Panda's Ponderings

Last post on this blog

2006-09-07T00:18:00.000+02:00

I am using the new Bloger beta edition from now on. Click on the pic and you will be re-directed to my new blog! Please update your blogroll and links if you are referring to my blog. Thanks for visiting - feel free to leave a comment!

Some holiday impressions from Tuscany, Italy!

2006-09-01T13:09:00.000+02:00

Because a picture says more than a thousand words... (click to enlarge)

Top down:
1. Piazza in Lucca, Tuscany. This city square has been built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
2. Collage of doors. Some of these Italian doors really need a fresh paint... but I like them just the way they are...
3. The beautiful towers of San Giminano.
4. Just to give you an impression of the lovely Tuscany scenery.
5-6. Of course we also went to Florence and Siena!
7-9. Lydia, Cherique and Maaike (my wife and two of our nieces with cool sunglasses)

Robin, Sosha and Pascalle in Italy

2006-08-31T17:01:00.000+02:00

Top down: Robin (14), Sosha (12) and Pascalle (9)

Taking a break...

2006-08-05T21:45:00.000+02:00

Downward spiral or upward allegiance?

2006-08-04T09:25:00.002+02:00

I wanted to write something about the current violence in the Middle East, but where to begin? I do understand that Israel needs to protect its borders, but personally I think that their military actions in Lebanon are a) disproportional and b) counterproductive (i.e. making more innocent victims, killing more soldiers on all sides of this conflict and causing more hatred everywhere in the region). However, it is very easy for me to judge such a complex conflict – sitting in my lazy chair in Holland. The situation is just too complicated for easy answers and even the brightest diplomats seem to have no solutions. I just feel so sorry for all the men, women and children in Israel and Lebanon and I can only pray for peace.

Talking about violence, war and peace issues… I just visited Scot McKnight’s Jesus Creed blog and was intrigued by this thought-provoking question he is posing:

Had the Apostle Paul lived to see the war of Rome with Israel in 66-73 AD, what would he have done? Here are some considerations:

I ask this consideration: Paul was not a soldier, but let’s put him either in that position or in the position, which is far more likely, to have been advising new Roman citizen Christians or Christians living in the Land of Israel.
1. Would he have fought on Rome’s side against Israel? (Citizenship duty.)
2. Would he have fought on Israel’s side against Rome? (Faith over citizenship.)
3. Would he have chosen not to fight because he was torn between two nations? (Pragmatics.)
4. Would he have chosen not to fight because he thought Christians should be concerned with the kingdom of God and the preaching and living out of the gospel? (Some kind of Christian pacifism.)

Personally my answer would be: 4. Paul was a Jew born in a Hellenistic environment (Turkey), but he also happened to be a Roman citizen. Yes, in many ways he was truly a man ‘of this world’ and I think these qualifications helped him to bring the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean area. But Paul only claimed these religious, cultural and national ‘identities’ if this turned out to be useful for the progress of the Gospel. Paul was first and foremost fighting a spiritual battle and I personally believe that he would always try to avoid physical violence. That certainly doesn’t mean that Paul was a coward, because physically he suffered enormously due to his courageous proclamation of the Good News (just read these words from 2 Corinthians 11:23-30).

There are already many interesting comments on Scot’s posting and I didn’t feel that I needed to add one more of my own. I fully agree with a comment posted by Kenny Chee - “I think Paul was a man consumed with a passion to preach the Gospel in regions where Christ is yet unknown. He would choose option 4, and be focused and faithful to the heavenly call and upward allegiance. As to what he would advise Christians on both sides of the conflict, he would probably ask them to follow their conscience and seek what would lead to peace of all men, something the leaders of both sides of the present conflict in Lebanon would do well to heed.”

No arms, no legs, no worries!

2006-08-03T12:20:00.000+02:00

Twenty-three years ago his parents had planted a church in Australia. Six months later his mother delivered him. "The last two words on my parents' minds was 'Praise God.'"

Doctors had no explanation. His birth was considered a tragedy. The whole church mourned. No one could see any good coming out of a boy being born with no arms or legs.
As he grew up, he alternately doubted God existed – questioning what sort of a God would do such a nasty thing – or he was angry at God for the same reason.
He remembers reading a Biblical verse in Sunday school which purported that he was created in the image of God. "And I'm like, 'Yeah, riiight."
When he was 10, when the teasing was unbearable, he wished he was dead. He fantasized about asking his parents to put him on a kitchen stool -- and then he could "fall" off and, he hoped, break his neck.
When he couldn't bring himself to end it all, he begged God to let him grow arms and legs -- for God's benefit, of course. (A modern-day miracle! Think of how many people you could convert!)
It never happened. But he began to realize that maybe he didn't need to grow arms and legs for his life to mean something. Maybe his accomplishments were enough of a miracle.
He can walk/hop almost anywhere (including up steps), using his only foot. And he can type with his only two toes (43 words a minute, thank you very much). He is brave enough to plunge into pools, trusting he will bob to the surface where he paddles around on his back using his foot as a paddle. And he writes, gets dressed and opens doors with his mouth.
He began to realize he was impressive, if not downright inspirational.
At 15, Nick officially thanked God that he was alive. At 17, he gave his first talk to a prayer group. The requests to speak snowballed. And now, at 23, that's all he does. His nonprofit is called Life Without Limbs.

"It turns out having no arms and legs has gotten me into some doors I would not have been able to walk through."

Read the entire news article about Nick here - also have a look at the amazing video on that website (it only works if you have Flash). And here you can read all about this amazing man: Nick Vujicic's website

Question: Do you believe God is able to use you and me - despite our so called 'problems' and 'shortcomings' ?

The Chinese church is experiencing persecution and exponential growth

2006-08-02T14:25:00.000+02:00

In China we are probably seeing the biggest revival in world history...

“Despite on-going persecution, the Chinese church is experiencing exponential growth. China is probably experiencing the biggest revival in World history and Tony Lambert, former British diplomat to Beijing and Tokyo, explains why. A gripping collection of stories, photographs, facts and maps, this comprehensive guide will help you see the triumph as well as the cost of the Chinese revival.”

Please have a look at this site and make sure that you find out what is going on in (the church of) China right now! As a Publisher at Ark Boeken Amsterdam I have been working on the Dutch edition of this book that will be published in September. Dutch title: China voor Christus (China for Christ) (published in close co-operation with OMF International).

In 2008 Beijing will host the Olympic Games and of course the Chinese government will try to make a good impression on the world. China has many reasons to be a proud country... but there are also things to be very ashamed of. Just some cases that need to be exposed:--------- -

Zhao Yu who was a New York Times correspondent and is now imprisoned in China, and may not receive a fair trial.
Chen Guangcheng who is a blind rights activist and was detained Sept. 6th, 2005 for exposing violence against women in the name of family planning policies. His wife and mother were also kidnapped and their locations are still unknown.
Wu Hao was in the processes of making a documentary in China about the persecuted church and was thrown in jail for it. He was just released on July 11, 2006.
Jiang Zongxiu, who was martyred by beaten to death for carrying scripture. Her family has not seen any justice as her remains are still in the hands of the government and her abusers are still free.
Pastor Cai Zhuohua who is in Chinese prison today for being accused of printing Bibles. Pastor Cai’s wife is also in prison while their 5 year old son is living with grandparents.
Pastor Zhang Rongliang was sentenced to 7 and a half years imprisonment on July 4, 2006 after he was arrested on December 1, 2004 for his leadership in the House Church movement.

PrisonerAlert.com recently stated, “Religious persecution by the government appears to be increasing as the Olympics are approaching.” Source

Please also visit Persecution Blog from Voice of the Martyrs

Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament

2006-08-01T13:26:00.000+02:00

"I vividly remember the first time I seriously confronted Isaiah 53, or better still, the first time it seriously confronted me, " Barry explains. "Being rather confused over the identity of the Servant in Isaiah 53, I went to my local rabbi and said to him, "Rabbi, I have met some people at school who claim that the so-called Servant in Isaiah 53 is none other than Jesus of Nazareth. But I would like to know from you, who is this Servant in Isaiah 53?"

Barry was astonished at his response. The rabbi said: "Barry, I must admit that as I read Isaiah 53 it does seem to be talking about Jesus, but since we Jews do not believe in Jesus, it can't be speaking about Jesus."

Barry didn't know a lot about formal logic at that point, but he knew enough to say to himself, "That just doesn't sound kosher to me! Not only does the rabbi's so-called reasoning sound circular, it also sounds evasive and even fearful." Today Barry observes, "There are none who are as deaf as those who do not want to hear." (From: Geisler & Turek - I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, p. 332).

Barry Leventhal is the Academic Dean at Southern Evangelical Seminary where he has taught since 1997. The grandson of Orthodox Jews who immigrated from Russia and Hungary, he was raised in a Conservative Jewish home in Southern California. As a student at UCLA, Barry was co-captain of the 1965 UCLA Football Team, which won the Rose Bowl in January 1966. Also active in the band, he was graduated as a Blue Key Honor Graduate. Most significantly, however, as a senior, Barry came to faith in Jesus as his personal Lord, Messiah, and Savior through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.
Source: Pasche Institute of Jewish Studies

What goes up... and "the laws of the heavens"

2006-07-31T10:56:00.000+02:00

"Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion. God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done."* Sir Isaac Newton

"Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone's knowledge of it. Gravity existed prior to Newton." Norman L. Geisler & Frank Turek
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

* I've nicked this from Matt Tullos (please check out his blog) who in turn borrowed it from Sir Isaac Newton. Of course we all need to give credit to our Creator - because He is truly original!

"Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?
Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God's dominion over the earth?" Please read this entire Chapter from the book of Job in the Bible...

Listen to Sean!

2006-07-29T12:09:00.000+02:00

Sean Dietrich left this comment on my blog some time ago...

Hey, I really enjoy your blog! Thanks for your honest heart and truthfulness, it is refreshing to hear someone be real. Its cool to read about real people who serve Jesus. I am a musician, and I would be honored if you would check out my music. All music on my site is free for download. Anyway, don't want to be a pest, I just thought that I'd share. Thanks,-Sean

I appreciate it when people from all over the world respond to my thoughts and writings, so I checked out Sean's website to find out more about him. I listened to his music and I really liked his voice and lyrics. His style reminded me of Keith Green - especially when I listened to Sean's song Just Plain Nuts After reading these words from Sean's bio, it was clear that Keith Green indeed is one of his musical heroes...

I've played the piano since I was 9, guitar since I was 12, and been singing since I can remember. I am self-taught on all instruments.

My father committed suicide when I was 12, so I used music as an escape from the hurt that accompanied me. Many times I would play the piano for 8 hours a day in solitude.

I met the Lord working on the beach one summer as a beach attendant/life-guard. The Father simply revealed himself to me one day in a personal way that I will never forget. I repented of my sins and he changed me completely.

Within the very first week that I decided to follow Jesus, I discovered some music by an artist named Keith Green. His music was very instrumental in my life, always challenging me with such honest lyrics. Inspired by such honest and challenging music, I immediately began writing songs about following Jesus. Music is something I love, especially if it is helping people by pointing them to Jesus.

Isn't that a great testimony? I just want to praise God for people like Sean and I also praise my Creator for being such a loving Father to the fatherless. Check out Sean's site and download his music FOR FREE! (Yes, I am Dutch).

Some other blogs that I recommend

2006-07-29T11:17:00.000+02:00

On the right hand side of this weblog you can find a list of blogs that I recommend. Here are two 'new' blogs that I added to my blogroll:

Bagamoyo by Daniel de Wolf from Rotterdam, the Netherlands (only in Dutch, sorry...)
Cori'Blog (Cori lives in Pretoria, South Africa)

I just want to share this poem from Cori with you. I've copied only the first lines, so you have to visit her blog if you want to read the complete poem. I was really moved by it.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

You Are Mine

In this weary land
there is so little hope
In this wilderness of abandonment
where one tired step after another
only imprint again and again aloneness
in the vast multitude of humanity

The RAGE
It holds all the inward parts of me tightly
in a hard grip at the core of my being
so tight I…can…hardly…breathe
The RAGE
Of Betrayal
Nobody told me, warned me, prepared me.
My world: a light place, a happy place
The world: a cruel place, a hateful place
I played with my dolls while she was played with.

Read Cori's complete poem here

Thanks for dropping by, everybody!

2006-07-29T10:36:00.000+02:00

Apathic ignorance

2006-07-25T15:36:00.000+02:00

We sometimes ask our students, "What's the greatest problem in America today? Is it ignorance or is it apathy?" One time a student answered: "I don't know, and I don't care!"

