Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” These words of wisdom from King Solomon emphasize the importance of protecting our innermost being. Our heart is the source of our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Therefore, it is crucial to guard our hearts above all else.
The heart is a powerful force that drives our actions and influences our thinking and behavior. It can either lead us down a path of righteousness or a path of destruction. Our hearts are susceptible to sinful thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Hence, we must be mindful of what we allow into our hearts; everything we do flows from it.
Guarding our hearts is about protecting ourselves from external and internal factors. We must be mindful of the things we think about, the things we set our affection on, and the things we give our attention to. Negativity, bitterness, and anger can take root in our hearts and lead to sinful behavior. For this reason, the apostle Paul says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Guarding your heart means choosing to focus on godly thoughts (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8), as well as seeking wisdom and guidance from God (Proverbs 4:7; James 1:5).
When we guard our hearts, we take responsibility for our mental, psychological, and spiritual well-being. In doing so, we protect ourselves from sinful influences that impede spiritual progress (Hebrews 12:1–3). By guarding our hearts, we become who God designed us to be (Ephesians 2:10).
There are several reasons why it is imperative to guard our hearts. First, our hearts have a significant impact on our relationship with God, and the condition of our heart can either draw us closer or push away us away from Him. When we meditate on the Word of God (Psalm 1:2) and allow it to sink into our hearts, we are radically transformed and will experience a greater sense of peace, joy, and contentment (John 10:10; Philippians 4:6–7; Galatians 5:22–23).
On the other hand, allowing sinful influences to take root in our hearts will hinder our relationship with God. We will struggle to pray, read the Bible, and may even feel distant from God. Thus, we must guard our hearts and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
The second reason why it is imperative to guard our hearts is that the heart impacts our relationship with others. It can draw us closer to others or estrange us from them. For example, if we cultivate an attitude of love, kindness, and compassion toward others (Ephesians 4:32), we will build strong and meaningful connections with them. A heart of patience, understanding, and forgiveness creates a culture of trust and mutual respect (1 Corinthians 12:25–27).
On the other hand, allowing sinful thoughts to take root in our hearts and harboring resentment, bitterness, or envy toward others will create a toxic culture that drives people away. Strained and broken relationships are the natural result of sinful thoughts.
In John Bunyan’s The Holy War, the author pictures the heart as a city called Mansoul. In the allegory, access to Mansoul is obtained through five gates: Eye-Gate (one of the most significant gates), Ear-Gate (where the enemy of Mansoul, Diabolus, first attacks the city), Mouth-Gate, Feel-Gate (which is weakly guarded), and Nose-Gate. These entry points “could never be opened nor forced but by the will and leave of those within” (ch. 1, p. 62). Mr. Godly-Fear is in charge of the gatekeeping, and all of Diabolus’s attacks on Mansoul are repelled as long as Godly-Fear is the gatekeeper (chapter 15, p. 285).
Casting Crown’s 2007 song “Slow Fade” sounds a warning to guard your heart:
“Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings. . . .
It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away.
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to grey
And thoughts invade, choices are made,
A price will be paid
When you give yourself away.
People never crumble in a day” (John Mark Hall, BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing).
Guarding our hearts in godly fear is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with God and others and for maintaining our own spiritual health. It means being intentional about what we allow into our hearts. It involves choosing to focus on thoughts and influences that promote love, kindness, and compassion. It means seeking God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer and meditation and allowing His love to flow through us to others. When we exercise discernment and guard our hearts, we experience the joy and blessings that come from living in community with other believers, and we become more effective in sharing God’s love and truth with the world.
Spreuke 4:23 sê: “Bewaak jou hart meer as alles, want daaruit vloei alles wat jy doen.” Hierdie wyse woorde van Koning Salomo beklemtoon die belangrikheid daarvan om ons innerlike wese te beskerm. Ons hart is die bron van ons gedagtes, houdings, oortuigings en dade. Daarom is dit noodsaaklik om ons harte bo alles te bewaak.
Die hart is ‘n kragtige krag wat ons dade dryf en ons denke en gedrag beïnvloed. Dit kan ons óf op ‘n pad van geregtigheid óf op ‘n pad van vernietiging lei. Ons harte is vatbaar vir sondige gedagtes, houdings en oortuigings. Daarom moet ons bedag wees op wat ons in ons harte toelaat; alles wat ons doen vloei daaruit.
Om ons harte te bewaak, gaan daaroor om onsself teen eksterne en interne faktore te beskerm. Ons moet bedag wees op die dinge waaroor ons dink, die dinge waarop ons ons liefde vestig, en die dinge waaraan ons aandag gee. Negatiwiteit, bitterheid en woede kan in ons harte wortel skiet en tot sondige gedrag lei. Om hierdie rede sê die apostel Paulus: “Raak ontslae van alle bitterheid, woede, toorn, rusie en lastering, saam met elke vorm van kwaadwilligheid” (Efesiërs 4:31). Om jou hart te bewaak, beteken om te kies om op godvrugtige gedagtes te fokus (Kolossense 3:2; Filippense 4:8), asook om wysheid en leiding van God te soek (Spreuke 4:7; Jakobus 1:5).
