Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
Humility can be defined as the absence of pride, just as darkness is the absence of light. We cannot become more humble by focusing on humility, as it becomes a source of pride when we believe we have achieved it. C.S. Lewis describes humility not as thinking less of ourselves, but as thinking of ourselves less. With that definition in mind, the Bible has much to say about seeing ourselves in proper perspective. Holding the biblical perspective humbles us.
Humility increases when we are willing to be humbled by God, circumstances, and others. Our sinful natures do not want to be humbled. We tend to protect our pride as though it were our best friend, but pride gets in the way of our relationship with God. He resists the prideful but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). He will work with us when we desire humility, but the development of humility will be painful. Despite the discomfort, we find an added measure of grace to sustain us as we suffer through the refining process.
The first step in humbling ourselves is to challenge our motives for the things we do. Whenever we see that our actions are geared to elicit favorable opinions from others, we should bring it to the Lord. We can pray something like this: “Lord, You see what I’m about to do here. Is this for Your glory or for mine? Examine my heart. Am I desiring to give You praise or keep some for myself?” It’s not always wrong to want to make a good impression, but when we make the majority of our choices based on pleasing people, we may have a pride problem. We can confess our wrong motives and commit to doing only that which glorifies the Lord and not us. That may mean staying off social media for a while, refraining from bragging about our latest promotion or vacation, and deferring the praise we get to another who also deserves it.
Another step in humbling ourselves is to evaluate our response when we are slighted, overlooked, or underappreciated. We admit to ourselves and to God that the sting of self-pity we feel is pride demanding to defend itself. Rather than give in to it, we instead choose to embrace the opportunity to learn humility. We can pray something like this: “Father, I’m hurt and angry right now because they left me out (or didn’t appreciate me, etc.). Thank You for this opportunity to deal with some areas of pride in my life that I wouldn’t have otherwise noticed. If I’m overlooked, I take comfort knowing Christ was also overlooked, rejected, and misunderstood.”
Learning to be more humble involves capturing prideful moments and bringing them to the Lord so they cannot grow. We allow Him to turn something harmful into something beneficial for our growth. Recognizing areas of pride is a critical part of defeating it, so we must be prepared to agree with the Lord when He points them out to us.
The Bible gives examples of proud men who nevertheless humbled themselves when faced with the judgment of God. King Hezekiah struggled with pride, but he humbled himself and turned away God’s wrath from Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:25–26). The wicked kings Ahab (1 Kings 21:27–29), Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1–12), and Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:10–13) all wisely chose to humble themselves and seek the Lord’s mercy. In each case, mercy was granted.
The Bible lavishes praise on the humble. Jesus, of course, modeled humility (Matthew 11:29). Moses was “more humble than any other person” (Numbers 12:3). Paul reminded the Corinthians that, even though he was an apostle and their spiritual elder, he was humble when he was among them (2 Corinthians 10:1). Jesus taught that those who wish to be great must be the most humble (Matthew 23:12). Many places in Scripture command us to humble ourselves (Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 3:8; 5:6). If we don’t humble ourselves, God will do it, and that can be even more painful (Luke 1:52; 18:14).
When we abandon ourselves to the will of God, there is no room for pride. He may require us to do some humbling things, but it will be for our betterment. We cooperate with Him in the process by seeking unimportant jobs, working behind the scenes, helping when no one else does, and reminding ourselves that our reward is in heaven (Matthew 6:4). Those whose gaze is locked firmly on eternity find it easier to embrace humility on earth.
As we learn to be more humble, we discover that the place of the humble is a place of beauty. To continue Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, once Christiana and her friends make their descent into the Valley of Humiliation, they find it to be a peaceful, abundant land. The author describes it: “This Valley of Humiliation . . . is the best and most useful brave piece of ground in all those parts. It is fat ground, and . . . consisteth much in meadows. . . . Behold how green this Valley is, also how beautified with lilies (Song. 2:1). I have also known many labouring men that have got good estates in this Valley of Humiliation . . . for indeed it is a very fruitful soil, and doth bring forth by handfuls.”
Nederigheid kan gedefinieer word as die afwesigheid van trots, net soos duisternis die afwesigheid van lig is. Ons kan nie nederiger word deur op nederigheid te fokus nie, aangesien dit ‘n bron van trots word wanneer ons glo dat ons dit bereik het. C.S. Lewis beskryf nederigheid nie as om minder van onsself te dink nie, maar as om minder van onsself te dink. Met daardie definisie in gedagte, het die Bybel baie te sê oor hoe om onsself in die regte perspektief te sien. Om die Bybelse perspektief te handhaaf, verneder ons.
Nederigheid neem toe wanneer ons bereid is om deur God, omstandighede en ander verneder te word. Ons sondige natuur wil nie verneder word nie. Ons is geneig om ons trots te beskerm asof dit ons beste vriend is, maar trots staan in die pad van ons verhouding met God. Hy weerstaan die hoogmoediges, maar gee genade aan die nederiges (Jakobus 4:6). Hy sal met ons saamwerk wanneer ons nederigheid begeer, maar die ontwikkeling van nederigheid sal pynlik wees. Ten spyte van die ongemak, vind ons ‘n bykomende mate van genade om ons te ondersteun terwyl ons deur die verfyningsproses ly.