Norman Geisler & Frank Turek - I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, p. 66

One Solitary Life

2006-07-25T13:32:00.000+02:00

Let us turn now to the story. A child is born in an obscure village. He is brought up in another obscure village. He works in a carpenter shop until he is thirty, and then for three brief years is an itinerant preacher, proclaiming a message and living a life. He never writes a book. He never holds an office. He never raises an army. He never has a family of his own. He never owns a home. He never goes to college. He never travels two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He gathers a little group of friends about him and teaches them his way of life. While still a young man, the tide of popular feeling turns against him. One denies him; another betrays him. He is turned over to his enemies. He goes through the mockery of a trial; he is nailed to a cross between two thieves, and when dead is laid in a borrowed grave by the kindness of a friend.
Those are the facts of his human life. He rises from the dead. Today we look back across nineteen hundred years and ask, What kind of trail has he left across the centuries? When we try to sum up his influence, all the armies that ever marched, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned are absolutely picayune in their influence on mankind compared with that of this one solitary life…

This is the original essay by Dr James Allan Francis in “The Real Jesus and Other Sermons” © 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia (pp 123-124 titled “Arise Sir Knight!”). Graham Pockett

Yet I Will Praise You

2006-07-24T23:42:00.000+02:00

I just love this song...
You can listen here (MP3).
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I will praise you, Lord my God
Even in my brokeness
I will praise you Lord
I will praise you, Lord my God
Even in my desperation
I will praise you Lord

And I can't understand
All that you allow
I just can't see the reason
but my life is in your hands
and though I cannot see you
I choose to trust you

Even when my heart is torn
I will trust you Lord
Even when I feel deserted
I will trust you Lord
Even in the darkest valley
I will trust you Lord
and when it seems all hope is gone
yet I will praise you Lord

I will trust you Lord my God
Even in my loneliness
I will trust you Lord
And I will not forget
that you hung on a cross
Lord you bled and died for me
and if I have to suffer
I know that you've been there
and I know that you're here now

W&M by Andy Park/© 1999 Vineyard Music Canada

Hopeless cases

2006-07-22T12:05:00.000+02:00

Some time ago I did an interview with Tony Anthony (read more about him in recent postings). Tony has an incredible testimony to share. He is a former World Champion Kung Fu (three times), he used to be a top bodyguard - but he also became a murderer, a thief and a convicted criminal... His life completely changed when he came to know the Master Carpenter who is able to restore everything and who will make all things new!

I asked Tony: 'Do you believe that there are any hopeless cases?' I expected him to say, 'No, look at me - I was so far away from God, but still He was able to save me!' But this was not his answer. Instead Tony said something that really humbled me and made me think. 'We are all hopeless cases. Without Christ we are all completely lost,' Tony answered...

Yes, this is something to ponder upon... And it is also a message of hope: God's arms can reach you, even if you feel that you are too far away from him to be rescued. He is only a prayer away - just call upon the name of Jesus and He will be there for you.

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

...and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations... Luke 24:47 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:1,2 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 1 John 2:12

Is that good news or what!?

Yes, Lord Jesus - I really am a hopeless case without you. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for being my friend! I just can't be silent about this. Please Lord, help me to share the good news of forgiveness of sins with as many people as possible. Amen

What a friend I've found

Closer than a brother

I have felt your touch

More intimate than lovers

Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, friend forever

What a hope I've found

More faithful than a mother

It would break my heart

To ever lose each other

Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, friend forever

Open your eyes

2006-07-10T16:56:00.000+02:00

"Would it not be strange if a universe without a purpose accidentally created humans who are so obsessed with purpose?" - John Templeton

After reading this, I just had to think about the following Bible texts... If you are seriously searching for answers, please try to discover God's truth in the Bible. Read with an open mind and ask God to open your eyes and your heart as well!

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Rom. 1:20-21

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Cor. 4:18

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Heb. 11:3

* Thanks to Joshua for sharing this thought-provoking quote from John Templeton with me!

More committed women like Ruth, more kind redeemers like Boaz!

2006-07-10T16:13:00.000+02:00

Ruth said to Naomi, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."

Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."

Interested? Feel free to read my weekly Monday Boosters devotional prayer here...

Eternity is a very long time to be wrong ...

2006-07-05T13:08:00.000+02:00

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Ps. 16:11

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Ps. 139:24

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Eccl. 3:11

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28

I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:47

At least give it some thought! Find out more here and here or drop me a line.

More News about Tony Anthony's recent visit to the Netherlands

2006-06-30T01:12:00.000+02:00

The tour with Tony Anthony is over... and what an exciting experience it was! Since my last update we've been visiting the city of Rotterdam, where Tony gave his testimony in Evangelical Centre Europoort - a multicultural Pentecostal church where we also enjoyed the great Caribbean praise and worship music, gospel, rap and break dancing. Yes, this is Church 2006! The music, the audience, people we've met - it was just great!! It was also nice to meet Hans (a.k.a. Supergans - see his comment on my last posting) - and Eddy and his wife Debby who asked us to come to their church. (If you want to know more about Eddy Boevink, just watch this TV documentary - sorry only in Dutch... Eddy used to be a heroin addict - he is a walking, talking testimony of God's changing power!)

Unfortunately we couldn't stay at this church, because we had a next appointment in prison 'De IJssel' (Krimpen aan den IJssel). This was our first visit to a Dutch prison together and it was an impressive experience. I've been visiting prisons before, but this time it was quite different... having a guy like Tony with me!

Tony--a former three times world champion Kung Fu, top body guard and ex-prisoner now working as a full time Evangelist-- brings a radical message and of course I was wondering how the Roman Catholic priest, a very friendly man, would react. He gave Tony the opportunity to tell his story to the prisoners and every one of them received a free copy of Tony's award wining autobiography Taming the Tiger. (Dutch title: Getemde tijger). Several inmates responded to Tony's invitation to a) be willing to turn away from everything that is wrong in their lives and b) surrender to Jesus Christ (accept Him as God and Saviour). All reactions were very positive.

In the evening we visited Thug's Church, a Youth for Christ initiative in one of the more problematic neighbourhoods of Rotterdam (Millinxbuurt). A nice guy, his name is Daniel de Wolf (pic left), is doing some impressive work as a modern day's urban missionary among the unchurched. Also in this meeting several visitors decided to turn away from bad things and accept Christ as their Saviour! Hopefully this will prevent some of them from ending up in prison too... I pray that the Lord will bless Daniel and his friends!

On Monday morning we went to prison again, this time to Boschpoort Breda (so called 'koepelgevangenis' - see pic below). We arrived very late, due to traffic jams... and I was tired and stressed-up. Tony's radical presentation of the Gospel was well-received by the inmates. They asked great questions, looked very interested and some of them decided to respond to Tony's invitation by raising a hand while praying. I think these guys are very courageous, because in a place like this it is very hard to be vulnerable or to show emotions. I had friendly discussions with some prison volunteers and inmates. I also talked and prayed with the prison ministers (some of them clearly couldn't relate to Tony's radical way of presenting the Gospel - but all of them were really very nice and caring...)
I was exhausted by lack of sleep and an overdoses of stress... and everybody tried to help and encourage me. One guy, a volunteer, kindly offered to drive us back to Hoofddorp in my car. I called this young man (his name is David), an angel of God. This was the second time that somebody spontaneously offered to help us in this way, last Saturday a brother from our church, his name is Hans, brought us to Drachten and Gouda in his Renault Espace... this was a VIP treatment and I am sure God will bless these guys for helping us in this practical way!! It is truly amazing to see how God is providing. He really showed us His fatherly love, protected us and encouraged us when we really needed it!
All in all I can only say that the meeting in Breda went very well. I highly appreciate all the good work that is being done by prison ministers. I guess some of them are actually social workers - they don't share the Gospel like Tony did - in such an explicit, radical way. But they are truly representing God by showing love to broken people and by listening to their stories! But I have to say that I am afraid that only love and care will ultimately be insufficient to change sinfull lives. In order to radically change your life, you first have to ask God for forgiveness. I am personally convinced that there is no alternative route - you need to bow down at the cross of Christ! (see here and here!) This message has always been radical and provocative, but I don't know what else could change lives in such a dramatic way. Tony is living proof of this, there's no denying.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God
for the salvation of everyone who believes!
Romans 1:16

In the afternoon we had a special meeting with sex offenders in the same prison. I can assure you: these people are the same as you and I, but they have made some terrible mistakes / done some horrible crimes. The same thing can be said about 'normal' criminals, but the sex offenders are marginalised by society and by the other inmates. I talked and prayed with one of them and I was moved by his honesty, openness and vulnerability. Please pray for these guys. They are hard to forgive, but still God asks us to do so... We did the crime, Jesus did the time!
In the evening Tony had diner with Bart & Cateleijn Schenk - a young couple from Ede that has volunteered to help us with starting a department of Avanti Ministries in the Netherlands! Tony was also interviewed by EO Visie (TV magazine), while I took some rest at home. Later that night, Wigle Tamboer, our pastor from De Meerkerk, visited us at my place to listen to our stories, encourage us and pray with us. Praise and thanks be to God for his good shepherds!

On Tuesday we had a great breakfast meeting with church leaders in Hoog Brabant, Utrecht. Tony explained his vision for an ongoing evangelisation campaign in the Netherlands. I trust that this meeting with 13 people is the kick-off of something really special. Please pray!

On the same day we also had a completely different meeting within prison walls. This time we were invited in Amsterdam's so called Grenshospitium. This is a special prison for foreigners with visa problems - there only crime is that they left their home and families to find a better life / some safety. Who can blame them? I really feel sorry for these people, they don't deserve to be behind bars! The cynical thing is: their 'house' is build on 'no man's land' between a luxurious golf court and some ugly fast food restaurants. It is sickening! The rich people from the Netherlands are filling their stomachs with too much food and too much fat and some of them are having a good time hitting little white balls on beautiful green lawns. Who cares about refugees and prisoners!? It is an outcry, a national shame!!

I was touched by the reactions of the hospitium guests, the friendly imam and the prison minister. Most prisoners are from African countries and they all speak English. During Tony's testimony I constantly heard them whisper: 'Amen!', 'praise God' and 'hallelujah'. One of them thanked us for the visit on behalf of this special group of people. The pastor also reacted in a touching way by singing 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord' - after Tony finished his story. All guests joined in - it was a moment I will never forget!
I talked for a while with Freeman (!) a young man from Liberia. He is a Pentecostal Christian and - even though he is in prison now - he truly is a free man on the inside! Please pray that God will help him and that he will be released from prison soon. Please also pray for all the other, anonymous prisoners.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Our last meeting was in Ede at Christengemeente Adelaarsnest. This was like playing a 'home game', everybody was very positive and again several men and women decided to surrender to Christ. On Wednesday I brought Tony to Schiphol Airport. Now I am very tired, but I am truly thankful for this special experience. Please pray for Tony, for his wife Sara and their two boys Ethan and Jacob. Please also pray for all the teenagers, the street youth, the prisoners, the refugees and all other special people we've met over the last couple of days. I trust that God will bless them, because He always finishes what He has started!

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—
the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24

If you want to watch the TV documentary about Tony's life, you can go to this page. You have to select Windows Media Player or Real Player and band width! Please let me know if you have any queries.

Tony Anthony Outreach - a brief update

2006-06-25T01:28:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we had a great meeting with approx. 500 teenagers in a so called Youth Event organised by our church in Hoofddorp. Tony Anthony (see earlier posts) shared his life's story with us and we enjoyed the music of the young praise and worship team. After hearing Tony's testimony several teens decided to turn away from wrong things in their lives and totally surrender to Jesus Christ and accept him as their Lord and Saviour. I don't know what you think of this, but I think they made the best decision a human being can ever make!

And guess what? The same thing happened this morning in Drachten at the Square 2006 youth meeting - where approx. 400 teens were camping, celebrating and having a good time together! Youth pastor Martin Koornstra (pic below, Martin & Tony speaking) from De Bethel, Drachten, was our friendly host and translator. We had a very special discussion with a teenage girl during lunch. She asked some direct, difficult questions and it was obvious that she had some bad, painful experiences. I will pray for her, trusting that God knows her and loves her unconditionally!

We've just returned from Gouda where we had a meeting with approx 60 people from different age groups. Some guys from Impact World Tour, a DJ called Phat B and our friends from NOA and their Nomads band took good care of the music and entertainment parts of the programme... This meeting was organised by a Christian bookshop called Samma. Again several people made a decision for Jesus this night, so there will be even more joy in Heaven! Afterwards I talked and prayed with some very special people. I am sure we will meet again!

Thanks to Irene and Annemijn from Samma Gouda for their efforts, hospitality, the great food & friendship! Tommorow we will go to a Pentecostal church, a prison and a Youth for Christ multicultural meeting for the 'unchurched' in Rotterdam... I can't wait to see what the Lord will do next. He truly is faithful! Keep on praying for this outreach campaign, please...

Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8:34-36

On tour with Tony Anthony - please pray!

2006-06-23T09:12:00.000+02:00

I am very excited about the next couple of days... I will go 'touring' with British author / evangelist Tony Anthony - check out Avanti Ministries to find out more about him. We will go to 2 churches, 3 youth events and 3 prisons to share the good news of Jesus! At some of these meetings we will be joined by two Dutch hiphop / rap artists - see Noa Ministries (it's in Dutch, but you'll get the idea).

