: Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
How do I know something is an addiction? when you can't get by without it for 12 hours without desiring it with all your heart!!! ADDICTION among Christians is the main reason why Sanctification is not achieved! These days there are many addictions, even a cell phone or the Internet or social media becomes addictive. what do I do with it if I find out I am addicted to something! Do I need deliverance? In the case of fire, the solution is. stop, drop and roll. My advice to you today is STOP & DETOX.
https://www.addictionhelp.org.za/stop-detox/
Taking control of our thoughts is essential. Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The “heart” includes the mind and all that proceeds from it. Someone said that every sin we commit, we commit twice, once in our thoughts and again when we act upon those thoughts. It is easier to rid our lives of sin if we attack it at this fundamental thought level rather than waiting for it to become rooted in our lives by our actions and then try to pull it out.
There is also a difference between being tempted (a thought entering into the mind) and sinning (dwelling upon an evil thought and wallowing in it). It is important to understand that when a thought enters our mind, we examine it based upon God’s Word and determine if we should continue down that path or reject the thought and replace it with another thought. If we have already allowed a habit to form in our thought lives, it becomes more difficult to change the path of our thoughts, even as it is hard to get a car out of a deep rut and onto a new track. Here are some biblical suggestions for taking control of our thoughts and getting rid of wrong thoughts:
- Be in God’s Word so that when a sinful thought enters our mind (a temptation), we will be able to recognize it for what it is and know what course to take. Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4) responded to each of Satan’s temptations with Scripture that applied to the direction He knew His mind should take instead of beginning down the path of the sinful thought. When tempted to meet His physical need (turn stone into bread), He recited the passage about the importance of relying upon God. When tempted to serve Satan in order to obtain the glory of the world, He brought up the passage that says we are to serve and worship God alone and speak of the glory that belongs to Him and those who are His. When tempted to test God (to see if God was really there and would keep His promises), Jesus responded with passages that stress the importance of believing God without having to see Him demonstrate His presence.
Quoting Scripture in a time of temptation is not a talisman, but rather serves the purpose of getting our minds onto a biblical track, but we need to know the Word of God AHEAD of time in order to accomplish this. Thus, a daily habit of being in the Word in a meaningful way is essential. If we are aware of a certain area of constant temptation (worry, lust, anger, etc.), we need to study and memorize key passages that deal with those issues. Looking for both what we are to avoid (negative) and how we are to properly respond (positive) to tempting thoughts and situations—before they are upon us—will go a long way to giving us victory over them.
- Live in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, chiefly through seeking His strength through prayer (Matthew 26:41). If we rely upon our own strength, we will fail (Proverbs 28:26;Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 26:33).
- We are not to feed our minds with that which will promote sinful thoughts. This is the idea of Proverbs 4:23. We are to guard our hearts—what we allow into them and what we allow them to dwell on. Job 31:1 states, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman” (NKJV). Romans 13:14 states, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Thus, we are to avoid periodicals, videos, websites, conversations, and situations that will set us up for a fall. We should also avoid spending time with those who would encourage us down these wrong paths.
- We are to pursue hard after God, replacing sinful thoughts with godly pursuits and mindsets. This is the principle of replacement. When tempted to hate someone, we replace those hateful thoughts with godly actions: we do good to them, speak well of them, and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). Instead of stealing, we should work hard to earn money so we can look for opportunities to give to others in need (Ephesians 4:28). When tempted to lust after a woman, we turn our gaze, praise God for the way He has made us—male and female—and pray for the woman (for example: “Lord, help this young woman to come to know you if she does not, and to know the joy of walking with you”), then think of her as a sister (1 Timothy 5:2). The Bible often speaks of “putting off” wrong actions and thoughts but then “putting on” godly actions and thoughts (Ephesians 4:22-32). Merely seeking to put off sinful thoughts without replacing those thoughts with godly ones leaves an empty field for Satan to come along and sow his weeds (Matthew 12:43-45).
- We can use fellowship with other Christians the way God intended. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Fellow Christians who will encourage us in the changes we desire (best if of the same gender), who will pray for and with us, who will ask us in love how we are doing, and who will hold us accountable in avoiding the old ways, are valuable friends indeed.
- Last and most important, these methods will be of no value unless we have placed our faith in Christ as Savior from our sin. This is where we absolutely must start! Without this, there can be no victory over sinful thoughts and temptations, and God’s promises for His children are not for us, nor is the Holy Spirit’s power available to us!
- God will bless those who seek to honor Him with what matters most to Him: who we are inside and not just what we appear to be to others. May God make Jesus’ description of Nathanael true also of us—a man [or woman] in whom there is no guile (John 1:47).
