Today, let's encourage one another.

During this lockdown, we all are living with challenges and struggles. I find it hard to keep a positive attitude with everything that is going on around me. I want to speak life and godly wisdom into people's lives, circumstances, and trails. Hebrews 3: 13 says we need to encourage people in our lives. Be an encourager for today and Proverbs 27 verses, 17 say: "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." We need to communicate with each other and pray with each other. I want to ask God to help me be an encourager to people, and I also need God to help me not to fall today and lose my reflexes. I am in this for the long run with Christ. Let's focus our energy on Hebrews 10 verses, 22 - 25 MSG "So let's do it - full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."

Here's a thought, I think Dale Carnegie said it ideally "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

Prayer

Lord today, we have the opportunity of picking up the phone and calling a friend or a loved one and finding out how they are—encouraging them, praying for them, and just listening to them. I want to pray for wisdom, insight, and understanding when speaking to my loved ones—an ear to hear and a heart full of compassion. Lord, help me to be there for them. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid

Day 21 ~ Forgiveness

Matthew 18: 21 - 22 AMP

Forgiveness

 "Then Peter came to Him and asked, "Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?  Jesus answered him, "I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven."

I realized that I have been struggling with an unforgiving heart or spirit. On Sunday, I was listening to my Pastor preach, and something he said reminded me of my ex-husband. What he did to me and then I was in a state. I thought I had forgiven this man for all the things he has done to me. I didn't, and I also realize that to forgive someone, it has to be a conscious decision on your side. I thought I let it go, but I didn't.

It took me a couple of days of saying it to myself that I have forgiven that man.  You won't believe me, but before I said that, I was so heartbroken.

I know when reading the Bible that we are required to forgive someone for their offenses. I know I had to decide yes or no.

So when I think of Jesus and His disciples, it's something I need to forgive 490 times a day! I can't believe its possible, but that is a considerable amount of forgiving.

I have made a decision today actual right now, and I will live in forgiveness. It's not that easy, so many things upset me all the time. So I need to learn forgiveness, and it must be a constant thing in my own life.

I know Jesus taught us to pray the Our Father, and on a further study, it struck me that we are asking Father God to forgive us as we forgive others. If I am not going to forgive people who hurt me, then why would God the Father forgive me?

I want to move on in my life, and I need to stay focused, I will not let unforgiveness break my relationship with God the Father.

Prayer

Father God, I want to remind You of Your Word in my life today. I have decided to follow Jesus, and I also have decided to let go of offenses and unforgiveness in my own life today.  I trust that You God have mercy on me today. I believe that surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Lord, I am reminding You on "As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is Your mercy towards those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." I declare this word into my own life right now, and I trust in You Abba Father, I draw a hedge of Jesus Christ's blood around my family and me. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid

You’re not going to work anytime soon!

Jeremiah 29: 7 AMP

“Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.”

Right now, the lock-down isn’t a place where I want to be. I feel restricted and shut-in. I never thought there would be a day in my life that I had to stay home. I am at home anyway, but even still, this isn’t the ideal. Now, I have come to realize God has a word for me: “You are not going anywhere soon, so change your attitude and make the best of it.” Seriously, that isn’t what I actually wanted to hear. 

What are we going to do? There is an answer to that question too, I need to pray for peace and prosperity, and that is for myself, my family, and my friends.

And then to top it all off, I can hear my daughter saying: “Mommy, you are where God wants you to be.” So instead of sitting around hoping my circumstances are going to change, I might as well start doing stuff.  

So what now, I will be happy and content in whatever situation I find myself. I won’t sit around moping all day long; I can contribute to this life. My circumstance doesn’t rule my life, and I place that in God’s hands.

Prayer 

Lord, thank you for today, thank You for the time I have at home. Help me to stay focused on Your Word, teach me to be kind, understanding, and forgiving. Help me to consider people in my life and treat them with the loving-kindness You treat me. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer.

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk or Kellan Publishing; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid.

Day 22 – Lockdown ~ Children need these things:

Genesis 48: 9 AMP

"Joseph said to his father, "They are my sons, whom God has given me here [in Egypt]." So he said, "Please bring them to me so that I may bless them."

Teach your children.

We rely on the government and schools and Sunday schools to teach our children. As parents, we need to instill character and conviction. "Only be careful, and watch yourself closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and their children after them." Deuteronomy 4: 9 I am sure that the Lord is going to hold me responsible.

Discipline.

When it comes to training, I believe it is vital because the children are learning boundaries. When I say no, then they know it's not going to happen. I think this helps them in their lives to say no, to others. Proverbs 19 verses 18, "Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death."

Blessings.

It's not something we usually do, but it is important to bless our children. I wish I knew this when I was a young mother. I would bless my children every day and ask the LORD to bless them too. I think if Joseph blessed Jacobs's children, then we should do the same. I want my children to have peace in their lives, prosperity, and long lives. The devil will do whatever it takes to stop us from blessing our children. Let us bless our children today.

Example:

We need to set an example to our children, they are watching us. Let do the best we can so they may learn from us. I know I'm not perfect, but I can do my best and pray the Lord will guide my children going forward.

Prayer

Lord, I want to commit my children, stepchildren, and grandchildren into Your hands today. I realize they are all adults and living their own lives right now. I want to pray for wisdom, insight, and understanding. Lord, I want to pray that You will bless each one of them in whatever they decide to do. Give them open doors for excellent and prosperous opportunities. Let Your face shine on each one of them and let no harm come to them. I draw a hedge of the blood of Jesus Christ around each one. In Jesus name, amen

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid

Day 20 Lockdown, Depression

 

Job 10: 22 AMP "The [sunless] land of utter gloom as darkness itself, [The land] of the shadow of death, without order, and [where] it shines as [thick] darkness."

