The Story of Ruth

In a time when the land itself seemed to weep with hunger, a family fled from Bethlehem in search of life. Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons Mahlon and Kilion ventured to Moab, a foreign land that promised refuge. But Moab, while offering them a temporary home, became a place of heartbreak. First, Naomi lost Elimelech, her beloved husband. Then, after her sons had married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, they too were taken from her. In the space of years, Naomi’s once full heart was left barren, emptied of the loves that had defined her life. Yet, within the shadows of this sorrow, the whispers of God’s plan began to stir. Naomi, broken yet not without faith, learned that God had once again provided for His people in Bethlehem. She decided to return, urging her daughters-in-law to stay behind in Moab and find new husbands. Orpah, with tears in her eyes, kissed Naomi goodbye. But Ruth... Ruth held on. "Don’t ask me to leave you," she pleaded. "Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." As they journeyed back to Bethlehem, something was unfolding. Though Naomi felt abandoned by God, calling herself Mara, meaning “bitter,” the presence of Ruth beside her was a glimmer of divine grace. God was still writing their story, and though Naomi couldn’t yet see it, He was weaving their lives together with something beautiful. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they were greeted by the town’s murmurs. But Ruth, full of love for her mother-in-law and trust in a God she barely knew, sought to provide for them. She went to glean in the fields and by chance—or perhaps, by divine design—found herself working in the field of Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz, a man of honour, noticed Ruth and her tireless devotion. He ensured her safety and offered her more than what she had hoped to gather. Ruth, in awe of his kindness, wondered why such favour had fallen upon her. Boaz, with a gentle smile, spoke of the love she had shown Naomi, blessing her under the wings of God. The romance of this story isn’t just in the budding affection between Ruth and Boaz, but in the way God moved within their lives—quietly, tenderly, and purposefully. Even as Ruth and Boaz began to draw closer, it was clear that the real force at play was divine. The love between them was not just their own but a reflection of God’s love for His people. One night, following Naomi’s guidance, Ruth approached Boaz as he slept at the threshing floor. In a moment both daring and humble, she lay at his feet, symbolically asking for his protection, and Boaz, stirred in the night, responded with a promise of redemption. In the end, their union not only saved Naomi from her grief but also laid the groundwork for something far greater. Ruth and Boaz’s love brought forth Obed, the grandfather of King David, and through their lineage, the very bloodline that would lead to the birth of Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer. What seemed like a tale of loss became a story of God’s faithful love, bringing together not only two hearts but generations of promise. It leaves us to wonder, in our own lives, how God might be working behind the scenes, crafting beauty from our pain, love from our sorrow, and purpose from our wandering.

