurities. They destroy relationships, driving more people out of business and ministry than anything else.

Confronting others to “straighten them out” will always create strife, even if we are right!

3. Stop Taking The Easy Way Out.

Sometimes it’s easier to simply avoid other people. But this should be a last resort. Don’t get me wrong—some you just have to love from a distance!

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith… lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us…. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” —Romans 15:1-2 (MSG)

4. Settle in Your Heart That It’s Okay to Disagree.

Usually this is a big problem for insecure people.

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with…Treat them gently.—Romans 14:1-3 (MSG)

5. Remember, People Will Always Be People.

It’s impossible to have relationships and not have offenses!

Then said he unto the disciples, “It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!”—Luke 17:1 (KJV)

This is one of the greatest things I’ve learned over the years. It’s not what happens to me, but what happens in me that really matters!

6. Learn to Listen to Others.

We must be willing to listen to other people!

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.—Proverbs 17:28 (KJV)

Clearly, flexibility and tolerance are the true marks of a mature Christian.

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