God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
The Walls of Avila
Author Archives: Pieter Stok
A Mighty Fortress is our God!
Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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I am a Masterpiece!
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
If God is the Craftsman then I am His creation. But wait, if He is the Master Craftsman then …
I am God’s masterpiece!
A masterpiece is an expression of the heart of the artist.
A masterpiece is created to ‘reveal’ the artist’s message.
A masterpiece lasts.
A masterpiece is not to be hidden but to be displayed as a reflection of the artist.
A masterpiece reveals the craftsmanship/artisan-ship of its creator.
A masterpiece is of great value.
Prayer: Thank you Creator God for recreating me to reflect your son, for the purpose of living for you. Amen
Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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Not Recycled, Renewed!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor 5:17
A new creation in Christ … A new creation WILL mirror Christ (1John 3:1-3) A new creation HAS a new set of values, attitudes A new creation HAS a new worldview A new creation HAS a new destiny and purpose A new creation HAS a new understanding of the power of agape love for himself, but especially for others
Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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Stick Figures in Peril
I am a Flickr addict. I love the cross section of life that it reveals. There is one rather whimsical group that I am particularly fond of – “Stick Figures in Peril”. These are the ubiquitous warning signs that surround us everyday – around work sites and dangerous places, like cliff edges.
These signs reveal so much about us, and some of the revelations are contradictory. We want to be protected and warned so that we don’t harm ourselves, but on the other hand we can often be so foolish and mindless that obvious things still need to be said.
I haven’t come across a stick figure that warns us about the problem of missing out on a relationship with God. Maybe a clever graphic designer could make one. But many of us, even though we secretly know there is a supreme being, live and act as though there isn’t.
Jesus’ disciple, Thomas, asked a simple but profound question, “How do I know the way
(into the presence of God)?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
The answer is like one of those stick figure signs that we need to heed for safety’s sake. It is a sign saying, that secret belief that sometimes crosses your mind that there is a supreme being, is true. More importantly, that supreme being says, come to me through the doorway that my son has prepared for you.
Jesus’ invitation to enter into the presence of God involves, forgiveness, renewal and eternal life. Isn’t that a “sign” worth heeding?
Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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“I am the Light of the world” John 8:12
I am the Light of the world
Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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A Poem Inspired by Psalm 19:1-4
Looking at the stars
Leaves me in wonder and amazement:
Their size,
The distance,
The physics,
The eternity of it all!
My mind cannot drink it in,
But my hearts says, “My God”!
My God the incredible creator.
And then there is
The sheer incomprehensible beauty,
The “twinkle” of the “diamonds” in the sky
Set upon black velvet.
Yes!
The heavens declare,
Shout, scream, bellow
The glory
Majesty, Vastness, Mystery,
Of God
And proclaim
The works of His hands!
The Grandeur of God
Gerard Manley Hopkins This weekend Hetty and I walked along sections of the Great Southern Walk near the 12 Apostles. When you look with the eyes of faith you can find God everywhere The secret rhythms of the waves, the mysterious layers in the strata of the cliffs, the signs of a petrified forest, the tiny beautiful flowers that hide in the rugged scrub, the natives animals burrowing and foraging … the signs of the hand of God are everywhere. For the Christian it is a helpful reminder of our God whose sovereignty rules over all things big and small. However, the best things is, that as His child, I have, and you may have, a special place, purpose and destiny within that vast creation of His!
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Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith
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Jesus the Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— John 10:14
If we enter into the metaphor of John 10:14 and we think of ourselves as sheep and Jesus as the shepherd there can be an amazing sense of realisation – especially when we add Psalm 23 to the mix. Jesus my shepherd leads ME, protects ME, guards ME, searches for ME, rescues ME, finds good and nourishing places for me to feed and drink …
It is easy, as adults, to think of ourselves as intelligent, capable, wise and articulate. However, John 10:14 reminds us that really, in contrast to our shepherd, we are none of those things.
God give me the wisdom to follow you humbly, to hear and listen to your shepherdly voice obediently, and when I do stray, pull me back gently – or, any way you see fit.
Amen
Categories: Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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A Poem: based on Isaiah 43 1-7
My Creator
Loves me, His creation.
Nothing,
Not a thing
Will thwart His redeemed child from
Being brought to Him.
Waters high and
Rivers deep
Will not drown me,
Or wash me from His saving arms.
He will pay my ransom:
My Jesus, my Saviour!
I am His.
A polished jewel in His crown,
Rubbed clean with the cloth
Of His Holy Spirit.
Whether in the N. S. E or W
He brings me,
His prodigal,
Home!
Categories: Christianity, Devotional, Faith, Poem
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God’s Lavished Love
1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1John 3:1&2
What an incredible passage! God’s love lavished – poured out, unstinting, extravagantly given. The Christian is a “Child of God”. This is not a title – but an eternal relationship. Moreover, when Jesus returns we will reflect him. We will reflect his holiness, perfection – but already, we have what he has – a relationship with the Father.
We are on a journey to holiness. However, we are not alone. The Father is accompanying us and empowering us with His spirit. His aim, to make his adopted children reflect “his only begotten son”.
What a ride! What an amazing encouragement! Also, what a challenge, to grow and mature and take the opportunities to grow in obedience and faithfulness and become how God already sees his children – perfect, as He looks at us through his Christ coloured glasses.
Categories: Christianity, Devotional, Faith
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Travels from Ur 