Holy Spirit

Good morning, today I want to talk about ‘how can I activate the powerhouse of God, within me?’ So what do I mean? Well, how can I cooperate with the Holy Spirit and become a Samson or even an Elijah? I know wishful thinking. The truth is I have been focusing on my problem and not on God's Word.

Samson Samson today would be the guy going to the gym, eating healthily every day and part of his day meditating on God's Word. Judges 15: 14 – 16 “When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came to meet him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully on him, and the ropes that were on his arms and wrists became like burnt flax and fell off. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand took it and killed a thousand men with it. Then Samson said: with the jawbone of a donkey I have piled them in heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey I have killed a thousand men.” Samson was an ordinary guy the extraordinary was the powerhouse of God within him. The Holy Spirit came powerfully on him. Without the Holy Spirit, Samson cannot do the things he did. Elijah Elijah was an ordinary guy too. He was afraid of the threats of a woman and he run away to hide from her. Hiding in the wilderness Elijah asked God to kill him so he didn’t have to face her. But Elijah became powerful once the Holy Spirit came upon him. I love the piece where Elijah calls fire from heaven killing 450 Baal prophets and outran the king’s chariot. And he did it all in one day see: 1 Kings 18 and 19. I want the Holy Spirit to also move in me. I do believe that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman and he doesn’t act on impulse. He assesses the situation with wisdom and understanding to the extent I do not even think I can imagine. My questions: Why have you not worked in my life Holy Spirit? What do I need to do to have You act with me? I know You are living here right inside of me. What must I do to activate You? I am learning to speak God’s Word each day. Do I need to repent of my sins? Would You please show me so that I can repent and be acceptable to you? Prayer LORD thank you for your Word. Today I am opening a door so that the Holy Spirit may come in and help me. I am learning the Word and I want to develop an awareness of the Holy Spirit within me. Today I speak the Word and ask that the Holy Spirit be my powerhouse and activate the Word on my behalf. ‘I serve the LORD, my GOD, and he blesses my bread and my water and he takes sickness away from my midst. (Exodus 23: 25) LORD, I have received the Holy Spirit; so I have received power!’ Acts 1: 8. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Blessing for Grandchildren

18 December 2022 Salvation LORD, today I want to pray for the salvation of Gizel, Anabelle, Briana, Cuba and Devan. LORD, I want to ask you to guide them as they make choices that have eternal consequences. LORD, let them claim the Lord Jesus Christ as their saviour. Help them walk with you during their lives. Let them come to love and know you more. May they develop a relationship with you, and please straighten the path ahead of them. Let there be moments in their lives that they can pinpoint and say: “the Lord help me here.” In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Prayer for my grandchildren - Respect for Authority

December 17, 2022 Respect for Authority Good morning, today I want to dedicate my grandchildren to God’s hand. Lord, today I want to pray that Gizel, Anabelle, Briana, Cuba and Devan have respect for authority. Lord instil a high regard for our government and law enforcers. May they also enjoy a great relationship with their parents, teachers and coaches? When they start work, may they have a good relationship with their bosses and managers? In Jesus's name, amen.

Grandchildren prayers - Friends

16 December 2022 Good morning, let's pray for our grandchildren. Today I want to pray for the friends they make. Loving heavenly Father, I want to pray for Gizel, Anabelle, Briana, Cuba and Devan. Lord, I pray for friends who will love and encourage my grandchildren. May they enjoy the good times and bring laughter to my grandchildren. And in any division Lord, I pray You will drive out the wedge of division and bring healing. Lord give them wisdom, understanding and discernment. If there are cliques make them aware of it and keep them from dangerous or foolish behaviour. So they may avoid any harm to themselves or their friends. Fill each child’s life today with close and caring relationships. In Jesus Christ's name amen.

The Perfect Marriage Partner

Good morning, today I want to think about my children and also my family's children. Finding the perfect marriage partner is key to a happy and healthy marriage. I know from experience life is hard at times and when there is no trust the marriage fails. I have been thinking about this for some time, it’s important to pray for our adult children. Let them find the perfect marriage partner. I know my youngest son has a specific wife in mind. He has placed the bar high, and the woman he wants to marry needs to fit into this category. My nephew asked me to pray for a good, loving wife. He wants someone who will appreciate and love him for who he is. I declare and pray for love, understanding, peace and kindness in my niece's marriage. The necessary trust, devotion and understanding for each other. Then my two stepchildren need to find marriage partners. I know my stepson wants someone who will understand and love him. My stepdaughter, if she wants to marry let it be, if she wants to remain single then give her peace of mind. I pray for love, understanding, respect and trust for my eldest son's relationship. They got engaged and are planning on getting married. I wish them all prosperity and plenty in their future. All the happiness and good things life has to offer. Blessings to their beautiful young children. Safety and protection each day. I pray for my daughter's marriage, let them be safe and happy, and enjoy the trust and respect for each other. Blessings to them and their two beautiful daughters. Let there be love, understanding, respect and trust for each other. I don’t know if I missed anything specific, my brother’s children are both in relationships too. I pray for their relationships as well as their grandchildren. That they too may enjoy, peace of mind, love each other, respect each other and trust each other. But the key to all these relationships is Jesus Christ. I pray Jesus over every one of them. Prayer Heavenly Father, today I dedicate my children, my grandchildren and my stepchildren. My sister's children and my brother's children and grandchildren. Lord, unless you plan that they remain single, You will send them a perfect marriage partner. Lord, send each unmarried young adult their perfect marriage partner. Give them the understanding and wisdom to know they are the right person for each of them. Lord, guide these young people in being submissive enough to hear Your voice when it comes time to get married. Lord, let them trust You with their decision and lean not on their understanding. Lord, let them acknowledge you in all their ways and listen to Your direction. Prepare their perfect marriage partners in advance for each person. Lord, let them be aware of You and let them trust in You when deciding to get married. Lord, help them to understand they need Your blessing in their marriage to make it work. Let the person they choose be a devoted servant of You, someone who loves You and lives Your way. Lord, I pray that there be no divorce in their future. I pray for the deliverance of divorce. Lord, also let there be no mental illness or emotional or physical abuse for any of these young adults. Let each one enjoy a life filled with close friendships with their partners. May they enjoy loyalty, and compassion, be considerate and sensitive, respectful, affectionate, forgiving, and supportive. Let them be caring and loving towards each other all the days of their lives. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

