Dag 19 Hoofstuk 15 “Hy Gee Ons die Sleutels”

Jesus gave us the keys of heaven to “bind up” the evil and “loose” the good. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall  loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matt. 16:19.

Jesus het vir ons die sleutels van die hemele gegee om op die aarde mag te “bind” en die hemel te “ontbind”. “En Ek sal jou die sleutels van die koninkryk van die hemele gee; en wat jy ook op die aarde mag bind, sal in die hemele gebonde wees, en wat jy ook op die aarde ontbind, sal in die hemele ontbonde wees.” Matt. 16:19.

Remove the evil. Find a verse concerning what you want to remove. When someone is “bound” in sin, you must first bind that “strong man,” which is what has a hold of the person you are praying for. Search for the verse that you can pray. Here is the principle, “But no one can enter the strong man’s house…unless he first binds the strong man….” Mark 3:27.

Boei eers die sterk man. Soek ‘n vers wat van toepassing is op wat jy wil verwyder. Wanneer iemand in sonde “geboei” is, moet jy eerstens daardie
sterk man” of sonde bind, wat die persoon vir wie jy bid in sonde vashou. Soek ‘n vers wat jy kan bid. Hier is die beginsel, “Niemand kan in die huis van ‘n sterk man ingaan…as hy nie eers die sterk man boei nie…” Markus. 3:27.  

Replace the evil with good. This is very important! “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I  came.’ And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the  first.” Luke 11:24-26.

Vervang die sonde met iets goed. Dit is baie belangrik! “Wanneer die onrein gees uit die mens uitgegaan het, gaan hy deur waterlose plekke en soek rus, en as hy dit nie vind nie sê hy, ‘Ek sal teruggaan na my huis waar ek uitgegaan het. En hy kom en vind dit uitgevee en versierd. Dan gaan hy en neem sewe ander geeste, slegter as hy self, en hulle kom in en woon daar.  Aan die einde is so 'n man slegter daaraan toe as aan die begin.” Lukas 11:24-26.

If you fail to replace. If you fail to replace what you have removed, it will become worse than before you prayed. You must always replace something evil with something good. This is one reason why so many who  go on diets actually get fatter. They stop eating all the things that are not healthy for them but they never replace the bad food with something good, like prayer, going for a walk, exercising, or eating something else  that is good for them.

As jy misluk om te vervang. Indien jy nie vervang wat jy verwyder het nie, sal dit baie erger word as voor jy gebid het. Jy moet altyd iets boos met iets goed vervang. Dit is die rede waarom baie mense wat ‘n dieet volg eintlik net vetter word. Hulle stop om die goed te eet  wat nie vir hulle  gesond is nie maar hulle vervang nooit die slegte kos met iets goed, soos gebed, om te gaan vir ‘n stap, te oefen, of iets anders te eet wat goed is vir hulle..

Replace the lies with the truth. The truth is found in His Word. Pray a verse of blessing over your wife, such as something from Proverbs 31. Remember, unless what you hear, what you read, what someone tells you  matches up with a principle in God’s Word, IT IS A LIE!

Vervang die leuens met die waarheid. Die waarheid word in Sy Woord gevind. Bid ‘n vers van seën oor jou vrou, iets uit Spreuke 31. Onthou, tensy wat jy hoor, wat jy lees, wat iemand jou vertel nie met God se Woord ooreenstem nie, IS DIT ‘N LEUEN!

Replace the “arm of the flesh” with the “Lord.” Replace trusting in “the arm of the flesh” (you, a friend, whoever) with trusting in God. “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” Eph. 6:10. 

Vervang die “arm van die sondige natuur” met die “Here.” Vervang vertroue in “die sondige natuur” (jy, ‘n vriendin, wie ookal) met vertroue in God. “Eindelik, my broeders, word kragtig in die Here en in die krag van sy sterkte.” Efe. 6:10.

Replace running away with running to Him! “God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” Ps. 46:1. Run to the  book of Psalms!

Vervang weghardloop met hardloop na die Hom toe! “God is vir ons ‘n toevlug en sterkte; as hulp in benoudhede is Hy in hoë mate beproef.” Ps. 46:1. Hardloop na die boek van Psalms!

As a member of our Restoration Fellowship, you could go to our Daily Devotional on our website. Go to www.RestoreMinistries.net to join!

As ‘n lid van Herstel Fellowship, kan jy na ons Daaglikse Bemoediger op ons webwerf gaan. Gaan na www.RestoreMinistries.net om aan te sluit!

Replace crying out to another with crying out to Him! He promises to hear you and to lift you up immediately! But you must cry out! “Ask  and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find.” Matt. 7:7.