Die eerste stap om onsself te verneder, is om ons motiewe vir die dinge wat ons doen, uit te daag. Wanneer ons sien dat ons optrede daarop gemik is om gunstige menings van ander uit te lok, moet ons dit na die Here bring. Ons kan iets soos hierdie bid: “Here, U sien wat ek hier gaan doen. Is dit vir U eer of vir myne? Ondersoek my hart. Wil ek U lof gee of vir myself hou?” Dit is nie altyd verkeerd om ‘n goeie indruk te wil maak nie, maar wanneer ons die meerderheid van ons keuses maak op grond van mense tevrede te stel, kan ons ‘n trotsprobleem hê. Ons kan ons verkeerde motiewe bely en ons daartoe verbind om slegs dit te doen wat die Here verheerlik en nie onsself nie. Dit kan beteken dat ons ‘n rukkie van sosiale media afbly, ons daarvan weerhou om oor ons nuutste promosie of vakansie te spog, en die lof wat ons kry uitstel aan iemand wat dit ook verdien.
Nog ‘n stap in nederigheid is om ons reaksie te evalueer wanneer ons geminag, oor die hoof gesien of ondergewaardeer word. Ons erken aan onsself en aan God dat die angel van selfbejammering wat ons voel, trots is wat eis om homself te verdedig. Eerder as om daarvoor toe te gee, kies ons eerder om die geleentheid te omhels om nederigheid te leer. Ons kan iets soos hierdie bid: “Vader, ek is nou seergemaak en kwaad omdat hulle my uitgesluit het (of my nie waardeer het nie, ens.). Dankie vir hierdie geleentheid om met sommige areas van trots in my lewe te handel wat ek andersins nie sou opgemerk het nie. As ek oor die hoof gesien word, troos ek my in die wete dat Christus ook oor die hoof gesien, verwerp en misverstaan is.”
Om meer nederig te wees, behels om trotse oomblikke vas te lê en dit na die Here te bring sodat dit nie kan groei nie. Ons laat Hom toe om iets skadeliks in iets voordeligs vir ons groei te verander. Om areas van trots te herken, is ‘n kritieke deel van die oorwinning daaroor, daarom moet ons voorbereid wees om met die Here saam te stem wanneer Hy dit vir ons uitwys.
Die Bybel gee voorbeelde van trotse manne wat hulself nietemin verneder het toe hulle voor die oordeel van God te staan gekom het. Koning Hiskia het met trots gesukkel, maar hy het homself verneder en God se toorn van Juda en Jerusalem afgewend (2 Kronieke 32:25–26). Die goddelose konings Agab (1 Konings 21:27–29), Rehabeam (2 Kronieke 12:1–12) en Manasse (2 Kronieke 33:10–13) het almal wyslik gekies om hulself te verootmoedig en die Here se genade te soek. In elke geval is genade verleen.
Die Bybel oorlaai die nederiges met lof. Jesus het natuurlik nederigheid gemodelleer (Matteus 11:29). Moses was “nederiger as enige ander persoon” (Numeri 12:3). Paulus het die Korintiërs daaraan herinner dat, alhoewel hy ‘n apostel en hul geestelike ouderling was, hy nederig was toe hy onder hulle was (2 Korintiërs 10:1). Jesus het geleer dat diegene wat groot wil wees, die nederigste moet wees (Matteus 23:12). Baie plekke in die Skrif beveel ons om onsself te verootmoedig (Efesiërs 4:2; 1 Petrus 3:8; 5:6). As ons onsself nie verootmoedig nie, sal God dit doen, en dit kan selfs meer pynlik wees (Lukas 1:52; 18:14).
Wanneer ons onsself aan die wil van God oorgee, is daar geen plek vir trots nie. Hy mag van ons verwag om nederige dinge te doen, maar dit sal tot ons voordeel wees. Ons werk saam met Hom in die proses deur onbelangrike werk te soek, agter die skerms te werk, te help wanneer niemand anders dit doen nie, en onsself daaraan te herinner dat ons beloning in die hemel is (Matteus 6:4). Diegene wie se blik ferm op die ewigheid gerig is, vind dit makliker om nederigheid op aarde te omhels.
Soos ons leer om meer nederig te wees, ontdek ons dat die plek van die nederiges ‘n plek van skoonheid is. Om Bunyan se Die Pelgrim se Progress voort te sit, sodra Christiana en haar vriende hul afkoms in die Vallei van Vernedering maak, vind hulle dit ‘n vreedsame, oorvloedige land. Die outeur beskryf dit: “Hierdie Vallei van Vernedering… is die beste en nuttigste, dapper stuk grond in al daardie dele. Dit is vrugbare grond, en… bestaan baie uit weivelde… Kyk hoe groen hierdie Vallei is, ook hoe verfraai met lelies (Hooglied 2:1). Ek het ook baie arbeiders geken wat goeie landgoedere in hierdie Vallei van Vernedering gekry het… want dit is inderdaad ‘n baie vrugbare grond, en dit lewer handevol op.”
