Gossip

by Yvette van Niekerk

 June 30

Gossip.

Proverbs 17: 4 (AMP)

4 "An evildoer gives heed to wicked lips, and a liar listens to a mischievous tongue."

  Matthew 18, verses 15 to 17, a discussion takes place around a brother who sinned against someone. It says, "that if you can speak to him/her about the problem directly and try and sort it out." And if he heard you and you sorted out the issue great job. If you aren't able to sort out the problem, go and ask a couple of fellow believers and sit down and discuss the issue. If he doesn't listen to them, take it to the church and if he doesn't listen to the church, treat him like a pagan or tax collector. But don't go and gossip about him.

Proverbs 20 verse 19 says: "A gossip betrays a confidence;" this person has no regard for other people. They enjoy the moment of glory and fame. "Did you hear?" The moment someone says: 'did you hear,' let us stop the conversation. It's rude, and we are getting a second-hand impression of this person. Speak directly to the person.

Prayer

O LORD, my God, please forgive me if I speak ill of my family and friends. Gossiping isn't something I do, but should I talk about the evil of anybody, please Holy Spirit show me. I need to be healthy and courageous. In Jesus Name, Amen.

#teapot #tuesday

 by Yvette van Niekerk

#teapot #tuesday

I believe that I'm an old fashioned girl who loves teapots and doilies and all antiques. 

I realised when my daughter immigrated to Australia. She had to leave all her beautiful things behind. When I was visiting my brother, he also reminded me that no one appreciates the things I hold dear to my heart. 

I started making tea in the teapots that I received as gifts from my children and my husband.

So today, using one of my favourite little teapots. I will be posting a teapot every day and then tell you how I felt about the cup of tea.

How does this make me feel? I feel especially grateful to enjoy my cup of tea. As I sit in the sun on my stoep relaxing. So what is precious to you? 

Pray for your Pastors

by Yvette van Niekerk

 

June 29

Pray for your Pastor.

Ephesians 6: 19 (AMP)

19 "And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel)."

  The Apostle Paul asks the believers in Ephesus to "Pray for me, that freedom of utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim the mystery of the good news ~ the Gospel boldly." Do you ever think of praying for your Pastor?

I never thought about it until our Pastor asked the congregation to please pray for him. As time went by a couple of older people were praying for our Pastor. He mentioned that he felt his preaching seemed a little easier. The Pastor asked the congregation to attend church in the week; to pray for the church and the Pastor. We must bring our Pastors before God, and they need our prayers. The Holy Spirit can work in our lives while we pray for them. Our Pastors are looking after our spiritual growth, and we should view them as our religious parents.

Prayer

Father God, we pray that our Pastors will have the freedom of utterance to open their mouths in proclaiming the mysteries of the good news to us and the world boldly. In Jesus Name, we pray, Amen!