Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
In our supersonic postmodern society, known for its busyness and its increasing ability to deliver instantaneously, we find ourselves hurried more than our ancestors ever could have imagined. We have come a long way from the horse-and-buggy days, and because of that, our twenty-four hours a day seem more and more restrictive. We never feel like we have enough time to accomplish everything we want or need to do, and the clock keeps ticking. Amid maintaining a 1,500-calorie diet, picking up the kids from soccer practice, and keeping our car insurance current, we can somehow lose touch with what is really important. We become like robots rapidly moving from one task to the next. We are overworked, overstressed, and spiritually undernourished. Our culture promotes “bigger and better” and subtly challenges us to keep up. Whew! Who made these rules anyway? Satan loves to keep us running in circles trying to beat the clock. If he can distract us, he can minimize our usefulness to the Kingdom of God. Satan may be the Prince of Darkness, but he is also the Duke of Distraction.
As Christians, we cannot allow ourselves to be swept away in the undercurrent of the cultural stopwatch. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The Bible places high value on rest and peaceful living. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He Himself escaped the busyness of the crowds occasionally to renew His strength. Mark 6:31 says, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to [His disciples], ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to hear God’s still, quiet voice over the roar of the 21st-century crowds, so, like Jesus, we must make time to rest and hear from our Lord.
A great example of the consequences of busyness is showcased in Luke 10:38–42: “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”
If we are honest, most of the time we resemble Martha more than Mary. We rush around doing “what needs to be done,” while missing the glimpses of Jesus all around us. As difficult as it is, and as contrary to our culture as it is, we must intentionally make the effort to slow down and model Mary because, as Jesus Himself said, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We must be intentional about making time to rest in Jesus. Let the phone ring, the chores can wait, and social media could use a break. Those things are not eternal. Jesus is eternal. Let us make the effort to sit at His feet and enjoy Him rather than miss Him like Martha did because she was fussing over the dishes. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
In ons supersoniese postmoderne samelewing, bekend vir sy besige lewe en toenemende vermoë om oombliklik te lewer, bevind ons onsself meer haastig as wat ons voorouers ooit kon dink. Ons het ‘n lang pad gekom sedert die perd-en-kar-dae, en daarom lyk ons vier-en-twintig uur per dag al hoe meer beperkend. Ons voel nooit asof ons genoeg tyd het om alles te bereik wat ons wil of moet doen nie, en die horlosie bly tik. Te midde van ‘n 1 500-kalorie-dieet, die optel van die kinders van sokkeroefening en die op datum hou van ons motorversekering, kan ons op een of ander manier kontak verloor met wat werklik belangrik is. Ons word soos robotte wat vinnig van een taak na die volgende beweeg. Ons is oorwerk, oorbeklemtoon en geestelik ondervoed. Ons kultuur bevorder “groter en beter” en daag ons subtiel uit om tred te hou. Sjoe! Wie het hierdie reëls in elk geval gemaak? Satan hou daarvan om ons in sirkels te laat hardloop en te probeer om die horlosie te klop. As hy ons kan aflei, kan hy ons nut vir die Koninkryk van God verminder. Satan mag die Prins van Duisternis wees, maar hy is ook die Hertog van Afleiding. As Christene kan ons nie toelaat dat ons meegesleur word deur die onderstroom van die kulturele stophorlosie nie. Romeine 12:2 sê: “Moenie aan hierdie wêreld voldoen nie, maar word verander deur die vernuwing van julle gemoed. Dan sal julle kan onderskei wat die wil van God is, die goeie, welgevallige en volmaakte wil.”
Die Bybel heg hoë waarde aan rus en ‘n vreedsame lewe. Tydens Jesus se aardse bediening het Hy self af en toe aan die gewoel van die skares ontsnap om Sy krag te hernu. Markus 6:31 sê: “Toe daar so baie mense gekom en gegaan het dat hulle nie eers ‘n kans gehad het om te eet nie, sê Hy vir [Sy dissipels]: ‘Kom julle alleen saam met My na ‘n stil plek en rus.’” Dit is moeilik, indien nie onmoontlik nie, vir ons om God se stil, stille stem te hoor bo die gebrul van die 21ste-eeuse skares, daarom moet ons, soos Jesus, tyd maak om te rus en van ons Here te hoor.
’n Goeie voorbeeld van die gevolge van besig wees word in Lukas 10:38–42 uitgebeeld: “Terwyl Jesus en sy dissipels op pad was, het Hy in ’n dorpie gekom waar ’n vrou met die naam Marta haar huis vir Hom oopgemaak het. Sy het ’n suster gehad met die naam Maria, wat aan die voete van die Here gesit en na sy woorde geluister het. Maar Marta was afgelei deur al die voorbereidings wat getref moes word. Sy het na Hom toe gekom en gevra: ‘Here, gee U nie om dat my suster My alleen laat werk nie? Sê vir haar om My te help!’ ‘Marta, Marta,’ het die Here geantwoord, ‘jy is besorg en ontsteld oor baie dinge, maar min is nodig – of eintlik net een. Maria het gekies wat beter is, en dit sal nie van haar weggeneem word nie.’”
As ons eerlik is, lyk ons meestal meer soos Marta as Maria. Ons jaag rond en doen “wat gedoen moet word”, terwyl ons die glimpse van Jesus rondom ons mis. So moeilik as wat dit is, en so teenstrydig met ons kultuur as wat dit is, moet ons doelbewus die moeite doen om stadiger te word en Maria te modelleer, want soos Jesus self gesê het: “Maria het gekies wat beter is, en dit sal van haar nie weggeneem word nie.”
