Steps to Deepen Your Relationship with the LORD: Commitment, Surrender, Faith, and Sacrifice

1. Make up your mind: Spiritual growth doesn’t happen passively. It requires a deliberate decision and commitment. As James 1:7 warns, a person who is uncertain and wavering cannot expect to receive from the LORD. To build a meaningful relationship with Him, prioritise it above all else and set your heart steadfastly towards spiritual growth. 2. Break up your will: Surrendering your will to God and aligning it with His purposes is crucial for spiritual progress. Like Israel wandering in circles in the wilderness despite being so close to the Promised Land, it illustrates the importance of obedience and alignment with God's will. As Hebrews 13:20-21 reassures, when we allow God to work in us, He equips us to fulfil His good purposes. 3. Wake up your faith: Act on the promptings of God’s Spirit and trust His guidance. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that faith is foundational; those who seek God earnestly are rewarded. Trusting in God's faithfulness and diligently seeking Him will deepen your relationship and strengthen your faith. 4. Take up your cross: Following Jesus requires self-denial and embracing His path wholeheartedly. Matthew 16:24-25 teaches that true life and meaning are found in surrendering to God’s will, even if it means sacrificing personal desires. Taking up your cross symbolises a commitment to follow Jesus faithfully, no matter the cost. In conclusion, building a relationship with the LORD involves making a firm decision, surrendering your will to His, actively trusting Him, and embracing the path of self-denial and obedience. By prioritising these steps, you can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection with God.

God's Eternal Rewards: Understanding Divine Recognition and Remuneration 3 July 2024

…He will receive his reward. - 1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV Scripture 1: "...The fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss..." - 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Scripture 2: "No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age." - Mark 10:29-30 NIV Scripture 3: "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." - Luke 14:13-14 NIV These Scriptures clearly teach that God rewards your deeds. Some rewards will come in this life, and some will come in the next. Perhaps you find yourself saying, "I served God faithfully, so why am I still struggling? Doesn’t God notice or care?" Yes, God notices and He cares. But He doesn’t promise that the work you do for Him now will always result in immediate gain. Many of the rewards God has for us are so great that it will take eternity to appreciate and enjoy them. Jesus said, "Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name… will by no means lose his reward." - Mark 9:41 NKJV No deed for God will go unrewarded – even a cup of cold water or a prayer in the middle of the night. “…He will receive his reward.” - 1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV How will God evaluate and reward what you did for Him during your lifetime here on earth? Based on three tests: 1. The Relationship Test: The life God rewards is not a life of performance apart from a relationship with Him. Unless you abide in Him and obey His commandments, you will not bear fruit for Him. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 NIV. He commended the church at Ephesus for their good works, then turned around and condemned them because they hadn’t kept their love for Him alive. "I know your deeds, your hard work... Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." - Revelation 2:2-4 NIV 2. The Motive Test: Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." - Matthew 6:1 NIV. Note the words "to be seen." What should our motive be? To serve God and bring glory to Him! Even simple things like eating and drinking can do that: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV. Your most religious actions are worthless if your motive is to enhance your own ego. 3. The Love Test: Christ said, "Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great..." - Luke 6:35 NIV. When it comes to good works, why is always more important than what. The Bible says, "Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully." - 2 John 1:8 NIV. Keep your heart pure and your motives right! God notices and values your faithfulness. Even if the rewards aren't immediate, they are sure and eternal.

