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
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
—1 Thessalonians 3:12
“I’m not sure I can love that person any longer! My supply of love feels used up, my capacity for compassion seems to be exhausted!”
Yes, there are times when we feel as if others have exhausted our ability to love, either because their need is so great or because they are unwilling to love us in return. How can we continue to love them? We need a community of love, the fellowship of other believers who will support and love us during our times of spiritual depletion. We need brothers and sisters in Christ who will pray for God to increase our capacity to love and forgive. We need to trust that in response to all of our prayers, God will pour more love into our hearts through his ever-flowing stream of grace, the Holy Spirit bubbling up within us (Romans 5:5; John 7:37-39). When our ability to love feels low, we must not withdraw from people or give up on having relationships. Instead, we need to draw near to God and his people, asking for our Father’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us love and bless people in their time of need as we seek to be JESUS shaped people in our broken world.
Prayer
Dear Father, please graciously pour your love into our hearts and into the hearts of those in our family and church family. We need your help to love those around us more completely and sacrificially. We ask that the Holy Spirit fill us with grace so we can more perfectly live out our Lord’s teaching, demonstrated in his life and through his death. O Father, help us display our Savior’s love to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and Amen.
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Mag die Here julle liefde vir mekaar en vir almal anders laat toeneem en oorloop, net soos ons s'n vir julle doen.
—1 Tessalonisense 3:12
"Ek is nie seker of ek daardie persoon nog meer kan liefhê nie! My voorraad liefde voel uitgeput, my vermoë tot medelye lyk uitgeput!"
Ja, daar is tye wanneer ons voel asof ander ons vermoë om lief te hê uitgeput het, óf omdat hulle nood so groot is óf omdat hulle nie bereid is om ons terug te lief te hê nie. Hoe kan ons aanhou om hulle lief te hê? Ons het 'n gemeenskap van liefde nodig, die gemeenskap van ander gelowiges wat ons sal ondersteun en liefhê gedurende ons tye van geestelike uitputting. Ons het broers en susters in Christus nodig wat sal bid dat God ons vermoë om lief te hê en te vergewe, sal vergroot. Ons moet vertrou dat God in reaksie op al ons gebede meer liefde in ons harte sal stort deur sy ewige stroom van genade, die Heilige Gees wat in ons opborrel (Romeine 5:5; Johannes 7:37-39). Wanneer ons vermoë om lief te hê laag voel, moet ons ons nie van mense onttrek of moed opgee om verhoudings te hê nie. In plaas daarvan moet ons nader aan God en sy mense kom en vra vir ons Vader se genade en die krag van die Heilige Gees om ons te help om mense lief te hê en te seën in hul tyd van nood terwyl ons daarna streef om JESUS-gevormde mense in ons gebroke wêreld te wees.
Gebed
Liewe Vader, stort asseblief genadiglik u liefde in ons harte en in die harte van diegene in ons familie en kerkfamilie. Ons het u hulp nodig om diegene rondom ons meer volledig en opofferend lief te hê. Ons vra dat die Heilige Gees ons met genade vul sodat ons ons Here se leer, wat in sy lewe en deur sy dood gedemonstreer is, meer perfek kan uitleef. O Vader, help ons om ons Verlosser se liefde aan ander te toon. In Jesus se Naam, bid ons. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
TOO FOCUSED ON CHRIST
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., is attributed with the quote “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” The same sentiment found its way into a song by Johnny Cash: “You’re shinin’ your light yes and shine it you should / You’re so heavenly minded and you’re no earthly good” (“No Earthly Good,” from The Rambler, 1977). The criticism that some Christians are “so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good” is a catchy turn of phrase, but is it warranted?
The accusation that some Christians are too heavenly focused and therefore not paying enough attention to earthly matters is based on a false premise, namely, that love of God makes one less capable or less concerned with the practical affairs of the world. Being “heavenly minded” does not result in isolating oneself from the world, ignoring contemporary issues, or declining to be involved. Just the opposite: being heavenly minded results in attempting to please God, who has given us work to do in this world.
Committed, heavenly minded Christians have always tackled the social, environmental, and political problems of the day. Some of the most impactful people in history have been Christians whose faith moved them to action. As C. S. Lewis states in Mere Christianity, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next” (HarperCollins, 2001, p. 134).
