Here are Some ideas on how to study God's Word.

by Yvette van Niekerk

1. Make an appointment with the Lord God. Decide which time of day suits you best and set this time aside to read God's Word. In the beginning, you might only do this twice a week, and as time goes by, you will pick up the pace. I need to spend time with God in the evenings and the morning is hectic on my side.
2. Decide where in your home you are going to spend time with the Lord. I have picked out my bedroom, and it works for me. Everyone in the house is watching TV, and I have time alone.
3. So what do I need? Well, of course, you need your Bible, a good Bible dictionary or concordance and then pen and paper. Then you are equipped and ready to start the process. It's a learning curve, and this might be not easy in the beginning, but it picks up, and then you are on your way.
4. Confession. In this time, I confess whatever has been on my heart and worrying me lately. Now, I feel open and ready to speak to God and learn what He wants me to know.

Proverbs 4: 20 - 22 MSG

"Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health."

I'm not a guru on this matter, and I am still learning, but these are things I like to do, and this helps me stay focused and in contact with the Lord God.

Prayer

Lord today I want to pray to help me set the time aside for You. I want to purposefully spend time Your Word today, help me meditate and focus on You Lord. In Jesus Name Amen

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Let God carry your burdens.

by Yvette van Niekerk

Psalm 55: 22 MSG "Pile your troubles on GOD's shoulders - he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin. But you, God, will throw the others into a muddy bog; Cut the lifespan of assassins and traitors in half. And I trust in you."

During this time of the coronavirus, I must tell you I had thought this is a total hoax, it seems like everything is so sort of cover-up. Anyway, it doesn't help I start believing all kinds of conspiracy theories, that's not true. So this thing has been weighing me down for some time. I am sick when I have to go into a shop and buy some stuff, and the masks make me feel nauseous.

I think the best way forward is to bring this problem to the Lord, and I don't think I can handle this on my own. I believe God understands me and give me the strength to carry on. God is here for you and me. So let us bring our burned to the Lord. I believe God finds great pleasure in assisting each one of us, and He cares for all of us. So let us cast our burdens onto the Lord.

Prayer

Abba Father, Lord Jesus thank You for Your supernatural grace and strength which carries me through today. Lord, I am casting all my burdens onto You, I want to come into Your rest and peace for my life. In Jesus name Amen.

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Fasting do you see any blessings?

by Yvette van Niekerk

Matthew 5 verse 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Something that comes to mind every time I fast, that it's challenging in the beginning. As time goes by, it becomes easier. I was thinking of what hunger causes me to miss? I feel that when I am hungry, I get a little irritated, but it goes away after a while, especially when I get busy and meditate on God’s word. And I believe when food is a source of comfort, it really can be a challenge to get through the day. I have realized that I love my food these days. I miss eating pizza's, and I miss eating eggs and bacon, that is something I love. I also miss my sweeties but not that much I wouldn't say I am craving anything specifically right now.

So is there any blessings that I feel grateful for today? In fasting, I am focusing on other things, not to think about the food that I might eat. I make supper for my family, and they can eat whatever it doesn't worry me.

I do find I have other challenges that I am dealing with. I am a little tender and get emotional, but it seems to pass as well.

Things I am grateful is my husband and all my children and grandchildren: my mom and oom Frik and my brother and his family and my sister and her family.

Prayer

Lord God, the Father, thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins. I am grateful to spend this time in Your presence. Thank You, Lord, for sending me a comforter, the Holy Spirit, I feel refreshed and look forward to an awesome day. I love You, Lord, I am drawing closer to You and asking that You will reveal Your will for my life. In the name of Jesus Christ. amen

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If you don't change your thinking, you won't change your life.

by Yvette van Niekerk

Negative thoughts were part of my life for a very long time. I also suffered from condemnation, and life seemed uphill all the time. So when it comes to renewing of my mind, I feel strongly about the Holy Spirit, who is my guide and is always there for me. I don't feel abandoned and lost anymore. I am washing my soul with the Word of God, by reading a chapter or two a day in my bible, which I feel is cleansing my mind.

I have decided to follow Jesus, and I put my trust in Him. I believe God is renewing my mind through His Word.

Philippians 4 verse 8 GNT "In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good, and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable."

I stopped breaking myself down, I know I am imperfect, and I have problems, but I do believe God is working on me each day, I am a work in progress.

I challenge you today, to write scripture down, and put it next to your bed. When you wake up in the morning, take the page, read the words and meditate on it. Let the Word of God fill your mind, become renewed in Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord according to Philippians 4 verse 8 to 9 I want to fill my mind and meditate on your Word, I want to focus on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what You Lord are teaching me, what I hear and see and realize. I believe Your Word that You Lord, who makes everything work together, will work me into Your most excellent harmonies. In Jesus Christs Name, Amen.

