Do not pay back evil for evil

October 31

Do not pay back evil for evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NLT) 15 "See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and all people." It's human nature to take revenge on someone who has hurt you. You would say haha, laughing at this statement. Do you know what so and so did to me yesterday? I am going to repay him or her back. It happens that we find people mistreat us and they think they can get away with it. So how can we change our reaction to this statement? The Apostle Paul lived 2000 years ago; he would not understand the people of today. Nothing has changed, people are people, and we tend to pay back evil for evil. How can we change this reaction? I know it will be hard to do this without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We need someone to help us stop acting out. How can we reverse this reaction? If we have to change our perspective on people, we need the help of the Holy Spirit today. With Him, we have the power to change any situation. The devil waits for you and me at every intersection, it's his hope and desire to kill each one of us. So when we act on our revenge we are actually taking part in the devil scheme to kill and steal. Now he is using us in confusing our values so that good appears to be evil, and evil appears to be good. Now, what is the answer to this problem? Paul writes; in Ephesians 6 verse 11: "Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's scheme." We can unmask Satan and defeat his schemes, and that's through a close walk with God, a daily study of the Scriptures. We need to pray. We need to guard our minds, our mouths and our morals. It's not necessary to pay back evil for evil. The minute we forgive someone who offended us we are able to move forward. Prayer Good morning Father God, LORD, please forgive me, I am so guilty of taking offence. I seem to believe everyone is against me. I confess I do take revenge. Today, I pray Lord God, renew my mind. I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me. I have not allowed Him to help me deal with my own iniquity. Forgive me, I have sinned against You Lord my God. I humble myself before You and I pray, help me let go of offences and forgive immediately. I want to walk with You, Lord. Help me be the lessor in any given situation. I want to practice humility. I'm in trouble. Please forgive me in Jesus Name, Amen

"Don't give up."

October 30 "Don't give up." Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 9 "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Most people get tired and are not in the mood for doing what is right. They sometimes do what is necessary because "no one cares." Today I want to encourage you not to give up. Yes, sometimes people take advantage of you, and you really go the extra mile, yet people misuse you and let you down. My suggestion to you is: take a break, take some time for being alone in the morning, relax a little and give yourself breathing space. Now, after this couple of minutes, hours or half-day go back and do your best. Remember that excellence is a state of mind; you are excellent. You know what is right and you have practiced it all year round, don't give up now. You don't know when you are going to reap your harvest of blessings. Stay focused on end. Prayer Abba Father, this time of year is dreadful, and we get tired of doing good, people disappoint us always. Remind us that You are still in control and that we will reap what we have sown. Help us stay focused in Jesus Name, Amen.

The righteous will "be long remembered."

October 29

The righteous will "be long remembered." Psalm 112:6 (NLT) 6 "Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered." Matthew Arnold wrote, "Christ came to reveal what righteousness is." The Lord Jesus defends the defenseless and the beaten-down he comforts. Jesus Christ feeds the hungry and, healed the sick; touching the dirty and offensive, and He suffered for you and me, we didn't deserve it. Let us praise the Lord Jesus for His compassion and for demonstrating it to us today. We are trying to imitate Him, but still, we lack the kindness and love needed to grow. I still wonder how to live out a righteous life. Is it by acting and trying to be pure in heart? We need to do acts of kindness and love our enemies as we love ourselves. We know the Lord Jesus was very involved with the poor and sick people in His time. He cared for their wellbeing, are we doing the same? Can we say "I am the righteousness of God in Christ?" Prayer Heavenly Father, I want to offer You a great sacrifice of my love. I am praying to create in my a pure heart and a right spirit with You. Please, Lord forgive me my iniquities, and I am the righteousness of God in Christ today. Amen.

"A Godly life."

