Be Kind!

by Yvette van Niekerk September 30 Be Kind! Galatians 6:10 (TLB) 10 "That's why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers."

I am one of those people who carry my heart on my sleeve, and if someone hurts or offends me, I show it. When I am hurt, I will either get revenge and get them back or avoid them. This process has been part of my life for a very long time; until my husband said to me to drop it. Life is complicated enough and stops being so childish. I was furious when he said that because I was dealing with the people in my way. The funny thing is the Holy Spirit works through many people, even your husband. I was reading this book and the person reminded me to pray about it, give the problem to God and leaves it with God. I still have some fits, I am still human, but I also was reminded that I would give an account one day to God about my bad behaviour. Let me encourage you to pray about the situation and Be Kind to everyone. It takes practice, but in time you will be able to be kind even to those who hurt you. Prayer Lord, as I read Your word today, please help me in letting go and trusting You. Lord, please teach us to be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers. In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen

1st Part of all your income.

by Yvette van Niekerk September 29 1st Part of all your income.

Proverbs 3:9-10(TLB) 9-10 "Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines." Tithing is something I have been practising for a couple of months, and to be honest, and I am blessed so wonderfully. When our resources run out, we have money come in, and we carry on. I have also been able to help my ageing mom. I do want to take a couple of minutes and ask you to give your first Part of all your income and see how God opens heaven for you too. I have found trusting in God all things work together for the good of my own family. I am excited and looking forward to a great future because God is good, and He is in control over my life. You too can experience God's goodness in tithing. Test God and see how He changes your life. Blessed be the name of the Lord, in obedience, I will tithe and trust in You Lord God. Prayer Abba Father I honour You with the first Part of all my income, I believe You can do so much more in my life. I thank You for the job I have enabled me to give You my tithes and to see how you provide going forward. In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen

Persevere

by Yvette van Niekerk September 28

Persevere Hebrews 10:36(TLB) 36 "You need to keep on patiently doing God's will if you want him to do for you all that he has promised." Is there something you are waiting patiently for from God? We all have some needs and desires that we are trusting God will fulfil. For me, it is a permanent job, with benefits and a steady income. What are you waiting for patiently? We need healing in our bodies. We need the relief of our financial strains—restoration in our relationships with family and friends and God. The key to success is written "you need to keep on patiently doing God's will," being obedient and persevering. Patience isn't one of my strong suits, but for my success to come my way, I need to preserve patience and obedience. I need to stay focused on God's word even when I feel down and out. I have to keep Gods name alive within myself. We need to block out all negative thoughts that will break down our confidence in God and focus on God's promises for our lives. "God promises that He has plans to prosper us and give us a future." Prayer Lord as we learn to wait patiently on Your promises in our lives, help us preserve going forward. Guiding and helping us stay focused on Your Word, in Jesus Name, Amen

We are transformed.

by Yvette van Niekerk September 27

We are Transformed. Romans 12:2 (ASV) 2 "And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Looking at myself I am always working on changing my appearance, a little night cream and you know cutting down on my intake of sweets and chocolates. Shedding some weight now and then, but when it comes to transforming my mind. I have to stay focused and study God's word. I have to read the word of God continually, guarding my mind and heart. The metamorphosis takes place the minute a caterpillar creates its cocoon, and after a couple of days, the envelope cracks open. The translucent wings are exposed and fill out with blood, and then the body emerges next and finally, the butterfly is holding onto the cocoon. As Christians, we need to also go through a metamorphosis, and we need to soak ourselves in the Word of God. Every day, consuming as much as we can, praying to ask for a transformation in our own spiritual lives. Prayer Lord God, please help me also become transformed and become more like the Lord Jesus, so that I may experience and prove what; is the right and acceptable and perfect will of God. In Jesus Name, Amen

God merely laughs!

