October 2020

01/10/2020

Prayer for today
Times and Epochs

There is so much happening in the world at the moment and while it seems that everything is spinning out of control, we should take heed that God’s plan is unfolding in front of our eyes.

We can rest assured, knowing the Scriptures are true and God is faithful to His word. He cannot contradict Himself as many would say and the proof is in the bible, if we will only read.

My Prayer for today is that you will kneel before the living God in humility, allowing Him to reveal the treasures of His written word through the Holy Spirit, removing the veil that is causing you not to see His truth.

Even though we cannot know the future, God has revealed so much already about the “times and epochs“, we can be sure that the events will pan out just as it has been prophesied by the men of old.

The more I read the word, the more it makes sense. Seek God in the Scriptures and He will make known to you the treasures of Heaven and that which awaits us, should we press on and complete the race.

We might even be alive, when all the things Daniel and John wrote about, takes place. May you hold fast to your faith in the Living God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Be sure of this – He will return as a conquering King to judge the nations who have rejected Him.

When the day of the Lord is upon the earth, we can look up and witness our redemption. Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

02/10/2020

Mat 4 v 1-11; Acts 4 v 23-37; Ps 7 v 1-17; Gen 18 v 1 - 20 v 18
Man shall not live on bread alone

We live in a day and age where the material and physical is placed above everything else and our soul and spirit is drained from all life, trying to make ends meet.

We are told by satan and his “disciples” that this life is the be-all and end-all and if we worship him, we will receive whatever we desire. This is packaged very neatly off course and seems harmless at first, but in the end this life and all of its accomplishments, leads to death, if we do not adhere to the words of God.

The believers of those days, sold their property and distributed the proceeds among everyone, so that no one was needy. They were of “one heart and soul“, not bound to their possessions, but looking after the needs of others. Can we even imagine that in today’s life?

Abraham sojourned. He put up a tent and lived there, on His way to the promised land. Shouldn’t we do the same? Are we not supposed to trust in the Lord for provision, seeking His kingdom first and the rest will be added unto us?

We cannot live from bread alone and our souls long for the bread of life, but instead we fill our hearts and minds with the fast foods religion and entertainment offer us. Instant gratification, but no long term value that is sustainable and that is why we long for more, ever seeking and never coming to the knowledge of the truth.

Take refuge in the Lord, just like David did. He is our rock and our salvation. We will never survive this life without the grace, love and word of the living God. Seek Him in the scriptures and allow the Lord to reveal Himself to you.

Know this. Difficult times will come “… declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land– not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. ” (Amos 8 v 11) [NIV]

Seek Him today while He may still be found.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

04/10/2020

Mat 4 v 12-17; Acts 5 v 1 - 16; Ps 8 v 1-9; Gen 21 v 1 - 23 v 20
The Great I AM

Who am I, that the Great I AM would care to call my name? Yet, he made us [only] a little lower than Himself and appointed us to rule over His creation.

He also gave the apostles, who followed Jesus’ teachings, great power to do signs and wonders and also heal the sick and those who were possessed. Jesus, Himself said that a time would come when they will even do greater things (John 14 v 12).

Whether you believe the gifts of the spirit have ended with the apostles or not, one thing is undeniable. The greatest miracle was that God became a man, through the birth of Jesus, His only Son, of a virgin. He didn’t spare His only Son, in order to become a sacrifice for us.

Just look at how Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son, in obedience to the Lord. We know that God would not allow Abraham to kill his own son and provided a substitute, just as He provided a substitute for us in the form of Christ. Are we able to obey God, like Abraham did, not knowing the outcome?

Let us praise God for His splendour and majesty, for His great light that came to shine upon this dark world. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is our God also and thanks to His act of compassion and love we can have a personal and intimate relationship with our Creator.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

06/10/2020

Mat 4 v 18-25; Acts 5 v 17-42; Ps 9 v 1-20; Gen 24 v 1-67
The Chosen ones

Whether it was the disciples, chosen by Jesus himself or Rebekah, chosen as Isaac’s bride, they all had a purpose to fulfill and sometimes those who are chosen suffer a great deal at the hands of others and other times they are spoilt by the Lord.