Our Father

Our Father

“…therefore, pray … Our Father in heaven …” Matthew 6: 9 Here’s how Jesus taught us to pray: 1) Our Father in heaven. When you say “Father,” you acknowledge that you’re part of God’s family and have a special relationship with Him. This relationship entitles you to approach Him anytime, confident that you are loved, welcomed, and assured of His favor. When you say “in heaven,” you recognize that you are drawing from the highest source of goodness, grace, mercy, provision, protection, and authority. What a privilege! 2) Hallowed be Your Name. This should always be foremost in your mind: “Whatever I do today, Lord, let it honor You.” Your life should inspire others to want to know the One you serve. 3) Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Every time you choose to say no to yourself and yes to God’s will, you demonstrate what it means to live as a citizen of His kingdom. Note the words “as it is in heaven.” Is anyone in heaven fearful or doubting? Stubborn or disobedient? Critical or negative? When the enemy brings something to your door that’s contrary to God’s will, you have the authority to rise up and say, “If it’s not approved in heaven, it has no place in my life here on earth.” When it comes to disobedience, refuse to accept the package and sign the receipt. The one thing Satan hopes you never discover is that you have the God-given authority to restrict his movements in your life. 4) Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Notice the word “daily.” You can’t fight today’s battles on the strength of yesterday’s bread; you must have a fresh supply. In the wilderness, God’s people were only permitted to collect enough manna for one day; if they collected more, it rotted. It’s wonderful to talk about what God did yesterday and what He’s going to do tomorrow, but all you’ve got is today. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Only as you partake of what God provides for you today will you be able to stand up to the challenges you face. This prayer is an expression of faith. The very act of asking means you believe God has what you need and cares enough to provide it for you. It says, “I don’t need to go to anybody else but You, Lord.” So hang up the phone, turn off the TV, shut the doors, get down on your knees, approach God in faith, and pray, “Give me what I need for this day.” God knows what you need, even when you don’t. As you partake of what He provides for you each day, you’ll be able to handle whatever life throws at you. And remember, when people start getting on your nerves for no apparent reason, or you start having mood swings, or you begin living by feelings instead of faith, it’s probably because you’re not eating right! If that’s the case, it’s time to go back to your source and say, “Lord, I’ve come for my daily bread.” 5) Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 Let’s clear up some misconceptions about these words. Satan will try to convince you that you haven’t truly forgiven the person who wronged you. No, you can make the right decision and still have the wrong feelings. This is when you need faith to carry you through. You have done your part; now you are waiting for God to do His. God has the power to change your feelings toward the one who hurt you, and then your job is finished. You are instructed to “invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessings (favor) upon those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28). You might say, “Bless them? Are you serious?” Yes, the word bless means to speak well of. You’re extending mercy to those who don’t deserve it. But isn’t that what God does for you? The truth is, you cannot truly forgive without the Holy Spirit’s help. So today, why don’t you pray, “Holy Spirit, breathe on me and give me strength. I forgive them for what they did. I release them from this debt and ask You to bless them. I turn the situation over to You. I trust You for my total restoration. Help me, Lord. Heal my heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.” Now, by faith, leave it all in Your Father’s hands, move forward, and anticipate His blessings. You won’t be disappointed. 6) Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 Jesus taught us to pray, “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Satan knows your areas of weakness and will exploit them. But there’s good news. It’s your weaknesses, not your strengths, that draw you closer to God and make you lean on Him. Paul wrote, “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This verse sounds contradictory. You want to be freed from your weaknesses, not boast about them. Paul gives you several reasons: 1) Your weakness prevents pride. Paul writes, “So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations” (2 Corinthians 12:7). You’ll often find a weakness attached to strength, to keep you from becoming boastful or running ahead of God. Gideon chose 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God reduced them to 300 (Judges 7). Why? So that Israel would know it was God’s power, not their own, that saved them. 2) Your weakness creates fellowship. Your struggles show you how much you need the support of others. Vance Havner said Christians are frail, but when they stick together, they can stop traffic. 3) Your weakness enables you to help others. It’s the broken who become masters at mending. Your ministry can come out of your most painful experiences. The things you’re reluctant to share are often the things God will use to help others.

Steps to Deepen Your Relationship with the LORD: Commitment, Surrender, Faith, and Sacrifice

1. Make up your mind: Spiritual growth doesn’t happen passively. It requires a deliberate decision and commitment. As James 1:7 warns, a person who is uncertain and wavering cannot expect to receive from the LORD. To build a meaningful relationship with Him, prioritise it above all else and set your heart steadfastly towards spiritual growth. 2. Break up your will: Surrendering your will to God and aligning it with His purposes is crucial for spiritual progress. Like Israel wandering in circles in the wilderness despite being so close to the Promised Land, it illustrates the importance of obedience and alignment with God's will. As Hebrews 13:20-21 reassures, when we allow God to work in us, He equips us to fulfil His good purposes. 3. Wake up your faith: Act on the promptings of God’s Spirit and trust His guidance. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that faith is foundational; those who seek God earnestly are rewarded. Trusting in God's faithfulness and diligently seeking Him will deepen your relationship and strengthen your faith. 4. Take up your cross: Following Jesus requires self-denial and embracing His path wholeheartedly. Matthew 16:24-25 teaches that true life and meaning are found in surrendering to God’s will, even if it means sacrificing personal desires. Taking up your cross symbolises a commitment to follow Jesus faithfully, no matter the cost. In conclusion, building a relationship with the LORD involves making a firm decision, surrendering your will to His, actively trusting Him, and embracing the path of self-denial and obedience. By prioritising these steps, you can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection with God.

