To Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

May grace and peace be with you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, in love. He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved. In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In Him, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citisenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citisens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

The Faith of Daniel: A Tale of Integrity and Deliverance

Discover the power of unwavering faith and integrity in your own life. Just as Daniel's steadfast devotion and trust in his God led to his miraculous deliverance, so too can your faith guide you through trials and adversities. Stand firm in your beliefs, act with integrity, and witness the wonders that unfold when you trust in the LORD God. Be inspired by Daniel's story and let it strengthen your resolve to live a life of faith and righteousness. Once upon a time, in a vast kingdom ruled by King Darius, there lived a wise and faithful man named Daniel. Recognising Daniel's exceptional spirit and trustworthiness, the king appointed him as the chief administrator over the entire kingdom. This honour sparked jealousy among the other administrators and governors, who plotted to bring Daniel down. Unable to find any fault in his conduct, they decided to target his faith. They convinced the king to issue a decree stating that for thirty days, no one could pray to any god or human except the king. Anyone who defied this order would be thrown into the lions' den. Unfased by the decree, Daniel continued his daily prayers to his God. His enemies quickly reported this to the king, who, despite his fondness for Daniel, was bound by the irrevocable law. Reluctantly, King Darius ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, expressing hope that Daniel's God would save him. That night, the king could neither eat nor sleep, tormented by worry for Daniel. At dawn, he rushed to the den and called out, "Daniel, has your God saved you?" To his immense relief, Daniel replied, "My God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths. I am unharmed because I am innocent before Him and you." Overjoyed, the king ordered Daniel's release and had his accusers thrown into the lions' den, where they met a swift and terrible fate. In gratitude, King Darius declared throughout the kingdom that everyone should honour the God of Daniel, for He is the living God who endures forever, performing wonders and delivering His faithful. And so, Daniel prospered under the reign of Darius and Cyrus, living a life of faith and integrity.

A Prayer of Humility and Intercession: 29 June 2024

Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You. When I reflect on all creation and every living being, I stand in awe of Your might and power. LORD, I worship You, bringing You praise and honour. You show love to thousands but also carry consequences for the sins of the fathers upon their children. O great and powerful GOD, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are Your purposes and mighty are Your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; You reward everyone according to their conduct and deeds. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, both in Israel and among all mankind, gaining renown that is still Yours. You brought Your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror. You gave them the land You had sworn to give their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. They came in and took possession of it but did not obey You or follow Your law; they did not do what You commanded them to do, so You brought all this disaster upon them. Humbly, LORD my GOD, I confess my sins and acknowledge that I often speak without thinking, causing hurt with my words. Today I pray for Your forgiveness. I ask You to put a guard over my mouth, my mind, and my heart. Help me to guard my heart and pray to You, LORD my GOD, for forgiveness. For You have given us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). LORD, I worship You, O mighty GOD; there is none like You. As I start my day in humility, I commit everything I do to You and dedicate each family member into Your mighty hands: Andus, myself, Alezandra, Pieter, Andus Jr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Arthur, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kids, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina-Hannes, Karina, Petro, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Bianca - Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, Veronica. I draw a hedge of Jesus Christ’s blood around each person I bring to You in humble prayer. I pray for supernatural favour today, LORD, with You and the people we meet. LORD, God, here I am; please help each of us. We need Your help. I speak life into each person I name. You are good, and Your mercies endure forever. Nothing can separate me from Your love—ever. Thank You for being faithful, just, and constant. What a privilege it is to know You! LORD, show me how to honour You and give You glory in every area of my life. May God give us more and more grace and peace (1 Peter 1:2). LORD, I pray that You will grant each person I am praying for today more and more grace and peace. May grace and peace be multiplied to us. LORD, help me and everyone I bring before You to enjoy the joy of the LORD in our lives. I love You, LORD, and I believe in You; I find my hope in You. LORD, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to keep watch over myself and keep Your Word. Holy Spirit, please guide me. I am asking You to help me walk in step with You today. I pray for open doors of great opportunity for each person I named today. LORD, I ask that we may enjoy Your supernatural favour with You and with people. LORD, I ask for Your peace and mercy for myself and each person I name. May the grace of Jesus Christ be on my spirit. LORD, we all need love in our lives. Help me to understand Your love for myself, my family, and my friends. Please help me to persevere under trial so that, having stood the test, I will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love You. I speak Jesus over each person I named, asking for guidance, wisdom, insight, and understanding for today. I ask that You will touch my life. LORD, search my heart, cleanse my heart, and create in me a pure spirit. I am in a covenant with You, LORD Jesus. I ask that You slay the giants in my life. LORD, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—so that in Christ Jesus, the blessings of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. LORD, I believe and accept Jesus Christ as my LORD and Savior; help me in my unbelief today.

