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Knowing Jesus – A FULL Surrender

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Prophetic word with this message was that it is like a battle and after a battle if you surrender you wave a white flag and in a way to be victorious you have to surrender all and wave the white flag to Jesus!

Sermon Notes St Matt’s – Timothy West

Knowing Jesus and Loving God with all your Heart.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12:30 ESV)
My soul Lord to you surrendered All I am is yours.

Opening questions

1) What does it mean to “Know Jesus”?

2) What does it mean to “Love the Lord your God with ALL your Heart”?

Intro – personal testimony

I am here tonight to talk to you about my best friend – about my saviour – about my
about my King. Jesus Christ.
I grew up in a wonderful Christian family and my mum and dad are my heros
(missionaries in Africa)- I have been incredibly blessed by attending a wonderful school
here in Bath I’ve been to some great universities Bournemouth and Bath and now have
an exciting teaching Job at King Edwards Senior school. From a material point of view
Life hast not been tough.
Yet I count all but lost and worthless in comparison to knowing Jesus Christ as my
personal Lord and saviour.

In the last year of my life I have know pain and hardship that has cut deep and at times
absolutely torn me appart. I was engaged to a wonderful woman called who I respect
hugely. The engagement was broken January this year leaving me absolutely mortified
and broken. I am not here to talk to you about the ins and outs of this but to talk to
about my Journey with Christ over the last 8 months and how He has pulled me up out
of the Pitt and set my feet on solid ground.

I have learnt about the importance of being in the Will of God and not out of it and
being willing to let Jesus have absolutely everything and take everything.
So whilst I have known great blessing and Joy in my life I have also known Incredible
pain.I stand here today as a living testimony that God is good. That Jesus truly does care and
save and that the holy spirit is the only true comforter helper and advocate they we have
to live by. My prayer is that we together Journey with Jesus and begin to come to know
him intimately.

Practical Application From my testimony.

Knowing Jesus has Changed my life.
The three practical things that have totally changed my life in the last 8 months are:
1) Reading and meditating on the word of God.
Psalm 119:9

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
2) Cultivating a Life of Prayer – speaking and listening to my best friend.
Philippians 4:6-7

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace
of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.

3) Wholehearted praise and worship to the King of kings even if I don’t feel like it.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known
to everyone.
Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit
of our lips giving thanks to his name

Main part of talk.

Read John 14
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me.
1) Knowing Jesus is also knowing God the Father – the father son relationship is key
and important to grasp. In order to begin to know Jesus we need to also know the
father who sent him.
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I
go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know
the way to where I am going.”[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where
you are going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father
also.[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
2) As believers we need to be certain and sure of our salvation and what salvation
really is. In order to know God the Father we need to know Jesus. To know Jesus We
need to have a good understanding of what savaltion is through the blessed Holy
Trinity.

Read Romans 3:22-26
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are
justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans
3:22-24 NIV84)
Salvation in Christ is All about Grace.
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to
him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has
seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not
believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do
not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account
of the works themselves.12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do;
and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever
you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
3) When we ask for things in the name of Jesus the Main objective is so that our father
in heaven may be glorified through the son Jesus Christ. The word of God says we can
ask in the Name of Jesus and he will do it. And greater things. Remember it needs to be
to the Glory of God. Go for it. Ask for things in the name of Jesus.
14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
4) We need to know the commandments that are laid out in the word of God – when we
know them we have a better chance to keep them and in keeping them we love Jesus.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,[f] to be with you
forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither
sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[g] in you.
5) To know Jesus we need to know that the Holy Spirit is with us – as we are filled with
the Spirit we will Know Him -ask the holy spirit to be with you everyday. Claim this
promise – this truth daily – Holy Spirit I believe you are with me fill me up and help me
get through this day this trial this life. The Holy Spirit is the completion of the Holy
Trinity.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the
world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In
that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he
who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to
him.”
6) V21 what a beautiful truth – Once again in verse 21 it talks about keeping His
commandments. Whenever scripture says it twice to me it starts to ring alarm bells –
saying pay attention. Have you got His commandments?
The key point 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to
us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep
my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home
with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that
you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.
7) So how does Jesus meet with us. For the third time in John 14 it says “if you love me
KEEP MY WORD” and my father will love him and WE WILL COME TO HIM that is
me and you. Father son and Holy Spirit making their home in your heart. Let us also
not neglect and forget verse 24
Listen to the story of Bob with the big house.