God's Eternal Rewards: Understanding Divine Recognition and Remuneration 3 July 2024

…He will receive his reward. - 1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV Scripture 1: "...The fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss..." - 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Scripture 2: "No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age." - Mark 10:29-30 NIV Scripture 3: "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." - Luke 14:13-14 NIV These Scriptures clearly teach that God rewards your deeds. Some rewards will come in this life, and some will come in the next. Perhaps you find yourself saying, "I served God faithfully, so why am I still struggling? Doesn’t God notice or care?" Yes, God notices and He cares. But He doesn’t promise that the work you do for Him now will always result in immediate gain. Many of the rewards God has for us are so great that it will take eternity to appreciate and enjoy them. Jesus said, "Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name… will by no means lose his reward." - Mark 9:41 NKJV No deed for God will go unrewarded – even a cup of cold water or a prayer in the middle of the night. “…He will receive his reward.” - 1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV How will God evaluate and reward what you did for Him during your lifetime here on earth? Based on three tests: 1. The Relationship Test: The life God rewards is not a life of performance apart from a relationship with Him. Unless you abide in Him and obey His commandments, you will not bear fruit for Him. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 NIV. He commended the church at Ephesus for their good works, then turned around and condemned them because they hadn’t kept their love for Him alive. "I know your deeds, your hard work... Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." - Revelation 2:2-4 NIV 2. The Motive Test: Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." - Matthew 6:1 NIV. Note the words "to be seen." What should our motive be? To serve God and bring glory to Him! Even simple things like eating and drinking can do that: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV. Your most religious actions are worthless if your motive is to enhance your own ego. 3. The Love Test: Christ said, "Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great..." - Luke 6:35 NIV. When it comes to good works, why is always more important than what. The Bible says, "Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully." - 2 John 1:8 NIV. Keep your heart pure and your motives right! God notices and values your faithfulness. Even if the rewards aren't immediate, they are sure and eternal.

A prayer for repentance and reconciliation - 2 July 2024

Isaiah 59:16 (KJV): "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." Lord, You know my heart, as I have laid it bare before You in my prayers. Sometimes, we drift away from praying and become hardened towards You because our interest in prayer is often superficial. We say we pray, read about its benefits, and feel uplifted, but Isaiah suggests that You are astonished by such shallow views of prayer. True worship and intercession must go hand in hand; one cannot exist without the other. Intercession means aligning our minds with Christ’s concerning those for whom we pray. Too often, instead of worshipping You, we get caught up in analysing how prayer works. Are we truly worshipping You, or are we debating with You? Doubting Your ways shows we are not in true worship. We bombard You with our demands, dictating our desires, without seeking to align with the mind of Christ. If we are hard toward You, we become hard toward others. Are we worshipping You with such fervour that we seek Your mind for those we pray for? Are we living in a holy relationship with You, or are we rigid and self-righteous? Do we claim to live but are spiritually dead? If there is no one interceding properly, let us be that one. Let us worship You and live in a holy relationship with You. Help us engage in the real work of intercession, knowing it is demanding but free from pitfalls. Unlike preaching the gospel, which can have its challenges, intercessory prayer is pure and sincere work. Prayer Dear Abba Father God, I apologise for my hardened heart and humbly confess that I have misunderstood the true essence of intercessory prayer. Reflecting on my life, I realise that I have been bombarding You with my needs, desires, and wants, while rarely offering You the praise and worship You deserve. It is astounding that You have not extinguished my life despite my shortcomings. It is incredible to think that I am speaking to the God of the Universe and that I am reborn through Jesus Christ, yet I constantly miss the mark. Your mercy and grace surround me, and I am humbled that You have not grown weary of me. I acknowledge my struggle with a hardened heart and humbly repent. Please, Abba Father, forgive me. May Your Holy Spirit search me, cleanse my heart, and create in me a clean heart and a pure spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Israel's Journey and Divine Assurance: A Story of Faith and Rebellion

