Word Of Encouragement

Short message Of encouragement From the Lord Jesus

NOTICE: Our Article for this week will be available tomorrow (07/09/2022).

A few weeks ago, a very precious sister in the Lord (Sister Hannah) shared this message with me, and after prayer, the Lord commanded me to share this message with you for this week since we don’t have an article for this week. I will also share a short vision I had on 06/01/2018 and we prayerfully hope this will encourage and bless your heart in Jesus' name. We are sharing this message again as we are working on another great message the Lord gave us which should be ready for next week!

A vision of Satan (06/01/2018)

I (Brother Glenn) had a vision this morning in the vision, I saw myself walking in a very busy street filled with people everywhere and amongst the first group of people I came across, I noticed a man who just looked different from the rest of the other people. I immediately knew that he (the man) was the devil and I firmly ordered him in Jesus's name to leave and he just disappeared. I continued walking, and further up I came across another group of people and a man who disguised himself and hides amongst the group of people so that he might not be identified and looked at me and when I caught sight of him, I again knew it was Satan, so I said, “Devil I command you in Jesus name to flee”,and in a haste he replied saying, ‘I am going and you don’t need to command me again’ and he left End! (James 4:7; Matthew 4:10).

This vision is self-explanatory and the Lord basically revealed it to show that He has given us power and authority over the devil and we should not fear him (Luke 10:19).

Vision From Sister Hannah (11/12/2017)

I am a born-again Christian but have never had anything happen to me like this before and I feel God urging me to share with others. A couple nights ago I laid in bed falling asleep and right before I fell asleep I had a vision. God spoke to me and said "Make a path for the Lord, prepare the way for the Lord" I cannot say what the voice sounded like as there was no distinct voice but those words were spoken to me it's hard to explain. I also saw a hand cleaning off a very dirty and dusty footstool and I believe it was God's or Jesus' hand. I know there are many references in the Bible regarding the footstool. Some I found... (Psalm 110:1KJV)

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Psalm 132:7
Let us go into His dwelling place; Let us worship at His footstool.

Lamentations 2:1
How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion With a cloud in His anger! He has cast from heaven to earth The glory of Israel And has not remembered His footstool In the day of His anger.

Hebrews 1:13
But to which of the angels has He ever said, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET"?

I believe God is telling me to further his kingdom to tell people this vision and to come to the father and that the time of his second coming is near, I'm not sure how near, but I feel it's near.

As always, we would like to extend an invitation to anyone who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ yet, or of you are not born again, to pray our suggested prayer on this link Prayer of Sincere Repentance by faith and follow the Lord (Matthew 4:19). You may also contact us for any questions or comments about this article or our ministry.

Blessed Goodness to you in Christ,

Brother Glenn and Sister Hannah

What Is True Repentance?

Repent and Be a Witness Of Christ

NOTICE: We will be having an updated article tomorrow (31/08/2021), we apologise for the inconvenience. 

Vision by Charis (22 August 2021).

"My son (John, not real name) must not repent for his sins and go back to continue in his sins, repentance means changing your life and behavior from your former way of living". (Acts 3:19; Jeremiah 26:13).

Appeal for Assistance: Dear Brethren, since our daughter Claudia received that attack and the Lord bringing her back to life after prayer, she is unable to go back to school due to her having forgotten many things. As it is, she must now learn again to remember things and people. Thus after prayer as a family, we have decided to put her on a home-schooling system with the help of an educational expert. We thus appeal to anyone of you to please pray for her and to help us financially (whatever you have) so that we may get her onto the home-schooling system. Kindly use our PayPal facility on the website or please send us an email if you need any further information. 

The Lord bless you, and God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), furthermore, the apostle Paul encouraged the believers saying: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives" (Titus 3:14 NIV).

Brethren, we are sharing again the True Repentance article on the Lord's command. On the above date, Charis received a message from the Lord in which the Lord rebuked a brother but at the same time explaining what true repentance means. Therefore, for your eternal benefit, please read this article. 