Granddaughters prayers - Courage

by Yvette van Niekerk

December 15, 2022 Good morning, today I want to pray for Gizel, Anabelle and Briana my beautiful granddaughters. Lord may each granddaughter of mine stand firm for what is right, give them the courage they need to face today. Help them guard the truth and see justice in every aspect of life. Lord please gives them the ability to stand in grace. Let them revere Your name and be proud to proclaim You are Lord of lords and King of kings. In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen

Granddaughters prayer - emotional development

December 14, 2022 Good morning, I want to pray for my granddaughters Gizel, Anabelle and Briana. Emotional development is so important in life. Father God, You know each girl, and I know You are the Creator of our bodies and mind. Lord create in Gizel, Anabelle and Briana the ability to deal with emotions. Strengthen them today if they feel confused, give them clarity of mind help them focus. We all face dark times, and should this arise at any time in their lives I pray give them hope for the future. Lord, let Your Holy Spirit fill them today, as a ray of sunlight shine over them and keep them safe. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Who am I to be today?

Good morning, the question that is laying heavily on my heart today is “Who am I to be today?” When I was going to bed last night I was contemplating revenge. I am so angry about a situation in my life right now. I thought okay, let’s me see “don’t get mad, get even.” This morning I woke up, sat down and started my prayers. I started off praying for my granddaughters asking God to give them courage and let them seek mercy. I was also thinking let the Lord teach them grace and peace in their lives. How can I be so angry and keep revenge in my heart? Of course, I will let it go. Thinking about my thoughts, of taking revenge I realised this is going to turn me into an old hag. So that brings me to ‘who am I to be today?’ Right now I know that I am supposed to be a gracious forgiving person. I know that I am to let go, and let God. So I have decided to trust in God. Lord, my prayer is simple and I want to pray that You O God, will vindicate me. Please will you plead my cause against the person? I am asking You Lord to rescue me. I declare Lord God You are my stronghold. Please do not reject me. Please let me be free from this oppression I am facing today. Lord send forth your light and your truth. Lord guide me and let me bring joy to You. Bring me into your Holy Mountain to the place where You dwell. I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you, O God, my God. Because my soul is downcast and disturbed within me, I will put my hope in You Lord, God. I will praise You and love you as You are my Savior and my God. Who am I to be today? I am Forgiving and merciful, trusting in God who is Sovereign. Who will you be today?

by Yvette van Niekerk

December 13, 2022 Good morning, I want to pray for my granddaughters Gizel, Anabelle and Briana. Father God, I want to pray for my granddaughters. You know the world is pressing in and tempting each child, in so many ways. Lord, I want to pray to ask for help for each girl to set boundaries, for their protection. Lord, I am asking that You give each girl a sound judgment to choose wisely. Lord, guard them against temptation; and please protect them from physical and mental predators. Lord, lead my granddaughter into paths of righteousness and light. Lord reassures me with Your promises that You are holding each girl in Your hands today. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen

Meditate … “Yvette, you will meditate on it [the Word] day and night.”

by Yvette van Niekerk

Good morning, Today I want to speak to you about meditation. It’s something that has been weighing heavy on my heart these past few months. What is meditation? Meditation is when you read something – the Word of God. Then you start to take it into your heart in a very personal way. Now after taking it into your heart, apply it to your daily life. Apply God’s Word in my life, I am reading the Word and when it comes to the scripture about blessing and prosperity. I say “Amen, Hallelujah! I take that Word from God. He says that He will meet all my needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Read Philippians 4 verse 19. I am expecting Him to do that in my life. For a long time, I have been reading God’s Word, the Bible like any other book. But the last couple of days I have thought about it and decided to see what I can learn. I also am thinking it's Words from God, speaking to me each day. What is God saying to me? I am starting to realise that God is speaking to me. When someone speaks to me I look at them, listen to what they are saying and respond to whatever is being said. Going forward I am reading the Word of God, [The Bible] to hear what the Lord is saying to me. I am trying to digest the Word and apply it in my own life. When it comes to God’s Word I want to take it so that it moves from my head to my heart. I want to become a new creation, revived in the Word, I want God’s Word to wash my soul clean. In Joshua 1 verse 8 I see “I meditate on God’s Word day and night. I observe to do it and I have success!” Prayer from Psalm 119: 73 – 80 Yodh Good morning Father God, according to Psalms 119 verses 73 to 80 I want to pray the Word and ask that Your Holy Spirit will work in my life today. “Lord Your hands made me and formed me; please give me the understanding to learn your commands. Lord May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I [Yvette] have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness, you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Please Lord, let your compassion come to me [Yvette] that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause, but I [Yvette] will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my [Yvette] heart be blameless towards your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” Thank You, Father God, I pray this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ my saviour. Amen