Dit is noodsaaklik om beheer oor ons gedagtes te neem. Spreuke 4:23 sê: “Bewaak jou hart meer as alles, want dit is die fontein van die lewe.” Die “hart” sluit die verstand en alles wat daaruit voortspruit in. Iemand het gesê dat elke sonde wat ons pleeg, ons twee keer pleeg, een keer in ons gedagtes en weer wanneer ons volgens daardie gedagtes optree. Dit is makliker om ons lewens van sonde te ontslae te raak as ons dit op hierdie fundamentele denkvlak aanval, eerder as om te wag dat dit deur ons dade in ons lewens gewortel word en dit dan te probeer uittrek.
Daar is ook ‘n verskil tussen versoek word (’n gedagte wat die verstand binnedring) en sondig (om by ’n bose gedagte te bly en daarin te ploeter). Dit is belangrik om te verstaan dat wanneer ’n gedagte in ons verstand opkom, ons dit ondersoek op grond van God se Woord en bepaal of ons daardie pad moet voortgaan of die gedagte moet verwerp en dit met ’n ander gedagte moet vervang. As ons reeds toegelaat het dat ’n gewoonte in ons gedagtelewe vorm, word dit moeiliker om die pad van ons gedagtes te verander, selfs al is dit moeilik om ’n motor uit ’n diep groef en op ’n nuwe spoor te kry. Hier is ‘n paar Bybelse voorstelle om beheer oor ons gedagtes te neem en ontslae te raak van verkeerde gedagtes:
- Wees in God se Woord sodat wanneer ‘n sondige gedagte in ons gedagtes opkom (’n versoeking), ons dit sal kan herken vir wat dit is en weet watter koers om te neem. Jesus in die woestyn (Matteus 4) het op elkeen van Satan se versoekings gereageer met Skrifgedeeltes wat van toepassing was op die rigting wat Hy geweet het Sy gedagtes moes neem, in plaas daarvan om die pad van die sondige gedagte te begin. Toe Hy in die versoeking gekom het om Sy fisiese behoefte te vervul (klip in brood te verander), het Hy die gedeelte oor die belangrikheid daarvan om op God te vertrou, voorgelees. Toe Hy in die versoeking gekom het om Satan te dien om die heerlikheid van die wêreld te verkry, het Hy die gedeelte genoem wat sê dat ons God alleen moet dien en aanbid en moet praat van die heerlikheid wat aan Hom en diegene wat Syne is, behoort. Toe Hy in die versoeking gekom het om God te toets (om te sien of God werklik daar was en Sy beloftes sou nakom), het Jesus gereageer met gedeeltes wat die belangrikheid daarvan beklemtoon om in God te glo sonder om Hom Sy teenwoordigheid te sien demonstreer.
Om die Skrif aan te haal in ‘n tyd van versoeking is nie ‘n talisman nie, maar dien eerder die doel om ons gedagtes op ‘n Bybelse spoor te kry, maar ons moet die Woord van God VOOR die tyd ken om dit te bereik. Dus is ‘n daaglikse gewoonte om op ‘n betekenisvolle manier in die Woord te wees noodsaaklik. As ons bewus is van ‘n sekere area van konstante versoeking (bekommernis, wellus, woede, ens.), moet ons sleutelgedeeltes bestudeer en memoriseer wat oor daardie kwessies handel. Om te soek na beide wat ons moet vermy (negatief) en hoe ons behoorlik moet reageer (positief) op versoekende gedagtes en situasies – voordat hulle op ons is – sal ‘n lang pad gaan om ons oorwinning daaroor te gee.
- Leef in afhanklikheid van die Heilige Gees, hoofsaaklik deur Sy krag deur gebed te soek (Matteus 26:41). As ons op ons eie krag staatmaak, sal ons faal (Spreuke 28:26; Jeremia 17:9; Matteus 26:33).
- Ons moenie ons gedagtes voed met dit wat sondige gedagtes sal bevorder nie. Dit is die idee van Spreuke 4:23. Ons moet ons harte bewaak—wat ons in hulle toelaat en waaroor ons hulle toelaat om te dwaal. Job 31:1 sê: “Ek het ‘n verbond met my oë gesluit; waarom sou ek dan na ‘n jong vrou kyk?” (NKJV). Romeine 13:14 sê: “Maar beklee julle met die Here Jesus Christus en maak geen voorsiening vir die vlees om sy begeerlikhede te bevredig nie.” Dus moet ons tydskrifte, video’s, webwerwe, gesprekke en situasies vermy wat ons vir ‘n val sal laat opgaan. Ons moet ook vermy om tyd deur te bring met diegene wat ons op hierdie verkeerde paaie sou aanmoedig.
