How do I know that I am one of the elect?

Let us look what the scripture says about this John 6 verses 37 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition “All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me].”   Also looking at John 6 verses 44 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition “No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day.”  Still in John 6 going to verses 65 “And He said:  “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him [unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.” 

Don’t loose heart carry on reading John 10 verses 6 to 29 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition “Jesus used this parable (illustration) with them, but they did not understand what He was talking about.  So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door for the sheep.  All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them.  I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live).  He will come in and he will go out [freely] and will find pasture.  The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).  I am the Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.  But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away.  And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock].  Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them].  I am the Good Shepherd, and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me – Even as [truly as] the Father owes Me and I also know the Father – and I am giving My [very own] life and laying it down on behalf of the sheep.  And I have other sheep [besides these] that are not of this fold.  I must bring and impel those also, and they will listen to My voice and heed My call, and so there will be [they will become] one flock under one Shepherd.  For this [reason] the Father loves Me because I lay down My [own] life – to take it back again.  No one takes it away from Me.  On the contrary, I lay it down voluntarily.  [I put if from Myself].  I am authorized and have the power to lay it down (to resign it) and I am authorized and have the power to take it back again.  These are the instructions (orders) which I have received [as My charge] from My Father.  Then a fresh division of opinion arose among the Jews because of His saying these things.  And many of them said, He has a demon and He is mad (insane – He raves, He rambles).  Why do you listen to Him?  Others argued, these are not the thoughts and the language of one possessed.  Can a demon-possessed person open blind eyes?  After this, the Feast of Dedication [of the reconsecration of the temple] was taking place in Jerusalem.  It was winter, and Jesus was walking in Solomon’s Porch in the temple area.  So the Jews surrounded Him and began asking Him, How long are You going to keep us in doubt and suspense?  If You are really the Christ (the Messiah), tell us so plainly and openly.  Jesus answered them: I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me].  The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father’s name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].  But you do not believe and trust and rely on Me because you do not belong to My fold [you are no sheep of Mine].  The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages.  [To all eternity they shall never by any means e destroyed].  And on one is able to snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all[else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father’s hand.”

The chosen are the men and women and children that have accepted the Lord Jesus as their savior who follows Him.  They know His voice and want to please Him.  If you were not chosen you would not be reading God’s Word, and you also wouldn’t be concerned about your salvation.  Remember the people that call onto Jesus for salvation will be saved – He receives them and He doesn’t turn them away.  Our salvation is eternal and secure (1 Peter 1: 3-5).

Proclaim the Good News, you are saved.

A burning issue … to spank or not to spank your child?

Proverbs 3:12 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

¹² For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

I see that in our society that we “do not spank” our children because they have rights.  The sad thing I believe is that we are cultivating a society of undisciplined spoilt brats.  I have attended a couple of school meetings and it is obvious that the children have more say than the adults or teachers.  

They become rioters when they do not get their way.  

Hmm, something is very wrong with this picture.  What happens to our respect for the people in authority?  What happened to the respect for our elders and parents?  The teacher doesn't even get the necessary respect.

We are failing our children dismally, it is such a sad story but they have no consequences.  Tell me why don’t we step up to the plate and act righteously with our children?  Are we afraid of them?  Why do we let them get away with murder?

Shamefully, we allow these things, we actually don’t care about them.  We say that its part of growing up and they will mature and get over it.  My question to you Mom and Dad, will they really get over it?  You set the example and your standards have they dropped?  Why? 

Being mediocre and living a mediocre life is okay, what happen to my best every day?  What happens to been proud of my work?  What happened to been the best I can be wherever I go?

Shame, shame, shame on you mom and dad.  Shame.  We should stop and take a look at who we have become and start setting the record straight.  Be that example your children look up to and make them proud.

Are you zealous in your religion?

Acts 7: 54 – 60 English Revised Version

“When those in the council meeting heard this, they became very angry.  They were so mad they were grinding their teeth at him.  But Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit.  He looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God.  And he saw Jesus standing at God’s right side.  Stephen said, “Look!I see heaven open.  And I see the Son of Man standing at God’s rights side.”  Everyone there started shouting loudly, covering their ears with their hands.  Together they all ran at Stephen.  They took him out of the city and began throwing stones at him.  The men who told lies against Stephen gave their coats to a young man named Saul.  As they were throwing the stones at him, Stephen was praying.  He said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”  He fell on his knees and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for this sin!”  These were his last words before he died.

