Lord, help me to be kind.

1 Corinthians 8:1 (AMP)

Take Care with Your Liberty

8 "Now about food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all know [concerning this]. Knowledge [alone] makes [people self-righteously] arrogant, but love [that unselfishly seeks the best for others] builds up and encourages others to grow [in wisdom]."

So the thing about communication, it's not what you say, it's how you say it. I have been told this on so many occasions.

I tend to speak my mind, and I forget to put the filters on because, at the moment, I am angry and want to hurt you. Practicing common decency is essential when it comes to our marriages. The way we speak to each other shows how much you love one another. In the scripture above, we should build up and encourage our other half. Now I am not perfect, and I am in the process of learning to watch my words. I do not want to speak mean-spirited words tearing down the people I love. 

I have realized that it isn't worth my while in continually fighting and tearing people down. I am hurt, and now I am lashing out, hurting someone else. Would God be happy with my actions? If I truly love my husband 1 Corinthians 13, verses five says "love - it is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured." So I think no, I need to check my words.

I want to be able to share my deepest feelings and emotions with my husband. If I keep being nasty, he won't listen to me, and I am going to feel unsafe. My prayer is that God will help me repent of harmful speech and convert my thought life. And we are married, and compatibility is vital for both of us. On that point, I know that our words have power, I have heard this saying on more than one occasion, and I believe the Word of God. Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) 

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words."

Prayer

Lord God, when it comes to communication and words, I seem to have too many words and no compassion. Lord, I repent of my sarcasm and hurtful speech, and I pray, please forgive me. Today, please teach me to speak words that are loving and kind. Words that are uplifting and positive, words that encourage and are life-giving. Lord, today I want to ask You to take charge of my marriage. I am willing to do whatever it takes Lord to improve my communication with my husband. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Communication - forced by the Lockdown?

Genesis 2:21-22 (AMP)

21 "So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made (fashioned, formed) into a woman, and He brought her and presented her to the man.”

Are you married? I am, and according to my husband, we don't talk enough. The frightening part is for the next 21 days we are alone at home. I have heard some guys have bought 3 cases of whiskey and loads of cooldrink. The fear of staying at home with your husband or wife must be overwhelming.

I actually thought I do speak to my husband; I know I have been complaining about the kids a lot. They really work on my nerves.

What I have come to realize is we are two different people, his the total opposite to me. I like to chat, and I enjoy the limelight. He's very conservative and never speaks his mind. I sometimes believe his hiding things from me. So we need to focus on our verbal communication, my emotional state of mind, and our physical state. The challenge for me is actually putting my thoughts into words. I have become so accustomed to keeping my mouth shut that when I really am upset, I am unable to speak the words. I normally break down in tears and then run away. He truly is frustrated with me, because he isn't sure what the hell is going on with me. I do believe we have a sense of closeness in our marriage. Although, at times, we are really far apart. I do feel taken aback when he says that I don't talk to me. When all I do is tell him things that irritate me. This is a learning curve for me, and I find it difficult to relate to him at times. He loves going to bed very late, I, on the other hand, want to go to bed at least by 10 pm.

Well, I'm sure you can relate, some people are night owls, and others are early birds. So I'm not really sure what is on my husband's mind and sometimes he isn't sure what I'm thinking. 

During this lockdown, I hope that I am able to bridge the gap between myself and my husband when it comes to communication. I believe God has put the marriage in place so that we can be in a relationship with each other. Looking at Genesis 2, verses 18, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." We both need each other and, therefore, should at least understand each other. I used to have a great body, and as time goes on, it is difficult to maintain that excellent body. Especially when I have to cook so many meals and make sure everybody is eating.

Well, from my point of view, communication is difficult in general for me, I normally listen well, but when I need to speak my mind. I seem to offend or say things uncut. To straight forward at times and that is really bad, I feel my filters have fallen by the wayside. I realize that God created Eve from Adams's rib and not any other part of his body. I think this is the reason we are supposed to be equal. I realized when I went away on Holiday overseas that I was truly missed. I realize my husband really missed me and knew he loves me. The loneliness he felt when I was away and the same for me. I was visiting with my family, but the man I love was at home.