Regardless of who you are and your position in life, God has a purpose for each one in His kingdom. That does not mean we have to wait until we are united with Him one day in the distant future. We are called to work in His kingdom, even now, for His kingdom is not of this world.

I urge you to seek His kingdom, knowing that whatever you need will be given to you. God selects normal people, like you and me, to fulfill His good work and He can use you where you are with whatever means you have at your disposal.

Even after they were flogged the disciples rejoiced and continued teaching in the Name of Jesus. They were chosen to do a specific job and no man would silence them. Even the institution of those days could not get them to keep quiet.

May we too, like David, give praise to the Lord, who is just and righteous. He does not forsake those who seek Him, “for many are called, but few are chosen” (Mat 22 v 14) [NLT], not because only an “elect” few have the privilege, but simply because not many are willing to give up their worldly pleasures, security and comfort.

Pay attention. God wants to use you today for His intended purpose. The only way to live a prosperous and truly successful life in this world, is to submit to the perfect will of God. Does this mean we won’t suffer? absolutely not. We will suffer for His Name sake, and as a result, not only receive an invitation, but will be chosen to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

07/10/2020

Mat 5 v 1-12; Acts 6 v 1-15; Ps 10 v 1-18; Gen 25 v 1 - 26 v 35
Blessed are we

Have you seen what happens when one tries to fight fire with fire? It is impossible to quench the rage and the other person is not easily persuaded anyway, nor moved an inch from their stance.

Is it not worth more to be called a son of God, than to win an argument? Surely the one is eternal, while the other merely provides temporary satisfaction to the flesh…

Isaac did not retaliate when the dispute over the wells started and moved away from there and the Lord blessed him and provided them with another well. Would we do the same, or simply claim it as our own at every and any cost?

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, full of grace and power, spoke with wisdom and even when those who opposed him “put forward false witnesses“, just like Jesus said would happen, he didn’t cause an uproar, but requested that they listen to what he had to say.

It all comes down to pride. Man has become so proud and entitled that we see less gentleness, no longer a thirst for righteousness, while our hearts have hardened against the Lord and others, thinking we no longer require Him.

Where are those “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom“? The pure in heart, the ones who show mercy to others and mourn over the dreadful state of this world… Blessed are we, who are “poor” in spirit, when we walk in humility and undergo all kinds of persecution for His Name sake, for our reward in heaven is great!

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

10/10/2020

Mat 5 v 13-20; Acts 7 v 1-38; Ps 11 v 1-7; Gen 27 v 1 - 28 v 22
The God of yesterday, today and tomorrow

In reading these passages, I see the perfect harmony of God’s inspired word, having the assurance that He is who He says He is and that He is the same – yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is the God of History, unchanging and everlasting.

In reading these passages, I realise that we fall short of God’s glory every day and yet He grants us the grace we require to turn back to Him, should we have wandered off into the wilderness for a while, still not having found what we were looking for.

In reading these passages, I understand just enough to know that we see in part, not always fully understanding God’s plan for us, although we should put our faith and subsequently our trust in Him, because He makes all things work for good for those who love Him.

In reading these passages, I have the confidence to stand on God’s word, knowing it’s true, inerrant, infallible and timeless. His words will never fade away and just as many of the prophesies have come to pass, there are quite a few still to materialize and we can rest assured that God will not disappoint us.

In reading these passages, it becomes clear that Jesus is our deliverer, ruler and judge. He delivered us from evil, from Satan’s claws when He overcame sin on our behalf. He is the head of the church who will also rule over all the earth and He is the judge of the living and the dead.

Everything in the Bible is ultimately about Him. He is the focus from beginning to end. How blessed are we, having read God’s word and coming to the knowledge of HIS truth. Not having to doubt history. Trusting in Him today and looking forward to an eternity with the one who created us, saved us and will finally redeem us.

Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah. To Him be all the glory, power and honour. Forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

15/10/2020

Mat 5 v 21-32; Acts 7 v 39-60; Ps 12 v 1-8; Gen 29 v 1 - 30 v 43
The Lord's dwelling place

“The most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands…” (Acts 7 v 48)

Prior to Jesus’ fulfilling of the law, it was required to bring a sin offering, as penance, before the Lord.

The people of those days were required to keep the law of Moses, which consisted of 613 laws and included circumcision, while it is written that the law of Christ, which is a spiritual law, involves a circumcision of the heart.

He taught that if you are angry with your brother, you are guilty before the court of law, while lusting after a woman in your heart is considered adultery. Stephen also taught that their fathers’ hearts turned back to Egypt and seeking other gods, they made a calf in the wilderness, which they worshipped.

The law which they received, they didn’t keep and not only did they kill the One who would come to set their hearts free, they also persecuted the prophets who foretold His coming and now Stephen would also have to pay with his life, because of their uncircumcised hearts.

David wrote about the falsehood of the people and how they spoke with a double heart and boasted with confidence. It is clear that the heart isn’t just a pump and that our thoughts generate from within our heart, before manifesting in our minds. Just look at the below scriptures:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10) [ESV]

“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5) [NIV]

“But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4) [NLT]

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

“And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.” (Genesis 8:21) [KJV]

If the Lord doesn’t dwell in houses made by human hands, where else does He abide other than in our hearts? How then, can a righteous God dwell in our corrupt hearts?

Our sinful nature puts us at enmity with God and it is only through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit that He can renew our heart and mind, allowing you to “LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL (life), AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND (thought, understanding), AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’” (Mark 12:30) [AMP]

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

16/10/2020

Food for thought
Thanksgiving and praise

Today I would simply like to give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness, His patience with us and above all, His forgiveness and grace.

I thank the Lord for His word of truth, a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet and the power of prayer, knowing that He will grant us anything we ask in His Name, such as wisdom and discernment.

All the glory and honour to our Creator and Sustainer, Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who bore our sins and was afflicted for our transgressions. He has risen and for this reason we have hope, looking forward to His promised return.

I thank the Lord, our God, for His provision, knowing He will give us what we need and even spoil us if He deems it His will and this is why I pray that He will give us just enough so that we do not have to steal and not too much that we forget about Him.

He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God who delivered His people from the hands of their enemies. He sustained them in the wilderness, providing shade, through a cloud by day and heat through fire by night.

May God the Father, we call Yahweh, and His Son Jesus, Yeshua be your refuge. Place your hope and your trust in Him. Allow His Spirit to lead the way and guide you according to the scriptures. May His truth be in your heart and on your lips every moment of every day.

18/10/2020

Mat 5 v 33-48; Acts 8 v 1-25; Ps 13 v 1-6; Gen 31 v 1-55
Word of honour

“But let your statement be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil” (Mat 5 v 37)

How often do you come across people, whose actions contradict what they say they would do and they end up doing the exact opposite to that which they have promised you?

Laban was guilty of this. He promised Jacob that he could marry Rachel and ended up giving him Leah. Jacob also deceived his father, pretending to be his brother, Esau. Even Rachel pretended that she couldn’t stand up when her father entered her tent, in search of his property, which she had taken.

Jesus was very clear about making an oath and also making false vows as well as bearing false witness, which is nothing less than deceit. Even Simon the magician, deceived the people “claiming to be someone great” (Acts 8 v 9).

Is your word honourable? Can anyone rely on your testimony and take what you say at face value? Be sure to always speak the truth and let your actions line up with what you say. God says that people will know you by your fruit and therefore it is crucial that your Yes, be yes and your No, be no.

Our biggest downfall as believers is this false ideology that we can manupilate what we say or do as long as we do not harm others, but we forget that ultimately we will stand before the living God when He will judge us according to our works.

Always be honest and transparent in your dealings with others. Your testimony as a child of God depends on this. The people of this world are watching us with hawk eyes, waiting to point out any mistake you and I may make, simply to justify their belief that we are no different. Don’t give anyone an opportunity to call you a liar of deceiver.