Looking at Saul, he was very zealous in his religion and born in Tarsus.  Saul had the privilege to studying in Jerusalem with the ranking rabbi of the era.  Let's assess Sauls live here, it seems that Saul came from a well-to-do family, which must have lived comfortably with the privilege of a top-notch education thrusting him forward on a pathway of prominence.  It seems that Saul already was passionate and bold when it came to his religion and by the age of 30 he already was a Sanhedrin on his way to becoming a young Pharisees in the country.

Watching Saul’s behavior it's clear that he felt the Christians were blasphemous and had to be dealt with severely.  So then if Saul whom we know as Paul could be forgiven for all his misdeeds, would you say it is possible for us to also be forgiven?  Of course, we can be forgiven, God has sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth for our sins.

Hello World, Yvette's Inspirations
Good Morning Friends

Please join me today on Rainbow Gospel Radio, looking forward to hearing from you, 12 CAT.  :-)


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“Jesus is Lord”

Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

"If you confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ...  How beautifully the word puts it ... confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord”...  and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead .... ... we will be saved.

Then in verse 10: We are justified because we believe with the heart ...... and because we confess with our mouth, we are saved.

Prayer: 

Thank you, Lord, that we believe and confess that You are Lord. Thank you that we know that we need to believe can confess that Jesus is Lord. Thank you that our children may be brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus. Amen!

Be blessed and let us live the redemptive life to the full!

Our Father

Matthew 6:9-13Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁹ Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.¹⁰ Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread. ¹² And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. ¹³ And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

T

he Lord Jesus said to the disciples they should say “Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”  Greeting our Father with respect and honoring His name.  “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Accepting that the Father is king and asking that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  “Give us this day our daily bread.”  Asking for what we need today.  “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  Asking the Lord to forgive us and in return, we will forgive the people who have offended or hurt us. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”  Asking the Father to help us not be tempted and keep us out of the devils reach.  “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen” Declaring that God’s is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Closing in agreement with what we prayed.

You are a Blessing!

Isaiah 43: 1

Isaiah 43:1(AMPC)

43 But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

Today it is my heart's desire that the word of God will take root in your heart's today.  God has called me and I know that He called me by my name and that I am His.  This is one of the greatest feelings of joy I am not able to express.  

Are you feeling lonely?  Do you feel like nothing is going your way?  Do you think you are insignificant?

Stop and read these words in Isaiah today, God has called you by your name, you belong to Him.

Lift up your head today, stay focused and keep your mind focused on God's words, meditate and study this word and hold it in your heart.  

 But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel's [Yvette’s] sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O [Yvette] Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel [Yvette]: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

You too can put your name in where I put my name and meditate on these words today.  Praying that God will give you the necessary wisdom and understanding for today.

You are blessings, thank you for reading my thoughts, praise God for people like you.  

Critics

I am so glad I have some critics, it makes me feel very important, they are sitting on the sidelines just watching and not doing anything for themselves but are criticizing me.  You go, I just love it ;-)

Word Fast today: Gossip

How to form a defense mechanism when it comes to people that cannot help themselves when it comes to Gossiping.  Something I learned from a friend is the minute you pick up someone is going to gossip about someone else and you don’t want to take part in this conversation, to abruptly interrupt the person while they are still in process of speaking.  

Changing the conversation immediately and discussing the weather or a new recipe you are trying out.  I must say it is a little abrasive and rude but it does work.  The problem with people who gossip is, they just cannot help themselves and it is a contagious thing.  

What we don’t realize is that God wants us to act like the Lord Jesus Christ.  John 17 verse 22 to 23 (AMPC) says:  “I have given them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are one:  I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me.”

Now moving into the sin part of gossiping we learn in Proverbs 6 verse 16 to 19 it states:  “These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to HIM:  A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,” 

Then the ultimate sin which is deadly “A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.”  This word “discord” means “disagreement between people, or strife, conflict, friction, hostility.”  So in fact when we gossip we are “breathing out lies, telling tall stories.”  God hates this sin without a doubt.

As you focus on the day and listen to the people around you, beware that you do not start gossiping and if you have the habit of gossiping, close your mouth, pray to the Lord to place a watch over your mouth.  Guard your words, because God hates this “A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.”