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Are waiting for something expectantly?

by Yvette van Niekerk

Sometimes we pray and would like to get the breakthrough immediately, and it's something you desperately want. How can it take so long for the Lord to respond? If only the Lord can give this to me now, I would be a champion.

Then there's that problem that seems to linger it won't go away. I've been driving myself insane but no way, it stays there. Finally, I don't have a choice I have to live with it, and it's not going away. I have to accept it as part of my life and carry on.

I realise God hears all my prayers, and some answered prayers take time because I may have to learn from the circumstance. I know God is working things out for me; it's like I am too impatient to wait.

My daughter always tells me "and suddenly" things will change, you won't even expect it.

So are you waiting for a prayer expectantly? A yes, but you need to be patient. I sometimes give up, it seems too hard, and there is no direction or answer. Then other times, I get the courage to wait and see what happens. I am expecting something useful from this waiting. I have hope in my heart, and I look forward to the supernatural answer. Focus on today's scripture in Matthew 7, verse 7 to 11, MSG "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think God who conceived you in love will be even better?"

Prayer

Father God, I am waiting expectantly for You to help me going forward. My hope is in You Lord, You are my Counsellor, You are my Lord of lords, You are my Salvation, and I believe in Jesus Christ, thank You, Lord, Amen.

Yvette van Niekerk

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Are you looking for the right stuff?

by Yvette van Niekerk

In Romans 14 verse 17 to 19 Good News Translation it says "For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others. So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another." It's clear we are going to see the joy in the Holy Spirit, and our lives will be useful, and we will have peace in God's Kingdom. 

So isn't it profitable for us to seek God's Kingdom? What are you seeking in your life right now? If you aren't pursuing God's Kingdom, you will suffer a loss when it comes to His righteousness, peace and joy.

 I used to worry about all kinds of stuff, and I never had peace because I was continually looking for something more. The only thing I found was loneliness. If you become one with God, the real peace will follow you. 

I am still learning and focusing my time with God when I slip up on spending time in His presence, and I find that I am confused and restless and aimless. I feel alone and abandoned. So here's something to think about, what are you chasing? Where is your heart focused? 

I have realized that the things of this world are temporarily and it doesn't satisfy me or my needs. I have come to believe that only God and His peace, joy and righteousness fulfils my expectations, and I feel at rest in Him.  

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, please let the Holy Spirit fill my heart, soul and spirit today. I am seeking Your Kingdom and am searching for Your righteousness in my own life. Bless each person who reads this message. Holy Spirit comes into our lives. In the beautiful and holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 Yvette van Niekerk
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Married? Cut each other some slack.

by Yvette van Niekerk

So none of us is perfect, and it's going to happen. One of us will disappoint each other. Life is like that, no way we can get around it. How do we deal with people who disappoint us? 

Galatians 6: 1 AMP Bear One Another's Burdens "Brothers if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping  a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well." 

I struggle with being kind, and my first reaction is being judgemental, I can't help myself. So from my point of view, I need to take 10 minutes to digest what happened. I'm not perfect and struggle with compassion in general.

 I know I'm supposed to be gentle and understanding, but my goodness it's a challenge. I also know what the Bible says around being gentle and acting with respect. My learning is in progress. I remember being harsh or rude doesn't make any progress; instead, it breaks every opportunity down.

 

So I've seen this "Right + Rude = Wrong" Remember this.

 

So even if I am right, I must be careful not to be rude, I tend to be abusive because I'm hurt. Can you believe it?

 So something to take to heart, Proverbs 15 verse 4 says, "Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." 

Well, marriages are complicated. We are both going through stuff, I pray that the Lord give all of us wisdom and understanding. But most of all compassion and a gentle heart. 

Prayer

Lord God, help me with my quick temper and harsh words, I know I jump to conclusions before I even hear what happened. Forgive me for being impatient and always wanting to be right. I am not perfect and I confess my quick temper and stubbornness. Please forgive me, in Jesus Christ name, Amen 

Yvette van Niekerk

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Are we facing a famine?

By Yvette van Niekerk

 

Amos 8: 11 AMP "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD God, "When I will send hunger over the land, Not hunger for bread or a thirst for water, but rather [a hunger] for hearing the words of the Lord."

 

I wonder if we aren't facing a spiritual hunger, you know people do listen to the preachers on Facebook but are they listening to them? If you look at the scripture, it says that people are going to have a famine of "hearing the Words of the Lord," do you think this could refer to a spiritual famine? If we aren't hearing the Word of God, then our faith is going to die. Am I right?

 

I honestly have been going through some stuff, and I have been reading and doing my Bible study as regularly as possible, but there is a small problem, I seem to side-tracked all the time.