Moments

by Yvette van Niekerk

Good morning The past couple of days, moments are coming up in every conversation. We do remember moments in our lives. I started to think of defining moments in my own life. The day each one of my children was born. I think about the day I decided to divorce my husband. I think about the day I remarried. I think about moments of desperation and fear that gripped my heart to the extent that I was sure that I might have a heart attack. Something I have come to realise the little things we do in life prepares us for something greater. I think of the day I decided to start baking. To be honest I didn’t know much about baking but I thought to myself if so and so can bake then so can I. My first cake was very large, I was so proud of myself. I thought I did a great job. Only to discover the cake didn’t have a nice taste, it could have been baked bread. Tasteless, the icing sugar could have been spiced up. In general, the cake looks good for a novice but the cake missing something. I didn’t know it at the time so I decided to bake the same cake for my mom. You know to show her my newfound skills. She called me and said “Yvette this cake is terrible. You should find another recipe.” I was a bit taken aback because I thought it was great. Yes, it looked beautiful, but true the taste was terrible. Did I go and sit in a corner and cry? No, I thought about the recipe and decided to try something else. It was hard work and then I started baking more cakes. The people love my cakes. I know what has baking cakes to do with being a Christian. I think it’s about the journey, the time we spend in God’s Word, and the time we spend in prayer and meditation. It’s a life of practice. I am constantly trying to find out what God has in store for my life. It’s my hope and prayer that I can leave a positive mark on this world. Am I able to do good in the lives of the people I love and care for? My moments are rocky and it’s difficult. I doubt I am perfect and I do suffer from a lot of negative thinking. I have been wondering how on earth can I become a better person. I spend a lot of time cooking, cleaning, the mundane things in life. I don’t believe I have an impact on anybody around me. As I think about my moment today, let’s read this message about the Lord Jesus. In Matthew 4: 1 – 11 “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written, Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall and worship me.” Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him. As I meditate on God’s word today, I want to be open to hearing the Lord speak to me. I need to practice this and the best way I can do this is by meditating on the Word. Jesus knew who He was and He stood on every word written in God’s Word. I don’t always act appropriately and I struggle with all kinds of emotions and stuff. So if there is someone imperfect you are reading all about it. Nothing I do is perfect, I am a copycat and I doubt I even am worthy of coming into the Lord’s presence Prayer Father God, thank you for today. I have had the privilege to speak to my daughter and granddaughters. I also have the privilege to speak to my mom this morning. You have allowed me to wake up to a new morning. Thank You, Father. Lord, I am not the best child I know. I lack discipline and I lose focus. Lord, I confess I struggle with unforgiveness and I want to bring this into my conversation with You this morning. Please help me let go. I am guilty of this sin and I am asking Lord I forgive and I am asking you to help me let go. I give this problem into Your hands this morning. Holy Spirit I am inviting You into my life this morning. Come in and create in me a clean heart and a pure spirit. Lord, I seek Your strength, Lord I seek You diligently. I am asking come into my life, and start a new and fresh work in me. Thank you for today, help me keep an eye on every moment of my life that is significate. Help me remember the moment of growth and show me the way forward. I know and believe Your Word is a lamp on my feet. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Granddaugthers daily prayer

December 12, 2022 Today I want to pray for my Granddaughters, Gizel, Anabelle and Briana. O Lord my God, Lord today I want to praise your for my beautiful granddaughters … You created them as unique individuals. I want to pray asking You to help them appreciate their uniqueness. Lord, my Lord build up their self-image so they may enjoy their individuality. Lord as they go through today help them stand firm for who they are, where they have come from and what they believe in. Lord please encourage them not only to have hopes and dreams but to also enjoy each day as it come. In the Holy Name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Keeping a humble heart.

by Yvette van Niekerk Good morning it's been a while since we last chatted. This morning I want to come and sit at the Lord's feet. In His presence, I want to humble my life and ways. How about you? Would you agree the best way to maintain a good and humble heart is to study God's Word every day? We do this as we read and meditate on the Lord's Word. Getting into the habit of worship and praise. Have you read Matthew 13: 10 - 15? Let's take a moment and see what the Lord Jesus is telling His disciple. verses 10: "And the disciples came and said to Him, 'Why do You speak to the people in parables?' He answered them and said to them, 'The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even that he has will be taken from him. .... In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says " Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull." Did you see the Lord Jesus say the people's hearts have grown dull? It looks like the people allowed the things in their lives to affect their hearts. That caused them to not draw near to the Lord and move away. I have allowed my heart also to grow dull, allowing all things in life to affect me. Making me think I am not worthy and no good. I didn't think of protecting my own heart. Today I am in trouble because I am standing on the verge of destruction. How can I change? I know that I need to humble myself because in Isaiah 57 verse 15 it is written "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with Him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." What is the Lord saying here? What is it that we should do? He is saying “with Him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble.” When we humble ourselves God says “I will revive your hearts.” As long as we keep our hearts humble He will keep us on good ground. And if we decide not to humble ourselves what could possibly go wrong? I think we might become like Pharisees. You know, the “know it all” guys. I love reading the Book of Daniel, I think Daniel is one of the most humble people in the Bible. In Chapter 10 verse 12 we read “Then He said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.’” Wow….. did you see what I saw “humble yourself before your God, your words were heard?” God heard Daniels's word because Daniel was humble. I don’t know about you, humble is sometimes difficult. I believe it brings you to your knees. That is exactly where I find myself these days. On my knees. I ask myself, how is your heart today Yvette? My answer is very humble. Prayer Good morning Father God, Lord today I want to worship and praise Your Holy Name. Lord thank You, for Your mercy is new every day. This has been a really difficult year for me. I don’t want to cry about the things in my life that have made my heart grow dull. As I study and focus on Your Word Lord I come into Your presence and I humble myself before You Lord. Nothing I say or do can change me. I do not have the ability to change the way I think or behave, only You can change me, Lord. Holy Spirit I invite You into my life this morning. Please come into my life, renew my mind and change my dull heart. I submit everything I do into Your hands. I commit everything I do to You Lord. I want to draw near to You asking please forgive me. In humble prayer, I pray for the forgiveness of sin. Please Lord forgive me, I have been stubborn and self-centred. I know. I pray to forgive me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. amen

Beauty

Beauty by Yvette van Niekerk

This struck me from Blaise Pascal “The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the power of God.” How I strive to be a beautiful person, then it struck me that I am attractive but the beauty I am looking for is something that comes from within. It’s not the beauty of the outer person, it’s the beauty that shines through your personality. How on earth will I become that beauty? This is living a Holy life, sanctifying myself. I would love to be that special Christian, someone soaked in the Word, cleansed by the Word and the Holy Spirit living and working through me. Are you saying I should lighten up and be a little relaxed, I don’t have to be serious all the time and I can laugh at myself. That sounds so bizarre, who does that? I like things a specific way, don’t joke around and do what needs to be done. C.S. Lewis “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing … it is irresistible.” Holy Spirit forgives me for thinking You are the kind of person I am. Serious and on the nose, no messing about, everything I do is very serious and You are very serious too. The truth is Holy Spirit I do not know You. Yes, I invite You each morning into my life, I ask that You help me as I commit everything I do into Your hands. From my point of view, my life is serious and I do things in a serious manner. I seem to miss out on the fun and I am so closed off. Now I need to learn where can I find Holiness. We need to go to church where we praise and worship God. I can praise and worship God at home too. Because I am reading my Bible and taking time to draw near to God. I am working on building my inner beauty. I want to be Holy because God is Holy. I want to learn more about the Holy Spirit and draw near to God. I am seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It isn’t going to happen overnight. I need to stick to the process, there is a way forward and I need to keep in step the Holy Spirit. I want to pray that my words fall right and that I do not hurt or upset the people I am working and dealing with. Life is much too short to get everything the way it should be. Obeying God is something I am trying to do right now. “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law; indeed, I will observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.” Psalm 119: 33-35 Today I want to be joyful and happy, I don’t want to feel worried or fearful about anything. God’s word is what I stand on each morning “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandments of the LORD are pure, enlightening the eye.” Let's take this journey and learn how to become beautiful from the inside out. Let’s strive to draw near to God, asking the Holy Spirit to change us. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Daily Bread