Prayer

Elohim Bashamayim, God in Heaven, humbly we stand guilty of sin and gossiping.  Please Lord in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth we humble ourselves asking to forgive us.  We pray asking to help us keep a watch over our mouths today and let us not speak ill of our family and friends, in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we pray.  Amen

Rainbow Gospel Radio

Daily Devotional Ebenezer by Yvette van Niekerk, Kellanpublishing.com

LORD God of Truth #Jehovah #El #Emeth - praises to Your Holy Name

Psalms 31: 5 (ERV)

To the director:  A song of David

LORD, you are the God we can trust.  I put my life in your hands.  Save me!

In humbleness, I come before You Jehovah El Emeth the LORD God of truth.  And as David sang I too want to put myself in You.  I entrust myself into Your hands pleading, please save me!

What an awesome God we serve, as I look back on my own life and reflect on where I have come from to where I am right now.  Whoa, God has always been my resource of safe keeping and watching over my life.

As you have seen my excitement is almost overwhelming and I can hardly retain myself.  To me it is a dream come true, a door has been opened that would never have been opened.  God has been supernaturally favorable and He is in control over each and every one of you too.

It has taken me something like three (3) years to write my Daily Devotional Ebenezer and now I am looking at it being published within weeks.  Believe me, this is a supernatural miracle from the Living God to spoil someone like me.

Jehovah El Emeth You are the LORD God of truth, today I praise Your holy name and bring You all the glory and honor.  I pray this in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen

Daily Devotional Ebenezer

Awesome, my Book Daily Devotional Ebenezer will be available from May 21, 2017.  “Now you can put the Holy Spirit back into your quiet time with the Lord each day using Daily Devotional Ebenezer.  Simply put, a one-minute scripture with some of my personal inspirations and prayers.   If you hurry now, you are able to purchase my book at Kellanpublishing.com for a digital copy at a 50% discounted rate, stay tuned …

Word Fast today: Sarcasm

James 3: 8 – 10 (ERV)

“But no one can control the tongue.  It is wild and evil, full of deadly poison.  We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people who were created in God’s likeness. These praises and curses come from the same mouth.  My brothers and sisters, this should not happen.”

Psalms 141: 3 (ERV)

A praise song of David.

“LORD, help me control what I say.  Don’t let me say anything bad.”

We need an antioxidant to cleanse our words and sarcasm is probably one of the worst forms of speech.  The word sarcasm is derived from the Greek verb “sarkazein.”  It is literally “to tear flesh like a dog.”  Hectic, can you see what it said:  “to tear flesh like a dog.”  This is a vile and painful way of using words.

When being sarcastic we make painful jokes about the other person, my mom always says:  “many a truth is said in jest.”  It is almost common practices and we tend to know how to be sarcastic and use this weapon very well.  Today I want to encourage you and ask you to think about your words and get rid of sarcasm.  Let us focus on building one another up and start by being compassionate and kind always look at encouraging others.  Let not words of cursing come out of our mouths but words of praise and let us focus our attention on not speaking anything bad.

Lord God, please help me control what I say, and don’t let me speak badly. Please, Lord, place a watch before my mouth, my thoughts and my thinking.  Help me portrait Your words, in speech and on actions.  Amen

Winter or my Wilderness Experience

Exodus 2 verse 11 to 15 says:  “One day after Moses had grown [into adulthood], it happened that he went to his countrymen and looked [with compassion] at their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his countrymen.  He turned to look around, and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.  He went out the next day and saw two Hebrew men fighting with each other; and he said to the aggressor, “why are you striking your friend?”  But the man said:  “Who made you a prince and a judge over us?  Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?”  Then Moses was afraid and said:  “Certainly this incident is known.”  When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he tried to kill Moses.  Then Moses fled from Pharaoh’s presence and took refuge in the land of Midian, where he sat down by a well.”

When I read these words, I can almost relate to what Moses had been going through when watching the people and seeing what they were doing to the Hebrews [his family].  Have you made any mistakes which you wish on many occasions you could change but just don’t get round to it?  I have made an epic mess of my own life on more than one occasion.  Here by the grace of God, go I.

I never really considered that I was making any mistakes at the time and in fact was adamant about my statements etc.  Today it seems really rude and uncalled for.  Now I believe God has brought me to my wilderness experience so that God can work on my attitude, my words, my thoughts and my way of thinking.  God let me go through these difficult times to teach me to honor and have compassion for other people.  I feel that God has brought me to this place to show me that I cannot rely on my own good self but that He was my pillar of strength and that I should always trust in Him.

Do you know how difficult it is to understand life when you are opinionated and judgmental and of the thinking, no one has any brains?  O dear, you are in trouble.  I am still dealing with some issue and it is taking some time to sort them all out.  But God’s Grace is awesome and He is delivering me each and every day. 