Filippense 4:6–7 sê: “Moet oor niks besorg wees nie, maar maak in alles julle begeertes deur gebed en smeking met danksegging bekend aan God. En die vrede van God, wat alle verstand te bowe gaan, sal julle harte en julle sinne bewaar in Christus Jesus.” Ons moet doelbewus wees om tyd te maak om in Jesus te rus. Laat die telefoon lui, die take kan wag, en sosiale media kan ‘n blaaskans gebruik. Daardie dinge is nie ewig nie. Jesus is ewig. Laat ons die moeite doen om aan Sy voete te sit en Hom te geniet eerder as om Hom te mis soos Marta gedoen het omdat sy oor die skottelgoed gesukkel het. Jesaja 55:6 sê: “Soek die HERE terwyl Hy nog te vinde is; roep Hom aan terwyl Hy naby is.”
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today;
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Revelation 22:12
Prayer
Lord , thank you for this Promise of Your 2nd Coming and That you will bring Rewards with you , The Reward for the righteous and Unrighteous . Come Quickly lord Jesus we Pray . Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
En kyk, Ek kom gou, en my loon is by My, om elkeen te vergeld soos sy werk sal wees.
Openbaring 22:12
Gebed
Here, dankie vir hierdie belofte van u tweede koms en dat U belonings met u sal bring, die beloning vir die regverdiges en die onregverdiges. Kom gou, Here Jesus, ons bid. Amen en Amen
Bible Teaching of the Day
Christians living in the selfie culture
The term selfie, which was the Oxford Dictionary’s 2013 word of the year, refers to a photo taken of oneself, usually with a camera phone, and posted on a social media site. Selfies can range from silly “duck-faced” snapshots to pornographic videos. A “selfie culture” is one in which people take a lot of selfies, of course. But, for the purposes of this article, we will further define a selfie culture as a widespread obsession with self-expression, self-esteem, and self-promotion, evidenced by the proliferation of self-portraits on social media. The Bible was written before the advent of camera phones, but God’s Word still has plenty to say about one’s view of self.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with taking a selfie and sharing it with others, selfie culture, as defined above, is steeped in narcissism. Need yourself to appear thinner before posting? There’s an app for that. The selfie mentality seems to find a boldness and arrogance behind the camera that would never be expressed in person: there are selfie sub-categories such as “selfies with homeless people” and “selfies at funerals.” By posting selfies, any person can taste a droplet of fame, which can quickly become addicting. However, this obsession can impact self-worth and true relationships when personal value is based upon the number of “likes,” followers, replies, or comments received in response.
When we apply biblical standards to the mindset commonly advanced in the selfie culture, we find an immediate clash of values. Jesus called John the Baptist “the greatest in the kingdom of God” (Luke 7:28). Yet John’s approach to personal fame is summed up in his famous statement “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Jesus was clear that to be great in the kingdom of God one must become a servant (Matthew 23:11). His life was the antithesis of the selfie culture’s obsession with self. Whenever the people tried to make Jesus king, He slipped away from them and went to lonely places to pray (John 6:15).
Jesus also rebuked what we could call a selfie culture among some of those who desired to follow Him. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26–27). In direct opposition to our self-centered desires, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
For the modern church living in the selfie culture, the New Testament expounds upon Jesus’ words, exhorting us to stand firm in the teachings we first received. Galatians 5:24 reminds us that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Those “passions and desires” are described in 1 John 2:15–16 as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” The “pride of life” certainly defines self-absorption.
A selfie culture obsessed with self-expression cannot get enough of itself. Like lust or greed, an insatiable thirst for attention only grows when indulged. We are told not to chase after self-gratification and so distinguish ourselves from those who do not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:3–7). We are also instructed not to desire to be rich but to seek wisdom, godliness, and contentment instead (1 Timothy 6:6, 9–10; Proverbs 3:13–16).
Christians living in the selfie culture must beware of creating a “selfie Christianity.” After all, living for Jesus is different from living for self. The biblical doctrines of sin, repentance, and sacrifice are still needed. And the warning of 2 Timothy 4:3 still stands: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
The battle cries of New Testament Christianity have always been “Take up your cross and follow Jesus! Be crucified with Christ. Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, not here on earth” (Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20; Matthew 6:19). But the battle cries of selfie Christianity sound like this: “God thinks you are awesome! Follow your dreams! Speak positively, and God will bless it.” This pseudo-gospel has integrated with the selfie culture.
Psalm 119:36 says, “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.” The focus of the Bible is God, not us. The Bible is the historical account of God’s limitless love pursuing undeserving Man. It is the story of redemption, accessed only through repentance (Matthew 4:17; Acts 3:19). God does bless His people (Genesis 24:1; Psalm 128:1). He does delight in pouring out His grace, mercy, and blessing on those who fear Him (Ephesians 1:6; Psalm 112:1). But when we view God as merely a means to obtain earthly blessing, we have bought into a false gospel. When Jesus is presented as the ticket to get what we want from God, “another Jesus” is being preached (see 2 Corinthians 11:4).
