Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
First Peter 5:8 reminds us to “be sober, be vigilant” (NKJV). The verse explains why Christians must live this way: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Although the devil cannot take away our salvation, he attempts to damage our faith and ministry. His schemes seek to shake our trust in God, affect our submission to Him, and destroy our testimony. It is important to remain sober and focus on the truth as God makes us “strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).
Our salvation is secure. John 6:39 tells us that Jesus will not lose a single person whom God has entrusted to Him. Although Satan cannot separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39), he actively attempts to affect the rest of our lives. The Greek word for “devour” means to “destroy” or to “swallow.” The devil wants to shake our faith and make us ineffective followers of Christ, which is why it is important to be sober and vigilant.
Peter’s command for us to be sober and vigilant echoes Jesus’ command to him in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” Jesus told the sleeping disciples just before His arrest (Mark 14:38). Satan desired to “sift” the disciples like wheat (Luke 22:31), prompting Jesus’ prayers on their behalf (verse 32) and the exhortation to watch and pray. Be sober. Be vigilant.
Being sober and being vigilant are closely connected. The call to be sober is found in multiple places (1 Corinthians 15:34; 2 Timothy 4:5; Titus 2:2, 6; 1 Peter 4:7) as is the call to be vigilant or alert (Mark 13:33; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 1:13). The term sober literally means “free from intoxicating influences.” To be sober means to not allow ourselves to be influenced by anything that leads us away from God’s truth and sound judgment. Sobriety is a state of being. To be vigilant means “to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.” Vigilance requires action. A vigilant person actively pays attention to what is vying for his attention and what affects his heart and mind. We must keep a clear mind as we vigilantly keep watch over our lives and the world around us.
Ephesians 6 also reminds us to be sober and to be vigilant, “for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10–18). We must live aware that we have an enemy—yet we do not need to live in fear of him. Rather, the armor of God helps us stay alert and stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Our faith in the truth of the gospel protects us, and knowing and applying God’s Word give us what we need to combat our enemy.
God’s truth makes us stand firm in our faith and helps us carry on with a clear mind. Instead of allowing our thinking to be clouded with lies, foolishness, feelings, and empty pleasures, we should be sober and vigilant, keeping our mind on what is true and eternal. We can choose to abstain from practices that would lead into sin. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable . . . excellent or praiseworthy.” These things edify and strengthen us.
We have a spiritual enemy, likened to a rampaging lion, who continually seeks our destruction, but we do not have to live in fear. Instead, we can be sober and vigilant. We can live godly lives and experience the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22; Romans 14:17). We do not need to be tossed to and fro by deceit (Ephesians 4:14) but can remain firm in the promise that He who is in us is greater than the one who seeks our demise (1 John 4:4).
I Petrus 5:8 herinner ons om “nugter en waaksaam te wees” (NKJV). Die vers verduidelik waarom Christene so moet leef: “Julle vyand, die duiwel, loop rond soos ‘n brullende leeu en soek iemand om te verslind.” Alhoewel die duiwel nie ons verlossing kan wegneem nie, probeer hy ons geloof en bediening beskadig. Sy planne poog om ons vertroue in God te skud, ons onderdanigheid aan Hom te beïnvloed en ons getuienis te vernietig. Dit is belangrik om nugter te bly en op die waarheid te fokus terwyl God ons “sterk, standvastig en standvastig” maak (1 Petrus 5:10).
Ons verlossing is verseker. Johannes 6:39 sê vir ons dat Jesus nie ‘n enkele persoon sal verloor wat God aan Hom toevertrou het nie. Alhoewel Satan ons nie van God se liefde kan skei nie (Romeine 8:38–39), probeer hy aktief om die res van ons lewens te beïnvloed. Die Griekse woord vir “verslind” beteken om te “vernietig” of om te “sluk”. Die duiwel wil ons geloof skud en ons ondoeltreffende volgelinge van Christus maak, en daarom is dit belangrik om nugter en waaksaam te wees.
Petrus se opdrag aan ons om nugter en waaksaam te wees, weerspieël Jesus se opdrag aan hom in die Tuin van Getsemane: “Waak en bid, sodat julle nie in versoeking kom nie. Die gees is gewillig, maar die vlees is swak,” het Jesus vir die slapende dissipels gesê net voor Sy arrestasie (Markus 14:38). Satan wou die dissipels soos koring “sif” (Lukas 22:31), wat Jesus se gebede namens hulle (vers 32) en die vermaning om te waak en te bid, aangespoor het. Wees nugter. Wees waaksaam.
