A Tribute to a True Disciple
We as a Harvesters Ministries family recently received very sad news. Pastor Saeed from Egypt passed away at the age of 80. He was a true disciple! He truly glorified God with every aspect of his life.
He was a Christian warrior and his testimony led many to Christ. He was a champion of the Christian faith in Egypt and was widely respected for his church planting endeavours. God has graciously used this man of faith to plant 50 churches and to raise the finances to build facilities for each one of them.
One of the many stories that Pastor Saeed shared with us was the amazing testimony of the special prayer meetings that was held every single Friday.
On a visit to South Korea some decades ago, the Lord birthed in Pastor Saeed’s heart a vision to see a Christian Conference Centre established in Egypt, patterned on the “prayer mountain” retreat centres that he had observed in South Korea. This resulted in the acquisition of a 34-hectare piece of land on the Desert Road between Cairo and Alexander, where the air is fresh and the atmosphere is un-rushed, where groups of God’s people could gather for times of spiritual refreshing from the Lord.
“Prayer Mountain”, surrounded by a perimeter wall measuring 3 km, consists of a working farm as well as a well-equipped retreat centre that will accommodate 300 people upon completion.
Pastor Saeed hosted prayer meetings on Friday mornings. His congregation would start praying at 3:00 in the mornings to avoid the authorities and the meetings would last for up to three hours. Can you imagine being so dedicated to your relationship with Christ that you would attend a prayer meeting at 3:00 in the morning? This is truly inspirational! What is even more impressive is the fact that these meetings were attended by at least 100 people at a time.
When Harvesters Ministries first reached out to Pastor Saeed about planting churches and introducing the Harvesters Ministries Model in Egypt, he expressed his reservation to us about the workability of the Model as the Egyptian government requires a church to have a building in order to be recognised as a church.
We praise God that He worked powerfully in the heart of our brother, because when the opportunity was given to pastors to respond to the challenge to plant churches in partnership with Harvesters Ministries, Pastor Saeed was the first to leave his seat and expressed his commitment to God.
The last words that he spoke to me on that Saturday afternoon was, “God is giving me the opportunity to start again.”
If we as believers do nothing, more than 88 million Egyptians will be lost for eternity and will never have the opportunity meet their Redeemer. This is something that Pastor Saeed understood. He was on fire for Jesus and a true disciple in one of the most hostile countries in the world.
Today we salute and honour Pastor Saeed. May he rest in peace and may his ministry and legacy continue to grow in Egypt.
We are honoured that we knew such an inspirational man. Please continue to pray for Pastor Saeed’s loved ones during this difficult time.
The Truth Part 1 – Sermon by Steven Loots
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A verdade – Parte 1
Escritura: João 8:31-32
“31 Para os judeus que acreditaram nele, Jesus disse:“ Se vocês continuarem com o meu ensino, vocês são realmente meus discípulos. 32 Então você conhecerá a verdade, e a verdade o libertará. ”
Introdução:
- O problema das múltiplas religiões na época de Cristo
- O mundo antigo tinha várias religiões e dentro delas havia várias seitas e facções – inclusive no judaísmo.
- Cada um acreditava que tinha uma compreensão da verdade. O tipo de verdade que colocaria você em um relacionamento correto com Deus – principalmente por apaziguar um Deus que estava irado.
- Cada um tentou chegar a Deus à sua maneira por meio de leis e rituais e sacrifícios e cultos.
- Cada um tinha um conceito de Deus – uma teologia própria, pessoal.
- É neste mundo perdido e confuso que Jesus veio e disse – você pode conhecer a Verdade e a Verdade o libertará, lhe trará paz, colocará você em um relacionamento correto com o Deus verdadeiro.
- O problema de múltiplos evangelhos e religiões hoje:
- As pessoas ainda procuram a verdade.
- As pessoas ainda estão perdidas, ainda correndo atrás de todas as coisas que sejam novidades em busca de paz e liberdade.
- O problema da verdade subjetiva versus objetiva:
- Somado às vozes competitivas gritando, “esta é a verdade, não! Essa é a verdade!” Também temos todo o movimento que diz: “minha verdade é verdadeira para mim e a sua verdade é verdadeira para você. Vamos ser tolerantes com a verdade um do outro. Não há verdade objetiva – nenhum padrão para todos”.
- “Todas as estradas nos levam ao topo da mesma montanha …”
O que é verdade?
A bíblia é a verdade
A Bíblia nos dá uma visão geral.
- A Bíblia é Deus falando e dizendo: “Aqui está a verdade sobre a vida e a morte”.
- A Bíblia revela que nunca foi planejado que houvesse o caos espiritual que vemos ao nosso redor.