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11
Prayer
Lord , We need to understand that to be fervent in the spirit . it means we 1st need to be Baptized by the Holy Spirit . After Baptism of the Holy Spirit we can accept our Discipleship , Thank You that You allow us to serve You Lord . we Thank you in Jesus name . Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Nie lui in besigheid nie; vurig in gees; dien die Here.
Romeine 12:11
Gebed
Here, ons moet verstaan dat om vurig in die gees te wees, dit beteken dat ons eers deur die Heilige Gees gedoop moet word. Na die doop van die Heilige Gees kan ons ons dissipelskap aanvaar. Dankie dat U ons toelaat om U te dien, Here. Ons dank U in Jesus se Naam. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
The apostle Paul encourages believers to love and serve one another not only sacrificially but also enthusiastically: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11, ESV).
The command do not be slothful in zeal literally means “don’t be lazy.” Translations vary from “never be lacking in zeal” (NIV), “never be lazy” (NLT), and “do not lack diligence” (HCSB). In the original Greek, the verb for “be fervent” refers to being emotionally inflamed, enthusiastic, or excited. The concept is of a pot full of bubbling water over a flame. When Paul tells Christians to “be fervent in spirit,” he means that that they should let their lives demonstrate the vibrant presence of the Holy Spirit like water boiling on a fire. A pot of boiling water is active, roiling, giving off steam and heat. It’s not stagnant, idle, or apathetic.
Paul wants believers to use all their spiritual energy, excitement, and devotion in ministering to others as they serve the Lord. Even in the face of severe opposition, Paul urges the Corinthians, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT). Our calling to holiness demands that we be passionate about purity, love with sincerity, and serve God with our whole hearts (1 Peter 1:13–22).
The expression fervent in spirit is used one other place in the New Testament to describe the ministry of Apollos: “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25, ESV). This passage provides valuable insight into what it means to be “fervent in spirit.” Apollos was both zealous and knowledgeable. After some guidance from Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos became an even greater asset to the church.
Spiritual fervor should not be confused with emotionalism. Godly zeal must be tempered with a solid foundation in biblical truth, discernment, and spiritual perception (Romans 10:1–4). Without knowledge, spiritual enthusiasm can become seriously misguided (Philippians 3:6; Galatians 1:13–14; 4:17–18).
Paul mentions Titus and many other believers who were fervent in spirit with hearts eager to do good and serve God with enthusiasm (2 Corinthians 8:16–17; 9:2; Galatians 2:10). The apostle Peter describes those who are fervent in spirit as having an eagerness to “turn from evil and do good” and “seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:10–13).
Peter urges fellow ministers to “care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God” (1 Peter 5:2, NLT). In 2 Peter 1:10, the apostle advises, “Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (NKJV). Again Peter presses, “Be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace” (2 Peter 3:14, ESV).
Only by God’s grace and His Spirit working in us can we develop spiritual zeal that enables us to “say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11–14).
As followers of Christ, perhaps the most excellent way to be fervent in spirit is to nurture the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit, both personally and in the church (1 Corinthians 12:1—13:13; Galatians 5:22–26). We are not to be motivated by selfish ambition but instead strive to build up the church in love (Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 14:12). Being fervent in spirit also means being diligent in prayer (Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16) and studying God’s Word (Acts 17:11; Romans 12:12; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 5:16; Colossians 4:2).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Die apostel Paulus moedig gelowiges aan om mekaar lief te hê en te dien, nie net opofferend nie, maar ook entoesiasties: “Moenie traag wees in ywer nie, wees vurig in gees, dien die Here” (Romeine 12:11).
Die opdrag “moenie traag wees in ywer” beteken letterlik “moenie lui wees nie”. Vertalings wissel van “moenie lui wees nie” (NIV), “moenie lui wees nie” (NLT), en “moenie vlyt ontbreek nie” (HCSB). In die oorspronklike Grieks verwys die werkwoord vir “wees vurig” na emosioneel ontvlam, entoesiasties of opgewonde wees. Die konsep is van ‘n pot vol borrelende water oor ‘n vlam. Wanneer Paulus vir Christene sê om “vurig in gees te wees”, bedoel hy dat hulle hul lewens die lewendige teenwoordigheid van die Heilige Gees moet laat demonstreer soos water wat op ‘n vuur kook. ‘n Pot kookwater is aktief, kolkend, gee stoom en hitte af. Dit is nie stagnant, ledig of apaties nie.
Paulus wil hê dat gelowiges al hulle geestelike energie, opgewondenheid en toewyding moet gebruik om ander te dien terwyl hulle die Here dien. Selfs te midde van hewige teenstand, spoor Paulus die Korintiërs aan: “My liewe broers en susters, wees dan sterk en onwankelbaar. Werk altyd ywerig vir die Here, want julle weet dat niks wat julle vir die Here doen ooit tevergeefs is nie” (1 Korintiërs 15:58). Ons roeping tot heiligheid vereis dat ons passievol oor reinheid, opregtheid en liefde is, en God met ons hele hart dien (1 Petrus 1:13–22).