Final Scriptures and Closing Thoughts

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.
Finishing prayer in the scriptures
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach
you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am
going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because
I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you
may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is
coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that
the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.Key Scriptures and final notes.
Scripture 1
Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our
God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with
all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first
commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as
yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, You are not far from
the kingdom of God. But after that no one dared question Him. (Mark 12:29-31, 34
NKJV)
Scripture 2
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is
no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by
his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put
forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s
righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Boom
It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:22-26 ESV)
Don’t compromise don’t hold back give him your whole heart. I Surendor all unto
Jesus. Give him full rein give him your whole heart.
John 14:23
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them,
and we will come to them and make our home with them
He wants all of you.
I pray that you come to know Jesus intimately and give him your whole heart. I also
pray the Word of God grips your heart and you begin to keep and know His
commandments and precepts laid out in the Word of God!
All to Jesus We surrender!

25/09/2012

The commission of a Christ Disciple – from disciple to APOSTLE

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Commissioning of the disciples to APOSTLES By Jesus

It just struck me how simple Jesus made it for us to do mission.

1) He gave us power and authority to heal and deliver V1

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,

2) He sent us to preach the Gospel and again to heal V2

and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

3) Do mission by faith – rely on the Lords provision V3-5

And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.
And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

Conclusion – we must Go into all the world – villages, towns, our office, the next door neighbour and again to do what?

To Preach the Gospel and Heal the sick.

And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. (Luke 9:1-6 ESV)

Isn’t it wonderful how simple this it is. We haven’t got an excuse really have we.

How can you step out and step into this. I believe everyone has responsibility to be an apostle in their own place.

We say we want to be Christ’s disciples but then shirk off the going part. We must Go for Christ!

Be blessed and hopefully also challenged.

02/09/2012

Sermon notes on Proclaiming the Gospel

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Roger West. – Proclaiming the Gospel. Preaching. GO

If no body goes and no body tells them about Jesus.

What is the Gospel. It is the good news. It is not bad news. The good news is. Psalm 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, (Psalm 103:3 NKJV)

It brings hope. It brings Forgiveness. Heals all your diseases.

Revival will never happen until Gods people arise and go and proclaim the Good News. The Gospel of Christ. Psalm 103:3-5

It doesn’t just stop their.

Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagles. (Psalm 103:3-5 NKJV)

There has to be an announcer of the Good news.

People want the anointing but God says Go and I will anoint you. When you Go you find out that God is with you. Anointing will come upon you.

Why do some people not go. Because in their mind they think they are nothing. But when Jesus comes and stands next to a Zero. He makes you so much more then you are. You become a 10 and with many more zeros. We becomes hundreds thousands and then millions for Christ.

But when the holy spirit comes upon us all trembling goes.

Jesus is mindful of you and he is thinking of you. He is making interceding for us. He abides with us.

The purpose of the spirit of the sovereign Lord coming upon you is so that you can GO and preach the Gospel to the Poor….. Roger West

The message of the gospel must be clear. We must preach the crucified Christ. We must

The purer the gospel that is preached the greater the results. The gospel that preaches Jesus Christ and him Crucified is the most powerful message you can ever preach.

When we are moved to compassion. There will be two voices one will be what if and the other will be GO step out in faith. We must silence the voice that says WHAT IF.

If you see someone that is broken hearted. It’s a great opportunity to pray and minister with someone.

When you are full with the Love of God you will be most effective in your ministry.

Why is the spirit upon you – to take Love to a dark and dying world.

Can people tell that you have been with Jesus. Jesus is the greatest witness in you he will speak through you.

If I read the word of God everyday. Instead of ministering from empty the more I will minister from an overflow. Soak yourself in the word of God.

God has given us the privilege to each of us to be involved in the Work of God.

Why did Jesus borrow peters boat. He cold have just walked on the water. He wants us to

It hath pleased God that through the foolishness of preaching people would be saved.

There are many lost children that don’t even realise that they are lost. How will they be found unless they have someone who finds them and tells them that they are Lost.