- Revela que o Deus Todo-Poderoso do universo – o único Deus verdadeiro, criou tudo o que vemos e não podemos ver; e que quando Ele criou o homem deu-lhe o Livre Arbítrio. Não houve confusão, nenhum mal-entendido. Tudo o que Deus fez foi bom.
A Bíblia também revela como o Diabo, o pai de todas as mentiras, levou o homem ao pecado, questionando os mandamentos de Deus; Transformar a verdade simples em dúvida e depois causar desobediência.
Aqui estão os fatos:
- A humanidade está em inimizade com Deus por causa do pecado.
- Deus criou um caminho e somente o Seu caminho nos levará de volta à verdade e somente o caminho de Deus nos libertará.
- A reconciliação só pode ocorrer nos termos de Deus.
- Não temos uma palavra a dizer. Nós não temos um voto. Não podemos exercer nossas preferências pessoais e não podemos negociar.
- Jesus é o caminho, a verdade e a vida.
- João 14:6
- “Jesus respondeu:“ Eu sou o caminho, a verdade e a vida. Ninguém vem ao Pai a não ser por mim. ”
- Jesus é a verdade
- Jesus é a personificação da verdade.
- Jesus revela a verdade.
- Jesus vive a verdade e é a verdade – não há trevas nele, nenhuma mentira, nenhuma dúvida, nenhuma incerteza, nenhuma ambiguidade, nenhum misticismo e nenhum segredo.
- Ele revelou totalmente o que Deus deseja que saibamos.
- Ele cumpriu tudo o que Deus requeria para trazer a reconciliação.
- Espírito Santo é a verdade
João 14:16-18: “16 E pedirei ao Pai, e ele vos dará outro consolador para vos ajudar e estar convosco para sempre— 17 o Espírito da verdade. O mundo não pode aceitá-lo, porque não o vê nem o conhece. Mas você o conhece, pois ele mora com você e estará em você. 18 Não vos deixarei órfãos; Eu virei para você.”
- O Espírito Santo inspirou a Palavra.
- O Espírito Santo nos lembra e sempre aponta para Jesus e para a Palavra.
- O Espírito Santo nunca contradiz a Bíblia.
- O Evangelho é a verdade
- O Evangelho é a verdade em nossas mãos.
- Temos o Espírito Santo em nós que nos fortalece.
- Temos o Evangelho que levamos ao mundo revelando a verdade a eles para que também sejam libertados.
- O Evangelho é o poder de Deus para a salvação …
Lembrete: O pai da mentira ainda tenta distorcer a verdade, ele odeia a humanidade e fará de tudo para roubar, matar e destruir. Ele luta contra a verdade com meias verdades, suspeitas, dúvidas e mentiras descaradas. Precisamos estar cientes de seus planos e precisamos conhecer a verdade para que possamos proclamá-la com precisão. Mais sobre isso nas próximas semanas…
The Truth (Part 1) – Sermon by Steven Loots
Scripture: John 8:31-32
“31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Introduction:
- The Problem of multiple Religions in the time of Christ
- The Ancient world had multiple religions and within them there were multiple sects and factions – including in Judaism.
- Each believed that they had a grasp on truth. The sort of truth that would put you in a right relationship with God – mostly by appeasing an angry God.
- Each one tried to get to God in his own way through laws and rituals and sacrifice and service.
- Each had a concept of God – a theology of their own.
- It is into this lost and confused world that Jesus came and said – you can know the truth and the truth will free you, bring you peace, put you in a right relationship with the true God.
- The Problem of multiple gospels and religions today:
- People are still seeking truth.
- People are still lost, still running after every new thing in search of peace and freedom.
- The Problem of subjective vs objective truth:
- Added to the competitive voices shouting, “this is the truth, No! This is the truth!” We also have the whole movement which says, “my truth is true for me and your truth is true for you. Let’s just be tolerant of each other’s truth. There is no objective truth – no one standard for all.”
- “All roads take us to the top of the same mountain…”
What is Truth?
The Bible is the Truth
The Bible gives us the big picture.
- The Bible is God speaking and saying, “Here is the truth about life and death.”
- The Bible reveals that it was never intended for there to be the spiritual chaos that we see around us.
- It reveals that the Almighty God of the universe – the only true God, created all that we see and cannot see; and that when He created man gave him Free Will. There was no confusion, no misunderstanding. Everything God made was good.
The Bible also reveals how, the Devil, the father of all lies, led man into sin, calling God’s commands into question; Turning simple truth into doubt and then causing disobedience.
Here are the facts:
- Mankind is in Enmity with God because of sin.
- God has made a way and only His way will get us back to the truth and only God’s way will set us free.
- Reconciliation can only take place on His terms.
- We don’t have a say. We don’t get a vote. We don’t get to exercise our personal preferences and we don’t get to negotiate.
- Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
- John 14:6
- “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truthand the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Jesus is the Truth
- Jesus is the embodiment of truth.
- Jesus reveals the truth.
- Jesus lives the truth and is the truth – there is no darkness in him, no lies, no doubt, no uncertainty, no ambiguity, no mysticism and no secrets.
- He fully revealed what God wants us to know.
- He fulfilled all God required to bring about reconciliation.
- Holy Spirit is the Truth
- John 14:6
John 14:16-18: “16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
- The Holy Spirit inspired the Word.
- The Holy Spirit reminds us of and always points to Jesus and to the Word.
- The Holy Spirit never contradicts the Bible.
- The Gospel is the truth
- The Gospel is the truth in our hands.
- We have the Holy Spirit in us who empowers us.
- We have the Gospel that we take to the world revealing the truth to them so that they can be set free too.
- The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation…
Reminder: The father of lies still tries to distort the truth, he hates mankind and will do anything to steal, kill and destroy. He fights the truth with half-truths, suspicion, doubts and outright lies. We need to be aware of his plans and we need to know the truth so that we can proclaim it accurately. More about this in the next few weeks…
The Ministry is Expanding in Mozambique
Unlike most countries, Mozambique did not experience an official lockdown. Social distancing and a state of emergency was announced in the country. The work of God did not stop in Mozambique.
By the grace of God, it was still possible for pastors to pray and gather in small groups at home cells and even in church buildings in Nampula. Over Easter, earlier this year, Mozambican pastors experienced a blessed time – 35 new believers were baptised. Praise the Lord for these souls who were won for His Kingdom.
Furthermore, various radio stations in Mozambique are being utilised to share the Gospel. One pastor, Jadreque, received a call from a man from Muecate, a small village about 40 kilometres from Nampula City. This man heard the message and asked pastor Jadreque to visit his community.
When pastor Jadreque arrived and shared the Gospel, he led 12 new believers to Christ. He planted a church right there and then. This is the second church that was planted in the Nampula district during the country’s state of emergency. Pastor Jadreque visits these new churches every two weeks to encourage this group of believers on their journey with God. Praise the Lord for what is happening in Mozambique!
The greatest challenge that pastor Jadreque faces, on these outreaches, is enough funds for food and fuel. He said, “But God is doing wonders by the grace.”
It is such an encouragement to hear that the ministry can still expand and continue to function in Mozambique. This is all thanks to loyal donors who are able to carry the ministry with their gifts.
Let us be reminded today of what Jesus said in Matthew 16 verse 18, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Families in Kenya Experienced Three Catastrophes!
A locust plague, destructive floods and a life threatening virus which caused a pandemic – Kenya experienced all these catastrophes within the past few months. Many pastors have small pieces of land with crops to support their families – these crops were completely destroyed.
A month after the locust plague destroyed crops; a total national lockdown was implemented in Kenya. Pastors could not have church services and receive offerings. Hundreds of pastors and their families lost their livelihood and have no means to earn an income to take care of their loved ones.
Furthermore, a few weeks after the start of the national lockdown a terrible flood hit large parts of Kenya. Thousands of people, including many pastors and student pastors, were left without shelter and food. People tried desperately to salvage what they could; mostly collecting the little they could carry – some were even floating down the streets on their doors.
The world as they know it has completely changed. It will take a while before these pastors and their families will be able to stand on their own feet again. Pastors have no way to feed their hungry children.
Without intervention from other believers these Kenyan families will surely starve.
Pastors are experiencing severe hunger, displacement from their homes, their food was eaten by the locust plague – but they have not lost all hope. Their hope is in Jesus Christ.
Thanks to loyal donors and people like you with generous hearts, it has been possible for Harvesters Ministries to provide some families with food. The job is however not done, there are still many families who need food urgently.
You have the opportunity to help a family today. Make a donation and feed a family in Kenya for one month. Partner with Harvesters Ministries today and be a blessing to those in need. Feed a family and save a life!
In Psalm 41:1 we read, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” Prayerfully consider feeding a family today and giving them the gift of life.
Pastors Floated on Doors
These are truly uncertain and strange times we are living in. As if the COVID-19 pandemic is not bad enough – our brothers and sisters from Busia, Kenya, recently experienced a terrible tragedy. A flood caused havoc – homes were damaged, hundreds of people lost their lives, and more than 100 000 people were displaced and left without shelter and food.
Many of the Harvesters Ministries Hub-leaders, pastors and student pastors were also affected by these floods. Pastor Mathias Dickens, one of the Harvesters Ministries county leaders in Kenya, said, “The situation is getting bad. Our student pastors were forced to leave their homes. Their area has never ever experienced this.”
