Are you a Doormat?

by Yvette van Niekerk

Galatians 1: 10 Berean Study Bible "Am I now seeking the approval of men or God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Are you striving to please men, as Paul wrote to the Galatians? Or are you striving to live according to God's Word and be a God-Pleaser? Someone who chooses to be a person God created us to be - unique and different than most people; constant criticism is coming your way because of your peculiarity.

It seems I have been going upstream my entire life, never going along with the rest of the crowd. I want to be different and be something God created me to be. I never knew my self-worth, and people could manipulate me to do things as they pleased, I was a people-pleaser. I was concerned that I didn’t make good decisions and people would think I was stupid. I wanted the approval of people constantly at any cost.  Proverbs remind us that the fear of people is a dangerous trap (Proverbs 29: 25 NTL). I ended constantly feeling disappointed with myself.

King Saul was a people-pleaser let’s see what 1 Samuel 15 verse 24 Saul Pleads for Forgiveness Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the LORD.” The Apostle Paul wrote that “I’m not trying to win the approval of people but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

I believe that I wanted to be loving, considerate, and patient and then I allowed myself to be intimidated and manipulated by allowing people to manoeuvre me. I yielded to fear of others allowing them to be my boss.

2 Timothy 1 verse 7 says “God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power.” I took my stand in the LORD, holding onto His Word, and taking my chances with God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please help me, I do not want to be a servant to people out of fear but because I love them. I also want to pray give me the strength to stand up and be You, servant. Not fearing people. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Cancel your pity party!

by Yvette van Niekerk

We read in the Message 1 Peter 4 verses 12 to 13 "Glory Just Around the Corner.   Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner."

Honestly, it has been a tough week for me, my emotions have been up and down, and I was going through stuff. I wonder how you cope when life puts the squeeze on you? We know that there are testing times, and it is a regular thing. We need testing and trials in our lives to keep us real, to help us grow, and our spiritual lives need to build. The apostle Paul said "Every detail works to your advantage and God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace." 2 Corinthians 4: 15 - 17 MSG.

I never truly understand how people go through life, looking magnificent, and it seems they don't have a care in the world. Then I realized they are hiding their feelings, and you cannot see their pain, they wear masks and are protecting the hurt and pain within. None of us can see inside each other, and it looks perfect on the outside. If we knew what blessings God has stored for each of us, we would press on, look up and stay focused. Let us not give up and sit in our pity party and start turning our attention to the one who can change our destiny. God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Heavenly Father thank You, for giving us the strength to hold on, the courage to face new challenges and hope for tomorrow. We love and adore You, Lord, with all of our hearts, soul and mind. in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

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Do you need strength to face today?

by Yvette van Niekerk

I read D.L. Moody said, "When a man has no strength if he leans on God, he becomes powerful."

The Lord is trustworthy, and when we are facing insurmountable issues and problems, we should not turn to men, but lean on God, He is powerful. What does it mean to trust in God? He has a position of security, and we can trust Him because He reveals Himself as reliable. If you will take a moment with me and read Psalm 91 out loud, you will see the Lord God is a symbol of protection from attack. The best description I can give you is of an old Castle with the walls that surround it, people living behind these fortified walls of protection. It would have to be a smart and robust army that penetrates these sturdy walls, how we should view God, His robust, sturdy and will put His arms around us His children. Putting our trust in the Lord is the way we should go. He has never failed us, why now?

Psalm 91 MSG

"You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge.  I trust in you, and I'm safe!"

That's right - he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His massive outstretched arms protect you - under them, you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing - not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day. Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will also graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path."

Prayer

High God, please Abba Father, help me today, I cannot get through this day without your hand over my life, I run to You Lord, You are my strong tower. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

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Bend so I won't break

by Yvette van Niekerk 

The past couple of years have taught me an invaluable lesson, to be a little more flexible. I am working hard at not being so right. In the Bible, Romans 12: 16, 18, I saw it says 'readily adjust yourself to (people, things). And, if possible, as far as it dependents on you, live at peace with everyone.

