Many challenges we face in life are simply distractions from the enemy to keep us from pursuing our destiny. Maybe someone in the office isn't as friendly to you as you'd like. Maybe you have a neighbor who always parks in front of your house and blocks your mailbox. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the big picture of eternity. You can't allow the little things to cause strife in your life.
In scripture, just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Iliab tried to confront him. But David knew that arguing with Iliab wasn't even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn't want to be distracted. He simply "turned away" from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do. Let's follow the example of David and keep our eyes on what's most important in life. Instead of being led away by frustrations, let's focus on the big picture. Know when to turn away from strife and receive the mark of honor the Lord has for you! Don’t let go of hope. Hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up.
Don’t ever quit believing in yourself. As long as you believe you can, you will have reason for trying. Don’t let anyone hold your Happiness in their hands; Hold it in yours, so it will always be within your reach. Don’t measure success or failure by material wealth, but by how you Feel; Our feelings determine the richness of our Lives. Don’t let bad moments overcome you; Be patient, and they will pass. Don’t hesitate to reach out for Help; We all need it from time to time. Don’t run away from love but towards Love. Because it is your deepest Joy. Don’t wait for what you want to come to you. Go after it with all that you are, knowing that Life will meet you Halfway. Don’t feel like you’ve lost when plans and dreams fall short of your hopes. Anytime you learn something new about Yourself or about Life, you have progressed. Don’t do anything that takes away from your Self-Respect. Feeling good about yourself is essential to feeling good about Life. Don’t ever forget how to laugh or be too proud to Cry. or too stubborn to Smile With all the above live life to its fullest… I confess Jesus as my Lord. Rom. 10:9-10. I possess salvation.
I confess, “by His stripes I am healed” Is. 53:5; I possess healing. I confess “the son has made me free” Jn. 8:36; I possess absolute freedom. I confess “the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost” Rom. 5:5; I possess the bility to love everyone. I confess, “the righteous are bold as a lion” Pr.28:1; I possess lion-hearted boldness in spiritual warfare. I confess, “He will never leave me nor forsake me” Heb. 13:5-6; I possess the presence of God each step I take. I confess, “I am the redeemed of the Lord” Ps. 107:2; I possess redemption benefits every day. I confess “the anointing of the Holy One abideth in me” 1 Jn. 2: 27; I possess yoke destroying results by this anointing (Is. 10:27). I confess, “in the name of Jesus I can cast out devils” Mk. 16:17; I possess dynamic deliverances as a devil master. I confess, “I lay my hands on the sick and they shall recover” Mk. 16:18; I possess positive healings for the oppressed. I confess, “I am a branch of the Living Vine” Jn. 15:5; I possess Vine-life wherever I go. I confess, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ” 2 Cor. 5: 21; I possess the ability to stand freely in God’s holy presence, and in Satan’s presence as a victor! I confess, “I am a temple of the living God” 2 Cor. 6:16; I possess God dwelling in me, and walking in me! I confess, “my God shall supply all my need” Phil. 4: 19; I possess the supply of every need. Confession Precedes Possession I confess, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” Rom. 10:13, I possess know-so salvation for I have called upon the name of the Lord. I confess, “The Lord shall preserve me from all evil” Ps.121:7, I possess preservation from all forms of evil. I confess, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” Mt.5: 8, I possess the assurance I shall see God for the blood of Jesus has made me pure in heart. I confess, “The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. Ps. 29:11, I possess daily strength and an abundance of peace. I confess, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits” Ps. 68:19, I possess a life daily loaded with the benefits of the Lord. I confess, “I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” Jn. 8:12, I possess light upon life’s pathway for I am following Jesus. I confess, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” 2Cor. 9:8, I possess all grace, abounding grace – saving grace, healing grace, Baptizing grace, all-sufficient grace. I confess, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” Lk. 1:37, I possess impossibilities becoming realities, for I am linked up with God by divine birth. I confess, “I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh” Acts 2:17, I possess the Spirit outpoured upon my life continually. I confess, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” Ps.103:12, I possess the assurance that my sins are removed far from me, hallelujah! I Possess What I Confess “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Rom.10: 10. I possess continual guidance for I confess, “The Lord shall guide thee continually” Isaiah 58:11. I possess eternal life, for I confess, “My sheep hear my voice and I give them eternal life” Jn. 10:27. I possess the peace of God, for I confess “The peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord” Phil. 4:7. I possess freedom from fear, for I confess, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not” Isa. 41:13. I possess bountiful blessings financially, for I confess, “He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” 2 Cor. 9:6. I possess supernatural