Yvette's Whispers of Faith

Romans 5: 1 (TLB) So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Consider the profound concept: "we are the righteousness of God in Christ." This notion prompts a reflection on what it truly means to stand in right relationship with God. While the prospect sounds appealing, one might wonder if there are actions one can take to merit such righteousness. The reality is that righteousness cannot be earned; rather, it is bestowed through unwavering faith in God. Speaking personally, I adhere to rules, seeking clarity on expectations and my role in various contexts. A structured and systematic life brings me a sense of acceptance, and I strive to be in harmony with both God and people, yearning to earn their love and approval. In my pursuit, there is a desire to achieve personal worthiness, a wish to independently earn my righteousness. Yet, delving into Romans 4...

by Yvette van Niekerk Psalm 46:1 (NKJV): "God, the Sanctuary for His Devotees and Victor over Nations. To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. God is our sanctuary and vigour, an ever-present aid in adversity." I perpetually draw my strength from the Almighty, finding confidence and courage in Him to confront any challenge. Currently, I grapple with turbulent emotions and struggle to contain my anger towards others. I earnestly strive to temper my words, yet often find myself unintentionally expressing thoughts that would have been better left unsaid. Navigating relationships proves to be a complex endeavour. When genuine anger surges within me, it often leads to outbursts. I beseech the Lord to place a guard over my tongue, yet I persist in my efforts. I persevere in refining my disposition, steadfastly holding onto the Lord, for I believe that without Him, reaching my destination is insurmountable. I perceive myself on a tumultuous journey,...

By Yvette van Niekerk In Psalm 91:16 (NKJV), it is written, "With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." Ageing is an inevitable part of life; each passing year is a testament to this universal truth. This month marks my 60th year, a milestone that prompts reflection and gratitude. As I step into this new season of life, I recognize that I am entering my Golden years. It is my heartfelt aspiration to become a beacon of wisdom and a guiding presence in the lives of those around me. I aspire not to become a person steeped in bitterness, perpetually discontented with the world. Instead, I yearn to immerse myself in the embrace of the Divine, to delve deeper into understanding the heavenly ways of God. I aim to be a shining light for those who feel adrift, to extend a helping hand that guides them closer to God's grace. The thought of walking steadfastly and suddenly finding myself in the presence of the Lord is a notion that captivates me. Enoch, who live...

by Yvette van Niekerk Reflecting upon Nehemiah 8:4a (NKJV) – "So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose." Ezra, the priest and scribe, responded to the people's request to read the Word of God aloud. Upon hearing it, some were moved to tears, yet they found solace in singing praises to the Almighty. Today, I ask: Are you standing on your soapbox? Where do you deliver your spontaneous speech? Is it in the vast expanse of the Internet – perhaps in your blog posts, Facebook updates, or even on Instagram? The power to disseminate the Word of God to multitudes lies within our grasp online. Let us seize this opportunity. Through this medium, we can educate, counsel, and uplift. Personally, I believe that through my humble blog, I touch the lives of many. My daily devotions are written with the hope of rewriting them, speaking from the depths of my heart. I yearn for God to inspire my words, infusing them with the essence of the Holy Spi...

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...