Mar 09 2016
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VHF operators courses

By Sodwana Bay

Short Range Radio Course – VHF (VHF Operators certificate) Radio operators on the Short range course (SRC), for the VHF Operators Certificate are taught the proper use of a VHF radio and the correct procedures to follow. Effective from 1 January Category B, C, D Vessels must be equipped with a VHF radio and the operator must hold a VHF Operators certificate. Operators are taught how to operate VHF radio equipment and the course  cover: Inter vessel , Mayday, Mayday Relay, Pan Pan , Security and Urgency signals. Frequencies, Batteries and radio tests. Radio tuning and maintenance. The course also includes the new modules for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Learning Objectives: On successful completion of the course operators should have the following knowledge and practical skills: General knowledge of radio communications in the maritime mobile service Practical knowledge of radio equipment VHF radio installation, antennas, interfacing Digital Selective calling (DSC) Practical and theoretical knowledge of radio communication procedures Regulations for VHF Communications Duration: 2 day weekday course or  a 2 day weekend courses. Course can be arranged for weekday evenings. Venues: Our courses will be presented in Pretoria and Sodwana bay. (Courses also available in Gordon’s bay, Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Vaal  triangle and Durban.) More info and bookings: Contact Kobus 0828913652 or skippers@twobar.co.za  

Mar 09 2016
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What does it mean for husbands to be the heads of their wives?

By Sodwana Bay

It’s been overemphasized how husbands are called by God to be the leaders of the household. In fact, it’s been said so many times that husbands are starting to get cocky and wives are getting sick of it. Allow me to add to that long list, but don’t worry, I’m not cutting the husbands any slack today. In fact, we need to make one thing clear today that will hopefully challenge men to step up and do more. Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” It is very clear in scripture that husbands are called to be the leaders of the home and of their wives. But one thing that many husbands fail to realize is that the Bible also makes clear how men are to lead their households. Scripture also tells us that men are to lead “as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” We all know what Christ did for the church. It was Christ who did the hard work of laying down the foundation, building and even sanctifying the church through His own death. In the same way, husbands are to lead their wives the same way Jesus did — by serving and sacrificing. Doesn’t sound all too comfortable, does it? That’s because God never meant for leadership to be perk-filled and easy. God calls men to lead their wives by serving them. Husbands do not rule over their wives. In case we have forgotten, there is only one person who can rule over families, and that’s God Himself. Leading and ruling are not one thing. The leadership God calls husbands into is in the context of service and love, pointing our family always to the one true Ruler of the home. So where are we supposed to get the energy to love and serve our wives and families? John 13:34 tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” The first step husbands must take to be effective in the way they lead their families is to experience the love, grace and power of God, and then let it trickle down to their families. Leadership has always been described by God in the context of serving others, and we serve best when we realize how much Jesus — as our leader — has served and loved us so that we can lead our families with love and grace as well.

Mar 09 2016
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What does the Bible say about demons?

By Sodwana Bay

When you were a new Christian, chances are that you avoided the concept or the idea that demons exist and are very real today. That’s because the world and media today have forced us to believe some ideas about demons that may haze our concept of the truth. Horror films and ghost stories make us believe that evil spirits are on the move to destroy us. That part is true, but they don’t use chainsaws and spells to do that. And while it is the number one mission of demons to destroy our lives, there are more damaging ways that they do that. Demons were once glorious angels who fell short of the glory of God and are doomed to one day be locked up in eternal damnation, and their one goal in their lives is to take as many people with them. What does the Bible teach us about demons? Demons don’t want you in a relationship with God John 10:10 says that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Demons don’t just want your heads chopped off or your minds shattered in pieces. Their goal is to sever your spirit from the Spirit of God both today and for all eternity. The Bible tells us that demons are already set for defeat. Matthew 25:41 says, “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Demons use temptation, deception and accusation as weapons Demons are powerful and are even more powerful than humans. They have the ability to take various forms and overcome people. So those stories of demon possessions are very real. In fact, the Bible is full of accounts of demon possessions. The primary arsenal of demons is made up of temptation, deception and accusation. They tempt people to commit sin, deceive people into thinking sin is okay and then condemn people. All this they do to draw us away from the presence and love of God. Demons can be defeated James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The biblical emphasis on demons is that they are already defeated because of the finished work of Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, it made all of the darkness shudder in fear because He had finally broken the power of sin.

