Yvette's Whispers of Faith

by Yvette van Niekerk 1 Thessalonians 5: 15 (NLT) “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and all people.” It's easy to scoff at this verse, especially when we've been wronged. The temptation to retaliate, to escalate the conflict, can be overpowering. How dare they treat me this way? It's maddening, especially when they justify their actions. As a Christian, I find myself at a crossroads. I must resist the urge to repay evil with evil. Instead, I'm called to be gracious and forgiving. Yet, at this moment, I'm struggling. It's tempting to think that 2000 years ago, the Apostle Paul couldn't fathom our modern complexities. But human nature remains constant. The challenge lies in shifting my perspective to see others through God's eyes. I've heard that I have the power to change my behaviour, but goodness, it's a formidable task. The person is a constant presence, a daily wellspring of frustration. So, whe...

Luke 4: 2 - 4 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:2-4 KJV) In Matthew 18, Peter sought guidance from Jesus on the frequency of forgiveness towards those who wronged him. He questioned, "Up to seven times?" To this, Jesus responded, "Not seven times, but seventy times seven." Here, the emphasis lay not in the numerical count, but in the underlying principle. Jesus was urging a perpetual state of forgiveness, a consistent thread woven into the fabric of our lives. He encouraged us, through today's Scripture, to be prepared to forgive each day. This was a deliberate framework to prevent us from harboring hurts, grievances, and letdowns. I find that enacting ...

Introduction: In Romans 8:6, we are presented with a powerful choice: to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. This seemingly straightforward decision holds deeper implications than we might initially perceive. Let's delve into the profound wisdom embedded in this verse and explore its application in our lives. The Subtle Nature of Choosing Death: Choosing death isn't always as overt as a perilous leap from a precipice. It often manifests in subtler forms, primarily as being entangled in the trappings of this worldly realm. This entanglement blinds us to the abundant life that awaits through spiritual enlightenment. The Life-Giving Power of the Word: Proverbs 4:20-22 implores us to attend to God's words, for they are life itself. To be Word-minded is to embrace life in its purest form, transcending the confines of worldly preoccupations. Proverbs 4: 20 – 22 KJV “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them n...

By Yvette van Niekerk Job 23: 10 (RSV) But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Throughout my life, I've come to realize that change is the only constant, even when we resist it. It may sound simplistic, but every day brings new experiences, and circumstances are in a perpetual state of flux. People, including myself, are prone to changing their minds. What held great importance yesterday might merely be a passing thought today. Amidst my countless aspirations, time often slips through my fingers. Between a full day of work and preparing dinner upon returning home, the hours seem to vanish. After dinner, we wash the dishes and settle in front of the TV. We wind down with a bath before heading to bed. This routine, while comforting, can sometimes feel like a never-ending loop. Reflecting on the story of Job, I am struck by the magnitude of his trials. He lost everything, even his beloved children. Yet, in the end, Job declared, "I sha...

by Yvette van Niekerk Lamentations 3: 25 (RSV) The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. How to wait on the LORD? This million-dollar question is of paramount importance. When I set aside time to wait for the Lord, I find solace in seeking a quiet space. It's crucial to consider my surroundings and the people in my vicinity. To maintain focus and clarity, I immerse myself in prayer and meditate on scriptures that hold relevance to my current situations. I am reminded that the Lord is gracious to those who patiently await Him, and He is kind to those who diligently seek Him. In my perspective, being in a tranquil environment with peace and stillness allows me to patiently await the answers I seek to move forward. Today, I acknowledge that answers don't always come immediately. Yet, when they do, I am often astonished, scarcely able to believe the remarkable occurrences. It's astonishing to witness how our Lord manifests Himself when we await H...

by Yvette van Niekerk Joshua 14: 12 (RSV) So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day; for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities: it may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out as the LORD said. My daughter (Odette de Beer - Amplify Your Business) coined a new word for Tuesday: “chooseday.” I love this because it emphasizes the power of choice. I believe that each person faces challenges every day, and it is through these challenges that we grow. This morning, I pray, “Lord my God, give me this hill country.” I feel I possess the necessary strength and knowledge, yet sometimes I lack the understanding and wisdom. In all I do, I echo the words of Caleb: I am not afraid to take on the next challenge, to climb the mountains as they come my way. I begin my day with these words from the most important book I study and read, the Bible: “The righteous will flourish like palm trees; they will grow like the ce...

by Yvette As the years pass, I find myself reflecting more on my behavior, how I treat others, and how I interpret their treatment of me. I observe their actions and carefully consider their words. I wonder if this introspection is a common trait among those in their golden years. It's a stark contrast to my earlier days when I paid little mind to others' opinions or actions. Back then, their place in life and their pursuits didn't concern me; I was engrossed in my own endeavors. Now, lying on my bed, serenaded by the joyful melodies of birds, hope surges within me. Each new day brings fresh opportunities. I aspire to fill my thoughts with joy, to release the burdens of anger and hurt that have lingered for too long. Lord, today I place my trust in You, surrendering all my worries and anxieties into Your capable hands. I am reassured by 1 Peter 5:7, which implores us to "cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you," and find strength in Psalm 5...