Dangerous arrogance

Zuma calls for a speedy Second Coming

2014-12-28 10:35

Durban - Addressing a group of elderly people at a Christmas gathering at his Nkandla homestead, President Jacob Zuma called on Christian priests to pray to God to send Jesus back to Earth because of the many sins in the country.

According to the Sunday Times, Zuma had been speaking off the cuff on Saturday and claimed there were many churches in the country “sinning too much”.

“The sins we have today are more than those that Jesus came to salvage. I ask the priests to ask God to send His son to come back again to cleanse our sins,” he said.

“He [God] must send him [Jesus] again. This time we won’t crucify him,” he added.

 

(Abstract from News 24)

 

Upon reading this news clip today I was left with a sense of utter dread at the arrogance and ignorance of Zuma’s dealing with God. His words show not only that he has no understanding of the salvation we have in Christ, but that he also has no idea of Who God is.

 

Pondering on this, I could not help to ask myself how many others do exactly the same. On a daily basis, people ‘deal’ with God in this way. 

 

• Some call themselves His followers but will also embrace beliefs such as reincarnation or Buddhism.
• Some will gladly embrace His ‘Christian principles’ into their school or institution or personal life yet vehemently reject Christ Himself.
• Many happily enjoy ‘Christmas’ and fun nativity plays and the like, but will have nothing to do with the God of Christmas.
• Sadly, many who also call themselves followers of Christ will continue to live a worldly life contradictory to His guidelines.
• Many preach and teach in His Name yet make reckless statements which they claim to be God’s truth.
• And many such as Zuma will just make statements that show that they have no idea…and don’t care.
  
  

I could go on with this list I suppose, but we should be careful to condemn the actions and words of Zuma and others as mentioned above, without examining our own hearts before God Almighty. It would do both sincere believers and non-believers good to meditate on the following Scriptures: 

 

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

(Galatians 6:7)

 

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

 

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”

(Matthew 12:36)

 

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.”

(1 Peter 1:16)

 

This past year, the Lord has allowed me to see in people, non-believers but even also in believers, teachers and preachers and even in myself the flaw of easy talking, making claims in the Name of God perhaps just too quickly showing that the fear of the LORD is lacking or starting to lack. I saw non-believers and new-agers laugh and mock at the idea of Christ; believers who have in fact become stagnant in their relationship with and knowledge of God make easy faith statements not backed by their lifestyle and I even saw those of us who have a passion to share the truth of Christ become so occupied with ‘fighting the good fight’ and ‘setting everybody on the right path’ that we lose contact with Christ and storm roll ahead, chopping off heads left right and center in and outside of the body of Christ.

 

Therefore, the above words of Zuma, though sending shivers down my spine, also act as a great reminder to enter the new year with humility before the One Almighty God; to be eager to learn from and listen to Him; to be patient in prayer before I do or say anything, especially and even regarding the smallest act of ministry, for God shall not be mocked.

 

In 2015, may we move and live and minister abiding in Christ and may His glory go forth unto the ends of the earth.

 

Best wishes for 2015,

Lize Dumon

God's journey with an atheist, with you and me

I have just read a most astounding book , ‘Surprised by Joy’ by CS Lewis. I have long known about the book without having any specific knowledge of its contents and have always wanted to read it. Yet, somehow this experience had to wait for just this moment in my life. Looking for a specific book in a bookshop while on holiday, ‘Surprised by Joy’ caught my eye and I knew not to pass it by.

 

Although I am always filled with an eager expectation when embarking on any book by a classic Christian author, I had no idea what God had planned for me in this one!

 

The book made for difficult reading. Lewis’ literary knowledge as well as his philosophical and analytical thought processes and prowess is far beyond my ability! Yet, while a lot of his discussion was a strain to grasp, an equal amount of it I found that I fully understood because I knew it, albeit on a different and more intuitive, emotional heart level.

 

To any person who has a remote interest in and love for literature and or philosophy, I would highly recommend reading this book which takes its reader on a whirlwind tour through the greatest authors and philosophers throughout the centuries (although this is not at all the purpose of this book.)