Friday 23 June > 20:00 > Youth Event Meerkerk > Hoofddorp info
Saturday 24 June > 10:00 > Square Weekend 2006 Bethel > Drachten info / promo video
Saturday 24 June > 20:00 > Goudse Waarden > Gouda info
Sunday 25 June > 10:00 > Evangelisch Centrum Europoort > Rotterdam info
Sunday 25 June > 12:30 > Prison De IJssel > Krimpen aan den IJssel > no public access
Sunday 25 June > 20:00 > The Mall Youth for Christ > Rotterdam > only for the unchurched
Monday 26 June > 09:00-16:00 > Prison Stadspoort (Koepel) > Breda > no public access
Tuesday 27 June > 8:30-10:00 > Breakfast Meeting with church leaders in Utrecht
Tuesday 27 June > 12:00-15:00 > Prison Grenshospitium > Amsterdam > no public access
Tuesday 27 June > 20:00 > Adelaarsnest > Ede > info

If you are a Christian coming here 'by accident' - I ask you to please pray for the outreach activities in our little country during the next couple of days... Yes, there is a spiritual battle going on, but the victory belongs to the Lord!

God, the one and only— I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. My help and glory are in God — granite-strength and safe-harbor-God— So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing. And a windfall, if it comes — don't make too much of it. God said this once and for all; how many times Have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes straight from God." Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work! Source

Enter the Mystery: 32000 Dutch teens praising GOD

2006-06-22T23:32:00.000+02:00

Hi - not too much blogging recently (too many things to do, too little time to do them). I feel I must post something about the EO Youth Day where my teenage kids Robin (boy, 14) and Sosha (girl, 12) went. The whole event was broadcasted live on national TV... 32000 teens singing, dancing and shouting for Jesus in a football stadium - can you believe it? Just visit this website and get an impression of what it was like... You can also watch some pics here and see a lot of video footage here

If you want to view the online videos at the EO site, you need to select one of the clips in the list on the right hand side of your screen. A window will pop-up, displaying the information showed in the pic below:
I have translated the options for your convenience. You have to select Windows Media Player (recommended). If you don't have WMP, you can select Real Player (however, this plug-in needs to be installed on your PC first, visit Real Player if you don't have such a plug-in yet). You also have to select the 3rd or 4th option given in this window, this is about the speed of your Internet connection (slow / smallband or high-speed / broadband). 'Sla op' is Dutch for: Save settings / Store. Just have a look - it is worth the effort!

While watching, remember Martin Smith's words:

This is not a youth movement. This is the Church.

How God tamed a tiger

2006-06-19T14:53:00.000+02:00

Above: Tony Anthony speaking at Opwekking 2006 (10,000 people in the audience!) Below, left: Tony speaking on stage with interpreter Joke Tan. Click pics to enlarge (c) Opwekking.

From Buddhist Kung Fu Master to Christian Missionary
Tony Anthony’s story is quite remarkable, perhaps even too far-fetched for a Hollywood action flick. Born of mixed Italian and Chinese parentage in the UK, Tony was sent to the Canton region of China at the age of four to study Kung Fu under his grandfather, a grand master of the martial art. It was here that he was raised as a Buddhist, understanding discipline and undergoing extreme physical hardships. He also started cultivating the intrinsic energy of “Ch’I”- the “life force”. “It was in China that I learnt the Tiger style of Kung Fu and studied the movements of an actual tiger,” says Tony. He lived in China for eight years before returning to the UK where he had to learn English as Cantonese was his first language. At first Tony wasn’t accepted in either culture due to his mixed race; that was until his extraordinary skills proved his making and earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. Travelling internationally he fought to become the Kung Fu world champion. He was in control of his life.“I knew much about honour and virtue,“ he says. “These things were beaten, quite literally into every cell of my young body. But love? What was love?”

Read the rest of this review and some comments from readers here.

At Ark Boeken we have published the Dutch edition of Tony Anthony's autobiography. From Friday 23rd to Tuesday 27th I will accompany Tony during his visit to some youth groups, churches and prisons in the Netherlands! On Tuesday 20th (tomorrow!) the Dutch Evangelical Broadcast Organisation (EO) will show a documentary about Tony's story on national TV. If you want to see this programme afterwards, you can try to watch it online here!

If you are living near Hoofddorp, why not go to the Youth Event next Friday? Read all about this meeting here (in Dutch). If you are living close to Gouda, Rotterdam or Ede - drop me a line and I will tell you where to go on Saturday June 24, Sunday June 25 or Tuesday June 27...

In the press...

2006-06-01T14:01:00.000+02:00

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again... (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

Recently I was interviewed for VISIE - the TV magazine from EO (Dutch Evangelical Broadcast Organisation). If you are able to understand Dutch, you can read this article here. Anyway, it was a great opportunity to share my faith with many readers! I received some nice feedback and friendly comments from both strangers and friends. Several new names and addresses have been added to my mailing list for Oppeppers (weekly prayers / Bible devotions - also uploaded in English as Monday Boosters).

OK, it's all vanity, all vanity - I agree. Of course this TV magazine will also end up in the waste paper basket, if not in the cat's litter box! But still...

Beautiful painting and touching testimony by Ruth Councell

2006-05-22T20:48:00.000+02:00

Ruth Councell: "My father and I always had a strong and loving relationship. But when I was in my late twenties, my mother died and my father remarried. Our life changed dramatically. His new wife put up barriers between my father and his grown children, and we became estranged from our father. I felt devastated, abandoned, and betrayed.
During that dark time, I had occasion to visit the National Cathedral. In the Bishop's Garden there is a sculpture by Heinz Warnecke of the prodigal son being embraced by his father. Though the circumstances in our two stories were different, the essential element was the same: a painful separation between father and child. The image of a grown child in his father's embrace moved me to tears. How I longed for that embrace!
Eighteen years after his remarriage, my father died. I know that my father's heart was broken, too, by our separation. And so it must be with God. When we are separated from Him for any reason, He yearns to embrace us, just as much as we long to be held. He even runs out to meet us when we are still far off." (Luke 15:20)

Each time I paint this subject, I feel embraced once again. And I am strengthened in the knowledge that, ultimately, nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39)

(c) Ruth Councell In the Father’s Embrace - Oil on Canvas - 36" x 24"
(image used with kind permission from the artist - read my personal thoughts about the Father's embrace here)

Enough light for those who want to believe

2006-05-12T14:18:00.000+02:00

In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't. Blaise Pascal

If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. C. S. Lewis

If the purpose of this life is to allow us to freely make choices that will prepare us for eternity, then God will give us convincing evidence but not compelling evidence of his existence and purposes. Therefore, those who want to follow God can do so with confidence, and those who do not can suppress or ignore the evidence and live as if he didn't exist.
Norman L Geisler & Frank Turek
(p. 322, I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist)

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. C.S. Lewis

From a Q&A session with Dr William Lane Craig (after a debate with Dr. Edwin Curley):

Question: Dr. Craig, you answered Dr. Curley's argument about an all–loving God letting people go to Hell by saying that God's will, as you described from the scripture, is that he wants to save all people. Then you answered Dr. Curley's argument about predetermination by saying that God's will is to let people have the freedom of choice. However, I ask how can these two wills not contradict, when one is saying that he wills all to be saved and another is saying that he wills all to have the choice, when having the choice always leads to at least some people not choosing God and, therefore, being damned?

Answer Dr. Craig: Well, it means that one of His desires is frustrated. I mean, with my children, it's my will and desire that my children should always obey me. But I also want them to have free will and so, unfortunately, by giving them or letting them have free will, I run the risk of them disobeying me. And I think that, well, God doesn't delight in the loss of any person; His desire is that all should be saved. But some people freely reject God and are lost. I had planned to read a passage of Scripture if I had time tonight. Let me just read this to you from Ezekiel. Listen to what God says about the lost. He says, in Ezekiel chapter 18:

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die, says the Lord God, and not that he should turn from his ways and live? . . . As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die? (Ez. 18.23; 33.11)

Read more about this Craig-Curley debate and the following Q & A period here.

Third chapter, sixteenth verse...

2006-05-09T11:17:00.000+02:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16

I read that a computer scientist (Donald Knuth, see note below) wrote an etire book about all third chapters, sixteenth verses in the Bible! I don't know whether that approach really makes a lot of sense (haven't read this book yet, but is sure sounds fascinating...).
It is just great to see how these particular two verses from the same author -John the Evangelist- are complementing each other. I guess that they are both 3:16 is just a coincidence and of course you need to read all verses within the context of God's Word!

Last Sunday a preacher in our church quoted both texts from John. This is what I think about this... If we believe in John 3:16, we should live according to 1 John 3:16. If necessary we must be willing to pay the ultimate price by giving up our lives for the sake of the Gospel - just like Jesus and many followers throughout the ages. But following Jesus is not 'just' about being willing to die for the Gospel, it is all about being willing to live according to the Gospel. Maybe that's even harder...

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Rom. 6:8

This means that we don't have to die anymore, but can live for ever because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He died, so that we might live. I know, it is very hard to understand - that's the problem with love & grace. But just think about it!

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. 1 Peter 3:18

Please read more here, if you are seriously looking for some answers!a
a
NOTE: Donald E. Knuth, Professor Emeritus of The Art of Computer Programming at Stanford University. This is his home page ,where you can also read more about the 3:16 book on this page. Also check out this PDF with a calligraphic rendition of John 3:16 in a new translation that looks like this:

THE 2 MINUTE BIBLE by Rob Lacey (1962-2006)

2006-05-05T15:21:00.000+02:00

1st off,
nothing... but God
2nd off,
God
starts it all up and
WHAP!
Stuff everywhere.
The snake does some word twisting
Adam and eve fall for it
God
kicks them out of heaven on earth
death strolls in
They make babies
But the evil/good ratio goes through the roof
God
turns the flood taps on
"waterworld!"
Only noah's family and the animals survive
to see the rainbow
"Never again" quote God
More babies
Then Abraham -
The 1st jew
And his boys
Isaac, Jacob and Joseph
400 years on
the Jews are a nation
but just slave labour for Pharoah
Then God waves them out of Egypt through the red sea into the desert via 10 plagues
Moses downloads the contract -
the big ten rules
The Jews break them all
Grumbling round the desert
for 40 years
once Joshua gets them into a land with milk and honey on draught
king David sorts out the giant goliath between recording his greatest hits compilation
Solomon comes out with some wise one-liners
Then naff king after naff king
Messing up the people
Elijah and the other couriers can't stop the rot
So God lets the Babylon army
Trash Jerusalem
And the Jews are carted off
As slave labour
Again
Daniel gets to sleep
with the lions
Isaiah predicts a liberator
Esther stops a holocause attempt
and, 70 years on,
the jews trek back to do construction work in Jerusalem
But no shift in attitude:
More idol promises
wind God up.
So he stops
talking to them for 400 years.
Dot
Dot
Dot
Enter Jesus the Liberator
- good with hammers and nails
but he takes a career change at 30
and kicks off a 3 year
"heaven on earth" tour
with his mobile miracle clinic
and loads of stories
and questions
His team 12 love it
The public love it
The religious suits don't!
Dodgy trial
Punishment beatings
Public execution
-more hammers and nails
2 days later he's back
having sorted out death
He's launching the
Jesus Liberation movement
Via Paul Benson
His foreign rep.
Who's sending out loads of emails
Updating people on what it means that
Jesus came back to do
The sequel:
'With God in us
We can bring heaven on earth
Bit By Bit'
All ending up with Jonno's general memo
On how things are going to get
Wrapped up:
The snake gets bbQd
The Jesus liberation movement get limitless life
Heaven on earth
Absolutely!

Written by Roby Lacey 1962–2006
Rob Lacey, 43, father, actor and award-winning author, lost his courageous battle with cancer this week on Monday 1st May. Lacey is best known for the word on the street (originally published as the street bible), a vivid retelling of the entire Bible in modern British street English which was honored with the Book of the Year award in 2004 by the Christian Booksellers Convention in the U.K.

Read more about Rob Lacey on this site and visit his own site from Zondervan here.

FOR THOSE WHO'VE NEVER READ THE BIBLE
AND FOR THOSE WHO'VE READ IT TOO MUCH

Rob Lacey's "dangerously real" retelling of Scripture vividly demonstrates that the Bible is packed full of stories/poems/images that resonate with the big issues of today. This fresh paraphrase-come-running-commentary brings the text alive: Bible stories are retold as mini blockbusters; psalms as song lyrics; epistles as emails; Revelation as seen through a virtual reality headset.

John 14

1 - 4
‘Don’t look so stressed! You rely on God. So rely on me! Dad’s place has thousands of vacancies. I’m going ahead to get your apartment suites ready, to book you in. Would I lie to you? No, you know it. When it’s all sorted I’ll come and pick you up. I’ll be desperate for you to be with me. You know the route.’
5 - 6
Tom says, ‘Boss, if we knew where you’re going, we might be able to work out the route, but we don’t!’
Jesus comes back with, ‘I’m the route, the true route. And I’m the energy to propel you along the right route. I’m the only way you get to meet my Dad.’