People are walking in rivers which once were streets. People are using doors as boats and trying to salvage whatever little they can from their homes. These people have lost everything – they need to rebuild their homes and their lives.
In Romans 12, verse 15 we read that we weep with those who weep and we mourn with those who mourn, but we as believers do not weep without hope; we do no not mourn without hope.
Despite all of this, they are still true to their faith. They are trusting the Lord in the midst of this terrible tragedy.
This reminds me of Colossians 4:2 that says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
You have the opportunity to support our brothers and sisters in Kenya by praying for them today.
Harvesters Needs your Help to Feed Families in Uganda
Uganda is one of the more than 60 countries where Harvesters Ministries is currently working. This country has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic – like many other countries across the globe. They experienced a nationwide shutdown since 19 March. Millions of people have been unable to earn an income during this time – this includes pastors.
Many people are not only fearing the infection of virus, they are facing starvation and extreme poverty due to this feared virus. Their livelihood has been completely cut off due to the nationwide shutdown.
What has made matters even worse in Uganda is the fact that they were hit by a terrible flood in the western part of the country. More than 5 000 people were displaced and left homeless.
Our Harvesters Country leader, Charles Mukwana, is currently reaching out to his congregation members and pastors who are part of the Harvesters Ministries network. Thus far he has been able to help 30 families since the economic shutdown.
Each family received a big bag of maize to help them through this difficult time. These families also shared their food with other families who are in need. It is amazing to see how these families are reaching out to one another even though they have so little themselves.
I am reminded of Proverbs 22 verse 9 today that says, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
There are still many needy families who urgently need help, but unfortunately pastor Charles does not have the means to reach these families on his own.
Please continue to pray for pastor Charles and his ministry in Uganda. He has not been able to train student pastors in evangelism, discipleship and church planting during this time, but he has been able to reach out to families in need.
Can you help pastor Charles to make an even bigger difference and reach more people in need? Make a donation today and provide one family in need with a 50kg (110-pound) bag of maize. This is enough to feed a family for one month.
These families are also in need of soap to sanitize themselves and other items in their homes. Prayerfully consider making a donation to help a family with this basic necessity – something that could really change and save their lives during this pandemic.
Pastor Charles is also creating jobs by employing and empowering congregation members to make face masks. However, they cannot do this on their own. They have a great need for material. If the Lord is laying it on your heart to assist with funds to purchase materials and provide face masks for the needy – please answer to this call to action with your gift.
Your contribution today will make a lifesaving impact in a family’s life.
Help Save Families in Philippines!
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on almost every country across the globe; unfortunately, Third World countries were hit the hardest. One such country is Philippines. The Filipino government implemented one of the world’s longest and strictest lockdowns.
More than 100 pastors are desperately trusting the Lord to provide food – not only for their own families, but also for those suffering in their congregations.
These pastors have gone more than 9 weeks without being able to have church services and receive offerings. Most of them live day to day, hand to mouth. They don’t have a reserve or a salary to rely on. They have nothing and they are panicking about the next few 3 months’ rent, mortgage, electricity and water bills.
They are fearing the day when the bank will come knocking. It is very likely that over the next month, the vast majority of small churches will close for good and possibly lose their buildings. This is a heart breaking reality!
The church is more than a building and there is value in house groups. The bigger issue here is however that many people might leave the ministry at the end of this lockdown. Many would have buried their church members and families as a result of starvation. This can be detrimental to one’s emotional stability, and many of these church buildings are also pastors’ homes, so to lose the building means they also lose their home. This is what many pastors are fearing!
No one knows whether things will completely return to normal once the lockdown regulations have been lifted by the government. Normal might be gone forever! Everyone is just waiting to see what the “new normal” will be like after the lockdown.
All hope is not lost! By God’s grace and the help of loyal donors it was possible for Harvesters Ministries to reach out to 38 pastors and their families during this COVID-19 pandemic. These pastors each received 25kg (55 pounds) of rice for their family and 25kg (55 pounds) of rice to distribute among their congregations. We praise the Lord for opening the hearts of donors who made this possible!
There are however still thousands of families who desperately need your help. Harvesters Ministries cannot feed these families on our own, we need your help urgently. Your gift today will provide one family with one month’s worth of food – not fancy food, but definitely the basic necessities. Please consider helping a family in need in Philippines with your gift today.
I am reminded of Proverbs 22: 9 today that says, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Prayerfully consider feeding a starving family today.
Partner with Harvesters – Feed Starving Families in Mozambique
Mozambique is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened many families’ already dire situations. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic Mozambique’s government implemented a state of emergency to curb the spread of the virus. The state of emergency states that no church meetings are allowed to take place. Pastors could not earn a living and this includes many Harvesters pastors.