Genesis 1 the spirit of God was hovering brooding over the face of the waters. He was waiting for the voice of God. In verse 3 the moment God said let there be light there was Light. God has put his word in our mouths. He is waiting for for me and you to arise and speak his word. The gospel. Then the Moment we speak the Holy Spirit goes to work.

But I feel week scared. Worried.

Who lives in you? The lion of the tribe of Judah. He is hungry and has not eaten at all. What you have to do is open the door. Open your mouth. let him out he knows what to do. Speak the word. And when you speak the word the holy spirit will come and he will confirm the word.

He is waiting for you to arise and tell people about Jesus.

The great commission is one ambition for the knowledge of the Glory of the lord to cover the earth. For every family,nation, tribe and tongue to turn to Jesus and the privilege has been given to YOU.

10/08/2012

Sitting in the Bush in Mahagi Congo with Cool Kids

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So here I am taking a bit of rest bite sitting in the bush in the town of Mahagi Congo. I can hear the crickets buzzing the birds chirping the amazing Congolese children playing in the valley. It’s fairly warm but not to warm for jeans. It’s very peaceful actually and an absolute pleasure to be here.

God has been soo good to me. I had a bad stomach for a few days and a few of the horrible things that go with that but the Lord has healed me quickly and I’m all better.

It’s been interesting sleeping in a small double bed with my brother who is a big fella. 6foot.4″ despite not having solid nights sleeps Gods grace has been wonderful and don’t feel exhausted. The pillow I have been using consists of a sheet and some pieces of foam chopped up and out into a pillow case. It’s not been great but I can’t complain as its much more than lots around me have.

I twisted my ankle yesterday again but it’s so much better already. It is a comfort to know I have friends here like Chikuru praying for me. He was my friend and interpreter in Bunia. I spoke to him last night and it was lovely to hear his voice. He has his first exams today so please pray for him.

I have been challenged by psalm 111-112 recently.

Psalms 111:10 – 112:1
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:
a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:
his praise endureth for ever.
Psalm 112
1 Praise ye the Lord.
Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord,
that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Fearing the Lord. Obeying the Lord in everything is how I want to live my life from now on. Once again it appears that fearing the Lord goes hand in hand with keeping in the word of God. Keeping his commandments and precepts. We need to know his commandments and do them and also delight in them and do them joyfully.

Thats all for now as I have a little audience of children now watching me intently tap a block that looks like a tv. I wonder what’s going through their minds now. I would love to speak Lingala or luo so I could explain what it is. They are so sweet and cute. God really loves them though we are so different in culture. The one fella has gone off to bring his brother to see. They’re interested in this musungu.

Bless you all greatly.

Love in Christ Timmy

Do check out these pics and comment.

06/08/2012

Jesus in Bunia DRC Congo Prison Mission

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Day 2 Bunia DR Congo – Mission Trip

As I mentioned again I woke up to the sound of drums banging and people praying and thought that this would be a good time to read the Word. I have been reading through Psalm 119 and have been so blessed but also challenged by it. It talks about keeping the Lords precepts and meditating on them day and night.

David spent the watches of the night meditating on the Word and it seems that this is what we should spend our thoughts on. I have found it so comforting and strengthening to focus on the word of God. It is life to my bones and brings such a peace.

Psalm 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Once we had taken some oat porridge for breakfast it was straight off to take some pictures of some dear dear ladies. These ladies had been up all night cooking beans and rice for the 1033 prisoners. A arrived and they where so pleased to see me and where all really keen to have their photo taken. It was a tremendous amount of food that they where making and I don’t think I have ever seen so many beans and vats of rice.

We then had to rush back as mama ( my mum is referred to as mama) wanted to be on time for the prison visit we where about to do. We squeezed into two 4X4 vehicles and made our way through the back streets to the prison. We arrived and where let into the prison outer grounds and took a seat just outside the chief wardens office. We where all dead silent as our souls knew something important was about to take place. I found that all I could do was pray for what was about to happen. It was amazing how the Lord dropped a scripture on my heart.

John 6

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

It was clear that we where not only taking physical food to the dear prisoners but spiritual food and sharing the most important meal they would ever eat.