Purist alert: This is not THE Bible (capital B)…
but it might just get you reaching for one.

Here you can read some more extracts.

Lay it Down

2006-05-02T17:20:00.000+02:00

I’ve been looking ‘til my eyes are tired of looking
Listening ‘til my ears are numb from listening
Praying ‘til my knees are sore from kneeling
On the bedroom floor

I know that You know that my heart is aching
I’m running out of tears and my will is breaking
I don’t think that I can carry
The burden of it anymore

All of my hopes and my dreams and my best laid plans
Are slowly slipping through my folded hands

Chorus
So I’m gonna lay it down
I’m gonna learn to trust You now
What else can I do
Everything I am depends on You
And if the sun don’t come back up
I know Your love will be enough
I’m gonna let it be, I’m gonna let it go
I’m gonna lay it down

I’ve been walking through this world like I’m barely living
Buried in the doubt of this hole I’ve been digging
But You’re pulling me out and I’m finally breathing
In the open air

This room may be dark but I’m finally seeing
There’s a new ray of hope and now I’m believing
That the past is the past and the future’s beginning to look brighter now

‘Cause all of my hopes and my dreams and my best laid plans
Are safe and secure when I place them in Your hands

[Jaci Velasquez - Beauty has Grace]

I just think this is a great song about prayer / trusting God no matter what...

Running out of the Darkness: just one heart-wrenching story from North Korea

2006-04-29T09:58:00.000+02:00

On a winter's day in late 1998, Kim Myong Suk, 20, lay shivering and weak from hunger on the cold concrete floor of a cell in a prison camp in North Korea, not far from the Chinese border. She was five months pregnant and was about to lose her unborn child. Of all the horrors she recalls from that day, she says, two stand out. One is that her sister, who lived in a nearby town, had been brought in to watch what was about to happen to her. The other is the name of North Korean guard, the man who she says killed her unborn child: Hwang Myong Dong. It is not a name, she says, "that I'll ever be able to forget.''

Hwang, Kim says, referred repeatedly to the baby as "the Chink," because the father was a peasant from northeastern China, where Kim had fled earlier that year. As she lay on the prison floor, Hwang demanded that she abort the fetus herself. She refused, so the guard began kicking her in the stomach. Then he beat her and, as her sister screamed, continued beating Kim until she blacked out. When she regained consciousness, she says, she "was taken to a clinic in the camp, and in the most blunt manner, they removed [the fetus] from my body."

Source: April 26, 2006 - Running out of the Darkness by Bill Powell - Time
Read the complete article here.

Please pray for the people of North Korea!
Similar horrible stories happen TODAY in North Korea. You can close your eyes, try to forget about this and move on with living your own life... But you can also try to raise awareness and join the prayers of thousands of Christians around the world. Please support these organisations:
Voice of the Martyrs
Open Doors

Do you want to know more?

Please visit Soon Ok Lee's web site and read her book Eyes of the Tailless Animals (Dutch edition: Zij mogen de hemel niet zien).

Reader's review on Amazon: "It's hard to say that a book like this is good. Perhaps HORRIBLY informative is a better way to put it."

You can buy a copy of this book here.

You can also read earlier posts about North Korea on this blog here and here.

At the Potter's House

2006-04-28T14:18:00.000+02:00

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:1-4

Last Tuesday I literally went to the Potter's House! It was my second visit, this time accompanied by some friends and partners from the Christian book and music trade. About three years ago I visited Albert Brouwer, a Christian potter, working and living in Tollebeek. After my first visit I started working on my book VORM MIJ (Shape Me) and during this second visit we had the chance to see with our own eyes what Jeremiah saw about 2600 years ago!

Several journalists came to the potter's house to look and listen and two of the gospel artists who were involved in the CD production also turned up: Gert Visscher and Annemieke Koelewijn. We had three short 'sessions' with a Bible study, discussion and a demonstration. Inside the potter's house we witnessed how capable hands shaped the clay smoothly on the wheel into the image the artist had in mind before he started molding... The clay was shaped painlessly as long as it stayed in the centre of the potter's will - on the wheel. If the clay was not cooperative, the potter took it off the wheel to pound it some more and remove some impurities... Outside we could see the oven where the fire could finish the process (cleansing and strengthening). Water evaporates and the clay turns into stone, an irreversible chemical change. After cooling down and finishing off, the clay pot becomes useful for the maker. Just think about this biblical metaphore and feel free to share your thoughts with me and with the other blog readers!

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Photo copyright: RIK BENNIK [GMI]

Bread and wine: the mystery of Jesus' human / divine nature

2006-04-28T11:48:00.000+02:00

As always, Brad (Broken Messenger) has a very interesting post on his bog. If you are a Bible study enthusiast (you should be!) you just have to visit Brad's site every now and then!

Again Brad poses a thought-provoking question: DID JESUS KNOW EVERYTHING?

I agree with Brad: Jesus laid down his equality with God - temporarily! - in order to become one of us. He humbled himself, as Paul writes to the Philippians:

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Source

Christ’s divine / human nature is just too big a mystery for us to understand!

Some time ago I read in Blaise Pascal’s Pensées (i.e. the Dutch translation of his thoughts, because my French is miserable) about Joseph and Jesus ‘between two criminals’. This really was an eye-opener for me! I found this English translation on the internet:

Jesus Christ typified by Joseph, the beloved of his father, sent by his father to see his brethren, innocent, sold by his brethren for twenty pieces of silver, and thereby becoming their lord, their saviour, the saviour of strangers, and the saviour of the world; which had not been but for their plot to destroy him, their sale and their rejection of him.

In prison Joseph innocent between two criminals; Jesus Christ on the cross between two thieves. Joseph foretells freedom to the one, and death to the other, from the same omens. Jesus Christ saves the elect, and condemns the outcast for the same sins. Joseph foretells only; Jesus Christ acts. Joseph asks him who will be saved to remember him, when he comes into his glory; and he whom Jesus Christ saves asks that He will remember him, when He comes into His kingdom.
Source

I had to think about this after reading this line in Brad's posting: “So while it is true that Jesus’ body is perishable, it is also true that his divine nature is imperishable.” Bread = perishable, the body. Wine = everlasting, the spirit. Jesus gave his Spirit to the Father, while his body was broken on the cross. A baker, a cup bearer, a forgiven criminal on one side and a lost sinner on the other side – it all makes sense! I am impressed by the similarities, but even more by the differences between Joseph and Jesus! Jesus didn’t have to ask for mercy – because of His divine nature Jesus was able to tell the remorseful sinner: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43 WOW!

Isaiah lived about 700 years before the birth of ...

2006-04-11T21:03:00.000+02:00

And this is what he wrote about Him...

Who has believed our message? To whom will the LORD reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins--that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.

But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners. Source

Mind you, this is a prophetic chapter from the OLD Testament written approx. 2700 years ago by Isaiah... How can anyone NOT believe in Jesus?

And this is what Peter wrote about Jesus:

He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds! Source

Life's not fair... but God is good!

2006-04-10T00:36:00.000+02:00

Christ brought us together through his death on the Cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father. The Message

Read my reflections here!

Back to the garden: Ruth in Holland...

2006-04-09T20:49:00.000+02:00

And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor." Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter." Ruth 2:2

Great new statue by Dutch sculptor Karel Gomez in my home town Hoofddorp. I guess the statue deserves a better background. By the way: I love Ruth's African looks! Click on the pics to enlarge

The hope of eternal life

2006-04-09T17:31:00.000+02:00

Click pic to enlarge!

...a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time...
Source

Back to the Garden (part I)
This afternoon I went back to the hidden garden, this time with my very own Eve (Lydia) and her new digital camera. I will upload more images later... While looking up to the sky, I was simply overwhelmed by the sight of this impressive tree top. No sign of life - yet. But just wait and see!

Hi from my little corner of the world...

2006-04-09T00:07:00.000+02:00

OK, let's have a look again at the 100 most recent visitors to Panda's Ponderings. I guess there is some overlap in the Netherlands... Well, this is a tiny little country so what do you expect? By the way, I am represented by the little red dot (above). A very warm welcome to the lonely visitors from South America, Australia and Asia! Come on, Africa - we miss you here! It seems like you all have plenty of space. I don't know who you are guys, but God knows eveything and He loves every single one of you! (No kidding, just click here and read it for yourselves!) Blessings from the low countries where I keep on bloggin' at 4,5 metres below sea level...

Everything I had hoped for - three times!

2006-04-08T17:53:00.000+02:00

I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I had asked for;
But everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered; I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

A prayer attributed to an unknown confederate soldier

Update Sunday April 9: Pure coincidence?
A week ago Orlando Bottenbley quoted this prayer - in Dutch - during a sermon last Sunday in our church. Later this week I played the Piano Tour cd by Rick Wakeman (Yes) and I visited his site to find out more about this great musician. The same prayer turned up on my screen... Today I read James Emery White's wonderful book Wrestling with God - and guess what? Yep, the same words from the unknown confederate soldier on page 76. Maybe Someone wants to tell me something? :-) (Left to right: Orlando Bottenbley, Rick Wakeman and James Emery White)
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Visit Tony Anthony (Taming the Tiger)

2006-04-08T14:19:00.000+02:00

Just need to tell everybody that we had some great meetings last weekend with evangelist Tony Anthony in Hoofddorp (the place where I live) and in Gouda (where we worked together with Irene Klein Haneveld and Annemijn Goeree from Samma). Read more here.

The press meeting in the morning was attended by only 3 journalists (despite us sending out zillions of invitations), but the meeting in the afternoon compensated everything. Approx 100 people turned up, among them some guys from Utrecht - where Revival Joy is helping drug addicts to start a new life as followers of Jesus (drug free - of course). God knows exactly how many - but several people gave their lives to Christ last Saturday! I am sure there was joy in Heaven because of this ...

We all enjoyed the life performances by RIV and Mic Joshua from Noa Ministries. Together with Joshua Kotadiny they made a joyful noise for the Lord in both Hoofddorp and Gouda. I am sure there is more to come... Tony will be back in June (23-28) and already we've made several appointments.

If you want to know more, just drop me a line!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Big Boy

2006-03-26T22:40:00.000+02:00

Bill Gates must be so proud...

2006-03-25T23:38:00.000+01:00

Ha, ha! Maybe they also have INTEL inside? (see pic right...)
WinErr: 001 Erronious error - Nothing is wrong
WinErr: 002 Multitasking attempted - System confused / WinErr: 003 Broken window - Watch out for glass fragments / WinErr: 004 Unexplained error - Please tell us how this happened / WinErr: 005 Window closed - Do not look inside / WinErr: 006 Unexpected error - Huh? / WinErr: 007 Operating system overwritten - Please reinstall. We are terribly sorry. / WinErr: 008 Error buffer overflow / WinErr: 009 User error - Not our fault. Is Not! Is Not! / WinErr: 010 This will end your Windows session. Do you want to play another game?

Successful publisher :-)

2006-03-25T23:24:00.000+01:00

This Blogger message is always very encouraging to me. It is so nice to be a successful publisher! Now I only have to attract some readers...

Neal Morse's 'Secret Project' - another great discovery!

2006-03-24T17:44:00.000+01:00

After hearing Neal Morse's Testimony and One prog rock masterpieces - I didn't have to think twice about buying his new cd entitled ? It's a masterpiece again - no question!

The cd starts and ends with 'The Temple of the Living God' and I can listen to this music again and again - each time enjoying it more! This album is really outstanding and the lyrics are just as intriguing as the mysterious title of this great cd...

I think that Neal Morse chose the question mark as the cd title (which can be seen in the smoke on the cd cover) because he is writing and singing about JHWH - the One and Only God Whose name is too holy to mention...

God revealed himself long ago to Moses and to the people of Israel. There could be no direct contact between the holy God and his sinful, disobedient people. Offerings, sacrifices and cleansing rituals were necessary and there always was a separation - a wall or a curtain - between God and his people. Only great prophets like Moses and Eliah had direct contact with God - but most people remained 'outsiders'. The people of Israel had to wait for the promised One - Messiah Jesus. His holy sacrifice on the cross finaly opened the way to the Fatherheart of God... For ALL people who believe in Him! Now nobody has to feel like an 'outsider looking in' - because we can all become a Temple of the Living God!

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Eph. 2:21,22

But I am lonely
And dead inside
Clearly God doesn't love me
So I'll just wait outside
Watching the procession pass
The glory streams to earth at last
(The Outsider - track 3)

In a world filled with people
There was only One
Whou could stand in the presence
Solid as the Sun
Solid as the Sun
solid as the Sun

But before you enter in
Nothing more can begin
All the darkness that we choose
Lay it down it can't be used
Burn it in the fire,
Burn it in the fire, burn it down
(Solid as the Sun - track 6)

This concept album is a musical journey for the soul - just like Testimony and One. Neal Morse has discovered the Way, the Truth and the Life and this is his way of sharing this greatest discovery with everyone who wants to listen. Search and you will find!