Die uitdrukking vurig van gees word nog ‘n plek in die Nuwe Testament gebruik om die bediening van Apollos te beskryf: “Hy was onderrig in die weg van die Here. En vurig van gees, het hy die dinge aangaande Jesus noukeurig gespreek en geleer, alhoewel hy net die doop van Johannes geken het” (Handelinge 18:25). Hierdie gedeelte bied waardevolle insig in wat dit beteken om “vurig van gees” te wees. Apollos was beide ywerig en kundig. Na leiding van Priscilla en Aquila het Apollos ‘n selfs groter bate vir die kerk geword.
Geestelike ywer moet nie met emosionaliteit verwar word nie. Godvrugtige ywer moet getemper word met ‘n stewige fondament in Bybelse waarheid, onderskeidingsvermoë en geestelike persepsie (Romeine 10:1–4). Sonder kennis kan geestelike entoesiasme ernstig mislei word (Filippense 3:6; Galasiërs 1:13–14; 4:17–18).
Paulus noem Titus en baie ander gelowiges wat vurig van gees was met harte wat gretig was om goed te doen en God met entoesiasme te dien (2 Korintiërs 8:16–17; 9:2; Galasiërs 2:10). Die apostel Petrus beskryf diegene wat vurig van gees is as diegene wat ‘n gretigheid het om “van die kwaad af te wyk en goed te doen” en “vrede te soek en dit na te jaag” (1 Petrus 3:10–13).
Petrus spoor mede-bedienaars aan om “vir die kudde wat God aan julle toevertrou het, te sorg. Wees gewillig daaroor, nie teësinnig nie, nie met die oog op wat julle daaruit sal kry nie, maar omdat julle gretig is om God te dien” (1 Petrus 5:2). In 2 Petrus 1:10 raai die apostel aan: “Laat julle des te meer ywerig wees om julle roeping en verkiesing vas te maak, want as julle dit doen, sal julle nooit struikel nie” (NKJV). Weer eens druk Petrus uit: “Laat julle ywerig beywer om voor Hom sonder vlekke en gebreke en in vrede bevind te word” (2 Petrus 3:14).
Slegs deur God se genade en Sy Gees wat in ons werk, kan ons geestelike ywer ontwikkel wat ons in staat stel om “nee te sê vir goddeloosheid en wêreldse begeertes, en om selfbeheersd, opreg en vroom in die teenswoordige wêreld te lewe, terwyl ons wag op die salige hoop, die verskyning van die heerlikheid van ons grote God en Verlosser, Jesus Christus, wat Homself vir ons gegee het om ons van alle ongeregtigheid te verlos en vir Homself ‘n volk wat sy eiendom is, ywerig in goeie dade” (Titus 2:11–14).
As volgelinge van Christus is miskien die beste manier om vurig van gees te wees, om die gawes van die Heilige Gees en die vrugte van die Gees te koester, beide persoonlik en in die kerk (1 Korintiërs 12:1–13:13; Galasiërs 5:22–26). Ons moet nie deur selfsugtige ambisie gemotiveer word nie, maar eerder daarna streef om die kerk in liefde op te bou (Romeine 12:3–8; 1 Korintiërs 14:12). Om vurig van gees te wees, beteken ook om ywerig te wees in gebed (Efesiërs 6:18; Jakobus 5:16) en God se Woord te bestudeer (Handelinge 17:11; Romeine 12:12; 2 Timoteus 2:15; Jakobus 5:16; Kolossense 4:2).
Today’s Devotional
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The English word fervent simply means “impassioned, forceful, passionate, heartfelt, powerful, or wholehearted.” The verse, as translated in the King James Version, seems to indicate that a passionate, wholehearted prayer will accomplish much, implying that a half-hearted prayer will not be as effective.
Most modern versions translate James 5:16 differently, so that the fervency or forcefulness applies to the outcome of the prayer, not the earnestness of the prayer: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (ESV); “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NIV); “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (NASB). These translations simply say that prayer is powerful, without differentiating between “fervent” prayer and some other kind.
This expanded paraphrase may illustrate the difference: “The forceful, earnest, heartfelt prayer of a righteous man will accomplish much” vs. “The prayer of a righteous man will yield forceful, powerful results.”
The difference in translation seems to center on the proper placement of the term translated “fervent” or “powerful” or “effective.” The KJV and NKJV translate the verse so that the term applies to the kind of prayer—a fervent, forceful, or powerful prayer can accomplish much. The other versions apply the modifier not to the prayer but to the outcome of the prayer—it will have a forceful or powerful result. So the KJV and NKJV encourage one to pray fervently so that the prayer will be answered, and the other versions simply encourage one to pray because the results can be powerful.
The context helps to shed light on the intended meaning. The immediate context speaks of praying for healing and says that the “prayer of faith” (prayer offered in faith) will be answered. The first part of James 5:16 says that we should confess our sins to each other and pray for each other to be healed. The second part of the verse seems to summarize the thought. Then verses 17–18 give an example of the kind of prayer that is encouraged. “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
James refers to 1 Kings 17:1, where Elijah told Ahab that it would not rain “for the next few years.” This drought was punishment for Israel’s worship of Baal. After three and a half years of drought, Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal in a showdown on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:16–40), and then Elijah told King Ahab that it was going to rain (verse 41).