October 28

"A godly life." 1 Timothy 6:11 (NLT) Paul's Final Instructions 11 "But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy that he is a man of God and that he should run from all the evil things in this world. Timothy was a young man and learning to live a "godly life," as do many of us these days. So exactly how do we pursue a holy life? To my thinking, one should always guard your heart because of it in our hearts that we allow things to take root. I love chocolates and can crave it all the time. We need to keep desiring the "Word of God." Invest in spending time in God's word, read and pray without stopping. We build our religion in attending church as often as we can, it keeps us connected to fellow believers. An example, if you take a burning coal from the fire and set is aside it starts to cool down. In due course the coal becomes ash, it doesn't have the fire to keep its heat. Attending church is good for all who want to experience the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God's Spirit moves when there are more than one believer attending church. This is how we build our fellowship with people and draw closer to God. Prayer Lord God, today I want to be in pursuit of a godly life. Holy Spirit please teach me to guard my soul and renew my mind. Taking hold of Your Word today, help me to get rid off my bad habits. As a child of God, I want to keep my light shining for You Lord, Jesus. Lord, here I am, please help me today, to stay focused on all that is good, pure and Holy. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Find life? In the Lord Jesus Christ

October 27 Find Life? Proverbs 21:21 (NLT) 21 "Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." Are you pursuing righteousness and unfailing love? Proverbs says we will find life when we pursue righteousness. We all are living according to some code or value system. We do things in a specific way believing it enriches out lives. Righteousness is the right standing with the Lord God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. To find life, we need to live righteous lives. By confessing the following "I am the righteousness of God in Christ." We start living our lives stretching out toward the Lord God. Our confession brings us into right standing with God. The Holy Spirit within us reminds us of our right standing with the Lord God through the Lord Jesus Christ. We make a 180 degree turn back to the Lord God, we are grabbing hold of the Lord God in repentance of our sin. I know the Lord Jesus Christ has been my salvation and I am holding onto Him. Jesus died on the cross for my sins as well as your. Prayer Father God, we are pursuing you today. In repentance stand before You, please Lord forgive us our sins. You died on the cross for me, I am asking come into my heart today. Forgive me my sinful nature, I accept You Lord Jesus Christ, as my Lord and my savior. I confess I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am born again of Jesus Christ, You are my Lord and my savior. As we seek Your kingdom, add onto us as promised in Matthew 6 verse 33. In Jesus Name, Amen.

"God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

October 26 "God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) 7 "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." The age we live in is very wealthy, people have many resources available to them. The challenge lays in giving when you know people are in need. Being generous seems to be a mind set. You are generous or you aren't. As simple as that. We read in todays scripture "decide in your heart how much to give." As a working person I gave my tithings and some to people I knew that were in need. Something that makes me angry is when pressured to give money and I wasn't prepared for it. I once came out of the shops and a beggar stood between me and my car begging for money, I felt pressured to give her money. She didn't allow me to get into my car. This made me angry, I decided that when someone puts pressure on you to give money that money cannot be a blessing. Going forward it's a good thing to help people in need, I find that being generous God blessings come to me. It's a wonderful feeling when you see God, open doors that were otherwise closed. God is faithful and He is always looking how He can bless each one of us. The Grace of God rests on people who have a giving heart, He blesses each one of us with good fortune. Prayer Father God, thank you, for blessing my finances so that I may be a blessing to other people. Thank you, Lord that You have taught me to be a cheerful giver, I like to give without reproach. My heart feels happy when I am able to bless other people. Because I know Lord, You bless me each day. I have never gone without anything I need, by Your Grace. Lord, I am grateful to You for open doors of great opportunities, blessings undeserved. I praise You and worship You Lord Jesus, as I come into Your presence today. You are more than Holy, You are all I need. I love You, Lord Jesus. Amen

"Let your eyes observe my ways."