Thousands of believers in Mozambique are facing a devastating crisis at the moment. Many families are starving and have no means to earn a living. Children are going to bed hungry. Parents are worried and do not know where their next meal will come from. These people are trusting the Lord to send good hearted Samaritans to help them out during this life-threatening crisis.
By the grace of God, it was possible for Harvesters Ministries to provide 45 pastors and their families with one month’s worth of food supply in quite a few regions in Mozambique which include: Maputo, Inhambane, Manica (Chimoio), Beira, Marromeu, Estaquinha (Sofala), Chinde, Luabo, Muelasse (Zambézia), Nampula and Cabo Delgado. These families also received soap to help curb the spread of the virus.
Many of these families simply cannot afford their daily necessities at the moment. Despite the fact that they themselves are lacking at the moment; they are still sharing the little that they do have with other families who are also suffering.
Harvesters Ministries’ country leader, Armindo Magule, is really doing an excellent job at leading the Hub-leaders, pastors and student pastors in Mozambique. He has done his best to reach those in need, but cannot do it on his own. Prayerfully consider partnering with Harvesters Ministries in Mozambique to save even more starving families.
Your gift today will provide a family in need with one month’s worth of food and some much needed soap. Your gift will help save a life.
I am reminded of 1 John 3:17 which says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
New Believers in India Experience Joy
We are living in unprecedented times. You are currently experiencing lockdowns, regulations and activities that has never been experienced before.
India, one of the many countries where Harvesters Ministries is working, is suffering terribly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. India has experienced a time of lockdown – like many other countries across the globe. This has made it very difficult to travel between villages.
Madri* is a pastor with Harvesters Ministries who has been reaching out to the lost and making disciples for Christ. One such man that accepted Christ on one of her outreaches is Raul*. Even better news: Raul’s entire family accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Redeemer.
Unfortunately, Raul and his family are illiterate. Before the lockdown it was possible for Madri to travel to Raul’s village. She would visit them regularly to share from God’s Word and enjoy fellowship with them.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Indian government announced a lockdown. No gatherings are allowed; nobody is allowed to leave their houses. The police have a presence in every street of the villages. They are only given four hours per day to buy essential goods. They are not allowed to gather in houses. Outsiders are not allowed into different villages.
Madri said, “I wanted to visit Raul and equip him and his family as they are new believers. I went to their village early in the morning, while it was still dark. Raul and his family were awake. I could see the joy in their faces when I met with them. They were very eager to listen to the Word of God during these turbulent times.
Raul is going through a very difficult time as a result of the lockdown. He lost his daily wages. I preached the Word and encouraged them to stand firm in these times of suffering. I told them that the church is not a building and reminded them of Matthew 18:19 – 20 that says, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
We don’t know how things are going to be in the future. It might get more difficult for us here in India to evangelise and disciple people here. The enemy might have closed the doors of the church but God has made every home a church.”
You can continue to support pastors like Madri during these challenging times with your donations and prayers. Harvesters really appreciates your generous gifts. This ministry will not be able to grow and multiply without your prayers and gifts.
*Names changed to protect identities.
Pride – Sermon by Steven Loots
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world.”
“But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”
Matt 5:3-9
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,”
INTRO
Jesus told us very clearly in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) what is expected of a citizen of heaven, living on earth as a Kingdom representative. He elevated a heart that is the opposite of proud.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart and the peacemakers.
- These are the warriors of the Kingdom – not the arrogant, the proud and the aggressive.
- Timothy warned that as time goes by and the end comes nearer people would be the opposite of the Kingdom Ambassadors –
- People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
John wrote that these things come not from the Father but from the world.
- For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the prideof life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
- James gives us this warning:
- But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proudbut shows favor to the humble.”
Let’s go to the Old Testament today and learn a lesson on the dangers of PRIDE.
2 Chronicles 26 Uzziah King of Judah
I am going to work through this chapter and tell you the story and make some comments as I go through it. You are welcome to follow in your Bibles.
26 Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 2 He was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after Amaziah rested with his ancestors.
3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.
Successful in War
6 He went to war against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He then rebuilt towns near Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. 7 God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and against the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.
Successful in Civics and Engineering
9 Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them.
Economic Success – Agriculture
10 He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.
Military Success – Logistics
11 Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials. 12 The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600. 13 Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. 14 Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army.
Scientific and Engineering Success
15 In Jerusalem he made devices invented for use on the towers and on the corner defenses so that soldiers could shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the walls.
RESULT:
His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful. (Remember – he reigned for 52 years. No overnight success.)
SO What Could Go Wrong?
16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.
- He was unfaithful to the Lord his God,
- and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.
- 17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in.
- 18 They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.”
