I will uphold you

Isaiah 41:10 (TLB) Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. As a Christian, I want to share with you my experience of staying home for the past couple of years because I could not secure a job. It was not easy for me as I had a lot of time to think, and it could be scary. Initially, I kept myself busy with household chores, but after a while, I became really good at it and would finish them in a couple of hours. However, I developed a strange fear of leaving my house and going out to the shops for necessities. One day, I felt overwhelmed, and fear gripped my heart when I realized that I had to go shopping. I turned to the Bible and opened it at Isaiah 41, and my eyes rested on verse 10. This verse empowered me, and with fear in my heart, I decided to go out, do my shopping, and face the world again. The Bible teaches us about transformation, which means changing or renewing our life to please God . It is seen in the way we increasingly reflect the likeness and glory of Christ . To be considered as children of God, we must be led by the Spirit of God . The power of transformation comes from the message of the cross, which is the power of God . The demand to repent is as basic as it gets in Jesus’ message. It is equally basic to, and almost synonymous with, the command, “You must be born again” . Repentance is not just a change in outward behavior, but it is the inner change that gives rise to genuinely God-centered, Christ-exalting behavior . Conversion includes a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature .Here are some Bible verses that can help you cope with change and fear: • "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). • "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). • "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13). • "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Remember that God is always with us, and we can trust Him to help us overcome our fears and challenges. Prayer Dear Lord God, we ask that You keep us connected to this world so that we do not become fearful. Please remind us that You will uphold us each and every day with Your victorious right hand. We praise Your Holy name in Jesus' name. Amen. https://www.makemoneywitha.online

I can do everything

by Yvette van Niekerk

Philippians 4: 13 (TLB) For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me strength and power. I find great appreciation in individuals who possess an unwavering "I can do everything" mindset. It brings me joy to collaborate with people who are eager to give their best and embrace new challenges. The ability to work diligently and persevere holds immense significance in our modern era. During my time at a remarkable company that upheld strong values, there was an expectation that if a manager or personal assistant was not present at their desk when a phone rang, anyone passing by would kindly answer the call and take a message. Similarly, if a piece of paper or tissue was found on the floor while walking down the hallway, it was expected that one would stoop down, pick it up, and properly dispose of it. This collective "I can do everything" mentality propelled the company to achieve remarkable success. Let us adopt this mantra as our own: "I can do everything God asks of me with the help of Christ, who grants me strength and power." With this mindset, failure becomes an impossibility. Prayer Oh, Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of your boundless strength and the empowering grace you bestow upon us. With you by our side, we believe that we can conquer any challenge and accomplish all things. Today, we humbly express our deepest gratitude and offer our heartfelt worship at your divine feet. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. https://www.makemoneywitha.online

Embrace Courage: Trust in God's Faithfulness Admidst Overwhelming Challenges

By Yvette van Niekerk Matthew 1: 20 (AMPC) But as he was thinking over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. As I gaze upon the towering pile of tasks on my desk, a wave of anxiety threatens to consume me. The weight of the workload makes me want to break down and cry. In moments like these, a dear friend and colleague reminded me to take it one step at a time, focusing on the present task rather than being overwhelmed by the entirety of the workload. Reflecting on the story of Joseph, I can only imagine the fear and confusion that must have gripped his heart when he discovered Mary's unexpected pregnancy. He must have felt worried and uncertain, knowing that he was not the one responsible for her condition. However, we witness God's divine intervention as He encourages Joseph to embrace Mary and fulfil his role as her husband. Today, as you embark on a new day, I want to offer you words of encouragement: "Do not be afraid." Throughout my journey, I have experienced firsthand that the Lord has never failed me or abandoned me. And I assure you, He will not forsake you either. The Holy Spirit resides within each one of us, providing guidance, strength, and encouragement as we navigate the challenges of today. So, let us face the day with courage, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Trust in His faithfulness, lean on His promises, and allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Prayer Dear Lord Jesus, we humbly express our gratitude for your constant presence in our lives. Thank you for the reassurance you provide, reminding us to embrace each day without fear, trusting in your guidance. We humbly ask for your blessings upon our hands and minds, filling them with your compassionate love and kindness. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. https://www.makemoneywitha.online