Shortly after this I was asked to go and help with the technical set up. So Me, Josh, Benson and Cikiuru took a generator two small speakers 2 microphones and a mixer desk to the door of the prison. It was at this point that I felt some nerves it was not fear but just nerves. I was thinking what was it going to be like but thankfully was not afraid. We then proceeded to carry the gear in and then it hit me. There where over 1000 men crammed into what as about 50 meter by 50 meters of living space. They had set up a pulpit area in the middle of the prison courtyard. Over head was some tattered tarpaulin material sheltering us from the blistering sun. The men where all waiting are ready in great anticipation. There was a tremdous buz of swaheli and lingala words flying around many of which included the word musungi (white man). Cikuru and where rooted to the spot in the middle and could only but watch whilst the others set up the sound system. The floor had small canals carved into it with sewage running through it. The walls where decorated with scratching and paint. I think I saw a moc UN base depot sketch on one wall. It was hard to see everything as it was so crowded but there was an area over to the right of us that looked like it may be where they sleep.

These men where in the prison for all sorts of crimes the predominate was rape. There where men that had been there for over 10 years and would have been put in prison for murder and even fighting. Some of the military where in there also as a punishment for war crimes. The sad thing was that many had been accused of a crime and flung into prison then have never had a fair trial. Many have been waiting for 2-3 years to even get a sitting for trial. We where informed by Pastor Mario that the starting fee to get out of prison was 500 USD which a huge sum of money for some. The magistrates are so corrupt that if someone is willing to pay they will let them out of prison. The sad thing is that many will sell all they have including their land that has been in their family for years and this still not be enough to release them. But we know that Christ came and died for men such as these. He came to set the free and bind up the broken hearted.

Once we had finally got the system running (well done Josh) we where joined by Roger, Shireen and Char. We where then ready to share the word. Pastor Mario introduced us. It was good to hear him say this is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad. It was true it was the Lords day and we where about to rejoice and be glad. I was then asked to pray which was a bit of shock. I saw Mario looking at me and I then realised I had to get up and say something. I close my eyes an just prayed a few words that came to me and seem to remember inviting the holy spirit to the meeting. This was the first time I had address a group of Africans and what a joy it was to be address the dear prisoners.

Mum introduced us all and josh and I got up and shared a short hello. It was well received and they seemed to like the joke we made about me being the brains but josh having the brawn or strength. They genuinely loved the company and where extremely receptive. All you had to do was say praise the Lord and with gusto they replied AMEN. We then had some praise and worship. Wow these guys can sing. I mean they would put to shame many if not all churches in the UK. They had a guy on a big oil drum with a cow skin stretched over it as the main beat then a wooden stick that slapped the side of the drum making a higher snare like sound. They went for it and boy they really raised their voices. It was clear that there is a culture of singing and praising and many of the songs where sung but a soloist followed by a response. It was great fun. By this point I was not at all nervous but in fact very much enjoying it.

Roger (Dad) then got up and started to pour out his heart to them. It was amazing. He spoke with Etiene and together they took the men through the gospel starting with the story about the Snake on a stick and how this represented Christ. Dad felt that it was important to say that Jesus saves now and you can receive everlasting life now. It was very interesting to hear a full on gospel salavation talk that explained what Jesus did on the cross as I had not heard one like this for quite some time. The men listened intently and where very focussed throughout the talk. It was clearly the power of the Holy Spirit at work. It struck me there and then that this could be last time they would have heard the Gospel and so it was entirely appropriate to go for the jugular and make a call for salvation without pulling any punches.

Shireen (Mum) was then invited to come up and lead them through a prayer of salvation. She asked that if any would like to receive Christ they should put their hands up and I noticed that a sea of hands flew up. There was no hesitation to receive Jesus. Then mum asked them to mean what they said and it was great to that they did appear to. They did and it was marvellous to hear them pray sincerely and really meaning it. Once they had finished prayed for the Holy spirit to come and baptise them and it was quite something. Nothing crazy or wacky but simply the Holy Spirit touching their inner man. They had their eyes shut and God was intimately meeting with each one of them. Some even started to pray in tongues, it was beautiful. Finally Brother Roger felt lead to pray for healing for them. It was very simple – lay hands on the part that hurts if everywhere hurts then lay hands on your head. There where too many to personally lay hands on so this was a good alternative. They don’t necessarily need the “evangelist” to lay hands on them as God can do the work through their own hands. It was interesting as the main area that dad felt to be prayed for was nightmares and night terrors and I trust the Lord has done some great healings. And the final final part of the meeting was to praise the Lord as mum felt it was good to tell them to praise as even in the prison revival can break out and God hears their prayers. It again was a wonderful sound. There was a chaplain who was also a prisoner and he was there and we commissioned him to lead more and more praise and worship sessions.

