Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
In our fast-paced, attention-grabbing world, it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind, get distracted, and lose sight of our true purpose in life—the worship and love of God (see Matthew 22:37). Yet we are told to run our race with our eyes focused on Christ: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). How can we resist the allure of the world and keep our focus where it belongs, on Christ?
To focus is to direct one’s attention or concentrate on something. If we are focused on Christ, then He has our attention; we are concentrating on Him and His word; He occupies the forefront of our minds. Such a focus is only fitting, because Jesus “is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:18). By rights, He should be our focus.
Colossians 3:1–4 contains much that can help us stay focused on Christ: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” We are to focus on “things above,” remembering that Christ is seated in the place of glory and power (verse 1). The reason for the command is also given: because we have been raised to new life with Christ. To focus on the things above, we must consciously remove our focus from “earthly things” (verse 2), and the reason is given: we have died to self, and Christ is our very life (verse 3). Helping us stay focused on Christ is the reminder that Jesus is coming again, and when we see Him we will know glory (verse 4).
Hebrews 2 lists some of the things that Christ has done or is doing for us: He shared our humanity (verse 14), He breaks the power of the devil (verse 14), He frees us (verse 15), He is our “merciful and faithful high priest” (verse 17), He suffered for us (verse 18), and He helps those who are tempted in this world (verse 18). Because of all this, Hebrews 3:1, says, “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.”
Here are some practical ways for a born-again believer to stay focused on Christ:
Commit to reading the Bible. It is impossible for a believer to be consistently in the Word without having his attention drawn again and again to Christ: “The Scriptures point to me!” Jesus said (John 5:39, NLT; see also Luke 24:44 and Hebrews 10:7). To focus on the Word of God is to have the Son of God brought more into focus.
Develop your prayer life. If you want to know how to pray, read Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in Luke 11:1–13. As you speak to the Lord throughout your day, you will naturally be more focused on Him. Little things, big things—we can come to the Lord with any and all of our cares. The command is to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to always be in an attitude and atmosphere of instant prayer.
Trust the Lord as your only protector: “My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare” (Psalm 25:15). Once we understand the spiritual dangers we face on a daily basis, we will focus more on Christ, our one and only Savior, who alone has the power of deliverance.
Recognize your need and the Lord as the source of all good things: “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us” (Psalm 123:2, ESV). The world offers various means of obtaining love, joy, and peace, but they are destined to disappoint. The believer understands that love, joy, and peace (and a myriad other fine gifts) are the direct result of his relationship with Christ (see Galatians 5:22–23).
See the world for what it is: a sin-filled place of desperate need. The darker the world is to us, the more clearly the light of Christ will stand out. It’s not hard to focus on a light in a darkened room. “We . . . have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). Those who stay focused on Christ will find their perspective on worldly things changing. As Helen Lemmel says in her hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, / Look full in His wonderful face, / And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace.”
In ons vinnige, aandagtrekkende wêreld is dit maklik om vasgevang te word in die daaglikse geswoeg, afgelei te word en ons ware doel in die lewe uit die oog te verloor – die aanbidding en liefde van God (sien Matteus 22:37). Tog word ons aangesê om ons wedloop te hardloop met ons oë op Christus gefokus: “Laat ons met volharding die wedloop hardloop wat vir ons voorlê, die oog gevestig op Jesus, die Leidsman en Voleinder van die geloof” (Hebreërs 12:1–2). Hoe kan ons die lok van die wêreld weerstaan en ons fokus hou waar dit hoort, op Christus?
Om te fokus is om jou aandag te rig of op iets te konsentreer. As ons op Christus gefokus is, dan het Hy ons aandag; ons konsentreer op Hom en Sy woord; Hy staan voorop in ons gedagtes. So ‘n fokus is net gepas, want Jesus “is die hoof van die liggaam, die gemeente; Hy is die begin en die Eersgeborene uit die dode, sodat Hy in alles die oppergesag kan hê” (Kolossense 1:18). Na reg behoort Hy ons fokus te wees.
Kolossense 3:1–4 bevat baie wat ons kan help om op Christus gefokus te bly: “Aangesien julle dan saam met Christus opgewek is, moet julle julle gedagtes rig op die dinge wat daarbo is, waar Christus is en aan die regterhand van God sit. Rig julle gedagtes op die dinge wat daarbo is, nie op die aardse dinge nie. Want julle het gesterwe, en julle lewe is saam met Christus verborge in God. Wanneer Christus, wat julle lewe is, verskyn, dan sal julle ook saam met Hom in heerlikheid verskyn.” Ons moet fokus op “die dinge wat daarbo is”, en onthou dat Christus in die plek van heerlikheid en mag sit (vers 1). Die rede vir die opdrag word ook gegee: omdat ons saam met Christus tot ‘n nuwe lewe opgewek is. Om op die dinge wat daarbo te fokus, moet ons bewustelik ons fokus van “aardse dinge” verwyder (vers 2), en die rede word gegee: ons het aan onsself gesterf, en Christus is ons lewe (vers 3). Om ons te help om op Christus gefokus te bly, is die herinnering dat Jesus weer kom, en wanneer ons Hom sien, sal ons heerlikheid ken (vers 4).