Wanneer ons ons harte bewaak, neem ons verantwoordelikheid vir ons geestelike, sielkundige en geestelike welstand. Deur dit te doen, beskerm ons onsself teen sondige invloede wat geestelike vooruitgang belemmer (Hebreërs 12:1–3). Deur ons harte te bewaak, word ons wie God ons bedoel het om te wees (Efesiërs 2:10).
Daar is verskeie redes waarom dit noodsaaklik is om ons harte te bewaak. Eerstens het ons harte ‘n beduidende impak op ons verhouding met God, en die toestand van ons hart kan ons óf nader aan Hom trek óf van Hom af wegstoot. Wanneer ons oor die Woord van God mediteer (Psalm 1:2) en dit toelaat om in ons harte in te sink, word ons radikaal getransformeer en sal ons ‘n groter gevoel van vrede, vreugde en tevredenheid ervaar (Johannes 10:10; Filippense 4:6–7; Galasiërs 5:22–23).
Aan die ander kant sal dit ons verhouding met God belemmer as ons toelaat dat sondige invloede in ons harte wortel skiet. Ons sal sukkel om te bid, die Bybel te lees, en mag selfs ver van God voel. Daarom moet ons ons harte bewaak en ‘n dieper verhouding met God kweek.
Die tweede rede waarom dit noodsaaklik is om ons harte te bewaak, is dat die hart ons verhouding met ander beïnvloed. Dit kan ons nader aan ander bring of ons van hulle vervreem. Byvoorbeeld, as ons ‘n houding van liefde, vriendelikheid en deernis teenoor ander kweek (Efesiërs 4:32), sal ons sterk en betekenisvolle verbintenisse met hulle bou. ‘n Hart van geduld, begrip en vergifnis skep ‘n kultuur van vertroue en wedersydse respek (1 Korintiërs 12:25–27).
Aan die ander kant, as ons toelaat dat sondige gedagtes in ons harte wortel skiet en wrok, bitterheid of afguns teenoor ander koester, sal dit ‘n giftige kultuur skep wat mense wegdryf. Gespanne en gebroke verhoudings is die natuurlike gevolg van sondige gedagtes.
In John Bunyan se The Holy War, beeld die outeur die hart uit as ‘n stad genaamd Mensiel. In die allegorie word toegang tot Mensiel verkry deur vyf poorte: Oogpoort (een van die belangrikste poorte), Oorpoort (waar die vyand van Mensiel, Diabolus, die stad eerste aanval), Mondpoort, Voelpoort (wat swak bewaak word), en Neuspoort. Hierdie toegangspunte “kon nooit oopgemaak of afgedwing word nie, behalwe deur die wil en verlof van diegene binne” (hoofstuk 1, bl. 62). Mnr. Godvrugtige Vrees is in beheer van die poortwagter, en al Diabolus se aanvalle op Mensiel word afgeweer solank Godvrugtige Vrees die poortwagter is (hoofstuk 15, bl. 285).
Casting Crown se 2007-liedjie “Slow Fade” klink as ‘n waarskuwing om jou hart te bewaak:
“Wees versigtig, klein ogies, wat jy sien
Dis die tweede blik wat jou hande bind
Soos duisternis die toutjies trek…
Dis ‘n stadige vervaag wanneer jy jouself weggee.
Dis ‘n stadige vervaag wanneer swart en wit grys geword het
En gedagtes binnedring, keuses word gemaak,
‘n Prys sal betaal word
Wanneer jy jouself weggee.
Mense verkrummel nooit in ‘n dag nie” (John Mark Hall, BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing).
Om ons harte in godvrugtige vrees te bewaak, is noodsaaklik om ‘n gesonde verhouding met God en ander te handhaaf en om ons eie geestelike gesondheid te handhaaf. Dit beteken om doelbewus te wees oor wat ons in ons harte toelaat. Dit behels die keuse om te fokus op gedagtes en invloede wat liefde, vriendelikheid en deernis bevorder. Dit beteken om God se wysheid en leiding deur gebed en meditasie te soek en Sy liefde deur ons na ander te laat vloei. Wanneer ons onderskeidingsvermoë beoefen en ons harte bewaak, ervaar ons die vreugde en seëninge wat kom uit gemeenskap met ander gelowiges, en ons word meer effektief in die deel van God se liefde en waarheid met die wêreld.
Pastor Dirk’s Triple Play Mixes Go to One Artist this week – Jimmy Swaggart that Passed on to the Place called the Sleep on the 1st of July 2025
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Prayer
Lord . if we are With You , There are nothing in this Universe or that exist that can touch us . But Lord then we need to be with You in Holiness and righteousness, for if we smell of sin , we are not with you anymore , Keep us with You Please Lord , we Pray in Jesus name , Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Wat moet ons dan van hierdie dinge sê? As God vir ons is, wie kan teen ons wees?
Romeine 8:31
Gebed
Here, as ons met U is, is daar niks in hierdie heelal of wat bestaan wat ons kan aanraak nie. Maar Here, dan moet ons met U wees in heiligheid en geregtigheid, want as ons na sonde ruik, is ons nie meer met U nie. Hou ons asseblief by U, Here, ons bid in Jesus se Naam, Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
The 7 Baptisms in the Bible
Historically, baptism has been used as a rite of initiation, showing the inductee’s entrance into a new belief or observance. Baptism in the church is also a token of the forgiveness of sins we experience at salvation—in much the same way that Pilate attempted to show his innocence by washing his hands with water (Matthew 27:24), Christians show they are cleansed by Christ when they are baptized by water.