Amen.

24 June 2024 - My Concerns

My Concerns

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1 Lord, it is time to transform my beliefs. I am putting my trust in Your unmerited favor. Today, I step out in faith to embrace the same unwavering favor that Jesus Christ has in store for me. I expect open doors and seek breakthroughs in my job, regardless of natural limitations. Lord, I am Your child, an heir of God and co-heir with Jesus Christ. I stand in the gap and dedicate Andus, myself, Alezandra, Pieter, Andus Jr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Aurther, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kid, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina, Karina, Petro, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, and Veronica to You. Lord, I pray for each one of my family and friends today. I ask that You touch each person’s life, opening doors that are otherwise closed to us. I dedicate my day into Your hands, committing everything I do, and ask that You bless my work and help me stand firm. I forgive those who seek my destruction and pray for forgiveness of my own sins and shortcomings. Help us face today and guide us as we navigate our time. Let nothing separate us from You. I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God." - Deuteronomy 28:2 Lord, I ask that You bless me and my family. We need Your supernatural favor today. I hearken to Your voice and ask that You send Your blessings to overtake each of us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

22 June 2024 - Morning Prayer of Dedication and Request for Guidance

May this prayer inspire and uplift you. Trust in God's guidance and believe in His love and favor for you and those you care about. Reach out to Him daily, and let His wisdom and presence fill your life.

Good morning, Lord, my Father God, Today, I want to express my love for You, Lord. I know You hear and see me in everything I do. I love You, and I ask for Your guidance. Let Your will be done in my life today. You created me, and even though I may not always understand why, I believe I am Yours. Your word says You have called me by name, and I am Yours. I dedicate this day to You and pray for Andus, myself, Alezandra, Pieter, Andus Jr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Arthur, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kids, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina, Karina, Petro, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, and Veronica. I especially pray for Rina’s family, as she passed away this week. I trust she is with You now, and we will reunite in heaven. Please comfort her family during this time of grief and let them feel Your presence. Today, I pray for Briana on her birthday. Bless her life with Your supernatural favor, both today and always. May she find favor with You and with people throughout her life. I also lift up each person I have named. Bless them with Your supernatural favor and open doors for them that need opening. Lord, I ask for wisdom in my own life. At 60 years old, I realise I still lack the wisdom I need. Help me to develop wisdom to its fullest extent and to reach my full potential that You have given me. Lord, reveal Your will for my life today. Provide for my family and friends. I cannot make things happen on my own; I need You to open the doors that have been shut. I stand on Your word, Lord Jesus, and cover myself with You. Amen.