Walk upright in righteousness, speaking the truth at all times, so that others may look at you and see the light of God shining through you.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

19/10/2020

Mat 6 v 1-15; Acts 8 v 26-40; Ps 14 v 1-7; Gen 32 v 1 - 33 v 20
There is no one good

There is a belief that we are, for some reason, inherently good and I am still to be convinced that this is true.

David says “there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Ps 14 v 3) for it seems that all have turned aside and have become corrupt.

Jesus warns against “practicing our righteousness before men to be noticed by them“, while letting everyone know you are giving to the needy in order to be honored by them. The same applies to prayer and we are told to go into our inner room and pray to our Father who is in secret.

The Ethiopian official wasn’t saved because he was a good man. He came to faith by believing in Jesus as the Son of God and was baptized. If we are inherently good, Jesus wouldn’t have to come and die the most dreadful death. There would not be any need for repentance or a belief in salvation.

If Jacob was good, he didn’t have to seek his brother’s favour, but he knew that he had treated Esau wrongfully, while deceiving their father. Jesus instructs us to forgive those who trespass against us, in order to be forgiven our transgressions.

Do not be mislead to think that we can seek God’s favour simply by doing “good”. We have ALL sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It is only through faith in the risen Jesus that we can receive God’s forgiveness and undeserved mercy.

May His grace and favour be upon you today, seek Him wholeheartedly and above all, pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding, so that you may walk in righteousness.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

26/10/2020

Mat 6 v 16-24; Acts 9 v 1-19; Ps 15 v 1-5; Gen 34 v 1 - 35 v 29
Your heart is where your treasure lies

“…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys…” (Mat 6 v 20

Jesus says, we have our reward in full if we want to be noticed by men. This means that the compliments we receive, will be the sum total of our reward. Think about it…

Would you rather be noticed by men, whose hearts are mostly focused on the material, while chasing after wealth, or would you choose to serve God and receive His “everlasting and eternal” reward?

If you choose the things of the world, your reward is temporary and only satisfies the flesh for a short period anyway. Those who follow the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly, walk with integrity, practice righteousness and speak the truth. They do not slander, nor do evil to others and honour those who fear the Lord.

Paul, who found favour among the people, before he came to faith, was revered and feared, because of the way he persecuted the followers of Jesus. After his conversion, he too suffered at the hands of those, who in turn, persecuted believers, but through all that he endured, he continued to serve the Lord, for he knew his reward awaited him in heaven.

Check your account with the Lord today. Make sure that your estate is in order and that your heart is true to the living God. Serve Him and Him alone and do not fall into the trap of chasing after wealth that will soon come to nothing anyway.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“

31/10/2020

Mat 6 v 25-34; Acts 9 v 20-43; Ps 16 v 1-11; Gen 36 v 1-43
Seek first the kingdom

“I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Ps 16 v 8)

What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God? We know that God says His kingdom is not of this world, but because we are in this world, this is probably our biggest challenge, simply because we are so overwhelmed by everything “required” to make a living.

Jesus describes how He provides for His creation and loved ones, and that we should not become anxious about the day of tomorrow, for it brings its own troubles.

He instructs us to “seek FIRST His kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be added to us“… “which things?”, you may ask. Well, the things described in the preceding verses. We should therefore not be concerned about what we will eat, drink or wear for He knows what we need.

To seek (first) the kingdom of God, is to put Him before anyone and everything else in our lives. Only in Him do we find rest, peace and assurance. In Him is truth and salvation, which is what we need first and foremost, should we wish to live forever with our Creator, once we transition from this life to the next.

There is no hope outside of Christ and yet people live as if this life is all there is to live for. I think it is time to break free from the burdens of this life. Yes, we have to work and earn money, but instead of trying to fight for survival, let us focus on our relationship with the Lord and allow Him to take care of our basic needs.

After all, He knows best, because He is God!

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“