Devoted Christians such as John Newton and William Wilberforce worked tirelessly to abolish the slave trade in England. Christians such as missionary Amy Carmichael, philanthropist George Müeller, and journalist Robert Raikes rescued children in peril, founded orphanages, and established schools. History is full of Christians who positively impacted the world. Their motivation was not simply the need for social reform; rather, they were compelled to do what they did by their strong faith in Jesus and their heavenly focus. It is the very fact that Christians are “heavenly minded” that causes them to help others while spreading the life-changing truth of the gospel.
The Bible insists that Christians be focused on heavenly things: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). When Christians have their eyes set on Christ, they gain an eternal perspective, and they are of great “earthly good” as their faith impacts their lives and the lives of others (Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 12:1–3).
Scripture teaches that good deeds naturally follow when a person places faith in Jesus Christ (James 2:18). Christians serve the Lord and positively impact the world because of their hope of eternity with Him (1 Corinthians 15:58). True religion involves helping orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27), doing to others as we would have them do to us (Luke 6:31), giving to those in need (Proverbs 19:17; Acts 20:35), dealing honestly in business (Leviticus 19:11), treating animals humanely (Proverbs 12:10), and proclaiming freedom to those who are enslaved by sin (Ephesians 1:7). A truly heavenly minded Christian is one who lives out his or her faith in service to the Savior and who wants to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
It is the earthly minded who accomplish nothing of eternal value. People who are earthly minded are of the world and seek after its desires, which are not from God (1 John 2:15). Being earthly minded is short-sighted: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). Those who are focused on serving Christ and bringing Him glory will make a lasting impact on earth and for eternity (see Matthew 6:19–21).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
TE GEFOKUS OP CHRISTUS
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., word toegeskryf aan die aanhaling “Sommige mense is so hemelsgesind dat hulle van geen aardse goed is nie.” Dieselfde sentiment het sy weg gevind na ‘n liedjie deur Johnny Cash: “You’re shinin’ your light yes and shine it you should / You’re so heavenly minded and you’re no earthly good” (“No Earthly Good,” uit The Rambler, 1977). Die kritiek dat sommige Christene “so hemelsgesind is dat hulle van geen aardse goed is” is ‘n pakkende wending, maar is dit geregverdig?
Die beskuldiging dat sommige Christene te hemelsgesind is en dus nie genoeg aandag aan aardse sake gee nie, is gebaseer op ‘n valse uitgangspunt, naamlik dat liefde vir God ‘n mens minder bekwaam of minder besorg maak oor die praktiese sake van die wêreld. Om “hemelsgesind” te wees, lei nie daartoe dat jy jouself van die wêreld isoleer, kontemporêre kwessies ignoreer of weier om betrokke te wees nie. Net die teenoorgestelde: om hemelsgesind te wees, lei daartoe dat jy probeer om God te behaag, wat ons werk gegee het om in hierdie wêreld te doen.
Toegewyde, hemelsgesinde Christene het nog altyd die sosiale, omgewings- en politieke probleme van die dag aangepak. Van die mees impakvolle mense in die geskiedenis was Christene wie se geloof hulle tot aksie beweeg het. Soos C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity stel: “As jy geskiedenis lees, sal jy vind dat die Christene wat die meeste vir die huidige wêreld gedoen het, net diegene was wat die meeste aan die volgende gedink het” (HarperCollins, 2001, bl. 134).
Toegewyde Christene soos John Newton en William Wilberforce het onvermoeid gewerk om die slawehandel in Engeland af te skaf. Christene soos die sendeling Amy Carmichael, die filantroop George Müeller en die joernalis Robert Raikes het kinders in gevaar gered, weeshuise gestig en skole gevestig. Die geskiedenis is vol Christene wat die wêreld positief beïnvloed het. Hul motivering was nie bloot die behoefte aan sosiale hervorming nie; eerder was hulle gedwing om te doen wat hulle gedoen het deur hul sterk geloof in Jesus en hul hemelse fokus. Dit is die feit dat Christene “hemelsgesind” is wat hulle veroorsaak om ander te help terwyl hulle die lewensveranderende waarheid van die evangelie versprei.
Die Bybel dring daarop aan dat Christene op hemelse dinge gefokus moet wees: “Ons oë is dus nie op die sigbare dinge gerig nie, maar op die onsigbare; want die sigbare dinge is tydelik, maar die onsigbare ewig” (2 Korintiërs 4:18). Wanneer Christene hulle oë op Christus gerig het, kry hulle ‘n ewige perspektief, en hulle is van groot “aardse goedheid” aangesien hulle geloof hulle lewens en die lewens van ander beïnvloed (Kolossense 3:2; Hebreërs 12:1–3).