So we are sitting together in the study, and I am trying to build on our communication. Sometimes we have an argument and disagreement. I am trying to improve my communication. Let's see how we fear going forward.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, today I want to dedicate my marriage into Your hands. You know that we are learning to communicate with each other. It’s not that easy, I do speak to my husband but he truly doesn’t understand me at the best of time. I am sure he feels exactly the same way. Lord please send the Holy Spirit and help me with my quest to better my communication with my husband and guide me going forward. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Why is this happening?

Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Ephesians 6: 10 – 11

“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

I have been wondering why is this happening? I see all the stories and pictures of people who have died in many countries. The unbearable grief and shock they are facing right now. I'm sure there are reasonable answers to this question. But I have come to realize we are facing an enemy - Satan. Satan is standing in opposition to God and everything God does and anyone who believes in God or even tries to the life God's way. I realize that the Lord Jesus broke the power of the enemy. 

Jesus defeated Satan on the cross; Jesus gave me authority over Satan. Luke chapter 10, verses 19, "I have given you [me] authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you[me]." But it was a person who created this virus, and now we are facing a pandemic. I know, but we believe Ephesians 6 verses 12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." I believe that Satan is behind this attack, and many people will not reach the Kingdom of God.

So God has a plan for my life, and I am confident the Devil has one too. John 10, verses 10, says, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." The Devil is at work 24/7, and he doesn't give up making me realize I have to be up to God's standard 1 Peter 5 verse 8 says "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." How can we stand against the Coronavirus? We have God's Word, the Bible weapon at hand right now. Jesus used the Word of God against Satan. Matthew 4, verses four, says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." So when the Devil comes at us, let us use God's word. Hide in God's word.

Are you struggling with a heavy heart? Now is the time to put on a praise song, praise the Lord God. He is drawing you closer to God. I know that when we listen to God and we become obedient, things start to change in our lives. I confess and repent, and I pray to God to renew my thinking. It is not easy to have me change my mind when it comes to Jesus. My faith stands, I believe in Jesus, He is Lord. Faith is fundamental.  Because we are facing considerable pandemic, we need to come to God in prayer and fast. Our church has asked us to stand together with each Monday in fasting and prayer. We will unite against this enemy.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I am grateful that You chose to suffer and die on the cross for me, raised out of the grave, defeating death and hell. Thank You that You have put me in an authoritative position over my enemy. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who empowers me to stand against the Devil. Please open my eyes to the enemy who may be lurking, and I have not been vigilant. Oh, Lord, and when I am disobedient, please show me so that I can repent and change. If I have allowed the Devil a foothold in my life, show me so that I can rectify this. I draw a hedge around my life, asking that You will help me build my faith, becoming strong in You and Your Word. Thank You, Lord, that You have delivered me from the Devil. Please help me not to be overcome by evil but let me overcome evil with good. Please Lord, here I need You to hide me in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of evil men. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Yvette van Niekerk

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Our sins sweep us away, we need You Jesus Christ.

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Isaiah 64: 6 ESV "All of us have become like one who is unclean, an all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away."

I am nothing without the Lord Jesus; my life isn't worth anything, but when I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, my whole life changed. I am "in Christ." In exchange for my unclean life and my filthy rags, Jesus renewed me through His blood.

So when I offered God me and what I have for Jesus and what He had. I accepted the Holy Spirit to come into my life, and I accepted health instead of sickness, He took away all my failures and mistakes. I received Jesus's abilities, His righteousness, and strength. When I accepted Jesus, He gave me new hope.

I am now in a Covenant with God Almighty, and I am grateful that the Lord Jesus loved me before I loved Him. I place my hope and faith in Jesus.

I don't have to feel inferior or condemned; I am in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5: 21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Prayer

God Almighty, thank You, LORD, that I have been accepted and may enter into Your presence. I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Thank You for Jesus Christ that has died for my sin, setting me free, I have the Holy Spirit in me. Hope and a future. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Let your life be an example.

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Titus 2: 12 ESV "It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,"

I know it's challenging to live self-controlled; I tend to forget and speak my mind. It has been on my mind for a very long time that I want to be a pleasing person in the sight of my God. I want Him to say, "Look, that's my child!"