As we take our selfies and post them for others to see, we must take care to maintain godliness, modesty, and propriety. Selfie culture tends to foster a love of self. But Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30). When we love God, obedience follows naturally. We cannot love God biblically and continue to be infatuated with ourselves. The closer we draw to God, the more we see the depravity of our own hearts. Self-infatuation has no room for the love of God. We can only serve one master (Matthew 6:24). Jesus came not to refine our flesh but to kill it (Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20), and until we are willing to crucify our selfie mindset, we cannot be His true disciples.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Christene wat in die selfie-kultuur leef
Die term selfie, wat die Oxford Dictionary se 2013-woord van die jaar was, verwys na ‘n foto wat van jouself geneem is, gewoonlik met ‘n kamerafoon, en op ‘n sosiale media-webwerf geplaas word. Selfies kan wissel van simpel “eendgesig”-kiekies tot pornografiese video’s. ‘n “Selfie-kultuur” is een waarin mense natuurlik baie selfies neem. Maar vir die doeleindes van hierdie artikel sal ons ‘n selfie-kultuur verder definieer as ‘n wydverspreide obsessie met selfuitdrukking, selfbeeld en selfpromosie, wat blyk uit die verspreiding van selfportrette op sosiale media. Die Bybel is geskryf voor die koms van kamerafone, maar God se Woord het steeds baie te sê oor ‘n mens se siening van die self.
Alhoewel daar niks inherent verkeerd is om ‘n selfie te neem en dit met ander te deel nie, is selfie-kultuur, soos hierbo gedefinieer, deurdrenk van narsisme. Wil jy hê jy moet dunner lyk voordat jy iets plaas? Daar is ‘n toepassing daarvoor. Die selfie-mentaliteit blyk ‘n vermetelheid en arrogansie agter die kamera te vind wat nooit persoonlik uitgedruk sou word nie: daar is selfie-subkategorieë soos “selfies met haweloses” en “selfies by begrafnisse”. Deur selfies te plaas, kan enige persoon ‘n druppel roem proe, wat vinnig verslawend kan raak. Hierdie obsessie kan egter selfwaarde en ware verhoudings beïnvloed wanneer persoonlike waarde gebaseer is op die aantal “likes”, volgelinge, antwoorde of kommentare wat in reaksie ontvang word.
Wanneer ons Bybelse standaarde toepas op die denkwyse wat algemeen in die selfie-kultuur bevorder word, vind ons ‘n onmiddellike botsing van waardes. Jesus het Johannes die Doper “die grootste in die koninkryk van God” genoem (Lukas 7:28). Tog word Johannes se benadering tot persoonlike roem opgesom in sy beroemde stelling “Hy moet meer word, maar ek moet minder word” (Johannes 3:30). Jesus was duidelik dat om groot te wees in die koninkryk van God, ‘n mens ‘n dienaar moet word (Matteus 23:11). Sy lewe was die teenoorgestelde van die selfie-kultuur se obsessie met die self. Wanneer die mense probeer het om Jesus koning te maak, het Hy van hulle weggeglip en na eensame plekke gegaan om te bid (Johannes 6:15).
Jesus het ook tereggewys wat ons ‘n selfie-kultuur kan noem onder sommige van diegene wat Hom wou volg. Jesus het gesê: “As iemand na My toe kom en nie vader en moeder en vrou en kinders en broers en susters haat nie, ja, selfs sy eie lewe, kan so iemand my dissipel nie wees nie. En wie sy kruis nie dra en My nie volg nie, kan nie my dissipel wees nie” (Lukas 14:26–27). In direkte teenstelling met ons selfgesentreerde begeertes het Jesus gesê: “Wie my dissipel wil wees, moet homself verloën en sy kruis opneem en My volg. Want wie sy lewe wil red, sal dit verloor; maar wie sy lewe vir My verloor, sal dit vind” (Matteus 16:25).
Vir die moderne kerk wat in die selfie-kultuur leef, verduidelik die Nuwe Testament Jesus se woorde en spoor ons aan om vas te staan in die leringe wat ons aanvanklik ontvang het. Galasiërs 5:24 herinner ons daaraan dat “die wat aan Christus Jesus behoort, die vlees met sy hartstogte en begeertes gekruisig het.” Daardie “harte en begeertes” word in 1 Johannes 2:15–16 beskryf as “die wellus van die vlees, die wellus van die oë en die trots van die lewe.” Die “trots van die lewe” definieer beslis self-absorpsie.
’n Selfie-kultuur wat obsessief is met selfuitdrukking kan nie genoeg van homself kry nie. Soos wellus of gierigheid, groei ’n onversadigbare dors na aandag net wanneer ons toegegee word. Ons word aangesê om nie selfbevrediging na te jaag nie en onsself so te onderskei van diegene wat God nie ken nie (1 Tessalonisense 4:3–7). Ons word ook aangesê om nie ryk te begeer nie, maar om wysheid, godsvrug en tevredenheid te soek (1 Timoteus 6:6, 9–10; Spreuke 3:13–16).
Christene wat in die selfie-kultuur leef, moet oppas om ’n “selfie-Christenskap” te skep. Om vir Jesus te leef, is immers anders as om vir jouself te leef. Die Bybelse leerstellings van sonde, bekering en opoffering is steeds nodig. En die waarskuwing van 2 Timoteus 4:3 staan steeds: “Want daar sal ‘n tyd kom wanneer die mense die gesonde leer nie sal verdra nie, maar om hulle ‘n groot aantal leraars sal versamel, ooreenkomstig hulle eie begeertes.”
Psalm 119:36 sê: “Neig my hart tot u getuienisse en nie tot selfsugtige wins nie.” Die fokus van die Bybel is God, nie ons nie. Die Bybel is die historiese verslag van God se onbeperkte liefde wat die onverdienstelike mens najaag. Dit is die verhaal van verlossing, wat slegs deur bekering verkry kan word (Matteus 4:17; Handelinge 3:19). God seën wel Sy mense (Genesis 24:1; Psalm 128:1). Hy skep wel behae daarin om Sy genade, barmhartigheid en seën uit te stort op diegene wat Hom vrees (Efesiërs 1:6; Psalm 112:1). Maar wanneer ons God bloot as ‘n middel beskou om aardse seën te verkry, het ons ‘n valse evangelie aangeneem. Wanneer Jesus aangebied word as die kaartjie om te kry wat ons van God wil hê, word ‘n “ander Jesus” verkondig (sien 2 Korintiërs 11:4).