Some Bible students have identified seven baptisms in Scripture. The seven baptisms are usually listed as being these:
1) The baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1–3) – when the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they were “baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” That is, they were identified with Moses and his deliverance by passing through the Red Sea and following God’s presence in the cloud (Exodus 13:21). Paul uses this as a comparison to the way that Christians are identified with Christ and His salvation. Those who followed Moses passed through the water and were thus initiated into a new life of freedom and Law-keeping; those who follow Jesus Christ, who is greater than Moses, pass through the waters of baptism and are thus initiated to a new life of freedom and grace.
2) The baptism of John (Mark 1:4) – as John the Baptist preached repentance of sins in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, he baptized people in the Jordan. Those who were baptized by John were showing their faith in John’s message and their need to confess their sin. In Acts 18:24–25, a disciple of John’s named Apollos preaches in Ephesus; however, only knowing the baptism of John and the need for repentance, he needed to be further instructed in the death and resurrection of Christ. Later in the same city, Acts 19:1–7, Paul encounters some more followers of John. These disciples had been baptized for repentance, but they had not heard of the new birth or the Holy Spirit. Paul taught them the whole message of salvation in Christ, and they received the message and were subsequently baptized in Jesus’ name.
3) The baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17) – this was Jesus’ act of identifying with sinful humanity. Although Jesus did not need to repent of sin, He came to John to be baptized. John balked at performing the baptism, saying that Jesus should be the one baptizing him (Matthew 3:13–14). But Jesus told John to proceed with the baptism: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (verse 15). In this baptism, Jesus put His stamp of approval on John’s ministry and also began His own. As Jesus came up from the water, the Father spoke from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form upon Jesus (verses 16–17).
4) The baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11–12) – John prophesied that Jesus would baptize men “with fire.” This speaks of Jesus’ judging the world for its sin (see John 5:22). Immediately after mentioning the baptism by fire, John describes Jesus as overseeing a harvest to come: “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (verse 12; cf. Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43). Those who are judged by Christ in the last day will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
5) The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Corinthians 12:13) – John also predicted that Jesus would baptize men with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). This is a spiritual baptism, and it is the baptism that saves us. At salvation, we are “immersed” in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit covers us, indwells us, fills us, and makes us a part of the spiritual body of Christ. The baptism of the Spirit is what initiates us into new life in Christ. The first people to experience the baptism of the Spirit were the believers in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost. The spiritual entity known as the body of Christ is formed by this baptism: “We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
6) The baptism of the cross (Mark 10:35–39) – Jesus used the language of baptism to refer to His sufferings (and those of His disciples). James and John, the Boanerges, had come to Jesus asking for a place of honor in the kingdom. Jesus asked them, “Can you . . . be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (Mark 10:38). They replied that they could, and Jesus confirmed it: “You will . . . be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with” (verse 39). The “baptism” Jesus speaks of here is the suffering He was to endure. James and John would suffer, as well.
7) The baptism of believers (Matthew 28:19) – this is a washing in water to symbolize the action of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s heart. Believer’s baptism is one of the two ordinances given to the church. Different churches practice different modes of baptism, but all who follow Christ should be baptized, since it is commanded by our Lord. Water baptism pictures some wonderful spiritual truths. When we are saved, we are “buried” with Christ and “rise” to newness of life; our sins are “washed away,” and we are cleansed. It is Spirit baptism that saves us, but water baptism is our outward expression of that event. “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death[.] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3–4).
Of the seven baptisms found in Scripture, only two are of personal significance to the Christian today: the baptism of the Holy Spirit (that saves us) and believer’s water baptism (that identifies us with the church). The other baptisms were uniquely for other times, limited to certain people, or (in the case of the baptism of fire) still future.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Die 7 Dopings van die Bybel
Histories is die doop gebruik as ‘n inisiasieritueel, wat die ingewyde se toetrede tot ‘n nuwe geloof of viering toon. Die doop in die kerk is ook ‘n teken van die vergifnis van sondes wat ons by verlossing ervaar – op dieselfde manier as wat Pilatus probeer het om sy onskuld te bewys deur sy hande met water te was (Matteus 27:24), wys Christene dat hulle deur Christus gereinig word wanneer hulle met water gedoop word.
Sommige Bybelstudente het sewe dope in die Skrif geïdentifiseer. Die sewe dope word gewoonlik as volg gelys:
1) Die doop van Moses (1 Korintiërs 10:1–3) – toe die Israeliete uit slawerny in Egipte verlos is, is hulle “in Moses in die wolk en in die see gedoop”. Dit wil sê, hulle is met Moses en sy verlossing geïdentifiseer deur deur die Rooi See te gaan en God se teenwoordigheid in die wolk te volg (Eksodus 13:21). Paulus gebruik dit as ‘n vergelyking met die manier waarop Christene met Christus en Sy verlossing geïdentifiseer word. Diegene wat Moses gevolg het, het deur die water gegaan en is dus ingewy in ‘n nuwe lewe van vryheid en Wetsonderhouding; Diegene wat Jesus Christus volg, wat groter is as Moses, gaan deur die waters van die doop en word dus ingewy tot ‘n nuwe lewe van vryheid en genade.
