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Psalm 23 – a Prescription Prayer by Jesus
TruLight Ministries International has a Dedicated website to Prayer , Included are the 9 End Time Prescription Prayers the Holy Spirit handed to Pastor Dirk to pen down . These prayers are available in a Free eBook . Both the website and the eBook are available in English and Afrikaans!
Countless stories could be cited of diseases cured, exams passed, repentance and forgiveness granted, relationships restored, hungry children fed, bills paid and lives and souls saved through the efficacy of prayer. So, yes, there is plenty of evidence that God answers prayer. Most of the evidence is anecdotal and personal, however, and that bothers many who think of “evidence” only as that which is observable, measurable, and reproducible.
Scripture clearly teaches that prayers are answered. Sometimes the answer is “no”; sometimes the answer is “wait a while”; sometimes the answer is “yes,” as seen in James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Jesus taught His disciples that “if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). First John 3:22 echoes this truth, saying that we “receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”
Scripture, moreover, is replete with stories of answered prayer. Elijah’s prayer for fire from heaven (2 Kings 1:12), Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance (2 Kings 19:19), and the apostles’ prayer for boldness (Acts 4:29) are just three examples. Since these accounts were written by eyewitnesses to the events, they constitute clear evidence of answered prayer. One might, of course, counter that Scripture does not present observable evidence in the “scientific” sense. However, no statement of Scripture has ever been conclusively disproved, so there is no reason to doubt its testimony. In fact, labeling some kinds of evidence as “scientific” and other kinds as “non-scientific” is a fuzzy and artificial distinction at best. Such a distinction can only be made a priori, i.e., prior to the evaluation of the data. In other words, the choice to evaluate the efficacy of prayer only in light of observable evidence is not a choice motivated by the data but by prior philosophical commitments. When this arbitrary restriction is relaxed, the biblical data speaks clearly for itself.
Occasionally, a group of researchers will conduct a scientific study on the efficacy of prayer. Their findings are usually that prayer has no effect (or possibly even a negative effect) on, for instance, the average recovery time of people in medical care. How are we to understand the results of studies such as these? Are there any biblical reasons for unanswered prayer?
Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (NASB). Likewise, 1 John 5:15 qualifies our receiving “anything we ask” with our obedience to God’s commands. James notes that “when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (4:3). So, a couple reasons for unanswered prayer are unconfessed sin and wrong motivations.
Another reason for unanswered prayer is lack of faith: “When you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). Hebrews 11:6 also identifies faith as a necessary condition for a relationship with God, something always mediated by prayer in the name of Christ: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith, then, is necessary for answered prayer.
Finally, some critics of Christianity make the case that, since Jesus instructs His disciples to “ask whatever you wish,” all prayers should be answered. However, such criticisms completely ignore the conditions to the promise in the first part of the verse: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you.” This is clearly a prescription for praying within the will of God; in other words, genuine prayer which God always answers is, in fact, that sort which requests, explicitly or implicitly, that God’s will be accomplished. The will of the petitioner is secondary. Jesus Himself prayed this way in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42). The humble prayer of faith allows that the prayer may be answered with a “no”; anyone not offering such a prayer—anyone who demands to be answered—has no right to expect an answer.
Another reason why so many studies report the inefficacy of prayer is that it is impossible to eliminate the variables associated with the spiritual condition of those praying (is the petitioner even a believer?), the motivation for which they offer the prayer (is it to provide evidence or because the Holy Spirit has moved them to pray?), the way in which they offer their prayer (are they praying a formulaic expression or intentionally bringing requests to God?), and so on.
Even if all such lurking variables could be eliminated, one overarching problem would remain: if prayer could be tested empirically and forced to yield conclusive results, it would obviate the need for faith. We cannot “discover” God through empirical observations; we come to Him by faith. God is not so clumsy that He should reveal Himself in ways He did not intend. “He who comes to God must believe that He is” (that is, that He exists). Faith is the prerequisite and the priority.
Does God answer prayer? Ask any believer, and you will know the answer. Every changed life of every believer is proof positive that God answers prayer.
Talle stories kan aangehaal word van siektes wat genees is, eksamens wat geslaag is, bekering en vergifnis wat toegestaan is, verhoudings wat herstel is, honger kinders wat gevoed is, rekeninge wat betaal is en lewens en siele wat gered is deur die doeltreffendheid van gebed. So, ja, daar is baie bewyse dat God gebed verhoor. Die meeste van die bewyse is egter anekdoties en persoonlik, en dit pla baie wat aan “bewyse” slegs dink as dit wat waarneembaar, meetbaar en herhaalbaar is.
