Do Miracles still happen?

My wife, Beverley, has had a history of back problems. When she worked for ABSA, they made her carry, and pick up boxes in some store room. Since then she has had stiffness and slight pain in her back.

This had over the years, gotten progressively worse. Beverley had resigned herself to her back problem because she probably felt that it was her lot in life seeing that her father also has back problems.

One day, outside, Beverley twisted, and made her back worse. Now she could not walk for very long, but it was bearable. Beverley fell pregnant after many years of praying. This would not help her back problem.

The birth was very difficult. Lots of pressure. Beverley started Bleeding after the birth and nearly died. Just thanks to  the Lord and the many that prayed for her that she is alive today.

This made her back even worse. We went to the a orthopaedic doctor, who wanted to remove a disc and fuse the vertebra. He was very abrupt and seemed un-professional. We did not like this, so sought another opinion.

We found a neurosurgeon, who suggested a few options to us. Something that the other doctor never did. One was drastic, surgery. The other, was that if Beverley could withstand the pain she should change her lifestyle. No bending, no picking up heavy objects, taking it easy. That sort of thing.

Well she did this for a couple of months hoping that the situation would reverse itself. But it didn’t. Although it did not get any worse.  So Beverley was quite happy to take this route, as she was still breastfeeding and did not want to give that up in order to go to hospital and spend days  on her back.

Then the unthinkable happened. Beverley slipped in the bath and pulled her back out. She was bed ridden for six weeks, could hardly walk, had no feeling in her legs. Could not stand for longer than a minute. This was really serious. Surgery seemed now to be the only option. But there was anxiety, as many people who had back surgery have not been happy, and some are even worse off now. Beverley’s father for example.

We had numerous x-rays and scans. Only to find that Beverley had done some severe damage to her lower back. Her disc were protruding over 1cm and trapping the main nerve down to her leg. This was dangerous, as any wrong movement could cause her to be paralysed. This scan shows it in great detail.

Notice the last three discs, the dark lines in between the vertebra. Notice the middle one, the one with the great big bulge compressing the nerves. What great technology we have today.

So there was no doubt. Beverley had to have surgery. She had to have a lumbar micro-discectomy. Basically they were going to go in and cut off the bulge.

Well we though that this was going to be a long time in hospital, long time in bed, long recovery period. But the doctor said 2-3 days tops, in hospital, walking 1-2 days after the surgery. I had to see this.

After the surgery, Beverley never had any antibiotics. The nursing staff suggested that the doctor in question does such a great job, that antibiotics are not needed.

The doctor said that the broken piece of disc was very large but he removed it. The cut had 18 staples put in to keep it nice and neat and closed.  The staples were removed 2 weeks later with no discomfort.

Well the miracle is that now, that just over two weeks since the surgery. Beverley is walking without pain. She is over the moon, and cannot believe the mobility that she now has. Her feeling in her leg is coming back. She still cannot pick up heavy objects but just being able to walk and stand without pain is fantastic.

Praise the Lord! He is the great physician.

Luke 9:11  And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Today we are taking another step. We are going shopping. Yes a bad dream for me, but a miracle for Beverley. She now believes that she can walk around the shopping mall without pain (Something she hasn’t been able to do for over a year).  Thanks to the Lord.

I am reminded of an old hymn - “Count your blessing name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has Done”

De 28:2  And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of the LORD your God.

Have you experienced a miracle from God today? Let us know about it.

How has God Blessed You Today?

To many non-Christians, belief in God is superstitious, un-scientific, non-realistic. To some it might just be a crutch, to others just another belief system among thousands. To many, there is no proof of God.

This might be true in a simple scientific way. One cannot prove God in a test tube. But then many things in science people believe but cannot be proven as scientific fact. Take "Black Holes" for instance. These are an astronomical phenomenon that are expressed in many Sci-Fi movies. Yet scientist believe that they exist. Have they seen a "Black Hole"? The answer is NO. So then how do they believe or prove that one might exist. Well what they do is look at external factors, look at things that might be a cause or an effect of a "Black Hole". Things like, gravitational discrepancies, light discrepancies, etc. Just like wind. We cannot see it, but we can measure its effect on us and our surroundings.

This is not unlike how we can know that God exists. Can we prove God in a laboratory? No. But we can measure His effects on us and our surrounding. This is an acceptable scientific method of proof.

A few months ago, I was travelling on the highway, behind a delivery truck. Next thing, a loud bang. I got such a fright. A block of wood, had come loose on the truck, flew through the air and hit my windscreen. Fortunately it did not come through the windscreen.