2) Die doop van Johannes (Markus 1:4) – terwyl Johannes die Doper bekering van sondes verkondig het ter voorbereiding van die koms van die Messias, het hy mense in die Jordaan gedoop. Diegene wat deur Johannes gedoop is, het hul geloof in Johannes se boodskap getoon en hul behoefte om hul sonde te bely. In Handelinge 18:24–25 preek ‘n dissipel van Johannes met die naam Apollos in Efese; omdat hy egter slegs die doop van Johannes en die behoefte aan bekering geken het, moes hy verder onderrig word in die dood en opstanding van Christus. Later in dieselfde stad, Handelinge 19:1–7, ontmoet Paulus nog volgelinge van Johannes. Hierdie dissipels was tot bekering gedoop, maar hulle het nie van die nuwe geboorte of die Heilige Gees gehoor nie. Paulus het hulle die hele boodskap van verlossing in Christus geleer, en hulle het die boodskap ontvang en is daarna in Jesus se naam gedoop.
3) Die doop van Jesus (Matteus 3:13–17) – dit was Jesus se daad van identifisering met die sondige mensdom. Alhoewel Jesus nie van sonde hoef te bekeer nie, het Hy na Johannes gekom om gedoop te word. Johannes het geweier om die doop uit te voer en gesê dat Jesus die een moes wees wat Hom doop (Matteus 3:13–14). Maar Jesus het vir Johannes gesê om voort te gaan met die doop: “Laat dit nou so wees; dit is gepas vir ons om alle geregtigheid te vervul” (vers 15). In hierdie doop het Jesus Sy stempel van goedkeuring op Johannes se bediening geplaas en ook sy eie begin. Toe Jesus uit die water opkom, het die Vader uit die hemel gespreek, en die Heilige Gees het in liggaamlike vorm op Jesus neergedaal (verse 16–17).
4) Die doop van vuur (Matteus 3:11–12) – Johannes het geprofeteer dat Jesus mense “met vuur” sou doop. Dit spreek van Jesus wat die wêreld vir sy sonde oordeel (sien Johannes 5:22). Onmiddellik nadat hy die vuurdoop genoem het, beskryf Johannes Jesus as iemand wat toesig hou oor ‘n komende oes: “Sy wan is in sy hand, en Hy sal sy dorsvloer skoonmaak en sy koring in die skuur bymekaarmaak en die kaf met onblusbare vuur verbrand” (vers 12; vgl. Matteus 13:24–30, 36–43). Diegene wat in die laaste dag deur Christus geoordeel word, sal in die poel van vuur gegooi word (Openbaring 20:15).
5) Die doop van die Heilige Gees (Efesiërs 1:13–14; 1 Korintiërs 12:13) – Johannes het ook voorspel dat Jesus mense met die Heilige Gees sou doop (Matteus 3:11). Dit is ‘n geestelike doop, en dit is die doop wat ons red. By verlossing word ons in die Heilige Gees “ondergedompel”. Die Gees bedek ons, woon in ons, vul ons en maak ons deel van die geestelike liggaam van Christus. Die doop van die Gees is wat ons inlei in die nuwe lewe in Christus. Die eerste mense wat die doop van die Gees ervaar het, was die gelowiges in Handelinge 2 op Pinksterdag. Die geestelike entiteit bekend as die liggaam van Christus word deur hierdie doop gevorm: “Ons is almal deur een Gees gedoop om een liggaam te vorm” (1 Korintiërs 12:13).
6) Die doop van die kruis (Markus 10:35–39) – Jesus het die taal van doop gebruik om na Sy lyding (en dié van Sy dissipels) te verwys. Jakobus en Johannes, die Boanerges, het na Jesus gekom en gevra vir ‘n ereplek in die koninkryk. Jesus het hulle gevra: “Kan julle … gedoop word met die doop waarmee Ek gedoop word?” (Markus 10:38). Hulle het geantwoord dat hulle kon, en Jesus het dit bevestig: “Julle sal … gedoop word met die doop waarmee Ek gedoop word” (vers 39). Die “doop” waarvan Jesus hier praat, is die lyding wat Hy moes verduur. Jakobus en Johannes sou ook ly.
7) Die doop van gelowiges (Matteus 28:19) – dit is ‘n wassing in water om die werking van die Heilige Gees in ‘n gelowige se hart te simboliseer. Gelowiges se doop is een van die twee verordeninge wat aan die kerk gegee word. Verskillende kerke beoefen verskillende metodes van doop, maar almal wat Christus volg, moet gedoop word, aangesien dit deur ons Here beveel word. Waterdoop beeld ‘n paar wonderlike geestelike waarhede uit. Wanneer ons gered word, word ons saam met Christus “begrawe” en “opgestaan” tot ‘n nuwe lewe; ons sondes word “afgewas” en ons word gereinig. Dit is die doop deur die Gees wat ons red, maar waterdoop is ons uiterlike uitdrukking van daardie gebeurtenis. “Almal wat in Christus Jesus gedoop is, is in sy dood gedoop. Ons is dus saam met Hom begrawe deur die doop in die dood, sodat ons, net soos Christus uit die dood opgewek is deur die heerlikheid van die Vader, ook ‘n nuwe lewe kan lei” (Romeine 6:3-4).
