"eat that frog."

by Yvette van Niekerk

Mark 1: 35 ESV

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."

I hate making my bed, but I have learned when I get out of bed and not yet left my bedroom, I can tackle making my bed. It makes me feel accomplished. I know that sound silly, but I do. My bedroom looks tidy and neat, and I feel I can start my day.

Have you ever read Brian Tracy's book "Eat that frog!"? I have, and it changed my perspective on life.  I read Mark Twain, said: "if you ever have to eat a live frog, it's best done first thing in the morning." Yuck, it must be dreadful, but it is good advice. Because you can go through the rest of your day knowing the most solid task is behind you.

So, if I want God to do the super, I'll need to do the natural. That says I'll need to get started, praying first thing each morning. 

So, how we start our day sets the tone for the rest of it, yet many of us never give the morning a second through beyond getting out the door on time.

We see the Lord Jesus making the most of the early part of each day. Mark 1 give one example: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." On another occasion before appointing his disciples in the morning, he prayed all night. Now, what's that one thing you least like to do, but you feel best about afterwards? That's your frog. It's often the hardest, task to establish, but it pays the biggest dividends.

Prayer

Lord God, we pray for Your supernatural favour in our lives today, please help us take charge of our lives. By first speaking to You each morning, then tackling our day. Bless each of us with Your hand of supernatural favour. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love in Action

by Yvette van Niekerk

"Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body." Proverbs 16: 24 MSG

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." Luke 6: 31 - 34 MSG

"Love is not a feeling, its an act of your will." Do you agree with me when it comes to the meaning of Love? I believe love is all about what we are doing for each other, it involves actions. I am reminded that love costs us something.

Key elements of love

1. Love is a kind of actions.
2. Spending quality time together.
3. Speaking loving words.
4. Being Thoughtful with presents.
5. Physical affection

Does any of the above communicate love more effectively to you? I realise my communication of love is different from the way my husband understands love and receives it.

Love is a kind of action. We express love through serving our partners, through seeking to meet their needs in a specific way. Ask your partner what kinds of actions are most meaningful to them.

Spending quality time together. I love it when my husband just comes and sits with me. We don't have to touch each other or talk but his there with me. Then when we are all alone we are able to talk together, and when he takes me on a date night eating together is so much fun.

We all know that words can kill anything if they aren't used in the right way. Loving words have great power and in building my husband I'm built. Speak kindly to each other. I know my husband loves hearing words of affirmation as it allows him to feel appreciated.

I know my husband loves to eat "biltong" its dried meat and he enjoys the taste and I love buying some for him when he doesn't expect it. Every day is a special occasion to my mind so I try and do this as often as I can. 

I actually never really think about touching my husband, but I have come to realise he needs me to put my hand on his shoulder or just touch his back when I sit with him. I believe he feels loved when I show him affection. As a rule, we always walk around the shopping centre holding hands, I like the security of his strong hands over mine. I love it when he just gives me a kiss out of nowhere. There are other things that show affection such as lovemaking, sexual foreplay and a back massage every now and then are always a good idea.

Marriages are always interesting and we need to build our marriages. The sad part is people are living in a "throwaway society" there is nothing we cannot replace, even our marriages can fall into this category. 

Prayer

Father God, today I want to pray and ask that You will guide each one of us when it comes to our spouses. Give each one of us wisdom and insight and most of all understanding. Remind each one of us that we all are people, we all struggle with emotions, our personalities differ, our desires and frustrations are different. Lord help us to remember out spouses are people we genuinely care for and love that is why we married them in the first place. Bless each marriage today, give us the love we need to share with each other. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Invest 1st in Yourself!

by Yvette van Niekerk

Have you heard Warren Buffet's quote, "The best investment you will ever make is in yourself?"

Psalm 51: 7 - 17 MSG

"Soak me in your laundry, and I'll come out clean, scrub me, and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me into foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from grey exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.  Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise."

I was thinking of how counterintuitive and selfish this statement is, but then I realised that the Lord Jesus also first spent time investing in himself before in us. 