Nugter wees en waaksaam wees is nou verwant. Die oproep om nugter te wees word op verskeie plekke gevind (1 Korintiërs 15:34; 2 Timoteus 4:5; Titus 2:2, 6; 1 Petrus 4:7), net soos die oproep om waaksaam of oplettend te wees (Markus 13:33; Efesiërs 6:18; 1 Petrus 1:13). Die term nugter beteken letterlik “vry van bedwelmende invloede”. Om nugter te wees beteken om nie toe te laat dat ons beïnvloed word deur enigiets wat ons weglei van God se waarheid en gesonde oordeel nie. Nugterheid is ‘n toestand van wese. Om waaksaam te wees beteken “om noukeurig op die uitkyk te wees vir moontlike gevaar of probleme.” Waaksaamheid vereis aksie. ‘n Waaksame persoon gee aktief aandag aan wat om sy aandag meeding en wat sy hart en verstand raak. Ons moet ‘n helder verstand behou terwyl ons waaksaam oor ons lewens en die wêreld rondom ons waak.
Efesiërs 6 herinner ons ook om nugter en waaksaam te wees, “want ons worstelstryd is nie teen vlees en bloed nie, maar teen die owerhede, teen die magte, teen die wêreldheersers van die duisternis van hierdie eeu en teen die bose geeste in die hemelruim” (Efesiërs 6:10–18). Ons moet bewus wees daarvan dat ons ‘n vyand het – maar ons hoef nie in vrees vir hom te lewe nie. Inteendeel, die wapenrusting van God help ons om waaksaam te bly en standvastig te bly teen die duiwel se planne. Ons geloof in die waarheid van die evangelie beskerm ons, en om God se Woord te ken en toe te pas gee ons wat ons nodig het om ons vyand te bestry.
God se waarheid laat ons standvastig staan in ons geloof en help ons om met ‘n helder verstand voort te gaan. In plaas daarvan om toe te laat dat ons denke vertroebel word met leuens, dwaasheid, gevoelens en leë plesiere, moet ons nugter en waaksaam wees, en ons gedagtes hou op wat waar en ewig is. Ons kan kies om ons te onthou van praktyke wat tot sonde kan lei. Filippense 4:8 sê vir ons om te fokus op “alles wat waar is, alles wat edel is, alles wat reg is, alles wat rein is, alles wat lieflik is, alles wat prysenswaardig is … uitnemend of lofwaardig is.” Hierdie dinge bou en versterk ons.
Ons het ‘n geestelike vyand, vergelyk met ‘n woedende leeu, wat voortdurend ons vernietiging soek, maar ons hoef nie in vrees te lewe nie. In plaas daarvan kan ons nugter en waaksaam wees. Ons kan godvrugtige lewens lei en die vreugde en vrede van die Heilige Gees ervaar (Galasiërs 5:22; Romeine 14:17). Ons hoef nie deur bedrog heen en weer geslinger te word nie (Efesiërs 4:14), maar kan vas bly in die belofte dat Hy wat in ons is, groter is as die een wat ons ondergang soek (1 Johannes 4:4).
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
—Matthew 1:20
Reassurance beyond understanding!
That’s the beginning of the Christ story for Joseph: like with Mary and the angel at the annunciation, God’s reassurance of things beyond human understanding was what Joseph received in this glorious visitation! What he could not understand and what he had no part in creating will now be the groundbreaking journey of his own faithful and generous heart. He was to be the human daddy to the Savior of the world and the Messiah of Israel. He would live the rest of his life knowing that a miracle happened with Mary without his input or involvement. As a righteous and kind man, he would bear the disgrace of the world’s misunderstanding about the conception of their child. His faith and God’s use of him in this story should awaken each of us to the incredible possibilities that God may have in store for us. Why not use this December to re-awaken your heart to the Holy One, born Jesus of Nazareth, and let’s ask God to bless us through Jesus with reassurance beyond our human understanding!