Affectionately known as Neal’s “Secret Project”, this CD is a musical landscape that has no equal. With startling performances by an unprecedented array of geniuses like the early Genesis legend Steve Hackett, mastermind Roine Stolt from Sweden’s Flower Kings, arguably the finest keyboard player alive today, Jordan Rudess, and the quirky genius Neal’s own brother Alan Morse from Spock’s Beard, this CD does not disappoint. Neal’s creativity is in full swing and his voice has never sounded better. Laid upon the prog solid foundation produced by Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater (Drums) and Randy George of Ajalon (Bass) this is 56 minute epic that never lets up. With Roine Stolt and Mike Portnoy present the Transatlantic comparisons are bound to be made, but this is an album all its own. After all the hype, all there is is the music. And there it is in all its glory. Listen for yourself and see…or would it be hear? Source

"If you show someone a door and say 'here's a door, walk through it' they'll probably say 'forget it'! But, if you show them a wall and say 'there's a door here somewhere…find it!' it becomes much more interesting. It is always more interesting when you find something for yourself". Neal Morse

Martin Smith [Delirious?] - interesting interview!

2006-03-21T22:14:00.000+01:00

On August 30th 1995, Martin (Delirious?) was driving back from a gig at the Grapevine Festival in Lincolnshire when, in the early hours of the morning and only around the corner from home, he was involved in a serious car accident. (The song August 30th on the 'King Of Fools' album was written about this event.) The crash turned out to be an important moment in Smith's life and the life of the band. [Read the complete interview text here].

More pics? Check this out! © Photo: Brian Elings (published here with kind permission). Click here if you want to read my concert review in English. Click here for a concert review in Dutch by Harco Ploegman.

I'll fight to the very end!

2006-03-19T18:36:00.000+01:00

“While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight, I'll fight to the very end!”
William Booth, founder Salvation Army
Thanks to Jørund [Peacechild]

Vertaling nodig? / Need a translation?

2006-03-19T14:53:00.000+01:00

Ga naar deze of naar deze vertaalsite en plak de complete adresregel (URL) van Panda's Ponderings in het opdrachtvenster. Kies English-Dutch en er komt een soort vertaling uit - inclusief grappige vertaalfouten... Probeer het maar eens!

Go to this or to this site if you want to read Panda's Ponderings in a different language. Just cut & paste the URL-line, choose your language and see what happens! (Be prepared for some very funny results!)

But God's Word is not chained!

2006-03-17T15:34:00.000+01:00

Right! Again a brother from the HOLY HIP HOP scene in Holland is going to join the gang... Joshua Kotadiny will also be present on Fool's Day in Hoofddorp! It all started with a deep desire to reach lost people with the love of Christ and - no doubt - God is going to make this happen! Come over and help us!

Thanks R.I.V., thanks Mic Joshua and Jay! I don't know you guys, but I do know that we all are following the same Master. This is an exciting journey, God knows where it will lead us...

Just to avoid any misunderstandings: this meeting is NOT about HIP HOP or music (although I do like to hear some noises and see some moves) but it's about Tony Anthony's testimony. However, I am praying that this will also be the kick-off of a music ministry within prisons. Pray with me that this dream will also be realised soon! This is the goal: bringing the living Word of God in places where it's most desperately needed. Join us!

See you in Hoofddorp on Fool's Day! And yes: I do want to be there in Amsterdam on May 6th to return the favour... keep me posted.

To all of you in the Netherlands: think about the month of June (23-28). Tony is willing to come back to Holland and to go to prison as a free man - only to captivate the audience with his gripping testimony. If you want Tony to come to your church, your prison, your university, your school or your youth group: just let me know and I will see what I can do!

This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. (Paul - formerly known as Saul - 2 Timothy 2:8)

VORM MIJ [Shape Me]

2006-03-17T13:14:00.000+01:00

Voor Nederlandse bloglezers: VORM MIJ staat op GMI site. Zie ook hier!

Short, sweet and way to shocking for some

2006-03-17T10:16:00.000+01:00

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)

Dear Father,
These are the prophetic words of your faithful servant Isaiah. Your Son, our Messiah Jeshua, read this same passage from the scroll when he was asked to read and teach from the Scriptures in the synagoge. Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down, Luke writes. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Wow, this is by far the strongest and sweetest sermon I’ve ever heard! No more words needed! Please come Jesus, and speak in our churches too!

Read on and check out the other MONDAY BOOSTERS here

I AM THE IDIOT IN THIS STORY - JESUS IS THE HERO

2006-03-16T20:58:00.000+01:00

[Nederlandse Blog lezers: zorg dat je erbij bent!]
Saturday April 1 - FOOL'S DAY (how appropriate) there will be a press conference @ 10:30 and a public meeting starting @ 13:30 in Hoofddorp NL. Location: MEERKERK IJWEG. You can find a route description here (sorry - it's all in Dutch). This is NOT a joke!

British author TONY ANTHONY - three times World Champion Kung Fu and top bodyguard - will tell the media and the public his incredible story. Tony was raised by his strict grandfather as a Kung Fu fighter in China. He studied the fighting techniques of the tiger and became a master of the martial arts. As a young man he was working as a top bodyguard for the International Kung Fu Federation based in Geneva, Switzerland. He instructed other bodyguards in close protection and man to man combat.

Tony had a difficult upbringing, to put it mildly. It seemed like everything was going much better after he was engaged to a Swedish girl. During an assignment in Italy, Tony hears that his fiancée has died in a car crash. This is too much for him to handle. He starts to use his fighting skills in a wrong way and accepts illegal 'debt collecting' jobs from his VIP clients. Tony becomes a very violent man and a ruthless criminal.

One bad day Tony is arrested and detained in Nicosia's State Prison on the isle of Cyprus. This penal institute is more like a medieval dungeon where 'normal' criminals, political prisoners and violent psychopaths share their crowded cells. This place really is like hell on earth.

Tony is able to defend himself with his martial arts skills, but there is not much left of his self-discipline, Buddhism and high morals. The tiger within has taken full control. Until a stranger starts to visit him day after day, week after week, month after month. Little by little Tony starts to open up...

Read the rest of the story in his bestselling autobiography TAMING THE TIGER - CBC Book of the Year 2005 - and already translated in 14 different languages! Read this book review.

Tony Anthony visits the Netherlands for the presentation of the Dutch translation of his book: GETEMDE TIJGER (published by Ark Boeken).

After the press meeting Tony will talk to the public about the dramatic events and radical changes in his life. He is now working as an evangelist for Avanti Ministries in the UK.

Dutch HIP HOP ARTISTS NOA will also make some noise during this meeting. Be there and bring your friends if you want to see and hear something special!

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. [ROMANS 8:1-4]

Worship Warriors GET READY FOR THE FLOOD

2006-03-16T00:20:00.000+01:00

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. [John 4:23]

Just One Day Later...

2006-03-15T23:17:00.000+01:00

YES! Holy Hip Hop from Holland! Today I received an email with some information about NOA (Nomadische Onaantastbare Alliantie = Nomadic Untouchable Alliance) consisting of Rivelino (Alias R.I.V.) and Mic Joshua. I am praying for final confirmation, but I do hope that these guys will be present at our presentation on April 1st in Hoofddorp. Tony Anthony (see earlier posts) will give his testimony and I do expect that many people will attend. I really believe we are on a mission from GOD and He is confirming every step so far! (And I am not a blues brother).

Please pray with me for this event! I do want to see many broken people kneeling before Messiah Jesus! And how appropriate this is: NOA cooperating with ARK Boeken... Maybe some people will not believe me, but I am expecting a FLOOD of WORDS!

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews (= Nomads / Strangers!) 12:22-29

Check out da'Truth!

2006-03-14T22:07:00.000+01:00

This is my dream: Holy Hip Hop in my own language - speaking da'Truth of God's Word - but not in Double Dutch!

On April 1, 2006 we will have a book presentation and a press conference with Tony Anthony, author of 'Taming the Tiger' (CBC Book of the Year 2005). Tony used to be a three times World Champion Kung Fu, a professional body guard and - after everything went totally wrong in his life - a long term guest in Nicosia's state prison on the isle of Cyprus.

Tony is not a rapper (as far as I know), but as a changed man he now wants to bring da'Good News of Jesus Christ in all places, and especially in prisons! I know that Hip Hop music is very popular among prisoners in the Netherlands and it is my desire to produce some ORIGINAL Gospel Gangsta's Holy Hip Hop in our very own Dutch language! I am talking to some people from the Christian music scene in the Netherlands right now and I strongly believe that God will use Christian singers, rappers and dancers to spread da'Good News on the streets of our cities and in all the dark places of our society. Let's bring some joy and let's speak some positive words to the people who desperately need to hear about Messiah Jesus - the Champion of the Universe!

Please pray with me that this dream will come true. If you have any suggestions, drop me a line and let me know. Yes, on Saturday April 1 (Fool's Day, no kidding) I want to see people dancing, rapping and preaching in my church. This must be the kick-off of Holland's Holy Hip Hop Revolution. Any ideas? We need to hear da'Truth in Dutch! So speak up all of you brothers and sista's out there!

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (MC Paul - formerly known as Saul - in 1 Cor. 9)

Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. (MC Paul - formerly known as Saul - 1 Cor. 14)

What a week!

2006-03-11T15:56:00.000+01:00

Last week was very exciting! On Saturday I went to London Stansted with an Easyjet flight - together with my son Robin (13). We had a fantastic day in sunny London (!) and did all the typical things tourists do in a city like this. So here are some sightseeing pics - just to show you how great it really was!
Robin had received special permission from school to stay with me until Tuesday - he is attending a bilingual school - so this was also a great opportunity for him to talk English! Robin stayed with my nephew Kari who lives in Sutton with his wife Helmi and their kids Patrik and Kiara.

On Sunday I went to Notting Hill to meet British author Abidemi Sanusi (Kemi's Journal) and to visit her church Kensington Temple. After sharing lunch together (actually, a very late British breakfast), we went to the London Book Fair - which took place in a new venue in the London Docklands area: the ExCel Exhibition Centre.

Let me show you some pics from Saturday... (Robin took the camera with him during the other days, but didn't take any pictures... but these images will give you an impression).

On Monday I had an appointment with British author Tony Anthony (from the bestselling and award winning book Taming the Tiger - the true story of a former three times World Champion Kung Fu - READ THIS BOOK!) - Dutch title: Getemde Tijger.

I came back on Wednesday to hear that EO (an Evangelical Broadcast Company in the Netherlands) is planning to make a documentary about Tony's story which will be broadcasted on national TV this year! This documentary will be in English, so other (Christian) channels in the world will be able to show this documentary as well. Isn't that great? Tony will come to the Netherlands for a press meeting and for a presentation to Christians who are working in prison ministry. Please let me know if you want to have more information about this!

From Wednesday night until Friday afternoon I have attended the Marketsquare Europe convention - a gathering with representatives from the Christian book trade. I had many interesting meetings with publishing partners from all over Europe and I even did a presentation about the Future of Christian Publishing in Europe (a Word doc and PowerPoint presentation are available if you want to know more about this - just drop me a line!).

Today I visited a Christian book shop in Haarlem - where they had decorated the shop window with my latest book VORM MIJ (= 'Shape Me' - posters, cards and other material about the Potter and the clay...). A CD with beautiful Dutch songs about this same potter & clay theme will be available soon. I've heard the songs already and the CD will really be great! The Lord is doing some incredible things in my life right now - it's just too much to write about on this blog, but if you really want to know more: feel free to ask by leaving a comment or sending an email message. Blessings from the Netherlands!

Bijbel-in Haarlem - VORM MIJ shop window!

Gritty, deliberate obedience

2006-03-03T10:28:00.000+01:00

"Hearing the testimonies from the Persecuted Church we are confronted countless times with the challenge that the Gospel is worth living for. Once you find something like that it changes the way you live. This is it, the gauntlet is laid down. Dare we pick it up? Dare we surrender our lives into the hands of God that something of eternal significance can be worked through us?"

"The Persecuted Church isn't all excitement and emotion; it isn't the romance that we often believe - reciting the Bible cover to cover from memory and sea-parting faith. It's gritty, deliberate obedience, choosing God's will even if it costs them their status, credibility, job, family, freedom. life."

"Where did they learn this lesson from; this counter-culture learning? From Jesus Himself who did only what the Father showed Him and spoke only what the Father told Him (see John 5:19 and 8:28). Nowhere is His obedience to the will of the Father made more evident than when in Gethsemane. He knew what suffering was ahead of Him and He prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. YET NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS YOU WILL.' It was a cold, deliberate choice for Jesus to be obedient. And that's where it starts for us. Choice by choice, foregoing what we want for what the Father wants."