Once upon a time, the people of Israel stood on the brink of a great journey. They were about to cross the Jordan River and conquer lands inhabited by powerful nations with towering cities. The inhabitants of these lands were the fearsome Anakites, giants known for their strength and might. The Israelites trembled at the thought, having heard tales of their invincibility. But a reassuring message came to them: "Do not fear, for the Lord your God will go ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy and subdue these nations before you, and you will quickly drive them out as He has promised." The Lord reminded them, "After I have driven these nations out, do not think it is because of your own righteousness that you are taking possession of this land. No, it is because of the wickedness of these nations that I am removing them. Remember, it is not your righteousness or integrity that grants you this land, but My promise to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The Lord then recalled the times when the Israelites had angered Him in the wilderness. From the day they left Egypt, they had been rebellious. At Horeb, they had provoked the Lord’s wrath to the point where He was ready to destroy them. When Moses went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets inscribed with God's commandments, he spent forty days and nights without food or water. The Lord gave him two stone tablets with the commandments, but the people below had already turned away and made a golden calf to worship. Upon descending the mountain and seeing their sin, Moses was so furious that he shattered the tablets. He then interceded for the people, fasting and praying for another forty days and nights, pleading with the Lord to spare them despite their wickedness. The Lord listened to Moses and did not destroy them. Moses also prayed for Aaron, who had led them in this sin. He destroyed the golden calf by burning it, grinding it to powder, and scattering the ashes into a stream. The Israelites had a history of rebellion, whether at Taberah, Massah, or Kibroth Hattaavah. Even when the Lord commanded them to take possession of the land from Kadesh Barnea, they doubted and disobeyed. Moses reminded them of his continuous intercession, laying prostrate before the Lord to save them from destruction. Moses recounted how he pleaded with the Lord to remember His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and not to let their enemies say He brought them out of Egypt to kill them. The Lord listened and instructed Moses to carve out two new stone tablets and come up the mountain again. There, the Lord rewrote the Ten Commandments and Moses placed the new tablets in an ark made of acacia wood, as commanded. As they journeyed, they remembered the death of Aaron and the succession of his son Eleazar as priest. The tribe of Levi was set apart to carry the ark and minister before the Lord. They had no inheritance among the Israelites because the Lord Himself was their inheritance. The Lord asked Israel to fear Him, walk in obedience, love, and serve Him with all their heart and soul. He reminded them that the heavens and the earth belong to Him, yet He chose their ancestors and loved them. Therefore, they were to circumcise their hearts and no longer be stubborn. The Lord is mighty and awesome, showing no partiality and defending the cause of the fatherless, widow, and foreigner. The Israelites were to love the foreigners among them, remembering they were once foreigners in Egypt. Thus, Israel was to fear the Lord, hold fast to Him, and praise Him, for He had performed great and awesome wonders before their eyes. From seventy ancestors who went down into Egypt, the Lord had made them as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Discover God's Promises - 1 July 2024

2 Peter 1:3-4 "According as His divine power [GOD] has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these, you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." If you’re facing a challenge to your faith, the very first thing you should do is turn to the Word and find the promise of God that addresses your situation. Second Peter 1:3-4 assures us that there is a promise for everything we face. Once you have found that promise and settled it in your heart, focus your attention on it. Keep it in the forefront of your mind. My stepson demonstrated this to his dad. He wanted to visit his granny, but there was no money for petrol. Our stepson prayed and, in faith, believed that they would be able to visit her. He prayed for several days and believed it would happen. He said, "Thank you, LORD Jesus!" O how great the LORD is—they were able to visit their granny. God made a way for them to get the necessary petrol and drive to her. "God has provided me with everything needed for life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3

May we soar like eagles today. 30 June 2024

Good morning, Abba Father.

Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” I praise Your holy name, for You are holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty. There is none like You. Thank You for a new day, for keeping me safe, and for guiding me through each day. I acknowledge that I cannot do life on my own. This morning, I humble myself before You, Abba Father, my LORD. You are worthy of my praise. I love and worship You. Come into my life today; I want to fall deeply in love with You. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). LORD, as I reflect on this verse, I admit that as I age, fear grows within me. I am less inclined to take risks and more prone to worry about the past, present, and future. I recognisse my afflictions are temporary and preparing me for eternal glory. You know my struggles with debt and my inability to overcome them alone. Please help me, granting me wisdom, insight, and understanding. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to see opportunities clearly, for I feel veiled and unable to see. This morning, my heart yearns to fall deeply in love with You, LORD. I wish to grow spiritually and become a mature child of God. Help me to pursue You daily. I do love You, LORD, and I seek Your presence, O Holy Spirit, how I need You. LORD, please let me receive Your peace today. Let me bask in Your presence, knowing You are all around me. I am grateful that You never give up on me. Even when I don’t feel near to You, You are never far from me. You actively pursue me and never fail me. Thank You! In Your presence, I find joy, and today, I choose to draw closer to You. I want to stand in the gap for my family and friends today. I dedicate them to You: Andus, me, Alezandra & John, Pieter, Andus Jnr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Aurther, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Alette, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kids, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina-Hannes, Karina, Petro, Bianca and daughter, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, Veronica. I speak Jesus Christ over each name I bring before You this morning. LORD Jesus, I ask You to protect each person and surround them with Your precious blood. You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You do not grow tired or weary, and Your understanding is beyond fathoming. You give us strength and increase our power. Even though we grow tired and weary, and we may stumble and fall, our hope is in You, LORD, who renews our strength. We will soar on wings like eagles; we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not be faint. May we soar like eagles today. Help each one of us in Jesus Christ's name. LORD Jesus, help me to explore the transformative power of Your Word so that I can understand the power of Your love, which goes beyond my personal desires and encompasses the well-being of my family and friends. Teach me to be selfless in love in my marriage and to prioritise my husband's needs above my own. Grant me Your unconditional love for everyone in my family. You know I struggle with humility towards others. Help me to love beyond myself, be humble, and serve willingly. Teach me to prioritise the needs of others. LORD Jesus, help me emulate Your example of selflessness and compassion. Today, I commit my entire day into Your hands. I ask for Your help as I trust You, LORD. I seek Your face this morning and ask You to remove the veil from my eyes so that I may see You. LORD, what are You teaching me today? Reveal Yourself to me today in Jesus Christ's name. LORD, I ask for Your light in my life. Touch my heart and give me the necessary wisdom and insight to face today. I belong to You, LORD Jesus Christ. Amen.

To Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

May grace and peace be with you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, in love. He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved. In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In Him, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citisenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citisens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

The Faith of Daniel: A Tale of Integrity and Deliverance

Discover the power of unwavering faith and integrity in your own life. Just as Daniel's steadfast devotion and trust in his God led to his miraculous deliverance, so too can your faith guide you through trials and adversities. Stand firm in your beliefs, act with integrity, and witness the wonders that unfold when you trust in the LORD God. Be inspired by Daniel's story and let it strengthen your resolve to live a life of faith and righteousness. Once upon a time, in a vast kingdom ruled by King Darius, there lived a wise and faithful man named Daniel. Recognising Daniel's exceptional spirit and trustworthiness, the king appointed him as the chief administrator over the entire kingdom. This honour sparked jealousy among the other administrators and governors, who plotted to bring Daniel down. Unable to find any fault in his conduct, they decided to target his faith. They convinced the king to issue a decree stating that for thirty days, no one could pray to any god or human except the king. Anyone who defied this order would be thrown into the lions' den. Unfased by the decree, Daniel continued his daily prayers to his God. His enemies quickly reported this to the king, who, despite his fondness for Daniel, was bound by the irrevocable law. Reluctantly, King Darius ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, expressing hope that Daniel's God would save him. That night, the king could neither eat nor sleep, tormented by worry for Daniel. At dawn, he rushed to the den and called out, "Daniel, has your God saved you?" To his immense relief, Daniel replied, "My God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths. I am unharmed because I am innocent before Him and you." Overjoyed, the king ordered Daniel's release and had his accusers thrown into the lions' den, where they met a swift and terrible fate. In gratitude, King Darius declared throughout the kingdom that everyone should honour the God of Daniel, for He is the living God who endures forever, performing wonders and delivering His faithful. And so, Daniel prospered under the reign of Darius and Cyrus, living a life of faith and integrity.