Daily Bread by Yvette van Niekerk

In Matthew 4 verse 4 it is written “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”. Feeding my soul every day has become my priority, I have made time each morning to come and sit in the presence of God. I play gospel music and listen to the song playing, and then I turn my attention to God’s Word. I read my Bible and ask the Holy Spirit. “Holy Spirit what do you want me to learn today?” I have been doing this for some time now and I do not always know what I am hearing or what I should pay attention to, but there are times when I hear the Spirit pointing me in a specific direction. This morning I read the last chapter of the Gospel of John. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and when Mary saw the Lord Jesus, she thought He was the gardener. This has stayed with me the whole day. What does this mean to me? A gardener is someone that works with plants and in the ground. I believe God is working in my life. There are so many things in my life that need pruning and cutting away. Branches of unforgiveness, bitterness, selfishness, and self-centeredness to name a couple of sins need to be dug up and cleared away and confessed. The beautiful thing about a garden is when you see how the flowers bloom, and the trees bear fruit. I get so excited when my plants are growing beautifully. It makes me happy and I feel like I might have a green thumb. On reading the Word each day, let’s focus on where we are going. Lord please direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over my life today. Help me stay focused on Your Word today. Lord I need the law of the LORD to be perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Help me to keep my eye focused on Your Word, I do not always understand where I am going and what I am doing. I know it might sound strange but my heart desires to be beautiful, not physically but spiritually. I would love to be beautiful from the inside out. I am yearning for purity in my life. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. O my desire to change and become more like the Lord Jesus. Today make it part of your practice to spend more time in God’s word, to seek the Lord and seek His strength and His face daily. Lord Jesus draw me close to You today, help to renew my mind and create in me a clean heart. Amen

Resigned as "General Manager - Control"

Hopefully, I will be able to relax and enjoy my life going forward. I realize God has been supplying according to all my needs. I see how He has kept His hand over my life and I am so grateful to the LORD for the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peace I feel today.

What happened? About two weeks ago, I woke up from a dream - in my dream “I took out my office cell phone from my handbag, and it was all scrunched up. I placed my hand over it to straighten the cell phone and it broke into two parts. I tried to fix it but it was broken.” I like to go and see the meaning of dreams and to my surprise, it said it’s a broken relationship. I broke down because I am trying to renew and fix my relationships with my family and friends, but this week was a week from hell. I resigned from my job and it was with immediate effect. I could not think of any reason to continue with the company. I felt so overwhelmed and upset I resigned immediately. I am still thinking of the way things went but honestly … even in the economic climate we are living in I do not feel the need to be bullied on any level. What have I learned? One, contentment is very important and I wanted to feel content with my work. I did not have content and it was very stressful. Two, I had to stop trying to be in control over a lot of things. The Wi-Fi was one, the internet the other, the response from my employer, the environment I used to control … no more control. I had no choice in the matter I had to resign as “General Manager – Control” which was and still is really difficult. I resigned with immediate effect from my job. I couldn’t take the constant fighting and critics any longer. I had such high expectations for the position I was in but I seemed to have failed at every attempt. Nothing seemed to be what my employer was looking for. I realize something not everyone is able to do what I had to and good luck to the next person. I realized that there was no balance in my life for the past couple of months. I worked late, got up early and had no time to relax. I felt so threatened and under extreme pressure, I couldn’t think straight. This is why I have decided I will not be manipulated by anyone again; I need to maintain a controlled anticipation for what tomorrow may bring me. My health and safety are important and I want to be able to live a balanced life. I hate unrestrained discontent and restlessness. I have and do commit everything I do into the Hands of the LORD my God. I pray this “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you. Trust the LORD forever, because, in the LORD, the LORD himself is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26: 3-6 LORD, thank you for always being there for me, and thank You for the strength to carry on. Thank You, for keeping me safe. Bless each person who is reading my blog today. In Jesus's name amen.

I walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5: 7

How are you today? It sure has been a while... I have been busy and I am only now starting to find my feet again. I started a new job. It's a time-sensitive job and keeps me busy from 08:00 to 17:00 Mondays to Fridays and Saturdays 08:00 to 14:00. I do enjoy the work, it makes me think and I have to be checking stuff. With all of this going on it dawned on me I just cannot make it through the day. I needed to get back on my knees asking the Lord to help me through my day. I started having panic attacks. It took me a while to come to a point in my life where I realised that I cannot face the day if the Lord has not been called into it. Yes, I know the Lord. I cannot get started if I don’t spend time in the presence of God. I now make a point of getting up each morning and going into my study, opening my Bible and reading. I feel like I am in the new beginnings, I am trying to change my perspective on life and still, I feel like nothing is truly changing. Tonight my husband made a statement. “Don’t you think you are changing?” Me? I am hard-headed and stubborn and difficult at the best of times. I am living by faith at the moment. I am working hard to draw near to the Lord, my God. I feel that I have let God down at a stage in my life when I needed Him the most. I didn’t turn to Him. I tried to deal with my insecurities and my selfishness and anger problems. I wanted to do it on my own. I made such a mess of things I cannot believe I am still allowed to come into His presence. I don’t know if I am changing, I cry a lot, I repent daily and I pray all the time. I have come to a place in my life where I know I need to trust in God. I have no way of getting through my day. I have to get back on my knees and pray. Confessing God’s Word is key to changing my life. In these past couple of months I have come to realise that when I confess God’s Word over my life, I feel better and I can take the day by the horns. Without courage I cannot get through my day and God’s Word is my courage, my strength and my way forward. I commit everything I do into God’s hands and I know He is helping me. Prayer Father God, Great and Mighty are You LORD. I confess that I am nothing without You, I cannot get through my day. As I close my eyes tonight I want to pray that Your Holy Spirit will be with me and when I wake up tomorrow morning Your Holy Spirit will be with me. I commit everything I do into Your hands and I trust in You to be with me every step of the way. I know I am nothing if I don’t have You. Holy Spirit please keep me safe. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I live by faith and not by sight and I know You are renewing my mind. Ame