Mar 09 2016
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Inspirational Bible Verses for Depression

By Sodwana Bay

Along with traditional medical treatment the Bible is a solid source of help during depression, anxiety, or when we have bouts of uncertainty. You can use verses to lean on during tough moments and keep them handy through the day when you need it most. Determination is important and studying the word of God, to keep you moving forward and refreshed is key. Admitting that you don’t have all the answers is fine, none of us do! Over 300 million people have depression world-wide and struggle with it daily. World Health Organization said it “is the leading cause of disability worldwide.” You are in good company. King David, Barbara Bush, Abraham Lincoln, rapper Lecrae, author Sheila Walsh and many others have and are dealing with depression. “Depression is not a sign of lack of spirituality. The most renown spiritual leaders walked thru deep depression,” Tweeted Lecrae. He is right. So don’t allow this to keep you from moving on, and digging your heels in deep. You will make it! To start, let’s read Deuteronomy 31:6-8: “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid–do not be discouraged.” Allow the following scriptures to encourage and strengthen body, soul and mind. Psalm 37:1-40: “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 94:19 – In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Matthew 11:28-30: “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Psalm 34:18 and 19: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 37:23-24: If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 43:5: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.” Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Samuel 22:29: “You are my lamp O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” Ecclesiastes 9:4:   “Anyone who is among the living has hope.” Psalms 9:9: “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 143:7-8: “Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I’ll lift up my soul.” Romans 5:5: “And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.”

Mar 09 2016
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10 Bible verses on the message of Easter

By Sodwana Bay

Easter is a celebration with a powerful message that all people need to hear. I doubt that there is even a message more powerful than the Easter message, and it has nothing to do with barbecues and egg hunts. The message of Easter is that of hope and life. It is the message that our God came down as man to die for our sins. Although he died a death of earthly nature, death could not hold Him, so on the third day He rose again, establishing His authority over all the earth. That man was Jesus. This is the message that we need to hear, not only on Easter but every day of our lives. It’s also a message that all mankind needs to hear. This is the message that we should be giving on Easter. Without the power of Christ’s resurrection, we would still be slaves to our own sin. But because of His death, burial and resurrection, we are now given life and power to overcome death. Our salvation comes because God came down to rescue us, not because we have the capacity to save ourselves. Here are some verses that share the message of God’s power, as displayed through His resurrection. Romans 4:25 “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.” Romans 6:5 “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Acts 4:33 “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.” Job 19:25 “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 “God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.” Romans 8:34 “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life– is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Mar 09 2016
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Habitual sin: 3 points to remember when battling habitual sins

By Sodwana Bay

We’ve heard it all before: “Why can’t you just quit your bad habits?” Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? So why is it that many believers struggle with habitual sin and cannot seem to be set free? Are we really to just accept that maybe we should just rely on repentance and live with our bad habits? Whether it’s a bad habit of drinking, smoking, watching pornography, or working too much, we’ve all had a bad habit that we found hard to break. One thing that is for sure is that if we are all to expect it to go away overnight, then we’re probably dreaming a tall tale. Some people get released from their sinful habits right away while others go through a long process of pruning in their lives, but one thing for sure is that God is working to set us free from habitual sins. Here are three points to remember when battling habitual sins. Acknowledge that there is a flesh that battles your spirit The reality is that we live in two realms all throughout our life here on earth — that is the flesh and the spirit. Many times our spirit will go against the flesh, and we must make a choice which realm we will fall under. Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Realize that we cannot help ourselves Here’s some really bad news that you have to understand: Your sin is much bigger than you. Anyone who believes that sin is harmless does not understand the weight and power there is behind sin. It’s so powerful that just one sin can sentence us to death and separation from God for all eternity. Our sins are extremely big problems and we cannot solve these problems by ourselves. On our own, we can never completely break free from our sinful habits. Rely on God’s power and grace Thank God that Christianity is not just about the bad news, but about the good news of what hope we have. Sure we cannot save ourselves, but there is one person who can and has already saved us from sin — that’s Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Because of God’s grace, we are not only freed from the consequence of sin but are also given the ability to say no to sin. When we start pursuing God more and continue to be filled by His presence, we are slowly relieved of our desire to sin over and over again. It is God’s in-filling that pushes out the desire of sin, not our willpower. Spiritual discipline does not come by pruning the flesh out of us, but by growing the spirit by experiencing the Spirit more and more.