Then we split up as a team and this time it was mine and Josh’s turn to preach to the Youth prisoners.

We entered into a separate section that was quite spacious in comparison to the adults. They where all playing football and the prison warden got them to get some benches and set up some pews. I was completely out of my depth but felt the spirit lead and we where able to go ahead in the power of the Holy Spirit. The rain came started to come down and it was quite hard to hear things so me and dad prayed for it to calm down. I introduced everyone and then invited josh to come up and say a few things. He gave his testimony which was powerful and he spoke really well. I then got up and felt to share with them the John 6 Scripture.

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

It was wonderful to have this tell them about Jesus and how if they follow him with all their heart they will have everlasting life.

I also felt to share with them Jeremiah 29 for I know the plans I have for you plans to prosper you and not harm you and plans to give you a hope and a future.

This was the first time that this verse really became real to me as for these young boys it was such hope. A hope for a future a hope. Then I invited dad to come up and pray with them. I realised that I was not fully confident to lead them in a prayer of salvation but I know that I’m learning quickly and heard how mum an dad. Thank goodnes its only by grace that people are saved and not because man has a special formula. We again prayed for the holy spirit to come be with them and it was clear that God was moving in their hearts. It was brilliant to see that some of them even started speaking in other tongues and where meeting with Jesus in a intimate way. This time we where able to lay hands on all of them and just bless them in the Name of Jesus.

After it was great to hear that one young man said that when he got out of prison he would work for Jesus.

One other chap had a bad pain in his leg and we prayed for that and though we didn’t see an immediate healing I know that God will heal him.

These young guys where mostly in prison for rape it was quite shocking really but praise God loves them just the same and no sin is to great for Jesus to whipe away.

Above all that happened today I know that the holy spirit will be working in their Lives and will be their counsellor and advocate. It is not by might nor by power but my spirit says the Lord!

What a joy it is to serve the Lord out here with the dear Congolese people.

01/08/2012

Mission trip and flight to Bunia with MAF

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Day 1

I woke at 4:30 AM after a good 5 hours sleep and immediately felt a peace, joy and excitement about the coming trip. I knew that I had to be at the Airport as sometimes the flights just leave early if they feel they have enough passengers. On the way to the airport I had a good chat with Victor my taxi driver. Continue Reading to know more about taxis and its incredible services. He knew Jesus and it was a joy to share the faith with him, in Kenya there is a high population of believers who are willing to talk opening about their faith. Once at the airport I was able to check in swiftly and promptly with Air Uganda and secured a sought after window seat near the front of the plane. Air Uganda where brilliant, they where on time, friendly and customer orientated. I enjoyed posting to instagram (feel free to check it out the photos on http://twitter.com/trcwest) especially those that where 10000 feet in the air.

Once I arrived in Uganda I had to leave my passport with an immigration officer in order to go through and collect my bag. It amazing how a small collection of papers bound by a leather front holds so much authority or guarantee. Once I had my checked in bag I was met by my very own MAF flight handler who weighed my bags and myself. You have to give your weight as the Cesna caravan 1 that I was going to be travelling in can only lift about 1 Ton that’s not to say I am more than 1 ton.

I then saw Gods favour in a great way. I was due to fly 3 hours later but I was bumped onto an earlier flight. It was me and Dave, the pilot, flying into the heart of Africa with a load of medication for a rural mission hospital. I was able to sit upfront and was essentially the co-pilot for the 1 hour 10 minutes flight across lake Victoria, lake Albert and tropical rain forest. Before we took off Dave prayed and asked the Lord to bless the flight and protect us – I was very thankful for this. It was a stunning day to fly – the sun was out, it wasn’t raining and visibility was good. I took great pleasure and photographing every moment of the journey and was so thankful for being invited to sit up at the front with Dave. It was beautiful up in the clouds and you really get to see how marvellous Gods creation is from 12500 feet above sea level.