Hebreërs 2 lys sommige van die dinge wat Christus vir ons gedoen het of doen: Hy het ons menslikheid gedeel (vers 14), Hy breek die mag van die duiwel (vers 14), Hy bevry ons (vers 15), Hy is ons “barmhartige en getroue hoëpriester” (vers 17), Hy het vir ons gely (vers 18), en Hy help dié wat in hierdie wêreld versoek word (vers 18). As gevolg van dit alles sê Hebreërs 3:1: “Daarom, heilige broeders en susters, wat deel het aan die hemelse roeping, rig julle gedagtes op Jesus, wat ons bely as ons apostel en hoëpriester.”
Hier is ‘n paar praktiese maniere vir ‘n wedergebore gelowige om op Christus gefokus te bly:
Verbind julle tot die lees van die Bybel. Dit is onmoontlik vir ‘n gelowige om konsekwent in die Woord te wees sonder dat sy aandag keer op keer na Christus getrek word: “Die Skrif wys na My!” het Jesus gesê (Johannes 5:39, NLT; sien ook Lukas 24:44 en Hebreërs 10:7). Om op die Woord van God te fokus, is om die Seun van God meer in fokus te bring.
Ontwikkel jou gebedslewe. As jy wil weet hoe om te bid, lees Jesus se instruksies aan Sy dissipels in Lukas 11:1–13. Soos jy deur die dag met die Here praat, sal jy natuurlik meer op Hom gefokus wees. Klein dingetjies, groot dingetjies – ons kan met enige en al ons sorge na die Here kom. Die opdrag is om “gedurig te bid” (1 Tessalonisense 5:17), om altyd in ‘n houding en atmosfeer van onmiddellike gebed te wees.
Vertrou die Here as jou enigste beskermer: “My oë is altyd op die HERE, want net Hy sal my voete uit die strik red” (Psalm 25:15). Sodra ons die geestelike gevare verstaan waarmee ons daagliks te kampe het, sal ons meer op Christus fokus, ons enigste Verlosser, wat alleen die krag van verlossing het.
Erken jou behoefte en die Here as die bron van alle goeie dinge: “Kyk, soos die oë van dienaars op die hand van hulle heer is, soos die oë van ‘n diensmaagd op die hand van haar meesteres, so is ons oë op die HERE onse God, totdat Hy ons genadig is” (Psalm 123:2). Die wêreld bied verskeie maniere om liefde, vreugde en vrede te verkry, maar hulle is bestem om teleur te stel. Die gelowige verstaan dat liefde, vreugde en vrede (en ‘n magdom ander goeie gawes) die direkte gevolg is van sy verhouding met Christus (sien Galasiërs 5:22–23).
Sien die wêreld vir wat dit is: ‘n sondegevulde plek van desperate nood. Hoe donkerder die wêreld vir ons is, hoe duideliker sal die lig van Christus uitstaan. Dit is nie moeilik om op ‘n lig in ‘n donker kamer te fokus nie. “Ons … het die profetiese boodskap as iets volkome betroubaars, en julle sal goed doen om daarop ag te gee soos op ‘n lamp wat in ‘n donker plek skyn, totdat die dag aanbreek en die môrester opgaan in julle harte” (2 Petrus 1:19). Diegene wat op Christus gefokus bly, sal vind dat hul perspektief op wêreldse dinge verander. Soos Helen Lemmel in haar loflied sê: “Rig julle oë op Jesus, / Kyk vol in Sy wonderlike aangesig, / En die dinge van die aarde sal vreemd dof word / In die lig van Sy heerlikheid en genade.”
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
Psalm 27:14, which says: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD”. This verse offers encouragement and strength for facing challenges, urging believers to find their hope and courage in God’s timing and presence
Prayer
Lord . This Month we saw a Lot of Doctrine of Demons believers , That can not wait for the Rapture . They believe Lies of South African False Prophets of a Secret Rapture that will take place this September . Lord Please teach us the Biblical Truth about Your 2nd Coming and the Rapture after that . Please Help us to WAIT FOR THE LORD and not believe Fairy-tales from Satan . We Pray in Jesus name , Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Psalm 27:14, wat sê: “Wag op die HERE; wees sterk en hou moed en wag op die HERE”. Hierdie vers bied bemoediging en krag om uitdagings die hoof te bied en moedig gelowiges aan om hul hoop en moed in God se tydsberekening en teenwoordigheid te vind.