Prayer
Father, I have long admired Joseph for his trust in you — a trust that helped him deal with what he could not understand. Now I come, with wild-eyed Joseph-like excitement and bewilderment, to be reminded again of the miracle of your Son and my Savior. Please make him real to me as I seek to know him better and bless me with reassurance beyond my limited human understanding! In Jesus’ name and because of his miraculous conception and incarnation, I pray this. Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Maar nadat hy dit oorweeg het, het ‘n engel van die Here in ‘n droom aan hom verskyn en gesê: “Josef, seun van Dawid, moenie bang wees om Maria as jou vrou huis toe te neem nie, want wat in haar verwek is, is van die Heilige Gees.”
—Matteus 1:20
Geruststelling bo alle verstand!
Dit is die begin van die Christusverhaal vir Josef: soos met Maria en die engel by die aankondiging, was God se gerusstelling van dinge bo menslike verstand wat Josef in hierdie glorieryke besoek ontvang het! Wat hy nie kon verstaan nie en wat hy geen deel aan die skep gehad het nie, sal nou die baanbrekende reis van sy eie getroue en vrygewige hart wees. Hy sou die menslike vader wees vir die Verlosser van die wêreld en die Messias van Israel. Hy sou die res van sy lewe leef met die wete dat ‘n wonderwerk met Maria gebeur het sonder sy insette of betrokkenheid. As ‘n regverdige en vriendelike man sou hy die skande van die wêreld se misverstand oor die verwekking van hul kind dra. Sy geloof en God se gebruik van hom in hierdie verhaal behoort elkeen van ons wakker te maak vir die ongelooflike moontlikhede wat God vir ons in die vooruitsig mag hê. Waarom nie hierdie Desember gebruik om… Maak jou hart weer wakker vir die Heilige Een, gebore Jesus van Nasaret, en laat ons God vra om ons deur Jesus te seën met gerusstelling bo ons menslike begrip!
Gebed
Vader, ek het Josef lank bewonder vir sy vertroue in U – ‘n vertroue wat hom gehelp het om te hanteer wat hy nie kon verstaan nie. Nou kom ek, met ‘n wilde Josef-agtige opgewondenheid en verwarring, om weer herinner te word aan die wonderwerk van u Seun en my Verlosser. Maak hom asseblief werklik vir my terwyl ek daarna streef om Hom beter te ken en seën my met gerusstelling bo my beperkte menslike begrip! In Jesus se naam en vanweë sy wonderbaarlike bevrugting en inkarnasie, bid ek dit. Amen en Amen
Bible Teaching of the Day
Some Christians fear the devil, while others ignore him or underestimate his power. In 1 Peter 5:8–11, the apostle Peter urges believers to know their enemy and understand what he is like. As Christians, we are engaged in a life-and-death spiritual battle, and it is crucial not to misjudge Satan’s power or be ignorant of his schemes. Peter writes, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” (verses 8–9, NLT).
Lions are a recurring symbol in the Bible, often representing strength and courage. However, in 1 Peter 5:8, the devil is likened to a lion, a stark contrast to the noble image usually conveyed by that animal. This comparison serves as a warning, revealing critical aspects of the devil’s nature as he roars and prowls, seeking to destroy.
The devil is like a lion in that he is dangerous. First-century believers familiar with the bloody spectacle of death in the Roman colosseums would understand the deadly threat of lions. They would also be aware of the many depictions in Psalms of enemies crouching in cover and lying in wait to “tear me apart like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me” (Psalm 7:2; see also Psalm 10:9–10; 17:12; 22:13–21; 35:17; 58:6).
Believers must recognize and respect that the devil is a dangerous and formidable adversary. He is sly as a serpent (Genesis 3:1–5), slithering up and deceiving us when we least expect it (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; 20:2–3). He is a destroyer (Revelation 9:11) and accuser (Job 1:8–11; Zechariah 3:1–2; Revelation 12:10). He is cunning (2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; Ephesians 6:11), intelligent, and powerful (1 John 5:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10; Revelation 13:13–14).
The devil is like a lion in that he prowls this world. Ephesians 2:2 describes him as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Jesus calls him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; see also John 14:30; 16:11). The devil lives on this earth and roams around from place to place. In this fallen world, believers reside in enemy-occupied territory. We must be vigilant, knowing an attack could occur at any moment.