A prayer for repentance and reconciliation - 2 July 2024

Isaiah 59:16 (KJV): "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." Lord, You know my heart, as I have laid it bare before You in my prayers. Sometimes, we drift away from praying and become hardened towards You because our interest in prayer is often superficial. We say we pray, read about its benefits, and feel uplifted, but Isaiah suggests that You are astonished by such shallow views of prayer. True worship and intercession must go hand in hand; one cannot exist without the other. Intercession means aligning our minds with Christ’s concerning those for whom we pray. Too often, instead of worshipping You, we get caught up in analysing how prayer works. Are we truly worshipping You, or are we debating with You? Doubting Your ways shows we are not in true worship. We bombard You with our demands, dictating our desires, without seeking to align with the mind of Christ. If we are hard toward You, we become hard toward others. Are we worshipping You with such fervour that we seek Your mind for those we pray for? Are we living in a holy relationship with You, or are we rigid and self-righteous? Do we claim to live but are spiritually dead? If there is no one interceding properly, let us be that one. Let us worship You and live in a holy relationship with You. Help us engage in the real work of intercession, knowing it is demanding but free from pitfalls. Unlike preaching the gospel, which can have its challenges, intercessory prayer is pure and sincere work. Prayer Dear Abba Father God, I apologise for my hardened heart and humbly confess that I have misunderstood the true essence of intercessory prayer. Reflecting on my life, I realise that I have been bombarding You with my needs, desires, and wants, while rarely offering You the praise and worship You deserve. It is astounding that You have not extinguished my life despite my shortcomings. It is incredible to think that I am speaking to the God of the Universe and that I am reborn through Jesus Christ, yet I constantly miss the mark. Your mercy and grace surround me, and I am humbled that You have not grown weary of me. I acknowledge my struggle with a hardened heart and humbly repent. Please, Abba Father, forgive me. May Your Holy Spirit search me, cleanse my heart, and create in me a clean heart and a pure spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Israel's Journey and Divine Assurance: A Story of Faith and Rebellion

Once upon a time, the people of Israel stood on the brink of a great journey. They were about to cross the Jordan River and conquer lands inhabited by powerful nations with towering cities. The inhabitants of these lands were the fearsome Anakites, giants known for their strength and might. The Israelites trembled at the thought, having heard tales of their invincibility. But a reassuring message came to them: "Do not fear, for the Lord your God will go ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy and subdue these nations before you, and you will quickly drive them out as He has promised." The Lord reminded them, "After I have driven these nations out, do not think it is because of your own righteousness that you are taking possession of this land. No, it is because of the wickedness of these nations that I am removing them. Remember, it is not your righteousness or integrity that grants you this land, but My promise to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The Lord then recalled the times when the Israelites had angered Him in the wilderness. From the day they left Egypt, they had been rebellious. At Horeb, they had provoked the Lord’s wrath to the point where He was ready to destroy them. When Moses went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets inscribed with God's commandments, he spent forty days and nights without food or water. The Lord gave him two stone tablets with the commandments, but the people below had already turned away and made a golden calf to worship. Upon descending the mountain and seeing their sin, Moses was so furious that he shattered the tablets. He then interceded for the people, fasting and praying for another forty days and nights, pleading with the Lord to spare them despite their wickedness. The Lord listened to Moses and did not destroy them. Moses also prayed for Aaron, who had led them in this sin. He destroyed the golden calf by burning it, grinding it to powder, and scattering the ashes into a stream. The Israelites had a history of rebellion, whether at Taberah, Massah, or Kibroth Hattaavah. Even when the Lord commanded them to take possession of the land from Kadesh Barnea, they doubted and disobeyed. Moses reminded them of his continuous intercession, laying prostrate before the Lord to save them from destruction. Moses recounted how he pleaded with the Lord to remember His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and not to let their enemies say He brought them out of Egypt to kill them. The Lord listened and instructed Moses to carve out two new stone tablets and come up the mountain again. There, the Lord rewrote the Ten Commandments and Moses placed the new tablets in an ark made of acacia wood, as commanded. As they journeyed, they remembered the death of Aaron and the succession of his son Eleazar as priest. The tribe of Levi was set apart to carry the ark and minister before the Lord. They had no inheritance among the Israelites because the Lord Himself was their inheritance. The Lord asked Israel to fear Him, walk in obedience, love, and serve Him with all their heart and soul. He reminded them that the heavens and the earth belong to Him, yet He chose their ancestors and loved them. Therefore, they were to circumcise their hearts and no longer be stubborn. The Lord is mighty and awesome, showing no partiality and defending the cause of the fatherless, widow, and foreigner. The Israelites were to love the foreigners among them, remembering they were once foreigners in Egypt. Thus, Israel was to fear the Lord, hold fast to Him, and praise Him, for He had performed great and awesome wonders before their eyes. From seventy ancestors who went down into Egypt, the Lord had made them as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Discover God's Promises - 1 July 2024