19 June 2024 - A Morning Prayer for Mercy, Guidance, and Provision

Good morning, Abba Father, God. You are a merciful savior and mighty deliverer. Thank you for rescuing me from darkness and sin through Jesus' sacrifice. You are victorious! I know you hear me when I cry out for help. Thank you. According to your word in Psalm 107:13-14, "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart." Reflecting on your word this morning, I am humbled by your care for someone like me. Today, I cry out to you for help. I have confessed my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I stand in the gap for each person on my list this morning: Andus, me, Alezandra, Pieter, Andus Jnr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Aurther, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kids, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina, Karina, Petro, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, and Veronica. O dear LORD, please open doors that are otherwise shut for each person and help us today. Provide for our needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. I pray to you, LORD Jehovah Jireh, our provider. We are in need, and I humbly ask for your provision. I remind you, LORD, that you are Jehovah Nissi, our banner. Thank you, LORD, for hearing my cries this morning. I honor you, God, with Psalm 8:3-4: "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him." Thank you, LORD, for thinking of us today. I am grateful that you keep us in mind. When I see your magnificent work, I am humbled by your greatness. You are wonderful, mighty, and awesome—the invisible God, always near and watching over us. Help us today as we navigate our tasks and reach our goals. James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." LORD, I have confessed my sins to you and pray for your forgiveness. I am humbled by the outcomes of my actions and ask for your forgiveness in humility. Thank you, LORD, for answered prayers. Help me renew my mind. Grant supernatural favor to each person on my list. Open doors of great opportunity and guide us through our days. Let your will be done in my life. Though it's easier said than done, please help me walk in step with you today. I commit everything I do into your hands. Make a straight path for me, my family, and friends. I call out to you for guidance, wisdom, insight, and understanding. Grant me the desires of my heart, in the name of Jesus Christ. In desperate need, I pray for a way forward. Show me what you want me to do. I need your guidance, sponsorships, exhibitions, and delegate tickets. Please help me. In the glorious name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Blessings and honor to you, God my Father. Amen.

LORD help mom

"As I face a dark moment in my life, I'm searching for a lifeline of encouragement. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. With over 30,000 verses in the Bible, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack to discover a life verse that will speak directly to my heart. Right now, I'm struggling to encourage myself as my mom is going through a tough time with financial struggles and lack of provisions. I feel discouraged, afraid, and uncertain about the future. It's like everything I hold dear is under attack and out of reach. As I read about King David's story in 1 Samuel 30, I see that he, too, faced a similar crisis when his families were kidnapped and everything they had was destroyed. But instead of giving up, he chose to "encourage himself in the Lord" (1 Samuel 30:6). That's exactly what I need to do – encourage myself in the Lord. In Psalm 119:28, I'm reminded to "strengthen [myself] according to [God's] word." And in Joshua 1:9, I'm urged to be strong and courageous, not fearing or being dismayed, because God is always with me. I confess that I've failed God in many ways, but I choose to sing the joy of the Lord as my strength. I pray that You would help me take You into my life today and guide me through this difficult season. Please help my mom as well. Help me find my way forward and trust in Your goodness and provision."

Morning Devotion: Seeking Strength and Guidance

Good morning, Abba Father. Great and mighty are You, LORD my God. I worship and praise Your Holy Name. Abba, You are wonderful, and I adore You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Thank You, Abba, for a new day. Thank You for being patient, kind, and understanding towards me. 1 Chronicles 16:11 reminds me, “Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!” Today, LORD, I seek You. Abba, I seek Your strength and desire to be in Your presence every day. I humbly commit my day and work into Your hands, surrendering my life and everything I do to You. O Abba, I love You so very much. As I navigate through my day, Your Word is my guide. In Matthew 11:28, You say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I stand before You this morning, asking for Your hand to shield me, my family, and my friends. I dedicate each person I name into Your hands: Andus, me, Alezandra, Pieter, Andus Jr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Aurther, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, Kid, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina, Karina, Petro, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, and Veronica. LORD, each of us carries burdens we cannot bear alone. I come humbly before You, laying down my burdens. I worry about my mom, Oom Frik, my husband, children, grandchildren, and stepchildren. You know our circumstances and what we face each day. Abba, without You, we are nothing. I pray and stand in the gap for each one today, bringing Elma, Karina, and Rina into Your presence. You know what they face. Help them all today. God, thank You for showing me true love. Your will is for the world to know You, walk with You, and love You. In Your presence, I find joy. O Abba, today, please show me how I can share Your love with those around me. I present myself before You this morning, along with everyone I am thinking of. Abba, I ask that You meet me in my failures, struggles, brokenness, and despair. LORD, I need Your Holy Spirit, and Jesus, I ask You to be my guide. As I clothe myself with You, LORD Jesus Christ, protect each one of us today. We cannot do without You. Help me, please, LORD my God. Father, You know my needs before I ask. I remind You, LORD, about my sponsorships, exhibitions, and delegate tickets. I ask that You open the doors for each person I have brought before You. Only You know what we face. Thank You, LORD, for hearing my prayer. I praise and worship You. In the name of Jesus Christ, thank You, Lord, for today. Amen.