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Showing posts from September, 2023

Navigating Life's Journey with Galatians 5: 4-5

By Yvette van Niekerk Embracing Personal Accountability As a devoted Christian, wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother, I recognize the profound significance of assuming responsibility for my own life. This fundamental principle extends to my thoughts and actions, forming the cornerstone of my role as a constructive participant in all my relationships. • Evade accountability However, there have been instances where I've erred by shouldering an excessive burden for others, using it as a shield to evade accountability for my circumstances. In these moments, my focus on others and their well-being eclipsed my own need for personal growth and progress. Regrettably, I allowed these challenges to define my identity, succumbing to a pattern of chronic complaints. At times, these narratives of hardship were merely elaborate rationalizations, distortions of reality crafted to conceal my inclination to assign blame elsewhere. This not only absolved me of responsibility but also hinde...

Embracing Imperfect: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones on the Path to Success

by Yvette van Niekerk Proverbs 28: 13 "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper." Mistakes are an inherent part of our human journey, a testament to our imperfection. In our quest for success, we find solace in the wisdom of acknowledging these errors, learning from them, and diligently working to rectify them. I read that through the experiences of 105 executives, we discover common traits among those who have achieved success, yet one observation shines with particular significance. Successful individuals are those who willingly admit their mistakes and embrace the consequences, refraining from casting blame upon others. None of us relish the repercussions of our actions. When adversity strikes, our instinctual reaction is to seek a scapegoat; it's a trait woven into our very nature. Consider the tale of the Garden of Eden, where Adam, confronted by God about his transgressions, placed blame upon Eve. Similarly, Eve, when questioned, shifted responsibility to the ...

Embrace Your Marvelous Worth: Unleashing the Beauty Within

by Yvette van Niekerk Psalm 139: 14 (TLB) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it. Isn't it truly remarkable to acknowledge the intricate complexity of our being? Each of us has been uniquely crafted, radiating beauty, possessing talents, and brimming with potential. When you gaze into the mirror, let the reflection remind you that even before your birth, God cherished you. You are an extraordinary creation, wonderfully made. In my family, we address our daughters as "gorgeous," instilling them with unwavering confidence. And if you, as a woman, find yourself feeling a little down today, allow me to remind you: "You are gorgeous, you are wonderful, and you are beautiful." God's love for you knows no bounds. He valued you so deeply that He sacrificed His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. As you navigate through your day, always remember your immeasurab...

"Divine Turnaround: From Desparation to Abundant Favor"

by Yvette van Niekerk Isaiah 48: 3 (TLB) Time and again I told you what was going to happen in the future. My words were scarcely spoken when suddenly I did just what I said. "In the Blink of Faith: From Joblessness to Overflowing Blessings" In the midst of adversity, I clung to the promise: "And suddenly..." After a prolonged period of unemployment and feeling abandoned by those I trusted, I found solace in God's Word. Each day, by the poolside, I proclaimed His truth aloud, seeking His guidance. Then, as if orchestrated by the Divine, the unexpected call came—a job offer for the next few months. Suddenly, my circumstances shifted. Not only did I excel in my new role, but I discovered a newfound favour with individuals I hadn't realized existed. https://www.makemoneywitha.online This supernatural intervention was nothing short of a miracle. Life has taken a turn for the better, and now, I eagerly anticipate more "suddenly" moments of favour fro...

I will uphold you

Isaiah 41:10 (TLB) Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. As a Christian, I want to share with you my experience of staying home for the past couple of years because I could not secure a job. It was not easy for me as I had a lot of time to think, and it could be scary. Initially, I kept myself busy with household chores, but after a while, I became really good at it and would finish them in a couple of hours. However, I developed a strange fear of leaving my house and going out to the shops for necessities. One day, I felt overwhelmed, and fear gripped my heart when I realized that I had to go shopping. I turned to the Bible and opened it at Isaiah 41, and my eyes rested on verse 10. This verse empowered me, and with fear in my heart, I decided to go out, do my shopping, and face the world again. The Bible teaches us about transformation, which means changing or renewi...