2 Peter 1:3-4 "According as His divine power [GOD] has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these, you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." If you’re facing a challenge to your faith, the very first thing you should do is turn to the Word and find the promise of God that addresses your situation. Second Peter 1:3-4 assures us that there is a promise for everything we face. Once you have found that promise and settled it in your heart, focus your attention on it. Keep it in the forefront of your mind. My stepson demonstrated this to his dad. He wanted to visit his granny, but there was no money for petrol. Our stepson prayed and, in faith, believed that they would be able to visit her. He prayed for several days and believed it would happen. He said, "Thank you, LORD Jesus!" O how great the LORD is—they were able to visit their granny. God made a way for them to get the necessary petrol and drive to her. "God has provided me with everything needed for life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3

May we soar like eagles today. 30 June 2024

Good morning, Abba Father.

Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” I praise Your holy name, for You are holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty. There is none like You. Thank You for a new day, for keeping me safe, and for guiding me through each day. I acknowledge that I cannot do life on my own. This morning, I humble myself before You, Abba Father, my LORD. You are worthy of my praise. I love and worship You. Come into my life today; I want to fall deeply in love with You. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). LORD, as I reflect on this verse, I admit that as I age, fear grows within me. I am less inclined to take risks and more prone to worry about the past, present, and future. I recognisse my afflictions are temporary and preparing me for eternal glory. You know my struggles with debt and my inability to overcome them alone. Please help me, granting me wisdom, insight, and understanding. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to see opportunities clearly, for I feel veiled and unable to see. This morning, my heart yearns to fall deeply in love with You, LORD. I wish to grow spiritually and become a mature child of God. Help me to pursue You daily. I do love You, LORD, and I seek Your presence, O Holy Spirit, how I need You. LORD, please let me receive Your peace today. Let me bask in Your presence, knowing You are all around me. I am grateful that You never give up on me. Even when I don’t feel near to You, You are never far from me. You actively pursue me and never fail me. Thank You! In Your presence, I find joy, and today, I choose to draw closer to You. I want to stand in the gap for my family and friends today. I dedicate them to You: Andus, me, Alezandra & John, 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, Alette, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kids, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina-Hannes, Karina, Petro, Bianca and daughter, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, Veronica. I speak Jesus Christ over each name I bring before You this morning. LORD Jesus, I ask You to protect each person and surround them with Your precious blood. You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You do not grow tired or weary, and Your understanding is beyond fathoming. You give us strength and increase our power. Even though we grow tired and weary, and we may stumble and fall, our hope is in You, LORD, who renews our strength. We will soar on wings like eagles; we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not be faint. May we soar like eagles today. Help each one of us in Jesus Christ's name. LORD Jesus, help me to explore the transformative power of Your Word so that I can understand the power of Your love, which goes beyond my personal desires and encompasses the well-being of my family and friends. Teach me to be selfless in love in my marriage and to prioritise my husband's needs above my own. Grant me Your unconditional love for everyone in my family. You know I struggle with humility towards others. Help me to love beyond myself, be humble, and serve willingly. Teach me to prioritise the needs of others. LORD Jesus, help me emulate Your example of selflessness and compassion. Today, I commit my entire day into Your hands. I ask for Your help as I trust You, LORD. I seek Your face this morning and ask You to remove the veil from my eyes so that I may see You. LORD, what are You teaching me today? Reveal Yourself to me today in Jesus Christ's name. LORD, I ask for Your light in my life. Touch my heart and give me the necessary wisdom and insight to face today. I belong to You, LORD Jesus Christ. Amen.