Van die sewe dope wat in die Skrif gevind word, is slegs twee van persoonlike betekenis vir die Christen vandag: die doop van die Heilige Gees (wat ons red) en die gelowige se waterdoop (wat ons met die kerk identifiseer). Die ander dope was uniek vir ander tye, beperk tot sekere mense, of (in die geval van die vuurdoop) nog in die toekoms.
Today’s Devotional
It is no longer I who live
In Galatians 2:20, the apostle Paul makes a brief yet powerful statement about the believer’s identity in Christ. Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (ESV). Here, Paul articulates the implications of being crucified with Christ.
When Paul says, “It is no longer I who live,” he is referring to the radical change that occurs when sinners place their faith in the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. It is the same kind of change that Jesus spoke of during His conversation with Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, ESV; see also verse 5). Being born again does not mean that we “turn over a new leaf” by changing one or two things about ourselves. Instead, it signifies a brand-new life. We have been crucified with Christ, and we have died to our “old self” that used to define us: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin” (Romans 6:6, ESV).
When Paul says, “It is no longer I who live,” he is stating his own self-effacement for the sake of Christ. The change that Jesus produces in our hearts is so complete that it’s almost like we’re not ourselves anymore. The change is so overwhelming, it’s like we have a new identity, and that identity is Christ.
Next, Paul says, “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Simply put, this means that Christ is the source of our lives and our identity. While Christ is physically absent from the world, He continues to abide with us through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who empowers and enables us to pursue righteousness and bear fruit that leads to eternal life (Galatians 5:22–23). In fact, the fruit of the Spirit is proof that we belong to Christ (Romans 8:9–11).
Though we have physical bodies and continue to struggle with sin (Romans 7:7–25), Christ has thoroughly and radically transformed the way we operate our lives. We used to be self-reliant and self-righteous sinners. Now, we live by faith, love, and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13). The faith that Paul speaks of in Galatians 2:20 is not blind faith, but an intimate and personal experience of Christ’s love. Christ not only says that He loves us, but He has shown it through His actions: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV). God’s love for us, then, is the foundation of our lives. The believer can say, “It is no longer I who live” because of the miraculous way his life has been transformed. Our former self and our sinful state are part of the old way of living. We are dead to sin, having been spiritually crucified with Christ.
The Message has a helpful paraphrase of Galatians 2:19–21: “I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not ‘mine,’ but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.”
Vandag se Bemoediging
Ek leef nie meer nie
In Galasiërs 2:20 maak die apostel Paulus ‘n kort maar kragtige stelling oor die gelowige se identiteit in Christus. Paulus sê: “Ek is met Christus gekruisig, en ek leef nie meer nie, maar Christus leef in my. En die lewe wat ek nou in die vlees leef, leef ek deur die geloof in die Seun van God wat my liefgehad het en Homself vir my oorgegee het.” Hier artikuleer Paulus die implikasies van om met Christus gekruisig te word.
Wanneer Paulus sê: “Ek leef nie meer nie,” verwys hy na die radikale verandering wat plaasvind wanneer sondaars hul geloof in die offerdood van Christus aan die kruis plaas. Dit is dieselfde soort verandering waarvan Jesus gepraat het tydens Sy gesprek met Nikodemus: “Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir jou, as iemand nie weer gebore word nie, kan hy die koninkryk van God nie sien nie” (Johannes 3:3; sien ook vers 5). Wedergebore wees beteken nie dat ons “‘n nuwe blaadjie omslaan” deur een of twee dinge omtrent onsself te verander nie. In plaas daarvan dui dit op ‘n splinternuwe lewe. Ons is saam met Christus gekruisig, en ons het gesterf aan ons “ou mens” wat ons vroeër gedefinieer het: “Ons weet dat ons ou mens saam met Hom gekruisig is, sodat die liggaam van die sonde tot niet gemaak sou word, sodat ons nie meer aan die sonde verslaaf sou wees nie” (Romeine 6:6).
Wanneer Paulus sê: “Ek leef nie meer nie,” noem hy sy eie selfuitwissing ter wille van Christus. Die verandering wat Jesus in ons harte teweegbring, is so volledig dat dit amper is asof ons nie meer onsself is nie. Die verandering is so oorweldigend, dit is asof ons ‘n nuwe identiteit het, en daardie identiteit is Christus.
Vervolgens sê Paulus: “Christus leef in my” (Galasiërs 2:20). Eenvoudig gestel, dit beteken dat Christus die bron van ons lewens en ons identiteit is. Terwyl Christus fisies afwesig is van die wêreld, bly Hy steeds by ons deur die inwonende teenwoordigheid van die Heilige Gees. Dit is die Gees wat ons krag gee en in staat stel om geregtigheid na te streef en vrugte te dra wat lei tot die ewige lewe (Galasiërs 5:22–23). Trouens, die vrug van die Gees is bewys dat ons aan Christus behoort (Romeine 8:9–11).