For this reason, Peter says, “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9, NLT). God has not left us defenseless. He has given us spiritual armor—the whole armor of God—to wear as believers. This armor is God’s powerful protection, shielding us against the devil’s schemes and enabling us to stand our ground when the devil comes at us like a lion (see Ephesians 6:10–24). We can take up the shield of faith and trust in God in all circumstances to extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). We don’t have to be afraid of the devil when we are wearing God’s armor. Instead, we do as James says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
The devil is like a lion in that he roars. His roar is mighty and far-reaching. With it, he seeks to claim his territory, boast of his power, and terrify his prey. But Scripture reveals that the devil is a great pretender (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:13–15). The child of God knows the Word of Truth (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) and has the Spirit of Truth inside (John 14:17; 16:13; 1 John 4:6). God’s child cannot be harmed by Satan’s roar (Romans 8:37; 1 John 2:13–14). Jesus came to destroy the devil’s power (1 John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14–15). As believers in Jesus, God is on our side, and no enemy can prevail against us (Romans 8:31–33).
The devil is still actively roaming and roaring throughout this earth like a lion. He is powerful and ferocious. But those who put their faith in Jesus Christ have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13, NLT). Jesus gave His life to free us from Satan’s dominion (Titus 2:14). Christ disarmed the devil through His victory on the cross (Colossians 2:15). In the end, God will crush the devil under our feet (Romans 16:20).
Until then, we stand firm against the devil in the victorious name of Jesus, just as young David stood against the giant Goliath in the name of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45–50). We resist the devil with the Word of God in the same way Jesus did (Matthew 4:1–11), and we stay alert by persisting in prayer (Ephesians 6:17–18).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Sommige Christene vrees die duiwel, terwyl ander hom ignoreer of sy mag onderskat. In 1 Petrus 5:8–11 spoor die apostel Petrus gelowiges aan om hul vyand te ken en te verstaan hoe hy is. As Christene is ons betrokke in ‘n lewensgevaarlike geestelike stryd, en dit is van kardinale belang om nie Satan se mag verkeerd te beoordeel of onkundig te wees oor sy planne nie. Petrus skryf: “Wees waaksaam! Pasop vir julle groot vyand, die duiwel! Hy loop rond soos ‘n brullende leeu en soek wie hy kan verslind. Wees standvastig teen hom en wees sterk in julle geloof! Onthou dat julle familie van gelowiges oor die hele wêreld deur dieselfde soort lyding gaan as julle” (verse 8–9, NLT).
Leeus is ‘n herhalende simbool in die Bybel, wat dikwels krag en moed verteenwoordig. In 1 Petrus 5:8 word die duiwel egter met ‘n leeu vergelyk, ‘n skrille kontras met die edele beeld wat gewoonlik deur daardie dier oorgedra word. Hierdie vergelyking dien as ‘n waarskuwing en openbaar kritieke aspekte van die duiwel se natuur terwyl hy brul en rondloop en probeer vernietig.
Die duiwel is soos ‘n leeu in die sin dat hy gevaarlik is. Eerste-eeuse gelowiges wat vertroud is met die bloedige skouspel van die dood in die Romeinse kolosseums, sou die dodelike bedreiging van leeus verstaan. Hulle sou ook bewus wees van die vele uitbeeldings in Psalms van vyande wat in skuiling hurk en wag om “my soos ‘n leeu te verskeur en my aan stukke te skeur sonder dat iemand my red” (Psalm 7:2; sien ook Psalm 10:9–10; 17:12; 22:13–21; 35:17; 58:6).
Gelowiges moet erken en respekteer dat die duiwel ‘n gevaarlike en gedugte teenstander is. Hy is slinks soos ‘n slang (Genesis 3:1–5), wat opkruip en ons mislei wanneer ons dit die minste verwag (2 Korintiërs 11:3; Openbaring 12:9; 20:2–3). Hy is ‘n vernietiger (Openbaring 9:11) en aanklaer (Job 1:8–11; Sagaria 3:1–2; Openbaring 12:10). Hy is listig (2 Korintiërs 4:4; 11:14; Efesiërs 6:11), intelligent en magtig (1 Johannes 5:19; 2 Tessalonisense 2:9–10; Openbaring 13:13–14).