October 23 "Let your eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:26 (RSV) 26 "My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways." Son or daughter; did you read today? O dear Lord, as we meditate and focus on Your Words of wisdom today, here are our hearts. We are people with many exciting lives, and sometimes we lose hope and sometimes we don't always come to You. As we reminded today to give You our hearts, we also want to ask You to help us in observing Your Ways. There are so many things keeping us busy that we lose sight of what is essential. Lord, sometimes we need You to come closer to us so that we can observe Your ways. Today is one of those days, help us understand Your word and help us to live the lives You have planned for us. As little children, we sit and wait for Your guidance, and we are eager to learn from You today. As we train our eyes to stay focused on You today, we pray to ask for the right attitude with You Lord as well as with people. Prayer Heavenly Father, today we give You our hearts and Lord we set our sights on You, we want to learn more of You and become more like You. Help and guide us in the name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.

"Clean hands and a pure heart."

October 22 "Clean hands and a pure heart." Psalm 24:3-5 (RSV) 3 "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive a blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation." Who can stand in the presence of the Lord? David reminds us that the person with clean hands and a pure heart can come before the Lord. Do you want to come before the Lord our God today? Scripture reminds us that we must not come with falseness before the Lord. If there is deceitfulness in our hearts, confess it and ask God to forgive us today. Why hold onto bitterness and stay angry? Let it go, make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Are your hands clean? Do you cuss underneath your breath? Today consider giving margin, providing leeway's, leaving a gap, creating a space. The Lord is telling us to create a space in our lives and in our world for other people to make mistakes. It means everyone in your life and in your world who offends you, must be let off the hook. Come clean with God, confess the hurts and pain you feel. Believing in forgiveness of sins and remember God forgave you. He has given you leeway now you can do the same for other people. Let it go and move on with your life. I want to be like the Lord Jesus and when I pray for clean hands and a pure heart, I trust the Lord Jesus is hearing me. My greatest opportunity is to become more like Jesus Christ when I am offended. Prayer O Lord God, I confess that many times I have a terrible attitude thinking no one will know my heart, but You do. I pray, please forgive me, create in me a pure heart and clean my hands. Help me see the other person as You do today. Remind me that I have no idea of what they are going through. If I did I will understand them better, forgiving them the offenses against me. Seeing their brokenness they are experiencing and give allowance for their faults. Please forgive me for my emotional response. My limited perspective on their life, and mine. I am praying create in me a pure heart and clean hands, I forgive them, please Lord forgive me. In Jesus Christ my Lord, and my savior. Amen

"I shall come forth as gold."

October 21 "I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10 (RSV) 10 "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Lessons learned throughout my life span; nothing stays the same even if you don't do anything to change it. It's silly to think this way. The fact is things happen, circumstances change all the time. As a person I change my mind all the time. What might be very important yesterday is another something today. What is on my mind right now, what should I be doing today? Working all day long, getting home and preparing dinner for my family? After the dinner, we get the dishes washed and sit down to watch something on TV, take a bath and go to bed. The circle of my life seems so mundane, constant repetition. Reading the book of Job, I noticed he went through so much. He lost everything, even his children. Then I see Job states "I shall come forth as gold." Prayer Father God, I have not gone through the same difficulties and troubles Job has. I do not have the strength, wisdom or understanding he had to face even the trial I am facing today. I do want to pray "let me come forth as gold." I don't want to be a disappointment to You today, guide me Holy Spirit and make my path straight. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

The Lord is Good

October 20 The Lord is Good. Lamentations 3:25 (RSV) 25 "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him." How to wait on the LORD? I pose the question? Sitting here in my study waiting for the LORD, I wait in a quiet place. Considering my surroundings and all the people in my space. Staying focused is a problem I seem to get bored and start playing around. I never learned how to meditate on the Word. I have experienced God's presence many times and yet I struggle to draw near to Him. I have learned that I want a specific answer and God doesn't give it the way I want it. It is compelling how awesome and beautiful our Lord is when we wait on Him. He will reveal Himself to you. The way to draw near to God is to open your Bible to your reading for the day. Take time in reading and allowing God to speak to you. Now look for a verse that speaks into your heart. Write it down in your journal. What caught your attention in what you read? What is God saying to you in this scripture? Now, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. I like to personalise what I have read and apply it to my day. It might be instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or a correction for a particular area of my life. Prayer Lord God, please hear my request today, I want to draw near to You. Help me stay focused and meditate on Your Word. Teach me Holy Spirit and guide me in Jesus Name. Amen