Die Skrif leer duidelik dat gebede verhoor word. Soms is die antwoord “nee”; soms is die antwoord “wag ‘n bietjie”; soms is die antwoord “ja”, soos gesien in Jakobus 5:16: “Die gebed van ‘n regverdige mens is kragtig en doeltreffend.” Jesus het Sy dissipels geleer dat “as julle in My bly en my woorde in julle, vra dan net wat julle wil hê, en dit sal vir julle gedoen word” (Johannes 15:7). 1 Johannes 3:22 weerspieël hierdie waarheid en sê dat ons “alles wat ons vra van Hom ontvang, omdat ons sy gebooie bewaar en doen wat Hom behaag.”
Die Skrif is boonop vol stories van verhoorde gebed. Elia se gebed vir vuur uit die hemel (2 Konings 1:12), Hiskia se gebed vir verlossing (2 Konings 19:19), en die apostels se gebed vir vrymoedigheid (Handelinge 4:29) is slegs drie voorbeelde. Aangesien hierdie verslae deur ooggetuies van die gebeure geskryf is, vorm hulle duidelike bewyse van verhoorde gebed. ‘n Mens kan natuurlik teenargumenteer dat die Skrif nie waarneembare bewyse in die “wetenskaplike” sin aanbied nie. Geen stelling in die Skrif is egter ooit afdoende weerlê nie, dus is daar geen rede om die getuienis daarvan te betwyfel nie. Trouens, om sommige soorte bewyse as “wetenskaplik” en ander as “nie-wetenskaplik” te bestempel, is op sy beste ‘n vae en kunsmatige onderskeid. So ‘n onderskeid kan slegs a priori gemaak word, d.w.s. voor die evaluering van die data. Met ander woorde, die keuse om die doeltreffendheid van gebed slegs in die lig van waarneembare bewyse te evalueer, is nie ‘n keuse wat deur die data gemotiveer word nie, maar deur vorige filosofiese verbintenisse. Wanneer hierdie arbitrêre beperking verslap word, spreek die Bybelse data duidelik vir homself.
Soms doen ‘n groep navorsers ‘n wetenskaplike studie oor die doeltreffendheid van gebed. Hul bevindinge is gewoonlik dat gebed geen effek (of moontlik selfs ‘n negatiewe effek) het op, byvoorbeeld, die gemiddelde hersteltyd van mense in mediese sorg. Hoe moet ons die resultate van studies soos hierdie verstaan? Is daar enige Bybelse redes vir onbeantwoorde gebed?
Psalm 66:18 sê: “As ek goddeloosheid in my hart bedink, sal die Here nie hoor nie” (NASB). Net so kwalifiseer 1 Johannes 5:15 ons ontvangs van “enigiets wat ons vra” met ons gehoorsaamheid aan God se gebooie. Jakobus merk op dat “wanneer julle bid, julle nie ontvang nie, omdat julle met verkeerde motiewe bid” (4:3). Dus, ‘n paar redes vir onbeantwoorde gebed is onbelyde sonde en verkeerde motiverings.
Nog ‘n rede vir onbeantwoorde gebed is gebrek aan geloof: “Wanneer julle bid, moet julle glo en nie twyfel nie, want die een wat twyfel, is soos ‘n golf van die see wat deur die wind gewaai en heen en weer geslinger word. So ‘n mens moet nie verwag om iets van die Here te ontvang nie” (Jakobus 1:6-7). Hebreërs 11:6 identifiseer ook geloof as ‘n noodsaaklike voorwaarde vir ‘n verhouding met God, iets wat altyd deur gebed in die naam van Christus bemiddel word: “En sonder geloof is dit onmoontlik om God te behaag, want elkeen wat na Hom toe gaan, moet glo dat Hy bestaan en dat Hy die wat Hom soek, beloon.” Geloof is dus nodig vir beantwoorde gebed.
Laastens maak sommige kritici van die Christendom die saak dat, aangesien Jesus Sy dissipels opdrag gee om “te vra net wat julle wil hê”, alle gebede beantwoord moet word. Sulke kritiek ignoreer egter heeltemal die voorwaardes vir die belofte in die eerste deel van die vers: “As julle in My bly en my woorde in julle.” Dit is duidelik ‘n voorskrif vir gebed binne die wil van God; Met ander woorde, opregte gebed wat God altyd verhoor, is in werklikheid die soort wat eksplisiet of implisiet versoek dat God se wil geskied. Die wil van die smeker is sekondêr. Jesus self het so in Getsemane gebid (Lukas 22:42). Die nederige gebed van geloof laat toe dat die gebed met ‘n “nee” verhoor kan word; enigiemand wat nie so ‘n gebed aanbied nie – enigiemand wat eis om verhoor te word – het geen reg om ‘n antwoord te verwag nie.