How can I clear the slate?

by Yvette van Niekerk

Ezekiel 18: 31 MSG “Clean house. No more rebellions, please. Get a new heart! Get a new spirit! Why would you choose to die, Israel?” When we are unable to confess our wrongs and sins, our countenance changes. We have darkness over our faces, and it may seem we are sad. Then we experience condemnation. We fail to repent and ask for forgiveness of my sin, our countenance changes. Psalm 34: 5 MSG “They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces will never blush in shame or confusion.” Confession is good for my soul. I need to repent of things I may have said or done. I do not want to build a wall between myself and God. I am honest when I confess anything I did and I receive God's forgiveness. I want a direct line to God and I can only achieve it by confessing my sins. Repentance: means "turning away and deciding not to do it again." I am saying "Yes, I did this, I am sorry and won't do this again." Ezekiel 20: 43 "Then you will look back at all your sins and loathe yourselves because of the evil you have done." Yes, it's true I struggle with self-loathing when I know I have been doing something wrong. I cannot move past it and it makes me feel miserable and I am frustrated. My self-esteem is down the drain, condemnation trails behind me. Life looks bleak and miserable. I seem to be going down the road of destruction in my life and only when I confess my sins, there is a relief. I realize that I cannot do this on my own, I have and always ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything I should be confessing. God is faithful and He does show me my iniquities, giving me a chance to confess and repent. The experience is my heart feels lighter, freedom and joy come to me. God knows the secrets of my heart Psalm 44 verses 21. Prayer Father, Lord as King David prayed, "Wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation." Psalm 51. Please show me anything I am hiding and help me to see it and confess it to you, so that I may repent and receive Your forgiveness. Psalm 31 says "blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Please help me to always confess my sinfulness so that I am able to say "see if there are any wicked ways in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Please forgive me, in the name of Jesus Christ. Father God today I want to be obedient and accept the gift that You have given me. I am trading my tired and worn-out life for a new one today with Jesus Christ. Today I surrender all my faulty plans for Your perfect plan. Lord, please help me to abide in you so that you can abide in me. Father today I am embracing the new life available to me. I don’t know how things will work but I beg You hear my call. I accept the Lord Jesus Christ to renew my life today. Amen

My Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

by Yvette van Niekerk

I am sure you will enjoy this simple recipe, it’s nothing special a really basic recipe but it sure make my cakes pop, I use this on my cakes and also my cupcakes. I use a good quality vanilla extract to make my buttercream taste delicious. So something to keep in mind room temperature is important when making my buttercream. Now lets get started: Vanilla Buttercream Icing This is a rich flavoured vanilla buttercream that is so easy to make which tastes like you made something delicious. Prep Time: 20 minutes Servings: 3 cups Ingredients: 1 cup of Wooden spoon margarine or unsalted butter, room temperature. 3 ½ cups of icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted. 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp whole milk of heavy whipping cream, room temperature ¼ tsp salt, to taste Method: With a hand mixer or paddle attachment on your stand mixer, cream the butter on medium high until its creamy and light for approximately 6 minutes. With the mixer on low, add your sifted icing sugar one cup at a time remember to scrape the sides of the bowl after adding the icing sugar. Keep on incorporating the icing sugar to the mix. Now add your vanilla, milk and salt and mix to incorporate in the icing sugar. You are ready to cover your cake. Do enjoy.

How I fill and stack a cake.

by Yvette van Niekerk

I have had such a fiasco with filling and stacking cakes. I thought I would share some of my own experiences with you today. My cakes have bulged out between layers and are straight up oozing off the sides. An expensive lesson especially when I am baking for my clients. What was my problem? I realised this after a lot of tears and frustration. That many times I didn’t put enough icing on and the cake was cumber covered. I also came to the realisation that I didn’t build a wall on my cake when placing a filling inside of the cake. I soon realised the essential part of building your cake. Starts with the basics, your icing needs to be thick enough so that your foundation is sturdy. I have baked cakes and on delivery, my cakes started pulling to the left and going lopsided.

Now I have been baking for over a decade and it has been an experience. There are two kinds of fillings and a trick to stacking a cake. One: is the stable filling which is straightforward buttercream icing. Two are other less stable fillings. Such as soft consistency chocolate ganache, salted caramel, jam, lemon cured etc. I am going to show a stable filling today and next time we will explore the filling of ganache or chocolate. Starting point. Going straight to my board, I place a dash of buttercream on the surface. I place my first layer of cake on the board. This swipe of buttercream acts as “glue” to keep my bottom layer in place. This cake board method; I find makes life a lot easier. To place my cake on my turntable and then straight into the box for transportation.

Filling and stacking my cake with buttercream icing.

I find filling and stacking my cake with buttercream icing, it’s very straightforward. I know that consistency is very important. I will share my vanilla buttercream icing recipe with you. In South Africa; we have different kinds of margarine and butter.

I find that you should stick to the margarine or butter made for baking. To thicken the buttercream I add more powdered sugar. I find the thicker the icing consistency the better the cake.

I take some of my icing mixtures and place them in a piping bag, then I pip the icing on the base of my cake. I then place the icing on top and start covering the first layer. Here you can decide the thickness of the icing for the cake. I like it about 1 cm for the filling. I then place my next layer on the cake and do the same.

I have learned; through experience that I need to ensure my first layer of icing is as level as possible. Otherwise, my cake isn’t as even as I want it to be. Stacking cake layers As mentioned above; it's important to place a dash of icing on the bottom of the cake board. To secure the first layer of your cake. I then proceed to place my cake on my board. I don’t cake anything off my cakes, as you can see they are straight and no bulging on the top of the cake. I place my icing over the top and then the next layer and carry it onto the next layer.

I find that it is important to first crumb protect my cake. and I place my cake in the fridge for 20 minutes. I then start with the base cover. Plain white buttercream icing and then I pipe my colours for the finale stage.

I use a scraper to level my cake out and then I start with decoration. On this cake, I printed Masha and Bear on rice paper placing it on a biscuit for a nice touch. I then sprinkled some sprinkles on the cake.