Die Skrif leer dat goeie dade natuurlik volg wanneer ‘n persoon geloof in Jesus Christus plaas (Jakobus 2:18). Christene dien die Here en het ‘n positiewe impak op die wêreld vanweë hulle hoop op die ewigheid saam met Hom (1 Korintiërs 15:58). Ware godsdiens behels om weeskinders en weduwees in hul nood te help (Jakobus 1:27), aan ander te doen soos ons wil hê hulle aan ons moet doen (Lukas 6:31), aan diegene in nood te gee (Spreuke 19:17; Handelinge 20:35), eerlik in sake te handel (Levitikus 19:11), diere menslik te behandel (Spreuke 12:10), en vryheid te verkondig aan diegene wat deur sonde verslaaf is (Efesiërs 1:7). ‘n Ware hemelsgesinde Christen is iemand wat sy of haar geloof uitleef in diens van die Verlosser en wat regverdig wil optree, barmhartigheid wil liefhê en nederig met God wil wandel (Miga 6:8).
Dit is die aardsgesindes wat niks van ewige waarde bereik nie. Mense wat aardsgesind is, is van die wêreld en soek na sy begeertes, wat nie van God is nie (1 Johannes 2:15). Om aardsgesind te wees, is kortsigtig: “Die wêreld en sy begeertes gaan verby, maar wie die wil van God doen, leef vir ewig” (1 Johannes 2:17). Diegene wat daarop gefokus is om Christus te dien en Hom heerlikheid te bring, sal ‘n blywende impak op die aarde en vir ewig maak (sien Matteus 6:19–21).
Today’s Devotional
Living with eternity in mind is the wisest way to live. An eternal perspective keeps us from chasing empty dreams and material gratification. It keeps us from wasting our years pursuing temporal things that we can’t take with us when we die. We gain an eternal perspective when we think of our lives as a 1000-foot rope with a black tip on one end: the rope symbolizes our existence; the black tip is our life on earth. We tend to focus all our passion and energy on the black tip while giving little thought to the rest of the rope.
There are several ways to develop and maintain an eternal perspective on life:
- Make certain you have been born again (John 3:3). Eternity awaits all of us, but the only way to ensure that we spend eternity in heaven with God is to be born again. That new birth results in a renewed spirit and a new desire to please God. When we accept by faith the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf, the Holy Spirit moves into our spirits and births us into God’s forever family (Romans 8:15–17). It’s at that point that we begin to gain an eternal perspective.
- Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31; Ephesians 5:18). We receive the Holy Spirit as a gift the moment we are saved (Acts 2:38), and He continues to work in our lives. However, the degree to which we submit ourselves to His transforming work is the degree to which we can live with an eternal perspective. When we are “filled” with the Spirit, we are totally yielded to Him. He has control of us. Galatians 5:16 says that, if we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the lusts of our flesh. Sinful self-gratification, focused on the things of this world, cannot coexist with an eternal perspective. The solution for self-centeredness is to surrender to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 2:20).
- Store up treasure in heaven. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). The treasures we store for eternity are the things done for Christ on earth. Even offering a cup of cold water to a servant of the Lord is cause for reward (Matthew 10:42). An eternal perspective is one that has shifted from earthly concerns to heavenly ones and invests time, energy, and resources in God’s kingdom.
- Spend time with God and His Word (Psalm 119:11). We would not expect our cars to go a thousand miles on a single tank of gas. Yet, we think a quick prayer or a tweeted Bible verse is sufficient to sustain an eternal perspective for weeks or months. We need continual refilling of truth. Romans 12:1–2 calls it the “renewing” of the mind. Spending time in the presence of God invites Him to reveal areas of our lives that are not surrendered to Him. We acknowledge and confess those and then replace the lies we’ve believed with truths from His Word. This continual “washing” of the Word (Ephesians 5:26) keeps our priorities in agreement with God’s and helps maintain an eternal perspective.
- Stay conscious of the fact that this world is not all there is. It is easy to lose ourselves in daily cares and desires. But those who live with an eternal perspective are equally aware that every day counts down toward our final journey. Second Corinthians 4:17–18 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” We must intentionally redirect our thoughts toward that which is eternal, judging the value of decisions based on their eternal significance. Colossians 3:1–3 says, “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.”