Soos ons ons selfies neem en dit vir ander plaas om te sien, moet ons sorg dra om godsvrug, beskeidenheid en fatsoen te handhaaf. Selfie-kultuur is geneig om ‘n liefde vir die self te bevorder. Maar Jesus het gesê die grootste gebod is om “die Here jou God lief te hê met jou hele hart, siel, verstand en krag” (Markus 12:30). Wanneer ons God liefhet, volg gehoorsaamheid natuurlik. Ons kan God nie Bybels liefhê en steeds behep wees met onsself nie. Hoe nader ons aan God kom, hoe meer sien ons die verdorwenheid van ons eie harte. Selfverliefdheid het geen plek vir die liefde van God nie. Ons kan net een meester dien (Matteus 6:24). Jesus het nie gekom om ons vlees te louter nie, maar om dit dood te maak (Romeine 6:6; Galasiërs 2:20), en totdat ons bereid is om ons selfie-ingesteldheid te kruisig, kan ons nie Sy ware dissipels wees nie.
Today’s Devotional
We can rely on the power of God
We often hear about the power of God, and Scripture is full of examples of His power in action. He is “the great God, mighty and awesome” (Nehemiah 9:32). We are taught to rely on His great power to get us through trials such as a job loss, a sticky divorce, bankruptcy, hateful persecutions, a debilitating illness, or the loss of a loved one. Learning to rely on the power of God is part of living the Christian life.
The apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of the power of God when he writes of “his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority” (Ephesians 1:19–21). The Greek word translated “great” is megethos, which means “strong” or “great,” and it appears only here in the New Testament. This word obviously wasn’t sufficient for Paul to express God’s great power, so he adds the word incomparably or, in Greek, hyperballon, related to a verb that literally means to “throw beyond the usual mark” or to “excel or surpass.” So, the full idea of the expression hyperballon megethos is that of a power beyond measure, a super-abounding or surpassing power, power that is “more than enough.”
Greek authorities tell us that, because the term megethos is found only here in all the New Testament, this reflects the outreach of Paul’s mind when he sought to describe the power of God. Paul was “stretching at the seams” as he tried to describe the power of God and pour more meaning into his words. What Paul is really telling us is that God’s power exceeds or surpasses everything—it is unimaginable power. God spoke the universe into existence, raised Jesus from the dead, and “placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church” (Ephesians 1:22), and He has power far beyond any possibility of being measured. Paul simply could not say enough about the greatness and majesty of God, and he had difficulty finding the words to express his thoughts about the power of God.
How can we learn to rely on the enormous power of God? First of all, we choose to remember the things that God has done: “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” (Psalm 105:4–5). Every miracle recorded for us in the Bible should give us encouragement that His strength is more than enough for our need.
Also, to rely on the power of God, we must learn to cease trusting in our frail efforts and hand our resources over to the One who can do anything. God’s power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The disciples were at their wits’ end trying to figure out how to feed the 5,000; it was not until they brought the small amount of food they had to Christ that anyone was fed. Joshua stood helpless before the walls of Jericho, but he learned to trust the Lord’s battle plan. Zerubbabel faced the daunting task of rebuilding the temple, and God reminded him that the work would be done “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).
Prayer is a vital part of relying on the power of God, as we pray, “Thy will be done” (Luke 11:2, KJV). Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8). It was after a prayer meeting in the early church that “the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). It was during a prayer meeting that Peter was miraculously released from prison (Acts 12).
The resurrection of Jesus certainly demonstrates the great power of God and is the great hope of all believers. Because He lives, we will live also (John 14:19). Peter said we have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away” (1 Peter 1:3–4, NASB). No matter what happens in this world, we have the power of God and Jesus’ resurrection; the Lord will grant us an inheritance and sustain us through eternity. We “through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (verse 5). As Martin Luther sang during the Protestant Reformation, “The body they may kill; / God’s truth abideth still.”
No matter how weak or ill-equipped we may at times feel, we can rely on the power of God. We have the assurance that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). We have confidence that ultimately God will accomplish His good in our lives: “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Vandag se Bemoediging
Ons kan op die krag van God staatmaak.
Ons hoor dikwels van die krag van God, en die Skrif is vol voorbeelde van Sy krag in aksie. Hy is “die grote God, magtig en ontsagwekkend” (Nehemia 9:32). Ons word geleer om op Sy groot krag te vertrou om ons deur beproewinge te kry soos werkverlies, ‘n moeilike egskeiding, bankrotskap, haatlike vervolging, ‘n aftakelende siekte of die verlies van ‘n geliefde. Om te leer om op die krag van God te vertrou, is deel van die Christelike lewe.