- Ons moet God hard nastreef en sondige gedagtes vervang met godvrugtige strewes en denkwyses. Dit is die beginsel van vervanging. Wanneer ons in die versoeking kom om iemand te haat, vervang ons daardie haatlike gedagtes met godvrugtige dade: ons doen goed aan hulle, praat goed van hulle en bid vir hulle (Matteus 5:44). In plaas daarvan om te steel, moet ons hard werk om geld te verdien sodat ons geleenthede kan soek om aan ander in nood te gee (Efesiërs 4:28). Wanneer ons in die versoeking kom om ‘n vrou te begeer, draai ons ons blik, prys God vir die manier waarop Hy ons gemaak het – manlik en vroulik – en bid vir die vrou (byvoorbeeld: “Here, help hierdie jong vrou om U te leer ken as sy dit nie doen nie, en om die vreugde te ken om met U saam te wandel”), en dink dan aan haar as ‘n suster (1 Timoteus 5:2). Die Bybel praat dikwels van die “aflê” van verkeerde dade en gedagtes, maar dan van die “aantrek” van goddelike dade en gedagtes (Efesiërs 4:22-32). Om bloot te probeer om sondige gedagtes af te lê sonder om daardie gedagtes met goddelike gedagtes te vervang, laat ‘n leë veld vir Satan om te kom en sy onkruid te saai (Matteus 12:43-45).
- Ons kan gemeenskap met ander Christene gebruik soos God dit bedoel het. Hebreërs 10:24-25 sê: “Laat ons mekaar dan op die hart lê om tot liefde en goeie dade aan te spoor. Laat ons nie versuim om onderlinge byeenkomste te doen soos sommige die gewoonte het nie, maar laat ons mekaar aanmoedig, en dit des te meer namate julle die dag sien nader kom.” Mede-Christene wat ons sal aanmoedig in die veranderinge wat ons begeer (die beste as ons van dieselfde geslag is), wat vir en saam met ons sal bid, wat ons in liefde sal vra hoe dit met ons gaan, en wat ons verantwoordelik sal hou om die ou weë te vermy, is inderdaad waardevolle vriende.
- Laastens en die belangrikste, hierdie metodes sal van geen waarde wees tensy ons ons geloof in Christus as Verlosser van ons sonde geplaas het nie. Dit is waar ons absoluut moet begin! Sonder dit kan daar geen oorwinning oor sondige gedagtes en versoekings wees nie, en God se beloftes vir Sy kinders is nie vir ons nie, en die Heilige Gees se krag is ook nie vir ons beskikbaar nie!
- God sal diegene seën wat Hom wil eer met wat vir Hom die belangrikste is: wie ons innerlik is en nie net wat ons vir ander voorkom nie. Mag God Jesus se beskrywing van Natanael ook van ons waar maak – ’n man [of vrou] in wie daar geen bedrog is nie (Johannes 1:47).
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” PS 91 V 2
“In God we trust.” That’s the phrase written on much of the money in the United States. It’s a great reminder. The global financial climate is inherently vulnerable to instability, as it is prone to fluctuations and susceptible to chaos and political turmoil. Only God is our refuge and fortress during the storms of life — whether they be health, financial, relational, or emotional storms. He is steadfast. He is God, the forever “I AM” and Lord. He is eternal. He desires to bless us and promises to never leave us or forsake us. He has repeatedly demonstrated his love for us. He has earned our trust. So, let’s say of the Lord“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I can trust my life and future with you. Mold me and use me in ways that are a blessing to others, as I make you the source of my security and strength. Please continue to make your presence known in my life, helping me to maintain my trust in you as my refuge from life’s storms and my fortress when the evil one and my adversaries attack. In Jesus’ name, O Lord, I place my trust and hope in you. Amen and Amen
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Ek sal van die Here sê: "Hy is my toevlug en my vesting, my God, op wie ek vertrou." PS 91 V 2
"Op God vertrou ons." Dit is die frase wat op baie van die geld in die Verenigde State geskryf is. Dit is 'n goeie herinnering. Die wêreldwye finansiële klimaat is inherent kwesbaar vir onstabiliteit, aangesien dit geneig is tot skommelinge en vatbaar is vir chaos en politieke onrus. Slegs God is ons toevlug en vesting tydens die storms van die lewe - of dit nou gesondheids-, finansiële, verhoudings- of emosionele storms is. Hy is standvastig. Hy is God, die ewige "EK IS" en Here. Hy is ewig. Hy begeer om ons te seën en belowe om ons nooit te verlaat of in die steek te laat nie. Hy het herhaaldelik sy liefde vir ons gedemonstreer. Hy het ons vertroue verdien. Laat ons dus van die Here sê: "Hy is my toevlug en my vesting, my God, op wie ek vertrou."