People with a past.

by Yvette van Niekerk. God uses the painful times in our lives to make us stronger. Getting through a difficult time and moving forward every day, never giving up. Today, I want you to thank God for what He is doing and can do through the trials you are facing. No, I’m not saying thank God for what you are going through right now, it might be a very difficult situation. But, I do want to encourage you to thank Him for the good He is producing through these trails. Matthew 5: 3 CSB “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” And Psalms 34: 18 CSB “The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” I have been going through some personal stuff for a long time, and to be honest, I thought this is never going to change. Then I realised God is busy in my circumstances. I saw and realised that He is also working on my side. God is working to help me change my mind and enable me to see new possibilities. It’s not easy and I struggle with negative thoughts. I am the person that will think the worst before something good. God is showing me new possibilities. It struck me that these possibilities are faith – things I cannot see but believe in. I realised that without faith it’s impossible to please and be satisfactory to God. In God’s Word; the Bible. Hebrews 11 verses 6 “For however would come near God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out).” I have been speaking to God and moving towards God by investing in my own deliverance. I heard that when we invest in something, we value and protect it. So here I am investing in my own deliverance. God is drawing near to me. I will not allow the devil to take away my peace again. Prayer Father God, I am asking that the Lord Jesus please be patient with me today. I also need to ask if the Lord Jesus will work with me through this problem I have of being negative and constantly moaning about things I have no control over. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the insight and understanding to looking at my circumstance with new possibilities. Changing the way and learning to focus and trust that You are in control. Lord Jesus according to Jeremiah 31 verse 3 to 4 NKJV “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you … I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt.” Lord I am asking that You turn my mess into a hope for others, You know my struggles and I am holding onto You today. The same applies to today, I am asking that You will bless my work and my hands today, Lord that You will come into my life and lead me I need You. Holy Spirit You are welcome in my life today, please help in Jesus Christ's name. Amen

Spoken faith.

by Yvette van Niekerk Psalm 46: 5 CSB “God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns.” What a wonderful statement wow. My thinking is then why do I forget that God is within me? Why do I try and fix things, control people and circumstances? Am I struggling with pride? I am being self-centred instead of God-centred? The truth of the matter is God is my power source and I am supposed to be drawing my strength from Him, but sometimes I want to be indented and go it on my own. This is when I start falling and toppling over. I am currently going through a difficult time, it’s called burn-out. I don’t feel like doing anything, I am restless, I have no drive and I am so very tired. God has been so good to me that I now can relax and rest and not stay focused on so many projects. My husband doesn’t push for things to happen; and thinks I should relax. Read a book or watch a movie on Netflix or even sleep in the afternoon. I want to draw near to God and I want to recharge my battery I need to be in a place where I can rely on God again. I am staying connected so that I don’t have to throw in the towel. Today I am resting in God, my Father's power. I am waiting on the Holy Spirit to carry me through. Philippians 4 verse 13 CSB “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” It’s clear I don’t have to worry about everything. I cant make things happen. I need to keep myself plugged in. 2 Timothy 1 verse 7 CBS “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” Joseph Campbell wrote, “We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so on have the life that is waiting for us.” 2 Corinthians 5: 17 CSB “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away and see, the new has come.” I feel like there are so many wrongs I have committed in my life, but I feel certain that God already knows my past, present and even my future. I know that God exists outside of time, He is omnipresent and because of this, He has access to all time. Isaiah 43: 18 – 19 CSB “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” I believe God knows all the hardship, obstacles and my terrible decisions and sin I committed and that was when I was created by God for an assigned purpose in my life. I am grateful that God decided to send Jesus Christ to die on a cross for me because of all the wrongs in my life making a wedge between God and me, but because of Jesus Christ, I have a chance. Father God today I want to be obedient and simply accept the gift that You have given me. I am trading my tired and worn-out life for a new one today with Jesus Christ. Today I surrender all my faulty plans for Your perfect plan. Lord, Father God, please help me to abide in you so that you can abide in me. Father God, today I am embracing the new life available to me. I don’t know how things will work but I beg You hear my call. I accept the Lord Jesus Christ to renew my life today. Amen

Leaf Double-knit hand knitted throw.

by Yvette van Niekerk These double knit throws are made from a thick, warm acrylic yarn that will give you the luxury of a lovely double knit blanket without having to use wool. The leaf pattern adds dimension and texture to any of your home decors. This is the perfect accessory for friends, yourself and even babies. You can style this throw on the end of your bed, or even your couch or a lovely seat. Dimensions: 47’ x 43’ in it could stretch to 50’ x 60’ in but do return to original shape if cared for. Message me if you are interested.

Friday, Repent!

Friday! Repent 2 Chronicles 7: 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. In my heart of hearts I believe God has called me by my name according to Isaiah 43 verses 1 I have called you by name; you are mine. Today, Lord, my God I confess that I still have problems dealing with resentment and I think it has taken root and become a root of bitterness.

https://vniekerkyvette.blogspot.com/ Lord, I humbly confess this problem and sin before You, I want to also ask You Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ to please forgive me. I know that I am one of Your stubborn children and I realise You have changed things around to get my attention. Please Father, God, I pray forgive me. I do not want to be a superficial kind of person, I have learned to avoid speaking to people and I have master the art of always being nice on the outside. Lord, my sin is before me, my bones are in pain and I know that You did not create me to be superficial. I do not know how to love anybody not even myself. Because I am stuck in a rut and I cannot see a way forward I want to pray and ask You, please forgive me. Help me with a new desire to read Your Word and let it come alive to me so that I can learn more from You. In the name of Jesus Christ Lord, I ask forgive me. I am expecting a change in my life, I am expecting You to turn my life around. I am expecting the Holy Spirit to be poured out over my life, so that I am able to be a living testimony to You Father God, in Jesus name. amen