Anyway, after I got the drivers particular, I phoned the company involved, who said it was not a problem. I was glad seeing that I had recently cancelled my car insurance. After a few day nothing happened. I then phoned the company involved, and they directed me to their insurance company. This insurance company then refused to pay for my windscreen, stating that their driver gave a different version of events. After lengthy discussions and e-mail, the insurance company said that if I wanted the windscreen paid for I was to take them to court.

Well needless to say, I was not able to tale them to court. So my windscreen remained smashed for weeks. I had to drive the vehicle like that as I never had any other vehicle to use. Being very nervous as I had a feeling that I would be pulled over one day by the traffic police and be fined.

Well that day finally happened. I started out this week Tuesday going to a meeting to secure some websites for my website development and hosting business I just started. The lord was good as I managed to secure two new websites. I was really trusting the Lord, as I figure that I need about 80 websites to make ends meet, and so far I have 8. So the day was good. On my way home, I got pulled over by a traffic policewomen. I kept reminding myself to be kind and polite as perhaps I will get a smaller fine. She asked me for the usual, drivers licence. we exchanged pleasantries. She then went over and had a long look at the smashed windscreen. Oh boy, here it comes, I thought. She then started to explain to me that this was illegal, and that I was going to get into trouble with the police, and that the fine was hefty, bla bla bla. She then asked me how the windscreen was smashed. I relayed to her the whole story.

Surprise, surprise she turned to me and said, "If it wasn't me, you would be in big trouble, but I will let you off this time. But you need to get the windscreen fixed or drive another vehicle". I thought to myself, I had better phone my sister, who owns a windscreen fitment company, and get the thing fitted. Where I will get the money, the Lord only knows. But I was thankful for little mercies, as I did not get a fine, that was a blessing in itself.

Upon arriving home, as I entered the front door, not even having time to relay the story of the current day to my wife, my cell phone rings. I answer. On the other side is my brother-in-law. He asks me where I am at the moment. I tell him, I am at home. He then says something that brings cold chills down my spine, and fills me with heaps of excitement. He says, "Bring you car in, I have a windscreen for you that I can fi right now, My guys are waiting for you."

I rushed to his fitment shop. The windscreen was fitted for free.

You say, that's just coincidential. Maybe. Your brother-in-law knew about the windscreen. Yes He did. But what he did not know, or could not know, is the events of that day. The traffic police, the fine etc. Also I never once asked for a new windscreen or even mentioned it to him.

My point is this. You ask for proof of a black hole, I give you the effects of a black hole. You ask for proof that God exists, I give you the effects God has on His children. God demonstrates Himself to us on a daily basis.

Today in church I preached on Romans 5:8-11. Speaking of God demonstrating His love toward us.
Ro.5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

God demonstrates His love towards us on a daily basis. First off by Christ dying for us. Next by His grace every day, and then by His mercy, and then also by His sustenance and protection.

Is God real? Yes He is. How do I know that? I feel the effect of His love blowing on my life on a daily basis.

How has God blessed you today? Why not let me and others know. Drop me a comment.

Testing What You Preach

This week has been real tough for me, as well as an eye opener. It all started on Sunday, where I preached on perhaps one of the toughest verses in the Bible. Perhaps not the toughest to understand or interpret. But the toughest to live. Romans 5:3-5. Speaking about Glorying in tribulation.

Romans 5:

“3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

This verse is easy to understand, but takes great courage to live. How many of us can glory when times are rough. How many are thankful to God for the increase in the petrol price? How many are joyful when the interest rates go up? How many can have a smile on their face when they have no job and a hungry family to feed, debts to pay? How many of us can shout out "HALLELUJAH" when we are at rock bottom and the times are rough? Not many. In fact it takes a special breed to do that. Our natural tendency is to panic, to cry, to run and hide and perhaps even to blame others, of which one might even be God.


Yes its tough to be happy, don't worry everything will be alright. What Romans teaches us, is that this toughness, this special power, can only come from the Holy Spirit. It is not Natural for us to be in a state of joy when the world around us is falling apart. But the commandment from God, is to have faith in Christ, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That He will not tempt you above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape.

I Cor.10:13 “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

This reminded me so much of that poster entitled "Footprints in the sand". How God is with us all the way, even when we believe or feel He isn't. This was the crux of my message on Sunday. The problem is that God was going to put me to the test, to see if I can live up to what I preached.



If you have read my other post. You will know that I am without a permanent job, or at least a permanent job in the normal sense. I am trying to work from home, with my new Internet business. My wife, Beverley, has hurt her back in a really bad way, and is probably in need of surgery.