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 26 God merely laughs! Psalm 2:4 (TLB) 4 "But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans." Picture this God, the creator of heaven and earth sitting on His throne looking down on the planet laughing at our puny plans. God knows the plans He has for each one of us, plans to prosper us and not to bring us harm. Here we see God laughing because the projects we are making are puny. Seriously, we think we can sort our lives out, and we believe we have all the answers. The question is, do we know the scope of the plans that God has for each one of us? We do, God said that He has a future planned for us, plans to prosper us and not to bring us harm. The other side of the coin is also evident in Psalms 37 we are reminded that the wicked would fade away in the scorching sun, like grass. Do not be envious of the wicked their days are numbered and they will be no more. You and I are encouraged to take delight in the Lord, and our days will be safe, and the land we live in will be secure. Prayer Lord, I know You are laughing at our puny plans, thank You for Your loving kindness towards each one of us. Thank You that we can delight ourselves in You, thank You for making a future for us to prosper each one of us. In Jesus Name, Amen

You are marvellous!

by Yvette van Niekerk September 25

You are marvellous! Psalm 139:14 (TLB) 14 "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvellous—and how well I know it." Isn't it wonderful to realize that we have been made wonderfully complex! The Lord had made each one of us individually different yet, we have beauty, we have talents and we have so much going for each of us. When looking in the mirror, the reflection staring back at you must remind you that God loved you before you were born. He has created someone amazing and beautiful. We are marvellous. My children address their daughters as gorgeous; this gives my grandchildren such confidence. If you are a woman and feeling a little down today, let me remind you 'you are beautiful, you are lovely, and you are gorgeous. God loves you. God valued you so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you. As you go through your day, remind yourself of your worth and know that you are someone God loves, you are marvellous! Prayer Lord God thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Lord, it amazes me that Your craft is so marvellous and Lord how well I know it. Praise Your Holy Name in Jesus Name, Amen

"He can hear you when you call!"

by Yvette van Niekerk September 24

"He can hear you when you call!" Isaiah 59:1 (TLB) 1 "Listen now! The Lord isn't too weak to save you. And he isn't getting deaf! He can hear you when you call!" When I read this passage, I believe something was happening to me while I was still struggling to find my feet. I work for someone that was a perfectionist, and this manager of mine used to have me in tears every day. I used to cry all the time, my ex-husband was making my life difficult, and this man was even worse. One day I could not take it anymore, and I cried out to the Lord and asked Him, please help me. The pressure was getting to me; my hair was falling out, and I had become thin and miserable. As I sat in my car, reading God's word, I was praying for some relief. I went back to my office and in the bathroom, washing my face and back to my desk. Just as I sat down, I received a call, and someone was inviting me to come for an interview. Impressive, God heard my prayers, and I got the job. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You that You aren't too weak to save me. Thank You that You aren't getting deaf and thank You that You hear when I call on You, in Jesus Holy Name. Amen

And Suddenly!

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 23 And suddenly! Isaiah 48:3 (TLB) 3 "Time and again I told you what was going to happen in the future. My words were scarcely spoken when suddenly I did just what I said." This words still holds for me, I was out of a job for a long time and thing just did not go my way. I thought I had favour with people and it just wasn't true. I had people stab me in the back and left me out to die so to speak. Each day I would take time and meditate on God's Word, I would sit outside next to the swimming pool and read my Bible out loud. I heard God's word and then suddenly I received a phone call asking me if I would like to come and work for a couple of months. Suddenly I had a job and I am good at my job. I have favour with people I didn't even know I had. God worked supernaturally in my favour. Life is good and I am expecting more and more suddenly favour from my living God. Prayer Lord God thank You that You time and again reminded me that my future is in Your hands. Thank You, Lord, that Your words were spoken when suddenly You did just what You said. In Jesus Name, Amen

Perfect Timing.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 17 Perfect Timing. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) 9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up." As a young girl in my Dad's house, I remember him always telling me that it was important for perfect timing. He said that he wanted to still be in the right place at the right time. According to my Dad, it would be the best thing that could happen to him. Now that I am a mother and grandmother, my heart desires that my children and grandchildren have perfect timing. I want them to excel in life and be the best they can be. The thing is the ideal timing to take place. We need to wait on the Lord as He is in control over our lives. The Lord in our lives, we can come into perfect timing as I pray every day I want to make a wall and stand in the gap for my children and grandchildren asking that the Lord will give us the grace to accept what comes our way and be patient in our lives. Prayer Lord as we start today; give us the grace to accept the things we cannot change and help us to stay focused and patient when we want circumstances and situations to change for the better. We love and worship You, Lord, in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen

A shift is coming.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 16 A Shift is coming. Matthew 28:6 (ESV) 6 "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come see the place where he lay." As I think and meditate on these words; I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and I am His child. The incredible fact of the matter is it may have happened 2000 years ago, but He is still with us. I have many dreams and aspirations, and my heart desires to become one of the best authors in the world. My experience is limited, and I don't always have the flow, but in my heart of heart, I believe God will suddenly create a platform where I will push forward. Do you have a dream? Believe in the Lord and trust in Him, I believe there is a shift coming our way. We may think there are limitations on God, but in fact, it isn't true. No doors can stay shut if they open specially for you and me. I want to encourage you today, to get your hopes up and believe that there is a shift coming your way. Prayer Heavenly Father Lord, please let us realize that Your resurrection power is still available today for each one of us. We believe and trust in You and know You will resurrect us suddenly in Jesus Name. Amen

"God will supply every need of yours."

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 15 "God will supply every need of yours." Philippians 4:19(ESV) 19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. " Looking at my own life, I can attest to the goodness and mercy of my Lord God. When I lived with my three children, we struggled to make ends meet, but we never went to bed without eating a meal. I never had enough money to buy the things I loved and desired, but God even supplied according to my desires. I remember there was a blouse that I wanted with animal print on and every time I passed the shop, and I would stop for a moment and look at it. At the end of that, month I received my blouse. It was so beautiful I realize that God knew my hearts desires. My boss went overseas, and I so desired to have a leather purse, and when she returned from Milan, she bought a leather purse for me, which I cherished. Perfume and beautiful gifts and lovely flowers every week when I felt at my lowest; God was supplying according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for supplying according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We appreciate Your goodness and mercy towards us today. I love You, Lord God, in Jesus name. Amen

Pray for our country.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 14 Pray for our country. 1 Timothy 2: 1-2 (ESV) Pray for All People 1 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." We are being encouraged by the Apostle Paul to pray for our country, but thinking about this we should intercede for other countries too. Each day we should take a couple of minutes and make a wall and stand in the gap for our own country and also one of the overseas countries. We must pray for our leaders in political positions. Both you and I want to have peace in our own country, and we want to know that we are safe each day. You know that your prayers impact our lives. I remember when I am honest in humility before God, my prayers answered. By praying for our country, we know that God can change the circumstance for each of us. Be encouraged and stand on God's word today, pray for our country. Prayer Lord, we bring our country leaders before You today. Lord, You know every political person and what is going on in their hearts. Lord, we ask that You will give them wisdom and insight, and we pray for peace in our country in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen

"Goodness and mercy."

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 13 "Goodness and mercy." Psalm 23:6 (ESV) 6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Most people are more positively inclined but on the contrary to most people, and I find that I have very low self-esteem. I tend to speak to myself negatively and harshly. I need to speak into my life, positive thoughts purposefully. Each morning I wake and thank the Lord for another day, and then get busy, once I slow down and have time to myself, the negative thoughts come streaming in. I have so many regrets, and before I realize it, I have cut myself down to nothing. Now I need to pick myself up and keep reminding myself that "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." I have to purposefully stay focused on God's word or me probably with fall into a deep depression. Prayer Lord God, thank you for the Psalms and thank You that I can stand on Your name "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." I cannot make it on my own, and I need You every day. In Jesus name, Amen.

I am giving thanks.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 12 I am giving thanks. 1 Chronicle 16:34 (ESV) 34 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" Each day I am learning how to use the Word of God in praising His name. What makes me grateful? I am happy and thankful for the time I spend in God's presence each day. God knows my every footstep and is directing me. I am grateful that I am learning each day. The Bible shall not depart from my mouth, and I am meditating on it day and night, I am observing it all the time. I am pursuing a life of holiness and purity to draw near to the Lord. I want to know the Ten Commandments and live accordingly. I want to praise God and be free of stress and anxiety. I know faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity in spending time with You. Thank You, Lord, Your mercies are new every day. Prayer Father God, thank You, for Your Son Jesus Christ, who paid the price for my sins. Thank You, Lord, Your lovingkindness and salvation are available to me today. Thank You for my salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. You, Lord Jesus, save me. Amen