Die apostel Paulus gee ons ‘n kykie na die krag van God wanneer hy skryf van “sy onvergelyklike groot krag vir ons wat glo. Daardie krag is dieselfde as die magtige krag wat Hy uitgeoefen het toe Hy Christus uit die dood opgewek het en Hom aan sy regterhand in die hemele laat sit het, ver bo alle heerskappy en gesag” (Efesiërs 1:19–21). Die Griekse woord wat as “groot” vertaal word, is megethos, wat “sterk” of “groot” beteken, en dit verskyn slegs hier in die Nuwe Testament. Hierdie woord was klaarblyklik nie voldoende vir Paulus om God se groot mag uit te druk nie, daarom voeg hy die woord onvergelykbaar of, in Grieks, hyperballon by, verwant aan ‘n werkwoord wat letterlik beteken om “verby die gewone punt te gooi” of om “uit te blink of te oortref”. Die volle idee van die uitdrukking hyperballon megethos is dus dié van ‘n krag bo alle maat, ‘n oorvloedige of oortreffende krag, krag wat “meer as genoeg” is.
Griekse owerhede vertel ons dat, omdat die term megethos slegs hier in die hele Nuwe Testament gevind word, dit die uitreik van Paulus se gedagtes weerspieël toe hy die krag van God wou beskryf. Paulus het “uit sy nate gerek” terwyl hy probeer het om die krag van God te beskryf en meer betekenis in sy woorde te steek. Wat Paulus eintlik vir ons sê, is dat God se krag alles oortref of oortref – dit is ondenkbare krag. God het die heelal in bestaan gespreek, Jesus uit die dood opgewek en “alle dinge onder sy voete onderwerp en Hom as hoof oor alles vir die kerk aangestel” (Efesiërs 1:22), en Hy het mag wat ver bo enige moontlikheid van gemeet kan word. Paulus kon eenvoudig nie genoeg sê oor die grootheid en majesteit van God nie, en hy het gesukkel om die woorde te vind om sy gedagtes oor die krag van God uit te druk.
Hoe kan ons leer om op die enorme krag van God te vertrou? Eerstens kies ons om die dinge te onthou wat God gedoen het: “Wend julle tot die Here en sy sterkte aan; soek altyd sy aangesig! Dink aan die wonders wat Hy gedoen het, aan sy wonders en die oordele wat Hy uitgespreek het” (Psalm 105:4–5). Elke wonderwerk wat vir ons in die Bybel opgeteken is, behoort ons aanmoediging te gee dat Sy krag meer as genoeg is vir ons behoefte.
Ook, om op die krag van God te vertrou, moet ons leer om op te hou vertrou op ons brose pogings en ons hulpbronne oor te gee aan die Een wat enigiets kan doen. God se krag word volmaak in ons swakheid (2 Korintiërs 12:9). Die dissipels was raadop om uit te vind hoe om die 5 000 te voed; dit was eers toe hulle die klein hoeveelheid kos wat hulle gehad het na Christus gebring het dat enigiemand gevoed is. Josua het hulpeloos voor die mure van Jerigo gestaan, maar hy het geleer om die Here se strydplan te vertrou. Serubbábel het die uitdagende taak in die gesig gestaar om die tempel te herbou, en God het hom daaraan herinner dat die werk “nie deur krag of deur geweld nie, maar deur my Gees” gedoen sou word (Sagaria 4:6).
Gebed is ‘n noodsaaklike deel van vertroue op die krag van God, terwyl ons bid: “Laat u wil geskied” (Lukas 11:2). Jesus het gesê: “Vra, en vir julle sal gegee word; soek, en julle sal vind; klop, en vir julle sal oopgemaak word. Want elkeen wat bid, ontvang; en hy wat soek, vind; en vir hom wat klop, sal oopgemaak word” (Matteus 7:7–8). Dit was na ‘n gebedsbyeenkoms in die vroeë kerk dat “die plek waar hulle vergader het, geskud is. En hulle is almal vervul met die Heilige Gees en het die woord van God vrymoediglik gespreek” (Handelinge 4:31). Dit was tydens ‘n gebedsbyeenkoms dat Petrus wonderbaarlik uit die tronk vrygelaat is (Handelinge 12).
Die opstanding van Jesus demonstreer beslis die groot krag van God en is die groot hoop van alle gelowiges. Omdat Hy leef, sal ons ook lewe (Johannes 14:19). Petrus het gesê ons is “wedergebore tot ‘n lewende hoop deur die opstanding van Jesus Christus uit die dood, om ‘n onverganklike en onbesmette en onverwelklike erfenis te verkry” (1 Petrus 1:3-4). Ongeag wat in hierdie wêreld gebeur, ons het die krag van God en Jesus se opstanding; die Here sal ons ‘n erfenis gee en ons deur die ewigheid onderhou. Ons “word deur die geloof deur God se krag beskut tot die koms van die verlossing wat gereed is om geopenbaar te word in die laaste tyd” (vers 5). Soos Martin Luther tydens die Protestantse Hervorming gesing het: “Die liggaam mag hulle doodmaak; / God se waarheid bly staan.”
Ongeag hoe swak of swak toegerus ons soms mag voel, kan ons op die krag van God staatmaak. Ons het die versekering dat God “deur die krag wat in ons werk, oneindig meer kan doen as wat ons bid of dink” (Efesiërs 3:20). Ons het vertroue dat God uiteindelik Sy goeie in ons lewens sal bereik: “Vir die wat Hom liefhet, werk God alles ten goede mee, dié wat volgens sy voorneme geroep is” (Romeine 8:28).
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.
Is Ambisie Verkeerd ?
Is ambisie verkeerd ? Is dit verkeerd om jouself te dryf om net die beste te wees ?
Dit kan wees ! Die verskil tussen of dit reg of verkeerd is, is die motivering – of dit vir die eer van God is, of vir ons eie eer.
