THE ANSWER IS YES ARE YOU TRUSTING GOD WITH YOUR GIVING? 1 alivetogod.com | April 2015 Your support and financial contribution will greatly assist us in the work that we are doing. Should you wish to support the work and ministry of Alive to God. Give via a monthly debit order. Secure online donation via Debit or Credit Card . For more info email us at [email protected] BANKING DETAILS ACCOUNT NAME: BANK: BRANCH: BRANCH CODE: ACCNUMBER: SWIFT ADDRESS: BANK ADDRESS: REFERENCE: ALIVE TO GOD STANDARD BANK MENLYN 012345 411338196 (Cheque account) SBZAZAJJ Box 35432, Menlo Park, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, 0010 Your email address (if you do not wish to remain anonymous) SECURE ONLINE DONATION: http://www.alivetogod.com/payment.aspx PAYPAL: Send money online to the email address [email protected]: https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online Thank you once again and may God bless you! 2 alivetogod.com | April 2015 4-6 THE ANSWER IS YES - Andrew Roebert 8-9 ARE YOU TRUSTING GOD WITH YOUR GIVING? FINANCE - Christian PF - 10-13 CELEBRATING THE RESSURECTION OF JESUS - Ps Ed Roebert 14-17 DUMPING THE EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE - Marraige Missions18 KIDS - HE HAS RISEN - Colouring Fun 19 SALVATION PRAYER ALIVE TO GOD now has close to 300 000 fans on Facebook, with more than 160 000 subscribers worldwide and our intercessors have prayed for more than 3 000 prayer requests in a month. We give all of the honour to God. We trust that the Lord will bless you through this ministry. For more information and to view our previous magazines, please visit www.AliveToGod.com I AM HERE TO ENCOURAGE YOU. TO TELL YOU THAT GOD WANTS TO MEET YOU AT YOUR POINT OF NEED. HE HAS A ANSWER FOR YOU TODAY, AND THE ANSWER IS YES. WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT WHAT THINGS GOD HAS SAID YES TO. SOMEWHERE IN ALL THE YES’S IS ONE FOR YOUR SITUATION AND YOUR NEED. THE ANSWER IS YES YES, GOD LISTENS AS WE PRAY I am glad about this. That God listens when we pray. And as we pray we can be expecting that He will be listening. Psalm 17:6 Why am I praying like this? Because I know you will answer me, O God! Yes, listen as I pray. We can know that God listens and we can know that God answers us. Psalm 34:17 Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles. 4 alivetogod.com | April 2015 YES, GOD ANSWERS AND HE RESCUES YES, GOD KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR HEART More than just listen, God wants to answer our prayers. And even more than that He wants to come through for us and rescue us from our situations and circumstances. God knows the issues of our hearts. The battle or the anguish within us is NOT something strange to Him. He knows! Psalm 44:21 Yes, he knows the secrets of every heart. Those secret fear, concerns and worries, He knows and He understands. Psalm 22:21 Save me from these lions’ jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen. Yes, God will answer me and rescue me. Let that be a promise for you today. YES, GOD WANTS TO SAVE YOU AND ME No matter what you are facing, no matter what you are experiencing right now; If you are trusting God you do not need to fear. We can be confident in God. Psalm 27:3 Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me. Yes, God will save me! YES, GOD WANTS TO HELP US It is great to know that God wants to help us. May His help be a reality to you Don’t get impatient. Be ready to wait but be confident that God will help you. YES, WE CAN TRUST GOD This is a great joy to me; to know that we can trust God. You may be afraid. You may be fearful of man and what man can do to you. But I am here to tell you that you can trust God. Psalm 56:3 – 4 But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me? Yes, you can trust God. YES, GOD IS WITH US This is such a reassuring fact. That God is with us. Today, God is with you as you face the challenges of life. Psalm 71:6 Yes, you have been with me from birth and have helped me constantly God has been with you since you were born and He intends to help you on an on-going basis. Yes, God wants to protect us! Psalm 27:14 Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you. Yes, He will help you 5 alivetogod.com | April 2015 Here is another great fact. That God Himself wants to be our protection. This is a great one for South Africans. Psalm 89:19 Yes, our protection is from the Lord himself. Thank you God for your protection. YES, GOD’S PRESENCE CAN BE A REALITY This is a source of exceeding joy to me to know that I can know His presence IN LIFE. Not just when I get to heaven but here on earth. Psalm 116:9 I shall live! Yes, in his presence—here on earth! Living in His presence, here in the land of the living YES, GOD WANTS TO HEAL YOU If you are trusting God for healing just know that it is God’s desire to do just that. Matthew 8:7 “Yes,” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” It is wonderful to know that God wants to heal us. If healing is your need today, then be expectant. John 6:48 Yes, I am the Bread of Life! Jesus wants to make the way open for us. Yes, He is the way YES, WE CAN ASK GOD FOR ANYTHING No request is too great for God. We can bring all our request and petitions. John 14:14 Yes, ask anything, using my name, and I will do it! Anything that is on your heart we can bring to the feet of Jesus. What are you trusting God for? Come on and ask Him. YES, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE KNOWING JESUS Knowing Jesus is the greatest joy and nothing can compare to it. Knowing Jesus is something priceless. Philippians 3:8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. The answer is YES, we can ‘KNOW’ Jesus. YES, JESUS IS THE WAY What a privilege. What an honour. Without Jesus, we would be really lost but He has made a way. John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the Way—yes, and the Truth and the Life. John 10:9 Yes, I am the Gate. What a joy! 6 alivetogod.com | April 2015 7 alivetogod.com | April 2015 Artilcle used with the permission of ChristianPF.com: http://christianpf.com/trust-god-giving/ In a time of serious persecution, some churches in the region of Macedonia had continued to give. In fact, they gave “beyond their means” (2 Corinthians 8:3). Using these generous Christians as examples, Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth: But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you— see that you also excel in this grace of giving. – 2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV After writing more about how the church at Corinth had shown their generosity, Paul got to his overall emphasis: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. – 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV Some read Paul’s “point” and see a type of prosperity gospel. Instead, later in this same context, Paul gives us a very important concept that should help us excel in the grace of giving, just as it should have for the church in Corinth. 