Die duiwel is soos ‘n leeu in die sin dat hy in hierdie wêreld rondloop. Efesiërs 2:2 beskryf hom as “die owerste van die mag van die lug, die gees wat nou aan die werk is in die kinders van die ongehoorsaamheid.” Jesus noem hom “die owerste van hierdie wêreld” (Johannes 12:31; sien ook Johannes 14:30; 16:11). Die duiwel woon op hierdie aarde en dwaal rond van plek tot plek. In hierdie gevalle wêreld woon gelowiges in vyand-besette gebied. Ons moet waaksaam wees, wetende dat ‘n aanval enige oomblik kan plaasvind.
Om hierdie rede sê Petrus: “Staan standvastig teen hom en wees sterk in julle geloof” (1 Petrus 5:9). God het ons nie weerloos gelaat nie. Hy het ons geestelike wapenrusting gegee – die volle wapenrusting van God – om as gelowiges te dra. Hierdie wapenrusting is God se kragtige beskerming, wat ons teen die duiwel se planne beskerm en ons in staat stel om ons standpunt te handhaaf wanneer die duiwel soos ‘n leeu na ons toe kom (sien Efesiërs 6:10–24). Ons kan die skild van die geloof opneem en in alle omstandighede op God vertrou om die vurige pyle van die bose te blus (Efesiërs 6:16). Ons hoef nie vir die duiwel bang te wees wanneer ons God se wapenrusting dra nie. In plaas daarvan doen ons soos Jakobus sê: “Onderwerp julle dan aan God. Weerstaan die duiwel, en hy sal van julle wegvlug” (Jakobus 4:7).
Die duiwel is soos ‘n leeu in die sin dat hy brul. Sy gebrul is magtig en verreikend. Daarmee probeer hy sy gebied opeis, spog met sy mag en sy prooi verskrik. Maar die Skrif openbaar dat die duiwel ‘n groot voorwendsel is (Johannes 8:44; 2 Korintiërs 11:13–15). Die kind van God ken die Woord van die Waarheid (Efesiërs 1:13; 2 Timoteus 2:15) en het die Gees van die Waarheid binne (Johannes 14:17; 16:13; 1 Johannes 4:6). God se kind kan nie deur Satan se gebrul skade berokken word nie (Romeine 8:37; 1 Johannes 2:13–14). Jesus het gekom om die duiwel se mag te vernietig (1 Johannes 3:8; Hebreërs 2:14–15). As gelowiges in Jesus is God aan ons kant, en geen vyand kan teen ons seëvier nie (Romeine 8:31–33).
Die duiwel dwaal steeds aktief rond en brul deur hierdie aarde soos ‘n leeu. Hy is magtig en wreed. Maar diegene wat hul geloof in Jesus Christus stel, is gered uit die koninkryk van die duisternis en oorgeplaas na God se koninkryk (Kolossense 1:13). Jesus het Sy lewe gegee om ons van Satan se heerskappy te bevry (Titus 2:14). Christus het die duiwel ontwapen deur Sy oorwinning aan die kruis (Kolossense 2:15). Uiteindelik sal God die duiwel onder ons voete verpletter (Romeine 16:20).
Tot dan staan ons vas teen die duiwel in die oorwinnende naam van Jesus, net soos die jong Dawid teen die reus Goliat in die naam van die Here gestaan het (1 Samuel 17:45–50). Ons weerstaan die duiwel met die Woord van God op dieselfde manier as wat Jesus gedoen het (Matteus 4:1–11), en ons bly waaksaam deur vol te hou in gebed (Efesiërs 6:17–18).
Today’s Devotional
First Peter 5:7, speaking to the humble child of God, relates a wonderful truth: “Casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you” (CSB). This completes a thought begun in the previous verses: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5–6). We are commanded to humble ourselves in light of who God is. He is God, and we are not. And we trust that God will take care of us. Part of humbling ourselves includes “casting all your cares upon Him.”
Humans often overestimate their ability and underestimate their inability. Yet the humble recognize that they are not God. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and able to handle all our cares. As a humble person, you can cast all your cares on Him because you know He cares for you. To “cast” literally means to “throw.” It is from the same Greek word used to describe how the people threw their coats on the colt before Jesus rode it into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Luke 19:35). We should not hold onto our cares. Instead, we should throw them to our Father God who cares for us. He has big shoulders; He can handle our burdens.