- God sent others to warn him
- He had fair warning that God would deal with him
- But, what do proud people do?
- They justify themselves
- They blame others
- They never admit they are wrong
- They don’t repent easily
- 19 Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry.
- While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy[c]broke out on his forehead.
- 20 When Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests looked at him, they saw that he had leprosy on his forehead, so they hurried him out. Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the Lord had afflicted him. (Probably the worst thing that could happen to a proud person at the time – sickness, shame, shunned, pushed out, despised, total opposite of success.)
Reached the point of no return
21 King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house[d]—leprous, and banned from the temple of the Lord. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.
22 The other events of Uzziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 23 Uzziah rested with his ancestors and was buried near them in a cemetery that belonged to the kings, for people said, “He had leprosy.” And Jotham his son succeeded him as king.
What can we learn from Uzziah:
- God wants us to live in relationship with Him.
- All success comes from Him to the believer.
- Pride will destroy you.
- Heed the warnings in your life.
- It is far less painful to ask God to show you how to deal with your pride than to have Him deal with you.
- Pride comes before a fall.
- All are susceptible to pride:
- Sportsmen, businessmen, politicians, Pastors, leaders in any field,
- Racism, arrogance against the poor, never taking responsibility, never saying you are sorry; comparing who you are and what you have and may have achieved against others… Seeing yourself as more important and demanding than others do too.
- Any Christian can start to love the world.
- 1 John 2:16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
- Will you be courageous and stand up to pride in the body? 17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in. 18 They confronted King Uzziah…
- Will you repent of the sin of pride?
- 4 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.
Esperança na dor em meio ao COVID-19
Nossa Realidade Atual
- Diariamente, a pandemia se espalha. Agora, cerca de dois milhões de pessoas infectadas, logo muitos milhões.
- Para aqueles que assistiram e especularam, que teorizaram e expressaram dúvidas, para aqueles que falsamente profetizaram que tudo acabaria em breve; começou a se tornar realidade.
- Diariamente, o total de mortes cresce. Nos EUA, mais de mil mortes por dia – e crescendo.
- Nesta semana, alguém morreu que eu conhecia.
- Ao lidarmos com a realidade e a gravidade do que estamos enfrentando, muitos se encontram em uma montanha-russa emocional. Nós realmente não sabemos como lidar com a morte. Especialmente quando ocorre tão amplamente quanto agora. Nas próximas semanas, ficaremos impressionados com os números e profundamente angustiados ao descobrir que estamos familiarizados com a chamada dos que partiram.
- Em alguns casos, será profundamente pessoal. Dentro de nossas próprias igrejas e até em nossas casas.
Nosso conforto não é encontrado em negar a realidade; fechando nossos ouvidos como uma criança e afastando a verdade.
- Não é encontrado em falsas promessas, falsas profecias ou histórias falsas.
- Não se encontra culpando outras pessoas nem em teorias da conspiração.
- Nossa esperança está na verdade. Conhecemos a verdade e sabemos que a Verdade nos liberta – também nos liberta do medo.
Em João 11, encontramos a história de Lázaro.
- Lázaro, amigo de Jesus e irmão de Maria e Marta, adoeceu.
- Por quê? Se Ele sabia que estava prestes a ressuscitar Lázaro. Porque Jesus viu o que a morte faz às pessoas – não apenas aos que morrem, mas também àqueles que são deixados para trás.
- JESUS CHOROU João 11:35 .
- No entanto, ao ver o sofrimento da família e daqueles que vieram confortá-lo, Jesus ficou profundamente comovido.
- Jesus sabia muito bem o que havia acontecido e o que estava prestes a fazer
- Jesus deliberadamente demorou um pouco e, quando chegou lá, Lázaro já estava morto havia 4 dias.
- As irmãs pediram que Jesus viesse curá-lo
- Jesus viu a perda, o desespero, a angústia e a tristeza.
- A morte havia chegado a um ente querido. É permanente – Lázaro se foi para sempre.
- A morte causa separação. Deixa outros necessitados, quebrados e solitários.
- Afasta toda esperança de reconciliação com as pessoas e com Deus.
- As pessoas em todos os lugares reconhecem a desesperança da morte – é por isso que sofrem. É final, permanente.
Então Jesus faz o impossível!
- Jesus ordena que um homem morto saia da sepultura – e ele faz!
- Lázaro está vivo de novo!
Semana que vem é Páscoa. Uma Páscoa como nenhuma outra que já comemoramos. Uma época em que nos concentraremos em outra morte e ressurreição = a do próprio Cristo.
- Jesus não apenas chorou e não fez nada
- Jesus assumiu a causa da morte e depois venceu a própria morte.
- Jesus tornou possível a todos – não apenas Lázaro ressuscitar!