Prayer

O my Lord God Jehovah today I pray for guidance, help, and understanding going forward, as I enter my spring period I dedicate my life into Your hands.  Lord thank You for opportunities You have created for me, bless my book and help me be an inspiration to all who I get into contact with.  Amen

Joke for today :-)

A lady placed Omo Detergent on the windowsill, 

a signal to her lover:  "the Old Man is Out."

He would pop in and say hello.

When her husband was home,

 she placed Skip Detergent on the windowsill,

"the Old Man is home."

Skip town :-)

Word Fast: Criticism

James 1: 26 If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man’s religion is in vain.

How well do you know me?  If you truly know me, you will say that I am very judgemental and probably a critical person.  I was thinking about this and truth be told you are right with your answer.  Sadly I am so sorry for my bad behavior and I have asked the Lord God to forgive me for being so judgemental and seriously critical.

So today in all humbleness I confess I am judgemental and struggle with a critical spirit.  I also confess that I am not one that actually bridles my tongue and this has brought me enough trouble.

1 Timothy 2: 1 – 2 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.

Today I want to pray and dedicate all kings, and people in high places, that the Lord God will guide them and help them from becoming judgemental and critical.  A spirit of this magnitude can just be detrimental to all other people.  May the Lords love and grace surround them, softening their hearts, souls, and minds.

So there, our fast today is on being critical, let go of the past and stretch you forward to a new being.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Still on word fast: stop being ungrateful

1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Are you still rejoicing in the Lord?  Giving thanks in all your circumstances?  Hmm, I do believe we have fallen off the wagon.  Complaining about everything, never really being grateful for what we have.  Some people are so spoilt they have so much and don’t ever say thank you.  It amazes me to watch people that are really well off and are so blessed with so much to see how ungrateful and menacing they have become.

Then I have seen people that don’t know where their next plate of food is going to come from and they are joyful and kind and always so happy.  Always thanking you for the little they receive.

So today I won’t complain because I am really grateful for everything I have.  In everything I will rejoice in the Lord for blessing me with a beautiful day, loads of fun and time to sit in the sun and enjoy peace and quiet.  Thank You, Lord.

Be blessed, you are my blessing!

Word Fast for today: moaning and groaning

James 3: 2 “For we all stumble in many ways.  And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

“… he is a perfect man,”  What a statement, to my mind I am so far from perfect it scares me.  My lives journey has been really interesting and I have been through so many different kinds of situations which in turn have made who I am today.  The one thing I truly regret is my really low self-esteem and my deadly self-talk.

Now because I struggle tremendously with a really negative self-talk.  I would, for instance, ask someone to do something for me and this person would agree and say “yes, I’ll do it now.”  From my point of view “now – means now.”  This specific person gets up and goes and sits in their bedroom and acts as if I never gave any instructions.

This makes me so angry it is like sticking a poker up …. you know somewhere. But because this person does not obey me I then start to complain and moan and groan and by the end of the day, I am so livered I want to commit a serious crime.  Thank the Lord I have not reached that point.

Proverbs 18 verse 21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  So for today, I have decided to stop the moaning and groaning and when someone doesn’t do as I ask to get up and do it myself.  It wouldn’t kill me, I will survive.  As part of my program, I am also asking the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to help me in becoming aware of my negative thoughts and take them captive unto the Lord.

Some scriptures to help me through today are Isaiah 58 verse 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”  and also Isaiah 58 verse 9 “Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, “HERE I AM.”  If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.” 

Keeping to my fast of negative talk and really deadly words my focus is on Psalms 34 verse 1 “I will bless the LORD at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, O LORD my God, today I am fasting my negative and deadly words, I am also fasting my words of self-condemnation.  Holy Spirit I dedicate my life back into Your hands and pray please lift me up.  In the powerful name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Amen

God’s Intention

My intention is to align my “Free-will” with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  I intend to make a difference in my own life.  Nothing anybody says about or to me is able to influence my good sense.  I am destined for greatness and I will make it.

I am no victim of my circumstances and all things are working together for my own good because I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, soul and mind.  God has not given me a spirit of fear because greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world.

I am kind, understanding and I am friendly.  People enjoy listening to my voice as I am positive, and I encourage people to the best of my abilities.  I will not allow any negative words to come from my heart or mouth.  I will take my mouth captive and watch my words.  God gave me the ability to control my own life.  I am in God’s hands and I align everything I do with Him.  I bring each and every moment of my life into God’s presence and ask for His supernatural guidance, His supernatural grace, and His supernatural love.  My life is filled with abundance and I am working in conjunction with the Lord moving forward.