Nog ‘n rede waarom soveel studies die ondoeltreffendheid van gebed rapporteer, is dat dit onmoontlik is om die veranderlikes wat verband hou met die geestelike toestand van diegene wat bid (is die smeker selfs ‘n gelowige?), die motivering waarvoor hulle die gebed aanbied (is dit om bewyse te lewer of omdat die Heilige Gees hulle beweeg het om te bid?), die manier waarop hulle hul gebed aanbied (bid hulle ‘n formule-uitdrukking of bring hulle doelbewus versoeke tot God?), ensovoorts.
Selfs al sou al sulke loerende veranderlikes uitgeskakel kon word, sou een oorkoepelende probleem bly: as gebed empiries getoets en gedwing kon word om afdoende resultate te lewer, sou dit die behoefte aan geloof oorkom. Ons kan God nie deur empiriese waarnemings “ontdek” nie; ons kom na Hom deur geloof. God is nie so lomp dat Hy Homself op maniere moet openbaar wat Hy nie bedoel het nie. “Hy wat na God kom, moet glo dat Hy is” (dit wil sê, dat Hy bestaan). Geloof is die voorvereiste en die prioriteit.
Verhoor God gebed? Vra enige gelowige, en jy sal die antwoord weet. Elke veranderde lewe van elke gelowige is ‘n positiewe bewys dat God gebed verhoor.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their forefathers.
—Jeremiah 11:10
Sometimes, those with the most significant opportunities for God’s blessings spurn them and fall back into the sinful habits of their past heritage and culture. The consequences of their rejection of God and his will are enormous. Israel and Judah are our cautionary warnings from the Old Covenant. For the last ten days in our devotionals, we’ve anticipated our glorious future as God’s children and feasted on the promises of what lies ahead for us in our walk with Christ. Unfortunately, some never climb on board the train of grace. They don’t follow God. They don’t believe in Jesus. They disdain those who do. In the face of their rejection of God and their criticisms of us, let’s ensure we are truly faithful to God’s calling, not just in word but also in heart and deed.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I look forward to being with you. Yet, dear Father, I face many challenges in my commitment to be faithful. I don’t want to fall into the evil and sinful habits of some who have gone before me and rebelled against you. Please empower my faith to be like those who served you wholeheartedly and embrace my future in glory with Jesus joyfully (Colossians 3:1-4). Please, dear Father, deliver me from any impure deed or thought as I surrender myself wholeheartedly to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Hulle het teruggekeer na die sondes van hulle voorvaders, wat geweier het om na my woorde te luister. Hulle het ander gode gevolg om hulle te dien. Beide die huis van Israel en die huis van Juda het die verbond wat Ek met hulle voorvaders gesluit het, verbreek.
—Jeremia 11:10
Soms verwerp diegene met die belangrikste geleenthede vir God se seëninge hulle en val terug in die sondige gewoontes van hulle vorige erfenis en kultuur. Die gevolge van hulle verwerping van God en sy wil is enorm. Israel en Juda is ons waarskuwings uit die Ou Verbond. Vir die afgelope tien dae in ons oordenkings het ons ons glorieryke toekoms as God se kinders verwag en feesgevier op die beloftes van wat vir ons voorlê in ons wandel met Christus. Ongelukkig klim sommige nooit aan boord van die trein van genade nie. Hulle volg God nie. Hulle glo nie in Jesus nie. Hulle verag diegene wat dit doen. In die aangesig van hulle verwerping van God en hulle kritiek op ons, laat ons verseker dat ons werklik getrou is aan God se roeping, nie net in woord nie, maar ook in hart en daad.