In 1 Tessalonisense 4:1 sê Paulus dat Christene hulle daarop moet toelê om Heilig te lewe. Vir sommige is die verlange om God te verheerlik iets wat dadelik, na bekering, ń werklikheid word, maar vir ander is die transformasie geleidelik. Of die verandering onmiddelik gebeur en of dit ń geleidelike verandering is, maak nie saak nie. Die Christen se taak is om God se doel na te jaag en nie jou eie eer te soek nie !
In die werkplek moet ons dus vra: “Hoe sal daardie taak my help om ander te dien en God te verheerlik ? Ambisie tot eer van God, is gefokus op Hom en ander mense, en daar word altyd nagedink hoe Hy ons toegerus het en ons wil gebruik.
Paulus sê dat ons moet “werk met ń opregte hart uit eerbied vir die Here ( Kol 3:22 ) . Wat ons ook al doen, in die kantoor, by die hawe, waar ook al, laat ons Hom dien en dit vir die Here ( doen ) en nie vir mense nie. ( Kol 3:23,24 ).
Ons vereer Hom op die beste wyse en ondervind sy vrede, as ons werk om Hom te verheerlik en nie onsself nie. Diens vir Hom en vir ander, nie vir persoonlike voordeel nie, is wat Hom verheerlik. Hy verdien dit !
Is Ambition Wrong?
Is ambition wrong? Is it wrong to push yourself to be the best?
It can be! The difference between right and wrong is the motivation – whether it is for the glory of God, or for our own glory.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Paul says that Christians should strive to live Holy lives. For some, the desire to glorify God is something that becomes a reality immediately after conversion, but for others the transformation is gradual. Whether the change happens immediately or whether it is a gradual change, does not matter. The Christian’s task is to pursue God’s purpose and not to seek your own glory!
In the workplace, we should therefore ask: “How will that task help me serve others and glorify God? Ambition to honor God is focused on Him and other people, and there is always thought about how He has equipped us and wants to use us.
Paul says that we should “work with a sincere heart out of reverence for the Lord ( Col 3:22 ). Whatever we do, in the office, at the dock, wherever, let us serve Him and do it as to the Lord and not to men. ( Col 3:23,24 ).
We honor Him in the best way and experience His peace, when we work to glorify Him and not ourselves. Service for Him and for others, not for personal gain, is what glorifies Him. He deserves it!
Vroue in die Bybel—Wat kan ons by hulle leer?
Vandag – Marta
Wie was Marta? Sy was die suster van Lasarus en Maria, en al drie het naby Jerusalem in die dorpie Betanië gewoon.
Wat het sy gedoen? Marta het ‘n hegte vriendskap met Jesus geniet, wat “Marta en haar suster en Lasarus liefgehad het”. (Johannes 11:5) Marta was ‘n gasvrye vrou. Tydens een van Jesus se besoeke het Maria gekies om na Jesus te luister terwyl Marta huishoudelike take behartig het. Marta het by hom gekla dat Maria haar nie help nie. Jesus het Marta se standpunt sagkens reggestel.—Lukas 10:38-42.
Toe Lasarus siek geword het, het Marta en haar suster vir Jesus gestuur, vol vertroue dat hy hulle broer kon genees. (Johannes 11:3, 21) Maar Lasarus het gesterf. Marta se gesprek met Jesus het haar vertroue in die Bybel se belofte van ‘n opstanding en in Jesus se vermoë om haar broer weer lewend te maak, weerspieël.—Johannes 11:20-27.
Wat kan ons by Marta leer? Marta het hard gewerk om gasvryheid te betoon. Sy het gewillig raad aanvaar. Sy het openlik oor haar gevoelens en haar geloof gepraat.
Women in the Bible—What Can We Learn From Them?
Today – Martha
Who was Martha? She was the sister of Lazarus and Mary, and all three lived near Jerusalem in the village of Bethany.
What did she do? Martha enjoyed a close friendship with Jesus, who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5) Martha was a hospitable woman. During one of Jesus’ visits, Mary chose to listen to Jesus while Martha attended to household duties. Martha complained to him that Mary was not helping her. Jesus gently corrected Martha’s viewpoint.—Luke 10:38-42.
When Lazarus became sick, Martha and her sister sent for Jesus, confident that he could heal their brother. (John 11:3, 21) But Lazarus died. Martha’s conversation with Jesus reflected her confidence in the Bible’s promise of a resurrection and in Jesus’ ability to bring her brother back to life.—John 11:20-27.
What can we learn from Martha? Martha worked hard in extending hospitality. She willingly accepted counsel. She spoke openly about her feelings and her faith.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV = Nature Documentary – White-Tailed Eagle.
Who are you? That can be an awkward question to answer. But we are not defined by our life circumstances or past failures. God calls us royal, chosen, and special. Watch today’s video to learn more about your identity in Christ. and later a Nature Documentary in title (The Saga of the White-Tailed Eagle) – The sea eagle was once widespread throughout almost all of Europe and graced the coats of arms of many different countries. During the 19th and 20th centuries it was driven to the brink of extinction by hunting, the increased use of pesticides and the destruction of its habitat. This touching animal drama recounts the true life story of one individual bird, observed over the course of a year. Beginning with its birth in a lowland forest in Central Europe the film team follows the eagle’s first outing with its brothers and sisters and subsequent distant migrations to places as far away as Scandinavia. Finally it chronicles its dramatic lead poisoning, recovery and resettlement in a nature reserve. The point of this Nature Documentary is based on the Bible Verse in Psalm 91;1 – The Heavens Declare the Glory of God; The Skies Proclaim the Work of His Hands. Enjoy today’s show and thanks for watching.
INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ARTISTS
MEET : JIMMY SWAGGART
Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart does not need Introduction . Pastor Jimmy Passed away 2 Days ago 1 July 2025 at the age of 90 .
Jimmy Lee Swaggart was an American Pentecostal televangelist, pastor, media mogul, author and gospel music artist. Swaggart was ordained as a pastor by the Assemblies of God. He went on to become one of the most well-known televangelists in America.
Born: 15 March 1935,
Died: 1 July 2025 (age 90 years),
Today on TruLight Radio XM
TruLight Radio XM 24/7
Program
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Saturday
6:00 Wake up with the Lord
8:15 Principals of Living
9:15 Hope of the Heart
10:15 Dacus Report
11:15 Growing Hope
12:15 Unshackled
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:00 Knowing Jesus Christ
15:15 Live in the Light
16:15 Renewing my Mind
17:00 The TruLight Top 10 hosted by Dilize Light
18:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:00 God will Provide Testimonies
21:00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
21:30 Good Old Country Gospel
21:45 Bible Reading
22:00 Nightsounds
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Bible Prophecy in the News
What Happens In Washington Next Week Could Reshape Israel & The Middle East
The Middle East is once again approaching a critical turning point. Behind diplomatic smiles and bold headlines lies a complex and dangerous question–one that has echoed since the birth of modern Israel: Will Israel be forced to give up land for peace yet again? That is the heart of the matter.
The Middle East is once again approaching a critical turning point. Behind diplomatic smiles and bold headlines lies a complex and dangerous question–one that has echoed since the birth of modern Israel: Will Israel be forced to give up land for peace yet again? That is the heart of the matter.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Washington on Monday along with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The Israeli cabinet, according to reports, will wait to hear back from Dermer’s discussions before deciding on next steps in Gaza.
The urgency of these talks escalated on Sunday when President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social, calling for a deal to “get the hostages back!!!” That message, paired with whispers of a massive regional realignment, raises critical questions: Is a Gaza deal–centered on the hostages–being quietly tied to an expanded Abraham Accords? And if so, what price will Israel be expected to pay?
Behind the Curtain of “Peace”
The Abraham Accords marked a powerful diplomatic shift in 2020, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Now, a second wave appears to be forming–possibly with Saudi Arabia and shockingly, Syria, among the participants.
To grease the wheels, Donald Trump has moved to lift all sanctions on Syria, signaling a potential thaw between Israel and the new Syrian regime. That is stunning on its face, considering Syria’s long-standing alignment with Iran and Hezbollah.
But peace agreements in the Middle East rarely come free. And this time, the price may not just be diplomatic recognition. It could involve territorial concessions, hostage deals, and a radically reimagined future for Gaza.
Gaza, the Hostages, and the Bigger Deal
Inside the current negotiations is a potential framework being floated: Arab nations–perhaps Egypt, Jordan, or even Saudi Arabia–could temporarily take over governance or security responsibilities in Gaza following a ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages. This arrangement would help sideline Hamas while maintaining Arab control in the eyes of the region. In exchange, Israel would scale down military operations and exit from the Gaza strip.
This sounds appealing to international diplomats–but that is unlikely to be enough.
Will Israel be pressured to agree to a deal that leaves Hamas intact in any form, even by proxy? Will global powers use the return of Israeli hostages as leverage to push broader territorial concessions in Gaza, Judea, or even the Golan Heights?
Syria’s Shocking Role–and the Golan in the Crosshairs?
As part of the broader push for normalization, Syria is now being discussed as a potential participant in the Abraham Accords. But Syria comes with baggage–and territory. With international pressure mounting to bring Syria back into the fold, Israel may be quietly asked to give up what it has secured after Assad’s collapse.
That includes strategic positions near Mount Hermon, seized to protect Israeli citizens from Iranian proxies and jihadist terror cells operating separate from the new Syrian government.
Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar reaffirmed that Israel applied its law to the Golan Heights over 40 years ago, making it sovereign Israeli territory. But that hasn’t stopped global voices from suggesting that the Golan–or parts of it–could be used as a bargaining chip.
The Two-State Mirage and Saudi Arabia’s Old Demands
There are other pieces to the puzzle. For years, Saudi Arabia has floated normalization in exchange for impossible demands: a Palestinian state, the division of Jerusalem, and a freeze on settlement growth in Judea and Samaria.
After the horrors of October 7th–when Hamas slaughtered over 1,200 Israeli civilians–Israel’s population has overwhelmingly rejected the idea of a Palestinian state. The trauma of Gaza’s past was made horrifyingly clear: land for peace leads to terror, not coexistence.
Yet, as talks unfold, there’s growing concern that a new Gaza governance plan–whether via Arab states or international coalitions–may become a backdoor path to Palestinian statehood. If Israel halts its military efforts and permits external actors to step in, the world will label it “progress.” But in reality, it may become the first brick in a rebuilt road toward dividing the land once again.
The Temple Mount Awakens: Is The Third Temple Closer Than We Think?
Something is stirring in Jerusalem – and it’s not just politics. With Iran on the back foot, Hamas and Hezbollah scattered, and the winds of Middle East diplomacy blowing once again, a different kind of conversation is quietly picking up steam: Could we be approaching the day when the Jewish Temple is rebuilt?
Something is stirring in Jerusalem—and it’s not just politics. With Iran on the back foot, Hamas and Hezbollah scattered, and the winds of Middle East diplomacy blowing once again, a different kind of conversation is quietly picking up steam: Could we be approaching the day when the Jewish Temple is rebuilt?