 

Enough said about that, I would like to share with you the message which the book so profoundly impressed on me. It is not a new message, yet its truth was reawakened in my heart.

 

Just yesterday I wrote a small devotion on my face book page, ‘Growing in Christ with Lize Dumon’ about our responsibility to know, discern, follow and obey God’s guidelines for us. Although this is undeniable, it is not the way to God or Jesus Christ; rather, it is taking ‘hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.’ (Philippians 3:12) for we do not find God, He finds us and He finds us and meets us where we are.

 

Observing SC Lewis’ journey from Atheist to Christian as told in ‘Surprised by Joy’, I was left anew with an overwhelming relief of a burden lifted from our shoulders for no matter what we still lack or what struggles we are still fighting, irrespective of the arrogance or ignorance or lack or follies or even self-centeredness or pride of our faith, God finds us there and will not leave us there! Equally true is that once He has our attention, He will never force us or remove from us our free will of choice. Yet, He will continue to call and peel and reveal one day at a time…

 

After reading Lewis’ book, I understand and hold close to my heart afresh the following promises of grace:

 

“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

 

“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 Corinthians 3:18)

 

As CS Lewis did, may you surrender your king to Him when He brings you to checkmate and may you consequently find that in losing your life, you have actually gained it in Him!!

Having read 'Surprised by Joy', I am also reminded again of a longing in my heart, a longing indeed of my soul to not only be known by God Almighty, but to know Him more and more.

 

For all my ramblings here, I can just pray, “Thank you Father for your love and for Jesus Christ and for life in Him. Thank you for being the great I AM and for interfering in my life. Amen.”

God's new for you and for me

“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

(Revelation 21:5)

There have never been any words that we needed to be trustworthy and true more than these five words spoken by the One who sits on the throne of all thrones. In them are hidden the very core of our greatest need, our greatest desire…to be released from a place of struggle. In them is the essence of our hope…a new beginning. 

Let us brainstorm straight into the concept. What are the things that you and I desperately need to be made new?

At this time of the year energy levels are the first to come to mind but as I let my thoughts run through my own life as well as the lives of those around me whether family, friend or mere acquaintance, the list comes quicker than I can type…

Finances

Relationships

Hopes

Health

Opportunities

Inspiration

Courage

Vision

Plans

Emotions

Thoughts

Actions

Habits

Lifestyles

Strength

Motivations

Attitudes

… the list is infinitive.

Should we have to rely on ourselves for these to be renewed, our inability would soon cause us to despair. Should the ability for these things to be renewed cease to exist at all, we would find ourselves trapped in a pit of hopelessness, desperation and darkness. 

That is why this verse is balm to our weariness wherever it finds us. They are trustworthy and true and even more importantly, spoken by the Almighty God to and for us!!!!

Let everyone who is weary from a situation, a circumstance, a condition of body, heart or soul feed on these promises of newness from the Bread of Life and drink from the Living Waters:

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19)

“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)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Such is my God, my Father and Jesus Christ. He makes things new! He could have consumed but ‘because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning…”

How many mistakes have we made this year?

How many times have we failed?

How many times have we refused to listen to Him?

How many times have we rebelled?

How many times have we been hurt? 

This morning was new.

Whatever happens today, tomorrow morning will be new. 

…New in God’s compassion for you;

new in His mercies and blessings for you;

new in healing for your hurts;

new in His guidance for your next move…

Therefore, stop this very minute to dwell on what has taken place today or yesterday or yesteryear. Stop looking at your current situation with despair and rather turn to God with an expectation for Him to act on His words that are trustworthy and true and sing with the Psalmist:

“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:3)

To me personally, this year has been one of great achievements in Christ yet also great challenges. The process of being transformed by the Spirit to the likeness of the Son is often a painful and difficult one. Yet, as I have turned to and trusted upon my awesome God, He has continued to hold me close to His heart, giving me the ability and strength and joy to enter each new day, time and time again. 

I praise Him with a new song for today in my heart!!

And as today is drawing to an end, I am looking forward to newness of life with Him tomorrow! How about you? 