Cares refers to worries, difficulties and needs of this world, and anxieties. The NLT says to “give all your worries and cares to God,” and the NIV says to “cast all your anxiety on him.” Everything that worries us or weighs us down is to be given to the God who cares so deeply for us. These verses do not promise that God will remove the source of our anxiety—although He certainly can and often has (see Isaiah 37:36 and Mark 4:39). Instead, the assurance is in knowing that He cares for us, which is why we can cast our cares on Him. God is trustworthy to handle our cares in the best way. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We trust that God is able and willing to deal with our cares.
Jesus also invited people to cast their cares on Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30). Jesus calls us to come to Him and cast our cares or burdens on Him. When we do, the promise is that we will find rest for our souls. The assurance is based on who He is. We can come to Him with any of our concerns in prayer, and, while the burden may still exist, our souls will find rest as we trust in Him to help us carry it and to sustain us through the trial.
Peter’s exhortation to humble ourselves and to cast all our cares on the Lord is a command, not a suggestion. We are commanded to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves (Proverbs 3:5) and to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). God does not want us to be weighed down by the difficulties and worries of this life. Instead, He cares for us and promises rest for all who come to Him. If you trust that God is in control and able to handle your concerns, cast all your cares on Him, regularly giving Him your concerns in prayer and living in the rest He gives.
Vandag se Bemoediging
I Petrus 5:7, waar dit met die nederige kind van God praat, vertel ‘n wonderlike waarheid: “Werp al julle sorge op Hom, want Hy sorg vir julle” (CSB). Dit voltooi ‘n gedagte wat in die vorige verse begin is: “Beklee julle almal met nederigheid teenoor mekaar, want God weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar aan die nederiges betoon Hy guns. Verneder julle dan onder die kragtige hand van God, sodat Hy julle op die regte tyd kan verhoog” (1 Petrus 5:5–6). Ons word beveel om onsself te verneder in die lig van wie God is. Hy is God, en ons is nie. En ons vertrou dat God vir ons sal sorg. Deel van onsself verneder sluit in om “al julle sorge op Hom te werp”.
Mense oorskat dikwels hul vermoë en onderskat hul onvermoë. Tog erken die nederiges dat hulle nie God is nie. God is almagtig, alwetend en in staat om al ons sorge te hanteer. As ‘n nederige persoon kan jy al jou sorge op Hom werp, want jy weet Hy sorg vir jou. Om te “werp” beteken letterlik om te “gooi”. Dit kom van dieselfde Griekse woord wat gebruik word om te beskryf hoe die mense hulle mantels op die vul gegooi het voordat Jesus dit op Palmsondag in Jerusalem ingery het (Lukas 19:35). Ons moenie aan ons sorge vashou nie. In plaas daarvan moet ons dit aan ons Vader God werp wat vir ons sorg. Hy het groot skouers; Hy kan ons laste hanteer.
Sorge verwys na bekommernisse, probleme en behoeftes van hierdie wêreld, en angs. Die NLT sê om “al julle bekommernisse en sorge aan God te gee,” en die NIV sê om “al julle bekommernisse op Hom te werp.” Alles wat ons bekommer of ons aftakel, moet aan die God gegee word wat so diep vir ons omgee. Hierdie verse belowe nie dat God die bron van ons angs sal verwyder nie – alhoewel Hy dit beslis kan en dikwels gedoen het (sien Jesaja 37:36 en Markus 4:39). In plaas daarvan is die versekering in die wete dat Hy vir ons omgee, en daarom kan ons ons sorge op Hom werp. God is betroubaar om ons sorge op die beste manier te hanteer. Romeine 8:28 sê vir ons dat God alles ten goede laat meewerk vir diegene wat Hom liefhet en volgens Sy voorneme geroep is. Ons vertrou dat God in staat en gewillig is om ons sorge te hanteer.
Jesus het mense ook genooi om hulle sorge op Hom te werp: “Kom na My toe, almal wat vermoeid en belas is, en Ek sal julle rus gee. Neem my juk op julle en leer van My, want Ek is sagmoedig en nederig van hart, en julle sal rus vind vir julle siele. Want my juk is sag en my las is lig.” (Matteus 11:28–30). Jesus roep ons om na Hom te kom en ons sorge of laste op Hom te werp. Wanneer ons dit doen, is die belofte dat ons rus vir ons siele sal vind. Die versekering is gebaseer op wie Hy is. Ons kan met enige van ons bekommernisse in gebed na Hom kom, en terwyl die las nog mag bestaan, sal ons siele rus vind as ons op Hom vertrou om ons te help om dit te dra en ons deur die beproewing te onderhou.
