A Heart of True Service

by Yvette van Niekerk

Romans 1:1 (NASB) "Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle." In the tapestry of faith, the term "minister" weaves both noun and verb, denoting both person and action. It is not a mere claim, but a commitment lived out. In the pages of Scripture, we find the term "servant" painted vividly, sometimes depicting a galley slave, chained to the oar of a Roman vessel. Day and night, they rowed to the rhythm set by one another, anticipating their life's end bound to the oar. What a profound image! Paul entreats, "Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1, NLT) Paul's conviction was unwavering; he knew without a doubt what God had called him to be. When Paul referred to himself as a "bond servant," he painted a portrait of a servant who faithfully labored for his master for six years. In the seventh, the Mosaic law dictated that the servant be released. Yet, if, upon freedom, he returned and declared, "Master, I serve not out of obligation, but out of love for you," his master would lead him before a magistrate, and his ear would be pierced, signifying that he now belonged to him forever. (Exodus 21:6-7) There comes a moment when we must lift our gaze and declare, "LORD, I serve not because I must, but because I love You. Pierce my ear, mark me as Yours. Bind me to You, so I may never belong to another." Is this request too great, considering all that Jesus has done for us? Lord, strengthen my faith in times of doubt. Amen.

Embracing Your Divine Design: Priorities in His Plan

Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-21 (The Message) "Now may the God of peace... make you complete in everything good so that you may do His will, working among us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Devotional: Dear Beloved in Christ, In our journey to fulfil God's plan for our lives, we must begin by establishing clear priorities guided by His wisdom. It is said that a conclusion is where one may grow weary of pondering, and often, we might settle for priorities based on our own limitations. However, this is not the path God intends for us. Let us not allow ourselves to be swayed by the agendas of others, but rather, let us align our lives with God's divine will for us. Let us turn to the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 20 and 21, where we are led to pray for God's equipping: "God, I pray for them. I pray that you would help them to do your will today, to do your will in their lives, and you would equip them with all they need to do that." Remember, dear friend, you are chosen and appointed by God for a specific purpose. Your life is meant to bear fruit, fruit that endures long after your earthly journey. As we navigate this path, let us focus on understanding our unique strengths, the gifts that God has graciously bestowed upon us. Reflect on what brings you the highest spiritual return, and what brings you joy and fulfillment. These are your core gifts, entrusted to you by the Almighty. Remember the 80/20 principle in all your endeavours. Dedicate the majority of your efforts to the activities that resonate most deeply with your calling. In doing so, you will heed Jesus' guidance to direct your attention towards the areas that yield the most abundant fruit. May God grant you the wisdom and discernment to recognize your strengths and the courage to utilize them for His glory. Seek His guidance daily, for in His presence, you will find the clarity you seek. In Christ's love, Yvette

Navigating Life's Journey with Galatians 5: 4-5

By Yvette van Niekerk Embracing Personal Accountability As a devoted Christian, wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother, I recognize the profound significance of assuming responsibility for my own life. This fundamental principle extends to my thoughts and actions, forming the cornerstone of my role as a constructive participant in all my relationships. • Evade accountability However, there have been instances where I've erred by shouldering an excessive burden for others, using it as a shield to evade accountability for my circumstances. In these moments, my focus on others and their well-being eclipsed my own need for personal growth and progress. Regrettably, I allowed these challenges to define my identity, succumbing to a pattern of chronic complaints. At times, these narratives of hardship were merely elaborate rationalizations, distortions of reality crafted to conceal my inclination to assign blame elsewhere. This not only absolved me of responsibility but also hindered my growth. In truth, I was the architect of my choices—to persevere or depart, to address or avoid, to lament or seek solutions. • Importance of ownership and accountability Recognizing the importance of ownership and accountability in my life was an ongoing journey, at times appearing as though evading responsibility was the simpler path. Yet, I came to understand that avoidance was, in essence, a decision about what I owed to myself. It was in these moments that I began to grasp the true power of taking responsibility for my own life. • Navigating Life's Journey with Galatians 6:4-5 In our journey through life, Galatians 6:4-5 reminds us of the paramount importance of attending to our endeavours. By doing so, we find fulfilment in a job well done, free from the need for comparison with others. These verses underscore that we bear the responsibility for our conduct. Join me in this devotional as we explore the profound impact of embracing personal accountability in our Christian walk."Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself." - Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message) Heavenly Father, As I reflect on the wisdom of Galatians 6:4-5, I am humbled by the knowledge that one day, I will stand before Your throne and give an account. Lord, forgive me for the times when selfishness clouded my vision and prevented me from considering the bigger picture. I lift each member of my family to You, Lord. I ask for Your supernatural favour to rest upon them, guiding their steps and watching over them. May Your protective hand be a constant presence in their lives. Father, grant me the strength to continually renew my mind, to align it with Your will, and to draw ever closer to You. As I embark on this journey of personal accountability, may Your grace be my guiding light. I offer this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ,Amen