God bless,

Lize

Love essential

This Sunday, I was sitting in church. The preacher was talking about the wide road to destruction and the narrow road to everlasting life. He urged us to take stock of our lives and to make sure that we are indeed on the narrow road leading to life. He was sure that there had to be at least some who thought that they were on the narrow road but who were actually on the wide road. Other people also spoke, some sharing a Word and some giving their testimonies.


As I sat looking at the congregation and all those speaking, it struck me that we are all on a mission to convert each other. Probably secure to various measures in the fact that we ourselves must be on the narrow road to life, we set out to convince the others around us of their short comings which to us are showing of them knowingly or unknowingly being on the wide road to destruction. In this and in the love of the Lord we are very sincere.


Yet, as I considered all of us, I was aware of the irony in that each one of us there was sure of our being on the right road and yet we were at the same time perhaps ignorant of our own trespasses against each other. I knew the hurts, wounds and harm many of us in church on Sunday have caused our fellow Christians in church and non-Christians outside the church, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In this I don't think any of us there were without guilt.  Sincere in our love for Christ, sincere to save each other yet at the same time hurtful to each other.


And I thought, what a wretched people we are. This is the very reason many choose to withdraw from church and live out their love for God away from the hurtfulness of others. I have myself experienced the urge to flee.


But this is not God's will, not the answer and I know that very well.


So, like Paul, I asked the question - WHO WOULD SAVE A WRETCHED PEOPLE LIKE US?


And again, his answer was still the only one - "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25)


The only hope, through Christ, is love.


Not our carnal love for each other, but the love which is a fruit of the Spirit of God. The ONLY thing that can bind us together in spite of our hurtfulness, in spite of our failures, in spite of our ignorance and in spite of our sins is love for one another for "love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). It does not excuse sin, it does not approve of sin. Rather, it bears with one another so that Proverbs 19:11 becomes true in our lives - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offence."


Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12)


God the Father and Jesus Christ who are One, loved an unlovable people. A people covered and drowned in sin. He loved them to the point of giving His life so that they may have life and life in Him. Now His command is for us to love as He has loved.


"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (Gal 5:6)


"If I ... have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Cor 13:1)


"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor 13:13)


"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." (1 John 3:11)


"Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." (1 John 3:21-23)


Walking out of church on Sunday I had only one sure knowledge...that we need the grace and mercy of God's love and that we should seek to love with the love that can only come from God, through the love of Christ and the indwelling of His Spirit.


God is love.
We love because he first loved us.



Until next week,
God bless!

Love or fear, what compels the bride of Christ?

On my wall I have a framed quote that says:

"Strength is vital for winning many of the spiritual battles of life, especially the drawn-out battles. We need the Spirit of might and power in order to prevail."

I so agree with that but I do also believe that actually, we need the Holy Spirit for winning any spiritual battle in life! And while indeed some battles are long and drawn-out, tapping all our energy, others are sudden, short and so fierce that they can blow us off our feet.


Whether our battle is long or short, it is a stark reminder that we have an enemy and he has but one purpose - to separate us from God and from the life that there is in Christ. In a way, he has already failed in this purpose because in Christ nothing can separate us from the love of God. Christ has opened a door for us into the loving presence of God the Father and Satan cannot change this. Yet, Satan can and will still play with our minds by doing everything in his power to convince us that in some way we can be disqualified to enter through this Door that is Christ or that indeed we can and will be rejected by Christ if we are not good enough or we do not meet a certain list of requirements. Should we at any time believe this, we have no choice but to give up. To stop the fight. To loose all hope. Our battle is lost.


Have you ever been in such a place? A place where you suddenly wondered whether you are indeed accepted by Christ? A place where the accuser has accused you? Where he has brought before you the list of requirements that you fail to meet in order to be accepted in Christ?


In Zechariah 3:1 we see him trying to accuse Joshua the high priest before God. "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him."