A Prayer of Humility and Intercession: 29 June 2024

Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You. When I reflect on all creation and every living being, I stand in awe of Your might and power. LORD, I worship You, bringing You praise and honour. You show love to thousands but also carry consequences for the sins of the fathers upon their children. O great and powerful GOD, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are Your purposes and mighty are Your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; You reward everyone according to their conduct and deeds. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, both in Israel and among all mankind, gaining renown that is still Yours. You brought Your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror. You gave them the land You had sworn to give their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. They came in and took possession of it but did not obey You or follow Your law; they did not do what You commanded them to do, so You brought all this disaster upon them. Humbly, LORD my GOD, I confess my sins and acknowledge that I often speak without thinking, causing hurt with my words. Today I pray for Your forgiveness. I ask You to put a guard over my mouth, my mind, and my heart. Help me to guard my heart and pray to You, LORD my GOD, for forgiveness. For You have given us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). LORD, I worship You, O mighty GOD; there is none like You. As I start my day in humility, I commit everything I do to You and dedicate each family member into Your mighty hands: Andus, myself, Alezandra, Pieter, Andus Jr., Jacques, Didi, Gizel, Cuba, Devan, Johan, Odette, Anabelle, Briana, Jean, Jacklyn, Mom, Oom Frik, Elsa, Llewelyn, Zelda, Sean, Patrick, Duane, Nikita, Matthew, Elijah, Paul, Carla, Jadyn, Adam, Jocelyn, Arthur, Dante, Benjamin, Violette, Alison, Elma, Peet, Elmarie, Ben, kids, Douw, Zayeen, Megan, Josh, Hannelie, Alan, Rina-Hannes, Karina, Petro, Wilma, Koos, Saddika, Kevin, Bianca - Moosa, Aneesa, Lorraine, Kiewiet, Deon, Veronica. I draw a hedge of Jesus Christ’s blood around each person I bring to You in humble prayer. I pray for supernatural favour today, LORD, with You and the people we meet. LORD, God, here I am; please help each of us. We need Your help. I speak life into each person I name. You are good, and Your mercies endure forever. Nothing can separate me from Your love—ever. Thank You for being faithful, just, and constant. What a privilege it is to know You! LORD, show me how to honour You and give You glory in every area of my life. May God give us more and more grace and peace (1 Peter 1:2). LORD, I pray that You will grant each person I am praying for today more and more grace and peace. May grace and peace be multiplied to us. LORD, help me and everyone I bring before You to enjoy the joy of the LORD in our lives. I love You, LORD, and I believe in You; I find my hope in You. LORD, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to keep watch over myself and keep Your Word. Holy Spirit, please guide me. I am asking You to help me walk in step with You today. I pray for open doors of great opportunity for each person I named today. LORD, I ask that we may enjoy Your supernatural favour with You and with people. LORD, I ask for Your peace and mercy for myself and each person I name. May the grace of Jesus Christ be on my spirit. LORD, we all need love in our lives. Help me to understand Your love for myself, my family, and my friends. Please help me to persevere under trial so that, having stood the test, I will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love You. I speak Jesus over each person I named, asking for guidance, wisdom, insight, and understanding for today. I ask that You will touch my life. LORD, search my heart, cleanse my heart, and create in me a pure spirit. I am in a covenant with You, LORD Jesus. I ask that You slay the giants in my life. LORD, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—so that in Christ Jesus, the blessings of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. LORD, I believe and accept Jesus Christ as my LORD and Savior; help me in my unbelief today.

Amen.