Gebed
Hemelse Vader, ek is so dankbaar dat ek my lewe en toekoms aan U kan toevertrou. Vorm my en gebruik my op maniere wat 'n seën vir ander is, terwyl ek U die bron van my veiligheid en krag maak. Hou asseblief aan om u teenwoordigheid in my lewe bekend te maak en help my om my vertroue in U te behou as my toevlug teen die lewe se storms en my vesting wanneer die bose en my teëstanders aanval. In Jesus se Naam, o Here, plaas ek my vertroue en hoop in U. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
Wearing the Helmet of Salvation – Ephesians 6:17 instructs us to put on the whole armor of God and to “take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” When a soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of armor to go on. It was the final act of readiness in preparation for combat. A helmet was vital for survival, protecting the brain, the command station for the rest of the body. If the head was badly damaged, the rest of the armor would be of little use.
The assurance of salvation is our impenetrable defense against anything the enemy throws at us. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The idea in this verse is that, as we prepare for Satan’s attacks, we must grab that helmet and buckle it on tightly. Salvation is not limited to a one-time act of the past or even a future hope. God’s salvation is an ongoing, eternal state that His children enjoy in the present. It is daily protection and deliverance from our sin nature and Satan’s schemes.
Because of the power of the cross, our enemy no longer has any hold on us (Romans 6:10; 8:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18). He knows that, but he also knows that most of God’s children do not know that—or, at least, they do not live as if they know. We must learn to keep our helmets buckled so that his fiery missiles do not lodge in our thoughts and set us on fire. Through this helmet of salvation, we can “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
There are several actions a believer can take to keep this helmet fastened and functioning:
- Renew our minds. Our minds are battlefields. The outcomes of those battles determine the course of our lives. Romans 12:1–2 instructs us to renew our minds by allowing the truth of God’s Word to wipe out anything contrary to it. Old ideas, opinions, and worldviews must be replaced. We must allow God’s truth to continually wash away the world’s filth, lies, and confusion from our minds and adopt God’s perspective.
- Reject doubts that arise from circumstances. Human beings are sensory creatures. What we cannot fathom with our five senses, we tend to disregard. If we allow them to, circumstances may convince us that God does not really love us or that His Word is not true. It is impossible to have faith and doubt at the same time. God rewards our faith. With the helmet of salvation firmly in place, we can choose to believe what appears impossible (Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:8–9).
- Keep an eternal perspective. When life crashes in around us, we must remember to look up. Our salvation is the most precious gift we have received. Keeping our eyes on that can help us weather life’s storms. We can choose to live our lives by the motto: “If it doesn’t have eternal significance, it’s not important” (see Matthew 6:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11–13).
- Remember that victory is already accomplished. When we consider ourselves “dead to sin but alive to God” (Romans 6:11), we eliminate many of the opportunities Satan uses to entrap us. When choosing sin is no longer an option for us because we recognize ourselves to be “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:9), we effectively cut off many avenues of failure.
- Find all our hope in Him. Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but You? Besides you, I desire nothing on earth.” Our helmet is most effective when we treasure what it represents. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things. When pleasing the Lord is our supreme delight, we eliminate many of Satan’s lures and render his evil suggestions powerless.
As we wear the helmet of salvation every day, our minds become more insulated against the suggestions, desires, and traps the enemy lays for us. We choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and instead think on things that honor Christ (Philippians 4:8). In doing so, we wear our salvation as a protective helmet that will “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7; cf. Isaiah 26:3; 1 Peter 1:5).
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Die Dra van die Helm van Verlossing – Efesiërs 6:17 beveel ons om die volle wapenrusting van God aan te trek en “die helm van verlossing en die swaard van die Gees, dit is die woord van God, op te neem.” Wanneer ‘n soldaat vir die geveg aangestel is, was die helm die laaste stuk wapenrusting om aan te trek. Dit was die laaste daad van gereedheid ter voorbereiding vir geveg. ‘n Helm was noodsaaklik vir oorlewing en het die brein beskerm, die bevelstasie vir die res van die liggaam. As die kop erg beskadig was, sou die res van die wapenrusting van min nut wees.
Die versekering van verlossing is ons ondeurdringbare verdediging teen enigiets wat die vyand na ons gooi. Jesus het gesê: “Moenie bang wees vir die wat die liggaam doodmaak, maar die siel nie kan doodmaak nie. Vrees Hom liewer wat die siel sowel as die liggaam in die hel kan vernietig” (Matteus 10:28). Die idee in hierdie vers is dat, terwyl ons voorberei vir Satan se aanvalle, ons daardie helm moet gryp en dit stewig moet vasmaak. Verlossing is nie beperk tot ‘n eenmalige daad van die verlede of selfs ‘n toekomstige hoop nie. God se verlossing is ‘n voortdurende, ewige toestand wat Sy kinders in die hede geniet. Dit is daaglikse beskerming en verlossing van ons sondige natuur en Satan se planne.