Source: Crossrhythms

Stand for the cause: support the persecuted church!
Please visit Open Doors Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs

Let Him in!

2006-02-05T15:11:00.000+01:00

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:20)

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:14-20)

I'm still here...

2006-02-04T20:46:00.000+01:00

Hi... long time no see! Yes, I've been very busy with my publishing work and with some DIY jobs in the house. Just want to let my blog readers know (what's left of them...) that everything is OK and that I pay a bit more attention to my Bible study blog (in Dutch) and to my weekly email prayers called Boosters.
I still feel that it was a good decision to stop posting almost every day on this blog. Blogging can become an addiction! I try to spend less time behind the PC (during my working hours in the office I am also sitting behind a desk, doing some reading, writing, translating and editing), so now I go out walking almost every evening to get some fresh air, physical exercise and - last but not least - some time to think and pray.
If you visit this page, please feel free to drop me a line - I like to stay in touch with people around the world!
Just for fun: watch me on this recent video tape from my friends at Medema publishing house: video (sorry, only in Dutch).
My new book VORM MIJ (= Shape Me) has recently been published. The book is about the biblical image of the Potter and the clay. The book is illustrated with some nice full colour photographs and right now GMI (Gospel Music International) is producing a CD with the same title that will accompany the book. Several well-known Dutch gospel artists will record songs about the Potter and the clay theme for this CD. Isn't that great? I'll keep you posted... This is a PDF with all our new books from Ark Boeken - (a Christian publishing house in Amsterdam where I work as a publisher).

Hi, it's me

2006-01-30T13:42:00.000+01:00

Just needed to upload this picture for my profile... Didn't mean to scare you.
Photo copyright: Suzanne Obdam

Less blogging - more time with the family

2005-12-18T23:54:00.000+01:00

Try this for a good start of the working week...
(Click on this image if you want to read more)

I've been blogging less recently. There are plenty of things going on that are worth telling you about, but I have to cut back my time behind the pc. My body is giving me some signs that I have to pay more attention to my physical condition and less to the virtual world of the blogosphere.

We had some wonderful days with the family recently, but we miss my dad ('Opa Bob' for our kids) terribly - especially during these 'happy' days in December. We know that he is in a perfect place right now and that he is celebrating for ever - but we miss him so much down here!

On my birthday (12.12) I've been to prison. Not because I did something wrong, but because I was involved in something good. Every year we publish a special prison diary that is distributed freely among all inmates in the Netherlands. The 2006 edition (19th edition; 32 000 copies) was presented in the prison of Breda and I was impressed by all the testimonies and reactions from the prisoners. Maybe you think that nobody needs a diary in prison, but several inmates told me that this little diary with a Bible reading plan, quotations, poetry and drawings is very important to them. It was quite an experience to be inside a prison (this was my second experience; I also attended the presentation of a special prison Bible edition earlier this year in the Amsterdam prison). Please pray for the people in prison. Most of them deserve to be there and they know it - but still, it is a lonely and sad place to be, especially this month. Jesus told us to visit prisoners and I am sure He meant business. Please don't forget these words:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (Matthew 25)

Watch this video and/or this video about the presentation of the prison diary 2006 (both are in Dutch, but you'll get the picture...)

Now bring on the Argentines!

2005-12-09T22:20:00.000+01:00

The BBC writes: 'There is a mouth-watering confrontation between two of the favourites Holland and Argentina in Group C'. Yes, this is quite a game and the Dutch have a nice opportunity to show what they're worth in the toughest looking group with other strong teams from Ivory Coast and Serbia Montenegro. I am especialy looking forward to the match against Argentina, a well respected football nation with great skills. But I am sure that Dutch coach Marco van Basten will be well-prepared. And with players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, Roy Makaay, Ryan Babel, Nigel de Jong (to name just a few) and goal keeper Edwin van der Sar the Dutch national team is ready to take on any team. So bring on the Argentines!

Group A: Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador
Group B: England, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Sweden
Group C: Argentina, Côte d'Ivoire, Serbia and Montenegro, Netherlands
Group D: Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal
Group E: Italy, Ghana, United States, Czech Republic
Group F: Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan
Group G: France, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Togo
Group H: Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Note: The countries in the orange colour all have Dutch coaches - so 'we' have a good chance to reach the finals one way or the other!

Offer compassionate care and demonstrate God's love

2005-12-01T21:40:00.000+01:00

With 40 million people infected with HIV/AIDS around the world and more than 14 million children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, we can't afford to wait until we know all the perfect solutions before we begin to offer compassionate care and demonstrate God's love. Acts of Mercy

God's Golden Acre - Heather Reynolds with Dale le Vack

“The boy was lying on a mat in the hut. He had probably less than a day to live. I finally broke the silence. ‘God, from this day on I will help every child in need, every child that needs a home, every child that crosses my path.’”

Heather’s sanctuary in South Africa, known as “God’s Golden Acre”, is the outcome of that promise. In KwaZulu Natal Heather and her sculptor husband Patrick have established a community for orphans, where nearly 100 children find sanctuary from abuse, poverty, and starvation.

The sick can die with dignity. Teams of volunteers risk danger distributing basic food supplies to the many scattered families, most headed by a granny or teenage girl. Each day they rub shoulders with death. 36% of the local people are infected with AIDS – the highest percentage of any area in Africa. For many dying mothers, Heather is the last hope for their children.

In the early years, Heather and Patrick dedicated their entire savings to the orphans and fighting the AIDS pandemic. They faced financial ruin, white and black prejudice, indifference, cruelty and a bureaucracy overwhelmed by need. Often there wasn’t enough to eat. Yet time and again, through a series of miracles, and Heather’s resolute faith, donors stepped in, touched and challenged by the spirit of awethu – the Zulu word for “Our Mother”.

Where did such courage and vision come from? Read Heather’s own astonishing story!

Monarch Books

God's Golden Acre

World AIDS Day

Christenen tegen AIDS (Dutch)

Looking forward to Christmas

2005-11-29T19:34:00.000+01:00

Yes, I like delicious food and I am looking forward to having a good time with my family and friends next month... but Jesus is the reason for the season!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit... (Romans 14:17)

Why Christmas?

2005-11-29T18:01:00.000+01:00

If you understand our funny Dutch language... watch this tv interview (Real Player file) with Kees Kraayenoord - worship leader at our church. The interview is about Waarom Kerst? (Why Christmas?) - a media campaign initiated by several Christian organisations in the Netherlands. Visit this site and think of ways to share the joy of Christmas with your family and friends!

This is what Christmas is all about:
Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father. (Phillipians 2:5-11 NLV)

Bible text and prayer for this week

2005-11-27T21:26:00.000+01:00

Dear Father,
Life can be so tiresome and frustrating! You know that I try to do my best, but I am disappointed in myself again and again. Just when I get to thinking that I am gaining some ground, I find out that I am actually losing territory...

Read more here

An announcement, some thoughts about living in the light and an invitation...

2005-11-26T09:29:00.000+01:00

I have been blogging for a year now - and I really enjoy it. I started writing my postings on the internet in my native language (Dutch), but switched over to English soon because that is the language of the world wide web. I am grateful for my language skills - but sometimes I feel limited by writing in English. Writing in Dutch comes naturally, because that is my first language. I want to continue this blog - because I highly appreciate the international contacts. On Panda's Ponderings I will keep on bloggin' about all the things that I like to do, read and see. I will also comment on things that happen in my (family) life and in (my part of) the world. But from now on I will also start writing on my new Dutch blog...

My tag line for Panda's Ponderings is: But a poor reflection. This is a quote from 1 Corinthians - and by quoting these words I want to stress that my thoughts and ideas are only human thoughts and ideas. God, the source of Life, Wisdom and Love is the One and Only Original. But He made me in His image and it is my life's goal to reflect His glory in everything I do and say. Unfortunately I stumble and fall constantly. Because of that, my life is but a poor reflection of what God - the Source of Light - has intended.

But a poor reflection is also a good description of our life here on planet earth - compared to the life that God wants us to enjoy in eternity.

God has put us here on this globe and He knows we are 'only' human. He knows that we are living in a broken, damaged world. He is the only One that can make us whole.

By sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, God has started a new creation. And the good news is: you can be part of that new creation! Jesus lived a perfect life - He is our example, our Lord and Master. He was 100% Son of man and 100% Son of God. He knows exactly what we are going through, because He has lived on this same spoiled and sinful planet. But He was able to resist all the temptations and - as a human being - He learned to obey God perfectly and his life was not but a poor reflection. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God the Father! That is why His death on the cross was a perfect sacrifice that was valuable enough to pay for all our failures, sins and shortcomings in God's eyes. If you accept this good news, you can be made new and you will become a new creation.

Talking about reflections - my new blog is called Reflecties (=Reflections). Sorry, it is all in Dutch, but maybe you can try this. You can also wait until the day that we will all speak the same language - the language of heavenly love!

But even if we remain strangers to each other here on earth - the most important thing in life is that we all learn to understand God's will. And this is the way to discover God's will: ask God to reveal Himself to you and start reading the Bible prayerfully every day. Take your time, don't jump to conclusions - wait for God and meditate on His Word day and night!

Discover the power of prayer. It is not just about talking, it is about being in God's presence. Someone asked Mother Theresa once: "What do you ask God for when you pray?" "Nothing. I just listen." "And what does God say to you?" "Nothing. He just listens."

Sometimes God speaks silently - without words. He knows your heart and He is able to understand your deepest thoughts and He knows all about your most embarrassing secrets. But don't be afraid, you can be open and honest with your Creator! You must learn to recognise God's still, small voice!

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek... (Psalm 27:8) Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. (Psalm 89:15)

On my new blog I will start with a Bible study about the Gospel of John. If you think that it is difficult to read the Bible, it might be a good idea to join me - even if you can't read Dutch! Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions, I will do what I can to help you. I do hope that the light of God and the love of Jesus will also touch your life. Start reading the Bible with a praying heart and ask God for His guidance. It will change your life!

He (Jesus) was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:10-13)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. (John 3:16-21)

Can I have your votes, please?

2005-11-22T14:32:00.000+01:00

Let's try to do some market research here...

We are planning to publish the Dutch edition of I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist - written by Norman. L. Geisler and Frank Turek. On the left you see the original cover from the US edition and above two possible cover designs for our Dutch edition (the title is the same in Dutch).

Now we need to make up our minds: we can choose the safe & serious design (above left) or go for a light-hearted & funny version (right)... Please let me know what you would prefer - as a potential book buyer...

Your help will be highly appreciated!

[Click on the pics to enlarge]

A bit more information about this book:

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist argues that Christianity requires the least faith of all worldviews because it is the most reasonable. The authors lay out the evidence for truth, God, and the Bible in logical order and in a readable, non-technical, engaging style. A valuable aid to those interested in examining the reasonableness of the Christian faith, Geisler and Turek provide a firm challenge to the prior beliefs of doubters and skeptics.

Some endorsements:

“I already know ten people to whom I will give this book. It’s truly a Godsend.” –David Limbaugh
“I wish [this book] had been available when I was an atheist—it would have saved a lot of time in my spiritual journey toward God!” –Lee Strobel
“If you’re still a skeptic after reading I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, then I suspect you’re living in denial!” –Josh McDowell
“Atheism requires gobs of blind faith while the path of logic and reason leads straight to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Geisler and Turek convincingly show why.” –Phillip E. Johnson
“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist will equip, exhort, and encourage you‘to give the reason for the hope that you have . . . with gentleness and respect.’” –Hank Hanegraaff
“This book should disturb anyone claiming to be an atheist . . . perhaps enough to persuade them to begin a search for the God who has been there all along.” –Cal Thomas
“Geisler and Turek present the crucial information needed to avoid being swept away by the onslaughts of secular ideologies that cast science, philosophy, and biblical studies as enemies of the Christian faith.” –William A. Dembski

Bringing the Gospel to Asia by supporting native missionaries

2005-11-21T21:00:00.000+01:00

"As a general rule I believe it is wiser to support native missionaries in their own lands than to send Western missionaries," writes K.P. Yohannan in his book Revolution in World Missions.

After reading this impressive and challenging book, I do agree that it makes perfect sense to support the native missionary force that God is raising up in Asia. Western style missionaries will have to bridge a cultural gap and - if they are not willing to become one with the natives - it will be very difficult (if not impossible) to be an effective evangelist.

Some thought-provoking quotes for you (and me!) to consider: "I would submit to you that the single most important hindrance to world evangelization right now is the lack of total involvement by the Body of Christ. I am convinced there are enough potential sponsors to support all the native missionaries needed to evangelize the Two-Thirds World. The native missionary movement is relatively new, and many Christians still have not been challenged to participate, but that is superficial. The real truth is much more basic - and more deadly. The three major reasons why the Body of Christ falls short in facilitating world evangelization are the sins of pride, unbelief and worldliness" (p. 87)

"Christians need to learn that they are not giving their money to native workers, but God's money to His work overseas."