I know I am in the process of letting go of my own self-importance, and I am learning to become obedient to God's Word. I am struggling with an attitude of having things go my way, and adaptation is not so easy when I don't want to be submitting to the Word of God.

Now I realized I am learning to bend, and I am becoming more obedient. I'm not as upset and miserable these days.

Key to a well-balanced relationship is being flexible and consideration for your spouse. Pushing for my own way brings discord and resentment into my relationship. I am praying that the Holy Spirit will guide me going forward.

Prayer

Dear Father God, please help me to bend and be flexible in my relationship with You and my family, especially with my husband. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Follow me: Kellan Publishing; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Pinterest; Stumble Upon
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Daily Devotional Ebenezer now available on Amazon

by Yvette van Niekerk

This book of mine has not been thrown together by chance and united by a series of coincidences, no! God has been speaking to me and is the result of Daily Devotional Ebenezer inspired by circumstances and experience by me and friends and family. In 1 Samuel 7 verse 12, we read "Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying "Thus far the LORD has helped us." When I was studying God's Bible, and I was in a place of dark and uncertain times, "Thus far the LORD has helped me." stood out on the pages and I knew God was with me in every situation when my life seemed to be filled with brutality. My life-changing attitude started when I connected with the Ancient of Day, God Almighty through daily worshipping, prayer and devotion.

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Did you know - John Newton - Amazing Grace

by Yvette van Niekerk

2 Samuel 22: 20 "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

John Newton (1725 - 1801) was an atheist, bully and blasphemer. I believe that John was wild and very angry when he was young. He was forced to serve as a sailor in the Royal Navy for a period. During this period he broke the rules so boldly that he was publicly flogged for desertion. His crewmates hated and feared him, and he even became a slave trader.

When Newton was twenty-three, his ship came into a severe storm off the coast of Donegal, and it almost sank. During this storm, Newton called out to God as the ship filled with water, and on the day, 10 March 1748, God rescued him. His life changed for the better. He started praying and reading the Bible. He joined up with William Wilberforce in a campaign to abolish the slave trade and was the leader in this campaign.

William Wilberforce, in the campaign, to abolish the slave trade, and became a leading light in that campaign.

Newton is the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace" "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, Was blind, but now I see."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to pray that You Lord will rescue me, save me and set me free, deliver me from danger or any attack or harm. You, Lord Jes, bring me into a spacious place. Thank You, Lord. Amen

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How can I get along with other better today?

by Yvette van Niekerk

Good morning, let's find a peaceful place and quiet our spirits before the Lord.

Ephesians 4 verse 2 MSG "In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk - better yet, run! - on the road, God called you to travel. I don't want any of your sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline - not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences."

It struck me that I am very stubborn, and I am not making allowances for people. I want things done in a specific way at my pace, not theirs. It causes so much trouble there cannot be peace with the people around me when I'm in a no negotiation phase. I am not learning to put love before others and not see them through my own eyes. Look, I have to say sorry. I'm working hard at changes my attitude.

Here's thought, what can I do to better get along with my family? I could listen to them.

Prayer Lord, God, please teach me to get along with others in love and humility. Please guide and teach me to be loving and compassionate. Help me to practices forgiveness, let me be a living testimony of Your grace today in my life.  Amen

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I believe we are entering a season of growth and elevation!

by Yvette van Niekerk

The past couple of months it felt like everything has been against me, I don't know how you may have thought during the COVID 19 lockdown but this what I felt. I see the enemy has been working against me, I experienced it, and I am sick of his attacks. He is always trying to delay and deter me from reaching my potential.

I have decided to trust in the Lord; the only way forward is through prayer and meditation in God's Word. I am standing on my Faith, this is trusting in God, and His word.

I am going to focus on God, drawing from His word and taking in as much as I can, trusting in Him.

Hebrews 13 verse 5 to 6 [God Himself has said, He will not in any way fail me nor give me up nor leave me without support. [He will] not, [He will] not, [He will] not in any degree leave me helpless nor forsake nor let [me] down (relax His hold on me)! [Assuredly not!] So I take comfort and am encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?