Here is what happened this week. We found out that we have no more medical aid funds. After three months without work, no money has been coming in from the new business side. In fact no new business has come in. Debts are building up, and the overdraft is exhausted. What am I to do. What kept coming to my head was that I need to put my faith and trust in the God whom I serve. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows our needs. I kept praying day in and day out. Lord, help me through this, I am at a loss.



You know what, the Bible tells us that Gods strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2Co 12:9 “And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
This was my case, I did not know where to turn. I needed money, I needed business. I needed people who wanted web sites, so that I could work and get money. Life is not fair you know. I am willing and wanting to work, to build web sites. But I could not get anybody to bite.



Well just as God is true to His word, He came through. On Wednesday, an old colleague phoned me up, wanting my help in a programming job that he was doing for a client. Great that's worth R5000-R8000. Then another Pastor friend of mine, phoned me up to say that a security firm that he deals with, needed a web site. Another R1500. I then went to a presentation, where I was able to network with people. They were so impressed with my presentation, that three expressed a willingness for me to do something for them with regards to web sites. More work, Great!!!. Then I got a call that a bunch of attorneys, also needed a web site. I have a telecom meeting with them for next week.



What came out of all this was that God was able to bring all things together for me, just to show me that He can bless, if we trust him and Glory in our tribulations.



My encouragement to you. Is keep the faith. Don't forget that God is all powerful, He is able. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you till the ends of the earth.



Do you have an encouraging story to tell? Do you have a situation to share where God was able to work wonders in supplying your very needs? Share your experiences with us, leave a comment. I'd love to, as I am sure others are to, to hear from you.

Heb 3:13 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”



Remember "Glory in tribulation".

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Why start a blog?

Why did I start this blog?

Well simple really, I have strong views and sometimes controversial views about Christianity. I believe that I am called to share the word of God with as many people as I can. Leading those who do not know Christ to a saving knowledge of Him. Uplifting other Christians and speaking, or blogging in this case, the truth.

The internet is a wonderful medium to achieve just this. There are so many people to reach, its amazing. I think more Christians should take hold of this opportunity.

I've been a Christian since 1983 when in my matric (12th grade) I heard a message entitled "Hell and how to get there". Coming from a broken home of alcoholism, fighting and just outright ungodly behaviour, I was keen to get away from this environment. I was interested in death. What was it? Where did we go after life? Could we come back? I was interested in outer-body experiences. Keen on time travel. The only thing I hated about death, was the pain. If I had to die, it would have had to be quick. I always said that if I ever went sky-diving and my parachute never opened I would go into a head dive. I did not want to have the pain and suffering. Obviously the chances of surviving such a fall were near impossible, but you understand my state of mind.

Well, when I heard this message, it scared the living daylights out of me. I was not one to scare easily. I loved watching horror movies, but this was a horror movie for real. I mean imagine going to a place like Hell, and never having the ability to get out or be redeemed. That's scary.

Anyway after that message I trusted Christ. Ever since then I dedicated my life to the spread of the Gospel. I went to bible college for many years. Went fulltime into the ministry. Got married. Got a full time job. But still remained true to my conviction.

I started to help out at a church near by me. Soon the pastor left and the church was left without a leader. I decided to step in. So now I was pastoring a church and holding down a full time job.

Well years went by. This year I left my full time job and started working from home. I wanted to finish my theology schooling and dedicate more time to my family. Why is this significant. Well I think its a brave thing to step out in faith and trust God for your income. Many will find that strange, and perhaps even hard to believe. But as you continue to read this blog, you will find some amazing stories as to how a living God can and will take care of you.

As of now, my new home job, developing web sites and Search Engine Optimisation has not made much money for me. But it is still in the infancy stage. I believe that God will help me make a success of this.

Anyway, having the ability to work from home has given me the opportunity to create a blog like this. To be able to share my views. Help others. Answer questions. Post controversial ideas. share what the Bible has to say. Correct misinterpretations , and in general give God the Glory.

So here is the question. Are you a Christian? Do you believe in God? I would love to hear from you. Drop me a comment. Do you think I am mad, off my head, lost a few screws? I don't mind.

Why not share some of your experiences with me. Let others know how God has worked in your life. Perhaps you have a burden to share. Maybe you have a prayer request. Imagine having millions of people around the world, those reading this blog, praying for your situation. How powerful is that? Maybe you have a wonderful testimony to share that will help and encourage others. What ever it might be, join me and others in sharing the truth of the Gospel.

Even if you let me know where you are from, I would greatly appreciate it.