- God has commanded that we live with an eternal perspective. If holding an eternal perspective came naturally, He would not need to command it. So we choose to continually set our minds on things above. As we develop a habit of setting our minds on eternal things, we begin to handle things differently from those with earth-bound perspectives. As the eternal mindset becomes part of us, other people notice and one day may ask, “How can I, too, gain an eternal perspective on life?”
Vandag se Bemoediging
Om met die ewigheid in gedagte te leef, is die wysste manier om te lewe. ‘n Ewige perspektief verhoed dat ons leë drome en materiële bevrediging najaag. Dit verhoed dat ons ons jare mors deur tydelike dinge na te jaag wat ons nie saam met ons kan neem wanneer ons sterf nie. Ons kry ‘n ewige perspektief wanneer ons aan ons lewens dink as ‘n 1000-voet tou met ‘n swart punt aan die een kant: die tou simboliseer ons bestaan; die swart punt is ons lewe op aarde. Ons is geneig om al ons passie en energie op die swart punt te fokus terwyl ons min aan die res van die tou dink.
Daar is verskeie maniere om ‘n ewige perspektief op die lewe te ontwikkel en te handhaaf:
- Maak seker dat jy wedergebore is (Johannes 3:3). Die ewigheid wag op ons almal, maar die enigste manier om te verseker dat ons die ewigheid in die hemel saam met God deurbring, is om wedergebore te word. Daardie nuwe geboorte lei tot ‘n hernieude gees en ‘n nuwe begeerte om God te behaag. Wanneer ons deur geloof die dood en opstanding van Jesus Christus namens ons aanvaar, beweeg die Heilige Gees in ons gees in en baar ons in God se ewige familie (Romeine 8:15–17). Dis op daardie punt dat ons ‘n ewige perspektief begin kry.
- Word vervul met die Heilige Gees (Handelinge 4:31; Efesiërs 5:18). Ons ontvang die Heilige Gees as ‘n geskenk die oomblik wat ons gered word (Handelinge 2:38), en Hy gaan voort om in ons lewens te werk. Die mate waarin ons onsself aan Sy transformerende werk onderwerp, is egter die mate waarin ons met ‘n ewige perspektief kan leef. Wanneer ons met die Gees “vervul” is, is ons ten volle aan Hom oorgegee. Hy het beheer oor ons. Galasiërs 5:16 sê dat as ons deur die Gees wandel, ons nie die begeerlikhede van ons vlees sal bevredig nie. Sondige selfbevrediging, gefokus op die dinge van hierdie wêreld, kan nie saam met ‘n ewige perspektief bestaan nie. Die oplossing vir selfgesentreerdheid is om jou aan die Heilige Gees oor te gee (Galasiërs 2:20).
- Maak skatte bymekaar in die hemel. Jesus het gesê: “Moenie vir julle skatte op aarde bymekaarmaak waar mot en ongediertes dit verniel en waar diewe inbreek en steel nie. Maar maak vir julle skatte in die hemel bymekaar waar mot en ongediertes dit nie verniel en waar diewe nie inbreek en steel nie. Want waar julle skat is, daar sal julle hart ook wees” (Matteus 6:19–21). Die skatte wat ons vir die ewigheid bymekaarmaak, is die dinge wat vir Christus op aarde gedoen word. Selfs om ‘n beker koue water aan ‘n dienaar van die Here aan te bied, is ‘n rede tot beloning (Matteus 10:42). ‘n Ewige perspektief is een wat van aardse bekommernisse na hemelse bekommernisse verskuif het en tyd, energie en hulpbronne in God se koninkryk belê.
- Spandeer tyd saam met God en Sy Woord (Psalm 119:11). Ons sou nie verwag dat ons motors ‘n duisend myl op ‘n enkele tenk petrol sal gaan nie. Tog dink ons ’n vinnige gebed of ‘n getwiete Bybelvers is voldoende om ‘n ewige perspektief vir weke of maande te handhaaf. Ons het voortdurende hervulling van waarheid nodig. Romeine 12:1–2 noem dit die “vernuwing” van die gemoed. Om tyd in die teenwoordigheid van God deur te bring, nooi Hom uit om areas van ons lewens te openbaar wat nie aan Hom oorgegee is nie. Ons erken en bely dit en vervang dan die leuens wat ons geglo het met waarhede uit Sy Woord. Hierdie voortdurende “was” van die Woord (Efesiërs 5:26) hou ons prioriteite in ooreenstemming met God s’n en help om ‘n ewige perspektief te handhaaf.