Heart in the right place.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 11 Heart in the right place. Jeremiah 38:12-13 (ISV) 12 "Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian told Jeremiah, "Put the worn-out rags and clothes under your armpits under the ropes," and Jeremiah did as he said. 13 They pulled Jeremiah with the ropes and brought him up from the cistern, but Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard." Jeremiah was standing in the mud and had to wait and see what was going to happen. He left the king's house and went to see the king who was sitting in the Benjamin Gate. Ebed-Melech approached the king saying, "My Lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city." The king instructs Ebed-Melech to take thirty men and free Jeremiah from the cistern. Before Ebed-Melech went to rescue Jeremiah, he first went home to collect worn-out rags and clothes. On reaching Jeremiah, he said to Jeremiah "Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes." After which they lifted Jeremiah out of the pit. Prayer Lord help me to act in an unselfish way towards people in need, not being concerned with my comfort or station in life at the time. Let my heart be in the right place and help unconditionally as You do for us each day. In Jesus Name, Amen

Fear the Lord.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 10 Fear the Lord. 1 Samuel 12:24 (ISV) 24 "Only, fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Indeed, consider what great things he has done for you." Walking in obedience has to do with fearing the Lord. We need to keep His commandments and heeding God's specific instructions. When we do what God asks, we are building our houses on a rock. When the rains, floods and wind come up against our house, the foundation holds it in place. Folks who serve the Lord will always honour Him. The fear we are speaking about is respect, worshipping God. Not being afraid and hiding from our God. We revere God as the Almighty God, King of kings, Lord of lords and the one who is our salvation. Obedience is necessary when God calls us to do something. Without faith, it will not be possible to fear God. We wouldn't care what He said or did. Our saving grace is the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of God. Prayer Father God, we know that not everyone who says to You "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of You in heaven. Please help me in turning my ear to hear the law and grow spiritually. In Jesus Name, Amen

The Lord shut the door behind him.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 9 The Lord shut the door behind him. Genesis 7:16 (LEB) 16 "And those that came, male and female, of every living thing, came as God had commanded him. And Yahweh shut the door behind him." What an awesome God we serve Noah was instructed to build the ark. God sent all animals male and female going to Noah's ark. Picture this we are on earth right now because of Noah's faithfulness and obedience to God. God presented an opportunity to Noah. Saving his own family and all the animals we have on earth today. The same applies today in our lives. We are presented with new opportunities each day, and God gives us the right to choose what we want to do with them. We miss out on excellent opportunities. These opportunities slip through our fingers, and other times we seize the moment and take advantage of the possibilities. It's my wish to be aware of new opportunities each day; I want to be in the position to take advantage of what God has placed before me. I also want to know that it all is part of God's will for my own life. Prayer Lord, please help me to be aware of the opportunities. You present to us and help us to take each day as it comes. So that when Lord, You shut the door behind us, we will have made the right choices. In Jesus Name, Amen

Adds length to life.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 8 Adds length to life. Proverbs 3:1-2 (LEB) Wisdom and Piety 1 "My child, do not forget my instruction, and may your heart guard my commands. 2 For the length of days, years of life, and peace they shall add to you." As I meditate and focus on these words of wisdom and piety, I want to encourage you today. The Lord God reminds us to keep His instructions, and we must guard His commands with our hearts. It will increase our day and add years to our life with peace in our lives. Each person is ageing day by day, and we cannot stop the process, but once you have become a Christian and have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into your life, you will become younger through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit renews each of us. I want to praise God and thank Him for the knowledge and the renewing of my mind. I know that I am nothing without God. I remind you and myself; "If God is all I have, I have all I need." John 14, verse 8. Prayer Abba Father. I love You. Lord God with all my heart, body and soul. Lord as I take this word to heart today I pray that Holy Spirit; will help me. Focused on Your instructions and to guard your commands with my heart, in the name of Jesus. Amen

Jesus is the light of the world.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 6 Jesus is the light of the world. John 8:12 (NET Bible) 12 "Then Jesus spoke out again, "I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Jesus Christ is telling us that He is "the light of the world." Let us use an illustration with the moon, for instance. On a really dark night, a full moon lights up the entire place. You can walk around and think it's daylight but in actual fact it's evening. The Lord lights up the world for me in the same way. People who really have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus know this light. Folks who are in a relationship with Jesus are focused. They have renewed their minds, and because of the renewing of their minds, it seems their brains rewired. Become Intune with the Lord Jesus. As you set your account on the day ahead of you I want to encourage you to become Intune with the Lord Jesus, make Him the light of your world. Let the Holy Spirit rewire your mind to the Lord Jesus. Prayer Heavenly Father, today I want to pray to rewire my thinking, help me stay focused on the Light of the World, the Lord Jesus Christ. Touch my heart, body, and soul and renew my way of thinking in Jesus Holy Name. Amen

"In the morning, ..."