My mind is being renewed day by day and my thinking is becoming better and better.  My positive attitude is rubbing off on people all around me and we are all growing stronger.

Today the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for my sins, and He rose again on Sunday, I am free, I am accepted and I am His.

On Radio Gospel today

Good morning
I hope you will join me today on Rainbow Gospel Radio today, we all are preparing for this Easter Weekend it is my hope and prayers that you will have a blessed Easter.

https://www.pickradio.net/rainbow-gospel-radio

#Lord #Jesus, when will it be my day?

1 Samuel 16: 13

“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.  Samuel then went to Ramah.”

When David was working in the fields looking after the sheep he never thought that he would be anointed with oil and become a King.  He also didn’t know that the LORD would touch his life and change it forever.  It just happened on a day, something that he never thought of.

As I read this verse which was shared with my by Pastor Roebert, it touched me so that it is a real feeling and need I have in my own life.  I too want to experience a touching of the LORD my God in my own life. 

These couple of weeks have been grueling on our side, many things have happened.  My aged mom was so to speak evicted from her home, a friend suddenly died, my electricity bill R19,845.  One thing after another, my stepdaughter lost her job.

Today I pray that the supernatural favor of the Lord will rest upon my own life and the lives of the people I have told you about.

We don’t know when the LORD God will touch our lives, and it is my heart’s desire that HE will touch my life and open the floodgates of heaven in my own life.

#Describing #Jesus's #Crusifixion

1. As Christians all around the world this weekend we commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ that takes place on Good Friday, Easter Weekend.  Before His death preceded by torture from which the Lord Jesus eventually is crucified.  First He is beaten with a whip one of many assaults that would weaken and hurt Him.
2. The Lord Jesus’ hands are tied to a wooden log, where He was beaten with a whip – which was made of several strips of leather with small metal balls or tiny bones at the ends of the whip.
3. We know the soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head. The soldiers probably pushed the crown of thorns deeper into His head, which could have damaged and penetrate blood vessels and nerves in His head.
4. Historians who investigated the death of Jesus, said as he carried the cross, he only carried the patibulum, the crossbeam that could possibly weigh up to about 27 kg. Jesus would have possibly dragged it because if his arms were tied to it, he would have likely fallen.
5. According to contemporary versions of the crucifixion, a crew of three soldiers would have been Jesus, He would have been placed onto the crossbar of the cross. One would sit on the chest of the prisoner that he cannot move, while another would hold his legs, and a third would have nailed his hands onto the wooden beam.
6. Some historians reckon Jesus is different from what is said in the Bible, nailed to his wrists. But the American medical researcher Frederick Zugibe did experiments proving nails which were driven through his palms, would carry his body weight.
7. The Roman cross was T-shaped, without a point protruding above the horizontal bar. The bottom would already be planted in the ground. The crossbar has a cavity in it so it could fit on top of the vertical beam. Two soldiers lifted the points while a third soldier would support the person who was been crucified.
8. As far as Jesus' feet were nailed to the cross. Zugibe believe the feet were tied side by side, with the soles flat on the vertical beam and the nails through the tarsal bone. It was the most practical method for the soldiers who carried out the crucifixion.
9. Several paintings depict Jesus' feet, which is nailed under an extra wooden beam. This appears in the 9^th century and there is no historical evidence of the use. Jesus died to quickly to have a crossbar as it could have an extra wooden beam - it would only have prolonged His torture.
10. There are several theories about the ultimate cause of death. According Zugibe, who researched the subject for over 30 years, Jesus died of cardiorespiratory failure due to shock caused by bleeding, intolerable pain and dehydration.
11. The Bible says the soldier pierced Jesus' chest with a spear to make sure he was dead. Blood and water flowed from the wounds. The water came from the pleura; a membrane surrounding lungs which formed liquid during the lashes. The blood would flow from His pierced heart.
12. The classic image of the cross - to a point above the T-shape - might have been inspired by a notice nailed to the top of the crossbar. It contains the entry: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." In Hebrew, Greek and Latin. (The Latin abbreviation INRI.)

God please work out the best plan for my life.

Zechariah 3: 10 “In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree.”