In 2015 we wrote an article on being born again. It would be only appropriate to follow up with an article with a similar tone and this week we share with you, True Repentance. Biblically, the word repentance means to turn from the direction of living a sinful life to a godly life in Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 18:21-23). Many people believe that there is a God and Savior, but only a few live repentant lives. Just recently, we were smitten with grief and disappointment when the Lord exposed a case of false repentance. The individual concerned practiced good Christianity in our presence but the moment he leaves us, he leads a secret life of sin. This is best described as hypocrisy and false repentance. It means he had repented for the wrong reasons: to please man rather than God. Often those who have repented falsely do so for the benefit of personal gain. How many people do we know who claimed to have repented of their wicked ways in order to marry a person in the church whom they lusted after? Are there not people we know who ‘repent’ and speak our Christian language only for financial or some other gain? Well, such behavior may give us a temporary false gain by using God for the wrong purposes. In fact, such folly will only backfire on us with some dire consequences (Romans 8:13).

Therefore, every truly born-again believer who has gone through the experience of repentance knows what the Lord expects of us (1 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 3:9). This is where our relationship with the Risen Lord starts. In addition to pursuing a life of peace and upright living as the above Scripture declares, the Lord Jesus Christ called us to be His witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20). As we know in today’s church environment, many Christians display their Christian ‘power’ and ‘authority’ by shielding themselves with lofty ministry titles. Church titles don’t win souls! If we use official church titles to impress and attract people to us, are we not sinning? Should we not be making followers of Christ rather than of us? (1 Corinthians 1:12).

Now many brethren in the Body of Christ are seeking after the official ministry titles, like apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers. In the past, we inquired of the Lord for some enthusiastic brethren who were eager to hear what their callings were. After hearing the Lord sending them to the streets to witness, many of them were disappointed, and like the rich young man whom the Lord called to humility (Matthew 19:16-22), they doubted the Lord’s message and clung to man’s approval of them. They thought the Lord would say ‘welcome apostle or prophet’; instead, they were encouraged to evangelize to the lost in the streets, to their colleagues at their workplaces, or at home to their family members. The Lord knows that some of those who desire the formal ministry titles desire power and status. We know John the Baptist came as a prophet but his prophetic message was testimony from our Heavenly Father to reveal our Lord Jesus Christ to the world (John 1:32-34). He started out his ministry preaching repentance (Matthew 3:2). This was repeated by Peter on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38), and subsequently the apostle Paul went through a similar experience; he repented and immediately started sharing his testimony (Acts 9:18-22).

What is Repentance?

There can be no salvation without repentance or being born again (John 3:3-8; Matthew 3:2; 4:17). Biblically, repentance means turning from sin to God (Deuteronomy 30:1-2; 2 Chronicles 6:26-27). In other words, once we have renounced our sins through confessing (acknowledging) our sins we have repented and we immediately receive God’s Holy Spirit as ‘down payment’ (Ephesians 1:13-14) and the adoption of sonship in Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

Sadly, there are many people who have faith in God and the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, but let me tell you: faith that does not involve repentance by living according to the Spirit (Galatians 5:16; 25) is not a reflection of true faith (Acts 20:21). Therefore, obedience to the Lord is required with a complete yielding and submission to God as we follow the conviction of the Holy Spirit to correct our hearts and attitudes (James 4:7; Acts 2:37).

In addition, the Bible says repentance involves a complete change of the heart, soul (mind, will, and emotions) abandoning of old ways (Ezekiel 11:18-20). It is more than just mere sorrow for sin; it is a total surrender to the Lord. True repentance as we noted above is acknowledging our sins as deserving God’s judgment and turning from that sin to ask the Lord’s forgiveness (1 Kings 8:47-50). If we are sorrowful for our sins and we ignore the conviction from the Holy Spirit to make right with the Lord, we act on self-pity. As the Word correctly declares, Godly sorrow leads to repentance and a new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Psalm 51:1-17). Our repentance is proven by the genuineness and our change of behavior (Luke 3:8-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV; 1 John 2:4-6).

I have come across a lot of people who expressed great sorrow for their sins. Some even quote this Scripture: “… God have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13-14 NIV), but sadly, they continue in their sins. How many of you reading here merely have sorrow for your sins but you never truly repent? Will, you only feel sorry for your sins and even confess them to others in self-pity, but not act by faith coming from the Holy Spirit’s conviction and repent? We know the consequences of sin bring about God’s judgments (Romans 6:23). Therefore, repent and follow the Lord in fearful obedience. Don’t give up on life and reject salvation! Remember, Christ is that life (John 14:6). Accept Him, see He is calling you to His love and rest (Matthew 11:28). For your assurance, I repeat what the Lord once told us: “I will always love all people equally”. Arise, don’t just sit there and say, "Yes, I know He loves me." Show Him love too by repenting of your sins and following Him in obedience (John 14:15).

