Author Archives: Pieter Stok

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About Pieter Stok

I am passionate about faith, marriage and family. My interests include reading, video editing, travel and Lego. Also, I find the older I get, the more reflective I become. Whereas once I had answers for everything and everyone, now I have more questions.

Truth and Lies

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Pieter Stok

And the words of the Lord are flawless,
    like silver purified in a crucible,
    like gold refined seven times. Psalm 12:6

We often tend to think of our age as particularly evil but when we read Psalm 12 we realise that David struggled against great evil too. He often felt helpless against its onslaught.

In Psalm 12 he reveals a battle that is fought through the words of people in contrast to the words of God – the flattering, lying and boastful lips of people versus the pure, truthful words of God.

It is a relevant psalm for our time when advertising dominates our lives. The huge amounts spent on political campaigns to sway a small percentage of voters comes to mind. “Spin doctors” try to flatter and manipulate us. Then we have the culture of celebrity where their position and fame is used to make us believe …. whatever. I am reminded of a  certain TV host of Africa American descent, amongst many, many others.

We have two choices: we either join the throng of deceivers and deceived or we run to God for His protection. His protection came in the form of one who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” and “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

David recognised his own helplessness because by nature he too was like the deceivers, but in God’s promises his life would have a completely alternative and truth led orientation through the promises of God. In God’s arms he could begin to see life differently.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Psalms, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

A Few Photos of Our Three Day Escape

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Pieter Stok
Yanakie at dusk

Yanakie at dusk

The colours of dusk at Yanakie

The colours of dusk at Yanakie

Tidal River

Tidal River

Camera hogs at Squeaky Beach

Camera hogs at Squeaky Beach

Tidal River

Tidal River

Categories: Photo | Tags: , | 4 Comments

The Gospel Urgency

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Pieter Stok

I met an old friend again today whom I hadn’t seen in a while. He has a view of the “rapture” which I don’t share but we are still brothers in Christ. My view of the end times is “amillenial” so when Jesus returns, that is it. I was struck by one thing however. Because my friend has an inkling that the rapture will occur soon he is passionate about seeing friends and family come to the Lord. The urgency in his voice is palpable. His life is driven by the need to reveal Christ. I was humbled by him.

But whatever view we hold of the end times we can learn from his sense of urgency. It may not be the Lord’s return but simply death that brings us to Christ the judge. How urgent are we with friends and family? Can they sense the distress that we hold for their eternal welfare?

We can often be blasé or even a tad selfish about the Kingdom. My friend reminded me that our mission as Christ’s ambassadors is serious. And I for one, need to be reminded of its eternal importance.

As for the rapture, a-mill, post mill or pre mill – as another friend says, he is pan mill. When the time comes it will all pan out.

I do believe there are serious theological implications with regard to our position, however, nothing is more important than knowing Jesus personally. That is one thing we can all share.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Reflections | Leave a comment

The Garden of Eden?

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Pieter Stok

No, not the Garden of Eden, only a camping spot. 🙂

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Categories: Photo, Reflections | 4 Comments

Fire and Rain

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Today we went for a walk on Wilson’s Prom. We were going to do 6 kms but ended up doing 12 as the round trip wasn’t as round as the young lady at the Park’s office had suggested. But being hardened caminoers we took it in our stride (pun intended).

The Prom has been through fire and flood in recent years and the scars are still quite evident. What is heartening, however, is how well and quickly, the bush recovers from fire. It was encouraging to see new trees, bushes and shrubs growing. Also the tiny native flowers were in abundance. The Parks people have been busy restoring infrastructure which is also very encouraging.

The only unpleasant surprise were the prices in the shop. Nine dollars for a packet of bread rolls! Humph. I wanted to buy lunch, not the park.

Tonight we are further along the coast at 90 Mile beach, which lives up to its name.

Below is an iPad photo but I will add a gallery when I get home.

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Categories: Reflections, Travel | Leave a comment

Colours

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Pieter Stok

My wife and I have taken a couple of moments away from the recent madness and have camped ourselves on a beach near Wilson’s Prom. I just went to the beach and took time to take in the subtle colours of dusk. I am not an “arty” person, like some in my family, but every now and then I take a moment to appreciate creation.

Throughout the day the sun was strong, the sky blue and the waters aqua, but as the sun set the colours softened into far more subtle shades – pinks, purples and greys. Lines, like the horizon which had been district earlier, we’re now harder to read. The gulls and ducks melted into shadows.

(Two hours later) the stars have come out in we are have shades of darkness and shadows.

Conclusion: it is good to stop and smell the roses, or in my case, appreciate the colours. It is good to be reminded of how great creation is – even, or is it, especially, in the simple things.

PS I left the camera connector for my iPad at home so I’ll have to upload the photos some other time. 😦

Categories: Faith, Reflections, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Hold Me Jesus

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Pieter Stok

One of my favourite songs from one of my favourite artists: the late and great Rich Mullins –

Categories: christian, Christianity, Reflections | 4 Comments

A Kingdom of Priests

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Pieter Stok

“Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19 5-6

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Picture 875What is our calling as Christians? Yes we are all unique and individually equipped but there is an overall broad calling that we all possess. That is, in this fallen world, we are to be a Kingdom or community of priests. We are to be interceders for each other and the world in which we live.

A Kingdom of priests seeks the lost, broken, hurting, offended against and sorrowing, and then as the hands and feet of God ministers to them. We hold them up to God but are also God’s means of bringing healing and hope.

The tragedy is that the church is too often known for hypocrisy, crusades, offences against children, obscene wealth, and … the list goes on. In history, the church has been most potent when it has sided with the poor, broken and helpless: with slaves, children and abused workers  in the industrial revolution, with starving and orphaned, widowed and fatherless.

Christ brought salvation and bread; Physical healing and spiritual healing, words and actions. His Kingdom/community is called to do the same. The priest’s role is in the here and now yet at the same time pointing to God’s eternal Kingdom.

If many Christians and churches have lost their way, we can do no better than revisit and revision our task as a Kingdom of priests; being, what Christ modelled for us.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Reflections | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

Start Counting

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Jer 33

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I Have A God …

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Pieter Stok

A reflection on Psalm 91

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

I have …
… a God who covers his children
like a mother hen,
and whose feathers
become a fortress that is
a refuge from danger,
evil
and all that destroys.

… a God who lifts me up
beyond the harm
and hatred swirling ’round me.

… a God who gathers me
in his arms
and gives me
more,
far more,
than I deserve.

… a God
whose son is,
right now,
busy making a home for me,
forever.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Poem, poetry, Psalms, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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