God, please work out the best plan for my own life, I read this message and I want to be able to invite my neighbor to sit under my vine and fig tree.  I need Your unconditional favor and love for me.  I don’t see this happing in my life right now, but Lord God I am going to trust and believe that Your word will not return to You voided.

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  Lord, I am thanking You for working out the good and best plan for my life.  Yes, I am trusting in You Lord unconditionally.  Lord, please help me keep a guard on my mouth and keep my mind focused on You Lord.

Help me to stay focused on You and teach me to be patient and look to You for the guidance.  Don’t allow me to fall and not get up again.  Please help me.

Clement of Alexandria said “All our life is a celebration for us … God is always everywhere.”  I am believing You Abba Father to help me and bless me supernaturally.  Amen

Cake diary: Spider-man Cake

Oh yippy, I am done with this cake, it was great fun, 2 tiers, marble cake, I am sure they are going to love it.  Enjoy!!!

#GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies

1 Samuel 1: 15 The Message

“… The only thing I’ve been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God.”

This morning in my quiet time I was reading 1 Samuel chapter one in the Message and my heart was broken as I read how Peninnah had tread, Hannah.  I could feel Hannah’s pain when she went into the sanctuary to pray and ask the GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies to bless her with a child.  Eli was watching her closely and assumed that Hannah had been drinking and that she was drunk.  He even approached her and rebuked her for her drunken behavior.

At that moment my heart broke, because of her pain she was crying and she explained to Eli that it was because she had been so desperate and without a resource that she couldn’t hold back her tears and spoke honestly with GOD.

Eli listened to her and when she left he said “Go in peace.  And may God of Israel give you what you have asked of Him.”

No one knows what I am facing and today I feel like Hannah, I feel a little neglected and it seems as if God has left me.  I have come to realize that I feel abandoned. 

This is my prayer to You Oh, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, please take a good look me and my circumstances, I feel so neglected and I am asking that LORD You will go into action and help me.  YOU know what my needs are and I am bringing them before You this morning, I pray please help me in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  I have come into agreement with You Lord, please hear my prayer and help me.  Amen

Cake Diary: Cream Cake Baked on Monday

27 March 2017

For Tumi at Hendrina
Nkateko's 10th Birthday

Happy Birthday Nkateko may the Lord bless you richly today!

This Marble cake is 7cm in height and 30cm by 30cm, I used 500g of butter and 1.5 kg of icing sugar to cover this cake inside and out.

It was great fun baking for Tumi, I hope they enjoy the cake.

Integrity

Proverbs 2: 7 – 10 ESV

“he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.  Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;”

Something I strive for in my life is being able to do the right thing all the time, for instance, I was baking a cake for someone and the cake just didn’t seem good enough.  The kids thought it was fine and leave it be.  I did not feel happy and decided to re-bake the cake.  No one would be the wiser but I knew the cake wasn’t up to scratch and I wanted it to be just right.

The point is we need to watch our ways; integrity is something we do every day.  If you are being watched you do your best and when no one is around you sit doing nothing?  No, I don’t do that, it frustrates me when people think I don’t see what they are doing. 

I pray each and every day that the Lord God will give me the wisdom and understanding as a shield in my life so that I will use what I have and do my work to the best of my ability.

Proverbs is a good way to give us the necessary guide lines, we just need to tap into it and learn from it.

Two free cake recipes that really work for me ;-)

Please note the height of this cake is 6cm and its 30cm wide

Recipe Top Deck Cake

One Large Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

125 ml of Oil
250 ml Castor Sugar
3 large eggs (divided egg yellow separated from egg whites)
250 ml boiling water
2 teaspoons of coffee
30 ml of apricot jam
500 ml self-raising flour (all purpose)
1 teaspoon of bicarb
45 ml cocoa
2ml teaspoon of salt

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180⁰C or 170⁰F
2. Beat the egg whites until stiff and set aside.
3. Beat the egg yellows with the castor sugar until light and fluffy, add oil and the smooth apricot jam and mix well.
4. Add the coffee to the cup of boiling water let it rest.
5. Sift the flour, cocoa and bicarb and salt three times, makes it fluffy, this is the flower mixture.
6. Mix the flour mixture a little at a time into the egg yellow-castor sugar bowl adding a little coffee to the mixture until all the dry ingredients are mixed.  Now fold the egg white into the mixture, divide the mixture into two 20cm baking tins. 
7. Place in the middle of your oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes.  Let the cakes cool down before you flip them over.