Gebed
Liewe Hemelse Vader, ek sien uit daarna om by U te wees. Tog, liewe Vader, staar ek baie uitdagings in my toewyding om getrou te wees. Ek wil nie in die bose en sondige gewoontes verval van sommige wat voor my gegaan het en teen U in opstand gekom het nie. Bemagtig asseblief my geloof om soos diegene te wees wat U heelhartig gedien het en omhels my toekoms in heerlikheid saam met Jesus met vreugde (Kolossense 3:1-4). Asseblief, liewe Vader, verlos my van enige onrein daad of gedagte terwyl ek my heelhartig aan u wil oorgee. In Jesus se Naam. Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
Public prayer is an issue that many Christians struggle with. Since many believers were known to pray in public in the Bible, as did Jesus Himself, there is nothing wrong with public prayer. Many Old Testament leaders prayed publicly for the nation. Solomon prayed in front of the entire nation for them and for himself. There is nothing to indicate that this prayer was not acceptable to the Lord (1 Kings 8:22-23). After the return of the Israelites from the Babylonian captivity, Ezra was so overwhelmed by the knowledge that the Israelites had left the worship of the true God that he prayed and wept bitterly before the house of the Lord. So fervent was his prayer that it prompted “a very large assembly of men, women, and children” to gather with him and weep bitterly (Ezra 10:1).
However, the examples of Hannah and Daniel illustrate that it is possible to be misunderstood or even persecuted for praying publicly. As with all prayer, public prayer should be offered with the correct attitude and motive. From several scriptural examples comes a clear picture of acceptable and God-honoring public prayer.
Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, was childless for years, enduring the shame and persecution that childlessness brought to women in Bible times (1 Samuel 1:1-6). She went regularly to the tabernacle to beseech God to provide her with a child, praying fervently out of “great anguish and grief.” So heartfelt was her prayer that Eli, the priest, perceived her as being drunk (1 Samuel 1:10-16).
Here is an example of public prayer being misinterpreted. Hannah’s prayer was righteous, and her heart was in the right place. She was not trying to draw attention to herself but was simply distraught and overwhelmed with the need to pray. Eli thought she was drunk, but that was his mistake, not her sin.
Daniel’s public prayer was an occasion for his enemies to persecute him and attempt to have him killed. Daniel excelled in his duties as one of the administrators under King Darius to such a degree that the king was contemplating making him head over all the kingdom (Daniel 6:1-3). This infuriated the other administrators, and they looked for a way to discredit or destroy Daniel. They encouraged Darius to issue a decree forbidding his subjects from praying to anyone other than the king for the next thirty days. The penalty for disobeying was to be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel, however, continued to pray so openly to God that he could be seen at his bedroom window doing so. Daniel prayed in a way that not only was visible to others, but exposed him to his enemies. However, he clearly knew that God was honored by his prayer, so he didn’t give up his custom. He didn’t put the opinions and even the threats of men above his desire to obey the Lord.
In Matthew 6:5-7, Jesus gives two ways to ensure that our prayers are righteous. First, prayers should not be for the purpose of being seen by others as righteous or “spiritual.” Second, prayers should be authentic, as from the heart, and not just vain repetition or “empty phrases.” However, when compared with other Scriptures that show people praying in public, we know that this is not an exhortation to always pray alone. The issue is to avoid sin. Those who struggle with the desire to be seen as righteous and who notice that temptation creeping in during public prayer would do well to heed Jesus’ prescription to get alone and pray just to the Father who will reward in secret. Jesus knew that the Pharisees’ desire was to be seen by men as righteous, not really to talk to God. This statement about prayer was meant to convict and is instructive for all Christians, but it does not mean that all prayer must be secret.
Public prayer should be God-honoring, selfless, and based in a true desire to speak to God and not to men. If we can pray publicly without violating these principles, we do well to pray publicly. If, however, our conscience forbids it, there is nothing less effective about a prayer offered in secret.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Openbare gebed is ‘n kwessie waarmee baie Christene worstel. Aangesien baie gelowiges in die Bybel bekend was daarvoor dat hulle in die openbaar gebid het, net soos Jesus self, is daar niks verkeerd met openbare gebed nie. Baie Ou-Testamentiese leiers het in die openbaar vir die nasie gebid. Salomo het voor die hele nasie vir hulle en vir homself gebid. Daar is niks wat aandui dat hierdie gebed nie vir die Here aanvaarbaar was nie (1 Konings 8:22-23). Na die terugkeer van die Israeliete uit die Babiloniese ballingskap, was Esra so oorweldig deur die wete dat die Israeliete die aanbidding van die ware God verlaat het, dat hy gebid en bitterlik geween het voor die huis van die Here. Sy gebed was so vurig dat dit “‘n baie groot vergadering van manne, vroue en kinders” aangespoor het om by hom te vergader en bitterlik te geween (Esra 10:1).
