Friday 3 April 2020

What's that perfume you are wearing?




I once read that in ancient times the Roman army would parade their defeated enemies through the streets in shackles. And part of the celebrations they also burned incense on altars throughout the city, filling the air with perfume.

2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (AMP)

15 "For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things?"

When the people in the city who didn't see the marching soldiers. They actually could smell and hear the victory of the Romans soldiers. 

Can you imagine if you and I were to permeate the fragrance of the Lord Jesus, and when you walked past people, and they would say, "What is that perfume you are wearing?" I would love to be tuned-in totally to the Lord Jesus. I have seen people who have been married for a very long time look alike. They talk the same and look the same. So here's the thing if that is true for married people, why can't we start to look and speak the same as the Lord Jesus. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as the Apostle Paul wrote, "thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." Please, Lord, I would like to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of You in my own life. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Thursday 2 April 2020

Joseph



Lessons we can take away from Joseph's life experience. Headlines, Joseph landed up in a pit, then he went to prison. And then straight to the palace.

When life knocks you down, make sure it knocks you to your knees. Stop complaining and murmuring about your difficult situation. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this? This is the time when we build character and draw near to God.

Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him so he might be released from prison. The cupbearer completely forgot about Joseph, and self-promotion didn't pay off for Joseph. What did pay off, in the end, was divine intervention? Don't take credit and think you will be promoted; no wait for the Lord to promote you at the right time.

Joseph dreamed of power, and that's what he wanted, but then God stepped in and changed everything. God had a better dream for Joseph.

 Genesis 50: 20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Prayer

O Lord, please help me understand and see these tests as stepping stones and building my character. I need the patience to get to the next level, and please help me wait for the right moment. I believe true promotion only comes from You. I believe that You made me a blessing for others help me hold onto that. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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What you think about that produces how you feel.



That explains so much to me right now, and I must be feeling sad because I can turn on the tears within seconds. I still am not sure why I am struggling with so many tears. It just pours out before I realize it.  Let's be honest; it takes a while before we are able to change our perspective. I doubt that I can change my point of view in a flash if you can please write to me and explain how to do this.

I have spoken to my daughter about these negative thoughts, and during this period of isolation, I can draw from her sound advice. Treating my negative thought the same way I would treat flies around the picnic basket - shoo them away. Then immediately replace them with thoughts that are excellent or praiseworthy. Think about how good God has been to me and focusing on His goodness. Psalm 103 "bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

                                                                                         Philippians 4: 8 "If anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things."

Prayer

Abba Father, today I surrender my thought life into Your hands. I want to focus on things excellent and praiseworthy. I want to praise Your Holy Name and thank You Lord that You have not let me down. In humility, I stand firm on Your Word. Renew my thought life and help me take control over what comes to mind in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ. Amen


Yvette van Niekerk

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Stop getting upset, Yvette


Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

6 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ, Jesus."

Ninety-two percent of our worries are needless! I read that worry splits us down the middle. I am splitting my strength in half because of my constant worry. During this time of quarantine, I feel very frustrated. I will not lose sleep over my circumstances, and I am going to come to the Lord my God in prayer. I am going to tell God what is bugging me, but before I come and ask for favors and complain. I want to pray and give Him thanks for the good that I have in my life. 

Oh Lord, my God in humility, I want to firstly praise Your Holy Name. Lord, You are more to me than anything in my own life. I want to bring praise to Your Name. Thank You, Lord, for today, thank You, Lord, for my family and my friends. Lord, thank You for my health and thank You for the knowledge that You are bigger than my problems, and nothing in this world can replace You. Bless each person that reads my blog with supernatural favor in Jesus Christ Name Amen

Wednesday 1 April 2020

Lord, help me to be kind.





1 Corinthians 8:1 (AMP)
Take Care with Your Liberty

8 "Now about food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all know [concerning this]. Knowledge [alone] makes [people self-righteously] arrogant, but love [that unselfishly seeks the best for others] builds up and encourages others to grow [in wisdom]."

So the thing about communication, it's not what you say, it's how you say it. I have been told this on so many occasions.

I tend to speak my mind, and I forget to put the filters on because, at the moment, I am angry and want to hurt you. Practicing common decency is essential when it comes to our marriages. The way we speak to each other shows how much you love one another. In the scripture above, we should build up and encourage our other half. Now I am not perfect, and I am in the process of learning to watch my words. I do not want to speak mean-spirited words tearing down the people I love. 

I have realized that it isn't worth my while in continually fighting and tearing people down. I am hurt, and now I am lashing out, hurting someone else. Would God be happy with my actions? If I truly love my husband 1 Corinthians 13, verses five says "love - it is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured." So I think no, I need to check my words.

I want to be able to share my deepest feelings and emotions with my husband. If I keep being nasty, he won't listen to me, and I am going to feel unsafe. My prayer is that God will help me repent of harmful speech and convert my thought life. And we are married, and compatibility is vital for both of us. On that point, I know that our words have power, I have heard this saying on more than one occasion, and I believe the Word of God. Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) 
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words."