I can do everything

by Yvette van Niekerk Philippians 4: 13 (TLB) For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me strength and power. I find great appreciation in individuals who possess an unwavering "I can do everything" mindset. It brings me joy to collaborate with people who are eager to give their best and embrace new challenges. The ability to work diligently and persevere holds immense significance in our modern era. During my time at a remarkable company that upheld strong values, there was an expectation that if a manager or personal assistant was not present at their desk when a phone rang, anyone passing by would kindly answer the call and take a message. Similarly, if a piece of paper or tissue was found on the floor while walking down the hallway, it was expected that one would stoop down, pick it up, and properly dispose of it. This collective "I can do everything" mentality propelled the company to achieve remarkable success. Let us adopt thi...

Embrace Courage: Trust in God's Faithfulness Admidst Overwhelming Challenges

By Yvette van Niekerk Matthew 1: 20 (AMPC) But as he was thinking over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. As I gaze upon the towering pile of tasks on my desk, a wave of anxiety threatens to consume me. The weight of the workload makes me want to break down and cry. In moments like these, a dear friend and colleague reminded me to take it one step at a time, focusing on the present task rather than being overwhelmed by the entirety of the workload. Reflecting on the story of Joseph, I can only imagine the fear and confusion that must have gripped his heart when he discovered Mary's unexpected pregnancy. He must have felt worried and uncertain, knowing that he was not the one responsible for her condition. However, we witness God's divine intervention as He encourages Joseph to embrace Mary and fulfil ...

Trusting in God's Faithfulness: Embracing the Ups and Downs of Life's Journey

By Yvette van Niekerk Philippians 4:19 (AMPC) And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Life's journey can often resemble a roller-coaster ride, with exhilarating highs and sudden descents that leave our heads spinning. Have you ever experienced such fluctuations in your own life? It can be quite intriguing, sometimes lasting for a season or even longer. However, amidst these unpredictable twists and turns, I have come to realize that the Lord God remains in control of my life. He faithfully provides for me, abundantly supplying according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. What does this mean? It means that even in times when it seems like I have no resources available, God graciously provides more than enough. I have been blessed to such an extent that God consistently meets my needs, surpassing what I could have ever imagined. It may have seemed impossible, but through His divine provision, ...

"Embrace the Promise: The Radiance of God's Light Will Illuminate Your Path."

By Yvette van Niekerk Job 22: 28 (ESV) You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. As I reflect on the teachings of my faith and seek guidance from the Lord, I am filled with hope and confidence that His divine light will illuminate my path. Today, I want to affirm and trust that this year will mark a significant season of blessings in my life. I also have faith that the devotional book I have been working on will be published, as I believe it aligns with God's plan for me. I encourage you to consider what you believe God has in store for your life today. It is important not to allow the enemy to steal the blessings and opportunities that God has prepared for your future. Take a moment to pray and seek God's guidance on matters that are important to you, such as your health, wealth, or relationships. Present your desires before the Lord and witness the transformative power that can unfold throughout this year. Remember,...

Divine Timing: A Mother's Devotion

by Yvette van Niekerk As a young girl under my father's roof, I was instilled with the profound wisdom of perfect timing. He impressed upon me the importance of being in the right place at the right time, believing it to be the key to life's greatest blessings. Now, as a mother and a grandmother, my deepest longing is for my children and grandchildren to experience this divine synchrony. I yearn for them to flourish and reach their fullest potential. Yet, I've come to understand that perfect timing isn't a matter of mere chance. It is a divine orchestration, guided by the hand of the Lord who reigns over our lives. Each day, in fervent prayer, I build a spiritual fortress and intercede on behalf of my cherished ones. I beseech the Lord for the grace to embrace whatever comes our way and to cultivate patience in our journey. For it is in this waiting, in this trustful anticipation of His divine plan, that we step into the rhythm of perfect timing. Prayer Heavenly Father...

The Great Escape

by Yvette van Niekerk 1 Corinthians 10: 13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” We all encounter various forms of temptation in our lives. The crucial question is how we can overcome or resist these temptations. I have a weakness for chocolates; it’s a constant temptation that I find hard to resist. Whenever I have extra cash, I invariably end up buying a chocolate bar, unable to simply walk past it. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we often face numerous temptations that can divert us from our path of growth. When we start making progress in the right direction, it seems as if the devil is quick to devise distractions, attempting to shift our focus away from what truly matters. We get sidetracked, following an entirely different route. When you realize you’re heading down the wrong path, it...