As gevolg van die krag van die kruis, het ons vyand geen houvas meer op ons nie (Romeine 6:10; 8:2; 1 Korintiërs 1:18). Hy weet dit, maar Hy weet ook dat die meeste van God se kinders dit nie weet nie – of, ten minste, hulle leef nie asof hulle weet nie. Ons moet leer om ons helms vas te hou sodat sy vurige pyle nie in ons gedagtes vassteek en ons aan die brand steek nie. Deur hierdie helm van verlossing kan ons “redes en elke hooghartige opvatting wat teen die kennis van God opgerig word, vernietig en elke gedagte gevange neem om Christus gehoorsaam te wees” (2 Korintiërs 10:5).
Daar is verskeie aksies wat ‘n gelowige kan neem om hierdie helm vas en funksioneel te hou:
- Vernuwe ons denke. Ons denke is slagvelde. Die uitkomste van daardie gevegte bepaal die verloop van ons lewens. Romeine 12:1–2 beveel ons om ons denke te vernuwe deur toe te laat dat die waarheid van God se Woord enigiets wat daarmee teenstrydig is, uitwis. Ou idees, menings en wêreldbeskouings moet vervang word. Ons moet toelaat dat God se waarheid voortdurend die wêreld se vuilheid, leuens en verwarring uit ons denke wegwas en God se perspektief aanneem.
- Verwerp twyfel wat uit omstandighede ontstaan. Mense is sensoriese wesens. Wat ons nie met ons vyf sintuie kan peil nie, is geneig om te ignoreer. As ons dit toelaat, kan omstandighede ons oortuig dat God ons nie werklik liefhet nie, of dat Sy Woord nie waar is nie. Dit is onmoontlik om gelyktydig geloof en twyfel te hê. God beloon ons geloof. Met die helm van verlossing stewig in plek, kan ons kies om te glo wat onmoontlik lyk (Hebreërs 11:6; 1 Petrus 1:8–9).
- Behou ‘n ewige perspektief. Wanneer die lewe om ons instort, moet ons onthou om op te kyk. Ons verlossing is die kosbaarste geskenk wat ons ontvang het. Om ons oë daarop te hou, kan ons help om die storms van die lewe te trotseer. Ons kan kies om ons lewens te leef volgens die leuse: “As dit nie ewige betekenis het nie, is dit nie belangrik nie” (sien Matteus 6:20; 1 Korintiërs 3:11–13).
- Onthou dat die oorwinning reeds behaal is. Wanneer ons onsself as “dood vir die sonde, maar lewend vir God” beskou (Romeine 6:11), elimineer ons baie van die geleenthede wat Satan gebruik om ons te vang. Wanneer die keuse van sonde nie meer ‘n opsie vir ons is nie, omdat ons onsself as “nuwe skepsels” erken (2 Korintiërs 5:17; 1 Johannes 3:9), sny ons effektief baie paaie van mislukking af.
- Vind al ons hoop in Hom. Psalm 73:25 sê: “Wie het ek in die hemel behalwe U? Buiten U begeer ek niks op aarde nie.” Ons helm is die doeltreffendste wanneer ons koester wat dit verteenwoordig. Die verlossing wat Jesus vir ons gekoop het, kan nie die plek van belangrikheid in ons harte met aardse dinge deel nie. Wanneer dit ons hoogste vreugde is om die Here te behaag, elimineer ons baie van Satan se lokmiddels en maak sy bose voorstelle kragteloos.
Soos ons elke dag die helm van verlossing dra, word ons gedagtes meer geïsoleer teen die voorstelle, begeertes en strikke wat die vyand vir ons stel. Ons kies om ons gedagtes te bewaak teen oormatige wêreldse invloed en dink eerder aan dinge wat Christus eer (Filippense 4:8). Deur dit te doen, dra ons ons verlossing as ‘n beskermende helm wat “ons harte en sinne in Christus Jesus sal bewaak” (Filippense 4:7; vgl. Jesaja 26:3; 1 Petrus 1:5).
Today’s Devotional
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse reminds us that our hearts are not just the seat of our emotions but the core of who we are—the heart contains our thoughts, desires, and motivations. Everything we do flows from it, meaning that the condition of our hearts shapes our actions, relationships, and, ultimately, our lives. Guarding our hearts protects us from harmful influences that could lead us away from God’s path of righteousness.
As followers of Christ, we understand that the heart is critical to our spiritual lives. Jesus echoed this truth in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (BSB). There is a connection between our hearts, words, and actions. If we allow bitterness, anger, or sin to take root in our hearts, it will manifest in our lives because everything we do flows from the heart. We must guard our hearts, ensuring they are filled with God’s love and truth.
