Today’s Journal (Impossible) – 30 Augustus 2023

I think personally I am probably the worst example of how to be a Christian ever. My entire life is a roller-coaster ride from one obstacle to the next and from one mistake to the other. I think my biggest problem ever was content and understanding love as Jesus showed.

Content basically summarised as not excepting circumstances as they were or a simple life. I needed to be the best and needed to drive the car I wanted, and I needed to be accepted the way I was. There was no place for someone else’s needs except my kids and surely no place for disagreement.

Obstacles I have plenty and challenges even more. I think stupidity and ignorance probably played a huge role and then there is me having to prove a thing or two.

Jesus gave one commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you (John 15).

Paul goes a bit further and explains love (kindness) in a broader way in Corinthians 13. The essence of love is love like Jesus loves. That unconditional intense love that will give more than what is expected. Jesus gave His life, yet He could have called the armies of heaven at any time and free himself from this burden. His example in just that one act displays a love that sees a bigger picture and larger effect than what a normal eye in any situation can see.

Love should always overcome all and any unwanted or unnecessary reactions. I am completely useless as this. If it feels unfair in any way I am up in arms and a lot have changed in my life, yet I find myself always in a battle against unfairness.

To love like Jesus did it means that you should also love your enemies and most importantly pray for them. Help them and accept nothing in return. You must love your neighbour and you must be willing to give your life for a complete stranger.

Tough call, yes. Doable, well I leave that thought to you. From my side I need to look at myself and the way I react to remarks, anger, unfairness, and mistakes. I must understand better and give more of me (myself).

The battle from here is one that can be won, and the victory will probably save a life, but more important it will affect people around me. That is the essence of Jesus’s final task – tell the world the good news. You can not tell good news if you are always angry, upset, or depressed. These are issues in our lives that can be defeated by ignoring the lies of the enemy and accepting the truth in Jesus Christ.

In essence I need to be more like my Father and less like me.

Have a great day.

Today’s Journal (Emptiness) – 22 Augustus 2023

I find myself in probably in one of the most challenging times in my life and I am struggling to understand what God wants from this. My budget is so depleted at the moment that to make my month I have to walk to work. Today was my first walk and I tell you it is much further than it looks plus I totally miscalculated the time to walk the distance so I was late for work.

Then to add to my mishap I am so tired today and my knees are so sore. I am sitting here contemplating how am I going to keep this up. On my walk this morning the Holy Spirit kept putting these words into my head: For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 

This is Paul and I have to give you the full context of it because you will be so surprised when you hear the rest of my testimony.

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty (Philippians 4:10-14).

Paul writes here to say thank you to the church in Philippi for their help and concern and he mentions how he has learned to be content with what he has. He goes on to say how he learned the secret to live with almost nothing or with everything and then he says that you can do everything through Christ who gives us strength.

In the midst of my crises, I get a phone call and someone I least expected called and said they will help me until I am back on my feet again. How amazing is our God and how great is his faithfulness.

My dear friend, do not stop fighting and do not stop praising. This was Paul and in the midst of his tribulations he praised God. He lived with almost nothing and still praised God. Do not stop to speak to God and to spend your time in prayer. Do not stop to give thanks and do not give up. It will change and it will get better.

Have a great day.

Today’s Journal (Fruit) – 15 Augustus 2023

Anger is ultimately a happiness thief. Paul wrote in Galatians that anger and outbursts of anger are the type of things that can keep you from inheriting the kingdom of heaven. He goes on to say that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives and ultimately these are the qualities that not only gets you to inherit the kingdom of heaven, but it will produce far more victories in your life than you could ever imagine.

The enemy is cunning, and he knows what will keep you from God’s promises and anger, jealousy and envy are tools that he uses easily, specifically if you are vulnerable in these areas.

Personally, I believe that these reactions have root causes that is deeply imbedded in your mind. Maybe someone said something to you in your childhood that is a trigger point that immediately makes you angry when you hear it of see it or however it occurred.

When these bad fruits seem to have an unbreakable grip on you, you need to ask God to help you identify the root of this behaviour. Once you realise what causes this it is actually quite easy to destroy.

For example, I had an issue with a word that was said to me when I was a child and the feeling of worthlessness that was caused in my childhood flared up when it is spoken even if not directed at me. I got upset and I would be angry on the spot.

Identifying the event in my childhood and the person and then releasing it broke the grip the enemy had with this. In fact, I not only forgave but prayed prosperity over this person which is directly in contrast to what the enemy wants. The result, freedom from the world and the lies the enemy tells.

In essence you are never what the enemy wants you to think of yourself, in fact you are a creation of the Almighty God and He made you perfect in every way, regardless of your so-called flaws.

I am not perfect, and I make mistakes every day, but I will not allow the enemy to use words from another person to create an altered image of who God wants me to be. Every day I learn from God and implement His word into my life. This to me will be a lifelong journey, but most importantly I seek God first before I allow the world to dominate my thoughts.

My prayer for you is that you will truly see yourself as God sees you and know that you are loved regardless of your mistakes and what you think of yourself. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide and to be the only influence in your thoughts and decisions.

Today’s Journal (Closer to God) – 11 Augustus 2023

Our journey in life should be one that we journey with God. God has a loving desire to spend time with you. Now Jesus set the bar when He was on earth. He prayed daily and spend a lot of time prayer with God the Father. You see Jesus knew that His time here was by design and God had a plan with His time here. He needed to keep aligning His purpose with the will of God.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:” But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.” 

Every day we should work to get closer to God so that we can hear His voice clearly and not derail ourselves from His plan. How do we do this? How do we get closer to God?

For me it comes down to three simple things:

Firstly, I read His word and I meditate on it. I love to take a verse and see what other would write about it and finally allow the Holy Spirit just to unfold it into my daily life and into my journey with Him.

Secondly, I memorise the Word so that I can react by using it as my defence against the enemy but mostly so that I can remember God’s promises and His encouragement by His Word.

Lastly, I suggest that you surround yourself with Godly people. I have two friends that are God sent into my life and the input and prayers is just amazing.

Today I just pray that you will have a insatiable or unstoppable need to spend more time with our Father and that you will miraculously find more time to spend in His Word and with Him.

Have an amazing day.

Today’s Journal (Negativity) – 08 August 2023

Hallo my friend. How are you doing today? What are your fears, your troubles and your situation? We are daily confronted by negativity. It comes in many forms and the enemy has perfected the way he brings negativity into our daily life and our challenges. The two mostly used methods is people and your thoughts.

People probably has the most impact on our lives and our thoughts. I always say that when all is well, the enemy is happy with your direction, but the minute you align yourself with God’s path and His will, you will get bombarded from all sides and the people around us can unknowingly have a huge impact on our journey.

It is so important that you remain focused on God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you when you are in a position where you are confronted with negativity. It is in these challenges that we need to take a step back and just focus on God and allow Him to reconcile our thoughts with His plans.

People can be cruel, and they can say things that really breaks you. Remember to always look at yourself through God’s eyes. He made you perfect and He gave His life so that you can be free. God loves you that much, so who are the world to label you and make you feel that you are less.

Always remember “For with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37)”

Make this your thoughts for today and know that God will never forsake you, He will never let you stand alone, and He will never test you above your ability. With Him and through Him you can face anything.

My prayer for you is that you will realign with God today and push all negativity away from you and just allow God to speak into your life and your journey.