Die voorbeelde van Hanna en Daniël illustreer egter dat dit moontlik is om misverstaan of selfs vervolg te word omdat jy in die openbaar bid. Soos met alle gebed, moet openbare gebed met die korrekte gesindheid en motief geoffer word. Uit verskeie Skriftuurlike voorbeelde kom ‘n duidelike beeld van aanvaarbare en God-vererende openbare gebed.
Hanna, die moeder van die profeet Samuel, was jare lank kinderloos en het die skande en vervolging verduur wat kinderloosheid vir vroue in Bybeltye gebring het (1 Samuel 1:1-6). Sy het gereeld na die tabernakel gegaan om God te smeek om haar van ‘n kind te voorsien, en vurig gebid uit “groot angs en droefheid”. Haar gebed was so opreg dat Eli, die priester, haar as dronk beskou het (1 Samuel 1:10-16).
Hier is ‘n voorbeeld van openbare gebed wat verkeerd geïnterpreteer word. Hanna se gebed was regverdig, en haar hart was op die regte plek. Sy het nie probeer om aandag op haarself te vestig nie, maar was bloot ontsteld en oorweldig deur die behoefte om te bid. Eli het gedink sy was dronk, maar dit was sy fout, nie haar sonde nie.
Daniël se openbare gebed was ‘n geleentheid vir sy vyande om hom te vervolg en te probeer om hom dood te maak. Daniël het in sy pligte as een van die administrateurs onder koning Darius uitgeblink tot so ‘n mate dat die koning oorweeg het om hom hoof oor die hele koninkryk te maak (Daniël 6:1-3). Dit het die ander administrateurs woedend gemaak, en hulle het na ‘n manier gesoek om Daniël in diskrediet te bring of te vernietig. Hulle het Darius aangemoedig om ‘n bevel uit te reik wat sy onderdane verbied om vir die volgende dertig dae tot enigiemand anders as die koning te bid. Die straf vir ongehoorsaamheid was om in ‘n leeukuil gegooi te word. Daniël het egter so openlik tot God aangehou bid dat hy by sy slaapkamervenster gesien kon word terwyl hy dit doen. Daniël het op ‘n manier gebid wat nie net vir ander sigbaar was nie, maar hom ook aan sy vyande blootgestel het. Hy het egter duidelik geweet dat God deur sy gebed geëer word, daarom het hy nie sy gewoonte prysgegee nie. Hy het nie die opinies en selfs die dreigemente van mense bo sy begeerte om die Here te gehoorsaam, gestel nie.
In Matteus 6:5-7 gee Jesus twee maniere om te verseker dat ons gebede regverdig is. Eerstens, gebede moet nie met die doel wees om deur ander as regverdig of “geestelik” gesien te word nie. Tweedens, gebede moet outentiek wees, soos uit die hart, en nie net ydele herhaling of “leë frases” nie. In vergelyking met ander Skrifgedeeltes wat wys dat mense in die openbaar bid, weet ons egter dat dit nie ‘n vermaning is om altyd alleen te bid nie. Die kwessie is om sonde te vermy. Diegene wat sukkel met die begeerte om as regverdig gesien te word en wat agterkom dat versoeking tydens openbare gebed insluip, sal goed doen om Jesus se voorskrif te volg om alleen te gaan en net tot die Vader te bid wat in die geheim sal beloon. Jesus het geweet dat die Fariseërs se begeerte was om deur mense as regverdig gesien te word, nie regtig om met God te praat nie. Hierdie stelling oor gebed was bedoel om te oortuig en is leersaam vir alle Christene, maar dit beteken nie dat alle gebed in die geheim moet wees nie.
Openbare gebed moet God-eerend, onselfsugtig en gebaseer wees op ‘n ware begeerte om met God te praat en nie met mense nie. As ons in die openbaar kan bid sonder om hierdie beginsels te oortree, doen ons goed om in die openbaar te bid. As ons gewete dit egter verbied, is daar niks minder effektief aan ‘n gebed wat in die geheim geoffer word nie.
Today’s Devotional
Man’s highest aim should be to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and this includes praying according to His will. First, we must ask for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). In asking for wisdom, we must also trust that God is gracious and willing to answer our prayers: “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt” (James 1:6; see also Mark 11:24). So, praying according to the will of God includes asking for wisdom (to know the will of God) and asking in faith (to trust the will of God).