I think we all strive for some form of perfection, and it's not always possible. Living here in this world, we still have our old human nature that comes into play now and then. I have concluded that God wants me to live a Godly life. Why did God save me? I believe that God saved me because Jesus Christ died on the cross for my redemption of all the wickedness and that I can be purified for him, "a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." I must not let anyone despise me. What are some good qualities Paul urges Christians [me] to demonstrate in their [my] lives? So Titus tells me, to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility towards all men.

[Titus 3: 1 - 2]. I have redemption by the mercy of the living God, Jesus Christ.  Titus 3 verses 5 "he saved us [me], not because of righteous things we [me] had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us [me] through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,"

Prayer

LORD, God, humbly, I want to pray to say thank You, that You have saved me by Your mercy. I know, without a doubt, I would never have made it on my own to heaven. LORD,  people are dying of the Coronavirus, and they need Your help, we live by example. Please, LORD, stretch out Your hand and heal these people, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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What role does God play during the “Lockdown?”

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Psalm 119: 147 ESV

"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word."

When I wake up in the mornings, the first thing I say is, "thank you, Lord. I started a new day." We are in "lockdown" in South Africa. No one is going in to work, and there is no school for the next 21 days.

The Police are on the roads, pulling cars over asking the questions, where are you going why are you on the way. Well, we are allowed to purchase food and petrol. So that is what we are doing. People are indoors, watching TV and sitting around. I am grateful that my children are all grownups; I don't believe I would coupe with small kids at home; I lost the patience somewhere along the way. My daughter has been looking after her two girls. I must say she is doing a great job, she is a dedicated mom and looks after the girls. Both she and her husband have to phone into work. They do not have a choice there isn’t anybody who can assist with the girls. So their lives have all of a sudden changed from working parents to stay home parents working from home.  I believe God has a plan for our lives and this is a good thing, bring family together.

As we start our day and think of the people that have contracted the Coronavirus, we also should be praying to ask the Lord to help them. Thanking God that we are still doing well and that we can speak to Him, we have an open line to God and all because of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, I call on You in my hour of distress, and I know You always answer me. Today, Lord, please will You heal the sick and make away for all of us. Lord, small businesses are struggling because of the Lockdown. We need Your divine intervention today and the coming day, amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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I'm responsible for my happiness.

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Ecclesiastes 3: 12 ESV "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live."

It's something we are in control of our happiness. I used to think I can only be happy when I do certain things, buy certain clothes, etc. One day I realized things do not make me happy; in fact, I feel empty and not content.

I alone at home for a very long time, and during that time, I realized that the only person who really can make me happy is God. Spending much of my time with the Lord, I didn't have anything that made me happy. My husband came home from work done things with me, but happiness couldn't be something he could give me. Items cannot bring you joy. Only God can, and I realized I am happy now, and nothing bothers me. I used to put unrealistic expectations on my kids, my husband, and everyone I thought was excellent, I idolized them and thought I would be as important to them as they are to me. I know that my family and friends favor me because God has placed His supernatural favor on my life. People like me because God opened the door to spiritual support.

Prayer

Lord, please take me to the next level in my life; I am so grateful for each of my children, stepchildren, and husband. My grandchildren and all my family, I am whole because of each person in my life. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings they all bestowed upon me. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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My willpower and determination.

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John 15: 5 ESV "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

I have identified so many things that are wrong in my life, but when it comes to fixing it, I genuinely lack the willpower and determination. I find that the latter two leave me stranded in the middle of my renewal. How on earth will I get my life back on track?  Because I lack the discipline, and I know God can supply the grace and ability to renew my life, I am at a loss if I don't turn to God.

Matthew 11, verses 28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Lord Jesus died on the cross so that we can live a life with joy and rest. He invites us to accept His help; see Matthew 11, verses 28.

I am struggling with overeating, and I need the Lord Jesus to help me overcome my addiction to food. I don't seem to have a handle on this anymore, I used to starve myself self, and now I cannot stop eating.

Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I want to bring my addiction of food to You. Lord I want to eat healthy and I want to pray that You will help me maintain a good eating diet not over indulging and being in control over my life. I dedicate my life into You hands I pray please Lord Jesus send the Holy Spirit to help me going forward, as I realise nothing is impossible with you. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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The danger of misunderstanding.