Prayer

Lord God, when it comes to communication and words, I seem to have too many words and no compassion. Lord, I repent of my sarcasm and hurtful speech, and I pray, please forgive me. Today, please teach me to speak words that are loving and kind. Words that are uplifting and positive, words that encourage and are life-giving. Lord, today I want to ask You to take charge of my marriage. I am willing to do whatever it takes Lord to improve my communication with my husband. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen


Yvette van Niekerk

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Tuesday 31 March 2020

Communication - forced by the Lockdown?




Genesis 2:21-22 (AMP)
21 "So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made (fashioned, formed) into a woman, and He brought her and presented her to the man.”

Are you married? I am, and according to my husband, we don't talk enough. The frightening part is for the next 21 days we are alone at home. I have heard some guys have bought 3 cases of whiskey and loads of cooldrink. The fear of staying at home with your husband or wife must be overwhelming.

I actually thought I do speak to my husband; I know I have been complaining about the kids a lot. They really work on my nerves.

What I have come to realize is we are two different people, his the total opposite to me. I like to chat, and I enjoy the limelight. He's very conservative and never speaks his mind. I sometimes believe his hiding things from me. So we need to focus on our verbal communication, my emotional state of mind, and our physical state. The challenge for me is actually putting my thoughts into words. I have become so accustomed to keeping my mouth shut that when I really am upset, I am unable to speak the words. I normally break down in tears and then run away. He truly is frustrated with me, because he isn't sure what the hell is going on with me. I do believe we have a sense of closeness in our marriage. Although, at times, we are really far apart. I do feel taken aback when he says that I don't talk to me. When all I do is tell him things that irritate me. This is a learning curve for me, and I find it difficult to relate to him at times. He loves going to bed very late, I, on the other hand, want to go to bed at least by 10 pm.

Well, I'm sure you can relate, some people are night owls, and others are early birds. So I'm not really sure what is on my husband's mind and sometimes he isn't sure what I'm thinking. 
During this lockdown, I hope that I am able to bridge the gap between myself and my husband when it comes to communication. I believe God has put the marriage in place so that we can be in a relationship with each other. Looking at Genesis 2, verses 18, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." We both need each other and, therefore, should at least understand each other. I used to have a great body, and as time goes on, it is difficult to maintain that excellent body. Especially when I have to cook so many meals and make sure everybody is eating.

Well, from my point of view, communication is difficult in general for me, I normally listen well, but when I need to speak my mind. I seem to offend or say things uncut. To straight forward at times and that is really bad, I feel my filters have fallen by the wayside. I realize that God created Eve from Adams's rib and not any other part of his body. I think this is the reason we are supposed to be equal. I realized when I went away on Holiday overseas that I was truly missed. I realize my husband really missed me and knew he loves me. The loneliness he felt when I was away and the same for me. I was visiting with my family, but the man I love was at home.

So we are sitting together in the study, and I am trying to build on our communication. Sometimes we have an argument and disagreement. I am trying to improve my communication. Let's see how we fear going forward.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, today I want to dedicate my marriage into Your hands. You know that we are learning to communicate with each other. It’s not that easy, I do speak to my husband but he truly doesn’t understand me at the best of time. I am sure he feels exactly the same way. Lord please send the Holy Spirit and help me with my quest to better my communication with my husband and guide me going forward. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Why is this happening?




Ephesians 6: 10 – 11

“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

I have been wondering why is this happening? I see all the stories and pictures of people who have died in many countries. The unbearable grief and shock they are facing right now. I'm sure there are reasonable answers to this question. But I have come to realize we are facing an enemy - Satan. Satan is standing in opposition to God and everything God does and anyone who believes in God or even tries to the life God's way. I realize that the Lord Jesus broke the power of the enemy. 

Jesus defeated Satan on the cross; Jesus gave me authority over Satan. Luke chapter 10, verses 19, "I have given you [me] authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you[me]." But it was a person who created this virus, and now we are facing a pandemic. I know, but we believe Ephesians 6 verses 12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." I believe that Satan is behind this attack, and many people will not reach the Kingdom of God.

So God has a plan for my life, and I am confident the Devil has one too. John 10, verses 10, says, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." The Devil is at work 24/7, and he doesn't give up making me realize I have to be up to God's standard 1 Peter 5 verse 8 says "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." How can we stand against the Coronavirus? We have God's Word, the Bible weapon at hand right now. Jesus used the Word of God against Satan. Matthew 4, verses four, says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." So when the Devil comes at us, let us use God's word. Hide in God's word.

Are you struggling with a heavy heart? Now is the time to put on a praise song, praise the Lord God. He is drawing you closer to God. I know that when we listen to God and we become obedient, things start to change in our lives. I confess and repent, and I pray to God to renew my thinking. It is not easy to have me change my mind when it comes to Jesus. My faith stands, I believe in Jesus, He is Lord. Faith is fundamental.  Because we are facing considerable pandemic, we need to come to God in prayer and fast. Our church has asked us to stand together with each Monday in fasting and prayer. We will unite against this enemy.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I am grateful that You chose to suffer and die on the cross for me, raised out of the grave, defeating death and hell. Thank You that You have put me in an authoritative position over my enemy. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who empowers me to stand against the Devil. Please open my eyes to the enemy who may be lurking, and I have not been vigilant. Oh, Lord, and when I am disobedient, please show me so that I can repent and change. If I have allowed the Devil a foothold in my life, show me so that I can rectify this. I draw a hedge around my life, asking that You will help me build my faith, becoming strong in You and Your Word. Thank You, Lord, that You have delivered me from the Devil. Please help me not to be overcome by evil but let me overcome evil with good. Please Lord, here I need You to hide me in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of evil men. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Yvette van Niekerk

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Our sins sweep us away, we need You Jesus Christ.




Isaiah 64: 6 ESV "All of us have become like one who is unclean, an all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away."

I am nothing without the Lord Jesus; my life isn't worth anything, but when I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, my whole life changed. I am "in Christ." In exchange for my unclean life and my filthy rags, Jesus renewed me through His blood.

So when I offered God me and what I have for Jesus and what He had. I accepted the Holy Spirit to come into my life, and I accepted health instead of sickness, He took away all my failures and mistakes. I received Jesus's abilities, His righteousness, and strength. When I accepted Jesus, He gave me new hope.
I am now in a Covenant with God Almighty, and I am grateful that the Lord Jesus loved me before I loved Him. I place my hope and faith in Jesus.

I don't have to feel inferior or condemned; I am in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5: 21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Prayer

God Almighty, thank You, LORD, that I have been accepted and may enter into Your presence. I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Thank You for Jesus Christ that has died for my sin, setting me free, I have the Holy Spirit in me. Hope and a future. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Monday 30 March 2020

Let your life be an example.




Titus 2: 12 ESV "It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,"

I know it's challenging to live self-controlled; I tend to forget and speak my mind. It has been on my mind for a very long time that I want to be a pleasing person in the sight of my God. I want Him to say, "Look, that's my child!"

I think we all strive for some form of perfection, and it's not always possible. Living here in this world, we still have our old human nature that comes into play now and then. I have concluded that God wants me to live a Godly life. Why did God save me? I believe that God saved me because Jesus Christ died on the cross for my redemption of all the wickedness and that I can be purified for him, "a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." I must not let anyone despise me. What are some good qualities Paul urges Christians [me] to demonstrate in their [my] lives? So Titus tells me, to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility towards all men.

[Titus 3: 1 - 2]. I have redemption by the mercy of the living God, Jesus Christ.  Titus 3 verses 5 "he saved us [me], not because of righteous things we [me] had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us [me] through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,"

Prayer
LORD, God, humbly, I want to pray to say thank You, that You have saved me by Your mercy. I know, without a doubt, I would never have made it on my own to heaven. LORD,  people are dying of the Coronavirus, and they need Your help, we live by example. Please, LORD, stretch out Your hand and heal these people, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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Sunday 29 March 2020

What role does God play during the “Lockdown?”




Psalm 119: 147 ESV
"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word."

When I wake up in the mornings, the first thing I say is, "thank you, Lord. I started a new day." We are in "lockdown" in South Africa. No one is going in to work, and there is no school for the next 21 days.

The Police are on the roads, pulling cars over asking the questions, where are you going why are you on the way. Well, we are allowed to purchase food and petrol. So that is what we are doing. People are indoors, watching TV and sitting around. I am grateful that my children are all grownups; I don't believe I would coupe with small kids at home; I lost the patience somewhere along the way. My daughter has been looking after her two girls. I must say she is doing a great job, she is a dedicated mom and looks after the girls. Both she and her husband have to phone into work. They do not have a choice there isn’t anybody who can assist with the girls. So their lives have all of a sudden changed from working parents to stay home parents working from home.  I believe God has a plan for our lives and this is a good thing, bring family together.

As we start our day and think of the people that have contracted the Coronavirus, we also should be praying to ask the Lord to help them. Thanking God that we are still doing well and that we can speak to Him, we have an open line to God and all because of the Lord Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, I call on You in my hour of distress, and I know You always answer me. Today, Lord, please will You heal the sick and make away for all of us. Lord, small businesses are struggling because of the Lockdown. We need Your divine intervention today and the coming day, amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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I'm responsible for my happiness.





Ecclesiastes 3: 12 ESV "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live."

It's something we are in control of our happiness. I used to think I can only be happy when I do certain things, buy certain clothes, etc. One day I realized things do not make me happy; in fact, I feel empty and not content.

I alone at home for a very long time, and during that time, I realized that the only person who really can make me happy is God. Spending much of my time with the Lord, I didn't have anything that made me happy. My husband came home from work done things with me, but happiness couldn't be something he could give me. Items cannot bring you joy. Only God can, and I realized I am happy now, and nothing bothers me. I used to put unrealistic expectations on my kids, my husband, and everyone I thought was excellent, I idolized them and thought I would be as important to them as they are to me. I know that my family and friends favor me because God has placed His supernatural favor on my life. People like me because God opened the door to spiritual support.

Prayer
Lord, please take me to the next level in my life; I am so grateful for each of my children, stepchildren, and husband. My grandchildren and all my family, I am whole because of each person in my life. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings they all bestowed upon me. Amen

Yvette van Niekerk

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