We Must Be Committed and Faithful

In some of our experiences with the Lord, He revealed to us that there are countless Christians who will miss Heaven. He said those practicing deceitful living had shallow repentance, ready to turn to sin when the flesh and occasions demand. He attributes this to their willful disobedience to Him, by leading unholy lives (Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 7:13-14).

Let me share a brief testimony, a few years ago I witnessed the gospel to a young man who lives about a stone's throw from us. In response, he told me that he saved a copy of the ‘Sinner’s Prayer’ on his desktop, and every morning before starting work he would locate the sinners' prayer on his desktop and read it out loud to himself while ‘repenting’. Meanwhile, he continued living in sin with his girlfriend. No doubt, this is a trend in today’s society. While we must confess our wrongdoing to the Lord, repeating our wrong living is outright disobedience and a life of bondage. We cannot be content with such repentance, losing faithfulness and if that is YOU, my brother or sister, then you are playing with your salvation and not taking it seriously.

Kindly allow me to briefly share with you another testimony. We had people who left our fellowship and who could not endure the Lord’s corrections as He rebuked them for willful sinning (Hebrews 10:26). In sharp, but gentle warnings the Lord warned them that HELL is for sinners and disobedient Christians (John 3:36; Ezekiel 18:24). Previously we have shared on Sinning Deliberately, and you are welcome to read this article. Now, we know that the Lord does forgive us if we make mistakes. However, the above Scriptures also say that He will punish the wrongdoer for willful disobedience. In a rebuke to a young, nine-year-old girl in 2011, the Lord said that the girl loves sinning on purpose and then goes back to repent of her sins. This led the Lord to say, “Many people say they have repented of their sins, but they repeat their sins without regard to My warnings.”

As a further warning from the Lord, we share in part a rebuke below to a young man, and we pray that by sharing that you will learn, abstain from wrongdoing and live to please the Lord. Here is how the Lord rebuked Sam (not real name): “My son Sam is worldly, and My son Sam is busy with wrong things. My son Sam is an unfair person and My son Sam loves lying. My son Sam loves making empty promises and My son Sam is lustful.”

In the light of this rebuke from the Lord, how many of us can identify with some of the sins mentioned here? Do we think this person is walking Heaven-ready and being a born-again Christian? This message was given to Sam but serves as a warning to all of us too!

Brethren, in concluding this message, we encourage you to lead a repented life daily remembering that “…without holiness, no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

To start living a life of true repentance by honoring the Lord Jesus Christ through obedience, please start by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Your Brother in Christ,
Glenn van Rooyen.

My Encounter With Covid-19

The End Of All Things Is Near

 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23 NKJV).

Brethren, before I share my wife's testimony I would like to remind you all that the time is very near for rapture. As a ministry, we will not fail to remind you! Furthermore, we may have warned you some seven or eight years ago, it is for your benefit to remain faithful and watchful, and if the Lord tells us that He is near we take His warning seriously and by faith.  It is a spiritual fact, sin is addictive and there are still countless Christians who are struggling to shake off basic sins like lustfulness and ungodly manners. We know that being possessed by such evil does not contribute to us being blameless (1 Corinthians 1:8; Deuteronomy 18:13-19). 

While we wrote an article regarding the mark of the beast a few months ago we are reaffirming that the covid-19 vaccine is NOT the Mark of the Beast. We did say that this is going to lead towards the mark of the beast. As we all know, cash will soon be useless as it is seen as a carrier of the virus. I thus also reaffirm what the Lord revealed to us that Rapture will first take place then the antichrist will enter the world scene to commence with his rule of terror and evil (Daniel 11:36-39).