Satan bargained on God acting like a chief commander in an army. A chief commander operates on two principles - authority and fear. Indeed he has the highest authority in the army and therefore if he says jump, you jump or you face the terrible consequences. You always obey the chief commander. You fear him and his authority and what he can do or be ordered to be done to you. You know that unless you obey, you are going to be crashed. If Satan can convince us that this is the character of God, he is halfway there to win his battle against us. We will either be of the mind that because we have failed somewhere in someway whether intentionally or unintentionally, we will face grave consequences and be disqualified for God's service and love or we will obey out of fear. Where there is fear, there is no love. We might obey God but our obedience will have little to do with a love for God.


Jesus also placed a high priority on obedience, but it was always connected to love. "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15). And again in verse 23 "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching."


I don't believe Jesus' attitude when He said these words was that of the chief commander - IF, then you WILL. I don't think He spoke these words as a whip to beat His disciples into obedience. Obedience is not so much a requirement as it is the response of a loving heart. The love comes first and the loving heart delights to obey.


Yes, God also operates on two principles of which indeed authority is one, but the second is not fear, it is love!


Let me give you some equations:


Authority + fear = intimidation and condemnation
Authority + love = invitation and conviction


Intimidation says: You better do!
Invitation says: Come and follow!


Condemnation comes from the enemy and it separates from God.
Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and it draws to God.


Did Joshua have dirty clothes? Was he guilty of sin? Could a 'Chief Commander' punish him severely? Yes. "Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel." Is there something in your life that could resemble these dirty clothes? Is there still some sin in your life? Is there a 'requirement' put on you that you still don't 'meet'? If you are still alive and still walking this earth, I bet you have. I certainly have even though I love the Lord with all my heart!


So what will our 'Chief Commander" do with us? Will He crack His whip? Will He threaten us? What did He do with Joshua?


"The angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have taken away your sin and I will put rich garments on you.'


Mercy. Love. 


Not -  'If you will not take of those filthy clothes and walk in my ways you will have to suffer the consequences'


Pardon. Grace.


And only then came the words: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.'"


You think Joshua would choose to walk in God's ways? Bathed in the love of God, love would have him do none other.


What is my whole point with this post? I want to encourage you dear friend, when the attack comes, when Satan comes like the thief in the night and beats you over the head with his accusations; when you find yourself filled with fear and confusion, go back to Christ. Cling to His love. Let His love heal you. Let His love convict you. Let His love move you. Let His love compel you. Let His love guide you. Let His love into your heart and see your heart respond!! See the battle won and your heart filled afresh with the joy of the Lord, your strength!




God bless
Until next time
Lize

Onward Christian soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers,

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before

 

Onward, Christian soldiers

Taking up the sword

Slay the enemy, strike them down

Do it all for the Lord

 

Onward, Christian soldiers

Purge out all wrong

Prune and cut until all is well

To Christ does all authority belong

 

But wait, Christian soldiers

Halt your stride

Look about…

Have you struck the bride?

 

Wait Christian soldiers,

Just wait…

Look up again at your Lord

Gone on before…

 

Now, lay down some things

Arrogance for one

Self-righteous confidence another

What is your goal?

 

Onward, Christian soldiers

Truth will not let you stop

Yet, don’t strike that ear

Don’t drive with fear

 

Follow your Lord

Build up with love

And before you strike,

Become very meek

 

What is your goal?

What is your aim?

 

In all you do

Don’t surpass your Lord

In all you do

Follow Him

 

Onwards, Christian soldiers

______

This poem I wrote for us. Teachers, mentors, preachers, Christian bloggers. We all fervently love our Lord, we fight for Him. Each convinced of a light that has been shed for him or her on some or the other Christian aspect, we overflow with confidence and eagerness to share it with the world, to make some kind of difference... for our Lord.

This is good. This is right. We are compelled by our love for Him.

Yet, let us be careful lest we slay each other, lest we cut of ears that Jesus would rather have put back.

Ours is a fine balance between boldness and meekness, steadfastness and openness, firmness and gentleness.

I know this is a strange post this week, but nevertheless, one for thought.

God bless until next week

Lize

Blessed but baffled bride

Have you ever been baffled by what is going on in your life? Have you ever looked up at God with consternation and question marks written all over your face? I know I have! That's why I was so relieved when I recently again met with a woman in the pages of my Bible who was as perplexed at God as I sometimes am. As relieved as I was to be reminded that I am not the only one who can be so baffled in life, I was even more relieved, comforted and strengthened by the message God gave her and I want to share that with you today.