Listen to what the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 11 verse 28 to 30 MSG "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

The Lord Jesus calls this the "unforced rhythms of grace." "Come to me." 

My priority and main purpose these days is to spend time with the Lord. Looking at what the Lord Jesus has done in one day:  Jesus was always investing in others. He was constantly pouring out. Jesus went from preaching in the synagogue to casting out a demon, healing a sick friend, and at sundown, ministering to the entire city gathered at His door, read Mark 1: 21 - 34. What I realised that He always spent time in the presence of the Father before He poured out to the people. Time praying, listening, and refuelling. Mark 1: 35 "very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolated place and there he prayed."

The Lord Jesus also invited His disciples into His unforced rhythm of grace. We read in Mark 6 verse 31 - 32 ESV "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat."

So I am trying to equip myself so that I can give to others. How can I do this, I need to rest spiritually, physically, and mentally.  If my vessel is empty how can I pour anything out?

I want to check with you, are you investing in yourself daily and are you spending time with the Lord? Investing in your soul is necessary.

Prayer

Father God, today I commit myself into Your hands, O Lord, I hear You singing over me. I am so grateful to spend time in Your presence. I love and worship You, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and cleanse me so that I am acceptable to You Lord. I worship and praise You, You are my provider, my Salvation and my King. Please, Lord, I pray for my family, calling out their names before Your throne, salvation to each person that doesn't have a personal relationship with You. In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen.

Trust - I know it is developed over time.

Isaiah 26: 4 ESV "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

I have allowed trying situations this past couple of months to come my way, and it frustrated me, and I was so upset. And to top it off, I thought, "I'm believing God. I'm trusting God." When I didn't speak right, worry about everything, grumble and cry.

I honestly believe through my anxiety and my panic-stricken heart, my words didn't match my actions. I realized trusting God has to be more than just words, attitudes and action.

Going forward I know trusting in God is possible it's just I've been off my game, or better yet my mojo was completely off. I have allowed circumstance in my life to cloud my judgement. Of course, my emotional state has a huge part to play when it comes to how I have reacted. To say the least, I realise worry is a waste of time, and I must turn my attention to God.

Prayer

O Heavenly, Father, please forgive me for constantly worrying about things I have no control of. You are always there for me, draw me closer to You today, I am confessing I have turned away from You. Forgive me and please let me draw closer to You, in Jesus Christ name. Amen

I need a breakthrough today, let us pray.

 by Yvette van Niekerk

Romans 1: 16-17 MSG "It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives."

Definition of break is "to separate into parts with suddenness or violence." So what I simply need is that my prayers will generate an abrupt and sudden rupture; of what is hindering me, pushing me beyond that limitation and into freedom. I believe that I need to pray persistently and consistently until I sense that something has broken in the spiritual realm, and until what I have been asking for manifests. Believing that what I am asking for in the spiritual world into my physical world. So it's all about me persevering and enduring, pressing on and resisting with courage. I have always been relentless but my diligence, tenacity and boldness have been lacking. I am at a place in my life where I need to stay the course. Not allowing the opposition to bring me down.

I am developing my faith character by holy stubbornness and daring, unafraid to challenge what comes against me. I am challenged by seeing the breakthrough in my faith life, maintaining an outlook on seeing beyond what is natural and impossible to what is supernatural and possible.

My prayers have been vain repetitions and I want to change it by speaking God's word and trusting Him to renew my thinking. I am asking the Lord, my God to give me more revelation of His Word and purposes, and I'm praying His word into my life and the lives of my family and friends.

Prayer

Father God, my heart desires to be in constant prayer, speaking to You Lord. Drawing closer to You, I want to come into the supernatural momentum of the Holy Spirit, asking that Your plans will come into existence. Lord help me persevere in my prayers for my family and friends, today. Lord, I need a sudden manifestation of Your supernatural favour in my life as well as the lives of my family and friends. I realise that this will not be achieved overnight and it all about faith and persisting in my prayer life. Thank You, Lord, for answered prayers. In Jesus Christ name I pray Amen.