Gebed
Here. Hierdie maand het ons baie Leer van Demone-gelowiges gesien wat nie kan wag vir die Wegraping nie. Hulle glo die leuens van Suid-Afrikaanse valse profete van ‘n geheime Wegraping wat hierdie September sal plaasvind. Here, leer ons asseblief die Bybelse waarheid oor u tweede koms en die Wegraping daarna. Help ons asseblief om op die HERE te WAG en nie sprokies van Satan te glo nie. Ons bid in Jesus se naam, Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
Hebrews 12:2 says that we should be “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In Hebrews 11, the writer goes through a long list of faithful examples that the readers of the letter would do well to follow. He begins chapter 12 with this: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” So believers are pictured as being in a race. They can look at the examples that have gone before them. The people in Hebrews 11 are the “cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1. In order to “run” effectively, believers need to get rid of sin and other entanglements. People who are serious about running races do not carry extra baggage—you have never seen an Olympic runner carrying a suitcase or talking on a cell phone during the race. Everything that is not absolutely essential is left behind. And to win the race, the runner must finish. The athlete must not give up before finishing. Perseverance is required.
The author of Hebrews then calls believers to consider the ultimate example of perseverance—Jesus. Runners in an athletic competition cannot be distracted by peripheral objects. As runners in the race of life, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus.” As we run, we must be looking at Him in faith. He is more than our example; He is our final destination. We must run toward Him with all our might, in the promise that we will be conformed to His image.
Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the “pioneer” of our faith. He is the one who blazed the trail. He is the one who made the way into the Holy of Holies so that the rest of us could follow into God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19–20). Jesus is also the “perfecter” of our faith—He is the one who brought it to completion. He did not just start it; He finished it. The verse goes on to explain just how He finished.
First, Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus endured the cross. There in Gethsemane, He determined to carry out the will of the Father (Matthew 26:39). He did this by focusing on the joy that was to come. He knew that He would be resurrected and restored to the place of glory that He had with the Father from the beginning (John 17:5). He looked forward with joy to the people He would save. He willingly gave His life to save His sheep (John 10:10–11).
Second, Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus scorned the shame of the cross. Crucifixion was a gruesome, tortuous death, and it included public humiliation and shame. Jesus was ridiculed as He was hanging on the cross. The sign hung above Him read “King of the Jews,” a cruel irony since it was true, but those who murdered Him did not believe it. Others on the ground mocked Him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One” (Luke 23:35). The cruel irony is that He could only save others by not saving Himself. He was truly the Messiah, and this prevented Him from coming down off the cross. He was the Chosen One, and He had been chosen for the very purpose of dying as God’s sacrifice for sin. It is also an irony that God would deliver Him, but only after He endured the cross.
Third, Hebrews 12:2 says that, after Jesus’ death, God raised Him from the dead, and Jesus ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of God the Father. This signifies Jesus’ authority (at the right hand) and the fact that His work is finished (He sat down). This position is contrasted with the priests at the time who were standing and offering daily sacrifices (Hebrews 10:11–13).
The original audience of the book of Hebrews seems to have been Jews who had professed faith in Christ but who were now facing persecution from the unbelieving Jews. They were tempted to turn back, to renounce Christ and to go back to the temple and the sacrificial system. Believers who read the book of Hebrews today are faced with a similar temptation: the world and what we have left behind are always calling to us, wanting us to go back—if not to permanently return, at least to go back for visits as often as possible. But we are running a race. There is no time to backtrack or dillydally. The race we are running is probably more like a military-style obstacle course than a nice and neat Olympic race. There are real dangers along the way, but we must keep moving forward. We have the examples of past saints to follow, but our supreme example is Jesus Himself, the one who blazed the way, finished the race, paid for our sins, and is now seated in the place of highest honor and authority. We look to Him, not only as our example but as our source of strength.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Hebreërs 12:2 sê dat ons ons oë moet rig op Jesus, die Leidsman en Voleinder van die geloof. Vir die vreugde wat Hom voorgehou is, het Hy die kruis verdra, die skande daarvan verag en aan die regterhand van die troon van God gaan sit.”
In Hebreërs 11 gaan die skrywer deur ‘n lang lys van getroue voorbeelde wat die lesers van die brief goed sal doen om te volg. Hy begin hoofstuk 12 hiermee: “Terwyl ons dan so ‘n groot wolk van getuies rondom ons het, laat ons alles wat ons hinder, en die sonde wat ons so maklik verstrik, afgooi en met volharding die wedloop hardloop wat vir ons voorlê.” Gelowiges word dus uitgebeeld asof hulle in ‘n wedloop is. Hulle kan kyk na die voorbeelde wat voor hulle gegaan het. Die mense in Hebreërs 11 is die “wolk van getuies” wat in Hebreërs 12:1 genoem word. Om effektief te “hardloop”, moet gelowiges ontslae raak van sonde en ander verstrikkings. Mense wat ernstig is oor wedlope dra nie ekstra bagasie saam nie – jy het nog nooit ‘n Olimpiese hardloper gesien wat ‘n tas dra of op ‘n selfoon praat tydens die wedloop nie. Alles wat nie absoluut noodsaaklik is nie, word agtergelaat. En om die wedloop te wen, moet die hardloper klaarmaak. Die atleet moenie moed opgee voordat hy klaar is nie. Deursettingsvermoë is nodig.
Die outeur van Hebreërs roep dan gelowiges op om die uiteindelike voorbeeld van deursettingsvermoë te oorweeg – Jesus. Hardlopers in ‘n atletiese kompetisie kan nie deur perifere voorwerpe afgelei word nie. As hardlopers in die wedloop van die lewe moet ons “ons oë op Jesus rig”. Terwyl ons hardloop, moet ons in geloof na Hom kyk. Hy is meer as ons voorbeeld; Hy is ons eindbestemming. Ons moet met al ons mag na Hom toe hardloop, in die belofte dat ons na Sy beeld gelykvormig sal word.
Hebreërs 12:2 sê dat Jesus die “pionier” van ons geloof is. Hy is die een wat die weg gebaan het na die Allerheiligste sodat die res van ons God se teenwoordigheid kon volg (Hebreërs 10:19–20). Jesus is ook die “volmaakter” van ons geloof—Hy is die een wat dit voltooi het. Hy het dit nie net begin nie; Hy het dit voltooi. Die vers verduidelik verder presies hoe Hy dit voltooi het.
Eerstens sê Hebreërs 12:2 dat Jesus die kruis verduur het. Daar in Getsemane het Hy besluit om die wil van die Vader uit te voer (Matteus 26:39). Hy het dit gedoen deur te fokus op die vreugde wat sou kom. Hy het geweet dat Hy opgewek sou word en herstel sou word tot die plek van heerlikheid wat Hy van die begin af by die Vader gehad het (Johannes 17:5). Hy het met vreugde uitgesien na die mense wat Hy sou red. Hy het gewilliglik Sy lewe gegee om Sy skape te red (Johannes 10:10–11).
Tweedens sê Hebreërs 12:2 dat Jesus die skande van die kruis verag het. Kruisiging was ‘n gruwelike, pynlike dood, en dit het openbare vernedering en skaamte ingesluit. Jesus is bespot terwyl Hy aan die kruis gehang het. Die teken wat bo Hom gehang het, het gelees “Koning van die Jode”, ’n wrede ironie aangesien dit waar was, maar diegene wat Hom vermoor het, het dit nie geglo nie. Ander op die grond het Hom bespot en gesê: “Ander het Hy gered; laat Hy Homself red as Hy God se Messias, die Uitverkorene, is” (Lukas 23:35). Die wrede ironie is dat Hy ander slegs kon red deur Homself nie te red nie. Hy was waarlik die Messias, en dit het Hom verhoed om van die kruis af te kom. Hy was die Uitverkorene, en Hy was gekies met die einste doel om as God se offer vir sonde te sterf. Dit is ook ’n ironie dat God Hom sou verlos, maar eers nadat Hy die kruis verduur het.
Derdens, Hebreërs 12:2 sê dat God Hom na Jesus se dood uit die dood opgewek het, en Jesus het na die hemel opgevaar waar Hy nou aan die regterhand van God die Vader sit. Dit dui op Jesus se gesag (aan die regterhand) en die feit dat Sy werk volbring is (Hy het gaan sit). Hierdie posisie word gekontrasteer met die priesters van daardie tyd wat gestaan en daaglikse offers gebring het (Hebreërs 10:11–13).
Die oorspronklike gehoor van die boek Hebreërs blyk Jode te gewees het wat geloof in Christus bely het, maar wat nou vervolging van die ongelowige Jode in die gesig gestaar het. Hulle was in die versoeking om terug te draai, Christus te verloën en terug te gaan na die tempel en die offerstelsel. Gelowiges wat die boek Hebreërs vandag lees, word gekonfronteer met ‘n soortgelyke versoeking: die wêreld en wat ons agtergelaat het, roep ons altyd en wil hê ons moet teruggaan – indien nie permanent terugkeer nie, dan ten minste so gereeld as moontlik teruggaan vir besoeke. Maar ons hardloop ‘n wedloop. Daar is geen tyd om terug te gaan of te dwal nie. Die wedloop wat ons hardloop, is waarskynlik meer soos ‘n militêre-styl hindernisbaan as ‘n mooi en netjiese Olimpiese wedloop. Daar is werklike gevare langs die pad, maar ons moet aanhou vorentoe beweeg. Ons het die voorbeelde van vorige heiliges om te volg, maar ons hoogste voorbeeld is Jesus self, die een wat die weg gebaan het, die wedloop voltooi het, vir ons sondes betaal het, en nou in die plek van hoogste eer en gesag sit. Ons kyk na Hom, nie net as ons voorbeeld nie, maar as ons bron van krag.
Today’s Devotional
First Timothy 4:16 exhorts us to keep the faith: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them.” When Paul visited the recently established churches in Asia Minor, his goal was “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14:22). Other passages calling us to keep the faith are Hebrews 12:1 and Ephesians 6:13. The Bible also gives us advice for how to do it.
Keeping the faith requires remembering what brought us to faith in the first place. We need to be intentional about remembering God’s grace in our lives. Hebrews 12:1b–3 says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Practically, this means remembering the wonderful gift of God’s salvation and following the example of our Savior, who “endured” the trials of this life. We must “fix our eyes” on Jesus. Many people find prayer and journaling helpful in this regard. The Old Testament saints often demonstrated the importance of remembering. The Israelites were instructed to set up memorials, and many of the Jewish feasts were designed to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” When we praise God, we remember His past goodness, and that makes it easier to keep trusting Him now.
Keeping the faith requires a love of truth and a commitment to the Word of God. First Timothy 4:1 says that, in the latter days, those who abandon the faith “follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” To accept “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6–7) is to fall into error. Paul exhorted Timothy to “fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience”; those who ignore this command “have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:18–19). We must “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). The Spirit of truth will never lead us into untruth (John 16:13).
Keeping the faith also involves growth in Christ. Jesus is the author of our faith (the one who initiated the relationship), and He is the perfecter of our faith (the one who will see it through to the end). From beginning to end, Jesus is the source of our faith. We remember what He has done, and we look forward to what He will do. Practically, this involves having an active prayer life, studying God’s Word, and digging in to His truth.
Keeping the faith is also about community. The Christian life is not lived exclusively between God and the individual; it is lived in community with other Christians. Hebrews 10:23–25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Fellow believers can encourage us to keep the faith. They can exhort us when we are going astray. They can join in our gladness and in our sorrow (Romans 12:15).
We will face trials and temptations in life (John 16:33; James 1:2–4). Our faith will be challenged. But it is not only in the difficult times that we dig in our heels and fight for our faith. No, we contend for our faith always. What we do today prepares us for what is in store tomorrow. God is always at work in our lives. Our faith should be ever-growing. Second Peter 1:3–11 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. . . . For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . My brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We keep the faith by remembering God’s faithfulness and continuing to grow in relationship with Him.
Vandag se Bemoediging
Eerste Timoteus 4:16 vermaan ons om die geloof te behou: “Let goed op jou lewenswandel en jou leer. Volhard daarin.” Toe Paulus die onlangs gestigte kerke in Klein-Asië besoek het, was sy doel om “die dissipels te versterk en hulle aan te moedig om getrou te bly aan die geloof” (Handelinge 14:22). Ander gedeeltes wat ons oproep om die geloof te behou, is Hebreërs 12:1 en Efesiërs 6:13. Die Bybel gee ons ook raad oor hoe om dit te doen.
Om die geloof te behou, vereis dat ons onthou wat ons in die eerste plek tot geloof gebring het. Ons moet doelbewus wees om God se genade in ons lewens te onthou. Hebreërs 12:1b–3 sê: “Laat ons met volharding die wedloop hardloop wat vir ons voorlê, die oog gevestig op Jesus, die Leidsman en Voleinder van die geloof. Want vir die vreugde wat Hom voorgehou is, het Hy die kruis verdra, die skande daarvan verag en aan die regterhand van die troon van God gaan sit. Ag op Hom wat soveel teenstand van sondaars verdra het, sodat julle nie moeg word en moed verloor nie.” Prakties beteken dit om die wonderlike gawe van God se verlossing te onthou en die voorbeeld van ons Verlosser te volg, wat die beproewinge van hierdie lewe “verduur” het. Ons moet “ons oë op Jesus rig”. Baie mense vind gebed en joernaalhou nuttig in hierdie verband. Die Ou Testamentiese heiliges het dikwels die belangrikheid van onthou gedemonstreer. Die Israeliete is opdrag gegee om gedenktekens op te rig, en baie van die Joodse feeste was ontwerp om God se verlossing te onthou en te vier. Deuteronomium 4:9 sê: “Wees versigtig en let goed op julleself, sodat julle nie vergeet wat julle oë gesien het nie, en dat dit uit julle hart verdwyn solank julle leef. Leer dit aan julle kinders en hulle kinders ná hulle.” Psalm 103:2 sê: “Loof die HERE, my siel, en vergeet nie al sy weldade nie.” Wanneer ons God loof, onthou ons Sy vorige goedheid, en dit maak dit makliker om Hom nou te bly vertrou.
Om die geloof te behou, vereis ‘n liefde vir die waarheid en ‘n toewyding aan die Woord van God. 1 Timoteus 4:1 sê dat diegene wat die geloof verlaat in die laaste dae “misleidende geeste en dinge wat deur demone geleer word, volg”. Om ‘n “ander evangelie” (Galasiërs 1:6-7) te aanvaar, is om in dwaling te val. Paulus het Timoteus vermaan om “die stryd goed te stry, vas te hou aan die geloof en ‘n goeie gewete”; diegene wat hierdie opdrag ignoreer, “het skipbreuk gely aan die geloof” (1 Timoteus 1:18-19). Ons moet “die geeste op die proef stel of hulle uit God is” (1 Johannes 4:1). Die Gees van die waarheid sal ons nooit in onwaarheid lei nie (Johannes 16:13).
Om die geloof te behou, behels ook groei in Christus. Jesus is die outeur van ons geloof (die een wat die verhouding begin het), en Hy is die vervolmaker van ons geloof (die een wat dit tot die einde sal deurvoer). Van begin tot einde is Jesus die bron van ons geloof. Ons onthou wat Hy gedoen het, en ons sien uit na wat Hy sal doen. Prakties behels dit ‘n aktiewe gebedslewe, die bestudering van God se Woord en die delf in Sy waarheid.
Om die geloof te behou, gaan ook oor gemeenskap. Die Christelike lewe word nie uitsluitlik tussen God en die individu geleef nie; dit word in gemeenskap met ander Christene geleef. Hebreërs 10:23–25 sê: “Laat ons onwrikbaar vashou aan die hoop wat ons bely, want Hy wat dit belowe het, is getrou. Laat ons mekaar ook ag slaan op liefde en goeie dade. Laat ons ons onderlinge byeenkoms nie versuim soos sommige die gewoonte het nie, maar mekaar aanmoedig, en dit des te meer namate julle die dag sien nader kom.” Medegelowiges kan ons aanmoedig om die geloof te behou. Hulle kan ons vermaan wanneer ons dwaal. Hulle kan saam met ons blydskap en droefheid deelneem (Romeine 12:15).
Ons sal beproewinge en versoekings in die lewe trotseer (Johannes 16:33; Jakobus 1:2–4). Ons geloof sal uitgedaag word. Maar dit is nie net in die moeilike tye dat ons ons hakke inslaan en vir ons geloof veg nie. Nee, ons stry altyd vir ons geloof. Wat ons vandag doen, berei ons voor vir wat môre voorlê. God is altyd aan die werk in ons lewens. Ons geloof moet steeds groei. Twee Petrus 1:3–11 sê: “Sy goddelike krag het ons alles geskenk wat ons nodig het vir ‘n godvrugtige lewe deur die kennis van Hom wat ons geroep het deur sy heerlikheid en goedheid. … Juis daarom moet julle alles in julle vermoë doen om by julle geloof die deug te voeg, en by die deug die kennis, en by die kennis die selfbeheersing, en by die selfbeheersing die volharding, en by die volharding die godsvrug, en by die godsvrug die wederkerige liefde, en by die wederkerige liefde die liefde. Want as julle hierdie eienskappe in toenemende mate besit, sal dit julle bewaar om ons Here Jesus Christus nie oneffektief en onvrugbaar te ken nie. … My broers en susters, beywer julle om julle roeping en verkiesing vas te maak. Want as julle dit doen, sal julle nooit struikel nie, en julle sal ‘n ryklike ontvangs ontvang in die ewige koninkryk van ons Here en Verlosser Jesus Christus.” Ons bewaar die geloof deur God se getrouheid te onthou en aan te hou groei in verhouding met Hom.
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.
Help Jouself:
Ekt onlangs ń advertensie van ń groep restaurante gesien. Hulle het nogal ń dramatiese belofte gemaak. Die advertensie het gesê dat by daardie restaurente kan ń mens “Jouself Help” tot jy gelukkig is. Sou dit nie lekker wees as ń skeppie aartappels, of vleis, of ń geurige nagereg, al was wat nodig is om geluk te verseker nie. Ongelukkig kan geen restuarant daardie belofte nakom nie.
Geluk is baie bedrieglik – soos ons op byna alle gebiede van die lewe kan sien.
Ons najaag van geluk, mag kos of ń menigte ander dinge insluit, maar op die ou end ontglip dit ons steeds.
Waarom ? Is dit nie omdat die dinge wat ons najaag, nie regtig die diepste behoeftes van ons harte aanspreek nie. Ons werksaamhede en optredes mag oomblikke van genot, afleiding of plesier verskaf, maar die diepste verlange van ons hart word nie gehoor nie – die dringende behoefte aan hulp en hoop. Daarom vestig die psalmdigter ons aandag op ń beter manier wanneer hy sê: Dit gaan goed met die mens wat sy hulp van die God van Jakob ontvang, die mens wie se hoop gevestig is op die Here, sy God ( Ps 146:5 ).
Jouself help ? ja, dis moontlik, maar slegs as ons ons geluk by die Here ons God soek, die geluk wat net by Hom te vinde is. Dis slegs as ons onsself aan Hom toevertrou, dat ons dit sal vind.
Ware geluk word nooit gevind
As dit desperaat gesoek word nie.
Dit word slegs by Jesus gekry,
Deur sy bloed wat van sonde bevry.
Die Een wat Jesus eerste plaas, sal ware, blywende geluk ervaar.
Help Yourself:
I recently saw an advertisement for a group of restaurants. They made quite a dramatic promise. The advertisement said that at those restaurants one could “Help Yourself” until one was happy. Wouldn’t it be nice if a scoop of potatoes, or meat, or a fragrant dessert, were all that was needed to ensure happiness? Unfortunately, no restaurant can keep that promise.
Happiness is very deceptive – as we can see in almost all areas of life.
Our pursuit of happiness may include food or a multitude of other things, but in the end it still eludes us.
Why? Is it not because the things we pursue do not really address the deepest needs of our hearts. Our activities and actions may provide moments of enjoyment, distraction or pleasure, but the deepest longing of our hearts is not being heard – the urgent need for help and hope. That is why the psalmist draws our attention to a better way when he says: Blessed is the man whose help is from the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God ( Ps 146:5 ).
Help yourself? yes, it is possible, but only if we seek our happiness from the Lord our God, the happiness that can only be found in Him. It is only if we entrust ourselves to Him that we will find it.
True happiness is never found
If it is desperately sought.
It is only found in Jesus,
Through his blood that frees from sin.
The one who puts Jesus first will experience true, lasting happiness.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Popcorn and Movie Time == MY SON, MY SAVIOR, MARY MOTHER OF JESUS
Only one woman had the unique privilege to call Jesus her son. Mary was blessed to be the mother of the Savior who was sent by God to rescue the world from sin and death. Watch as Mary experiences the miracle of Jesus’ coming and humbly grows in the understanding that her son is also her Savior. Enjoy this short film Approved for age 12+
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Bible Prophecy in the News
The Death Of Liberté: France’s Islamic Future And The Coming Collapse Of Europe
France, once a cradle of Western ideals, is being remade before our eyes. The nation of Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and de Gaulle is crumbling into something unrecognizable. The steeples of cathedrals no longer define the skyline; minarets rise in their place. Bells grow silent, while the call to prayer echoes through neighborhoods once known for their Christian roots. This is not just demographic drift. It is a civilizational transformation–and it is accelerating.
Already, Muslims comprise about 10% of France’s population. By 2050, that figure is expected to reach nearly 17%. That percentage may sound small, but in politics, it is enough to dominate elections and shape national policy. In Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, entire districts have been overtaken by Islamist influence. Police hesitate to enter. French law is mocked. Local councils are controlled by Muslim blocs that prioritize their own religious and political agendas. The France of liberté, égalité, fraternité is becoming a relic, a memory, a Wikipedia entry.
The transformation is most visible in the nation’s places of worship. France now has more than 2,500 mosques, with hundreds more being built. Just decades ago, churches stood as the cornerstone of every French village. Today, those same churches are abandoned, sold off, or converted into libraries, restaurants, or apartment blocks. In rural France, some parishes report fewer than ten worshipers on a Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, mosques overflow with tens of thousands of faithful, spilling into the streets for Friday prayers. In some cities, local governments even block roads to accommodate the crowds, granting special privileges never extended to Christians. The message is clear: Islam is not simply present in France; it is ascendant.
And as Islam rises, Jewish life shrinks into the shadows. Antisemitic incidents have exploded, multiplying several times over in just a few short years. Jewish schools have become fortresses, guarded by soldiers with automatic rifles. Holocaust memorials are defaced with pro-Palestinian slogans. Families live behind locked doors, fearful of neighbors who once nodded politely but now spit threats. France’s Jewish population–the largest in Europe–is fleeing in droves, seeking refuge in Israel or America. They know what France refuses to admit: the nation is no longer safe for them.