Agora, encontramos essas palavras em 1 Tessalonicenses. 4: 13-14 ” 13 Irmãos e irmãs, não queremos que você seja desinformado sobre os que dormem na morte, para que não se lamentem como o resto da humanidade, que não tem esperança. 14 Porque cremos que Jesus morreu e ressuscitou, e por isso cremos que Deus trará com Jesus aqueles que dormem nele.
Nota:
- A Bíblia não diz que não sofreremos, mas que não sofreremos como o mundo (como o resto da humanidade)
- Vemos a morte de um crente como se ele tivesse adormecido e logo acordará novamente. ILL Fuso horário …
Vamos enfrentar a morte de novas maneiras, talvez milhões em todo o mundo; mas temos esperança.
- Não teremos medo da morte por nós mesmos
- Não sofreremos com os crentes como se não houvesse esperança
- A Ressurreição nos aguarda !!
- No entanto, precisamos lamentar a perda de incrédulos, reconhecendo sua perdição sem Cristo. Eles não têm esperança.
- Melhor ainda – apresente-os à esperança que vive em você agora.
Precisamos que outros vejam nossa esperança nos dias de hoje.
- Our hope is our testimony to people who fear death.
- Our hope is a bright light, drawing others into its comfort.
- Ill: Believers in lockdown in India – living out their faith loudly!
Por favor, não expresse falsas esperanças neste momento.
- Antes não diga nada, do que dizer coisas que a Bíblia não promete.
- Não, a morte de Jesus não salvou toda a humanidade.
- Ele morreu por todos, mas sem fé não pode haver salvação.
Ao lidar com o sofrimento dos outros, reconheça que não há palavras que possam aliviar a dor; mas a Bíblia nos ensina que o Espírito Santo é o consolador.
- O próprio Deus ligará as feridas quando as pessoas se voltarem para ele.
- Aponte para Deus de maneira amorosa e ore para que o Espírito Santo traga paz aos corações partidos.
Seja forte. Estude a Palavra. Fale a verdade. Expresse sua esperança. Olhos para cima. Sabemos de onde vem a nossa esperança.
Compartilhando o Amor de Jesus no Brasil
O Brasil é o maior país da América do Sul. É a quinta maior do mundo – em tamanho e população, com mais de 210 milhões de pessoas. As cidades são enormes, com São Paulo liderando o ranking com mais de 17 milhões de pessoas.
Então, como os Harvesters plantam igrejas nessas cidades gigantescas? A urbanização é um fato assustador, visto que os jovens migram das áreas rurais para grandes cidades.
Atualmente, os Harvesters Brasil se encontram em seis grandes áreas do Brasil, as quais: São Paulo, Brasília, Goiânia, Manaus, Belo Horizonte e Amazônia.
Embora a estratégia permaneça a mesma – plantação de igrejas por meio de evangelismo e discipulado – o modelo é minuciosamente ajustado para proporcionar o crescimento máximo em algumas igrejas que estão morrendo. Uma dessas áreas críticas é Goiânia, onde passamos uma semana treinando, ajudando e expandindo.
Alcançando aqueles que estão em Necessidade
O treinamento atual nos direcionou para uma pequena e esquecida cidade, que fica a três horas de Goiânia, para um local chamado Jussara. O calor era insuportável e eu não conseguia evitar o pico constante do medidor de temperatura do nosso supereconômico Chevrolet. O termômetro travou a 44 °C. E de acordo com todos – estávamos no inverno! 60 pastores apareceram para o nosso treinamento. Suas igrejas estavam todas morrendo.
Como um pastor explicou: “Sonhei com esse dia toda a minha vida adulta e ministerial! Nossas igrejas ficaram estagnaram em 70 membros nas últimas duas décadas. Socorro!” Sua sinceridade e lágrimas partiram meu coração. Os Harvesters irão treinar pastores em Jussara e ajudá-los a crescer suas congregações através de Evangelismo e Discipulado.
De volta à Goiânia – uma Cidade com Grandes Necessidades…
Enquanto escrevo isso, acabei de sobreviver a uma viagem de Uber a 145 km/h até o aeroporto no Brasil, às 03h30min da manhã. Enquanto isso eu me perguntava sobre o significado da vida – como sempre, faço isso em alta velocidade. Estivemos em várias igrejas moribundas – é triste ver, mas através dos Harvesters foi ótimo ressuscitar essas igrejas moribundas através do discipulado.
No seminário em que fomos convidados a treinar pastores, eles nos observavam com lágrimas nos olhos enquanto sentavam e percebiam que foram treinados apenas para pregar para uma plateia.