Petrus se vermaning om onsself te verootmoedig en al ons sorge op die Here te werp, is ‘n bevel, nie ‘n voorstel nie. Ons word beveel om op die Here te vertrou en nie op onsself nie (Spreuke 3:5) en om oor niks bekommerd te wees nie (Filippense 4:6). God wil nie hê dat ons deur die moeilikhede en bekommernisse van hierdie lewe belas word nie. In plaas daarvan sorg Hy vir ons en belowe Hy rus vir almal wat na Hom toe kom. As jy vertrou dat God in beheer is en in staat is om jou bekommernisse te hanteer, werp al jou bekommernisse op Hom, gee Hom gereeld jou bekommernisse in gebed en leef in die rus wat Hy gee.
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.
Nadenke Oor Reën:
Toe erge reën genadeloos geval het, het ek nogal gedink aan die plante in potte. Ek wou hulle graag onder n afdak gebring het om dit teen die geweld van die reën te beskerm. Teen die tyd dat die reën opgehou het, het hulle gehang as gevolg van die gewig van die reën. Hulle het swak gelyk. Maar binne n paar uur het die plante weer gelig en die volgende dag het hulle sterk en regop gestaan.
Wat n transformasie. Nadat die reën op hulle neergestort het, het die druppels van die blare afgeval en is die water opgeneem om later deur die stingels na bo gevoer te word, sodat die plante weer regop kon staan.
Omdat ek van sonskyn hou, word ek vies as die reën plante omverwerp en ek nie buite kan werkskaf nie. Somtyds dink ek negatief oor reën, maar ek weet dis verkeerd. Enigeen wat al ware droogte beleef het, weet hoe kosbaar reën is en dat dit waarlik n seën van die Here is. Dit voed die aarde tot voordeel van die regverdige en die onregverdige ( Matt 5:45 ).
Selfs wanneer die storms van die lewe ons so hard en genadeloos slaan dat ons byna ten gronde gaan, is die reën nie ons vyand nie. Ons liefdevolle Vader het dit toegelaat om ons sterker te maak. Hy gebruik die water wat op ons neerstort, om ons van binne sterker te maak sodat ons, soos die plante regop en sterk kan staan.
Die storms wat dreig om ons te oorweldig, sal God gebruik om ons te versterk.
Reflections on Rain:
When heavy rains fell mercilessly, I kept thinking about the potted plants. I wanted to bring them under a canopy to protect them from the violence of the rain. By the time the rain stopped, they were sagging due to the weight of the rain. They looked weak. But within a few hours the plants lifted again and the next day they were strong and upright.
What a transformation. After the rain fell on them, the drops fell off the leaves and the water was absorbed to later be carried up the stems, so that the plants could stand upright again.
Because I love sunshine, I get annoyed when the rain knocks down plants and I can’t get outside to work. Sometimes I think negatively about rain, but I know that’s wrong. Anyone who has experienced a real drought knows how precious rain is and that it is truly a blessing from the Lord. It nourishes the earth for the benefit of the just and the unjust ( Matt 5:45 ).
Even when the storms of life beat us so hard and mercilessly that we almost perish, the rain is not our enemy. Our loving Father has allowed it to make us stronger. He uses the water that falls on us to make us stronger from within so that we, like the plants, can stand tall and strong.
The storms that threaten to overwhelm us, God will use to strengthen us.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – ARE YOU A PEOPLE-PLEASER OR A GOD-FOLLOWER? DISCOVER THE TRUTH!
We can be people-pleasers or God-followers. There’s so much pressure to fit into the crowd, but blending in can lead us away from God’s best for us. He calls us to stand out with goodness so that in the long run we are blessed and secure. In today’s lesson from Dr. Charles Stanley, There are three questions that haunt the minds of people everywhere. Sadly, even many people who are in church each week wrestle with knowing who the one true God is, what He is like, and understanding how to have an intimate relationship with Him.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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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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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!
Doctrine of Demons – Teaching for the Christian , Discerning the spirits
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