Trusting in God's Faithfulness: Embracing the Ups and Downs of Life's Journey

By Yvette van Niekerk Philippians 4:19 (AMPC) And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Life's journey can often resemble a roller-coaster ride, with exhilarating highs and sudden descents that leave our heads spinning. Have you ever experienced such fluctuations in your own life? It can be quite intriguing, sometimes lasting for a season or even longer. However, amidst these unpredictable twists and turns, I have come to realize that the Lord God remains in control of my life. He faithfully provides for me, abundantly supplying according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. What does this mean? It means that even in times when it seems like I have no resources available, God graciously provides more than enough. I have been blessed to such an extent that God consistently meets my needs, surpassing what I could have ever imagined. It may have seemed impossible, but through His divine provision, I have experienced abundance. Prayer Heavenly Father, We come before You, our Abba Father, with hearts filled with gratitude. We thank You, Lord, for the assurance that You will abundantly provide for us, according to Your limitless riches found in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We acknowledge You as Jehovah, our faithful provider. We express our sincere appreciation, Lord, for Your unwavering provision and care in our lives. We recognize that every blessing and provision we receive comes from Your loving hand. We are humbled and grateful for Your abundant grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we offer this prayer of thanksgiving and trust. May Your name be glorified as we continue to rely on Your provision and guidance in all aspects of our lives. Amen. https://www.makemoneywitha.online

"Embrace the Promise: The Radiance of God's Light Will Illuminate Your Path."

By Yvette van Niekerk Job 22: 28 (ESV) You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. As I reflect on the teachings of my faith and seek guidance from the Lord, I am filled with hope and confidence that His divine light will illuminate my path. Today, I want to affirm and trust that this year will mark a significant season of blessings in my life. I also have faith that the devotional book I have been working on will be published, as I believe it aligns with God's plan for me. I encourage you to consider what you believe God has in store for your life today. It is important not to allow the enemy to steal the blessings and opportunities that God has prepared for your future. Take a moment to pray and seek God's guidance on matters that are important to you, such as your health, wealth, or relationships. Present your desires before the Lord and witness the transformative power that can unfold throughout this year. Remember, nothing is impossible for our Lord. He graciously provides for our needs, and we can approach His throne with confidence, knowing that we can boldly ask for His intervention and guidance. This privilege is made possible through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, as we centre our hearts and minds on Your Word today, we come before You with a specific matter that requires Your divine guidance and illumination. We humbly ask for Your light to shine upon our path as we seek clarity and direction in this situation. We recognize that we cannot navigate this journey alone, and we wholeheartedly rely on Your wisdom and grace. We implore You to extend Your helping hand to each one of us, providing the discernment and understanding we need to move forward by Your will. In the precious and holy name of Jesus, we offer this prayer, trusting that You will hear and answer us according to Your perfect plan. Amen. https://www.makemoneywitha.online

Divine Timing: A Mother's Devotion

by Yvette van Niekerk

As a young girl under my father's roof, I was instilled with the profound wisdom of perfect timing. He impressed upon me the importance of being in the right place at the right time, believing it to be the key to life's greatest blessings. Now, as a mother and a grandmother, my deepest longing is for my children and grandchildren to experience this divine synchrony. I yearn for them to flourish and reach their fullest potential. Yet, I've come to understand that perfect timing isn't a matter of mere chance. It is a divine orchestration, guided by the hand of the Lord who reigns over our lives. Each day, in fervent prayer, I build a spiritual fortress and intercede on behalf of my cherished ones. I beseech the Lord for the grace to embrace whatever comes our way and to cultivate patience in our journey. For it is in this waiting, in this trustful anticipation of His divine plan, that we step into the rhythm of perfect timing. Prayer Heavenly Father, As we embark on this new day, I humbly implore You for the grace to embrace the things we cannot alter. Grant us the strength to remain steadfast and patient when our hearts long for circumstances to shift towards the light. We pour out our love and adoration for You, Lord, recognizing that Your wisdom surpasses our understanding. In the precious name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we offer this prayer, seeking Your guidance and placing our trust in Your perfect plan. Amen. https://www.makemoneywitha.online

The Great Escape

by Yvette van Niekerk 1 Corinthians 10: 13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” We all encounter various forms of temptation in our lives. The crucial question is how we can overcome or resist these temptations. I have a weakness for chocolates; it’s a constant temptation that I find hard to resist. Whenever I have extra cash, I invariably end up buying a chocolate bar, unable to simply walk past it. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we often face numerous temptations that can divert us from our path of growth. When we start making progress in the right direction, it seems as if the devil is quick to devise distractions, attempting to shift our focus away from what truly matters. We get sidetracked, following an entirely different route. When you realize you’re heading down the wrong path, it’s essential to stop and take a moment to reflect. Consider your actions and take the necessary steps to correct them. But how do you do this? When I say “stop,” I mean you should pause before you act. It’s vital to pray about your impending actions and temporarily remove yourself from the situation. I believe that the Holy Spirit can guide and instruct us when we make a wrong turn. All it requires is for us to find some quiet time to listen for guidance and advice. In those moments of stillness, we can gain valuable insights that help us navigate through the temptations that threaten our spiritual growth. “The Great Escape” is a concept that reminds us that all difficult situations, including moments of temptation, are temporary and can be overcome. Temptation is like a mental trap, but we have the power to break free from it. To do this, we should focus on what truly matters in our lives and trust that a higher power, like God, can help us overcome challenges. In times of temptation, even seemingly harmless ones, we can pray for guidance, wisdom, understanding, and the strength to make the right choices. We don’t want to be misled by negative influences, so we ask for protection in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. Prayer Dear LORD Jesus, as I embark on this new day, I humbly seek your guidance and strength to triumph over any temptation that may cross my path. Grant me the resilience to surmount these challenges, and may your Word, the Bible, remain my unwavering focus. Holy Spirit, I implore you to lead my every step along this journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen https://www.makemoneywitha.online/