Icing

100g of soft margarine
500 ml of icing sugar sifted
45 ml of cocoa
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
20 ml of milk

Method

1. Beat the margarine and sifted icing sugar and cocoa until light and creamy, adding the vanilla essence and milk if necessary.
2. Split the mixture in half using half for the inside of the cake and the other half to cover the cake.

Second Cake Vanilla

Ingredients

½ cup of plain flour
1 ½ cups of self-raising flour (all purpose)
1 cup of castor sugar
150 ml of oil
150 ml of milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar
3 large eggs (divided egg yellow separated from egg whites)
30 ml of apricot jam
2ml teaspoon of salt

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180⁰C or 170⁰F
2. Beat the egg whites until stiff and set aside.
3. Beat the egg yellows with the castor sugar until light and fluffy, add oil and the smooth apricot jam and mix well.
4. Sift the flour and salt (three times), this makes it fluffy, this is the flower mixture.
5. Mix the flour mixture a little at a time into the egg yellow-castor sugar bowl and add the warm milk mixture.
6. Now fold the egg white into the mixture, divide the mixture into two 20cm baking tins. 
7. Place in the middle of your oven and bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes or until the cake turns a light brown.  Let the cakes cool down before you flip them over.

Icing

100g of soft margarine
500 ml of icing sugar sifted
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
20 ml of milk

Method

1. Beat the margarine and sifted icing sugar until light and creamy, adding the vanilla essence and milk if necessary.
2. Split the mixture in half using half for the inside of the cake and the other half to cover the cake.
3. Now you are ready to start with the decoration of your cake.  You will need 1kg of white fondant, and buy some cake toppers of your choice.  Placing the fondant onto your cake and making sure it is smooth. 

God forgave me my sin

I believe with all my heart, body, soul and mind that the Lord my God of Israel has forgiven me all my sins.  According to His word in 1 John 1 verse 9 "If [I] we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  Now God sees me as a completely new person.  I am clean, washed with pure water; whatever I may have done is forgotten and put away according to Psalms 103 vers 12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed [my] our transgressions from [me] us."  Based on all of the above I take the Apostle Paul at his word as he said in Romans 8 verse 1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,"

Thank You Abba Father, I am Your child and I will embrace Your word in my own life.  I am a new creating and You bought me with the precious blood of Your only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  I am a Child of the Living God of Lights.  In the Holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ Amen

God’s Kingdom

Proverbs 26: 12 “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Proverbs 29: 7 “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” 

I wonder if you have met anybody who believes they “know it all?”  You know while you are speaking to this person, they will have all the answers.  You will not be able to get two words in edgewise because they are so well versed.  They are probably one of the most dangerous people in this world because the truth of the matter is that these people have a tiny bit of knowledge and because they read something they believe they “know it all.” 

So they only have a little information and with that they believe they have all the answers and no one can tell them anything else.  On speaking with these kinds of people the best is to rather keep quiet and nod and wave, you won’t be able to get their attention anyway.

We all know people who are struggling and going through tough times, we also know that there are people able to assist in times of need.  The only thing I can say is when you are in a position to help the poor and needy, make it your business to help.  One day God will return the favour.  You are banking in the Kingdom of God and the returns are overwhelming.

It is my heart’s desire that one day I may be able to assist and help other people where I can but until that day.  I can only pray for them.

Be blessed and thank you for taking time to read my thoughts.  

You know #God#is#awesome!

“You do the asking, and I will do the doing.”  John 14: 14

Awesome, today I came to realize God uses each one of us.  I had a strange statement on my blog post, “God does not exist.”  And then “Prove God exists.”

First off I wasn’t sure what to say, then I started with a long drawn out story, and then I realized something I can talk my head off but this person will not understand.  He doesn’t see the point and it isn’t up to me to prove that God exists.  I know God exists because I believe in Him and I have seen Him work in my own life.

On my program today I wanted to discuss a whole string of things concerning, putting God first.  But while I was still speaking to the people my mind changed.  I was listening to a song and then suddenly I heard a violin playing in the song.

Light bulb!  I spoke to the person who feels that God does not exist and I was immediately reminded to speak about my conversion to Christianity.  I was in my early twenties, and we attended a service with Pastor Eddy O’Neil in Welkom AFM Church.  The pastor played this violin so beautifully.  I then recalled how I became a Christian and also ask if there were people who need to convert.  I prayed a prayer and I believe without a doubt that the Lord Jesus wanted to speak to someone specific today.  I wanted the Lord to lead the program and He did.