Once we crossed into DRC air space It was dawning on me that we where almost there. After we flew over lake Albert I saw what seemed to be like hills with lava flows or little valleys carved out but with luscious green vegetation formed over them. It looked like deep scares and scratches in the lands and I felt the Lord say to me that this is the state of the nation. There have been deep scares and the land has been mauled but there is healing coming to it.

On the decent I saw the town of Bunia and noticed how it was fairly established and had quite a substantial population. I then had to put away my camera gear as it was strictly forbidden to take pictures at the airport. I have never received my checked in baggage so quickly as it was right there for me as I stepped onto Congolese soil for the first time. I had to be quite composed at this point as I had been told that things at the airport can be quite tricky. It was like arriving on a film set with UN cars around and a very basic terminal building just of the run way. I was told to meet Mario and at first I could not see him but there he was and it was good to hear someone call my name in such a new place. The immigration staff where not that friendly, almost subdued, and I was a little bit uneasy when I was bundled into this back office to get my passport signed. As they thumbed through it I was aware that I did not have a visa and was praying that there wouldn’t be trouble. It was all in hand and Pastor Mario had brought with him a government official and church elder from the immigration office who was going help me get a visa in town. I only heard later that word had got through to the airport that they should NOT touch the boy, that being me. God had his hand upon me and gave me great favour as it was a relatively easy experience at the airport.

I then drove through the city of Bunia on all Murom roads. The first thing I noticed was the amount of piki pikis (small 125cc motorbikes used a taxis). They flew past you and was later informed that they had an unofficial right of way on the roads, they stopped for no one. It was again like being on a bond set. Dust flying un vehicles parked at corners and the local populations hurrying about with their daily trade and business.

We then arrived at our guest house where my beloved mum and dad greeted me with open arms. It was so good to see them and it was quite surreal seeing them in such conditions as its usually in the comforts of our own home in Nairobi. I then had a tour of chateu de missionaire . It was hardly a castle but not to bad at all. Running water at intermittent times of the day, 60% electricity bucket baths but all absolutely brilliant and comfortable. I also had the pleasure of meeting Charlene Harris, a longstanding faithful missionary in Congo. I also met Etienne an interpreter and lovely nature man.

Josh and the rest of the team where off around the city putting up banners and posters to advertise the Croisade D’Evagelisation. I had heard that every one was so excited to see me which was nice to know. Once they got back it was lovely to fling my arms around Josh and be reminded how much taller he is than me. Then came Chikuru, wow what a lively joyful and spirited Congolese man. Benson our amazing technical director came along with Diedone our driver.

Once we had had some delicious avocadoes and bread rolls for lunch we took of around the city to see how the posters looked. Mum had made up a fun game which was to spot how many posters where put up and then rewarded the poster men with 5 Congolese francs per poster ( 80p = 1000 DRC francs)

There was all sorts of trade and business going on around the city. A fair bit was in building trade. But the majority of money is made through Gold mining and money changing. I heard that not many have work so if one manages to find work they are expected to feed at least 5 others. One man who basically just exchanged money and currency was feeding 13 people in his househould.

We then arrived back to delicious spaghetti bolognaise prepared by the wonderful Esparanse our cook. I was thinking this missionary food isn’t that bad at all. The power then went off and we where flung into darkness but Char came to the rescue with some solar powered LED lamps. If I knew about solar panel cleaning Denver, then I would have definitely installed solar panels and depend on it completely. But it seems that if one is well prepared out here then life can be made easier. It was then great to hear some hilarious stories of mum and Chars experience with the rats in the last town. We laughed so hard and it was right there that I saw a great Joy and sense of community amongst the 10 on the ground here in Bunia, DRC Congo.

It was time for bed and I was glad to have a bed with mosquito nets over me. I had to share with my brother and it felt a bit like when we where kids again but praise the Lord I had a great night sleep. I was woken at 6 AM to the sound of drums and people singing and praying. All across the city they hold early morning meetings, which continue throughout the day. Although it sounds good I have been informed that many just think if they go to more meetings they will be ok and don’t have to truly surrender all to Jesus. I am hopefully going to have a chance to speak at some of these meetings so please pray that I get the right words from the Lord.

Next up will be a report on the trip to Bunia Prison. Praise God.

19/07/2012

A revelation of salvation through Jesus in the Trinity.