The fact that “everything you do flows from it” reminds us that the heart is the source of all we say and do. Just as a spring feeds a river, our hearts feed our behaviors and decisions. When we neglect to guard our hearts, negative influences such as pride, envy, or lust can seep in, distorting our thoughts and actions. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus warns, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” These actions are the natural outflow of an unguarded heart.
To guard our hearts effectively, we must be intentional about what we allow to influence us. This involves being mindful of the media we consume, the company we keep, and the habits we develop. Guarding the heart also encompasses turning to God daily for guidance. Through prayer, Scripture, and reflection, we can allow God to shape our hearts, ensuring that everything we do flows from a place of righteousness. As Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:8, “finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Focusing on these profitable and virtuous things fills our hearts with goodness, and positive actions can follow naturally.
In guarding our hearts, we also commit to spiritual growth and discipline. Proverbs 4:23 does not merely suggest that we protect our hearts occasionally; it places this task “above all else.” In other words, heart-guarding is a priority. It is an ongoing responsibility that requires self-awareness and a willingness to confront unhealthy life patterns. Everything we do flows from the heart, so the effort we put into keeping our hearts pure will be reflected in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
Moreover, guarding our hearts enables us to live out the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” When our hearts are aligned with God’s Spirit, He will produce these traits in us. Our guarded hearts allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, producing godly behavior that honors God and blesses others.
Finally, by guarding our hearts, we create space for God’s peace to dwell in us. Philippians 4:7 reminds us, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we submit to God and seek His face, we allow His peace to guard our hearts. We will experience freedom from anxiety, fear, and worldly distractions. Everything we do flows from the heart, and a heart at peace with God will radiate peace in all areas of life.
Vandag se Bemoediging
Spreuke 4:23 sê: “Bewaak jou hart meer as alles, want daaruit vloei alles wat jy doen.” Hierdie vers herinner ons daaraan dat ons harte nie net die setel van ons emosies is nie, maar die kern van wie ons is – die hart bevat ons gedagtes, begeertes en motiverings. Alles wat ons doen vloei daaruit, wat beteken dat die toestand van ons harte ons dade, verhoudings en uiteindelik ons lewens vorm. Om ons harte te bewaak, beskerm ons teen skadelike invloede wat ons van God se pad van geregtigheid kan aflei.
As volgelinge van Christus verstaan ons dat die hart noodsaaklik is vir ons geestelike lewens. Jesus het hierdie waarheid in Matteus 12:34 herhaal: “Want waar die hart oorloop, spreek die mond” (BSB). Daar is ‘n verband tussen ons harte, woorde en dade. As ons toelaat dat bitterheid, woede of sonde in ons harte wortel skiet, sal dit in ons lewens manifesteer, want alles wat ons doen vloei uit die hart. Ons moet ons harte bewaak en verseker dat hulle gevul is met God se liefde en waarheid.
Die feit dat “alles wat julle doen daaruit voortvloei” herinner ons daaraan dat die hart die bron is van alles wat ons sê en doen. Net soos ‘n fontein ‘n rivier voed, voed ons harte ons gedrag en besluite. Wanneer ons versuim om ons harte te bewaak, kan negatiewe invloede soos trots, afguns of wellus insypel en ons gedagtes en dade verdraai. In Matteus 15:19 waarsku Jesus: “Want uit die hart kom slegte gedagtes: moord, egbreuk, seksuele onsedelikheid, diewery, valse getuienis, laster.” Hierdie dade is die natuurlike uitvloei van ‘n onbewaakte hart.
Om ons harte effektief te bewaak, moet ons doelbewus wees oor wat ons toelaat om ons te beïnvloed. Dit behels om bewus te wees van die media wat ons verbruik, die geselskap wat ons het en die gewoontes wat ons ontwikkel. Om die hart te bewaak, behels ook om daagliks tot God te wend vir leiding. Deur gebed, Skrif en refleksie kan ons God toelaat om ons harte te vorm en te verseker dat alles wat ons doen uit ‘n plek van geregtigheid vloei. Soos Paulus ons in Filippense 4:8 aanmoedig: “Laastens, broers en susters, alles wat waar is, alles wat edel is, alles wat reg is, alles wat rein is, alles wat lieflik is, alles wat prysenswaardig is – watter deug of lofwaardige saak ook al mag wees – daarop moet julle julle gedagtes rig.” Deur op hierdie voordelige en deugsame dinge te fokus, vul ons harte met goedheid, en positiewe aksies kan natuurlik volg.