Isn’t that awesome?  I felt so wow, you know sjoe.

I did ask and God did.  Awesome.  Bless you and may you enjoy a blessed evening.  

Good Morning!!!! #ABBA #FATHER

https://www.pickradio.net/rainbow-gospel-radio

Sorry guys, this week has been hectic and I literally have been running off my feet.  I just want to ask you to please tune into my program today at 12 CAT.  I also want to share something with you.

I baked a cake and am busy decorating it, "Top Deck" inside meaning chocolate and vanilla cake.  Covered in White fondant with beautiful cake toppings.  I will put a pic up for you to see later.

Here is a question for you today:  "How am I settling for what is good when I could have what is better?"  Where do you find yourself?

Something else I am dealing with my mouth, my attitude and my way of thinking, I wish I was so forgiving as Moses was.  The Prophet Hosea gives us 3 keys to use in becoming happy

1. are you willing to return to God?
2. do you love God and His commandments?
3. are you waiting for God and do you put your faith in Him?

Wow what an awesome God we serve.  I am working on these questing and keys for my own life.  May this day be a blessing, remember you need to also praise God.  We all grow spiritually with praising God.

You are a blessing thank you for reading my thoughts today.

Hello World! Yvette's Inspirations

https://www.pickradio.net/rainbow-gospel-radio

Exciting news guys come and listen to my program at 8 CAT tomorrow morning, you won't be disappointed.

;-)

Book Review: The Power of Spoken Faith

Name of the Book:                                        The Power of Spoken Faith

Author:                                                               Don Gossett / E.W. Kenyon

Personal Quality Ration:                           5

[Remember, the Personal Quality Rating is a score that I give to the book on a scale of 0 to 5 based on my personal liking/disliking of the book.  0 is bad and 5 is great!]

Summary

This is a novella on spiritual living and the writer enjoys sharing his own life experiences with the reader.  I believe the writer's aim was to help newborn Christians and other Christians to learn how to use the scripture to grow not only their faith but a spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus.

The writer knows what he is talking about and has written the book in such a manner that the reader can utilize all of the information to the readers best advantage.  I would say this book is a must for all Christians.

Social / Historical Context

The writer is writing from his own life experiences and how the scripture and a living relationship with the Lord of lights have affected his life.  The writer enjoyed writing this book, there are times in this book that I actually cried.  There are also times in this book that I laughed.  I had an epiphany experience with some of the scriptures that actually has come to life for me.  The writers want to help Christians in drawing closer to the Lord.  When you purchase this book, you will never regret it because it is a book that you will keep next to your bedside forever.  The learning in this book is awesome.

Writing Style

I believe the writing style in this book is definitely evocative and some common place.  The book is writing in the first person and depicts many life experiences the writer enjoyed and lived through.  From a personal perspective, I feel that it has enriched my spiritual life immensely.

My Thoughts

The book is well written, it is easy to read, the scriptures are very insightful.  The writer knows his topic and I believe that the writer is a Christian who is born again and living a spirit filled life.  The entire book grabs your attention and it’s difficult to put the book down because you feel that you might lose some insights. 

I would definitely advise that you go and buy this book, it will change your life for the better, I have been struggling with so many problems and now I know the answers to them.  Read this book.

I'm like a slice of lime ;-)

I’m like a slice of lime … incredibly refreshing but not meant for the weak.

This is so cute and I tend to agree with this statement, it seems I can be more like a “slice of lime” in more ways than other.

My family understands my confidence, I am not a fearful person, I have learned to stand my “Man” when times drove me to it.  My confidence I find in the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I believe that what Mark said in chapter 11 verse 23 “[You] shall have whatsoever [you] saith.”

So hear my words I am a daughter of the Most High God, no weapons formed against me shall prosper.  My Father in heaven is watching over my life, every need is being addressed by my Lord Jesus Christ.  I stand on God’s word today, that I am His child.  Born again and bought by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

In all humility I come before my heavenly Father, Abba Father please place a guard over my thoughts, my mind, my words and my heart.  Let my words and thoughts and mind be acceptable in Your presence.  I bind any pride that I might be holding onto in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and hold onto Your words “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  According to James 4 verse 6. 

In my words, actions and speaking today Lord please guard my mouth and watch over me in Your Holy Name.

As you can see I believe that I am more like a slice of lime, I am not all bitter and twisted, I am refreshing.  I am loving, I am kind, I am friendly, I am always willing to help and I know that with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Awesome!!