“So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
“‘Go and look toward the sea,’ he told his servant. And he went up and looked.
“‘There is nothing there,’ he said.
“Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’
“The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’
“So Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, “Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.”’
“Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel” (1 Kings 18:42–45).
On Mt. Carmel, Elijah made a pronouncement that it would rain and then prayed that it would. He prayed for rain seven times. After each prayer, he sent his servant to see if the sky looked like rain. When it did not, he would pray again. Finally, after the seventh time, a small cloud was visible, which Elijah interpreted to be the answer to his prayer—and it was. He had prayed bent down to the ground with his face between his knees. This could be interpreted as an expression of earnest supplication.
Taking all the evidence into consideration, fervency may not be the most important issue in prayer. Certainly, Elijah prayed earnestly. However, the point of James seems to focus more on the efficacy of prayer and the aspect of righteousness in the one praying. The admonition to prayer is prefaced with the command to confess sins. James also makes a point that the prayer comes from a righteous person. Elijah was a righteous man, and the results of his prayer were beyond incredible.
The point of James 5:13–18 is that prayer is important and God answers prayer, so we must make it a priority. We don’t have to be “super Christians.” We might be tempted to think of Elijah as some sort of super saint, but James says he was an ordinary man and that God answered his prayer. However, sin in the life of the one praying can block prayer’s effectiveness. Certainly, earnest prayer is important, and the prayer of faith is important, but this passage does not seem to indicate that the forcefulness with which one prays determines effectiveness. Rather, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful (forceful) and effective.
We should confess our sins and pray, expecting God to answer. Of course, the prayer should not be half-hearted or nonchalant, and other passages encourage us to pray with persistence (Matthew 7:7–8, Luke 11:5–9; 18:1–8).
Vandag se Bemoediging
“Die kragtige vurige gebed van ‘n regverdige man het baie potensiaal.” Die Engelse woord fervent beteken eenvoudig “passievol, kragtig, passievol, hartlik, kragtig of heelhartig.” Die vers, soos vertaal in die King James-weergawe, blyk aan te dui dat ‘n passievolle, heelhartige gebed baie sal bereik, wat impliseer dat ‘n halfhartige gebed nie so effektief sal wees nie.
Die meeste moderne weergawes vertaal Jakobus 5:16 anders, sodat die vurigheid of kragdadigheid van toepassing is op die uitkoms van die gebed, nie die erns van die gebed nie: “Die gebed van ‘n regverdige het groot krag soos dit werk” (ESV); “Die gebed van ‘n regverdige persoon is kragtig en effektief” (NIV); “Die effektiewe gebed van ‘n regverdige man kan baie bereik” (NASB). Hierdie vertalings sê eenvoudig dat gebed kragtig is, sonder om te onderskei tussen “vurige” gebed en ‘n ander soort.
Hierdie uitgebreide parafrase kan die verskil illustreer: “Die kragtige, ernstige, hartlike gebed van ‘n regverdige man sal baie bereik” teenoor “Die gebed van ‘n regverdige man sal kragtige, kragtige resultate lewer.”
Die verskil in vertaling blyk te fokus op die korrekte plasing van die term wat vertaal word as “vurig” of “kragtig” of “effektief”. Die KJV en NKJV vertaal die vers sodat die term van toepassing is op die soort gebed – ‘n vurige, kragtige of kragtige gebed kan baie bereik. Die ander weergawes pas die wysiger nie op die gebed toe nie, maar op die uitkoms van die gebed – dit sal ‘n kragtige of kragtige resultaat hê. Dus moedig die KJV en NKJV ‘n mens aan om vurig te bid sodat die gebed verhoor sal word, en die ander weergawes moedig ‘n mens bloot aan om te bid omdat die resultate kragtig kan wees.
Die konteks help om lig te werp op die bedoelde betekenis. Die onmiddellike konteks praat van gebed vir genesing en sê dat die “gebed van geloof” (gebed wat in geloof aangebied word) verhoor sal word. Die eerste deel van Jakobus 5:16 sê dat ons ons sondes aan mekaar moet bely en bid dat mekaar genees word. Die tweede deel van die vers lyk asof dit die gedagte opsom. Dan gee verse 17-18 ‘n voorbeeld van die soort gebed wat aangemoedig word. “Elía was ’n mens, net soos ons. Hy het vurig gebid dat dit nie sou reën nie, en dit het drie en ’n half jaar lank nie op die land gereën nie. Hy het weer gebid, en die hemel het reën gegee, en die aarde het sy oes opgelewer.”
Jakobus verwys na 1 Konings 17:1, waar Elia vir Agab gesê het dat dit nie sou reën “vir die volgende paar jaar” nie. Hierdie droogte was straf vir Israel se aanbidding van Baäl. Na drie en ’n half jaar van droogte het Elia die profete van Baäl in ’n konfrontasie op die berg Karmel verslaan (1 Konings 18:16–40), en toe het Elia vir koning Agab gesê dat dit gaan reën (vers 41).
“So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
“‘Go and look towards the sea,’ he told his servant. And he went up and looked.
“‘There is nothing there,’ he said.
“Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’
“The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’
“So Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, “Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.”‘
“Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel” (1 Kings 18:42-45).
On Mt. Carmel, Elijah made a pronouncement that it would rain and then prayed that it would. He prayed for rain seven times. After each prayer, he sent his servant to see if the sky looked like rain. When it didn’t, he would pray again. Finally, after the seventh time, a small cloud was visible, which Elijah interpreted to be the answer to his prayer—and it was. He had prayed bent down to the ground with his face between his knees. This could be interpreted as an expression of earnest supplication.
Taking all the evidence into consideration, fervency may not be the most important issue in prayer. Certainly, Elijah prayed earnestly. However, the point of James seems to focus more on the efficacy of prayer and the aspect of righteousness in the one praying. The admonition to pray is prefaced with the command to confess sins. James also makes a point that the prayer comes from a righteous person. Elijah was a righteous man, and the results of his prayer were beyond incredible.
The point of James 5:13–18 is that prayer is important and God answers prayer, so we must make it a priority. We don’t have to be “super Christians.” We might be tempted to think of Elijah as some sort of super saint, but James says he was an ordinary man and that God answered his prayer. However, sin in the life of the one praying can block prayer’s effectiveness. Certainly, earnest prayer is important, and the prayer of faith is important, but this passage does not seem to indicate that the forcefulness with which one prays determines effectiveness. Rather, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful (forceful) and effective.
We should confess our sins and pray, expecting God to answer. Of course, the prayer should not be half-hearted or nonchalant, and other passages encourage us to pray with persistence (Matthew 7:7–8, Luke 11:5–9; 18:1–8).
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.
God In Die Storm:
Een oggend vroeg het die wind begin waai en reëndruppels het soos klein klippies teen die vensters vasgeslaan. Ek het by die venster uitgeloer en die hemel ruim was ń geel-grys kleur. Ek het gesien hoe bome waai terwyl harde donderslae weerklink het. Weerligstrale het die hemelruim deurklief. Die krag in die huis het af gegaan en ekt gewonder hoe lank die storm nog sou aanhou.
Nadat die storm verby is, het ek my Bybel oopgemaak en my dag met die lees van die woord begin. Ek het ń gedeelte in Job gelees wat die Here se krag met die atmosferiese krag van die storm vergelyk.
Job se vriend, Elihu, het gesê ” Met sy stem laat God magtige dinge gebeur ( Job 37:5 ). En ook ” Hy vat die weerlig in sy hand en stuur dit op die doelwit af ( Job 36:32 ).
God se krag is inderdaad groot.
Invergelyking met God is ons mense maar nietig. Ons is nie in staat om onsself geestelik te help en ons harte te genees nie. Ons kan nie ongeregtighede regstel nie. Gelukkig gee die God van die storms om vir nietige skepsels soos ons. Hy weet dat ons stof is. Maar wat meer is, Hy “gee die vermoeides krag, Hy versterk die wat swak en nietig is, in ons swakhede help.
God is die bron van ons krag !
God In The Storm:
Early one morning the wind began to blow and raindrops hit the windows like small pebbles. I looked out the window and the sky was a vast yellow-gray color. I saw trees swaying while loud thunder resounded. Lightning streaked the sky. The power in the house went out and I wondered how much longer the storm would last.
After the storm passed, I opened my Bible and began my day by reading the word. I read a passage in Job that compares the Lord’s power to the atmospheric power of the storm.
Job’s friend, Elihu, said, “With his voice God causes mighty things to happen ( Job 37:5 ). And also ” He takes the lightning in his hand and sends it to the target ( Job 36:32 ).
God’s power is indeed great.
Compared to God, we humans are nothing. We are unable to help ourselves spiritually and heal our hearts. We cannot right wrongs. Fortunately, the God of storms cares about insignificant creatures like us. He knows that we are dust. But what is more, He “gives power to the weary, He strengthens the weak and helpless, He helps in our weaknesses.
God is the source of our strength!
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – FOUNDATIONS: THE HYMNS OF MY HEART
Have you ever broken a promise? Has someone ever let you down by not keeping their word? The Israelites may have doubted God’s promises, but in the book of Joshua, we see that every promise He made to them came true. Trust in Him to fulfill His word. Today’s concert features Chris Blue, a winner of “The Voice,” who is releasing his debut Gospel album titled Foundations: The Hymns of My Heart. This collection includes beloved classics like “I Can’t Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand)” and “Lean on Me,” showcasing Blue’s passionate renditions of songs that have deeply impacted him. His smooth vocals, dynamic performances, and inspiring interview with host Bill Gaither offer a joyful testament to his faith journey.
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
Coercive Suicide? Targeting Those With Disabilities For Euthanasia
The American Center for Law and Justice is warning of a bill that “seems to target persons with disabilities, and coerces religious clinics and retirement homes to comply or face punishment..”
Euthanasia, the deliberate medical industry killing of victims, has become more and more common around the world in recent years. In Canada, it’s routinely offered, instead of medical treatment, to people with nothing more than depression. In the United States, more and more state legislatures are adopting the “assisted suicide” schemes that kill residents.
But it is one scheme, in France, that has actually alarmed even the progressives at the United Nations.
There, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has told the French government to respond to serious concerns about its “radical” plan authorizing and promoting euthanasia and assisted suicide.
According to a report from the American Center for Law and Justice, whose affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice alerted the U.N. about problems, said the bill “seems to target persons with disabilities, and coerces religious clinics and retirement homes to comply or face punishment.”
The French plan already has been endorsed by Emmanuel Macron and been adopted in the National Assembly. He awaits confirmation in the French Senate.
“First, as a matter of principle, it violates the prohibition on killing and describes euthanasia and assisted suicide as forms of so-called ‘medical care,’ deceptively framed as merely offering ‘aid in dying.’ Even more alarming, it uses a subjective criteria of suffering, including individuals with mental illness and disabilities,” the ACLJ warned.
“The proposed euthanasia procedure could occur in a shockingly quick turnaround – carried out within a week – based solely on the decision of a single physician without any judicial oversight. Families would not be allowed to oppose the killing of their loved one, and compliance with the policy would only be reviewed a posteriori, or after the patient’s death,” the pro-life organization said.
“Extremely disturbing is that medical and social institutions — including religious clinics and retirement homes — would be forced to permit euthanasia on their premises, while pharmacists would be legally required to supply the lethal drugs used. The bill even creates a new crime of obstruction, punishable with up to two years in prison and fines of €30,000, effectively criminalizing any attempt to prevent or question an assisted suicide.”
The ECLJ now is challenging the plan under international law, specifically the U.N. Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
That 2006 treaty sets out the rights of the disabled, and countries are legal bound to follow, if they’ve adopted it.
The ECLJ has informed the U.N. of the human rights violations embedded in France’s agenda, and as a result, the U.N. told France of the “credible information indicating that if the above-mentioned piece of legislation is approved, it would result in an infringement of the duty of the state party to respect, protect and guarantee the right to life of persons with disabilities.”
Among the concerns is the U.N.’s perception that “proposed eligibility criteria . . . appear to be based in ableist perceptions of the quality and value of the life of persons with disabilities.”:
The ACLJ explained, “In fact, under the proposed law, a disability alone could be sufficient grounds for euthanasia or assisted suicide, if the person suffers physically or psychologically. This refers to what the U.N. CRPD calls ‘ableist.’ It also raised concerns about the lack of ‘alternatives to assisted dying,’ the creation of a new felony of obstructing assisted suicide, and the very short mandatory cooling-off period of only two days before euthanasia or assisted suicide can be performed.”:
France has been trying to delay a response, which now isn’t expected until the end of the month.
“It is extremely unusual for a U.N. Committee to intervene during a national legislative process, but in this case, it is fully justified given the dangerous nature of the bill. We must never forget that the U.N. was founded in response to the horrific crimes of Nazi Germany, including the state-sanctioned euthanasia of the innocent,” the ACLJ warned.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states euthanasia is always a crime and can never be justified.
Signs of the Times
Will the Church Reclaim A Biblical Worldview Or Fall Further Into Deception?
Why is it that Christianity has descended into such a mess morally? Why do nearly 28% of Americans identify as nones? Why are 66% of kids raised in Christian homes and churches walking away from the church when they graduate from high school, and most will never return?
What can and should pastors do to counteract these trends? I would encourage pastors who believe Genesis to consider three things.
Teach Your Congregation About Worldview.
It is critical that you teach adults and youth in your church what a worldview is. For example, is there a God or not? If so, what is he like, and what is his relationship to the physical universe? What is the universe (an accident or purposefully created, infinite and eternal or not, etc.)? What is man (just an animal, unique from animals, related to God or not, basically good or inherently sinful, etc.)? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Can we know truth, and if so, how can we know it? Is there right and wrong in an absolute sense, or is all morality a matter of opinion or majority vote?
Biblical Christianity answers these questions one way. The evolutionary view–which dominates our culture and public education and is humanistic and atheistic–answers these questions in a very different way. For the Christian, his or her answers should come from the Bible. Unfortunately, as the studies noted above show, many people in the church live their daily lives unconscious of the fact that they are actually influenced by the evolutionary humanist worldview more than they are by the worldview they profess to believe at church. So we must inform people about what a worldview is and how it affects our decisions and relationships.
Teach Your Congregation the Biblical Worldview.
Pastor, you must clearly teach your people what the biblical worldview is because as Barna has shown, most Christians including most pastors don’t have a truly biblical worldview. I would add, on the basis of my reading and experience in seminary and at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, that most seminary professors don’t have one either. It is far more than just believing that God created the world, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and that the Bible is God’s inerrant Word.
A truly biblical worldview must start with taking Genesis 1-11 as literal history. Those chapters reveal very important truths about the nature of God, the nature of the creation, the nature of man, and how they relate to each other. They also teach how and when the world came into existence and in what order God made things. They explain the origin of plants, animals, and people, the origin of the earth, the sun, moon, and stars, the origin of marriage, sin, and death, and the origin of languages and people groups.
Those chapters also tell us that the world is not now the way it was originally created. The whole creation, not just humans, has been ruined by sin and death. Those early chapters of the Bible also begin to reveal the solution to sin and death that would eventually be provided by Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel.