- Bly bewus van die feit dat hierdie wêreld nie al is wat daar is nie. Dit is maklik om onsself te verloor in daaglikse sorge en begeertes. Maar diegene wat met ‘n ewige perspektief leef, is ewe bewus daarvan dat elke dag aftel na ons laaste reis. Tweede Korintiërs 4:17–18 sê: “Want ons ligte en oombliklike probleme bewerkstellig vir ons ‘n ewige heerlikheid wat alles verreweg oortref. Daarom rig ons ons oë nie op die sigbare nie, maar op die onsigbare; want die sigbare is tydelik, maar die onsigbare is ewig.” Ons moet doelbewus ons gedagtes herlei na die ewige, en die waarde van besluite beoordeel op grond van hul ewige betekenis. Kolossense 3:1–3 sê: “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 nie. Want julle het gesterwe, en julle lewe is saam met Christus verborge in God.”
- God het beveel dat ons met ‘n ewige perspektief leef. As dit natuurlik sou kom om ‘n ewige perspektief te hê, sou Hy dit nie hoef te beveel nie. So kies ons om voortdurend ons gedagtes op die dinge daarbo te rig. Soos ons ‘n gewoonte ontwikkel om ons gedagtes op ewige dinge te rig, begin ons dinge anders hanteer as diegene met aardse perspektiewe. Soos die ewige denkwyse deel van ons word, merk ander mense dit op en eendag mag hulle vra: “Hoe kan ek ook ‘n ewige perspektief op die lewe kry?”
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.
Tye Van Hartseer En Onsekerheid:
In tye van hartseer of onsekerheid maak die eerlikheid van die Psalms hulle ‘n natuurlike plek om na te wend. Psalm 31 was die hartsroep van Dawid, wat soveel verduur het dat hy geskryf het: “My lewe word verteer deur angs (v 10). Die pyn van verlating deur sy vriende en bure het daardie hartseer vererger (v 11). Maar Dawid het die fondament van geloof in die een ware God gehad. Ek vertroue op U, Here. Ek sê U is. U is my God. My tye is in u hande (v 14-15). Sy klaaglied sluit af met klinkende hoop. Wees sterk en hou moed, almal wat op die Here hoop (v 24). Here, ons gee U ons diepste hartseer sowel as ons vreugde. Dankie vir u voortdurende teenwoordigheid, ongeag wat vandag inhou. U alleen is getrou !
Wanneer ons ons probleme in God se hande plaas, plaas Hy Sy vrede in ons harte.
Times of Sorrow and Uncertainty:
In times of sorrow or uncertainty, the honesty of the Psalms makes them a natural place to turn. Psalm 31 was the heart cry of David, who endured so much that he wrote, “My life is consumed with anxiety” (v. 10). The pain of abandonment by his friends and neighbors compounded that grief (v. 11). But David had the foundation of faith in the one true God. I trust in you, Lord. I say you are. You are my God. My times are in your hands (v. 14-15). His lamentation concludes with a resounding hope. Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the Lord (v. 24). Lord, we give you our deepest sorrow as well as our joy. Thank you for your constant presence, no matter what today holds. You alone are faithful!
When we place our problems in God’s hands, He places His peace in our hearts.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Kingdom Kidz Hour – God’s Word is true!
In today’s episode, Dot is searching for her talent, so she throws a talent show at Konnect HQ. Meanwhile, Mike and Maurice battle it out on the Ping-Pong table. Join Pirate Petey and his first mate, Polly Parrot, they are going to take your preschooler on a great adventure to discover treasure in God’s Word!, we sail the high seas to learn about Jeremiah and that God’s Word is true! This and some stunning kids’ songs. Enjoy!
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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BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
Judea, Samaria sovereignty bills May be the Final Nail in the coffin of Gog and Magog
Knesset passes Judea, Samaria sovereignty bills in preliminary reading
Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday passed in preliminary reading two opposition bills to extend legal sovereignty to Judea and Samaria.
One bill, by Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman, seeks to annex Ma’ale Adumim, a large city in the Judean Desert, while a second, by Noam Party head Avi Maoz, concerns all of Judea and Samaria.
The legislation will now be forwarded to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for consideration ahead of three additional votes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sought to thwart the bills, which were put to a vote as U.S. Vice President JD Vance was visiting Jerusalem, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 News.
The Netanyahu government has led an unprecedented drive to expand Jerusalem’s control of Judea and Samaria, reportedly approving 41,709 housing units and 50 new Jewish communities since December 2022.