8 Paul wrote: Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. – 2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV To reinforce that thought, Paul ended verse 11 by saying that remembering this concept should build thanksgiving in our hearts. But it is the phrase at the beginning of verse 10 that should draw our attention when we consider our giving. God “supplies seed to the sower and bread for food.” Paul is trying to remind me that, when I give, it is not necessarily my money that I am giving. It all started with God in the first place! Previously, though, Paul had written some words that should help us as we seek to trust God in our giving. There are some who think, If I give more, I won’t have as much. That may be true to a point, but it is failing to remember a very important concept about God. He can be trusted! alivetogod.com | April 2015 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV In reality, the phrase “God is able” should be enough for us, but Paul, by inspiration, pours out superlative idea after superlative idea to remind us that our giving is really just trusting that God will return to us. And when God gives, it is amazing. My giving may be quite a lot by man’s standards, or it may seem like little. Compared to what I have, it may cause me to have a little “pinch” in the wallet, especially when I really consider the idea of sacrificial giving. But I do not give to try to outdo someone else, or to try to show off. I give because I love God and honour Him with the first and best of what I have, including my finances. But I also give, knowing that God will honour the gift. That does not mean I’ll be a millionaire tomorrow morning because I put a big check in the plate on Sunday. It doesn’t mean that I add a couple of twenties to my usual giving on Sunday and I’ll be rewarded with a big-screen TV. That’s earthly thinking. What Paul is trying to teach us is to trust that God–who owns it all in the first place–will return blessings in our lives that are above and beyond what we can really think of. They are not necessarily earthly blessings, because God wants to truly bless us, and His blessings are far greater than some temporal “stuff.” Instead, the God who created it all, owns it all, and is in charge of it all wants to place blessings in our lives that we struggle to even think of on our own. The question is, do I trust Him enough to abound in the act of grace that we call giving? 9 alivetogod.com | April 2015 by Pastor Ed Roebert - (1939-1997) I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me about the words of Jesus in John 6 where He said at least four times, referring to what will happen to every born again child of God on resurrection day: “I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY” LET ME SHARE THESE WONDERFUL VERSES WITH YOU! John 6 37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 10 alivetogod.com | April 2015 40 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. “ 44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” 53Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” 54 “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. “ 55 “For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” 56 “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. “ 57 “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.” Then as I read on I was captivated by what Jesus said in verses 63-64 11 63 “It is the Spirit who gives life: the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” 64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.” Let’s take a brief look at some of these wonderful things that Jesus says: “THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONE WHO GIVES LIFE” John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life“ As He brings about the new birth in our lives! As He fills our lives when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, and as we open ourselves up to be filled with the Spirit on a regular basis! The alternative is ritual, religion, tradition and a form of godliness that denies the power thereof! alivetogod.com | April 2015 Jesus is currently sending a wave of life over His Church worldwide as He pours out His Spirit in a new way! John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life” LIVING TO PLEASE THE FLESH John 6:63 “... the flesh profits nothing.” Galatians 5: 19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, Idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, Envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the ... ... of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” THE WORDS OF JESUS ARE FILLED WITH SPIRIT AND WITH LIFE! John 6:63 “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” There are two Greek words that are translated WORD in the New Testament. 