Alhoewel ons fisiese liggame het en steeds met sonde worstel (Romeine 7:7–25), het Christus die manier waarop ons ons lewens lei, deeglik en radikaal verander. Ons was vroeër selfstandige en selfvoldane sondaars. Nou leef ons deur geloof, liefde en hoop (1 Korintiërs 13:13). Die geloof waarvan Paulus in Galasiërs 2:20 praat, is nie blinde geloof nie, maar ‘n intieme en persoonlike ervaring van Christus se liefde. Christus sê nie net dat Hy ons liefhet nie, maar Hy het dit deur Sy dade getoon: “God bewys sy liefde vir ons daarin dat Christus vir ons gesterf het toe ons nog sondaars was” (Romeine 5:8). God se liefde vir ons is dus die fondament van ons lewens. Die gelowige kan sê: “Dit is nie meer ek wat leef nie” as gevolg van die wonderbaarlike manier waarop sy lewe verander is. Ons vorige self en ons sondige toestand is deel van die ou manier van lewe. Ons is dood vir die sonde, aangesien ons geestelik saam met Christus gekruisig is.
Die Boodskap het ‘n nuttige parafrase van Galasiërs 2:19–21: “Ek het myself volkome met Hom vereenselwig. Inderdaad, ek is saam met Christus gekruisig. My ego is nie meer sentraal nie. Dit is nie meer belangrik dat ek regverdig voor julle voorkom of julle goeie opinie het nie, en ek word nie meer gedryf om God te beïndruk nie. Christus leef in my. Die lewe wat julle my sien leef, is nie ‘myne’ nie, maar dit word geleef deur geloof in die Seun van God, wat my liefgehad het en Homself vir my gegee het. Ek gaan nie daarop terugkom nie.”
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Los dit liewer by God:
Ek dink dit kom alles neer op vrees, vertroue en beheer.
“Ek kan dit self regmaak, ek is die hersteller”
Ons gee onsself baie probleme aan God, reg Dames? Maar soms dink ons net God werk nie vinnig genoeg om by ons te hou nie.
Dan dink ons ons begin God wil help, en jy en ek weet met ons hele hart dat die Heerser van die Heelal nie jou en my hulp nodig het nie.
Ek het gevind dat wanneer ek uiteindelik opgee om dit op my eie te probeer doen en dit aan God gee, alles net in plek val. Jy sou dink dat jy en ek as mense dit sou kry, maar ons as mense is baie koppig.
Here, help ons asseblief om alles in U hande te plaas, om dit liewer net aan U oor te laat, U ten volle te vertrou, en U nie te vrees nie en te probeer help wanneer ons vir U leiding in ons lewens vra.
Kom ons los ons baie probleme by God eerder as om dit self te probeer regmaak.
Rather Leave It To God:
I think it all comes down to fear, trust and control.
“I can fix it myself, I’m the fixer”
We give ourselves a lot of problems to God, right Ladies? But sometimes we just think God doesn’t work fast enough to keep up with us.
Then we think we start to want to help God out, and you and I know with all our hearts that the Ruler of the Universe doesn’t need your and my help.
I’ve found that when I finally give up trying to do it on my own and give it to God, everything just falls into place. You would think that you and I as humans would get it, but we as humans are very stubborn.
Lord, please help us to place everything in Your hands, to rather just leave it to You, to trust You completely, and to not fear You and try to help when we ask for Your guidance in our lives.
Let’s leave our many problems with God rather than try to fix it ourselves.
Vroue in die Bybel—Wat kan ons by hulle leer?
Vandag = Rebekka
Wie was Rebekka? Sy was die vrou van Isak en die moeder van hulle tweelingseuns, Jakob en Esau.
Wat het sy gedoen? Rebekka het God se wil gedoen, selfs toe dit moeilik was. Terwyl sy water uit ‘n put gekry het, het ‘n man haar vir ‘n slukkie water gevra. Rebekka het hom vinnig iets gegee om te drink en aangebied om water vir die man se kamele te skep. (Genesis 24:15-20) Daardie man was Abraham se dienaar, en hy het ‘n lang afstand gereis om ‘n vrou vir Isak, Abraham se seun, te vind. (Genesis 24:2-4) Hy het ook vir God se seën gebid. Toe hy Rebekka se vlytigheid en gasvryheid sien, het hy onderskei dat God sy gebed verhoor het, wat aandui dat sy Sy keuse vir Isak was.—Genesis 24:10-14, 21, 27.
Toe Rebekka van die dienaar se soeke te hore kom, het sy ingestem om saam met hom terug te keer en Isak se vrou te word. (Genesis 24:57-59) Rebekka het uiteindelik tweelingseuns gehad. God het aan haar geopenbaar dat die ouer seun, Esau, die jonger, Jakob, sou dien. (Genesis 25:23) Toe Isak gereël het om Esau die eersgeborene se seën te gee, het Rebekka stappe gedoen om seker te maak dat die seën na Jakob kom, in ooreenstemming met wat sy geweet het God se wil was.—Genesis 27:1-17.
Wat kan ons by Rebekka leer? Rebekka was beskeie, vlytig en gasvry—eienskappe wat tot haar sukses as vrou, moeder en aanbidder van die ware God gelei het.
Women in the Bible—What Can We Learn From Them?
Today = Rebekah
Who was Rebekah? She was the wife of Isaac and the mother of their twin sons, Jacob and Esau.
What did she do? Rebekah did God’s will, even when doing so was difficult. While she was getting water from a well, a man asked her for a sip of water. Rebekah quickly gave him a drink and offered to draw water for the man’s camels. (Genesis 24:15-20) That man was Abraham’s servant, and he had traveled a great distance to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son. (Genesis 24:2-4) He also prayed for God’s blessing. When he saw Rebekah’s industriousness and hospitality, he discerned that God had answered his prayer, indicating that she was His choice for Isaac.—Genesis 24:10-14, 21, 27.