However, Ofir Katz, the coalition whip, told fellow members of the ruling Likud Party ahead of the vote that while the issue of sovereignty “is no less important to us than to any other member of Knesset,” the move should not be achieved through supporting legislation proposed by opposition lawmakers,” according to Channel 12.
“Certainly not at a time when we are working with our American friends to achieve all the goals of the war, including dismantling Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza,” he wrote in a message.
“Therefore, the faction’s position is not to vote at all on the bills that will be brought up today on the matter. This position comes at the direction of the prime minister and is binding,” the message continued.
All Likud lawmakers left the Knesset plenum ahead of the vote, except for Yuli Edelstein, who was removed at Netanyahu’s orders as chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee some three months ago.
“I just voted in the Knesset plenum in favor of applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” Edelstein tweeted after the vote. “Especially at this time, Israeli sovereignty over all parts of our homeland is the need of the hour. As someone who has fought for the Land of Israel throughout my years in this building and out of a clear belief in the justice of our cause.”
Israeli Ministers Say Trump will Accept Israel’s Annexation of Judea and Samaria
The Knesset – Israel’s parliament – moved closer to enacting sovereignty over Judea and Samaria as lawmakers hailed Monday’s vote as a milestone for national independence.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit Party described the measure as “historic” and told Arutz Sheva that Israel must pursue policies guided by its own interests.
“We love our friends in America and appreciate them greatly,” he said, “but this is a Jewish country, and we have to do what is right for the State of Israel—sovereignty and independence.”
Ben-Gvir said he was surprised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hesitation to fully back the measure. “This government was elected as a right-wing government,” he said. “I am pleased we are helping it act like one.”
Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party dismissed concerns that the initiative could strain ties with Washington.
“There is no harm whatsoever to the relationship with President Trump,” he said. Rothman recalled Trump’s recent remarks that Israel is a small nation that “should work to expand,” though he emphasized that the sovereignty push stems from Israel’s own priorities.
Rothman also pointed to Trump’s earlier address to the Knesset, saying it reflected a recognition of Israel’s biblical roots.
“He spoke about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” Rothman said. “This land was promised to the People of Israel, and it must belong to them not only in name but also in fact.”
Yesha Council Director General Omer Rahamim rebuked Likud lawmakers who voted against the proposal, saying some had “chosen politics over the Land of Israel.”
Still, he expressed optimism that the bill would advance in further readings. “Israel is a sovereign state with excellent relations with the United States, founded on independence,” he said, adding that the sovereignty step follows recent Israeli military successes.
Rothman concluded that the legislation reflects rare cross-party support. “We passed our proposals with 80 votes—two-thirds of the Knesset,” he said. “The Land of Israel unites us. If the prime minister brings sovereignty to a vote, it will pass.”
PASTOR DIRK SAYS
The Annexation of Judea and Samaria is one of the Main Reasons for the Motivation for the Final Bomb from Gog and Magog and Make part of the 7 Year Peace Agreement the “Jewish Messiah” aka the Antichrist will place on the table after the Final Bomb fell in the Gog and Magog Battle , Judea and Samaria will be Given to the Philistines as their own Country in place for the rights to Build the 3rd Jewish Temple on Temple Mount Jerusalem.
President Trump’s son-in-law calls for swift reconstruction of areas of Gaza under IDF control but emphasizes money for rebuilding will not go to Hamas-controlled parts of the Strip.
President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and confidant Jared Kushner vowed this week that foreign aid earmarked for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will not be sent to areas of Gaza still under Hamas control.
Speaking on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Vice President JD Vance and White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff at an American facility in southern Israel used to monitor the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, Kushner said the Trump administration is looking to promote the rapid rebuilding of areas in Gaza that are under IDF control.
“As far as the demilitarization goes, once the ISF is up, there needs to be a security force that they can feel safe from in order for the transition to be complete. So that needs to happen,” Kushner said, referring to the international interim security force being formed by Egypt with soldiers from several other Muslim-majority states.
“There are considerations…happening now in the area that the IDF controls. As long as that can be secured to start the construction as a new Gaza in order to give the Palestinians living in Gaza place to go, a place to get jobs, a place to live. So that is one of the many things being considered.”
Acknowledging Israeli concerns about Hamas using reconstruction aid for its own benefit, Kushner added that no money for rebuilding would be distributed to areas under Hamas control.
“No reconstruction funds will be going into areas that Hamas still controls,” Kushner said.
As part of phase one of the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan, the IDF withdrew earlier this month from close to a quarter of the Gaza Strip but still remains in control of more than half of the coastal enclave.
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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