help in every situation, for I confess, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” Ps.121:2. I possess good, for I confess, “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee” Job 22:21. I possess peace with my enemies, for I confess, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with Him” Pr. 16:7. I possess the ability to be a positive blessing, for I confess, “So will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing” Zec. 8:13. I possess wholesome, sound sleep at night, for I confess, “He giveth His beloved sleep” Ps.127: 2. I possess the assurance my labour in the Lord is fruitful, for I confess, “For as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” 1 Cor.15: 58. I possess as a faith man, abounding blessings, for I confess, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings” Pr.28:20. I possess strength for my day for I confess, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” Deut. 33:25. I possess special honour from my Father for I confess, “If any man serve me, him will my Father honour” Jn. 12:26. Haar oë was groot en kinderlik-onskuldig met 'n sweempie van die ondraaglike pyn wat sy verduur toe sy vra "Mamma, kan ek alt sing in Liewe Jesus se hemelkoor? Juffrou Annalie sê ek is 'n alt, want ek kom nie die hoë note by nie"
Ek het vinnig weggedraai om kwansuis nuwe water in die vaas van pienk rose te tap en my trane het in die wit hospitaalwasbak gedrup toe ek sê: "Ek is seker Liewe Jesus het nog vir jou 'n plekkie tussen die alte, liefie." Toe ek 'n rukkie later met droë oë omdraai, was sy vas aan die slaap, haar skraal handjie beskermend om haar bruin teddiebeer. Sy was ses jaar oud, my enigste dogtertjie wat deurtrek is van die kanker. Die dokter het gesê dat ons ons in die loop van die volgende week gereed moes hou vir die ergste. Haar laaste wens was dat ons haar dierbaarste speelgoedjies in haar skooltassie moes pak en dat sy vir oulaas 'n dag by haar kleutermaatjies wou gaan speel. Juffrou Annalie het reeds op 'n mooi manier aan die kleutertjies vertel dat hulle nog een keer met Jaminda kon speel en dat sy daarna weggaan om by Liewe Jesus in die hemel te gaan speel. Jaminda self het ook geweet dat Liewe Jesus vir haar wag en ek het met 'n knop in my keel na my man gekyk as sy opgewonde raak oor die vooruitsig. My meisiekind se laaste skooldag het op 'n skamele sesjarige ouderdom aangebreek. Sy het vroegoggend vir my beduie watter blomme in die tuin ek vir juffrou Annalie moes pluk. "Van daardie geles, ma. Juffrou Annalie sê altyd ek is 'n regte sonstraaltjie in haar lewe." Die klein, bruin skooltassie was gelaai van die speelgoed. Ek gun jou die lekkerste speeldag van jou lewe my kind, het ek bewoë gedink toe ek haar uit die motor in die rolstoel tel. Die kleuterklassie het die ene oë, maar verskrik, agter juffrou Annalie bly staan toe ons klas toe beweeg. Jaminda se beste maatjie, Knoxie, het huiwerig vorentoe getree. "Kan ek Jaminda stoot, tannie?" en ek het, dankbaar vir die gebaar, oorgegee aan my klein helpertjie. Dit het die ys gebreek. Binne oomblikke was die hele klas om die rolstoel geskaar. Dirkman het verneem of die rolstoel se wiele slime in het, terwyl Emma en Fransien wou weet of die inspuitings seer was. Ek en juffrou Annalie het verwese eenkant trane afgevee en toe dapper begin deelneem aan die kleuters se skynbaar gewone gesprek. Na 'n uur se gesels kon ek sien dat die opwinding besig was om sy tol te eis. Jaminda se oë was baie blink in haar bleek gesiggie. Toe vra sy of sy iets kan sê voor ons huis toe gaan. Juffrou Annalie het al die kleuters voor haar op die mat laat sit. Wat daarna gebeur het, het my van alle woorde gestroop. Ek het al in my enigheid begin wonder waarom die bruin tassie saamgekom het. Jaminda het die tassie oopgeknip en elkeen van haar vyftien kleutermaatjies by name vorentoe geroep. Op vyftien van haar geliefkoosde speelgoed het sy name met papiertjies en kleeflint vasgeplak. "Emma, jy moet my porselein-teestelletjie kry - dink aan my as jy en jou poppe tee drink. Dirkman, hier is my fietspomp - jou fiets se wiele is mos altyd pap. Fransien, hier is my hartjie hangertjie waarvan jy so baie hou. As jy hom oopknip, is daar 'n fototjie van my in." So het die pynlike uitdelery aangehou. En toe kom Knoxie, haar spesiale maatjie, aan die beurt. Ek het my nek gerek, maar die bruin tassie het vir my leeg gelyk. Het Jaminda van Knoxie vergeet? Maar nee, Jaminda het haar mees geliefde speelding van haar skoot af opgetel, een laaste kyk in die bruin teddiekraalogies gegee en hom toe met 'n besliste trekkie om haar mond vir Knoxie aangegee. "Pas Teddie mooi op, want ek is baie lief vir hom. Vat ook my bruin tassie - ek het klaar jou naam in die deksel geskryf. Juffrou, ek moet nou huis toe gaan. Kan ons vir oulaas Stille Nag sing?" bewerig het sy opgestaan en tussen die alte gaan staan en nog nooit het Stille Nag so na-aan die van 'n engelekoor geklink nie. In die motor op pad huis toe het sy teruggesit, vir my gekyk, geglimlag en 'n laaste tevrede sug gegee. Ek het met trane in my oë besef: Jaminda het so pas aangemeld as alt by die hemelkoor... .... En as jy nie 'n kind van jou eie het nie - gryp sommer iemand anders s'n in die verbygaan en gee hom/haar 'n stywe drukkie - hoe sal jy ooit weet - miskien is dit ook vir oulaas. "The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning." Ivy Baker Strek-oefeninge