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 5 "In the morning, …" Psalm 5: 3 (NIV) 3 "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." Good morning, Lord, is an excellent way to start the day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, and you don't have time to complain and start murmuring, no. It's a good morning. You said it. King David was a man after God's own heart, and he knew to greet the Lord first thing and then he could speak to God and get his day right. Be encouraged today and start your day right with an open heart and mind. You can talk to God, asking Him to hear your voice early in the morning. When speaking to God about all you have on your account and knowing that you can trust Him. As you wait, expecting good things to come your way, don't forget to thank you. Prayer Good morning Lord God, thank You for today, thank You that I can come to You first thing in the morning, speaking of the day ahead of me know You will keep watch over me and I will have a prosperous day. In the name of Jesus, Amen

Where do you hide?

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 4 Where do you hide? Psalm 32: 7 (KJV) 7 "You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance." Child of God let me encourage and remind you today that you are not alone; you have someone that cares deeply for you. You can hide in the safety of the Lord our God. The Lord God is our hiding place, and He preserves us from trouble. Come today and hide behind the Lord your God, don't allow your problems to overwhelm you. As you sit and meditate on these words be encouraged and know that the Lord is your hiding place. You are safe and your troubles will be dealt with. I want to help you to sing your song of deliverance today; you don't have to fear the Lord God is with you. Let us allow the Lord God to put a song of salvation in our hearts. Prayer Heavenly Father thank You for this word, You Lord God are our hiding place, we will be safe with You today because you will preserve us from our troubles and we believe that You will surround us with songs of deliverance. We praise You in Jesus name, Amen

Memorize God's Word.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 3 Memorize God's Word. Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 (ESV) 6 "These words that I command you today shall be in your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Today's devotion is to teach our children the Word of God, diligently. When have you God's word engraved in your own heart, don't you think it would be easy to teach your children? Let us spend more time in God's word. We should memorize God's word each day and get it engraved in our hearts. I love God and it is so important to me to grow spiritually. I want to encourage you to take this command seriously and take God's word into your own heart. In doing this, you will be able to take the time and teach your children diligently. Have you watched other religions? They teach their children diligently and keep at it until they know their faith. Prayer Lord God in obedience we humbly come before you today, please create a hunger and thirst to study Your word. Lord help us to realize your command in our hearts and mind so that we can teach our children diligently. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen

They were praying behind closed doors.

by Yvette van Niekerk September 2

They were praying behind closed doors. Matthew 6:6 (AMP) 6 "But when you pray, go into your most private room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you." Prayer is our communication tool when we want to speak to the Lord our God. We go into our private room, closing the door and then start praying. In private, we can speak our minds and hearts out before the Lord our Father. Is something heavy on your heart today? Why don't you take this time and go into your private room? Speak earnestly to the Father; bring before Him your problems. As Christians, we have an advocate waiting to stand in the gap for us. His name is the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to encourage you today. Pray for your relationships, finances, and illness to the Lord. Believe in your soul and heart that the Lord will answer your prayers. Prayer Father God, in faith we stand before You today, please help each of us face today, guide us and show us the way forward in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

God with you.

by Yvette van Niekerk

September 1 God with you. Exodus 33: 14 (NAS) 14 "And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." Did you see the promise this morning? God said, "My presence shall go with you." I do not think we understand the impact of these words in our own lives but let us focus and meditate on them today. God's presence with you today; it is incredible. God is personally accompanying you wherever you are going. Any storms in your life are not put aside, but now you can stop and ask, "Lord God, I have this problem, please can you help me?" Did you get that? God is with you right now, and you don't have to worry, God said He would give you rest. You can rest in the Lord God. May the storms in your life calm down and may the Lord God give you the necessary wisdom and insight to deal with them. As you take this promise with you today, meditate on it and see how God works wonders in your life today. Prayer O Lord, thank You for this promise. Thank You that Your presence is with me today, that I can find rest in You Lord. Bless each person reading this scripture today. Let Your Holy Spirit awaken their hearts to Your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen