Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
In Matthew 7:13–14, Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This passage causes some to question the goodness of God. After all, if He really wants to save everyone, why didn’t He make it easier to be saved? Why doesn’t He simply let everyone into heaven?
When we read the word narrow, we tend to associate it with prejudicial selection. It sounds as though God has rated us all on some scale of acceptability and only allows a select few to enter His presence. However, a few verses earlier, Jesus had told the same audience, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8). Jesus made it clear: the path to eternal life is open to everyone who asks.
However, the gate to heaven is “narrow” in the sense of having a particular requirement for entrance—faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is found only in the Person of Jesus Christ; He is the only way (John 14:6). The “wide” gate is non-exclusive; it allows for human effort and all other of the world’s religions.
Jesus says that the narrow gate leads to a “hard” road, one that will take us through hardships and difficult decisions. Following Jesus requires crucifying our flesh (Galatians 2:20; 5:24; Romans 6:2), living by faith (Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:38), enduring trials with Christlike patience (James 1:2–3, 12; 1 Peter 1:6), and living a lifestyle separate from the world (James 1:27; Romans 12:1–2). When faced with the choice between a narrow, bumpy road and a wide, paved highway, most of us choose the easier road. Human nature gravitates toward comfort and pleasure. When faced with the reality of denying themselves to follow Jesus, most people turn away (John 6:66). Jesus never sugar-coated the truth, and the truth is that not many people are willing to pay the price to follow Him.
God offers salvation to everyone who accepts it (John 1:12; 3:16-18; Romans 10:9; 1 John 2:2). But it is on His terms. We must come the way He has provided. We cannot create our own paths or come to a holy God based on our own efforts. Compared to His righteousness, we are all filthy (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10). God cannot simply excuse or overlook our sin. He is merciful, but He is also just. Justice requires that sin be paid for. At great cost to Himself, He paid that price (Isaiah 53:5; 1 John 3:1, 16; Psalm 51:7). Without the blood of Jesus covering our sin, we stand guilty before the God we rejected (Romans 1:20).
The way to God was completely closed, and sin was the roadblock (Romans 5:12). No one deserves a second chance. We all deserve to stay on the “wide road that leads to destruction.” But God loved us enough to provide the path to eternal life anyway (Romans 5:6–8). However, He also knows that in our self-centered, sin-saturated world there are not many who will desire Him enough to come to Him on His terms (John 6:44, 65; Romans 3:11; Jeremiah 29:13). Satan has paved the highway to hell with fleshly temptations, worldly attractions, and moral compromises. Most people allow their passions and desires to dictate the course of their lives. They choose temporary, earthly pleasure over the self-sacrifice required in following Jesus (Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Matthew 10:37). The narrow gate is ignored. Most people would rather create their own religions and design their own gods. So it was with sorrow, not discrimination, that Jesus declared that the road to eternal life is “narrow, and only a few find it.”
In Matteus 7:13–14 het Jesus gesê: “Gaan in deur die nou poort. Want wyd is die poort en wyd is die pad wat na die verderf lei, en daardeur gaan baie in. Maar nou is die poort en smal is die pad wat na die lewe lei, en min vind dit.” Hierdie gedeelte laat sommige die goedheid van God bevraagteken. As Hy werklik almal wil red, waarom het Hy dit nie makliker gemaak om gered te word nie? Waarom laat Hy nie almal eenvoudig in die hemel in nie?
Wanneer ons die woord smal lees, is ons geneig om dit met vooroordeel te assosieer. Dit klink asof God ons almal op ‘n skaal van aanvaarbaarheid beoordeel het en slegs ‘n paar uitgesoektes toelaat om Sy teenwoordigheid te betree. ‘n Paar verse vroeër het Jesus egter vir dieselfde gehoor gesê: “Vra, en vir julle sal gegee word; soek, en julle sal vind; klop, en vir julle sal oopgemaak word. Want elkeen wat vra, ontvang; en elkeen wat soek, vind; en vir elkeen wat klop, sal oopgemaak word” (Matteus 7:7–8). Jesus het dit duidelik gemaak: die pad na die ewige lewe is oop vir almal wat vra.
Die poort na die hemel is egter “nou” in die sin dat dit ‘n spesifieke vereiste vir toegang het – geloof in Jesus Christus. Redding word slegs in die Persoon van Jesus Christus gevind; Hy is die enigste weg (Johannes 14:6). Die “wye” poort is nie-eksklusief; dit laat menslike pogings en al die ander wêreldgodsdienste toe.
Jesus sê dat die nou poort lei na ‘n “moeilike” pad, een wat ons deur ontberinge en moeilike besluite sal neem. Om Jesus te volg, vereis dat ons ons vlees kruisig (Galasiërs 2:20; 5:24; Romeine 6:2), deur geloof leef (Romeine 1:17; 2 Korintiërs 5:7; Hebreërs 10:38), beproewinge met Christusagtige geduld verduur (Jakobus 1:2–3, 12; 1 Petrus 1:6), en ‘n leefstyl afgeskeie van die wêreld lei (Jakobus 1:27; Romeine 12:1–2). Wanneer ons voor die keuse staan tussen ‘n nou, hobbelrige pad en ‘n wye, geplaveide hoofweg, kies die meeste van ons die makliker pad. Die menslike natuur neig na gemak en plesier. Wanneer ons voor die werklikheid te staan kom dat hulle hulself moet ontken om Jesus te volg, draai die meeste mense weg (Johannes 6:66). Jesus het nooit die waarheid versoet nie, en die waarheid is dat nie baie mense bereid is om die prys te betaal om Hom te volg nie.
God bied verlossing aan almal wat dit aanvaar (Johannes 1:12; 3:16-18; Romeine 10:9; 1 Johannes 2:2). Maar dit is op Sy voorwaardes. Ons moet kom op die manier wat Hy voorsien het. Ons kan nie ons eie paaie skep of na ‘n heilige God kom gebaseer op ons eie pogings nie. In vergelyking met Sy geregtigheid is ons almal vuil (Jesaja 64:6; Romeine 3:10). God kan nie bloot ons sonde verskoon of oorsien nie. Hy is barmhartig, maar Hy is ook regverdig. Geregtigheid vereis dat daar vir sonde betaal word. Teen ‘n hoë prys vir Homself het Hy daardie prys betaal (Jesaja 53:5; 1 Johannes 3:1, 16; Psalm 51:7). Sonder die bloed van Jesus wat ons sonde bedek, staan ons skuldig voor die God wat ons verwerp het (Romeine 1:20).
Die weg na God was heeltemal gesluit, en sonde was die struikelblok (Romeine 5:12). Niemand verdien ‘n tweede kans nie. Ons almal verdien om op die “wye pad wat na die verderf lei” te bly. Maar God het ons in elk geval genoeg liefgehad om die pad na die ewige lewe te voorsien (Romeine 5:6–8). Hy weet egter ook dat daar in ons selfgesentreerde, sonde-versadigde wêreld nie baie is wat Hom genoeg sal begeer om op Sy voorwaardes na Hom te kom nie (Johannes 6:44, 65; Romeine 3:11; Jeremia 29:13). Satan het die snelweg na die hel gebaan met vleeslike versoekings, wêreldse aantrekkingskragte en morele kompromieë. Die meeste mense laat toe dat hul passies en begeertes die verloop van hul lewens bepaal. Hulle kies tydelike, aardse plesier bo die selfopoffering wat vereis word om Jesus te volg (Markus 8:34; Lukas 9:23; Matteus 10:37). Die nou poort word geïgnoreer. Die meeste mense verkies om hul eie godsdienste te skep en hul eie gode te ontwerp. Dit was dus met droefheid, nie met diskriminasie nie, dat Jesus verklaar het dat die pad na die ewige lewe “smal is, en net ‘n paar vind dit”.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:27
Prayer
Lord . Please keep all Parts of our Flesh away from Evil . Let us rather move towards the Spirit and away from any or all Evil . this we Pray in Jesus name . Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Wyk nie regs of links af nie; hou jou voet weg van die kwaad.
Spreuke 4:27
Gebed
Here. Hou asseblief alle dele van ons vlees weg van die kwaad. Laat ons liewer na die Gees beweeg en weg van enige of alle kwaad. Dit bid ons in Jesus se naam. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
Ephesians 4:26 says, “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” In understanding this command, it’s good to differentiate emotions from actions. We all feel emotion. At various times, we feel sadness, grief, frustration, excitement, happiness, and anger. Such feelings come naturally and are not sinful in and of themselves. It is how we act on those emotions that can be sinful. Emotion is internal and not directed against people. Action is external and can be directed positively or negatively toward others.
Here is the context of the verse: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:25–32).
This passage follows Paul’s teaching about the new nature that we embrace through the Holy Spirit by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:17–24). If we become angry for some reason—we experience the involuntary emotion or passion of anger—we are not to allow it to prompt sinful actions. And we do not stay angry. We do not dwell on it. We deal with it quickly, in constructive and God-honoring ways, so it does not grow stronger and produce bitterness in our lives. The biblical admonition is to deal with the anger on the same day as the provocation. Before we go to sleep that night, we should have taken positive steps to find a solution to the problem and alleviate the anger.
If we fail to deal with anger constructively and we engage in sinful expressions of anger, we give the devil some leverage against us (Ephesians 4:27). The same passage continues to say that we should strive to get rid of all anger and its companion sins: “Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred” (verse 31, GWT).
Instead of allowing the emotion of anger to turn into sinful actions, we should “be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (Ephesians 4:32, CEV). It’s all part of “the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (verse 24). One of the powers that the Holy Spirit has given to believers after their spiritual transformation through faith in Jesus Christ is self-control (see Galatians 5:22–23). We need to ask God to fill us with His Spirit when we become angry; self-control will be the supernatural result.
We all allow our anger to get the best of us at times. When we are wronged or feel unfairly disadvantaged, we naturally want to retaliate or “fix the problem” in the fastest way. But when our response involves “rage, anger, harsh words, and slander” (Ephesians 4:31, NLT), we have crossed a line. We have sinned in our anger and given the devil a foothold. Sometimes, long after we should have moved on, we harbor a desire to revisit the wound and hang on to the anger. This only leads to bitterness. We must yield to the Holy Spirit and trust in His power to overcome such sin.
Solomon in his wisdom had some practical things to say about how to handle anger:
“He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29, NKJV).
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
“A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict, but a man slow to anger calms strife” (Proverbs 15:18, CSB).
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32, ESV).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Efesiërs 4:26 sê: “‘Moenie sondig in julle toorn nie.’ Moenie toelaat dat die son ondergaan terwyl julle nog toornig is nie.” Om hierdie opdrag te verstaan, is dit goed om emosies van aksies te onderskei. Ons almal voel emosie. Op verskillende tye voel ons hartseer, droefheid, frustrasie, opgewondenheid, geluk en woede. Sulke gevoelens kom natuurlik en is nie op sigself sondig nie. Dit is hoe ons op daardie emosies reageer wat sondig kan wees. Emosie is intern en nie teen mense gerig nie. Aksie is ekstern en kan positief of negatief teenoor ander gerig word. Hier is die konteks van die vers: “Daarom moet elkeen van julle die leuen aflê en die waarheid met sy naaste spreek, want ons is almal lede van een liggaam. ‘Moenie sondig in julle toorn nie.’ Moenie toelaat dat die son ondergaan terwyl julle nog toornig is nie, en moenie die duiwel ‘n vatkans gee nie. As iemand steel, moet hy nie meer steel nie, maar moet hy werk deur iets nuttigs met sy eie hande te doen, sodat hy iets kan hê om mee te deel aan die wat gebrek ly. Moenie slegte dinge uit julle mond laat kom nie, maar net dit wat nuttig is vir die stigting van die ander volgens die behoeftes, sodat dit die luisteraars tot voordeel kan strek. En moenie die Heilige Gees van God bedroef nie, waarmee julle verseël is vir die dag van verlossing. Raak ontslae van alle bitterheid, woede, toorn, rusie en lastering, saam met elke vorm van kwaadwilligheid. Wees vriendelik en medelydend teenoor mekaar en vergeef mekaar soos God julle in Christus vergewe het” (Efesiërs 4:25–32).
Hierdie gedeelte volg Paulus se lering oor die nuwe natuur wat ons deur die Heilige Gees omhels deur geloof in Jesus Christus (Efesiërs 4:17–24). As ons om een of ander rede kwaad word – ons ervaar die onwillekeurige emosie of passie van woede – moet ons nie toelaat dat dit sondige dade aanmoedig nie. En ons bly nie kwaad nie. Ons tob nie daaroor nie. Ons hanteer dit vinnig, op konstruktiewe en God-vererende maniere, sodat dit nie sterker word en bitterheid in ons lewens veroorsaak nie. Die Bybelse vermaning is om die woede op dieselfde dag as die provokasie te hanteer. Voordat ons daardie aand gaan slaap, moet ons positiewe stappe geneem het om ‘n oplossing vir die probleem te vind en die woede te verlig.
As ons nie daarin slaag om woede konstruktief te hanteer nie en ons betrokke raak by sondige uitdrukkings van woede, gee ons die duiwel ‘n mate van hefboomwerking teen ons (Efesiërs 4:27). Dieselfde gedeelte sê verder dat ons moet streef om ontslae te raak van alle woede en sy gepaardgaande sondes: “Raak ontslae van julle bitterheid, julle ophitsende humeur, julle woede, julle harde rusies, julle vloekwoorde en julle haat” (vers 31, GWT).
In plaas daarvan om toe te laat dat die emosie van woede in sondige dade verander, moet ons “vriendelik en barmhartig wees en ander vergewe, net soos God julle vergewe het omrede Christus” (Efesiërs 4:32). Dit is alles deel van “die nuwe mens, geskape om soos God te wees in ware geregtigheid en heiligheid” (vers 24). Een van die kragte wat die Heilige Gees aan gelowiges gegee het na hul geestelike transformasie deur geloof in Jesus Christus, is selfbeheersing (sien Galasiërs 5:22–23). Ons moet God vra om ons met Sy Gees te vul wanneer ons kwaad word; selfbeheersing sal die bonatuurlike gevolg wees.
Ons almal laat toe dat ons woede soms die oorhand kry. Wanneer ons onreg aangedoen word of onregverdig benadeel voel, wil ons natuurlik wraak neem of “die probleem op die vinnigste manier oplos”. Maar wanneer ons reaksie “woede, woede, harde woorde en laster” insluit (Efesiërs 4:31), het ons ‘n lyn oorgesteek. Ons het in ons woede gesondig en die duiwel ‘n vastrapplek gegee. Soms, lank nadat ons moes aanbeweeg het, koester ons ‘n begeerte om die wond weer te besoek en aan die woede vas te klou. Dit lei net tot bitterheid. Ons moet ons aan die Heilige Gees oorgee en vertrou op Sy krag om sulke sonde te oorkom.
Salomo het in sy wysheid ‘n paar praktiese dinge te sê gehad oor hoe om woede te hanteer:
“Hy wat stadig is om toornig te word, is verstandig, maar hy wat impulsief is, verhef dwaasheid” (Spreuke 14:29).
“’n Sagte antwoord keer die woede af, maar ’n harde woord laat toorn opkom” (Spreuke 15:1).
“’n Opvlieënde man veroorsaak konflik, maar ’n man wat stadig is om toornig te word, laat rusie bedaar” (Spreuke 15:18).
“’n Man wat stadig is om toornig te word, is beter as ’n held, en hy wat sy gees beheers, as hy wat ’n stad inneem” (Spreuke 16:32).
Today’s Devotional
The wink of an eye is a facial gesture that communicates different meanings in different cultures. With a wink, someone can show affection, encourage a laugh, or share an inside joke or secret. In the Bible, a “winking eye” can indicate deceitfulness or dishonesty, as in Proverbs 10:10: “Whoever winks the eye causes trouble” (ESV). The winking eye is also a sign of craftiness, scheming, and malevolent conniving with other wicked companions. Still today, a person who winks a lot or can’t look someone directly in the eye strikes a chord of mistrust and suspicion.
In Proverbs 10:10, the noun translated as “trouble” in the original language comes from a verb which means “to hurt” or “to cause pain” and typically denotes grief, sorrow, and other forms of mental pain and heart-suffering. The one who winks causes trouble—irritation, anguish, and aggravation—because of his or her cunning and secrecy. A simple, straightforward paraphrase might be “If you conceal the truth from others, you will cause them to suffer.”
In Proverbs 6:12–13, the “winking eye” describes a deceitful person who stirs up trouble and strife by sending out malicious signals: “What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers” (NLT). The idea here, as in Proverbs 10:10, is that by winking the eye the wicked person signals his accomplices when to act or assist in implementing their secret, evil plan, which will be carried out through trickery and pretense. When put like this, it’s no wonder a winking eye means trouble.
“Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things,” says Proverbs 16:30 (ESV). The proverb warns the reader to be on the alert for anyone with a winking eye. Don’t trust such a person because he or she is likely plotting to dupe you. If you see this sinister, unspoken “eye language,” it means something terrible is about to happen, so prepare yourself for trouble.
Again, in Psalm 35:19, the term winking eye is used as a sign of insincerity and deceit: “Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause” (ESV). The New Living Translation conveys the meaning more clearly: “Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.” Here the expression wink the eye means “to gloat gleefully.” Today’s English Version translates the phrase as “smirk with delight,” while the New English Bible renders it as “leer at me in triumph.”
Everywhere “a winking eye” appears in the Bible, the gesture carries a negative implication of cunning, conniving deception. The same concept lies behind the English word hoodwinked. A con artist—one who is undoubtedly up to trouble—is a fitting example of the biblical description of one who “winks the eye.”
Vandag se Bemoediging
Die knipoog van ‘n oog is ‘n gesigsgebaar wat verskillende betekenisse in verskillende kulture kommunikeer. Met ‘n knipoog kan iemand liefde toon, ‘n lag aanmoedig, of ‘n interne grap of geheim deel. In die Bybel kan ‘n “knipoog” bedrog of oneerlikheid aandui, soos in Spreuke 10:10: “Wie die oog knip, veroorsaak moeilikheid” (ESV). Die knipoog is ook ‘n teken van slinksheid, skelmstreke en kwaadwillige gekonkel met ander goddelose metgeselle. Vandag nog steeds, slaan ‘n persoon wat baie knipoog of iemand nie direk in die oë kan kyk nie, ‘n snaar van wantroue en agterdog aan.
In Spreuke 10:10 kom die selfstandige naamwoord wat in die oorspronklike taal as “moeilikheid” vertaal word, van ‘n werkwoord wat beteken “om seer te maak” of “om pyn te veroorsaak” en dui tipies op hartseer, smart en ander vorme van geestespyn en hartseer. Die een wat knipoog, veroorsaak moeilikheid – irritasie, angs en ergernis – as gevolg van sy of haar slinksheid en geheimhouding. ’n Eenvoudige, reguit parafrase kan wees: “As jy die waarheid vir ander wegsteek, sal jy hulle laat ly.”