Here are seven biblical instructions that will guide the believer in praying according to God’s will:
1) Pray for the things for which the Bible commands prayer. We are told to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44); for God to send missionaries (Luke 10:2); that we do not enter temptation (Matthew 26:41); for ministers of the Word (Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1); for government authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-3); for relief from affliction (James 5:13); and for the healing of fellow believers (James 5:16). Where God commands prayer, we can pray with confidence that we are praying according to His will.
2) Follow the example of godly characters in Scripture. Paul prayed for the salvation of Israel (Romans 10:1). David prayed for mercy and forgiveness when he sinned (Psalm 51:1-2). The early church prayed for boldness to witness (Acts 4:29). These prayers were according to the will of God, and similar prayers today can be as well. As with Paul and the early church, we should always be praying for the salvation of others. For ourselves, we should pray as David prayed, always aware of our sin and bringing it before God before it hinders our relationship with Him and thwarts our prayers.
3) Pray with the right motivation. Selfish motives will not be blessed by God. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3). We should also pray, not so our lofty words can be heard and we may be seen by others as “spiritual,” but mostly in private and in secret, so that our heavenly Father will hear in private and reward us openly (Matthew 6:5-6).
4) Pray with a spirit of forgiveness toward others (Mark 11:25). A spirit of bitterness, anger, revenge or hatred toward others will prevent our hearts from praying in total submission to God. Just as we are told not to give offerings to God while there is conflict between ourselves and another Christian (Matthew 5:23-24), in the same way God does not want the offering of our prayers until we have reconciled with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
5) Pray with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6-7). We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter how burdened we are by our wants or needs. The greatest sufferer that lives in this world of redeeming love, and who has the offer of heaven before him, has reason to be grateful to God.
6) Pray with persistence (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We should persevere in prayer and not quit or be dejected because we have not received an immediate answer. Part of praying in God’s will is believing that, whether His answer is “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” we accept His judgment, submit to His will, and continue to pray.
7) Rely on the Spirit of God in prayer. This is a wonderful truth: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Romans 8:26-27). We have the Spirit’s help in praying. At the times of our deepest depression or sorrow, those times when we feel that we “just cannot pray,” we have the comfort of knowing that the Holy Spirit is actually praying for us! What an amazing God we have!
What assurance we have when we seek to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh! Then we can have confidence that the Holy Spirit will accomplish His work in presenting our prayers to the Father according to His perfect will and timing, and we can rest in the knowledge that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Vandag se Bemoediging
Die mens se hoogste doel behoort te wees om God te verheerlik (1 Korintiërs 10:31), en dit sluit in om volgens Sy wil te bid. Eerstens moet ons om wysheid vra. “As iemand van julle wysheid kortkom, moet hy dit van God bid, wat aan almal mildelik gee sonder om te blameer, en dit sal aan hom gegee word” (Jakobus 1:5). Wanneer ons om wysheid vra, moet ons ook vertrou dat God genadig is en gewillig is om ons gebede te verhoor: “Maar wanneer hy bid, moet hy gelowig wees en nie twyfel nie” (Jakobus 1:6; sien ook Markus 11:24). Dus, om volgens die wil van God te bid, sluit in om om wysheid te vra (om die wil van God te ken) en in geloof te vra (om die wil van God te vertrou).
Hier is sewe Bybelse instruksies wat die gelowige sal lei om volgens God se wil te bid:
1) Bid vir die dinge waarvoor die Bybel gebed beveel. Ons word aangesê om vir ons vyande te bid (Matteus 5:44); dat God sendelinge sal stuur (Lukas 10:2); dat ons nie in versoeking kom nie (Matteus 26:41); vir bedienaars van die Woord (Kolossense 4:3; 2 Tessalonisense 3:1); vir regeringsowerhede (1 Timoteus 2:1-3); vir verligting van lyding (Jakobus 5:13); en vir die genesing van medegelowiges (Jakobus 5:16). Waar God gebed beveel, kan ons met vertroue bid dat ons volgens Sy wil bid.
2) Volg die voorbeeld van godvrugtige karakters in die Skrif. Paulus het gebid vir die redding van Israel (Romeine 10:1). Dawid het gebid vir genade en vergifnis toe hy gesondig het (Psalm 51:1-2). Die vroeë kerk het gebid vir vrymoedigheid om te getuig (Handelinge 4:29). Hierdie gebede was volgens die wil van God, en soortgelyke gebede vandag kan ook wees. Soos met Paulus en die vroeë kerk, moet ons altyd bid vir die redding van ander. Vir onsself moet ons bid soos Dawid gebid het, altyd bewus van ons sonde en dit voor God bring voordat dit ons verhouding met Hom belemmer en ons gebede dwarsboom.
