Deeper Life Bible Church , Pretoria

09/10/2016

18/12/2015

FRIDAY, 18 DECEMBER

Yoke Fellows

HEBREWS 13:1-3
Key Verse:“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13:3).

Someone said: “Our lives intersect with others all day, every day. Sometimes we know these other lives well; frequently, though, the points of connection are brief and transient. Who are these people? How might they tell their own stories? What thoughts preoccupy their minds? What joys and troubles are coursing through their feelings? Empathy is our tool for beginning to know these things. It asks the question: If we could catch a glimpse of others’ stories, would we treat them differently?” These are trying times.

Believers are daily persecuted in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, for instance, Christians are being murdered in some parts of the country under an insurgency that tends to target Christianity. The insurgents say their aim is to impose a form of religion on the nation. Since the crisis heightened in 2009, many believers and worshippers have lost their lives while inside the church on fellowship days. Nowadays, some believers only mind their own business when it comes to bearing fellow believers’ burden. They shut their bowels of mercy. Although times are hard, the work of the Lord must be done nevertheless. Circumstances of life must not prevent believers from showing empathy to others.

Today, the Home Caring Fellowship system is no longer vibrant because people complain that the love that used to characterize the fellowship is no longer obtainable and that members are no longer enthusiastic about attending such meetings owing to the pressures of life. This is wholly unacceptable. We are to reach out to those who are going through persecution, hunger and deprivation, and be of help to them. Believers must also pray for those in bonds and fully identify with them.

Thought for the day: A little deed of kindness is strong enough to revive a soul.
Bible Reading in one Year: EZEKIEL 3 - 5

17/12/2015

THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER

Costly Assumption

ISAIAH 28:9-21
Key Verse: “To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear” (Isaiah 28:12).

Many people are so stubbornly set in their ways that they refuse to acknowledge that they are on the wrong path. They would not seek help, nor change their ways. They thrive on the false assumption that no harm can come their way. Many continue on this path until it is too late, and the consequences are upon them. This was the lot of the children of Israel.

The prophet here complains of the wretched stubbornness of these people. They were incorrigible and rejected the means of grace available to them. They continued to live to satisfy their selfish aspirations. Their mistakes were not rectified, their hearts not renewed, nor their lives reformed. Their prophets taught them the knowledge of God and His will, and sought to make them understand the mind of God. This was God’s way of dealing with men, to enlighten their minds first with the knowledge of His truth, and thus, gain their affection, and bring their will in compliance with His laws. But, the people were unwilling to learn, just as it was impossible for them to deeply imbibe any knowledge passed to them. They had no capacity to receive what is taught them, having made up their minds about how they wanted to live. Therefore, all the noble efforts of their prophets fell on deaf ears. Those who would not hear the comfortable voice of God’s word shall be made to hear and experience the dreadful voice of His rod when He brings utter ruin upon them.

It is indeed a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. No power in the universe can deliver out of His hands. The only way to escape is through total repentance and continual obedience to all of His will as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and taught by His ministers.

Thought for the day: Christ is the only Anchor for the soul.
Bible Reading in one Year: EZEKIEL 1 - 2

16/12/2015

WEDNESDAY, 16 DECEMBER

What Manner Of Love?

JOHN 13:34-38
Key Verse:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

The Apostle Peter along with other disciples discovered to their shame when they forsook their Lord in His moment of need that the love He taught them was infinitely superior to the world’s. They could not project their love sacrificially as Peter boasted he would. In his case, he even denied His Saviour in order to escape persecution. The love Christ endorses is called agape in Greek. It is different from the sensual one the world celebrates every day. Agape is a self- surrendering love that seeks the good of others. It marks the Christian out as a distinct and consecrated follower of Christ who Himself lived what He preached and taught.

Relationship among believers must be characterized by a devoted concern that sacrificially seeks to promote the highest good of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Lord says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Yet, there is a caveat: in loving all Christians, even those who do not belong to our denomination, we must not compromise or surrender Bible-based doctrines of purity and holiness. We must not go for so-called ecumenical unity or oneness that leads to compromise and apostasy. The love Jesus teaches is not a one-off affair which we celebrate once a year. It is that which we put on as a garment all the time and allow to influence our dealings with other people irrespective of their tribe, colour or culture. We must remember, however, that loving others does not amount to dropping holiness, righteousness and other biblical truths. Instead, love for God and His word must always come first. That is the essence of agape love which God wants us to celebrate every day.