Daily Bread

Daily Bread Matthew 4: 4 “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” By Yvette van Niekerk Do you every worry about eating your daily bread? I am sure when you get up in the morning go to the kitchen make yourself some coffee and have a slice of toast. It’s very simple we all do that. This morning I made eggs and toast for my husband and we actually did enjoy our daily bread. What about your time with God? Do you spend time in God’s presence? I got caught up with a cake I am making for someone to collect tomorrow. My thinking was I’ll sit down straight after I decorated the cake and then spend some time in God’s presence. Honestly, I actually did sit down and listened to some gospel music and then I listened to my daily devotionals. But I have not been able to really get into the Word of God. I seem to be side tracked all the time. After I sat down I felt an enormous weight on my shoulders, I felt dead tired. My focus is off and I seem to be so tired. I have come to realise that I am starving for God’s Word, spiritually. I need to do something to regains my relationship with the Lord my God. Hebrew 2 verses 1 “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we heard, lest we drift away.” O my Lord, it’s clear as day, I have been drifting away from the Lord. I certainly feel I am learning new things every day. I realise that the War in Russia and the Ukraine, is very real, people don’t have bread everyday. I am considering myself blessed as I have peace in my home and I can spend time in God’s presence. It is my hearts desire to hear God’s voice through His word. I used to hear Him in the beginning when I just became a new born Christian. But lately I feel I have lost that personal touch with God. I seem to be so caught up in all my own thinking and work etc. Prayer Father God, I adore You, Lord. Worship at Your feet, I bring You glory and honor, and I want to sing praises to Your Name. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Great and might are You Lord, God my saviour. Today I confess my lack of focus and my sinful nature. Lord I confess my impatience with people around me, I confess Lord that I am not always tolerant and considerate towards others. I am so deeply sorry Lord. Father, I want to say thank You, for today, for Your lovingkindness and mercy which is new every day. Thank You that I can come to You in prayer. I want to praise You Lord. Today I also want to pray help me I really need to have Your Word come alive to me again. Make it happen, Father God. I am asking You please clear my mind and soul. Please teach me new things and help me go deeper into Your Word than I have ever done before. Lord, I draw a hedge of Jesus Christs blood around myself and my family and friends. I pray for Your supernatural favour in my life and the lives of my family and friends, let no harm come to us. Thank You Lord Jesus Amen https://vniekerkyvette.blogspot.com/

I am finding out who I am.

by Yvette van Niekerk Today I want to take a step in the right direction. I want to pray that God’s Word, the Bible will change me and renew my mind. I realise that in my ageing life I cannot make it on my own. I have prayed that the Word of God come alive to me again. I also want to ask God to clear my mind and my soul so that I may receive guidance from the Holy Spirit. I want the Lord, God to teach me new things. I am also asking God to help me go deeper into the Bible and discover more of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, where am I going? According to Psalm 119 verses 133 “Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” I am trusting God to direct my steps and keep me from sinning. What do I need? In Psalm 19 verses 7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” I do not have the necessary wisdom to carry on, without God’s Word I lack knowledge and have no wisdom. I am holding onto God’s Word for wisdom today. What will happen when I trust in God? I know out of past experiences that when I hold onto God’s Word, my life is working out. Joshua 1 verses 8 says “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” I need to be successful and I cannot do this on my own. Without God in my life I am unsuccessful. Why should I live in purity? Psalm 119 verses 9 “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” I know I cannot come into the presence of God if I do not strive towards Holiness. I know that the Word of God is a form of washing me clean by the Words in the Bible. So I am not justified by the Word, but I am sanctified by it. I am justified in my spirit and sanctified in my soul. I am seated in heavenly places with Jesus Christ. What happens when I obey God’s Word? Psalm 119 verses 33 to 35 “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.” In obeying God’s Word I am drawing near to Him daily. What are the advantages when focusing on God’s Word? Psalm 19 verses 8 “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the Commandments of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” I want to be joyful and be stressed free, the best way to find joy is in God’s presence. I don’t think of my problems and my anxiety is far from me. Romans 10 verse 17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” An advantage of focusing on God’s Word is my faith is wrong every day. John 8 verse 31 – 32 “If you abide in my Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” I am set free from sin when I accept the Lord Jesus Christ. Is there peace? Psalm 119 verse 165 “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” The best way to find this kind of peace is to actually look for it in God’s Word, there is no other way and no real peace in my life when I stay away from God. Prayer Father God, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Lord, today I come into Your presence and I am asking You, please help me and let Your Word come alive within me. Please make it happen for me and anyone else reading my blog today. Father God, in Jesus Christ’s name I am asking You to clear my mind and my soul that I may be teachable again. I want to learn new things. Give me the wisdom and understanding to go deeper into Your Word which I have never done before. I take up the full Armor of God that I may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. I stand having my loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and my feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith I shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. I take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. In Jesus Christ’s name Amen (https://vniekerkyvette.blogspot.com/)

It Stop's with me, NOW!

by Yvette van Niekerk

Feelings of embarrassment cover me as I need to deal with some personal issues I am facing at the moment. I have allowed resentment to turn into bitterness in my life. Red light! I need to deal with this bitterness before I grow old and become obsessed with unforgiveness. I am wrestling with the fact I have allowed myself to fall into this trap. I needed to identify my problem and I realised that I took offence to the next level - bitterness. I remember reading that the root of bitterness becomes a destructive force in a person’s life. This is a type of cancer "spiritually." I am afraid of this kind of cancer and I want to stop it by all means possible. This insidious root of bitterness is hiding in my life. Why? Wow because I didn't forgive and let it go. I held onto it and thought I'll get you back, and then? This little dragon started to grow and come to the surface bit by bit. My personality started to change and I became more angry and frustrated. I am not joking when I tell you it is a destructive force that needs to stop right now. Looking at my life, you can see me as one of those big ocean liners, it cannot turn on a dim, it needs space and time. So turning it around is a process. Apostle Paul; wrote we should watch out and not allow this evil spirit to become attached to our lives. Which will corrupt us. Hebrews 12: 15 "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” At the moment I am doing whatever it takes to make the right choice. I have decided to deal with the root of bitterness and I want to change my life before I turn into an old hag. So let's see how I am going to deal with the poisonous root of bitterness that has flared up in my life. Confess my sin of unforgiveness to the LORD, Isaiah 1: 18 "Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD; thought your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Forgive the person or persons and stop the resentment. I know and trust the LORD and believe that when I confess my sin that I will be forgiven. Prayer Father God, I confess that I have feelings of bitterness in my heart today. I also confess that I am angry and hurt. I have allowed this sin of unforgiveness to stay alive in me. I am asking You, Father God, forgive me. I forgive the people that have offended me and hurt me. You know them and I set them free in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Praying for myself?