Deur ons harte te bewaak, verbind ons ons ook tot geestelike groei en dissipline. Spreuke 4:23 stel nie net voor dat ons ons harte af en toe beskerm nie; dit plaas hierdie taak “bo alles anders”. Met ander woorde, hartbewaking is ‘n prioriteit. Dit is ‘n voortdurende verantwoordelikheid wat selfbewustheid en ‘n bereidwilligheid om ongesonde lewenspatrone te konfronteer, vereis. Alles wat ons doen, vloei uit die hart, so die moeite wat ons doen om ons harte suiwer te hou, sal weerspieël word in ons aksies, besluite en interaksies met ander.
Boonop stel die bewaking van ons harte ons in staat om die vrug van die Gees uit te leef, soos beskryf in Galasiërs 5:22–23: “Maar die vrug van die Gees is liefde, blydskap, vrede, geduld, vriendelikheid, goedheid, getrouheid, sagmoedigheid en selfbeheersing.” Wanneer ons harte in lyn is met God se Gees, sal Hy hierdie eienskappe in ons voortbring. Ons bewaakte harte laat die Heilige Gees toe om deur ons te werk en godvrugtige gedrag te produseer wat God eer en ander seën.
Laastens, deur ons harte te bewaak, skep ons ruimte vir God se vrede om in ons te woon. Filippense 4:7 herinner ons: “En die vrede van God, wat alle verstand te bowe gaan, sal julle harte en julle sinne bewaak in Christus Jesus.” Wanneer ons ons aan God onderwerp en Sy aangesig soek, laat ons Sy vrede toe om ons harte te bewaak. Ons sal vryheid van angs, vrees en wêreldse afleidings ervaar. Alles wat ons doen, vloei uit die hart, en ‘n hart in vrede met God sal vrede uitstraal in alle areas van die lewe.
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.
Geen Batterye ?
‘N Seuntjie was gefassineer deur die borrelende borrels van ‘n borrelmasjien. Hy het geen borrels meer gesien nie en opgemerk: “Geen batterye nie”?
Hy was so gewoond aan sy elektroniese speelding dat hy selfs natuurverskynsels aan batterykrag toegeskryf het !
Christene kan ‘n soortgelyke fout maak – hulle kyk na hul eie nietige krag om regverdige lewens te lei. Maar die hoë morele en etiese standaarde van ‘n Heilige God blyk onmoontlik te wees om na te kom. Die resultaat is vreugdelose Christene, hopeloos en verslaan.
Paulus se gebed vir die gelowiges in Efese was dat die oë van ons verstand verlig word, sodat julle kan weet wat die hoop van sy roeping is… En wat die uitnemende grootheid van sy krag is teenoor ons wat glo (Efesiërs 1:18-19). Hy wou hê dat hulle moes sien dat die krag wat beskikbaar is om hulle te help om God-vererende lewens te lei, dieselfde krag is wat (Christus) uit die dood opgewek het en Hom aan sy regterhand in die hemele laat sit het (v20).
Die krag om volgens God se standaarde te leef, kom slegs wanneer ons inskakel by Sy onuitputlike krag. Hoe doen ons dit ? Deur daagliks Sy aangesig te soek en Hom te vra om ons met Sy Heilige Gees te vul.
Die lig van die wêreld ken geen kragonderbreking nie.
No Batteries?
A little boy was fascinated by the bubbling bubbles of a bubble machine. He saw no more bubbles and remarked, “No batteries”?
He was so used to his electronic toy that he even attributed natural phenomena to battery power!
Christians can make a similar mistake—they look to their own puny power to live righteous lives. But the high moral and ethical standards of a Holy God seem impossible to meet. The result is joyless Christians, hopeless and defeated.
Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus was that the eyes of our understanding might be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of his calling… and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19). He wanted them to see that the power available to help them live God-honoring lives is the same power that raised (Christ) from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms (v20).
The power to live by God’s standards comes only when we tap into His inexhaustible power. How do we do that? By seeking His face daily and asking Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit.
The light of the world knows no power outages.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – DOTTIE RAMBO COLLECTION
Hundreds of Gospel music classics have been born in the heart of Dottie Rambo. Now, through this timeless DVD honoring the songs of Dottie Rambo, everyone can enjoy a moving compilation of unforgettable moments from the Homecoming video series. and later Is your light visible for all to see? Dr. Stanley offers counsel on how to be a godly influence in the lives of others. Enjoy ! and thanks for watching.
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
Syria Demands Israel Give Up the Golan
Syria has launched a renewed diplomatic campaign demanding international recognition of its claim to the Golan Heights. Speaking before the UN Security Council, Syrian envoy Ibrahim Olabi declared that the Golan “will remain Arab and Syrian” and called for “decisive” international action against Israel. The move is backed by Turkey and several Arab states. In Jerusalem, officials responded that Israel will not surrender “even one centimeter” of the Golan.
