September 2024

Tomorrow we begin with a brand-new series. This month’s theme literally presented itself “along the way” – on a bookshelf at a roadside stall. I bought the book (“The Great Promise Book” written by Annes Nel), knowing that it would also be the name of the new series: #PROMISES. On the title page was a quote: “We believe that the future belongs to God and that God’s promises will be fulfilled more surprisingly than we […]

Today, I conclude this series #Fearlessly Renewing. It seemed so fitting for me to start this series on Spring Day, because it’s not just the birth of a new season that we anticipate annually; it’s especially the longing for renewal of our spirit. Wave after wave of cold fronts have continued to hit us this month – even snow in some places. But perhaps this is symbolic of our lives: renewal is a process. It

How great must David’s desire for renewal have been to pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Ps 139:23). This is a prayer for God to guide you in knowing yourself as He knows you. Honest introspection about your life always precedes spiritual renewal. Theologian Tom (N.T.) Wright writes about the necessity of self-examination: “To examine ourselves is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a life of integrity and faithfulness.” How

Recently, I received an email from a woman in the Northern Cape: “For the past decade, it feels like my life is falling apart like a house of cards. I’m a farmer’s daughter and now a farmer’s wife. I know drought. But drought can’t feel as parched as my withered heart.” She ends her email with: “I doubt. I have so many questions. Do you think there is still hope for me?” I don’t know

There is one thief of joy and gratitude that we all need to be vigilant against: worry. Worry’s companions are anxiety and fear. But, as Charles Spurgeon reminded us, “Anxiety does nothing to change today’s troubles, except rob you of today’s potential.” Worry is a cunning thief that drains us of our life energy. As David writes in Psalm 55:3, “my sorrows give me no rest.” Worry certainly won’t extend your life; on the contrary,

I am amazed at how often Paul writes about gratitude—especially in his letter to the Colossians. Gratitude has a starting point—it begins with Christ: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col 2:6-7). “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful” (Col 3:15).

If we wait until life is exactly one hundred percent right before we can fully embrace joy, I fear we will wait a long time for a fulfilling life. The first thing we must acknowledge is that joy is a choice. Philippians 4:4 states it clearly: “Rejoice.” And if you think you misheard, Paul repeats: “Rejoice!” In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, he reiterates the command: “Always be joyful.” He follows this up with: “Give thanks in

For me, one of the most beautiful Afrikaans words is “onbeskroomd.” Unflinching. Fearless. Like the command that God gave Joshua: “Be strong and courageous… Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 – 2020 translation). Nothing stops you. Nothing stands in your way. Interestingly, the word “onbeskroomd” (in English: undaunted) doesn’t appear in the Afrikaans translations; however, the English Amplified Bible

Do I love so deeply that it feels like my insides are about to tear apart? (See #19.) Yes, perhaps for a handful or two of people. But for everyone? We are fortunate—the love Peter speaks of is “brotherly love” (philia love). It’s the love that binds Christians together. It’s the love Jesus referred to when He said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples—if you love one another” (John 13:35). Even

During the preparation for a weekly Bible study group, I discovered something I hadn’t known before. (It’s always the delightful perk of my work!) We are studying the Acts of the Apostles, and the passage for discussion is Acts 12. Peter has been imprisoned by Herod and is to be executed the next morning. Meanwhile, as stated in Acts 12:5, the church “was earnestly praying to God for him.” The 2020 translation notes: “but a