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Psalm 37: 1 – 9 ESV

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

So it's here we are all faced with the reality that the Coronavirus is a pandemic. It has reached everyone worldwide.  It has crossed my mind that it has become necessary to communicate with people. So there is no danger of misunderstanding, rules, and regulations. Then I am struck by some people who have no regard for the laws and regulations set for their protection. I cannot think people can act so carelessly.

Now I realize the Lord Jesus Christ has set up a "hotline" to God for us, and its not only for an emergency call but for all things that you may want to discuss with Him. How are my desires fulfilled?  In Psalm 37 verses, 4 King David says, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." LORD how wonderful when You answer my prayers and give me the desires of my heart.

Right now, I realize people all over the world are panicking and feeling afraid. Lord reveal the word to people who do not understand You. Faith is trusting in You and Your Word.

Today we want to commit our ways to You, asking You Lord to guide each one of us. The pandemic is fast-growing, and people are dying because of this illness. Lord today we commit our ways into Your hands, I believe and trust You will guide us and protect us. We wait on You and see You working in our lives for our good.

Today we want to be still before You LORD, and we wait patiently for You, we are trusting in You as You are our "hotline."

Lord, we are asking You in prayer to help our loved ones and us in this time of isolation. We are waiting on You, and in prayer, we trust in you.

Prayer

Abba, Father, Lord, today I want to pray and ask You, please help me. I know You are in control of our lives and the world. As we face this pandemic, send Your Holy Spirit like a burning fire and heal our land and people, in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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I Draw my Strength from God

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2 Corinthians 12: 10 Amplified Bible "So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strenght], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God's strength]."

So today or any other day, we are bombarded with feelings of good or bad, sad or happy or discouraged or encouraged. Many times we allow our emotions to rule our lives. For instance, I woke up this morning, feeling good, and then this afternoon, I feel upset and discourage.

I am in the process of learning to stay on top of my feelings, controlling it as far as possible. I have come to understand that because of God's Word, I can control what comes to mind. I have the power to say no, too bad thoughts and feelings. 

It's a process, and I am learning to focus my mind on the positive things, God's Word. I will not be taken down by how I feel, it does have an impact on my thought life, but I am starting to change my thinking. Turning my thoughts to the Lord, regularly, not worrying about what I am feeling.

I believe God will help me sustain my learning, and I think that in time I will gain the upper hand. My feelings cannot rule my life any longer.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord, today I will stay focused on You, yes, my emotions are up and down, I feel good at times and miserable at other times. Please, Lord, I need Your Spirit to rule my feelings and take control over my life. I humbly pray for wisdom and understanding, forgive me if I have sinned against You, knowingly or unknowingly in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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I will trust and not be afraid.

Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Isaiah 12: 2 Amplified Bible

“Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the LORD GOD is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation.”

With the threat of the Conoravirus, I think people feel stable for one minute, and the very next minute, they feel swept up in a wave of debilitating emotional chaos. I think we try not to focus on this virus, but with the media and everybody continually talking about it, it is starting to impact us.

What to do? Let us focus our thoughts on spiritual truths and shift our thought life to God. Once we read our Bibles and let the Word recalibrate and calm us spiritually. Something that can help, memorize scriptures, and we can use these passages as our armor to protect us. Now we are taking the focus of the virus and focusing on God's Word.

Looking at Isaiah 12, verses 2 in the Amplified Bible, I read, "Behold, God, my Salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, and For the Lord, God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my Salvation." Now I am sure the Lord is already speaking into my life, I have come to a place realizing that God is my Salvation. I do not have to be afraid. By meditating on the Word of God, we permit God to take away the worry we are currently facing. We become empowered and can win the battles we are fighting.

Romans 8: 6 Amplified Bible “Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever – because it pursues sin], but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God – both now and forever];”

I want to encourage you today, let’s not only focus all our time and energy on the virus. Take time and read the Bible today, meditate on God's Word, in Romans 8 verses 6 in the Amplified, we see that the mind of the flesh is death and the mind of Spirit is life and peace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, people all over the world, is focused on the illness of the Coronavirus. Lord, today I want to pray that You will send Your Holy Spirit to help us and the blood of Jesus Christ to protect us. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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