A new Challenge

October 19

A new Challenge. Joshua 14:12 (RSV) 12 "So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day; for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities: it may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out as the Lord said." Facing new challenges can be daunting, and as I grow older, I realize that it can throw me off at the time. I say, "Lord God, give me this hill country." I have the necessary strength; I have the knowledge and know-how. I feel that I am still able to make a difference. I want to be like Caleb, not afraid of going for the next challenge, climbing the mountain as they present themselves to me. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If you need a new challenge, ask the Lord to give it to you, young or old you are able. God will equip you for the next job. Lord, I know You have a good plan for my life, and I want to be part of the new challenge show me how Lord. Prayer O Lord God ~ You know that I am currently looking for a good job, that I need to work so that I can help my husband and family. I feel that I am capable of so much more, today I pray to open the right doors for me, let me climb my next mountain. In Jesus Name, Amen.

You are my shelter.

October 8 You are my shelter.

Psalm 73:28 (NKJV) 28 "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works." Picture this: you phone your mom, and she is crying on the other side of the line. The feeling of helplessness falls onto you. As you try and console her, you pray you to hope prayers will be heard. Finally, after speaking to my mom, I humbly pray to ask the Lord my God to please intervene for her and my stepdad. Just before I knock off, I receive a call concerning my work and the way I have done the job. It sounds like I am just not capable of doing a good job, and the manager on the other side feels that I should have gone the extra mile. I feel taken aback and hurt because I felt that I have been doing more than a good job. As I walk out of the office, one of my colleagues tell me the manager escalated the matter, but that I should not worry I was to the right. Praise God! Prayer Lord, God, I want to pray and give you all the honour and praise. Lord, You are my shelter. You, Lord, have come through for my mom and me. Lord, thank You for Your hand over my life as well as over my family and friend's lives. We are nothing without You. Praise Your Holy Name, in Jesus Name. Amen

"You don't have to fight this battle."

October 7

"You don't have to fight this battle." 2 Chronicles 20:1 (NKJV) 17 "You will not need" to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! "Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you." Companies retrench people when they feel you are redundant. It's hard when you lose your work it can be trying. I remember when my husband came home, telling me they retrenched him. I felt our lives would fall apart. The Lord God is always watching, and He never let any harm come our way. Yes, my husband didn't have a steady job, but at least he received a contract to work for five years. God said that God would never leave us or forsake us. He provided an income for the next five years. We hoped for a permanent job, and we wanted all the benefits. My husband still has a job, and we are living in our house. God supplies according to our needs. We do not have to fear. Prayer Heavenly Father, we can only say thank You, Lord. You are always watching out for us. We have in enough, and You keep us safe in Your hand. Your mercies are new every day. Thank You, Lord, in Jesus Name Amen.

You are not forsaken.

October 5

You are not forsaken. Deuteronomy 31:8 (Revised Edition) (NABRE) 8 "It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed." On a personal note, I am grateful for these words of encouragement. The Lord says that He goes before us. We are encouraged that He will be with us and will never fail or forsake us. We should not fear nor be dismayed. As I grow older, I feel uncertain and worried about my future, but I must be honest and tell you on a personal note, God has not forsaken me. There are days when I feel uncertain, but in those moments, I turn my heart to the Lord God, calling out "Please don't forsake me, Lord." I believe God hears me. He will be with me and will never forsake or leave me. I know life can be full of uncertainty, but there is someone that I can turn. I want to encourage you today that God can comfort us wherever we find ourselves in this world. Prayer Lord God I take refuge in You, and I realize that You will be with me and that You will never leave me nor forsake me, I will not fear today and I will not be dismayed. I love You, Lord, in Jesus Name, Amen.