This push comes as Syria attempts to rehabilitate its global standing under its new strongman, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani. Al-Jolani was a senior commander in Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. During the civil war, forces under his authority carried out executions and expulsions of Druze and Christian communities in Idlib, Jabal al-Summaq, and parts of Aleppo province. Entire villages were pressured to convert or face removal. Churches from Maaloula to Idlib were desecrated or destroyed. Now, the same man is positioning himself as a statesman calling on the UN to restore Syria’s “sovereignty.”
Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 and views it as essential to national security. In 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump formally recognized Israeli sovereignty, and Israel established the community Ramat Trump (Trump Heights) in his honor. Before 1967, Syrian artillery stationed on the ridge routinely shelled Israeli towns and agricultural communities in the Galilee.
Even before the civil war, the Syrian state was not a stable or peaceful neighbor. More than 450,000 Syrians were killed in the civil war in which President Bashar al-Assad was accused of using chemical weapons against civilians.
Today, it is led by a man who previously presided over the killing and dispersal of minority populations. Golan’s Druze villages, who have lived under Israeli administration for decades, understand exactly what would happen if Syrian forces returned to the ridge. Their fear is not theoretical. It is a memory.
There is also the northern dimension described in prophecy. The threat in the end-of-days scenario of Gog and Magog is described as emerging min yerekhat tzafon—from the uttermost north—moving toward a secure Israel.
“You will come from your home in the farthest north, you and many peoples with you… a great horde, a mighty army” (Ezekiel 38:15).
This does not mean the current Syrian demand is itself Gog and Magog. But the geographic axis is the same: the northern approach has always been the direction of existential threat to Israel. Control of the high ground of Bashan is part of preventing that danger.
Syria is attempting to re-brand itself diplomatically while ignoring the atrocities committed under the command of its current ruler. The UN members who echoed Syria’s demands did not mention the Christians expelled from Idlib, the Druze coerced into forced conversions, or the villages emptied under al-Jolani’s authority.
PASTOR DIRK SAYS
Syria and Damascus plays a HUGE role in the End Times . and the Land between Israel and Syria called the Golan Heights are the center of End Time events . The Land of Golan Heights is the Land Jacob (Israel) Gifted to his 12 Sons the 12 Tribes of Israel . This land are Prophesied by Jacob to be Rich above Ground and Below Ground . at the Last Blood Moon Israel discovered the Larges Oil and Gas deposit on Earth in the Golan Heights . more than 10 times that the World has combined. This Oil and Gas is the actual Reason that will ignite the Gog and Magog Battle of Ezegiel 38/38 = GOG and Magog . in other words BRICS Nations wants this land , for however Controls this Land Controls the World and the Future! This Land are currently in Control of Israel aka America . But the UN has not backlogged the Owner of the Land being Israel.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Citing Russia, China, Trump says US to start nuke tests ‘immediately’
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday night that he has directed the U.S. Department of War, his rebrand of the U.S. Department of Defense, to begin testing nuclear weapons “immediately,” after Russia and China have conducted recent tests.
“The United States has more nuclear weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my first term in office,” Trump said.
“Because of the tremendous destructive power, I hated to do it, but had no choice.”
Trump said that Russia is second and China a “distant third,” but that it would be “even within five years.”
“Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis,” the president said. “That process will begin immediately.”
Washington reportedly last tested a nuke more than 30 years ago, on Sept. 23, 1992, in Nevada.
Andrea Stricker, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and deputy director of its nonproliferation and bio-defense program, stated that it was “important for the president to clarify what he means.”
“He may authorize low-yield nuclear testing, as Russia and China may be conducting, rather than full-scale tests as noted by ‘on an equal basis,’” she stated.
“Trump may also be attempting to pull Russia and China into arms control measures, since New START expires in February and China is set to expand to 1,500 nukes or more by 2035. Will this work if Beijing seeks a reason to conduct tests?”
The New START Treaty, which will expire on Feb. 4, “enhances U.S. national security by placing verifiable limits on all Russian deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons,” according to the U.S. State Department.
“Bottom line: relative post-Cold War nuclear restraint is well on its way out the door in the face of competition with the axis of aggressors,” Stricker stated.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) shared Trump’s statement on social media. “Absolutely not. I’ll be introducing legislation to put a stop to this,” she wrote.
PASTOR DIRK SAYS
USA has one of the Largest Roles to Play in the End Times . USA Has 2 Description in the Bible . The 1 being the Eagle Wings and the Other being the Mystery Babylon the Bible speaks off
America’s Political scene has two Major Parties called the REPUBLICANS and the DEMOCRATS . The republicans are betrayed as the Eagle Wings in the Bible and the Democrats as Mystery Babylon.
The Eagle Wings stands and will Continue to Stand with Israel , Israel Called the Women with the 12 Stars around her Head in the End Times . also Called Sodom and Egypt of the End Times , Revelation 12 Speaks of this Relationship between USA and Israel .
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
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