Thought for the day: Loving others like Christ is a daily affair, not a showy yearly ritual.
Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 61 - 66

15/12/2015

15/12/2015

TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER

Restoration Is Nigh

PSALM 102:12-28
Key Verse:
“Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come” (Psalm 102:13)

An English songwriter, George Asaf, once wrote, “What’s the use of worrying? It never was worthwhile, so pack up your troubles in your old kitbag and smile, smile, smile”. This song stresses the need to be undaunted during distress and trouble and demonstrate positive attitude of courage and hope.

Our text has relevant interpretation for those who are passing through problems today; that reliance on God will bring restoration of whatever has been lost or damaged. Though the Psalmist realized the undesirable state of Jerusalem and even foresaw its future devastation, he was hopeful that one day there would be restoration of Zion into its former glory and of its attaining a more desirable state. Rather than succumb to melancholy, he resorted to prayer and positive confession. To find oneself in an undesirable situation is not new in life. Yet, our attitude at such times is what matters most. The Psalmist confessed that there would be restoration for Zion as God would favour her. He knew that the wall of Jerusalem would be broken down, the city would be devastated by the enemy and people of the land taken into captivity. In spite of these, he was hopeful that the time of restoration shall come.

God understands what you are passing through this time. Never allow worry a place in your heart. It may appear there is no job today; job will come tomorrow. You may have married and no children yet. Remember it is God who gives children, and in Him you must trust. Whatever the challenges you are facing, why not cast your burden upon Jesus so that there will be restoration? Nothing pertaining to us is hidden from God. Therefore, cheer up and expect restoration, for it will certainly come for those who trust in God.

Thought for the day: There is always light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 56 - 60

14/12/2015

MONDAY, 14 DECEMBER

They Will Not Prevail

JOHN 12:12-22
Key Verse:
“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him” (John 12:19).

There are things worth trying and others not worth trying. One of the most foolish things to do is to attempt to fight against the truth. As observed by former U.K. Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”

This truth very much applies to the case of Christ and the Pharisees. Long before Christ came into the world, the Pharisees commanded high esteem among the Jews. They, indeed, craved the praise of men and positioned themselves as custodians of God’s holy standard. Unfortunately, they were “like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” Christ rebuked their hypocrisy and corrected their misinterpretation of Scriptures. This hurt their pride and they gave Christ no breathing space with their ceaseless antagonism and even death plots.

In today’s text, the Pharisees got incensed by Christ’s high popularity rating among the common people, especially after he raised Lazarus from death. During the Passover feast, even the Jews that came from different parts of the world, having heard about the miracle, were anxious to meet Him. The commoners were so delighted that they gave Him the best reception by waving palm fronds and singing, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord”. The Greeks among them also desired to meet Him. The Pharisees acknowledged that all their efforts to stop Christ had failed!

It is a constant principle that the truth – and those who stand by it – cannot be defeated. At the height of the persecution of the early Church, even Gamaliel, a staunch Pharisee and doctor of the law, counselled his colleagues to desist from fighting the truth. True believers should stand for the truth always.

Thought for the day: If your enemies are God’s enemies, step aside and watch God fight for you.
Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 51 - 55

13/12/2015

DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH
NATIONAL WORKERS RETREAT - December 2015
GAUTENG PROVINCE

13/12/2015

SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER

Don’t Succumb To Despair

PSALM 102:1-11
Key Verse:
“For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread” (Psalm 102:3,4).

Pain and affliction are a universal phenomenon. They come on people for various reasons. They also come upon believers through the purifying process of daily identifying with the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan as the ‘god’ of this world exercises his evil power, causing pain and affliction. Suffering pain and affliction have been part of man’s experience after his fall (Genesis 3).

In our text, this anonymous psalmist speaks about affliction as an experience of all ages. He reflects not so much on the intensity of his bitter experiences as in the unchanging nature of God in His dealings with men. He also reflects on the fleeting nature of life itself: “my days are like a shadow that declineth and I am withered like grass” (verse 11). Life’s challenges sometimes seem insurmountable, and nearly everything seems to be going wrong. We appear helpless in our attempt to change the situation. In such trying circumstances, we need to place our life in the hands of Him who is the Master of circumstances. He understands all situations and can provide needed solution. Those who place their confidence in Him will not be disappointed.