In Spreuke 6:12–13 beskryf die “knipoog” ’n bedrieglike persoon wat moeilikheid en twis veroorsaak deur kwaadwillige seine uit te stuur: “Hoe is waardelose en goddelose mense? Hulle is voortdurende leuenaars, wat hul bedrog met ’n knipoog van die oog, ’n stompie van die voet of die wikkel van vingers aandui” (NLT). Die idee hier, soos in Spreuke 10:10, is dat die goddelose persoon deur die oog te knip, sy medepligtiges sein wanneer om op te tree of te help met die implementering van hul geheime, bose plan, wat deur middel van bedrog en voorwendsel uitgevoer sal word. Wanneer dit so gestel word, is dit geen wonder dat ’n knipoog moeilikheid beteken nie.
“Wie sy oë knip, beplan oneerlike dinge,” sê Spreuke 16:30 (ESV). Die spreuk waarsku die leser om op die uitkyk te wees vir enigiemand met ’n knipoog. Moenie so ‘n persoon vertrou nie, want hy of sy beplan waarskynlik om jou te bedrieg. As jy hierdie onheilspellende, onuitgesproke “oogtaal” sien, beteken dit dat iets verskrikliks op die punt staan om te gebeur, so berei jouself voor vir moeilikheid.
Weereens, in Psalm 35:19, word die term “knipoog” gebruik as ‘n teken van onopregtheid en bedrog: “Laat dié wat onregverdig my vyande is, nie oor my bly wees nie, en laat dié wat my sonder oorsaak haat, nie die oog knip nie” (ESV). Die Nuwe Lewende Vertaling dra die betekenis duideliker oor: “Moenie toelaat dat my verraderlike vyande oor my nederlaag bly wees nie. Moenie toelaat dat dié wat my sonder oorsaak haat, oor my smart juig nie.” Hier beteken die uitdrukking “knipoog die oog” “om vrolik te juig.” Vandag se Engelse Vertaling vertaal die frase as “glimlag van vreugde”, terwyl die Nuwe Engelse Bybel dit weergee as “triomfantlik na my staar”.
Oral waar “‘n knipoog” in die Bybel verskyn, dra die gebaar ‘n negatiewe implikasie van slinkse, slinkse misleiding. Dieselfde konsep lê agter die Engelse woord hoodwinked. ’n Bedrieër – iemand wat ongetwyfeld moeilikheid in die gesig staar – is ’n gepaste voorbeeld van die Bybelse beskrywing van iemand wat “die oog knipoog”.
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.
Skatte In Die Hemel:
In ons onvolmaakte wêreld is verlies aan materiële rykdom al te algemeen – voertuie word gesteel of neergestort, geboue verkrummel, huise word oorstroom en persoonlike besittings word gesteel. Dit maak Jesus se vermaning om nie ons vertroue in aardse rykdom te stel nie, baie sinvol ( Matt 6:19 ).
Jesus het ‘n verhaal vertel van ‘n man wat oorvloedige skatte bymekaargemaak het en besluit het om alles vir homself op te slaan ( Lukas 12:16-21 ). Vat die lewe rustig, het die man vir homself gesê; eet, drink en wees vrolik ( v 19 ). Maar daardie nag het hy alles verloor, ook sy lewe. Ten slotte het Jesus gesê: So sal dit wees met elkeen wat vir homself goed opgaar maar nie ryk is by God nie (v 21).
Materiële rykdom is tydelik. Niks hou vir ewig nie – verwag wat ons God ons in staat stel om vir ander te doen. Gee van ons tyd en hulpbronne om die goeie nuus van Christus te versprei,
en om daar te wees vir die eensames en om ander aan te moedig, is maar net ‘n paar van die vele maniere om skatte in die hemel bymekaar te maak (Matt 6:20).
Ons ware rykdom is wat ons vir ewig belê.
Treasures in Heaven:
In our imperfect world, loss of material wealth is all too common—vehicles are stolen or crashed, buildings collapse, homes are flooded, and personal belongings are stolen. This makes Jesus’ admonition not to put our trust in earthly riches very meaningful ( Matt 6:19 ).