 

The trouble with feeling depressed is that we think there is no meaning in life. I was watching the movie "The Gambler" and Mark Wahlberg’s portrays the Gambler. It struck me how meaningless his life was. He was a brilliant man, a professor, and he came from a wealthy family. He honestly had a severe problem with gambling, and he never seemed to know when to stop. I believe he was a very depressed man because even the good things in his life were meaningless to him.

 

Job 30: 26 AMP "When I expected good, then came evil [to me]; and when I waited for light, then came darkness."

 

I felt depressed for the gambler because it seemed that no matter what he did, it never seemed to get better.

But I think life has meaning. Even though we do ask questions like "Why am I here?" and "Where am I going?" The Bible gives us the answers. I think we are here because of the Lord Jesus, and He is our ultimate goal. Creation was done all by Him and all for Him. Here is God's plan for us:

Colossians 1:15-20(AMP)

15 He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. 16 For [a]by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. 17 And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.] 18 He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the [b]church; and He is the beginning, [c]the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything. 19 For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity—the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son), 20 and through [the intervention of] the Son to reconcile all things to Himself, making peace [with believers] through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say,] whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Take heart; we are made for Him. You are a bride, handpicked for the bridegroom.

Prayer

Lord, humbly I confess that You God is with me. Even if I am hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed, I am perplexed but not in despair. Lord, You hear me when I call to You. "He hears my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears." Lord, Your light brings me out of the darkness. I trust in You LORD and rely upon You God. In Jesus Christ's name Amen

                                                          

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid

Wisdom

We all need wisdom in our lives, and today let's take a look at Proverbs 9 verses 1 to 12. 

Seven pearls of wisdom. The number seven in scripture represents completion or perfection typically. Come, let us find ways to grow in understanding.

Proverbs 9:1 (AMP)

Wisdom's Invitation

9 Wisdom has built her [spacious and sufficient] house;

 She has hewn out and set up her seven pillars.

I do not do well when criticized, it pains me when someone wants to correct me. But, I keep quiet and hope the critic is truthful and not mocking me. I have found some people love to "insult" or "abuse" when critiquing me.

It's challenging, but I manage to keep quiet, to avoid further wrath. In earlier days I would lash out before I accept someone critiquing me. My natural instinct is to take offense and I can get quite angry. These days I try and see it from my critic's perspective. I don't always like hearing what they say, but I try and listen with an open heart. Learning is part of my spiritual growth, and it does help to hear other people's opinions. I still believe "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." 

Prayer

Humbly, I pray Lord if I am critical about a person, give me the wisdom to be constructive towards them, and gracious when I receive criticism. Help me stay focused on Your Word so that I can learn from each experience, in the name of Jesus Amen.

                                       

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid

Anger issues ~ Lockdown

 

1 Samuel 16: 23 AMP

23 So it came about that whenever the [evil] spirit from God was on Saul, David took a harp and played it with his hand; so Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would leave him.

 

I feel sorry for the women and children during this time of Lockdown. It's clear that married couples are not communicating with each other, and their spouses (men or women) have anger issues. They aren't talking to one another and, most of the time, grab a bottle of some sort to ease the pressure they may be facing. An evil spirit has taken hold of them, and now there is underlying anger that is chasing them. The slightest thing can set them off. 

What can we do to stop these angry outbursts? Just remember we are in a battle for our marriages. It's so easy to say pray about the situation you are facing, I know I was there. But, keep in mind God is more powerful than you think. I believe if you can take control over your own emotions and pray, asking God to help you stay calm, you have a fighting chance. Especially asking God to help you in not striking back.

On this note, please, I do not agree with abuse, if you are facing any sort of abuse, get out. It's just not worth it. God didn't create us to be abused. No.

These times are even worse, how to deal with people who just do not respect you? If you are being abused, phone and report it to anyone who is listening, don't let this go unheard.

Seek Godly people who can counsel you. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me to always see the best in my husband. We both need to become slaves of righteousness. Help us never to use anger as a weapon against one other. Lord help us to see the best in each other. Stop us from constantly complaining and let us see the good in each other. Take all anger from us and teach us to love each other. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

                                       

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid

Prayer for today

Along time ago I read in one of my books of a Sunday School Teacher who taught her children to throw one of their shoes underneath the bed before going to sleep at night.

So that in the morning when they get up, they would look for the shoe and remember to say their prayers. Wow, that is so cute.

Prayer I believe is the sustenance to our spiritual lives. Without prayer we cannot make it through the day.

The Psalms reminds me of our souls thirsting for the Lord our God. When should we be praying as often as we can? In everything we do. 

Psalm 42: 1 – 2 AMP

Book Two

Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile.

To the Chief Musician. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of the sons of Korah.

42 As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks,

 So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.

 2 My soul (my life, my inner self) thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see the face of God?

The Bible says “Devote yourself to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” Only when I am in God’s presence drawing strength from Him, can I make it through today. I feel alone and without hope if I don’t come before Him.

Prayer Heavenly Father, Lord please give us a pure heart, so that we may see You, a humbly heart so we can hear You, and a loving heart so we can serve You. Lord give us a heart of faith so we can live with You. Lord, I bring my family and friends before You, asking for protection and saving. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

Get your copy of Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Follow me on my Kellan Publishing author page, my blog at Yvette van Niekerk  or Kellan Publishing ; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon; God’s Orchid