Prayer

Father God, I am trusting in You to open new doors of opportunity in my life and the lives of my family. Lord, the Father, help me to use my gift of discernment and guide me going forward. You Lord know what I need, and I am holding on to You in Jesus Christ name. Amen

 

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Do you spend enough time with God each day?

by Yvette van Niekerk

According to the Apostle Paul "let God transform you" or "be transformed." The secret in Pauls prayer is to allow God's Holy Spirit to renew our minds. The only way we can change is through meditation and focusing on God and spending precious time in the presence of our Lord and Savior.  Paul is saying that if I am willing to spend time with God and striving to behave like the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit will renew my mind, and my thinking will change. When I seek God, my outcome changes, I will be blessed.

How can I renew my mind, and what will happen?

Thinking about where I spend my time, am I honestly spending quality time in God's Word? To be honest no, I believe I have fallen in this regard. I have been filling my days with non-important things.

The sad part is I listen to the Word of God and get distracted, and I am trying to stay focused, but I am not fully involved. What is wrong with me? I have decided that I should stop everything that takes away my time and focus on the Word firstly. Getaway from everything and turn back to God.

I do have too many ups and downs, and I fear I am becoming more involved in the World. I want to know the will of God for me but to find it out I have to renew my mind to hear His voice.

I realize through prayer and focus on God, and my spiritual gifts will come to light and grow in ways that are perfect and pleasing to God. He is transforming my mind and heart, and He has given me spiritual gifts.

Meditate on Romans 12 verse 1 to 2 MSG "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

Prayer

Father God, I confess that I have become so busy with all kinds of things, distracted and not spending enough time with You. Please, Father, forgive me, I want to draw closer to You, in Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

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The Beginning and the End?

by Yvette van Niekerk

Something to ponder, God is the Beginning and The end, and I can only see things from my perspective, I don't have a clue as to what I can do with or without God. I so many times wish I knew how things are going to work out, but I need to wait and see.  The reality of the matter is that God knows all, and I don't have a cooking clue.

This year turned out so strangely, the whole world turned on its head. Life changed in a blink of an eye, and people all over the world was in lockdown. They were staying home, not going to work for months. You might feel you are at the bottom of the pit and you can't see the daylight. God has a plan to pull you out of this pit, you may be facing a promotion, and it also could be a calling into ministry.

Psalm 2 verse 12 "I am blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) because I seek refuge and put my trust in the Lord."

Prayer 

Father God, I am trusting in You, God whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? In Jesus Name, I pray, amen.

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56 not Old.

by Yvette van Niekerk

 

Agreed the first half of this year 2020 has been hectic, I believe we all have been through enough. COVID 19 has changed history. 

 

I have been going through a lot this past couple of weeks, I have been struggling with my identity and thinking that I must be ancient. My hair is greying, and I cannot control it, it's going at such a rate I wonder I should be grey by the end of this year if I do not find a hairdresser.

 

Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)

29 Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

 

This past couple of years have been engaging on my side, accepting myself for who I am isn't as easy as it sounds. What I lost sight of is that everybody ages no matter what, and life is a circle. I need to accept that I am aging and I do want to age gracefully not becoming an old age. It struck me the "root" of my problem these days is fighting my age. I can't believe how fast time flies and I still think I am young, but I've aged. I am embracing my age, 56 isn't that old, I am still young and healthy, and I can do many things.

 

I want to bear good fruits as the Bible says, if I keep on complaining, it might turn out to be rotten fruit, which isn't my plan. Something I want to get rid of in my garden is rejection, lack of love and acceptance. I want my relationships to prosper and "good fruit" to come forward. I am examining my heart and life, and I want to be kind, loving and a genuinely lovely person. 

 

Prayer

 

Lord God, Father You know me as You have called me by my name. I belong to You. Lord, please remove the root of bitterness, selfishness, rejection and a lack of love and acceptance from my life and heart. Please forgive me if I have been selfish and acted selfishly. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Yvette van Niekerk

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