12 LOGOS referring to the eternal word of God! RHEMA referring to the anointed word that God speaks to us! The Bible - the eternal Word of God that abides forever is full of life and power! Hebrews 4: 12 “For the word [logos} of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. “ As we get to know Jesus in a more intimate and personal way, and as we get to hear His voice more clearly, He personally speaks into our spirits His life-filled words of instruction! See John 6:63 above! SOME DID NOT BELIEVE DESPITE ALL THEY HAD SEEN! 64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” alivetogod.com | April 2015 For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” NOT ALL OF HIS DISCIPLES GO ALL THE WAY WITH HIM! 66 “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” JESUS IS THE ONLY MESSIAH! THE ONLY SON OF THE LIVING GOD! THE ONLY SOURCE OF ETERNAL LIFE! 68 “Then Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? “ 69 “Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” 13 alivetogod.com | April 2015 based on an article by Cindy Wright of Marriage Missions International. © Marriage Missions International, 2013. Reprinted with permission of Marriage Missions International. All rights reserved. To learn more, visit www.marriagemissions.com 14 alivetogod.com | April 2015 There are times in our marriages when we are guilty of dumping emotional garbage on one another. I’ve done it, my husband has done it, and you and your spouse probably have done it —where something is bothering you and instead of disposing of it properly, you let your “partner” have it. “strength under control” —not being a wimp or throwing around strength out of control. It’s not a weak confrontation, but one that is done in the best way possible, for the situation at hand. In these kinds of times, it’s usually easier to be the one who gives than receives. I remember years ago a specific situation when my husband “dumped” some emotions on me when I hadn’t done anything to deserve it (this time). I actually thought of that definition and stood up a bit taller and said gently but firmly, “This is obviously not about me… I didn’t do anything to deserve your anger. Do you want to talk about what is making you angry, or do you just need some space?” Steve immediately backed off, and confessed what was going on and we talked about the whole matter in a very uniting manner. After all, who wants to be the receiver of that which stinks? But unfortunately, when we live with another human being —with intimacy as a goal (as it’s supposed to be in marriage), it’s bound to happen that irritations get tossed around, and we will be the receiver at times. When it DOES happen, however, that’s when you (the one who is on the receiving end) need to decide what to do in these times of conflict. Do you find a meek way to confront it, because you feel because it gets in the way of your intimacy, or do you let it go? Now, let me be clear on the issue of confronting, I said “meek” not “weak.” Meekness is defined as 15 That definition has helped me in many ways, when faced with conflict —especially when it’s a “dumping” situation. Now let me tell you first, that Steve doesn’t usually act like that with me. As a matter of fact, I am more often the one who can tend to “dump” than he does. But that specific situation was actually a turning point for both of us. It turned things around in such a positive way that we talked alivetogod.com | April 2015 about it, and both of us have since been much more “meek” in how we react —not being as quick to snarl back and instead give more grace and space to each other when one or both of us need it. i But when you DO confront, make sure your purpose is to “speak the truth in love” (in other words, motivated because of love) as the Bible talks about. You can’t always avoid conflict in your marriage, nor should you. As author Paul Coughlin explains: “Conflict is the price you pay for intimacy. Read that sentence again, and let it sink in. If you want to connect genuinely with other people, you have to risk conflict by being frank and firm in addition to gracious and loving. It’s that ‘salty and sweet’ combination. And though not a popular message, risking conflict by speaking the truth in love is part of following Christ. This is what the real Jesus modeled for us. He didn’t avoid necessary conflicts if those interactions could possibly lead to a more authentic, intimate relationship, and he always spoke the truth in love.” Unfortunately, sometimes there are spouses who are abusive when they confront or are confronted. But for those of you, who aren’t dealing with serious abusive situations, make it your 16 goal to confront in love, when it’s best to do so, or give some grace and space, when it’s appropriate. (This is difficult to remember to do when we should, but it sure can be beneficial, when we do it.) We’re told in Isaiah 35:3 to “encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.” In applying this verse to your marriage, April Motl gives the following challenge to consider: “Is your honey worn out? Find a way to tangibly come alongside him or her to give encouragement and strength to them. Maybe it is some time away from the responsibilities of life, a shoulder rub, making and cleaning up dinner or just listening to them process life.” There’s no doubt that it isn’t always possible to do this, but when it’s appropriate, give the type of love and grace that you would want to receive from your spouse (that, which you’ve received from Christ). In the way that you react to emotional dumping: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory for ever and ever.” alivetogod.com | April 2015 www.marriagelifeministries.org www.marriagelifeministries.org (Hebrews 13:20-21) My husband certainly needed it when he chose to confess his dark secrets to me. And I knew in my heart that I wanted to extend it. For one reason —I knew how in need of it that I was. And so the journey began. 17 The journey to healing. The journey to restoration. The journey to learning to walk this thing called marriage out with another human being and do it well. You can’t do it well without grace. Grace allows you to drop your preconceived ideas about what marriage should look like. Grace gives you the ability to relax your expectations and give your spouse room to be who they are. Grace allows you to forgive your spouse for their imperfections. Grace allows you to see your differences as a good thing. Grace makes you aware that your spouse is just as human as you are. They will fail you. And grace gives you the ability and desire to handle those failures with, well… grace. alivetogod.com | April 2015 18 alivetogod.com | April 2015 19 alivetogod.com | April 2015