Forgive others

Forgive others Matthew 6: 14 – 15 “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Have you ever suffered from pain caused by a misunderstanding? I am writing this message out of much affliction and anguish in my heart and with so many tears. For months I have been thinking of what I have done and why things are going the way they are. I have been drawing near to the Lord, yet my life is in such a mess at the moment. It is clear I have hurt so many people in my life, it is so astounding. I have lost my taste of living. I decide to take time out and speak to God about what I am facing. I ask the Lord, please reveal to me the one word I need to focus on for the rest of the year. I could not believe what I saw “Forgiveness”. I thought what a word, I forgive – sort of. Or let me say I try and forgive. Forgiveness: "stop to feel resentment against (an offender): pardon. Looking at my Bible verse God expects me to forgive my offender in return God can forgive me. I am honest in telling you I don’t understand the power of forgiveness. I am going through a process at the moment. I have written down peoples names that I need to forgive. I am working through my list and I am taking this list to the Lord, my God. I have heard that there are health benefits from forgiveness, I will lower my blood pressure and my immune system will be boosted. I have been suffering from depression and this has made me sleep less. I am hoping to stop being so hostile and move on with my life. Prayer Abba, Father, I know that You teach in Your Word that we need to forgive so that You are able to forgive me. Please will You reveal to me the people I need to forgive. Lord, I need help with my process. Help me understand and accept that forgiving others is to my advantage. Lord, if there are people I resent, or feel angry towards, help me deal with this anger and resentment. I forgive them and I am asking help me to forgive myself. It is my hearts desire to live in good standing with other people in my life. Help me check my heart towards others. Thank you Lord, for this opportunity, I am asking for forgiveness and I am forgiving other. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Confession and repentance

By Yvette van Niekerk Ezekiel 20: 43 You shall remember your ways and all your doings with which you were defiled; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight because of all the evils that you have committed. It amazes me that when I do not confess my sins and repent of what I have done that is so offense to myself I seem to loath myself. The self-loathing of unconfessed and unrepented sin drives me to tears and my own image becomes distrauted and I seem to believe I am not worthy. Feelings of guilt and failure seem to drive me crazy, I wake up in the morning thinking of the Lord, in within minutes I am reminded of something I said or done. I completely stop my prayers and focus on the wrongs I have committed. This has been a pattern in my life for so long it is so scary. My prayer lately is Lord please reveal to me what I need to confess and repent off. I realise that when I want to keep on to a grudge or a hurt, it weights me down and I seem to fall into despair and my heart is heavy and I feel useless. When I start meditating on God’s Word, praying and thinking about the situation that makes me miserable I confess my part in the problem, I ask God to forgive me and I repent of the thoughts that plague me. I know God’s word say that God knows the secrets of our heart Psalm 44 verse 21. I want the Lord Jesus to break every stronghold in my life. Ezekiel 18 verse 31 says Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die? Lord Jesus, I speak Your Name into my own life, I confess that I am a sinful person, I sin and try and get away with it. Today I am asking You Lord Jesus forgive me. I repent of my negative actions. Forgive me. It is my heart’s desire to be quick to confess my sins and repent. It is my desire to live a life in truth and to serve You Lord. Prayer Lord God, You have never failed me yet, I am calling out to You Lord, help me today. I am still in Your hands today, You have never failed me yet. Lord, as I seek and draw near to You, help me today. Your Word will come to pass; my heart will sing your praise again. Jesus You are still enough, keep me within Your love. My heart will sing your praise again. Your promises still stands, Lord great is Your faithfulness, You never fail me. I love You Lord Jesus, thank You for being faithful even when I fail to be faithful. Thank You Lord, Jesus. Amen

GOD today, I am asking You for wisdom and Your direction.