Yet President Emmanuel Macron responds not with courage, but with cowardice. This September, he will take the stage at the United Nations and announce France’s recognition of a Palestinian state. He calls it a “principled stand.” But it is nothing more than appeasement. Macron bows to a growing Muslim electorate, trading away France’s moral spine for short-term political survival. While synagogues sit under guard and Jews pack their bags, France chooses to humiliate Israel–the one democratic ally in the Middle East–and reward its enemies.
This is not just political miscalculation; it is moral rebellion. Scripture warns in Joel 4:2: “I will enter into judgment… because they have scattered My people and divided My land.” By turning against Israel, Macron is not protecting France from Islamist rage. He is inviting judgment on a nation already crumbling. Every mosque that rises in place of a church, every concession to radical demands, every betrayal of Israel–these are steps toward France’s demise.
Look at the streets of Paris. Children are taught radical Islamist ideas in schools where parents dare not challenge them. Public pools schedule “women-only” swim times to accommodate Islamic modesty codes. In some suburbs, Christmas markets have been replaced by “winter festivals,” stripped of Christian symbols for fear of offense. This is not coexistence. It is surrender.
And the world is watching. Europe’s future is written in France’s present. Berlin, Brussels, London–all stand on the same precipice. If France falls, they will follow. A continent that once carried the light of the Gospel now risks being extinguished under the weight of its own cowardice.
The hour is late, but not yet past saving. France must awaken, reclaim its Christian heritage, defend its Jewish citizens, and stand once more with Israel. Appeasement is not peace–it is suicide. And if France continues down this path, history will remember it not as the champion of liberty, but as the first great nation of the West to fall to Islam.
Gog and Magog Update
Israel struck Hamas in Qatar, Turkey could be next ?
Given its assessment of Hamas, it stands to reason that Israel will continue to target the group wherever it might seek shelter.
Israeli forces attacked Hamas targets in Qatar, a Persian Gulf emirate that has financed Hamas and incited terrorism against both Israel and the United States. Hamas leaders have called Doha home, believing that Qatar’s role as a mediator would shield terror leaders from accountability.
They were wrong. Not only does it look like the Israeli Defense Forces used airstrikes rather than more deniable covert action, but Washington whispers suggest they also coordinated with the White House.
Many American diplomats have long looked at Hamas as an inconvenience in their efforts to advance the peace process.
Too often, European diplomats (and former Secretary of State John Kerry) have approached Hamas as a potential partner. Israel understands that Hamas represents an existential threat; they acted accordingly.
Given Israel’s assessment of Hamas, it stands to reason that Israel will continue to target the group wherever it might seek shelter.
Beyond Hamas? Turkey Could Be Next
Nor is Hamas alone. Following the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, Israel hunted down its perpetrators across Europe and the Middle East.
After the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) murdered three Israelis in Cyprus, Israeli jets flew 1,280 miles to bomb the PLO headquarters in Tunisia, which, like Qatar, had a foot in both camps even if, like Qatar, it had no formal relations with Israel.
Hamas leaders now understand that not only is Gaza itself is no safe haven, but Tehran and Doha provide no shelter.
Their last refuge is Turkey. Hamas long ago established offices in Istanbul not only to coordinate with Turkey, but also to launder cash and plan attacks.
NATO Won’t Save Them
Both Hamas and Turkey may believe Turkey’s NATO membership offers immunity that Gaza, Iran, and Qatar did not. Qatar may have been a Major Non-NATO Ally, but it was not NATO.
It had no NATO Article V, which states that an attack on one is an attack on all.
Turkey and Hamas should take care, however. NATO is a consensus-driven organization, and seldom are decisions cut-and-dry.
Sweden and Finland resent the Turkish extortion and blackmail that accompanied their accession to the defense alliance when Turkey humiliated them by demanding they constrain civil liberties and freedoms for Turkish dissidents and their Kurdish minority and, in Sweden’s case, even extradite a Kurdish activist.
A veto in Stockholm or Helsinki is a plausible option.
So too is a Washington veto, notwithstanding President Donald Trump’s close personal and business ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Self-defense provisions do not apply to an aggressor. If Turkey acts by terrorist proxy—and that is what Hamas effectively is—then Turkey essentially fired the first shot, and Israel is right to respond.
The Poles tell a joke. If forced to shoot at both a German and a Russian, whom would they target first? The answer: The German. The reason: Business before pleasure.
As Erdoğan increases his anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric and transforms Turkey into a state sponsor of terror, the same joke might apply for Israel, but with Qatar and Iran substituting for Germany, and Turkey playing the role of Iran.
If Turks are wise, they will either extradite Hamas now or, for their own safety, stay at least 150 feet from any structure hosting Hamas.
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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