Are you sailing through life aimlessly? We have an Anchor that keeps the soul; Steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the Rock which cannot move; Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love. From today, learn and practise the art of anchoring fast and deep in Christ.

Thought for the day: Storms of life should some time cease.
Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 46 - 50

12/12/2015

SATURDAY, 12 DECEMBER

When Purging Is Needful

HEBREWS 12:18-29
Key Verse:
“And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrew 12:27).

A shepherd boy, David went to the battle front to see his brothers and to convey his father’s goodwill message to them. On arrival, he saw Goliath, the arch- enemy of his country, terrorizing Israel and mocking their God. He elected to go fight the enemy, and he was decked with all the paraphernalia of war by King Saul. But he couldn’t move. He needed to be free; he requested that all such shakable things must be put out. He went after the enemy with one unshakable thing - undeniable faith in God Almighty. And he was victorious!

In our text today, Paul the apostle talks about the willingness of God to shake away every immaterial thing hanging on our lives. God expects us to put on His righteous nature. He does not tolerate double loyalty. In the Christian race, moderation is required from believers. Recourse to excess luggage is not permitted. Paul said the essence of shedding off the shakable things is to enable us “serve God acceptably, with reverence and great fear.” He noted that failure to do so would attract God’s displeasure because He is “a consuming fire.”

Today, you must take candid stock of your life and point out all those “foreign bodies” in your life compromising the Christian life. All categories of sin are shakable materials that should not be allowed to have a place in your life. Even so, excellent virtues must be allowed to dwell and abound within. They are the unshakable things that nurture a life of godliness. Why not put these on always like a vesture?

Thought for the day: Virtues not vices define the worth of every man.
Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 42 - 45

11/12/2015

DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH presents.... " READINESS FOR CHRIST COMING "
@ DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH CAMP GROUND,
PLOT 69
HAAKDORINGBOOM
PRETORIA NORTH
PRETORIA

Come and experience a fresh word, a fresh touch, renewal, revival, restoration, blessings spiritual and physical, breakthrough in all areas of your life.
- Bring the sick
- There will be Freedom from Sin, Sickness and Satan
- As we prepare and get ourselves ready for the Coming of Christ.

Contact Details: Past. M. Kruger
078 031 2959

11/12/2015

FRIDAY, 11 DECEMBER

The Leaven Of Faultfinders

JOHN 12:1-11
Key Verse:
“Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (John 12:4,5).

Christ warned His disciples about the “leaven of the Pharisees”. This leaven, according to the Scripture, means hypocrisy or the doctrine of the Pharisees (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:12). The reference here therefore borders on lifestyle and influence. Perhaps, another set of people of whose leaven we must be wary is the faultfinders. They, like the hypocrites, carry with them masked but sinister intentions.

Judas Iscariot, in today’s text, exhibited the trademark of chronic faultfinders. Six days before the Passover, Christ was in Bethany where he had raised Lazarus from death. Mary seized the occasion to express her appreciation and love for the Lord Jesus by anointing His feet with a costly ointment of spikenard, wiping same with her hair. Judas found fault with this lavish honour, regarding it as wasteful and loudly wished the ointment were sold and the proceeds given to the poor. But notice verse 6, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” Mary’s act of worship and adoration was however regarded as significantly prophetic and connected to Christ’s death. It was a most sacrificial and self-abasing commitment to Him. But faultfinders will always censor any commitment or consecration superior to anything they can offer. Beneath such censorship is always a selfish motive – envy, jealousy, pride or some other inordinate quest. Often, these ulterior motives are covered with care-for-the-poor kind of mask. Fortunately, we are dealing with God who knows the heart of everyone.

As we reflect on the goodness of God in our lives, it should be our resolve to always offer to Him the best that we have. We should not let anyone’s censorious attitude moderate our devotion or deter us from going the extra mile for the Lord. The Lord’s commendation is all that matters.

Thought for the day: To the upright, the world’s criticisms often translate to the Lord’s commendation.
Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 38 - 41