If the early chapters of Genesis are not giving us true history (if those chapters are mythology or symbolic poetry), as many Christian students, lay people, pastors, and seminary professors believe, then the whole foundation of the biblical worldview is false. Christians cannot compromise with evolution or with millions of years. If the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do (Psalm 11:3)? The superstructure of the gospel and the Bible’s teaching about how we are to live and what we should expect for the future collapses into nothing more than wishful thinking. Jesus and the apostles all took Genesis 1-11 as literal history, and so must we.
Pastor, have you preached through Genesis 1-11, not simply to teach spiritual, moral, and gospel truths? Have you connected those truths to the teaching of evolution and millions of years and their influence on the moral issues of the day (LGBTQ+, abortion, racism, euthanasia, etc.)? Have you helped your people to see that Genesis 1-11 is absolutely foundational to the whole rest of the Bible?
Equip Your Congregation to Defend the Biblical Worldview.
Pastor, you also need to equip your people to defend the biblical worldview. That means teaching them apologetics–preparing them to give reasons for why they believe what they believe, to give a humble defense of the biblical worldview and the gospel on which it is built when they are confronted with objections (1 Peter 3:15). Many Christians know what they believe, but they don’t know why, and they can’t explain to a nonbeliever why he should believe the Bible and turn from his sin and trust in Christ.
Gog and Magog Update
Trump Claims Motive for Peace Efforts:
“I Want to Try to Get to Heaven”
“I want to try to get to heaven if possible, I’m hearing that I’m not doing well,”Trump shared with Fox News.
n a remarkable display of both humility and divine purpose, President Donald Trump recently shared his deeply personal spiritual motivation for brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. During a Fox & Friends interview on August 19, following his historic White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump revealed that ending this devastating conflict could serve as his pathway to eternal salvation.
With characteristic candor, President Trump opened his heart about his eternal destiny during the interview. “If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s a pretty… I want to try to get to heaven if possible, I’m hearing that I’m not doing well,” Trump shared with Fox News.
Rather than boasting about political achievements, Trump humbly acknowledged his need for divine grace while simultaneously recognizing the sacred responsibility he bears to preserve human life.
When questioned about these deeply personal remarks at a White House press briefing, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the President’s sincerity. “I think the president wants to get to heaven, as I hope we all do in this room as well,” Leavitt stated, validating Trump’s genuine spiritual concerns.
Trump’s spiritual motivation is bearing fruit diplomatically. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin told Trump by phone that he had agreed to begin the next stage of the peace process. This phase would include a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky, followed by a trilateral summit with Trump “if necessary.”
This represents unprecedented progress toward ending a conflict that has devastated Eastern Europe and threatened global stability. Leavitt described the Alaska talks with Putin as “very productive,” adding that “multiple key points were agreed to between the two leaders that truly opened up the door for phase two discussions, which took place yesterday here at the White House.”
The President’s recognition that ending a war claiming thousands of lives weekly could serve as a pathway to divine favor demonstrates an understanding of this fundamental Christian principle. The scale of human suffering that motivates Trump is staggering. With 7,000 people dying each week in this conflict, the President correctly identifies this as a moral imperative that transcends political considerations.
This endorsement from his own administration underscores that Trump’s comments were not made in jest, but reflect a genuine desire to align his presidential duties with Christian values of peacemaking and life preservation.
What sets Trump apart in this endeavor is his willingness to acknowledge his dependence on divine guidance. Leavitt pointed to “several conversations by phone and of course an in-person meeting last Friday with President Putin” and noted that Trump has also spoken “dozens of times” with Zelensky.
This extensive consultation process, combined with Trump’s spiritual motivations, suggests a president who understands that successful peacemaking requires both human wisdom and divine intervention. As Proverbs 27:14 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Leavitt defended the administration’s approach, stating: “President Trump is the only president this century, Republican or Democrat, who has held Russia in check and ensured peace in Europe. That’s because Russia has always greatly respected President Trump and his peace through strength foreign policy approach.”
This track record of effective international diplomacy, now explicitly guided by spiritual considerations, offers hope that Trump’s heavenly aspirations may indeed translate into earthly peace.
Perhaps most inspiring for Christian supporters is Trump’s humble acknowledgment of his spiritual standing. In his recent interview, he expanded on his concerns about his eternal prospects, admitting he’s been told “I’m really at the bottom of the totem pole” when it comes to heavenly admission.
This remarkable humility from a sitting president stands in stark contrast to the political posturing typically expected from high office. Rather than claiming righteousness, Trump honestly confronts his spiritual shortcomings while demonstrating his determination to save lives as a means of spiritual redemption.
This latest spiritual reflection represents a remarkable evolution in President Trump’s public statements about the afterlife. Following the assassination attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024, Trump experienced what many would recognize as a spiritual awakening.
“I do [believe in heaven],” Trump said in an interview on Fox News in August 2024 after the assassination attempt. “If I’m good, I’m going to heaven. And if I’m bad, I’m going someplace else
TruLight Ministry News
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THE SALVATION PLAN – YESTERDAY AND TODAY – THE 12 STEPS TO HEAVEN
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