Embracing Imperfect: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones on the Path to Success

by Yvette van Niekerk Proverbs 28: 13 "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper." Mistakes are an inherent part of our human journey, a testament to our imperfection. In our quest for success, we find solace in the wisdom of acknowledging these errors, learning from them, and diligently working to rectify them. I read that through the experiences of 105 executives, we discover common traits among those who have achieved success, yet one observation shines with particular significance. Successful individuals are those who willingly admit their mistakes and embrace the consequences, refraining from casting blame upon others. None of us relish the repercussions of our actions. When adversity strikes, our instinctual reaction is to seek a scapegoat; it's a trait woven into our very nature. Consider the tale of the Garden of Eden, where Adam, confronted by God about his transgressions, placed blame upon Eve. Similarly, Eve, when questioned, shifted responsibility to the Devil. In moments of personal failure, it is essential to pause and examine the true root of the issue objectively. This introspection is the pathway to growth and improvement, ensuring that we are better equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. Someone wisely noted that the sooner we stumble, the more opportunities we have to refine ourselves. Thus, we must ask ourselves, "What lessons have I gleaned from this stumble? How can I transform this setback into a triumph? In what other areas have I succeeded amidst my failures?" Those who habitually accuse others for their shortcomings find themselves perpetually ensnared in a cycle of problems. To ascend to our highest potential, we must steadfastly strive for self-improvement, and that journey begins with assuming responsibility and gleaning wisdom from our missteps. Throughout life, obstacles will invariably cross our path. The pivotal question is whether we will remain in the depths of defeat or muster the strength to rise once more and seize the opportunity to fight another day. Henry Ford aptly expressed, "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." Let us, therefore, embrace the timeless biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 24:16 (KJV), which reminds us that a just person may stumble seven times, yet each time, they rise anew. In the light of our faith, we understand that mistakes are part of our earthly existence, but it is through our faith, humility, and perseverance that we can turn these missteps into stepping stones on our journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, as inspired by the enduring principles of the Bible. Dear Lord, I come before You with a heavy heart, acknowledging my imperfections and shortcomings. My life has been marked by iniquities and sin, and I stand before You, humbled and broken. Today, I surrender my life into Your loving hands, seeking Your forgiveness and guidance. I pray for Your boundless mercy to wash over me, to cleanse me of my transgressions, and to guide me towards a path that aligns with Your divine will. I am acutely aware of the many mistakes I've made, the pain I've caused to others, and the thoughtlessness that has marred my actions. With deep humility, I beseech You, Lord, to forgive me. I am in desperate need of Your forgiveness, Your grace, and Your transformative love. Please grant me the strength and wisdom to mend my ways, to be more mindful of my words and actions, and to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. In the name of Jesus Christ, I offer up this prayer, knowing that Your love and forgiveness are boundless. Amen.

Embrace Your Marvelous Worth: Unleashing the Beauty Within

by Yvette van Niekerk

Psalm 139: 14 (TLB) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it. Isn't it truly remarkable to acknowledge the intricate complexity of our being? Each of us has been uniquely crafted, radiating beauty, possessing talents, and brimming with potential. When you gaze into the mirror, let the reflection remind you that even before your birth, God cherished you. You are an extraordinary creation, wonderfully made. In my family, we address our daughters as "gorgeous," instilling them with unwavering confidence. And if you, as a woman, find yourself feeling a little down today, allow me to remind you: "You are gorgeous, you are wonderful, and you are beautiful." God's love for you knows no bounds. He valued you so deeply that He sacrificed His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. As you navigate through your day, always remember your immeasurable worth. Know that you are someone deeply loved by God, and embrace the marvel that resides within you. Embrace your unique qualities and talents, understanding that they contribute to your overall beauty and worth. • Practice self-expression and creativity as a way to nurture your inner artist and develop a greater appreciation for yourself (#unleashing your creative potential: nurturing the …uxdesign) • Explore different mediums and let go of preconceived notions about art, allowing yourself to experiment and grow (…johnrmiles) • Set realistic goals for your creative endeavors, avoiding comparison with others and showing gratitude for your own progress. (amazon 3) • Surround yourself with beauty in the form of poetry, fiction, good film, theater, drama, dance, and music, as these can awaken your inner self and remind you of your own depth (amazon 4) • By embracing your marvellous worth and unleashing the beauty within, you can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life, sharing your unique gifts with the world (John O’Donohue) Prayer: Embracing the Marvel of God's Creation Dear Lord God, I am filled with gratitude for the intricate complexity with which You have made me. Your craftsmanship is truly marvellous, and I am in awe of it. I praise Your Holy Name, knowing that every aspect of my being reflects Your divine artistry. In Jesus' name, I offer this prayer, acknowledging the wonder of Your creation. Amen

"Divine Turnaround: From Desparation to Abundant Favor"

by Yvette van Niekerk

Isaiah 48: 3 (TLB) Time and again I told you what was going to happen in the future. My words were scarcely spoken when suddenly I did just what I said. "In the Blink of Faith: From Joblessness to Overflowing Blessings" In the midst of adversity, I clung to the promise: "And suddenly..." After a prolonged period of unemployment and feeling abandoned by those I trusted, I found solace in God's Word. Each day, by the poolside, I proclaimed His truth aloud, seeking His guidance. Then, as if orchestrated by the Divine, the unexpected call came—a job offer for the next few months. Suddenly, my circumstances shifted. Not only did I excel in my new role, but I discovered a newfound favour with individuals I hadn't realized existed. https://www.makemoneywitha.online This supernatural intervention was nothing short of a miracle. Life has taken a turn for the better, and now, I eagerly anticipate more "suddenly" moments of favour from my ever-living God. Prayer Heavenly Father, In this moment of need, I humbly come before You, seeking another miracle. I ask to enter Your presence, where Your Word can spring to life within me, filling me with a sudden understanding. You, Lord, are aware of the challenges that surround me. In this time of feeling abandoned and distant from supernatural favour, I turn to You. I beseech You, Lord, to move swiftly on my behalf. May Your favor manifest not only in my relationship with You but also with people from every corner of life's journey. I offer this plea in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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