 

Do you think Satan is busy sabotaging my time with the Lord? I fear I am not drawing closer to God because of my lack of attention, and my life isn't bearing fruit. Satan is stealing the Word of God right from under my nose. 

 

I see in 1 Samuel 3 verses 1 (AMP) "Now the boy Samuel was attending to the service of the Lord under the supervision of Eli. The word of the Lord was rare and precious in those days; visions [that is, new revelations of divine truth] were not widespread."

 

I don't know, but it seemed that the Lord wasn't speaking to His people in those days. But if that were the case, why did He talk to a child? I think the people didn't hear the Word of God. The scary part is people are in Lock-down and cannot attend church, yes we have pastors preaching on Facebook and another platform but are the people listening to the Word of God? I believe we are under a spiritual attack, and people don't even perceive it.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, thank You, for the pastors who are recording their sermons on Facebook, who take the time to put it out there. Lord, bless their sermons so we may grow spiritually. Lord, send Your Holy Spirit to touch each life who reads or searches for Your Words. Bless my words, Lord, help me live according to Your Will. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Yvette van Niekerk

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Showing Confidence as a Granny

by Yvette van Niekerk

Joshua 1: 9 (GNT)

9 "Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go."

For many years I have allowed people to influence me, making me feel inadequate and not worthy. I didn't have confidence in my own life. I worried that I couldn't do much and felt very discouraged.

I divorced when I was in my late thirties and remarried in my late forties. My husband allowed me to expand my horizons, and I began to feel confident. I am learning new things and exploring new avenues.

I started focusing on my strengths, and I saw that when I baked a cake, I would rate myself as a 3 (under average), but as I progressed I realised, I am learning more about the art of baking I feel confident that I have now reached level 7 (better than average). I am aspiring to become a 10 (excellent) with baking cakes.

God created me to excel at what I do. I believe God wants to bless me, and I think he delights in my progress. I believe God is merciful, and if I can open myself up to God, I may receive His mercy and blessings. I think God sees my faith in the Lord Jesus and my hearts attitude.

I believe my confidence in God is the primary purpose of my life, and I want to please God. I have learned that I can only have faith in God alone, not in the world, not in other people or myself. I draw my strength and my purpose from the Lord Jesus according to Philippians 4 verse 13 APM "I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfil His purpose - I am self- sufficient in Christ's sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]"

I want to encourage you today, be confident in the Lord Jesus Christ. You will learn and grow each day as you stay focused on Him. We are growing every day. Praise God.

Yvette van Niekerk

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Are you or your partner emotionally unhealthy?

by Yvette van Niekerk

80% of the married couple are separating or divorces because of emotional unhealth in their marriage. I think it's because we all have pasts and are both bringing some baggage into a new relationship.

Some sound advice found in the Bible that we may follow when seeking a life partner.
I must tell you that I agree with this one in Proverbs. I used to be married to a furious man. It turns out I have adopted his anger and can lash out in seconds. Of course, I am working on my attitude and my temper, but yes, I agree with this Proverbs.

Number One:  Don't marry someone who nurses an uncontrolled temper. Proverbs 22 verse 24 (NIV) says, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person; do not associate with one easily angered." I know I struggle with deep insecurities, and I suffer from low self-worth.

Number Two: Don't marry someone who is struggling with an addiction. Proverbs 23 verse 20 (TEV) says "Don't associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food." You will see it mentions liquor or food, but I believe drugs and other substances are on the list too.

Number Three: You won't be happy if you marry someone bitter. They hide it well, but it comes to the surface now and then. Stop being resentful leave it behind and move on with your life. Reading Hebrews 12 verse 14 - 15 AMP "Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of God's grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it, many defiled."

Number Four: Steer clear of someone selfish. We see Proverbs 28 verse 25 TLB says "greed causes fighting; trusting God leads to prosperity." So greed is being selfish, which is a number one problem in many relationships because I'm more important than you.

Number Five: Greed is a problem and causes many fights: Probers 15 verse 27 TLB "Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes bring happiness." You will be stuck with someone who needs this and needs that, making debt and you will continuously be paying off something.

Number One person to get married to is "Kind and Generous person." Proverbs 11: 24 - 25 TLB says "It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself."

The best person to get married to should be someone who doesn't tell lies but tells you the truth. Proverbs 20 verse 7 TLB says "It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father."

I am mostly interested in people who tell me the truth. I feel very offended when people lie to me. I think they believe I am an idiot. It makes me angry, and I lose my faith in them there and then.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to give, and [gifts] are given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Lord I am asking that with the same standard I deal out [with the standard I use when I confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to me. Please search my heart, and create in my a clean heart and a pure spirit.  In Jesus Christ Name Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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