When commerce had been established with the Fiji Islanders, a merchant who was an atheist and skeptic landed on the island to do business. He was talking to the Fijian chief and noticed a Bible and some other paraphernalia of religion around the house.
"What a shame," he said, "that you have listened to this foolish nonsense of the missionaries."
The chief replied, "Do you see the large white stone over there? That is a stone where just a few years ago we used to smash the heads of our victims to get at their brains. Do you see the large oven over there? That is the oven where just a few years ago we used to bake the bodies of our victims before we feasted upon them. Had we not listened to what you call the nonsense of those missionaries, I assure you that your head would already be smashed on that rock and your body would be baking in that oven." (p. 114)

"When I stand before audiences in churches and mission conferences, people are astonished to hear the real facts of missions today. The frontline work of missions in Asia has been taken over almost completely by indigenous missionaries. And the results are outstanding. Believers are shocked to learn that native missionaries are starting hundreds of new churches every week in the Two-Thirds World, that thousands of people a day are being converted to Christ, and that tens of thousands of well-qualified, spiritually able men and women now are ready to start more mission work if we can raise the support." (p. 79)

K.P. Yohannan states that many missionary workers from the West have become social workers in stead of evangelists. "The lesson from the mission field is that meeting physical needs alone does not get people to follow God. Whether hungry or full, rich or poor, human beings remain in rebellion against God without the power of the Gospel. Unless we return to the biblical balance - to the Gospel of Jesus as He proclaimed it - we'll never be able to put the accent where it rightly belongs in the outreach mission of the Church. Jesus was compassionate to human beings as total persons. He did all He could to help them, but He never forgot the main purpose of His earthly mission: to reconcile men to God, to die for sinners and redeem their souls from hell. Jesus cared for the spiritual side of man first, then the body. This is illustrated clearly in Matthew 9:2-7 when He first forgave the sins of the paralytic, then healed his body." (p. 135).

"There is a vast difference between living at the same level as an Asian peasant - as native evangelists do - and living at even a modest Western standard. In most of the nations in which we support local missionaries, they are able to survive on two to four dollars a day. In most cases, this is approximately the same per capita income of the people to whom they are ministering." (p. 220)

Yohannan's book also challenges people like me, who are not called by God (as far as I know now!) to go to a mission field in Asia. Western Christians have to change their lifestyles in view of millions who have never heard the Gospel, says Yohannan. "What is the bottom line? God is calling us as Christians to alter our lifestyles, to give up the nonessentials of our lives so we can better invest our wealth in the kingdom of God." Something to think about...

Visit this site if you want to read more about Gospel for Asia (founded by K.P. Yohannan). On this site you can also request a free copy of the before-mentioned book if you want to know more about this subject and if you are interested in supporting / promoting native missionary work.

Trying to make sense with Altavista's Babel Fish

2005-11-20T22:34:00.000+01:00

I have added a Babel Fish badge to my blog. Just click on a flag and have some fun with the translation (it doesn't work all of the time - but give it a try). Have a look at the various translations of one sentence taken from this week's devotional prayer from my Boosters page. I hope it makes some sense to you...

Sometimes I act just as stupid as Peter, by explaining you – the Creator of the universe - what must be done and what must be avoided!

Parfois j'agis juste comme stupide que Peter, en vous expliquant - le créateur de l'univers - ce qui doit être fait et ce qui doit être évité !

A volte mi comporto altrettanto stupido quanto Peter, spiegandoli - il creatore dell'universo - che cosa deve essere fatto e che cosa deve essere evitato!

Às vezes eu ajo apenas tão stupid quanto Peter, explicando o - o criador do universo - o que devem ser feitas e o que deve ser evitado!

¡Actúo a veces apenas tan estúpido como Peter, explicándole - el creador del universo - qué deben ser hechas y qué debe ser evitada!

時々私はされなければなり、何が- 避けなければならないものが説明によってピーターちょうど愚かに、行動する- 宇宙かの創作者!主、私は人々を間違った方に導きたいと思わないし、私の頑固な態度のあなたの邪魔をしたいと思わない。

때때로 나는 너를 설명해서 피터 처럼 것으로 어리석게, 행동한다 해야 하고 무엇이 - 기피되어야 하는 것이 - 우주 까의 창조자!

有时我象彼得行动正愚笨, 由解释您- 宇宙的创作者 - 什么必须做并且什么必须被避免!

For a good start of the working week

2005-11-19T16:56:00.000+01:00

I write short devotional prayers for every Monday morning. I mail them out to a couple of friends in the Netherlands. If you like to read these texts in English, just have a look here. Every Monday I add a new Bible verse with a short personal prayer.

If it is encouraging, let him encourage... -Romans 12:8-

By the way, I am still looking for a volunteer who is willing to help me with the translation of my weekly postings. If you like to help me by translating my prayers from Dutch or English into German, French, Spanish... (or any other language!) please let me know!

Dutch coach leads socceroos to victory :-)

2005-11-19T07:37:00.000+01:00

Picture borrowed from Jan Marijnissen's weblog (he is a true socialist so it's OK to borrow things from him). I just think this is a funny picture and I can't wait to see what will happen when the Aussies face the Dutchies next year in Germany. Kangaroos squeezing oranges? Naah, I don't think so...

OK. I will give an explanation for the rest of the world: Guus Hiddink will be one of four Dutch coaches at the World Cup in Germany next year, presuming none of them lose their jobs by then, being joined by compatriots Marco Van Basten (Netherlands), Dick Advocaat (South Korea) and Leo Beenhakker (Trinidad & Tobago). Either way, WE win!

Click on pictures to enlarge!

JESUS' JUNGE GARDE documentary on German TV

2005-11-18T18:22:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday I watched a documentary on German television: Jesus' junge Garde - Die christliche Rechte und ihre Rekruten. The documentary focused on the growing support for evangelical Christianity among youths in Germany, but - in my view - was very biased in its reporting. However, some scenes with US teens from the evangelical movement 'The Call' did worry me - I have to admit. It is great to be enthusiastic, but some of these teens did make a very fanatical impression. I just need to know a bit more about them. Anybody? Maybe this is just another case of new wine bursting out of the old skins? I don't want to be judgemental and would appreciate hearing some opinions...

Worship Meeting from The Call in Germany

If you can read German, please have a look here, here and here. Let me know what you think - in English, German or Dutch. Please also visit the Holy Revolution site from The Call in Germany. You can read their official reply to the tv documentary here as well.

Calling All Nations to Berlin

2005-11-18T17:05:00.000+01:00

Noel Richards - probably best known for his worship song All Heaven Declares [this is the melody] - is working hard with his team to organise a huge event that is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2006 in Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Click here and find out about this event. You can already order your tickets!

I wrote about this event before here, after hearing Noel talking about his vision to a group of Christian leaders in the Netherlands. The initial idea was to organise this event in 2005, but the venue was not available. Now there is more time to 'call all nations' to Berlin and it is also nice to know that this event will take place just after the Football World Championships. So for me, being a Dutchman, it must be so nice to walk in the streets of Berlin, knowing that I am representing the proud people of the Netherlands, football champions of the world in 2006 (mark my words - ha ha). But even if we don't make it to the finals (theoretically speaking, of course) I will still be representing the Champion of the Universe... and that is a fact!

Check out this promotional video from Noel Richards about Calling All Nations (ignore the date he is mentioning, the correct date is now Saturday 15th July, 2006 - write it in your diary and start praying! Please give some support and write about this event on your own blog too!)

You can also visit the Prayer for Berlin site.

I believe that the Spirit of God is moving and that the world will be surprised by the massive gatherings that will take place everywhere on the globe - starting in Berlin. Young Christians will raise their voices and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere!

What is the purpose of the Event?
To fill the stadium with the youth of the world and the young at heart / To sing out our praise and worship to Jesus Christ / For all of us to have a life-changing encounter with God as we call out to Him in prayer / To mobilise an army of ordinary people, to take the Gospel to the nations of Europe and beyond / To raise a huge offering that will be used to support mission and aid organisations!

What will happen on the day?
Exuberant praise and heartfelt worship as the musicians, singers and dancers lead us / Lots of crowd participation / Prayer - short strategic prayers into specific and current situations / Input - There will be a few brief challenges from key individuals regarding worship, justice and mission!

Who is taking part?
A huge list of worship leaders and musicians in the programme, drawn from many nations including: Brian Doerksen (CAN) / David Ruis (USA) / Matt Redman (UK) / Tim Huges (UK) / Noel Richards (UK) / Sue Rinaldi (UK) / Chris Bowater (UK) / Dave Bilbrough (UK) / Broken Walls (UK) / Judy Bailey (D) / Lothar Kosse (D) / Albert und Andrea Frey (D) / Arne Kopfermann (D) / Songhee Bae (ROK) / Graham Kendrick (UK) / Psalm Drummers (UK) / Paul Oakley (UK) / Tengerin Doo (D) / Christoph Bonnen (D) / Lilo Keller (CH) ... plus many more.

Hi everyone,
The stadiums of this world are not just for sporting events.
They are the places where the church can gather in tens of thousands to lift high the name of Jesus Christ. I am thrilled that after many years of planning, we are now on course to see the Olympic Stadium Berlin, filled with the sound of God's people worshipping, praying and dedicating themselves to mission.

I believe that on July 15th 2006, Calling All Nations will be a truly historic gathering. We are calling the youth of the world and the young at heart to come and worship in this great and strategic city of Berlin. Never before have so many people from all over the world gathered together like this.
Never before have such a global team of worship leaders and musicians come together to serve in this way. This will be a unique event and I encourage you not to miss it.

On July 9th, the football champions will be crowned when the World Cup Final takes place at the stadium. But just six days later, in that same place, we will be declaring that there is only one champion, only one King and his name is Jesus Christ!

My prayer is that everyone who comes to this event will have a life changing encounter with Him and go out from there to play their part in reaching this generation with the Gospel.
Looking forward to seeing you in Berlin
Noel Richards

I don't remember where I've seen this

2005-11-18T08:56:00.000+01:00

Aaah, now I remember what I wanted to write:
Having amnesia and deja vu at the same time -

I think I've forgotten this before.

100 recent visitors (18 november 2005)

2005-11-18T05:53:00.000+01:00

Great to have visitors from all continents!

But where are my blog readers from Antarctica? ;-)

Make a difference

2005-11-16T16:53:00.000+01:00

I have added a new banner to this blog (please scroll down and look right). If you look at this slideshow*, you feel powerless and numb. But there is always something you can do. You can pray and you can pay. Support a child and make a difference!

* Thanks to Katrín for asking attention for this challenging slideshow. Please pass it on! Note for my blog readers in the Netherlands: please also visit the Dutch Compassion site!

Pictures taken at my father's funeral

2005-11-16T13:39:00.000+01:00

Today my eldest brother, Bob Abspoel, has sent me a link to a slideshow with pictures taken on the day of my father's funeral. My father passed away on October 21, 2005 - 81 years old.

Together with my brothers I carried my father's body to his last resting place on Wednesday October 26, 2005. Angels had already carried his soul to heaven - and we will meet him again one day - in a perfect place!

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

Sign at the abbey garden entrance

2005-11-15T07:37:00.000+01:00

This gate is open to all visitors who respect private property and who come in peace and friendship. For everyone with different intentions: 'ENTRANCE NOT PERMITTED'.

The cross has said it all

2005-11-14T23:44:00.000+01:00

The cross has said it all,

The cross has said it all.

I can't deny what You have shown,

The cross speaks of a God of love;

there displayed for all to see,

Jesus Christ, our only hope,

a message of the Father's heart:

"Come, my children, come on home."

-The Cross Has Said It All-

Written by: Matt Redman & Martin Smith

The stones cry out

2005-11-14T23:27:00.000+01:00

Just a little stone that I picked up during a prayer walk outside the Abbey of Berne last weekend. The cross shape is visible on both sides. Maybe I've seen too many crucifixes recently?

Lunar halo - just take my word for it!

2005-11-14T22:32:00.000+01:00

Tonight we have a beautiful lunar halo (a luminous ring that is sometimes seen surrounding the moon, caused by ice crystals high in the atmosphere that refract moonlight).

I tried to share this with you by using my 'state-of-the-art' digital camera and this is what I got! Yes, I did use my flash light and if ET is living out there, I'm sure he must have noticed me down here in the Netherlands. But unfortunately it is very hard to see the lunar halo in my pic. So if you live in my neighbourhood: just look outside! If you live somewhere else - bad luck. But you can always click on this link to see some better lunar halo pics made by photographers with more talent (and professional cameras).

Some impressions from my visit to the Abbey of Berne

2005-11-14T00:29:00.000+01:00

Collage of pics from my visit to the Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk-Dinther (near 's-Hertogenbosch). I had an inspiring weekend here together with my friend Rik Bennik. Being the busy types that we are, it was good for both of us to have some peace and quiet. The Norbertijn monks are very friendly and it was quite an impressive experience to see how these devout believers live. The prayers, the sermons, the singing, the meals, the fellowship and the hospitality - this is what living in community is all about! But... I have to say that it is also great to be back with Lydia and the kids! I would like to go to a place like this twice a year - just to recharge the batteries and to have some quiet time with God. I can highly recommend a visit like this!