Vervang om uit te roep na ander mense met uitroep na Hom toe! Hy belowe om jou te hoor en jou onmiddellik op te tel! Maar jy moet uitroep! “Bid en vir julle sal gegee word; soek, en julle sal vind” Matt. 7:7.

Preparing for War
Berei voor vir Oorlog

Put on your armor daily as described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Trek daagliks jou wapenrusting aan soos in Efesiërs 6:10-18 beskryf.

The schemes of the devil. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Eph. 6:10-11. Remember  who the real enemy is: satan, not your wife.

Die listige aanslae van die duiwel. “ Verder nog dit: Soek julle krag in die Here en in sy groot mag. Trek die volle wapenrusting aan wat God julle gee, sodat julle op julle pos kan bly ondanks die listige aanslae van die duiwel.” Efe. 6:10-11. Onthou wie die regte vyand is: satan, nie jou vrou nie.

The full armor of God. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day.” Eph. 6:12-13. You must resist the fear that causes you to want to run away or give up; stand firm and, having done everything,  continue to stand firm. Psalm 37 is good to pray if you are plagued with fear.

Die volle wapenrusting van God. ‘Ons stryd is nie teen vlees en bloed nie, maar teen elke mag en gesag, teen elke gees wat heers oor hierdie sondige wêreld, teen elke bose gees in die lug. Trek daarom die volle wapenrusting aan wat God julle gee, sodat julle weerstand kan bied in die dag van onheil en, nadat julle die stryd tot die einde toe gevoer het, nog op julle pos kan bly staan.” Efe. 6:12-13. Jy moet die vrees wat veroorsaak dat jy wil weghardloop of opgee weerstaan; staan vas en, nadat jy alles gedoen het, gaaan voort om vas te staan. Psalms 37 is goed om te bid as jy met vrees geteister is.

Stand firm. “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth….” Eph. 6:14. People talk about “stepping out in faith.” At certain times it may be best to stop moving and just stand firm! It may be the  difference between trusting and tempting God. Sometimes we feel like we are taking a “step of faith,” but we are actually throwing ourselves off a cliff. Yet, as you will see later in this lesson, sometimes we are asked to  step out and walk on water, as Peter was asked to do. Discernment is needed here. The amount of urgency you are feeling at a particular time may help you to determine the will of the Lord. Our “flesh” usually brings about  urgency; God usually says to wait.

Staan vas. “Staan dan vas, julle lendene met die waarheid omgord…” Efe. 6:14. Mense praat van “uittree in geloof.” Sekere tye mag dit die beste wees om op te hou beweeg en net vas te staan! Dit mag die verkil wees tussen op God te vertrou en om God te versoek. Somtyds voel dit asof ons “‘n tree in geloof” neem, maar ons gooi onsself van ‘n krans af. Tog, soos wat jy later in hierdie les sal sien, somtyds word ons gevra om uit te tree en op water te loop, soos wat Petrus gevra was om te doen. Oordeel word hier benodig. Die hoeveelheid dringendheid wat jy op ‘n sekere tyd voel mag jou help om die wil van die Here te bepaal. Ons “sondige natuur” bring gewoonlik die dringendheid te wee; God sê gewoonlik wag.                                                            

His righteousness. “…and having put on the breastplate of righteousness….” Eph. 6:14. God is talking about His righteousness, not yours. He tells us in His Word that our righteousness is nothing but “filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6).

Sy geregtigheid.   “...met die borswapen van die geregtigheid aan…” Efe. 6:14. God praat van Sy geregtigheid, nie joune nie. Hy vertel ons in Sy Woord dat al ons geregtighede soos ‘n besoedelde kleed is. (Jes. 64:6). 

Walk in peace. “And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace…” Eph. 6:15. You can claim the promise in Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers!” Be peaceful with EVERYONE at ALL  times!

Loop in vrede. “En as skoene aan julle voete die bereidheid vir die evangelie van vrede.” Efe. 6:15. Jy kan hierdie belofte aangryp in Matteus: “Salig is die vredemakers!” Wees vreedsaam met ALMAL ten ALLE tye! 

The shield of faith. “In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.” Eph. 6:16. You must have faith – not in yourself or someone else  like a judge – faith in God, in Him alone! Circumstance has nothing to do with faith. Believe His Word alone for the truth about your situation.