by Yvette van Niekerk

When I was young we used to go to the sea on vacation with my parents. My Dad always told us remember the sea isn't your friend, you need to respect it. We would play around on the beach and then venture out into the water. Sometimes the ocean bed would be high and we needed to walk through the water. There were places on the ocean bed that would fall away from under out feet and we would be in very deep waters. That used to frighten me, I didn't like that and then would make sure I am out of the water in minutes. God watches us and He knows the where the shalow waters are and where it is deep. We should actually be asking God to give us wisdom to hear Him and ask Him to direct us. I don't know lately I have not been listening for God's direction nor have I been praying for wisdom. It's been difficult as I seem to think I know it all and guess what I have been going through deep waters for too long. I have started to pray and ask the Lord to please forgive me and to give me wisdom and please guide and direct me. It’s clear I have not been connecting with God on a regular basis, I have not been praying “Abba, Father, guide me so I won’t fall.” sure that if I had been praying this prayer my Lord Jesus would lead me away from the edge. I know I have missed the mark on so many occasions. 1 Corinthians 2: 14 says: “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Hmm, so this reminds me the minute I take my eyes off of the LORD my natural man starts up and is in the driver’s seat. Directing me as I see fit. My husband said that he thinks I am making mistakes, it seems crystal clear to him. I don’t see it at all. From my perspective I am doing great. I am experiencing the consequences right now, not fun. It’s been a journey and I am praying on a regular basis please LORD let me have wisdom with a clear understanding and insight. It is clear I don’t know how to apply the truth in every situation lately. I don’t seem to discern right from wrong. John 16: 13 “When He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” I have learned that making impulsive decisions and not praying about it, is detrimental to my circumstance. The past couple of days I have been praying “Abba, Father, Lord my God, please give me wisdom in everything I do. Please Lord, help me to walk in wisdom every minute of today.” Scripture: Psalm 37: 30 – 31 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, ad his tongue talks of justice. The Law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Jeremiah 33: 3 Call on Me, and I will answer you, ad show you great and might things, which you do not know. Proverbs 2: 3 – 6 If you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Prayer Dear Lord Jesus, I want to ask please give me Your Wisdom and Your understanding in everything I do today. You teach me that wisdom is better than gold and that understanding is better than silver. I seek Your wisdom today, enrich my life with Your wisdom and make me wealthy with Your understanding. Oh, Lord, help me in making right decisions, I seem to lack wisdom and insight when making decisions. I have lost the plot too many times. I am asking You to guide me and give me discernment when making decisions. Please counsel and guide me. I am studying Your Word. I am listening to it as much as I can. I pray remove the scales from my eyes and open my ears so I may hear YOUR WORD. You know I delight in listening to Your Word as much as I can, You know I love and adore You. Please LORD, help me to draw near to You so that I may draw from Your stored sound wisdom … Proverbs 2: 7. Please LORD, help me to find the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge in YOUR Word. Bless me and help me as I keep on seeking Your kingdom. Forgive me when I fall, I pray in Jesus Christs name. Amen

Dream

Dreams by Yvette van Niekerk Matthew 4: 4 But He answered and said: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.” This morning I a woke up from a funny dream. “In my dream, I was standing in my Kitchen, but it was a little strange this morning. I wanted to boil water for a cup of coffee. The kettle was placed on a high shelf. I moved the plug of the kettle to plug it into the wall socket. Before I could put it into the wall socket, I had to move green fern. I placed the fern on the floor and, it towered above the counter onto the countertop. I finally managed to switch on the kettle. As I did, the kettle turned into a blender making a blending noise. I walked out of my kitchen and into the garden. In my garden, I saw three people, man, and two little girls. They were playing and throwing something at each other. I was curious and asked them what are you doing? The man said: “We are throwing ‘coal balls’ to each other which we eat.” Wow, I answered, what on earth is a ‘coal ball’? They threw a couple at me and I proceeded to eat one. It was a grape that covered a piece of bread. It was different and, I enjoyed it nonetheless. I kept on walking, and then I walked into a lady, looking at her I thought you look like my aunt. She was speaking to me but I cannot remember what she said.” So I tried to think what this meant? I told my daughter, and she shrugged and said I don’t now. Then I though about looking up some of the symbols that stood out for me. Anyway this is what I have found: Coal – this is considered good luck. The visitor carries a piece of coal, and sometimes other items such as bread, wisky, and money, to bring good luck. So thank you I will take the good luck, then. Bread and grapes: Bread in your dreams is associated with positive emotions and material gains. Thank you I will take that too. The grapes can be a sign of abundance, health, success and happiness. Well, I have decided this was a very good dream, I believe, and receive God’s blessing of abundance, health, wealth, success, and happiness. To top it off, I started a new Bible Devotional, and it was about the Bread of life. Again confirmation God is speaking to me. As I listened to my devotional, I came to realize that The Lord Jesus Christ is the Bread of life, and the grapes or wine is a representation of Jesus Christ’s Blood. The communion. Hmm, this became very clear to me. I am not double-minded, and I believe, God is working a miracle in my life. I see and hear negative tongues against me but, I believe and receive God’s blessing in my life.