By adminBible Study, Jesus122 Comments

How do we really know Jesus?

So I was reading Matthew 16 and verse 15.

Who do you say I am asks Jesus to Simon Peter.

Peter answers “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Wow He gets it’s. This is a momentous occasion. The disciples now truly know they have the messiah with them. This is a big deal because they where so expectant and waiting for a messiah to deliver them out of their troubles.

This is the important bit bellow in verse 17

Jesus says. Blessed are you… for this was not revealed to you by man, but my my father in heaven.

So stop and meditate/ponder on the above. Have you realised who Jesus is because of man or because you know deep within the core of your being the Jesus is the messiah of the world. Maybe think of the hardest thing you are facing at the moment and ask yourself the question “do I really believe Jesus can deliver me from this and save me”

True salvation happens when people realise who Jesus is not because of what man say or convince them to believe but by the Father in heaven.

How does the father in heaven speak to us? Through the work of the Holy Spirit!

That is the mirracle and splendour of the trinity.

It’s verry interesting though how in John 14:6 Jesus says “I am the way the and the truth and the Life. No one comes to the father except through me.

Its a beautiful trinity.

You have to know Jesus to know the father. John 14:6

But only the Father can reveal this to you. Not man- Matthew 16:15

Then finally the holy spirit will be with us. Jesus calls him out counsellor. He is what is with you right now as you read this. He is with me now reminding me of this as I write these words.

John 14:25-26 All this I have spoken while still with you. BUT the COUNSELLOR, the holy spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you ALL things and REMIND you of everything I have said to you.

These words above come from Jesus to comfort his disciples. They knew he was the messiah but still needed support as he was leaving them soon. The support that would come was the Holy spirit. This support is available for you today. If you need a reminder of Jesus today ask him for it and he will freely give it.

Study, meditate, chew on these words. Read the Matthew 15 scripture and the John 14 verses and ask the holy spirit to speak to you through them.

So today I pray you would come to know who Jesus really is and may the Father reveal this to you not Man. May the holy spirit lead you into the true knowledge of the messiah. May he remind you of how amazing Jesus is and how amazingly good God is. May you come to know the amazing beauty of the trinity also.

May His peace be left with you and may you receive his peace right now.

Massive blessings with you right now – Lord a fresh realisation and revelation for whoever reads this now.

04/07/2012

Dinosaur described in Job? Why?

By adminBible StudyNo Comments

Then I myself will admit to you
that your own right hand can save you. “Look at Behemoth,
which I made along with you
and which feeds on grass like an ox. What strength it has in its loins,
what power in the muscles of its belly! Its tail sways like a cedar;
the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. Its bones are tubes of bronze,
its limbs like rods of iron. (Job 40:14-18 NIV)

So this description does sound very much like a dinosaur. I know that elephants and hippos don’t have tails like this.

My question is when was Job written.

It seems it could have been written by Moses or Solomon. Making it about 950 BC or more? Where dinosaurs around then? How does this fit in with say the great flood at 2400BC

What ever the case. God is very amazing and his creation is brilliant what is described here sounds tremendous. This then brings it all back to how marvellous our God is. He is so creative and wonderful.

Also it seems that God was describing to Job how powerful He is. Sometimes we need to be reminded of how vast and great God is.

Thoughts??

Check out the size of this beetle from Kenya. Another example of Gods amazing creation.

17/06/2012

Overflow of Love – Bible study on 1 Thessalonians and Paul

By adminBible Study10 Comments

Over the last few days I have been reading 1 Thessalonians and have been amazed by the teaching and Love of Paul to the Church in Thessalonica.

Let me paint the picture a little. Paul was probably writing from Corinth, which is in Greece. This was not his native or home turf but it was where God had called him to. Praise God he was obedient to his call to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

Galations 2 7 ⁷On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,^[a] just as Peter had been to the circumcised.^[b]

He was writing to the Church in Thessalonica, which is some 360 Miles Aw

ay from him at the time. Can you imagine walking this by foot… http://bit.ly/LvtzAG

It was one of the first Letters written to the Church around 50 or 51 AD. So it was a young church only really 20 years after Jesus departed to heaven.

Paul was under persecution and threat from all sorts of people. He was being thrown into prison and treated in such an awful way Read Acts 16 & 17. Yet he did not give up.