It was filled with laughter.

October 4

It was filled with laughter. Psalm 126:2 (AMPC) 2 "Then were our mouths filled with laughter and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, and The Lord has done great things for them." I don't know many people who can show appreciation and thankfulness on receiving gifts. Some will just smile and nod saying thank you and the others really appreciate their gifts. One of the things I cannot hide is my surprise and appreciation. My mom loves watching me when she gives me gifts. She tells me it's like watching a little child receive gifts. On receiving the gift, I would beam, my face lights up and I laugh, I really cannot help myself. On opening my gift, I will show my appreciation and my eyes, my lips and my whole coming to life. I love gifts even if they are small. I show my appreciation and love being spoilt. When the Lord sends me something unexpectedly, I do the same, I say, "Thank You Lord" loud and laugh and sing and dance. Do you do the same? God enjoys giving us gifts; we must be open to receive them. Prayer O Lord, You know that I do appreciate the gifts You send me. I remind myself of the gift over the weekend; it was unexpected, and so at the right time. I want to ask to bless my daughter with a gift to me and bless You, Lord, for spoiling me through her. I love You in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

The Lord answered.

by Yvette van Niekerk

October 3 The Lord answered. 1 Samuel 30:8 (AMPC) 8 "And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them? The Lord answered him, Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail to recover all." Picture this while you are down on your knees and in humble prayer, and everything seems to tumble around you. Tears are running down your cheeks, and you have no other resources available to you. You are sitting on the floor with your Bible in hand. You are reminded of something you're read in 1 Samuel. You are paging through the Book of 1 Samuel, and your eye catches verse 8. A sudden realization comes over you, God just answered you. The feeling of dread and fear depart from you as you focus and meditate on the words "pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail to recover all." God is so good and faithful to the extent of answered prayer. We hear His voice through the Word of God, or a friend will be talking, and they will lift us. Prayer Heavenly Father, please Lord God, we always need Your direction in our lives. We need to have answered prayers. Lord, thank You that You work in mysterious ways and always answer us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Find strength in the Lord.

by Yvette van Niekerk

October 2 Find strength in the Lord. 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIVUK) 6 "David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. King David faced death, and his men were angry with him for their wives and children had been abducted. They were talking about stoning King David. King David must have felt wretched, but he went to the Lord, his strength was in the Lord. Picture your struggling work, and your manager has been carrying on like a lunatic. Threats of dismissal are hanging around your head. Who do you call? The time to come in prayer before the Lord, looking to the Lord to help you and strengthen you. Because you and I have a personal relationship with the Lord, we can draw on His wisdom, insight, and knowledge and sort out the problem we are facing. Prayer Lord God, in humbleness we come to You this morning. You know our circumstances and what we are facing right now. Lord, please will You bless us with Your supernatural favour today and give us the necessary strength to carry on. In the Name of Jesus, Amen

Wisdom bestows well-being

by Yvette van Niekerk October 1 Wisdom bestows well-being.

Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIVUK) 21 "My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck." Pearls of wisdom are in the Book of Proverbs, and as I read these verses, I am so enthusiastic and looking forward to growing spiritually. We are encouraged to stay focused on wisdom and understanding and not letting it out of our sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion. Our lives will be worth living, and it can see as an ornament of grace around our necks. Don't stop now go and read Probers 3 and see from verses 26 to 31 the benefits of wisdom. The Lord will be at your side and keep your foot from being snared. We also are reminded to do good to our neighbours and to live in peace with them. Keeping our lives safe from harm and blessing our lives. Godly lives are what we all as Christians are striving for, and with these keys of wisdom, we can enrich our lives. Prayer O Lord God we so want to live our lives according to Your word, we focus on wisdom and understanding today, helping us preserve sound judgment and discretion. Lord in the name of Jesus Christ help, each one of us today to grow spiritually. Amen