Vergeet die dinge wat agter is en strek jou uit na wat voor is. (Fil 3:14) Asemhalings oefeninge Laat alles wat asemhaal, die Here prys, Halleluja! (Ps150:6) Brein-oefeninge Watter deug of lofwaardige saak daar ook mag wees, daarop moet julle julle gedagtes rig. (Fil 4:8) Oog-oefeninge Die oog gevestig op Jesus, die begin en voleinder van die geloof. (Heb 12:2) Gesigoefeninge Wees altyd bly in die Here, ek herhaal wees bly. (Fil 4:4) Oor-oefeninge Elke mens moet maar te gewillig wees om te luister, nie te gou praat nie en nie te gou kwaad word nie. (Jak 1:9) Tong-oefeninge Met dankbaarheid in julle harte moet julle Psalms, lofsange en ander geestelike liedere tot eer van God sing. (Kol 3:16) Been-oefeninge Versterk daarom die slap hande en die lam kniee en loop die reguit pad. (Heb 12:12) Hart-oefeninge Skep vir my 'n rein hart, O God, vernuwe my Gees en maak my standvastig. (Ps 51:12) Nek-oefeninge Wees nie bevrees nie, want Ek is met jou; kyk nie angstig rond nie, want Ek is jou God. (Jes 41:10) Hand-oefeninge Ek strek my uit in gebed na U toe. (Ps 143:6) Ontspannings-oefeninge Werp al julle bekommernisse op Hom, want hy sorg vir julle. (1 Pet 5:7) Lekker oefen! A twelve-year-old boy accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord during a weekend revival meeting. The next week his school friends questioned him about the experience.
"Did you hear God talk?" one asked. "No," the boy said. "Did you have a vision?" another asked. "No, the boy replied. "Well, how did you know it was God?" a third friend asked. The boy thought for a moment and then said, "It's like when you catch a fish. You can't see the fish or hear the fish; you just feel him tugging your line. I felt God tugging on my heart." So often we try to figure out life by what we can see, hear, or experience with our other senses. We make calculated estimates and judgments based on empirical evidence. There's a level of truth, however, that cannot be perceived by the senses or measured objectively. It's at that level where faith abounds. It is our faith that compels us to believe, even when we cannot explain to others why or how or to what specific earthly end. By our faith we only know in Whom we trust, and that is sufficient. Remember, it's really not the outlook but the uplook that counts. “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezr 7:10)
The Bible tells us that Ezra’s trip from Babylon to Jerusalem, a journey of about 900 miles, took less than five months because “the gracious hand of his God was on him.” And then adds, “This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel” (Ezr 7:9-10). When we set our hearts upon studying and obeying God’s Word, and add the desire to teach it to others — God will prosper our steps with expedience and favour. “The path of the righteous is like the light of day, shining brighter and brighter” (Pro 4:18). Ezra and his fellow footmen were protected from attacks by bandits, and were preserved in their supplies, both physically and emotionally. They left Babylon in high hopes, and arrived in Jerusalem refreshed and filled with wonder. Elsewhere the Bible says, “Great peace have they who love Your Law; and nothing will offend them” (Psa 119:165). Set your heart upon God’s Word, and watch how God begins to prosper your way; how He blesses you in business, in friendships, in breakthroughs, and in favor with others. The bottom line is that God’s Word is true and trustworthy, and by opening our hearts to its life-giving power, we can live everyday in the deep assurance that God will open His heart to us with blessing and favour. If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everthing in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper --not a homemaker.If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness--not godliness.Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. Love crawls with the baby,walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood. Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart. Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child. As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would Reply: "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!" "You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it? He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim, or .... I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or .... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life." "Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life." I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or .... I could choose to die. I chose to live." "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. He continued, ".... the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER, and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read "he's a dead man". I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity.'" Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live.. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead." He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. *****Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 'Each day has enough trouble of its own.' -Matthew 6:34 Here, Bid asseblief vir my
Here daar is geen aardse woorde wat ek het om te sê Ek is nou op die punt waar ek nie weet hoe om te bid Ek verstaan dit nie Here, my hart is regtig verskeur Hoe meer ek daarna streef om U te vertrou, hoe meer skaaf my geloof Ek weet U het geen gunstelinge, U woord is duidelik Wat U gedoen het vir ander, kan U doen vir my Ek weet U is tot alles in staat en ek weet dat U in beheer is Tog het ek nodig om te weet dat U daar is as ek my siel ontbloot . Here ek kom nederig voor U en kniel by U troon Vra ek U Here om my vas te hou, ek voel so alleen Ek is dankbaar vir die gebede van vriende en familie Maar daar is een ding wat ek van U vra Here Sal U asseblief vir my bid? Sy antwoord was: "My kosbare kind, Ek sê vir julle Maak nie saak hoe dinge nou lyk, Ek gaan na jou omsien. Werp jou sorge op my, jou pyn, Ek verstaan Onthou: Ek sal jou vashou in my hande met die spyker merke. |
Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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