Yvette's Whispers of Faith

by Yvette van Niekerk Mark 1: 35 ESV Jesus Preaches in Galilee "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." I hate making my bed, but I have learned when I get out of bed and not yet left my bedroom, I can tackle making my bed. It makes me feel accomplished. I know that sound silly, but I do. My bedroom looks tidy and neat, and I feel I can start my day. Have you ever read Brian Tracy's book "Eat that frog!"? I have, and it changed my perspective on life.  I read Mark Twain, said: "if you ever have to eat a live frog, it's best done first thing in the morning." Yuck, it must be dreadful, but it is good advice. Because you can go through the rest of your day knowing the most solid task is behind you. So, if I want God to do the super, I'll need to do the natural. That says I'll need to get started, praying first thing each morning.  So, how we start our da...

by Yvette van Niekerk "Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body." Proverbs 16: 24 MSG "Here is a simple rule of thumb for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." Luke 6: 31 - 34 MSG "Love is not a feeling, its an act of your will." Do you agree with me when it comes to the meaning of Love? I believe love is all about what we are doing for each other, it involves actions. I am reminded that love costs us something. Key elements of love Love is a kind of actions. Spending quality time together. Speaking loving words. Being Thoughtful wi...

by Yvette van Niekerk Have you heard Warren Buffet's quote, "The best investment you will ever make is in yourself?" Psalm 51: 7 - 17 MSG "Soak me in your laundry, and I'll come out clean, scrub me, and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me into foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from grey exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.  Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise." I was thinking of how counterintuitive and selfish this statement is, but then I realised that the Lord Jesus also first spent time ...

Isaiah 26: 4 ESV "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." I have allowed trying situations this past couple of months to come my way, and it frustrated me, and I was so upset. And to top it off, I thought, "I'm believing God. I'm trusting God." When I didn't speak right, worry about everything, grumble and cry. I honestly believe through my anxiety and my panic-stricken heart, my words didn't match my actions. I realized trusting God has to be more than just words, attitudes and action. Going forward I know trusting in God is possible it's just I've been off my game, or better yet my mojo was completely off. I have allowed circumstance in my life to cloud my judgement. Of course, my emotional state has a huge part to play when it comes to how I have reacted. To say the least, I realise worry is a waste of time, and I must turn my attention to God. Prayer O Heavenly, Father, please forgive me for constantly worryin...