Compartilhe o Sucesso
Houve um crescimento significativo e histórias de sucesso em muitas das áreas em que trabalhamos no Brasil. Atualmente, o Brasil envia mais missionários do que qualquer outro país do mundo. Para continuar fazendo isso, o Brasil precisa de mais igrejas cheias de discípulos. Por favor, orem pelo Brasil e pela Amazônia com suas 10.000 aldeias perdidas. Em breve plantaremos uma igreja em cada uma delas!
Harvesters Completam 20 Anos em 2020!
Comemoramos 20 anos de plantação de igrejas em 2020. Conseguimos plantar nossas primeiras igrejas em 2000 na Zâmbia e no Malawi. Desde então, o ministério se expandiu para mais de 60 países. Deus é bom!
Obrigado por viajar pelo mundo conosco nestes últimos 20 anos. É incrível ver como Deus nos sustentou em tudo.
Um dos países que recentemente abriu suas portas para trabalharmos é o Brasil e, mais especificamente, a região Amazônica. Existem milhares de vilas próximas ao rio Amazonas sem acesso a uma Igreja e ao Evangelho.
Enquanto estávamos na Amazônia, pudemos experimentar os sons incríveis da selva, a umidade e a esmagadora densidade da flora. Percebemos que, de fato, um grande serviço foi prestado por aqueles que vieram antes de nós. Nós seguimos seus passos…
“É Deus para quem e com quem viajamos, e enquanto Ele é o fim de nossa jornada, Ele também está em todo lugar de parada”. – Elisabeth Elliot, Missionária e Autora.
Alguns dias na selva foram difíceis! Lutamos contra as percepções do evangelismo e como alcançar as pessoas. Existem muitas pessoas dispostas, mas seus métodos precisam melhorar.
Graças a doadores leais, foi possível para uma de nossas equipes treinarem esses pastores em evangelismo, discipulado e plantação de igrejas.
Por favor, ore conosco para que este ministério continue a crescer exponencialmente em 2020.
A oração se tornou uma Visão
O terreno do Malawi se move abaixo de nós em manchas verdes e marrons, como se estivesse em câmera lenta. Mal percebo o zumbido familiar do motor do Cessna Cardinal 177 enquanto olho para a sombra que o avião lança na terra abaixo. De vez em quando a sombra cortava um pequeno assentamento rural e toda vez a mesma oração ecoa em meu coração: Senhor, nos dê esse assentamento…
A oração que nasceu no minúsculo avião sobre o Malawi deu origem a uma visão de tal magnitude que, a princípio, pensei que fosse um sonho impossível. Mas lentamente, enquanto eu orava repetidamente, pedindo ao Senhor por essas pequenas aldeias africanas, Ele confirmou o que eu deveria fazer pelas próximas décadas.
“Plante um milhão de igrejas, treine um milhão de pastores e evangelize e discipule cem milhões de pessoas”, tornou-se a visão do nosso ministério quando plantamos as primeiras igrejas no Malawi em 2000.
Vinte anos depois, os Harvesters Ministries cresceram de um pequeno ministério familiar para um movimento global que expande o Reino de Deus em 43 idiomas e em 63 países. Com escritórios e funcionários espalhados por 5 continentes, mais de 65.000 igrejas plantadas em todo o mundo, 35.000 estudantes pastores em treinamento e mais de cinco milhões de novos discípulos espalhados pela face da terra, não posso deixar de fazer uma pausa por um momento…
Um momento de ação de graças. Um momento de gratidão. Olho para cima, para o Doador da visão e sei que era tudo Ele. Dele flui a graça de ainda estarmos aqui em 2020.
Dele veio a pequena, mas dedicada equipe que trabalha diariamente em direção à visão e ama o ministério tanto quanto eu.
Dele vieram centenas de voluntários que servem como Treinadores Licenciados dos Harvesters em algumas das partes mais remotas do mundo.
Dele foram enviados os muitos doadores que tornaram possível dirigir, voar, imprimir, entregar, treinar, ajudar e expandir.
Dele vem a energia, a saúde, a perseverança, a fé e o amor que tornam possível o ministério nessa escala.
Neste nosso vigésimo ano, celebramos Àquele que dá em abundância, celebramos nós, que temos o privilégio de trabalhar neste ministério e celebramos vocês, que apoiam e dão com um coração alegre. Mas principalmente celebramos com os anjos de Deus por todo pecador que venha a conhecer o Salvador.
Agora, esperamos com fé, plantar outras 25.000 igrejas onde antes não havia. Novos pastores serão treinados, novos convertidos serão conquistados e novos discípulos serão feitos.
Somos humildemente gratos pela graça e favor dos últimos vinte anos. Nós comemoramos isso. Mas agora olhamos para o horizonte e convidamos você a continuar sua jornada conosco, orar por nós e nos apoiar, pois o trabalho não está concluído.