3) Bid met die regte motivering. Selfsugtige motiewe sal nie deur God geseën word nie. “Wanneer julle bid, ontvang julle nie, omdat julle met verkeerde motiewe bid, sodat julle julle verdienste aan julle plesiere kan bestee” (Jakobus 4:3). Ons moet ook bid, nie sodat ons hoogmoedige woorde gehoor kan word en ons deur ander as “geestelik” gesien kan word nie, maar meestal in privaatheid en in die geheim, sodat ons hemelse Vader in privaatheid sal hoor en ons openlik sal beloon (Matteus 6:5-6).
4) Bid met ‘n gees van vergifnis teenoor ander (Markus 11:25). ‘n Gees van bitterheid, woede, wraak of haat teenoor ander sal verhoed dat ons harte in totale onderwerping aan God bid. Net soos ons gesê word om nie offers aan God te gee terwyl daar konflik tussen onsself en ‘n ander Christen is nie (Matteus 5:23-24), net so wil God nie die offer van ons gebede hê totdat ons met ons broers en susters in Christus versoen is nie.
5) Bid met danksegging (Kolossense 4:2; Filippense 4:6-7). Ons kan altyd iets vind om voor dankbaar te wees, maak nie saak hoe belas ons is deur ons begeertes of behoeftes nie. Die grootste lyder wat in hierdie wêreld van verlossende liefde leef, en wat die aanbod van die hemel voor Hom het, het rede om dankbaar teenoor God te wees.
6) Bid met volharding (Lukas 18:1; 1 Tessalonisense 5:17). Ons moet volhard in gebed en nie ophou of mismoedig wees omdat ons nie ‘n onmiddellike antwoord ontvang het nie. Deel van gebed in God se wil is om te glo dat, of Sy antwoord nou “ja”, “nee” of “wag” is, ons Sy oordeel aanvaar, ons aan Sy wil onderwerp en aanhou bid.
7) Vertrou op die Gees van God in gebed. Dit is ‘n wonderlike waarheid: “Ons weet nie wat ons behoort te bid nie, maar die Gees self tree vir ons in met versugtinge wat nie met woorde beskryf word nie. En Hy wat ons harte deursoek, ken die bedoeling van die Gees, omdat die Gees vir die heiliges intree volgens die wil van God” (Romeine 8:26-27). Ons het die Gees se hulp in gebed. In tye van ons diepste depressie of hartseer, daardie tye wanneer ons voel dat ons “net nie kan bid nie”, het ons die vertroosting om te weet dat die Heilige Gees eintlik vir ons bid! Wat ‘n wonderlike God het ons!
Watter versekering het ons wanneer ons daarna streef om in die Gees te wandel en nie in die vlees nie! Dan kan ons vertroue hê dat die Heilige Gees Sy werk sal volbring deur ons gebede aan die Vader voor te lê volgens Sy perfekte wil en tydsberekening, en ons kan rus in die wete dat Hy alle dinge ten goede vir ons laat meewerk (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.
Dapper Volharding:
In die evangelie van Matteus word ‘n verhaal van dapper volharding opgeteken. ‘n Kanaänitiese vrou het ‘n dogter gehad wat deur ‘n demoon beset was. Sy het geen hoop vir haar dogter gehad nie – totdat sy gehoor het dat Jesus in die streek was. Hierdie desperate vrou het na Jesus gekom met haar nood omdat sy geglo het Hy kon haar help. Sy het na Hom geroep al het alles en almal teen haar gelyk – ras, godsdienstige agtergrond, geslag, die dissipels, Satan, en skynbaar selfs Jesus (Matt 15:22-27). Ten spyte van al hierdie struikelblokke het sy nie moed opgegee nie. Met dapper volharding het sy haar pad deur die donker gange van moeilikheid, desperate nood en verwerping gebaan. Die resultaat ? Jesus het haar geprys vir haar geloof en haar dogter genees (28). Ons word ook genooi om Jesus met dapper volharding te nader. Soos ons aanhou vra, soek en klop, sal ons genade en barmhartigheid vind in ons tyd van nood.
Volharding in gebed behaag God.
Brave Perseverance:
The Gospel of Matthew records a story of brave perseverance. A Canaanite woman had a daughter who was possessed by a demon. She had no hope for her daughter—until she heard that Jesus was in the area. This desperate woman came to Jesus with her distress because she believed He could help her. She cried out to Him even though everything and everyone seemed against her—race, religious background, gender, the disciples, Satan, and seemingly even Jesus (Matt. 15:22-27). Despite all these obstacles, she did not give up. With brave perseverance, she made her way through the dark corridors of trouble, desperate need, and rejection. The result? Jesus commended her for her faith and healed her daughter (28). We too are invited to approach Jesus with brave perseverance. As we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, we will find grace and mercy in our time of need.
Perseverance in prayer pleases God.
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – LIFE-GIVING MUSIC
The influence of imagination is incredible, which is why we have to be careful what we think. Worry and anxiousness can put a damper on our mindset. Today’s video shows how we can use the power of our imagination for good. and later Bill & Gloria Gaither and their Homecoming Friends gathered in Tulsa, OK, for a weekend of sweet fellowship, inspiring messages and life-giving music. Sing along to some of your favorite Gospel classics such as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor,” “Because He Lives” and “Give It Away.” You will enjoy performances by Homecoming favorites Mark Lowry, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Isaacs, Marshall Hall, the Gaither Vocal Band and more with these special reunion performances. Enjoy today’s show and thanks for watching.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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Program
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Monday To Fridays
00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
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BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
Turkey (The Real Magog) gets Aggressive against Israel
Turkey has issued arrest warrants against dozens of senior Israeli officials, accusing them of “genocide” during Israel’s war against the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip.
On Friday, the Istanbul Criminal Court of Peace finalized arrest warrants for 37 Israeli government and military officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Other Israeli officials targeted by the warrants include IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Israeli Navy Commander David Saar Salama.
The warrants were issued in response to a petition by the Istanbul chief public prosecutor’s office, following an investigation by the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice and the Turkish Justice Ministry, in coordination with Turkey’s Foreign Ministry.
In its announcement on Friday, the Istanbul chief public prosecutor’s office cited several incidents to bolster its claim of genocide and other war crimes.
Among the alleged war crimes cited was the October 17, 2023 explosion at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
While Hamas blamed an Israeli airstrike for the explosion and claimed that over 500 people were killed, it was later found by Israel, the US, UK, Canada, and France that a faulty rocket launched by Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists was the culprit.
Also, Hamas’ initial claims of more than 500 fatalities were later debunked, with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, which manages the hospital, putting the number of deaths at approximately 200.
Formal ties between Israel and Turkey, which had been tense for the past decade, have been virtually nonexistent since October 7, 2023, with both countries recalling their ambassadors in 2023, while Ankara announced a full cessation of diplomatic ties in November 2024.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Jared Kushner arrives in Israel for Gaza talks with Netanyahu, source says
US President Donald Trump’s influential son-in-law, Jared Kushner, arrived in Israel on Sunday for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on implementing the US plan to end the Gaza war, a source familiar with the matter said.
Kushner was expected to meet with Netanyahu on Monday, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity, as the meeting had not been formally announced.
The White House and Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Trump announced a 20-point plan in September to end the two-year-old war in the Palestinian territory, starting with a ceasefire that came into effect on October 10 and the handover of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The terror group has released 20 living hostages and the remains of 24 hostages from Gaza since October 10. There are four deceased hostages whose remains are still being held in Gaza.
The next phase of the ceasefire is supposed to see the standing up of a multinational force that would gradually take over security inside Gaza from the Israeli military.
An Israeli government spokesperson said earlier on Sunday that there would be “no Turkish boots on the ground” in Gaza as part of that multinational force.
Asked about Israel’s objections to Turkish forces in Gaza, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said at a Manama security conference earlier this month that Turkey would participate.
Vice President JD Vance said last month there would be a “constructive role” for Ankara to play but that Washington wouldn’t force anything on Israel when it came to foreign troops “on their soil.”
GOG AND MAGOG UPDATE
India (BRICS / MAGOG Nation) eyes joint production of Israeli missile systems
India is in advanced talks to manufacture LORA (LOng Range Artillery) tactical ballistic missiles on license from Israel Aerospace Industries and Ice Breaker cruise missiles on license from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as part of its “Make in India” program, Globes reported on Sunday.
The negotiations follow a memorandum of understanding signed on Nov. 4 by Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Amir Baram and Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to boost cooperation.
A delegation from India’s Ministry of Defense recently visited Israel to discuss deals to procure and locally produce both missile systems, according to Globes, citing the India Defence Research Wing website.
India is Israel’s largest defense customer, accounting for about 34% of the Jewish state’s defense exports from 2020 to 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
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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