It’s much easier to pray for someone else than it is to pray for myself. God knows all my needs and that He can do things for me even if I don’t ask for it. To my mind I have many, and complicated things going on in my life and I am not sure how to tell the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4: 7 We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. Right now my life feels it is out of control. Pressured and I am not able to get to everything. I am tired and burned out. When I start cleaning my house I will not sit down until I have done everything that is necessary. Im sure you have everything together, me on the other hand, that I am stuck and that I cannot move forward. I also feel like for every three steps I take forward I seem to move six backwards. Right now I doubt I can every move into the full purpose and destiny God has for me. I feel that I have not been faithful or even tried to get to my purpose. I am struggling with feelings of emptiness, frustration, and unfulfillment. I want to ask the Lord to forgive me, it seems I am stuck in a rut and not able to make any progress. Prayer Father God, I long to be in Your presence. I want to find my fulfilment in You. It’s my hearts desire to walk closely with You every day. Please help me increase in faith and knowledge in Your Word. Today I want to put all my hopes and dreams into Your hands. Lord I believe that all my hopes and needs will be met by You alone Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Make my heart right with You, Lord Jesus.

by Yvette van Niekerk

It's so easy to get caught up in all kinds of things in this world. I can create work and stay busy all day long. I have the ability to stay on my feet from the morning till the evening. I am not perfect and I can be very mean towards people. So when you look at my profile picture, remember one main thing, I am not perfect. I need the Lord Jesus Christ more than you know. It's very hard being completely honest about myself, but I need to keep myself accountable. I also know that I cannot make anything happen in my life. I am not God. Only God can make things happen. I don't know if you have experienced God's love and His perfecting you, I am still on the road to perfection. This week I want to examine my life and be honest about the wrong thinking, the wrong living I find myself pursuing. I am trusting the Holy Spirit in cleansing my heart, spirit and mind. I read a prayer and it says "Please Lord, I need You to show me what does not need to be in my heart, mind, spirit and soul. I am asking for direction and I want to be right with You. Please convict me of wrong habits, thinking and judging people. Today I am praying please by Your grace tear down my arrogance, pride, fear, and insecurities, help me see the truth about who I am." Acts 3: 19 Repent therefor and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. I am trusting God to work through the Holy Spirit today, to make me see what I've become. To give me a change of heart and cleanse me so that I am able to come into His presence again. Proverbs 28: 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. I am confessing to the Lord Jesus Christ I am sinful and I want to confess my thoughts and action and I am asking Him to show me where I am still falling short. Psalm 32: 5 I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. I repent of many things this morning and I am forgiven. Please Lord have mercy upon me today, O God, according to Your Lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my sins today. Please wash me thoroughly from in iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins. Please create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Please Lord don't throw me away but draw me near through Your Holy Spirit. Make me clean and right before You today, In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ Amen

I choose to take my thoughts captive.

I choose to take my thoughts captive. Today I was busy working on a cake for my client, and I started thinking what a terrible person I have become. All the while I was singing a song to the Lord. "How great is my God." Boom I get bombarded with negative thoughts. Today I am reminded to take my thoughts captive. It said in Philippians 2 verse 5 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Not realizing that the devil was trying to keep me from praising God, I stop and thought "wow what have I become?" Mark 7 verses 21 to 22 says: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." I better take a hold of my thought life, I am not bad, in fact, I try and act decent most of the time. It struck me that God is not the author of confusion but of peace. If this is true why am I feeling so lousy about who I am? Then I realised I need to stop allowing negative thoughts to plague me and tell the devil to leave me alone. I have the mind of Christ. I won't listen to him anymore. I have decided not to live with mental oppression any longer. I am sick and tired of being pushed around. I will not harden my heart towards God, but I am embracing Him today. If I am pursuing clarity and knowledge I will study God's Word. Make God's Word my purpose going forward. Isaiah 26: 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Prayer Father God, I need wisdom and understanding it seems I have accepted lies instead of Your truths in my life. Please forgive me. Please, Lord, help me to discern when You are speaking to me. I do not want to be deceived by the enemy. Today reminded me that Your Word is "a discern of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrewes 4 verse 12. Reveal any wrong thinking in me today through Your Word, Lord Jesus. Amen

Learning how to take control of my mind.

Learning how to take control of my mind.

Today is Wednesday and my goodness, I sure am struggling with my negative thoughts. I am angry and despondent right now. Today my husband has gone away to a little town called "Driekies Dorp" and he passed through "Ermelo". So I'm supposed to bake a birthday cake for one of my clients. It struck me once again I struggle with negative thoughts, my husband tends to ignore me when he doesn't get his way. This frustrates me. This morning I felt so paralyzed by the thought of his acting out again. I felt tremendous loneliness and sadness as he drove off to work. Depression was lurking and waiting for me as I walked into my house. I didn't phone my mom or anyone I sat down. Then I decided I needed to get out of the house and do something before these thoughts consume me today. I have decided that I will fast tomorrow and find out what I can change in my life. I need a breakthrough and only God knows my thoughts and my emotions. I am trusting God to help me deal with the heaviness that is chasing me and making me feel so misrable. Romans 12: 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformd by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable an perfect will of God. Prayer Heavenly Father, today I need to pray for wisdom, insight and understanding. I draw a circle of Jesus Christs blood around each member in my family today. O LORD, its tough and I know that You are able. Lord I know that You are a Mighty God. Lord I know that You will deliver us today from the working of the evil one. Lord Jesus, my eyes are on You. I draw my family into this circle of Your protection, Your superanatural favor with You as well as with men. Please Lord remove any evil person from their lives and replace it with a good and righteous person. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Hold on to Hope

Hold on to Hope

You know people in your life is going to disappoint you and fail you. There are people who will be spreading slanders words about you and stabbing you in the back. The sad part is, it's people in your inner circle, family and a best friend. I now know the only way forward in my own life never mind the people who try to trip me up, is the Lord Jesus Christ. I will hold on to the hope of Jesus. He will not let me down, He is faithful, He is reliable and He will be my shield and my covering. Even when there is injustice around me, I know people have turned against me. I can still hope that God is coming through for me. Romans 8: 36 CSB "As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Prayer O Lord God, You know my heart and You know my fears, my worries and my pain. I don't know how to deal with the emotional problems I am facing. I come to You now asking to help me, lift me up and let me have peace of mind. You know what people say behind my back, their knives are sharpened and they are stabbing me every now and then. I pray to forgive them, I do, please help me to ignore their spite and slander in the name of Jesus Christ my only hope. The hope I am holding onto, Jesus Christ. amen