It was also great to go walking in this beautiful area. And I had plenty of time to read and write...

The Bible; My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers; Sacred Pathways - Discover Your Soul's Path to God by Gary Thomas and Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan Me with Rik Bennik standing in front of the Abbey of Berne

Quite a crowd-puller

2005-11-13T21:31:00.000+01:00

One character – or lack of it – can make all the difference in encouraging the faithful to devotions. A Baptist Church near Ambleside, UK, had the tiniest error in their recent pew sheet...

For more embarassing typos (and even one sermon blunder recorded on video), please visit this page from Ship of Fools.

Weekend in the Abbey of Berne

2005-11-10T20:05:00.000+01:00

Grand Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk of the Norbertijn monks or Witheren, founded in 1134.

The next three days I hope to enjoy the hospitality of the religious community in the Abbey of Berne at Heeswijk, near 's-Hertogenbosch (Bois-le-Duc). Rik Bennik, producer at Gospel Music International (GMI), told me about the possibility to spend a couple of days in this Abbey. Rik and I will be there together as guests until next Sunday and I am really looking forward to this time of fellowship!

The Abbey of Berne, two miles southeast of Heusden on the Maas, and about six miles northwest of Bois-le-Duc, was founded in the year of St. Norbert's death, 1134, by Fulcold, Lord of Teisterband. (...) Numerous legends surround its foundation. One is that Fulcold, when hotly pressed in battle, made a vow to build an abbey, if, by throwing himself into the river Maas, his life might be preserved from the enemy. This prayer having been heard, Fulcold converted his castle at Berne into an abbey, and he himself became a lay brother therein.

The Abbey of Berne at Heeswijk is at present very prosperous, being filled with active and industrious members, some fulfilling the usual duties in the abbey, some giving missions, while others teach in the college or write for newspapers and reviews, no fewer than five of these being published by the fathers.
Catholic Encyclopedia

Free publicity!

2005-11-09T12:26:00.000+01:00

VOLG JIJ MIJ is one of the 'big titles' from Ark Boeken this year (Amsterdam-based Christian Publishing House where I work as a Publisher). Today I noticed a 3-page review in Visie - TV-magazine from EO - and of course I am very happy with this free publicity! Click to enlarge on the JPG images below (maybe copy & paste them in Paint or Word!) - I do hope that you are able to read Dutch, though...

Hans van der Lee, author of this book, works as Director at Compassion in the Netherlands. His book is a call to radical discipleship - it is about following Jesus with everything you are and everything you have. Not an easy read, but very thought-provoking! Hopefully there will be an English edition in the near future because this book is far too important to keep to ourselves in the Low Countries!

Please let me know if you are interested in this book - especially if you are working in Christian publishing like me!

For a free download of a chapter, please click here!
Please also visit this webpage from Compassion NL.

We must become like these little children

2005-11-08T19:45:00.000+01:00

Although China allows "belief" in a religion, the Chinese constitution does not guarantee the right to practice that religion. Adults often face severe consequences for religious actions but generally are not required to deny their faith. However, officials attempt to weaken children's faith by encouraging them to deny Jesus altogether. According to Open Doors, Public Security Bureau officers recently burst into a Sunday school room and herded 30 children into a van. Despite the scary situation, one child started singing. The van soon was filled with song. Upon arrival at the police station, the children marched bravely into the interrogation room still singing to the Lord. Threatened with having to write "I do not believe in Jesus" 100 times before they would be released, the children instead wrote: "I believe in Jesus today. I will believe in Jesus tomorrow. I will believe in Jesus forever!" Exasperated, officials called the children's parents, some of whom denied Christ. When a widowed believer came to pick up her twin sons, she refused to deny Jesus. The officers threatened her: "If you do not deny Jesus, we will not release your sons!" The widow replied, "Well, I guess you will just have to keep them, because without Jesus, there would be no way for me to take care of them!" With no avenues left open to them, the officials said, "Take your sons and go!" (Religion Today)

From the Open Doors website:

The church in China is growing rapidly, but the spiritual depth of the church is shallow. Only by taking advantage of every avenue to assist the whole church in China through Bible deliveries, leadership training, prayer support and encouragement will we see the continued, solid growth of the world's largest revival. Read the truth about China

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)

Come back home

2005-11-07T18:16:00.000+01:00

Return of the Prodigal Son by Ain Vares, a highly talented painter from Estonia (see former entry!)

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. John 1:17,18

These two verses from John’s Gospel give you a very brief summary of the whole Bible.

The Old Testament was written to give us laws, rules and regulations and the example of the relationship between God and his chosen people, Israel.

The New Testament tells us more about God and about his true character. The strict God who gave us eternal laws and essential guide lines, is made known to all people by Jesus Christ – the living Word of God. Jesus shows us who God really is: a loving, forgiving heavenly Father who is patiently waiting for his wandering children to come back home.

Great art work from Ain Vares, Estonia

2005-11-07T17:09:00.000+01:00

"My purpose in life is to paint the Word of God; paintings that inspire people to think about spiritual things. These pictures are for people who seek things that are deeper than this seen world around us can offer. People who thirst for the truth and for the right way of living. My pictures convey the message of God's endless love for all mankind and His desire to deliver us from all bondage, to save us from this perishing world if we only let him come into our lives. I do hope and pray that the message of these paintings will touch every viewer's heart and would open their eyes to see our only savior who is Jesus Christ." Ain Vares

Jesus said: 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' (John 14:6)

Click on this image to visit Ain Vares' website

Just a question

2005-11-06T09:50:00.000+01:00

Anonymous sperm donor traced on internet

2005-11-05T15:38:00.000+01:00

Late last year, a 15-year-old boy rubbed a swab along the inside of his cheek, popped it into a vial and sent it off to an online genealogy DNA-testing service. But unlike most people who contact the service, he was not interested in sketching the far reaches of his family tree. His mother had conceived using donor sperm and he wanted to track down his genetic father.
That the boy succeeded using only the DNA test, genealogical records and some internet searches has huge implications for the hundreds of thousands of people who were conceived using donor sperm. With the explosion of information about genetic inheritance, any man who has donated sperm could potentially be found by his biological offspring. Absent and unknown fathers will also become easier to trace.

Read this story here.

Created by design?

2005-11-04T17:03:00.000+01:00

"What should our children be taught about the origins of life on earth? Was it a chance chemical cocktail which created us or was the process guided by a divine hand? Tonight the Sky Report's Robert Nisbet travels to America to put Intelligent Design under the microscope."

Read on here - watch online here (and feel free to let me know your opinion about this! This is what I believe...)

Discrimination against Dalits

2005-11-02T22:42:00.000+01:00

Dalits are a people broken, forgotten and exploited. There are more than 240 million Dalits who are formerly known as the Untouchables or the Outcaste in the subcontinent of India which has a population of almost a billion.

India is known for its cultural and technical advancement in recent time. People have changed their life style very much both in rural and urban areas. But what is strange is that the caste system becomes stronger and stronger. Dalits who are known as the Untouchables face violence more and more. Caste discriminates a person according to one's birth. Dalits who are outside the caste system are exploited and oppressed very systematically. Most of the Dalits are landless labourers and they work for a minimum wage to the landlords who exploit them to the maximum. These Dalits are mostly illiterate and they can not get due justice. Since they are powerless both politically and economically, they have no way of telling their story to the rest of the world. The media is very much controlled by the caste people. Education and advancement have not changed the mind set up of the upper caste people who still want to enjoy the benefit of the caste discrimination.
Dalit Christians Source

In another delay, the Indian Supreme Court has withheld its decision on the Dalit civil rights case until November. This delay is a positive development, allowing the Court to take seriously this case of discrimination against Dalit Christians and not rush in judgment. It also allows Christians to have more time to intercede with prayer, asking God to guide the thoughts and decisions of the judges. Under the current law, Dalits lose some of their basic constitutional rights when they become Christians; they are no longer eligible for affirmative action placements in education, employment, government and many other areas-rights granted to Dalits who are Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist. According to a government census, some 20 million Dalits have become Christians. Equally important, there are many Dalits whose only hesitation to becoming Christians is fear of this legalized discrimination.

Pray our merciful Father will lead the Supreme Court of India to correct these injustices.
Pray fervently on behalf of these millions of Dalit men, women and children who suffer unjust discrimination.
Pray the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of Hindus to see every person is of value and precious in the sight of God.

Gospel for Asia Source

Betje brings a smile to the blogosphere

2005-10-31T22:48:00.000+01:00

Liesbeth Middendorp (a.k.a. BETJE) started blogging here recently. Just have a look at her weblog and laugh at her funny cartoons. You can also visit this site if you want to find out more about her. Keep on smiling and keep on blogging, Betje!

Two funny little gift books I made together with Betje under my "Panda" pseudonym: Lach eens! (= Have a Smile!) and Kop op! (= Cheer up!)

More statues from sculptor Karel Gomes

2005-10-31T18:57:00.000+01:00

I wrote about my visits to the beautiful serene garden behind the Roman Catholic Church in Hoofddorp (read this). I almost bumped into sculptor Karel Gomes last Saturday, but didn't recognise him... Good news, Martin - one of my brothers and a gifted sculptor himself (check this out!) has made an appointment. I am looking forward to meeting the man who made these beautiful statues!

-click pics to enlarge-

Just look at this statue of Joseph the carpenter...

...and the same statue from a different angle with Mary, her aunt Elisabeth and her little baby boy Saint Johnny the Baptist

(just my guess...)

Jacob fighting with the angel

Father embracing his prodigal son

St Franciscus

Jesus carrying the cross with Simon

(part of the Way of the Cross - fourteen small bronzes)

Walking on Water

2005-10-31T10:10:00.000+01:00

"There are two kinds of ice: thick and thin. You can have very little faith in thick ice and it will hold you up just fine; you can have enormous faith in thin ice and you can drown. It's not the amount of faith you can muster that matters up front. It may be tiny, like a mustard seed. But your faith must be invested in something solid."

Lynn Anderson, quoted by Lee Strobel in "The Case for Faith", page 334

Come to Me

2005-10-30T21:45:00.000+01:00

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit... Romans 8:16
Why doesn’t God reveal Himself to you? He cannot. It is not that He will not, but He cannot, because you are in the way as long as you won’t abandon yourself to Him in total surrender. Yet once you do, immediately God witnesses to Himself— He cannot witness to you, but He instantly witnesses to His own nature in you. If you received the witness of the Spirit before the reality and truth that comes from obedience, it would simply result in sentimental emotion. But when you act on the basis of redemption, and stop the disrespectfulness of debating with God, He immediately gives His witness. As soon as you abandon your own reasoning and arguing, God witnesses to what He has done, and you are amazed at your total disrespect in having kept Him waiting. If you are debating as to whether or not God can deliver from sin, then either let Him do it or tell Him that He cannot. Do not quote this or that person to Him. Simply obey Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden . . . ." Come, if you are weary, and ask, if you know you are evil (see Luke 11:9-13).

My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers

Worthless Blog

2005-10-30T10:56:00.000+01:00

Very encouraging indeed... ;-)

Wandering Baptist meets Sculptor in Hidden Garden

2005-10-29T20:31:00.000+02:00

Today I went to a beautiful garden behind St John the Baptist's Church in the place where I live... Yes this is a Roman Catholic Church, but St John was a Baptist just like me, so I feel very relaxed about my visits to this beautiful, tranquil place :-)

I guess this quiet garden is Hoofddorp's best kept secret and maybe I shouldn't write about this at all... But if you know where to find this hidden place, you can see some magnificent statues. This pietas is just one of them. You can also admire a fantastic series of sculptures - the 14 stations of the cross - Jesus' traditional passage along the Via Dolorosa.

These statues are made by sculptor Karel Gomes. And guess what? Today I met this sculptor in this hidden garden, but I didn't recognise him! No, I didn't mistake him for the gardener... I only thought he was the pastor. When I asked him if he was the pastor of this Roman Catholic Church, he just laughed and said: "No, I'm not".

Later I saw this picture (left) on the internet and now I know who this friendly grey bearded man was! I would have loved to talk with him about his statues. Maybe next time!

Note for my Dutch blog readers: please read this and this!

The Beauty of Sadness

2005-10-29T15:53:00.000+02:00

- click on pictures to enlarge -

I went outside this morning for a walk and some fresh air.
And I took my photo camera with me.

I looked at the beauty down on the ground...

...and floating on the water surface.

a

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

A little bit orderly?

2005-10-29T06:55:00.000+02:00

My son Robin (13) noticed this hand-written request on a shop window in Dordrecht. It is still possible to read this text: 'Dear Customers... Could you please be so kind as to keep our shop a little bit orderly? Thank you!' The right part of the picture gives you an impression of the shop interior as seen through the window...