For many Jews, this is more than wishful thinking. It’s a sacred hope deeply rooted in thousands of years of Scripture and tradition. Since the harrowing attacks of October 7, a religious revival has taken root across Israel, especially among younger generations. Jewish identity is being reawakened—not just as a cultural or national label, but as a spiritual calling. And at the center of that calling lies the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, and the long-awaited Third Temple.
While most global observers remain focused on ceasefire negotiations and regional security, something even more significant may be quietly unfolding. For those with eyes to see, a series of developments suggest that the ground is being spiritually—and quite literally—prepared for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Whether it will be rebuilt by political action, divine intervention, or some mysterious blend of both remains to be seen. But the preparations are no longer theoretical. They are real, visible, and accelerating.
Why Do Jews Want the Temple Rebuilt?
To understand the gravity of this moment, Christians must first understand what the Temple means to the Jewish people. The First Temple, built by Solomon in the 10th century BC, was the dwelling place of God on earth. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the spiritual and national center of Jewish life until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC.
The Second Temple, built after the Babylonian exile, stood for nearly 600 years before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Since then, Jews have mourned the loss of their Temple daily. Its absence is not just historical—it’s personal and theological. The Temple is where heaven touched earth. Without it, the full expression of Jewish worship is incomplete.
Rebuilding the Temple is not about nationalism or conquest for religious Jews—it’s about redemption, restoration, and relationship with God. For millennia, Jewish prayers have included the words: “May it be Your will that the Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days.” Today, many Jews believe those days may finally be upon us.
Signs of Preparation: Red Heifers, Temple Vessels, and Training Programs
Incredibly, actual preparations for a rebuilt Temple are already underway. Five red heifers—pure, unblemished animals required by biblical law for purification rites—have been brought to Israel from Texas. If any remain eligible after close rabbinical inspection, they could be used in the ritual purification of priests and Temple vessels, a requirement for resuming Temple service (Numbers 19).
Meanwhile, the Temple Institute in Jerusalem has spent decades reconstructing all the vessels, garments, and instruments needed for Temple worship—from the golden menorah to the High Priest’s breastplate. These are not museum replicas—they are intended for real use.
And now, the most striking development yet: actual training programs for future priests (kohanim) are in full swing.
The ultra-Orthodox Toldos Aharon movement—long known for its opposition to the modern State of Israel—has begun training kohanim for Temple service. Yes, you read that right: a group that rejects Zionism is preparing for the Temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Why? Because they believe the Messiah is near and the Temple will be divinely restored, not politically constructed. Their Rebbe has stated plainly: “We clearly see we are at the footsteps of the Messiah.”
Their kollel (study program) runs daily from 4:40 to 7:00 a.m., training priests in the laws of ritual service. It’s a stunning paradox—anti-Zionist Jews preparing to serve in a Temple that sits at the heart of the modern Israeli capital.
Even more remarkable: science appears to confirm the ancient lineage of the kohanim. Over 98% of men who claim priestly descent share a distinct genetic marker—evidence that their bloodline has been preserved for over 3,000 years.
Wheat for Offerings and Songs on the Mount
Other developments are equally symbolic. The Israeli milling company Shtibel has announced it will begin producing flour suitable for Temple offerings, using a special dry milling process to meet ancient purity laws. Producing even a small amount of kosher semolina requires hundreds of pounds of carefully cultivated Israeli wheat, processed without any moisture. It’s not profitable—but it is prophetic. “This is about more than economics,” said the company’s head of R&D. “It’s about belonging and destiny.”
Meanwhile, Jews are doing something on the Temple Mount that has been forbidden for decades: singing.
Signs of the Times
Robocop In The Pulpit: When Pastors Turn Justice Into A Joke
In a world crying out for truth, righteousness, and spiritual clarity, it is nothing short of tragic when those entrusted with proclaiming the gospel instead descend into absurdity and blasphemy.
When Wolves Preach And The Sheep Applaud: The Tragic Apostasy Of The ELC
There was a time when heresy had to knock to get inside the church. Now, it holds the microphone at Evangelical Lutheran Churches across the country.
Gog and Magog Update
China’s Rapid Nuclear Push: Much More Than A Deterrent
The People’s Republic of China is not simply building up its military-it is unleashing a nuclear revolution. No longer satisfied with a modest deterrent, China is now racing toward nuclear parity, and eventually supremacy, over the United States.
Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House next week, US President Donald Trump said that he will take a “firm stance” with the premier about ending the war in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters while touring a migrant detention center in Florida, Trump said he hopes to end the 21-month conflict “sometime next week.”
Last week, the president predicted that a hostage release and ceasefire deal would be reached this week.
Trump also told reporters that Netanyahu “wants to end the war.”
On Sunday, Trump put forward a proposal that would liberate all of the captives and send Hamas leaders into exile. “We’re confident a deal can be reached,” a US official told The Jerusalem Post.
TruLight Ministry News
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Lering deur Pastoor Dirk / Teaching by Pastor Dirk
Lering deur Pastoor Dirk
Leringe deur ons in Huis Bybelleraar, Pastoor Dirk. Pastoor Dirk is ‘n Onderwyser in Bybelprofesie en ‘n groot verskeidenheid ander Bybelonderwerpe soos, Genesing, Heilige Geesdoop, Eindtyd en Algemene Bybelkennis Hy staan bekend as die Kwaai Internet Pastoor met Openbaring van Bybel waarheid soos die Kerk dit Nog nooit gehoor het nie.
Een van sy bekendste Leringe
Spiritual Prisons People are Born in
One of The Spiritual Prisons in Christianity ! Hebrew Sacred Names Cult
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