Whispers of Wisdom Devotions By Annes Nel ~ Whispers of Hope Devotions By Stephan Joubert

Whispers of Wisdom~ Devotions written by Annes Nel Jan 22 The Lost Sheep Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. -Gal. 6:2- As church members, it is imperative that we care about one another. A church member once wrote the following : "They were not there for me, not one of them." This person became lonely with the community of believers. The community which should have given comfort, care and support, was a heartless one. The church should always be concerned about the one sheep, the one coin, and the one lost son (see Luke 15). It should be full of joy when the lost one is found. Going to church on Sunday is not enough. Our task is to become a caring community. The church of the living Lord is always looking for ways to those with heavy burdens (see Gal. 6:2)  Richard L. Evans wrote, "Perhaps any of us could get along with perfect people, but our task is to get along with imperfect people." Maybe you know of someone who ...

Whispers of Hope~ Devotions written by Stephan Joubert  Jan 22 God's Dreams "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." -Jeremiah 1:5- God dreams, and he dreams big. He dreams about a new world, one where his will prevails. He dreams about a society where hate comes second, and injustice loses. He dreams about the poor having enough food to eat and about lonely people being cared for. He dreams about people who live together safely and who love one another. He dreams about his kingdom spreading across the earth like a runaway bush fire, and billions of people bowing before Jesus. He dreams of people who discover his treasure in the field, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 13, and then surrender everything to get a hold of it.  God dreams new dreams. Here's the good news- you have a pertinent place in God's dreams. He noticed you when he dreamed big about people and his creation. He wants to use you to make his dreams a reality. You should report for duty at once. He...

Whispers of Hope~ Devotions written by Stephan Joubert  Jan 21 From Chaos to Calm God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in trouble. -Psalm 46:1 NIV - In one moment even the stormiest of seas can become calm. In the blink of an eye huge storms can abate. The same can also happen in your life. Chaos can instantaneously make room for peace. Noise can replaced by soft silence in an instant. Unrest can be chased away by heavenly peace. How? Just realize afresh that the lord is God. He alone! Believe the word that the Lord is with you right there in the storm. Believe the word that he is the only hiding place in time of danger. Subside. Calm down. Come to rest. Let your heart become still and calm. Let your turbulent mood find a hiding place at the Lord's feet. Look up. Notice the Lord, high above nations and far above the dead gods of this world. See him in faith. Bow gently before in the name of Jesus, kneel in worship. Know that the Lord is the Almighty. He has all powe...

Whispers of Wisdom~ Devotions written by Annes Nel Jan 21 Living a Life of Love  Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all your soul and all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as your self," -Matt. 22:37-39 When we Honor God, serve him, glorify his name, study his word, enjoy the fellowship of believers, rest from our daily routine, care for the poor and give attention to our families, we show that we love God. There are two important aspects we need to remember. Firstly we do not serve God only on specific days; secondly it is impossible to love God alone. God is with us in every situation. This same God commands us to love his people and treat them well. How can we think that it's acceptable to apply this command only on certain days if we are blessed with his love and presence everyday? It is just as important to love your neighbors as it is to love God (see Matt. 2237-40). John says that it is...

Whispers of Hope~ Devotions written by Stephan Joubert   Jan 20  Being Thankful Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.  -Hebrews 12:28 NLT- You're not a victim of your emotions. You can be thankful everyday. You can have an "attitude of gratitude" lifestyle. How? Here's a few pointers: Choose to live everyday proactively in the Lords name, never merely reactively. Refuse to react to everyone and everything. You don't have to understand an opinion about everything under the sun. Don't get attached to strangers in a dysfunctional manner. Don't allow bad drivers or criminals to fill you with anger. Detach yourself emotionally from negative people. Don't allow anyone to pull you down. Don't seek revenge. God has freed you from the "eye for an eye" and "tooth for tooth" games long ago. Show thankfulness in the little ways to every person  you e...

Whispers of Wisdom~ Devotions written by Annes Nel Jan 20   Spiritual Training Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has a value for all things, holding promise for both present life and the life to come. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Preserve in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. ~1 Time. 4:7-8~ Someone once wrote: " I need a pasture who is spiritually stronger than I am, who can lead rather than wondering around in the wilderness not knowing right from wrong because of what society dictates." Impressive churches, programs and charismatic leaders will not necessarily bring people back to the church. I know of many small congregations that constantly attract new people. It happens because their focus is the love for God. The most important test is not how someone preaches or how brilliantly they are able to communicate. The question is whether they love the lord. Paul writes to a young Tim...