Jesus told a story about a man who had accumulated great treasures and decided to store them all up for himself ( Luke 12:16-21 ). Take it easy, the man said to himself; eat, drink, and be merry ( v 19 ). But that night he lost everything, including his life. Finally, Jesus said: So it will be with everyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God ( v 21 ).
Material wealth is temporary. Nothing lasts forever—expect what our God enables us to do for others. Giving of our time and resources to spread the good news of Christ, reaching out to the lonely, and encouraging others are just a few of the many ways to store up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:20).
Our true wealth is what we invest for eternity.
FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE OF JIMMY SWAGGART
Jimmy Swaggart Celebration of Life Service | A Legacy That Lives On
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TruLight TV = The Impact of Marriage in Society
Whether you’re married or not, what do you think biblical marriage should look like? We know it should stand out amongst societal marriage, but how? Knowing this answer can change the perception of our lives no matter what God’s perfect plans are for us. To answer these questions, watch this video and see the heartwarming comparison of how God loves His church. Today on the Josh & Ashley show, includes a guest appearance by Greg Sullivan. Enjoy today’s show and thanks for watching.
INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ARTISTS of THE PAST
MEET : The Late JD Sumner (November 19, 1924 – November 16, 1998)
John Daniel Sumner – was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice, and his innovation in the Christian and Gospel music fields. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. Aside from his incredibly low bass voice, Sumner’s business acumen helped promote Southern Gospel and move it into the mainstream of American culture and music during the 1950s and 1960s.
Career
Sunny South Quartet and Dixie Lily Harmoneers
J. D. Sumner first sang with the Sunny South Quartet from 1945 to 1948. The quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and was sponsored by the Dixie Lily Flour Company. In 1949, Sunny South manager Horace Floyd relocated the quartet to Orlando, but Sumner stayed behind in Tampa where he maintained the sponsorship and started a new group, the Dixie Lily Harmoneers, which he sang with for a few months.
Sunshine Boys
Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. They split their time between Atlanta and Wheeling, West Virginia, with the occasional trip to Hollywood to sing in Western movies. The lineup of Fred Daniel on tenor, Ed Wallace on lead, Ace Richman on baritone, and J. D. on bass continued on for five years until June 30, 1954.
Blackwood Brothers Quartet
On June 30, 1954, tragedy struck the Blackwood Brothers Quartet when a disastrous test run in their private plane cost the lives of baritone R. W. Blackwood and bass singer Bill Lyles.
J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone. J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. He also established the National Quartet Convention along with James Blackwood to showcase the various quartets in the industry and the convention became an annual festival and mainstay in the industry that continues to this day. It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley.Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee, as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. Presley was an avid fan of Southern Gospel music and groups such as the Blackwood Brothers and the Statesmen Quartet. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. Presley replied he had no money to get into the show, and Sumner said “Son you come find me when you want to get in, money or not.”Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the back stage door so he could attend. Years later, Presley would try out for the Songfellows Quartet, a group associated with the Blackwood Brothers, though did not receive an invitation to join. Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career.
The Stamps Quartet
In 1962, J. D. Sumner became the manager of the Stamps Quartet, and three years later, he left the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & the Stamps. As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner’s singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. Presley hired Sumner & the Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley’s death in 1977. Sumner not only sang at Elvis’ funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis’ mother Gladys in 1958. J. D. and the Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance.
Masters V
After the Stamps Quartet disbanded in 1980, Sumner with Hovie Lister, Jake Hess, Rosie Rozell, and James Blackwood formed the Masters V as a special consolidation of members of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Statesmen Quartet. The group was a showcase for Sumner’s voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. Sumner was credited not only for his singing, songwriting, and concert promotions, but was also noted for being the first to customize a coach bus for the entertainment business to use for music groups.