Sister Desiree Testimony

My trouble with covid-19 started on the 9th of July 2021, after my afternoon prayers I felt the effects of a soar throat and a coldness entering my body from the back with a fever that caused me pain in my legs, thighs, joints, and literally my whole body with severe tiredness. On the 12th of July, my condition worsened my appetite, taste, and smell disappeared. I started to pray and call upon the Lord asking Him to heal me. As it was, the normal flu medication that I have been taking did not help at all, and by the second week my condition worsened, I lost my ability to concentrate and talk and my speech disappeared. My chest was literally paining with some burning effect.

As a mother, I pleaded with the Lord in my own silent prayers to spare my life because my children need me especially Cailin who is only 9 years old and during that time I saw how vulnerable and helpless my children were when Glenn and I were flattened by the virus and that encouraged us to use what we have our faith and plead for mercy with the Giver of Life our Lord Jesus Christ (John 11:25). 

However, my situation got worse on Saturday evening 17 July and I thought I would not make it for the next day, I say this because my breathing was severely affected. I struggled to breathe and Glenn being sick too, rubbed my back with some ointment while praying for me and that gave me some relief till the next day. On Sunday 18th July, I felt as if my body was floating, it felt very light and everybody around me knew it was only a matter of time before I'm being called home. Being sick and weak as he was, my husband Glenn got up that Sunday and went to buy some medication from the chemist for me which I took by faith while I again cried out to the Lord to have mercy on me, and the next day I could feel that the worse was over, I knew the Lord Jesus has touched me (I saying this with tears of joy) and my condition and appetite gradually improved. When I realized that my breathing has improved, with just the irritating cough remaining I got up during the early hours of the morning to praise and worship the Lord my God, and by July 29th I came out of bed for the first time and attended to some chores. 

As your fellow servant in the Lord Jesus Christ, I would encourage you to just pray it does not matter how hopeless you feel during your ordeal, the Lord shows Himself strong during our hopeless trials that are where His Glory is displayed. To Him be everlasting Peace, Praise, Glory, Grace, and Thanksgiving for all that He has done for me and my family. The Lord He is JESUS CHRIST! I encourage everyone, hold on to your faith and take your battles to God in prayer, He alone has mercy for us!

Grace and peace to all the Brethern in Jesus name

Sister Desiree

Written and reviewed by Brother Glenn

Merciful God

We Are Alive, The Lord Saved Our Lives

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes: with you; he will never leave you or forsake you”(Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).

Brethren, as we all know that covid-19 is a very contagious virus, and being infected by this virus, it requires isolation and loneliness which in itself is tormenting. While the virus was mild on our children, the despair of them losing us overwhelmed them, and their faith in God abandoned them, however in my weakness I encouraged them to just pray but their faith could not carry them. On July 14,2021 I (Brother Glenn) was awakened by thirst and after taking some water, a dimness filled the room and heavy drowsiness fell on me. I struggled to breathe while I was gasping for air. In my weakness and 'final moments' I said a short prayer, 'Lord Jesus please help me' as I was laying down on the bed waiting to 'go' and a few seconds thereafter my breathing returned to normal, GLORY TO GOD ALMIGHTY!

In our last article that we posted on the 26th of July, we requested prayer for healing and we would like to Praise the Lord that He heard the requests and prayers that went out. The Lord has healed us all in Jesus' name (Psalm 107:20). And as a family, we say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT DEAR BRETHREN! You will surely not fail to receive grace when you need it (Romans 2:6). 

The Lord, in His mercy, has restored my wife and me and our children from any form of sickness, like Jonah and in our distress, we called upon the Lord as my wife and I saw that our lives were ebbing away in pain and breathlessness (Jonah 2:3). During this ordeal, daytime brought much relief while the nighttime brought the terror of death, fear and hopelessness. It is true, the enemy strikes at night with arrows of fear but my wife and I would not allow fear and death to deter us, we had just one last weapon, prayer, and faith under heavy breathing and the grace of our Lord pulled us through (Psalm 91:3-6). 

As it was, some people around us were just waiting to hear the news of our passing, and as I reported a few weeks ago regarding my passing, this was it, and like King Hezekiah, my family and I pleaded for mercy and after Charis offered a powerful prayer the Lord Almighty answered prayer and extended our days (2 Kings 20:1-6).   

In conclusion, if you are struggling with some sickness, the Lord is closer to you than you think, please call upon Him with the little strength and faith you have and you will not be forsaken. We will be sharing my wife's testimony in our next article next week.

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn