“I Spoke to Him this morning, He lives”

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Written by Mike Verkaik

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. – Colossians 3:1

As I read through the Colossians 3 and 4, that verse resinated with as I reflected on conversations and interactions at the motel. It was a rough week emotionally for many of the children and adults. A spirit of negativity, sarcasm, and subtle, or not so subtle, comments flooded the airwaves in and around the perimeter of the motel. Toxic words stung deeply, as children jockey for status and acceptance by making others feeling small.

After witnessing a young boy make yet another bad choice, I retreated to the car with another volunteer disheartened and disappointed. Waiting to depart for our afternoon activity, a pray  for a changed heart was offered and God put the lyrics to the song This is My Father’s World in my mind and I began to say:

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

What an amazing and present God we serve. In the midst of harsh, bitter and demeaning words He reveals Himself and reminds us that the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

One volunteer texted, With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32)

God has woven together an incredible group of volunteers to bring His presence into the storms of the daily life of so many served. Indeed God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Walking into arguments, harsh conversations, and degrading comments, we praise God for how He works in and through our responses. In turn these responses give a platform for His message of forgiveness, love, grace and peace to pierce the enemy’s darkness and model a different response than the tense-filled retaliation of bitter and demeaning words to control.

Although the recent events exposed the brokenness of our fallen state, the reminders that as believers we have weapons of dwelling, prayer, and praise that God has given to combat the onslaught of discouragement, hopelessness and despair. In the midst of chaos our Father prepares us, equips us and comes alongside of us as we seek more and more of Him.

Read the following texts, prayers and interactions revealing how His followers are moving into the generational battles that we are fighting against.

Volunteer 1: I was meditating on several verses about the resurrection and God impressed His incomparably great power to bring resurrection at the hotel. Read Ephesians 1:18-19!

A prayer from Volunteer 2: By the power of Your Word and Spirit, bring light into the darkness. Bring shalom into the chaos. Do what you are famous for. Break the power of satan’s hold and set the girls free. Pour your life and love back into us, Your workers. All this matters Lord. Don’t waste a tear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Volunteer 3: Could you lift up some extra prayers for the kids tonight? Lots of spiritual and verbal battles going on at the hotel while I was there for girl’s night 😕 but God is at work too. An attempted suicide brought up a long and good conversation with the rest of the girls about their own suicidal thoughts. An intense screaming match led to a wonderful moment of forgiveness between two girls. Draining – yet the glimpses of God are encouraging.

Volunteer 4: As I was reminded this week again. If the ministry is hard it is a sign that we have our enemy’s attention, which is expected if we are bringing light to the chaos. Praying for a breakthrough as residents see the peace God is bringing into the storm through His words spoken through us.

As the week came to a close, I was driving to deliver medication to the jail for a hotel resident, admitted a few hours earlier. Approaching the jail the Holy Spirit prompted me to listen to some praise music. Turning on the radio Jehovah Jirah provided an old song that I love, My Redeemer Lives. (Nicole C. Mullen) It was just the reminder I needed.

Now, I know my Redeemer lives I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry I know my Redeemer …..

As the song came to a close, my favorite unwritten words were sung, “I spoke with Him this morning, He lives!”

Yes, we have the ability to come into the throne room of our Father every moment of our lives. As people who have been raised with Christ, join us in using the weapons of praise, dwelling and prayers for revelation, restoration and revival to usher in the kingdom of our Father to earth.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3: 16-17)

15,555 Steps with Jesus

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We do a lot of walking in South Africa. Most everything we need is within walking distance from Oceans Retreat Center. So at the end of the day Patty and I have a friendly competition and check our walking app to see who got the most steps in.

The other day I was reading the story in Luke 24 about two people walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, which was about 7 miles. That’s a lot of steps, so being a little obsessed with steps I calculated the journey to 15,555 steps. That’s a great day, it beats our average.

But what is even more amazing than their step count is whom these two were walking with. For several reasons I believe these two are likely husband and wife. I visualize them in a deep conversation discussing the events that transpired that weekend which was news of the death of Jesus and the reported resurrection.

In the midst of their pondering Jesus shows up as a stranger and joins the dialogue. Jesus must have been smiling on the inside as He listened to them recapping one of history’s greatest events. I wonder how far along they were in the journey when they paused and Jesus took over the conversation, but whatever step they were on most certainly they would never forget those sacred steps nor should we.

Jesus opened up all the Scriptures to them and shared how all of this pointed to His glorious work on the cross and the victory of the Resurrection (vs. 27). What happens next is absolutely amazing, as Jesus was invited into their home for a meal. The visitor became the Host, which is exactly what happened at the Last Supper before His death.

“He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” (vs. 30-31)

What a gift! This couple encountered a personal revelation as Jesus fed them the truth of His everlasting love. And as He vanished from their sight they described they experienced “burning hearts.” Hearts sealed with Heaven’s love.

As I quietly replayed this story in my mind I wondered why Jesus chose this couple to walk with Him and have the first communal meal with them after His death? It occurred to me that this is what Jesus wants for all His children to grasp. Even though we don’t always get it in our busy, distracted and doubt filled world. Jesus is beside us. He walks every single step with us through out the day. And just like the couple in the story we may not always recognize Him-BUT He IS present!

Jesus’ perfectly completed work opened up our hearts to His Kingdom and our hearts are now a dwelling place for His Holy Spirit. His Spirit teaches us and daily opens the truths of Scripture. The Spirit comes through the broken bread and the cup and reveals the gift of the Father’s love in the sacrifice of His own Son to forgive us and heal us.

This post resurrection story is a reminder from Jesus to us that every step we take throughout the day is precious because our Savior through His Spirit walks with us. As you take your steps today listen for His voice. What is He trying to say to you? How is He seeking to encourage you? Remember even in your valleys, doubts, and misunderstanding you never step alone!

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

 

 

 

 

Seeking more of His presence

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Written by Mike Verkaik

“Are we going to go to this again next week? When we get back, we need to begin a praise and prayer time like this at our church!” Those were the words of the students after attending an hour of praise and prayer time at a local church in Fish Hoek. Even though it was a Monday night and it went longer than most of the students church services back home, it didn’t matter as they were caught up in the presence of their risen King through the power of prayer, praise and testimony.

What was it that kept them longing for more as they left that evening and walked back to the Retreat Center. I believe it was a glimpse and taste of heavenly worship. Revelation 5 worship as the elders fall down before our triumphant Lamb, holding golden bowls of our persistent prayers which give off a fragrance of incense before the throne of our Father. And the angels joining in song:

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousands times  ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:

“worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Revelation 5:11-12

What a privilege it was, as a follower of Jesus, to dwell in that room, filled with the Holy Spirit, and join our South African brothers and sisters in unified praise and prayer to our Father. As the night progressed, the barriers of fear, and others perception of us were stripped away as we found new freedom in being the worshippers we were created to be.

So, the students, being true to their word and conviction, held the first praise and worship time this past Sunday in Western Michigan. With the music and prayers still echoing in my head, I sit and ponder all that God orchestrated through their hungry hearts. Africa taught these students about their God. How their Dad delights in them and they can trust Him as a good Father, how Jesus longs for us to live in the freedom of the cross and the power of His resurrection, and how to rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit who equips us anytime He calls us to step on the water and trust.

As the people began to file in last night, we stood in amazement as we started adding more chairs to the horseshoe to accommodate the overflow of people. Then the lyrics to the first song began:

There is nothing worth more, that could ever come close, No thing could compare, You’re our living hope.
Your presence Lord.

I’ve tasted and seen, of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free, and my shame is undone. Your presence Lord.

How fitting to begin worshiping our God from the position of our emptiness in life without Him. Tasting and understanding the love our Father has for us, and the freedom we obtain when we live into His presence. Freedom from guilt, shame and fear that brings His hope and joy to our souls.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

Psalm 84:10 (NLT)

As we finished our worship time, I was struck by what a blessing it is to be a part of a community that corporately seeks more of the presence of our Lord. A community praising and praying together while sharing in the joys and the sufferings of being a follower of our resurrected Lord. The good news is you don’t need to go to South Africa with us to experience it. It is as close as finding a local church/group that has a passion for asking, seeking and sharing more of His presence. Go find a place, or start a group where you can join with the angels in saying;

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.

“Graves into Gardens”

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On Resurrection Sunday singing the song “Graves into Gardens” reminded me about the power of the Gospel to transform the most broken places, such as a grave, into a place of beauty, a garden.

Resurrection Day is the believers victory day!  All our sin, pain, and brokenness was buried with Christ in His death and on the 3rd day when the Father raised up His beloved Son, the curse of sin and death was broken forever. Faith is the gift given by Jesus to bring us back into fellowship with our Father into a “New Garden” where there is restoration.

As we were singing the chorus….

“You turn graves into gardens, You turn bones into armies, You turn seas into highways, You’re the only One who can…”

a picture of a township Oceans has recently been involved in flashed into my mind. This relatively unknown space just outside of Cape Town, (in the picture above) is a place of extreme poverty and brokenness and basically a dump. Yet, these are the places where Jesus loves to unleash His Resurrection Power and turn graves into gardens.