When Rebekah learned of the servant’s quest, she agreed to return with him and become Isaac’s wife. (Genesis 24:57-59) Rebekah eventually had twin boys. God had revealed to her that the older boy, Esau, would serve the younger, Jacob. (Genesis 25:23) When Isaac arranged to give Esau the firstborn’s blessing, Rebekah took steps to make certain that the blessing came to Jacob, in harmony with what she knew to be God’s will.—Genesis 27:1-17.
What can we learn from Rebekah? Rebekah was modest, industrious, and hospitable—qualities that led to her success as a wife, mother, and worshipper of the true God.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV = Kingdom Kidz TV – Obedience: God Gives Ten Commandments
Today on KiDs Beach Club – Alex must make things right for shoplifting and obey God’s commandments with a happy heart. and later Alex loves to pretend to be a detective known as Agent A! Preschoolers can join Agent A, Bitsy, and Cluey and be a part of the Super Detective Team as they discover wonderful mysteries in God’s Word! In week eight, the team discovers that God loves each and every one of us! This and plus some stunning gospel kids’ songs.
INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ARTISTS of THE PAST
MEET : The Late George Younce 1930 – 2005
George Younce was born on February 22, 1930 in Patterson, North Carolina. In 1946, George started as lead singer in the group, Spiritualaires, which he formed with some friends. As his voice matured, he transitioned to singing bass for the group. Younce sang with them until 1950, where he took a break from singing to serve in the Army.
After returning from service, George spent the next several years singing with different groups, like the Watchmen, the Weatherfords, the Homeland Harmony Quartet, the Blue Ridge Quartet, the Florida Boys. Then in 1964, Younce joined the Cathedrals which would become what he is known for.
George was elected to the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and was an accomplished songwriter, penning classics like Yesterday and the novelty number known as The Laughing Song.
George Younce died on April 11, 2005 at the age of 75.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
TruLight Radio XM 24/7
Program
GMT / UTC +2
Monday To Fridays
00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
VISIT THE WEBSITE
https://TruLightRadioXM.org.za
Bible Prophecy in the News
Young Men Returning To Church – Why Aren’t Young Women Joining Them?
The New York Times reported last fall that, for the first time in American history, men now outnumber women in churches. The trend is especially pronounced among twenty-somethings.
In recent months, at two synods for different diocese of the Anglican Church of North America, I encountered a significant number of impressive young men, mostly in their twenties. In one case, they humbly served the clergy and leadership throughout the multi-day proceedings. In the other, they attended a local parish but chose to join and stay for the entirety of an exceptionally long ordination service.
I see something similar at my church, where there is often a row of single, young men, faithful, spiritually hungry, and interested in cultivating a deep, personal faith. I should note, that there is no corresponding row of young women, nor did I see similar numbers of young women at either of the aforementioned synods.
Though these stories are anecdotal, there is growing evidence of a “quiet revival” of Christian belief among Gen Z men. The New York Times reported last fall that, for the first time in American history, men now outnumber women in churches. The trend is especially pronounced among twenty-somethings.
Last year, a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 39% of Gen Z women identify as religiously unaffiliated, compared with just 31% of men. Among white evangelicals, young men had begun showing significantly more religiosity than women.
Newer data from the U.K. shows a surprising reawakening across the pond, where church attendance overall has long been much lower than in the U.S. In April, the Bible Society reported that church decline in England and Wales “has not only stopped, but the Church is growing, as Gen Z leads an exciting turnaround in church attendance.”
This turnaround happened in a short time. In 2018, only 4% of 18- to 24-year-olds in the U.K. attended church regularly. By last year, that number had quadrupled. Among 25- to 34-year-olds, attendance more than tripled, raising the overall rate from 8% to 12% of the population.
Though still a low number, it represents a historic reversal of the country’s century-long de-churching. Like in the U.S., young men in the U.K. are leading the return to church. Among the 18 to 24 age group in the Bible Society survey, 21% of men attended at least once a month, compared with just 12% of women the same age.
As statistician Ryan Burge wrote on X, “It seems very clear now that men are more likely to be regular church attenders than women. And those gaps are the largest among the youngest adults.” He also pointed out that these numbers are not due primarily to immigration, as the white-only sample showed the same trends.
Why are young men returning to church? And why aren’t young women joining them? The Times pointed to a shift in cultural and political attitudes among men that seems to correspond with their search for traditional faith. As young women have skewed increasingly progressive, young men are now much more likely to call themselves politically conservative.
In fact, the partisan gap between men and women has doubled in the past 25 years. Surprisingly, young men are also more likely than young women to say they want to have children someday.
One pastor told The Times that young men “are looking for leadership, they’re looking for clarity, they’re looking for meaning.” Another college minister at the University of California-Irvine suggested that religion is perceived as traditional, and Christianity in particular as the “one institution that isn’t formally skeptical of [young men] as a class.”
This trend also corresponds to what Justin Brierly has called the “Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God” among high-profile secular thinkers. It’s a reminder that we can’t predict where the Spirit will blow, that narratives of inevitable religious decline are far from certain, and that we still live in the same world where the Great Awakenings occurred, the Wesley brothers, Whitefield and Spurgeon preached, and where St. Peter saw 3,000 converted in a day. It’s also a reminder that the same God they all served is at work in the world.