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Am I observing God from a distance?

 

by Yvette van Niekerk

Colossians 3: 1 - 4 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Today, as I sit here and meditate on God's Word, I am thinking am I observing God from a distance? I know that when I believe in Jesus Christ, in faith I am ultimately holy before God. The Word of God urges all believers to live a godly, holy, set-apart life here and now.

I wonder what does a godly life look like? Look to the Lord Jesus Christ, He sets an example for each one of us. The Lord Jesus habitually spent time in prayer with the Father. Do you believe a habitual prayer life can produce a godly life?

I believe it can. I read that behavioural scientist study people who are married often without thinking, imitate each other. Do you think when we spend time in God's presence that we could also imitate Him? Thinking about it I have heart-to-heart conversations with my husband, I believe this builds trust, respect, and we have a connection I seriously doubt I have this with any acquaintance.

Prayer

Father God, today I pray that I do not want a superficial mimicking of being Your child today. I want to experience a mysterious movement within me that draws me; to subconsciously align my behaviour' to Yours, Lord. I want to pray to ask You, Lord, to influence my life to become more and more like the Lord Jesus. I want to be genuine in my conversations with You Lord I want to pray for the cultivation of;  strong, and sincere bond that will influence my thoughts, feelings, and my behaviour. As I connect with You today in prayer I am asking the Holy Spirit to transform my thinking and renew my soul. Lord help me set my mind on things above so that I can be renewed in the knowledge in the image of God my creator. Lord help me spend my time with You, in Your Word, and in prayer so that I may become more like You Lord Jesus. Amen

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Do you believe what you do makes a difference?

 

by Yvette van Niekerk

Colossians 3: 23 Living Bible "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters,"

Looking back over my life, I believe I could have worked harder and put in more effort. I probably just used about 25 per cent of my energy and my ability. Today, as I reflect on how I worked, I feel I should have done things for the Lord and not merely for my boss. Most of the time, I didn't really like my boss, and it showed in my performance.

Here I am, thinking can I still make a difference? Yes, I believe I can it is my prayer the Lord Jesus prayed: "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you game me to do." John 17, verse 4. I am serious about serving God. I want Him to be pleased with my performance and my attitude and the way I carry myself. And Paul's statement is something I am thinking about day after day, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Acts 20, verse 24. 

Sadly it took me forever to come to this point in my life. Thank the Lord for His mercy is new every day. I can still make a difference.

Prayer

Father God, humbly I confess that I have been messing around my entire life. I have not been doing my best job now. Today, I want to pray and ask You, Lord, please forgive me. I believe that whatever I am doing right now is worth doing because You have given it to me. Lord, I am no longer vulnerable to the critics or dependent upon the cheerleaders. Help me work accordingly and do everything I can to the best of my abilities. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen

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The words raining from our mouths!

 

by Yvette van Niekerk

NJKV Proverbs 18: 4 "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook."

We should apply the Miranda Rights to our everyday lives, do you know what it says? When the police arrests someone this is what they say: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

The bad thing about me my mouth runs 100 km an hour and my mind isn't thinking. The truth of the matter is if I don't have anything good to say then I should keep my mouth shut. That is good advice but I fail many times. If you listen closely to what I'm saying you probably know what is in my heart. My words give me away.

I have realised the wisest words are the ones I never say. Keeping my mouth shut can save me from so much trouble.

Prayer

Lord according to Proverbs The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent. Please help me to restrain my words, place a guard over my mouth today, give me the wisdom to speak at the right time and to build up instead of bringing down. In Jesus Christ Name, Amen.

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"The decision you make today affects your tomorrow."

 

by Yvette van Niekerk

Something I read, and want to share with you the decisions we make in our lives, how it affects our families.

Memory verse: Genesis 18 verse, 19 CEV "I have chosen him to teach his family to obey ME forever."

It's a story of these two families that have been told over a century ago, lessons that are more relevant now than ever before.

Family number one: Did you know that the father acclaimed New England reformer and pastor, Jonathan Edwards, was a clergyman? And his mother was the descendant of a minister? Edwards' family includes 14 college presidents, more than 100 university professors, 100-plus lawyers, 30 judges, 60 physicians, over 100 clergymen, missionaries and theology professors, and some 60 authors. Throughout history, there's scarcely been a great American industry that hasn't featured an Edwards family member among its chief promoters. Such was the product of one Christian family reared under the most favourable conditions.

Family number two: Members of the infamous Jukes family couldn't be made to study, wouldn't work, and are reputed to have cost the state of New York millions of dollars. Their entire record is one of pauperism, crime, and insanity. From among their descendants, 310 were professional paupers, 440 wee physically wrecked by their wickedness, 60 were habitual thieves, 133 were convicted criminals, and 55 were victims of impurity. Only 20 learned a trade (10 of those learned it in prison), and this notorious family produced 7 murderers. Yes, if Dennis becomes a menace, he can poison the stream. But if he's raised to be godly, he can bless an entire family, as well as influence the world for generations to come. So what's the bottom line? Simply this: as a parent, if you're wise, you'll seek God's guidance every single day of your life."

Prayer

Baruch Haba b'shem Adonia, dear Father God, humbly I come before You this morning. Humbly I bring my own family before Your throne this morning. I pray Lord for open doors for great opportunities for each of our children. Lord, I bring each child and my granddaughters before You. I am asking for supernatural favour in each person's life. Blessing in abundance and Your hand of protection over each one of us. Thank You, Lord, for calling me by my name. Thank You, that I can pray for my family and friends. I dedicate my mom and oom Frik into Your hands, I dedicate my sister and her family into Your hands and I dedicate my brother and his family into Your hands. Lord, I ask that a hedge be drawn around each person with the blood of Jesus Christ, bless my husband on the road and bring him safely home. Amen.

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I'm imperfect, and God loves me.

 

by Yvette van Niekerk

Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I know I'm imperfect, and God still loves me. I stand amazed at the knowledge that God loves me even when I mess up. Boy, can I do a great job of messing up at times.  Then I am reminded at the grace and wonder of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for my sins. God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son to die for me. John 3 verses, 16. God still loves sinners because we see it clearly in Romans 5 verses 8 "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I believe I fail all the time. I defiantly do not have anything perfect in my life. I believe God's love for me is grate, then my mistakes. God loves me, and I'm imperfect.

Today let's meditate on how great God's love is for both you and me. Reading Psalm 107 verses 33 to 43. Psalm 107:33-43 English Standard Version

³³ He turns rivers into a desert,
    springs of water into thirsty ground,
³⁴ a fruitful land into a salty waste,
    because of the evil of its inhabitants.
³⁵ He turns a desert into pools of water,
    a parched land into springs of water.
³⁶ And there he lets the hungry dwell,
    and they establish a city to live in;
³⁷ they sow fields and plant vineyards
    and get a fruitful yield.
³⁸ By his blessing they multiply greatly,
    and he does not let their livestock diminish.

³⁹ When they are diminished and brought low
    through oppression, evil, and sorrow,
⁴⁰ he pours contempt on princes
    and makes them wander in trackless wastes;
⁴¹ but he raises up the needy out of affliction
    and makes their families like flocks.
⁴² The upright see it and are glad,
    and all wickedness shuts its mouth.

⁴³ Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
    let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

By focusing on the passage, 43 we see the psalmist concludes "Consider the great love of the Lord." Thinking about, this I am grateful the Lord Loves me, imperfect and all.

The Lord Jesus said the Holy Spirit within me would be like ‘rivers of living water.’ John 7, verses 38.

Prayer

Baruch Haba B'shem Adonia, Father God, please reveal my purpose in life. Show me how I can be acceptable to You and how I can change my environment with the help of the Holy Spirit, who lives within me. Let Your rivers of living water flowing in my life and pour out to people around me in Jesus name, I pray. Amen

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