On Good Friday that dump turned into a place of worship as hundreds from the community were fed both physical and spiritual food. The gospel message that Christ Jesus can take His children out of death and bring them true life was heard. It has been amazing to watch God use our friend Pastor Raymond his wife Pamela, and their team  “Love in Action” beautify this place with the love of the King.

Because of the Resurrection and the Spirit of Jesus living in His children our brokenness and weakness can be transformed into something beautiful.  Our sin and filth is a spiritual dumping ground, and yet because of Jesus, all of this is forever buried in a grave just outside Jerusalem and transformed into a new garden producing fruit that brings glory to our Father. Fruit that will spill over into the world with His love in action. The Holy Spirit can bring life into the darkest places.

Jimshebosh Township is being transformed by the Power of the Resurrection through the gospel of love. May you find hope today in the power of the Resurrection and a Father God who loves to turn graves into gardens.

**The pictures that follow are the building just erected on a cleared dump. Preparations are being made to make this into a  ministry center for feeding the community as well as a much needed pre-school for the children. Thank you to those in the Ocean family for your part in turning graves (and dumps) into a garden for God’s glory!

 

 

 

 

 

Where True Joy Comes From!

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Written by Mike Verkaik

An amazing team from Haven church in Zeeland and Holland Christian just returned from Oceans Retreat Center.  Working through jet lag, my heart is still overjoyed for such an amazing time, and I  praise Abba for assembling a group with such a hunger to hear from Him during Oceans’ Kingdom Encounter in South Africa.

Beforehand this simple question was asked, “What is your greatest fear concerning this trip?” I was astonished by the deep honesty as they responded with words like, “ I am longing to encounter God in such a new and special way, and am afraid that I will be disappointed.”

Be blessed as you hear from the deep souls of teenagers which have encountered our Father’s Kingdom exploding in their hearts.  Today’s entry is from Sabrina as she spent 2 hours in Groot Constantia, the oldest vineyard in South Africa, followed by a prayer time at Fullies church. 

Monday was a busy but yet such a peaceful day. Mondays are always hard days at Oceanview Care Center because these children have rough family lives and can experience lots of hard things over the weekend. We stayed at the Care Center for a couple of hours and then went to a vineyard for some quiet time and alone time with God.

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate being alone and am always talking to or with people, so this felt like a challenge for me. Once we got to this massive vineyard we all grabbed our lunch, and were told to let the Holy Spirit lead us wherever He wanted us to dwell. I was led down a path near an old pool and sat in the warm sun by some beautiful flowers of all different colors. I began my time by eating my lunch and reading God’s word. I got distracted so easily so during this time every time I heard or thought of something not related to God I would verbally speak “No more distractions” or “It’s all about God right now”.

 As I read I saw some stickers on my sisters water bottle. One said, The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. (Psalm 138:8)  I really started to think about my identity and what God thinks about me. So I continued to read some passages from Ephesians, Philippians, and John. I kinda just let the words sink in and hoped God would put all the pieces together. After that I started to pray and looked at the sky. I could start to feel what God wanted me to write in His letter to me from Him. I started to realize that a lot of times I go to other people, my phone, etc. for attention, which is something I crave. I heard God telling me that I am enough and that he will give me all the attention I need. I heard him saying that he has chosen me to travel the world and to enjoy His creation and that he will fulfill me more than anything else.

Another thing I’ve always struggled with is anxiety and I could tell He was starting to free me of my fear of what others think. I felt a sense of peace that I had security in the Lord for all these things. This time in the vineyard was so cool for me, I prayed and watched the clouds and reflected on all of these things, and then went for a walk around and through some of the vineyard. It was a very relaxing and good thing for me.

After we finished our time in the vineyard, we went into town for dinner and then later headed to a prayer night. I tell you these prayer and worship nights are like nothing you’ve ever experienced in the past. They’re the coolest place where you feel free and just get to talk to God. People are impacted in all kinds of ways at these meetings.

Personally what I experienced kinda tied in with the vineyard. These nights begin with worship, and normally I’m the nervous one who doesn’t like to sing because I don’t want others to hear me. But boy did I feel so free from that anxiety. The Holy Spirit spoke to me and I felt so so free. During the prayer time I just felt God blocking out the distractions and again telling me that I am enough, he’ll fulfill me, and he’ll give me the attention I need. After that time I was so happy and had the true Joy of the Lord. This isn’t the kind of happiness you feel at Disney, or with your friends, or even after winning a big sports game. This is happiness that can only come from God. True Joy.

I am finally learning where my true joy and my identity comes from and that’s from God.

-Sabrina