Still, the growing disparity between men and women poses significant challenges. The reversal in the historic tendency of church to be mostly female is proof of how our culture has lied to young women. And it won’t help the decline of marriage or birth dearth much either.
It’s also possible that some young men are returning to church for the wrong reasons. They still need to hear Christianity taught accurately and in its entirety. Church should not be sold to them as a “based” social club, but as a place that belongs to the God of the universe, and the faith as a way of seeing all of life and reality in surrender to Christ’s loving lordship.
Even as we praise God for this “quiet revival,” we should ask how we can fan the flames of belief in Gen Z and make disciples rather than just cultural converts. God is up to something. We should be eager to play our part in His providential movement in young hearts.
Signs of the Times
We’re One Deepfake Away From A Digital Point Of No Return
A quiet but deeply unsettling breach in diplomatic integrity recently occurred, and it should serve as a thunderclap warning to the rest of us: we are just one deepfake away from an international crisis that could reshape how we live, work, and move through the online world.
In June 2025, foreign officials received Signal messages from what appeared to be U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These weren’t generic phishing attempts or obvious scams. They included AI-generated voice messages, realistic branding mimicking “state.gov” communication, and highly credible language. The targets? A member of Congress, a U.S. governor, and at least three foreign ministers.
Though the U.S. State Department was quick to downplay the event, a classified diplomatic cable revealed serious concern: not only had high-level foreign policy contacts been tricked, but the incident reflected a rapidly evolving threat–AI-driven impersonation with real-world influence. What was once the stuff of spy thrillers is now a credible method of social engineering that could tip the balance in diplomacy, markets, or even national security.
Deepfakes: From Curious Toy to Dangerous Tool
The Rubio impersonation is not an isolated case. Earlier this year, a finance manager at a multinational firm in Hong Kong was duped into transferring $25 million after joining a Zoom call filled with familiar colleagues–none of whom were real. Each was generated by AI, complete with facial expressions, gestures, and matching voices. By the time the fraud was uncovered, the money had vanished.
These examples illustrate a terrifying truth: synthetic deception isn’t just possible–it’s effective.
AI-generated videos and audio clips have already been used to manipulate public opinion, spread disinformation, and exploit individuals.
And now we’ve crossed into even more serious territory: diplomatic manipulation.
The Potential for Catastrophe
If one deepfake can trick foreign ministers, imagine what a truly sophisticated campaign could do. Consider these hypothetical–but entirely plausible–scenarios:
Stock Market Manipulation: A deepfake video of a Federal Reserve official announcing a surprise rate hike goes viral. Automated trading bots react within seconds, tanking markets before a correction can be issued. Billions are lost in minutes.
Military Escalation: A video surfaces of a world leader declaring war–seemingly verified, spreading across social platforms before authorities can deny it. One misinterpreted signal could prompt a retaliatory strike, costing lives.
National Emergencies: A deepfake emergency broadcast warns citizens to evacuate a major city due to a fake nuclear threat. Panic erupts. Infrastructure is overwhelmed. Real lives are endangered over a fabrication.
Criminal Fraud & Pranks: A TikTok creator uses AI to impersonate a celebrity and “confesses” to a crime or leaks a scandal. The video goes viral, sponsors are dropped, and reputations destroyed–all for clicks and ad revenue.
We’ve already seen how easily people fall for impersonations. What happens when these tools are used in real-time, at scale, with malicious intent?
What Comes Next: Digital ID as the “Solution”
Here lies the chilling part. When a catastrophic deepfake finally hits–when it shakes markets, prompts military action, or triggers a crisis–the public will demand a fix. The most likely answer? Centralized digital identity verification.
Governments and tech firms are already preparing this future. The European Union is pushing its Digital Identity Wallet, intended to unify access to banking, healthcare, and government services. In the U.S., biometric authentication and encrypted digital credentials are gaining traction as solutions to fraud.
After a major deepfake incident, such systems won’t be optional–they’ll be mandatory. Pitched as a matter of “national security” or “public trust,” centralized ID systems will likely be implemented across platforms. You’ll need to verify your identity not just for banking or travel–but to post, comment, email, or even access parts of the internet.
This is how freedoms shift–not with a vote, but with a crisis.
A Digital Point of No Return
The Rubio deepfake incident is a warning shot. It shows us that AI-generated deception isn’t speculative anymore–it’s here. It can reach the halls of power. It can fool governors, foreign leaders, and possibly you.
We are one major incident away–one forged message, one fake voice, one viral lie–from a digital catastrophe. And when that moment comes, the global response will fundamentally reshape our rights, our privacy, and our online presence.
We will be told it’s for our safety. And many will cheer.
But the deeper truth is this: what we cannot trust, we will try to control. And in that effort, we may surrender more than we expect.
So the question is no longer whether a deepfake could cause a crisis. It’s what we’ll become after it does.
Gog and Magog Update
Europe On Edge: Five Ways The EU Is Preparing For Potential War With Russia
Perhaps most alarmingly-and most revealing-is the psychological transformation taking place in many European societies. Defense ministers now speak of “mental preparedness” for war. The public, for its part, is beginning to absorb the message.
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
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