Later career with Stamps
After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. He was often seen in his latter years appearing as a guest artist on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos.After Sumner’s death, lead singer Ed Enoch, a member of the Stamps since 1969, took over the group and renamed it “Ed Enoch and the Golden Covenant.
Relationship with Elvis Presley
Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was singing with the Blackwood Brothers.Presley was 19 and had shown up at a concert but did not have the money to get in; Sumner found out about it and told Presley anytime he wanted to come in to find him and he would admit him at any place they were singing. The two formed a strong relationship.
In a 1990 interview with Geraldo Rivera, Sumner contradicted many myths regarding Presley’s substance abuse, namely that Presley was a heavy drinker and used illicit substances. “I knew Elvis from the time he was 14, and all I ever saw him drink was one glass of peach brandy. He (Presley) would fire you for using marijuana, he detested cocaine, and barely approved of me drinking.Sumner also stated that Elvis “had no idea that he was killing himself with his medications, he felt as long as he was doing what the Doctor was OK with, he was staying within the bounds.” Presley’s death hit Sumner hard and the Stamps sang at Presley’s funeral and Sumner credits Presley with saving his own life by intervening with his own alcohol use. “He (Elvis) helped saved my marriage, my health, my career, and ultimately, my life.
Range and awards
For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. As of 2011, he has been surpassed only by the following three vocalists: Dan Britton (1984), Tim Storms (2002 and once more in 2012), and Roger Menees (2011). Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997.
Death
On November 16, 1998, three days before his 74th birthday, Sumner was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, while on tour with the Stamps Quartet.
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
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Bible Prophecy in the News
Welcome To Spain, Where Pastors Face Jail For Offering Biblical Counselling
In a staggering act of spiritual betrayal and moral collapse, Spain’s lower house has voted 311–33 in favor of a bill that would criminalize pastors, counselors, and even parents who offer biblical help to individuals seeking freedom from homosexuality or gender confusion.
Europe’s Quiet War On Christians: The Violence No One Wants To Talk About
Across Europe, Christian believers are facing a surge of hatred that’s rarely covered in headlines, barely whispered about in press rooms, and all too often dismissed as random acts of vandalism or misunderstood outbursts. But make no mistake: anti-Christian violence is growing. And it is no longer just a string of isolated events-it’s a wave, and it’s intensifying.
Signs of the Times
Canadian Police Warn: Embracing Traditional Values Could Make You An Extremist
In yet another disturbing escalation of state‑sponsored madness, a spokeswoman for Canada’s national police force, the RCMP, has warned that a person who shifts from liberal to more traditional values could be showing signs of radicalization.
The Coming Pacific War? China, Taiwan, And The West Prepare For Conflict
The war for Taiwan hasn’t begun-but the world is already training for it. This week, dramatic footage emerged from China’s southeastern coast showing dozens of “tank boats” charging through the sea in a display of raw amphibious power. Meanwhile, the US, Australia and Japan have been practicing war games of their own.
Gog and Magog Update
A senior Houthi official confirmed that the Yemen-based terror group will continue attacking Israel even after the fighting in Gaza ends, pledging that it is fully committed to destroying the Jewish state.
Hebrew-language news site Ynet recently made contact with a Houthi official.
Despite a general policy not to engage with Israeli media, the unnamed Houthi leader spoke at length with the outlet.
“We want Israel wiped out and the Al-Aqsa Mosque purified,” the official told Ynet.
He urged Israelis to “leave” the country, which he described as a “Satanic project.”
The official stressed that the Houthis view the conflict with Israel as an “existential struggle,” adding that there was no amount of Yemeni casualties that would persuade the group to stop attacking the Jewish state.
The IDF has carried out numerous strikes against Houthi strongholds, but the terror group has continued to target strategic sites in Israel.
The official said that even if Israel “used a nuclear bomb” on Yemen, that would not deter the Houthis from attacking.
The Houthis “will continue to fully support the Palestinian resistance, politically, militarily and morally,” the official stated.
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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