Please turn with me to Luke 1:26.

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Yes, I am talking about Mary, a young bride living in a small town in Galilee, preparing for the time when her groom, Joseph, would come to take her to live with him and for their wedding to be consummated. She was just a young woman going about the normal things in life, but nothing in her life was just random! God was actively involved and working in her life! Whilst Mary had found favor in the eyes of Joseph, I wonder whether she realized how favored she was in the eyes of God! This is the exact message the angel brings her - you are highly favored by God.

As Mary, we are also just normal people living out the daily realities of our own lives. And yet, as with Mary, there is nothing random about our lives. God is also intensely involved in our lives. He also has a special plan and a specific purpose for each one of us. We too are highly favored in His eyes.

How did Mary react to this message of great blessing and favor?

"Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be."

Mary was troubled and greatly so! The Greek word here translated as 'wondered' means to literally bring together different reasons and to reckon up the reasons. I can just read her mind - Have I done something wrong? Is something wrong? Is something bad going to happen? Is this a good thing? What does God want? What could He want from me?!? Does He want me to do something? What does it mean that I am highly favored? Why am I being highly favored?

Let's admit it. We also sometimes wonder what kind of greeting God has given us. We know that He loves us and has chosen and blessed us but we don't always understand His plans with or for us. What is His purpose? What does He want? What is He doing in my life? What could He want from me or with me? What does He want me to do? 

The angel's words to Mary is also God's response to our questions: "Do not be afraid...you have found favor with God."

Dear friend, whatever is going on in your live and however strange things may seem, God is for you. His favor is on you. Whatever He is doing, whatever He is asking, it is good and it is meant to prosper you, not to bring you harm. He does not intervene and concern Himself with your life in order to crash you. On the contrary, listen to what the angel told Mary:

"You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...his kingdom will never end"

Mary would give birth to the Son of God - the Messiah who would save a lost world, who would further the Kingdom of God and reign forever! The King of kings and Lord of lords! How big is that?? How blessed is that?

Do you realize that God's purpose for us is exactly that? Mary would literally give birth to the Son of God but spiritually the Son of God is also birthed in us. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ dwells in us. He lives in us. As the Holy Spirit transforms us into the likeness of Christ, we bear His fruit, showing the character of Christ. And now, through us, He shows His love and compassion to a lost world. Through us He invites others to also come and taste that He is good! How blessed and favored we are!!

But Mary was still not convinced. She was as baffled as ever:

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

How are we reacting to what God wants to do in and through us? Maybe we are also wondering how this can be.

How will this be since I am...

• but a mere sinner
• only a failure
• of weak faith
• so angry and hurt I cannot forgive
• so entangled in addiction I cannot hope to break free
• too fearful
• not good enough
• too young or too old
• too inexperienced
• in a hopeless situation

What is it that God is putting before you today that you are asking...'How will this be?' Let God answer you and me as He answered Mary:

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you...For nothing is impossible with God."

It is not you. It is not I. It is God in you. It is God in me. He will work forgiveness in our hearts, He will clothe us with righteousness, He will give us the necessary measure of faith, He will give us the strength and the courage, He will equip us and give us the ability. He. The Son of God. Christ in you and in me.

He asks only one thing from us. The one thing which Mary gave..."I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

The word 'servant' in this context carries the meaning of someone who willingly and wholly submits to the will of another. Mary willingly and wholly submitted to the will of God in her life even though she must have realized it was not going to be an easy ride. She stood the chance to be rejected, shamed and even stoned. She had no idea what this journey would entail or where it would take her. Yet, she believed. She trusted. She submitted. She surrendered. She gave a willing heart.

And that was all God needed to work a miracle in her life. That is all He needs to work the miracle in our lives, in your life.

 

For nothing is impossible with God.

 

Dear highly favored but baffled bride, just give God your willing heart.

 

Be blessed, be highly favored
Until next time
Lize