Acts 16

³⁷But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

Paul caused such uproar wherever he went so much so that people rioted. It is amazing how much preaching the Gospel will shake things up. I think it is important to realise this.

Acts 17

⁵But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city

So there you have it a brief picture painted of what life was like for Paul at the time of writing to the Church in Thessalonica.

I want to take a look at how much love Paul had for these people. Even though he was going through such hell and persecution he still had the love and desire for the people who he once ministered to. He had one goal and that was for people to have a Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Right at the beginning in Chapter 1 he says something profound.

1 Thessalonians

⁴For we know, brothers and sisters^[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

The spoken message and gospel of Christ carries such power through the Holy Spirit. Words are not enough it has to be anointed by his spirit. I believe if we simply proclaim the Gospel the Holy Spirit will work and convict peoples souls.

In Chapter 2 I was really touched by Paul’s love for the people he preached to. It says he felt “torn” away from them in person but NOT in spirit. He had and “intense longing” to see them. I get the impression that Paul could not stop thinking of them. Are we thinking of people in our Lives and longing to see them know Christ more?

Capter 3

¹⁰Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Are we praying for people and friends around us to grow deeper in the knowledge of Christ? It is so important we pray for our dear friends and family and people who we interact with. I challenge you to pray day and night for someone or a group of people.. pray that God would supply what is lacking in their faith.

Capter 3

¹²May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

I pray that we would learn how to love people and others in such a way that it goes beyond our own selfish inward looking nature. I pray that our love for Christ and each other would overflow in our communities and friends. Lord would only you make this happen and help us be even bolder than the great examples we read of in the Bible such as Paul.

Please let me know your thoughts?

How can we be more passionate for people to know Christ through Love?

Does anyone have any stories of testimonies of people who have changed their lives just simply though loving them unconditionally?

What is stopping us proclaim the Gospel of Christ fearlessly as Paul did?

Does any one have any stories of how the people are fearless proclaiming the Gospel both big and small?

I will write a post about Gods Call to purity next as this is on my heart and comes up in 1 Thessalonians 4.

Blessings in the Name of Jesus.

CREDIT http://godismydelight.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/my-cup-overflows.html

05/06/2012

Why Scripture in the Bible is Amazing

By adminBible Study, Jesus131 Comments

In reading the bible over the last few days i was struck by something amazing. It was a true revelation and so real that i have not been able to move off these verse for the past few days.

Prophecy of Scripture

¹²So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. ¹³I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, ¹⁴because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. ¹⁵And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

¹⁶For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”^[b]¹⁸We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

¹⁹We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

So here it is.

KEY POINTS

The man ( Probably PETER) who was an EYE WITNESS Wrote this V16 but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty
He ( Peter) was soon to die. He knew he was about die V 13 and 14
These where essentially his departing words. A man who didn’t have long left on the earth chose to write this Book and these words. This for me indicates how important it must have been for him to say these things.
We need to seriously listen to the advice and words given in this book especially for the Church today. If the church (The fellowship of the believers) was beginning to stray 2000 years ago then we need to also asses how much we have strayed. Peter wanted us to remember these things so it would do us well to remember these scriptures.
V16 these are NOT cleverly devise stories. They are inspired by people who saw the glory of the LORD JESUS Christ.
Why should we trust in JESUS? – Because GOD the maker of all things said This “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” Jesus was Christs son and God sent him.
The words in the bible are completely reliable! V19 WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO IT. Peter says we will do well if we do. Like a light shining in a dark Place.
Here is the punch line V20-21. The scriptures that we read did not come about by mans own infallible interpretation of life. These scriptures, that are prophetic never, are not born out of HUMAN WILL.
The HOLY SPIRIT is the one who has inpsired the words in the bible.

So I know that the Holy Spirit has revealed this to me and it is a great comfort to know that the scriptures we read are in the bible are real and relevant. I am going to keep reminding myself of them and keep focusing on them and keep my memory refreshed on them. I would urge you to do this also. I pray that you may to see the word of God come alive to you and out of that you may see that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Remember the scripures point us to Jesus for a reason. He is pure and blameles and is the best role model, leader and and friend for us to know and have.

Love in Christ.

Tim

Image from http://typesofthings.com/images/supernova.JPG

22/05/2012