Die skild van geloof. “Behalwe dit alles neem die skild van die geloof op waarmee julle al die vurige pyle van die Bose sal kan uitblus.” Efe. 6:16. Jy moet geloof hê - nie in jouself of iemand anders soos ‘n regter nie - geloof in God, in Hom alleen! Omstandighede het niks met geloof te doen nie. Glo in Sy Woord alleen vir die waarheid oor jou situasie.

Helmet of salvation. “And take the helmet of salvation.” Eph. 6:17. You must be saved; you must be one of His children to really win a difficult spiritual battle. It’s as easy as talking to God right now. Just tell Him in  your own words that you need Him, now. Ask Him to make Himself real to you. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins and give Him your life, a life  that is messed up, and ask the Lord to make it new.

Helm van verlossing. “En neem aan die helm van verlossing.” Efe. 6:17.  Jy moet gered wees; jy moet een van Sy kinders wees om regtig ‘n moeilike geestelike stryd te wen. Dit is so maklik as om nou hier met God te praat. Vertel Hom net in jou eie woorde dat jy Hom, nou, nodig het. Vra Hom om Homself eg vir jou te maak. Vra Hom om jou sondes te vergewe en gee Hom jou lewe, ‘n lewe wat opgemors is, en vra die Here om dit nuut te maak.

Tell Him that you will do whatever He asks, since He is now your Lord. Ask Him to “save you” from your situation and from the eternity that is waiting for all those who do not accept His gift of eternal life. Thank Him for His death on the cross, the death that He died for you. You can now trust that you will no longer live alone; God will always be with you and  you will spend eternity in Heaven!

Sê vir Hom dat jy sal doen watookal Hy vra, aangesien Hy nou jou Here is. Vra Hom om “jou te red” uit jou situasie en van die ewigheid wat vir al die wie nie Sy geskenk van die ewige lewe aanvaar nie. Bedank Hom vir Sy dood aan die kruis, die dood wat Hy vir jou gesterf het. Jy kan nou vertrou dat jy nie meer alleen sal bly nie; God sal altyd by jou wees en jy sal die ewigheid in die Hemel spandeer!

Sword of the Spirit. “Take…the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” Eph. 6:17. This is exactly what we have been teaching: use His Word to win the battle. When the battle is the Lord’s, the victory is ours! Write down on 3x5 cards the Scriptures you need to help in this war for your marriage and family. Keep them with you at all times in your purse. When you feel an attack coming on, like fear, read the verses that pertain to fear. (See Rom. 8:15 and Psalm 23 for wonderful verses to attack fear.)

Swaard van die gees. “Vat…die swaard van die gees dit is die woord van God.” Efe. 6:17. Dit is presies wat ons leer: gebruik Sy Woord om die stryd te wen. Wanneer die stryd die Here sin is, is die oorwinning ons sin! Skryf neer op 3x5 kaarte die Bybel verse wat jy nodig het om te help in hierdie oorlog vir jou huwelik en familie. Hou hulle teen alle tye by jou in jou handsak. Wanneer jy voel hoe ‘n aanval aankom, soos vrees, lees die verse wat met vrees te doen het. (Sien Rom. 8:15 en Psalms 23 vir wonderlike verse om vrees aan te val.)

Cry out to God. Stand firm in faith. “Be still and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10.

Roep uit na God. Staan vas in die geloof. “Laat staan en weet dat Ek God is” Ps. 46:10.

Pray at all times. “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit.” Eph. 6:18. Pray from deep in your Spirit. Have designated times of prayer three times a day (as Daniel did). That was one of the reasons he was thrown into the lions’ den. Don’t worry, but remember that even if you are in essence thrown into the lions’ den, God will shut all the lions’  mouths!

Bid ten alle tye. “Terwyl julle met alle gebed en smeking by elke geleentheid bid in die Gees” Efe. 6:18. Bid uit die dieptes van jou Gees. Bid op aangewyste tye drie maal per dag (soos wat Daniël gedoen het). Dit was een van die redes waarom hy in die leeukuil gegooi was. Moenie bekommer nie, maar onthou selfs al word jy in wese in die leeukuil gegooi, God sal die leeus se bekke toemaak!

Be on the alert. “And with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Eph. 6:18. Pray for another person you know each time you feel overwhelmed. “Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” Phil 12:9-10.

Waak. “En juis daarmee waak met alle volharding en smeking vir al die heiliges.” Efe. 6:18. Bid vir ‘n ander persoon wie jy ken elke keer wat jy oorweldig is. Sy antwoord was: “My genade is vir jou genoeg. My krag kom juis tot volle werking wanneer jy swak is.” Daarom sal ek baie liewer oor my swakhede roem, sodat die krag van Christus my beskutting kan wees. Daarom is ek bly oor swakhede, beledigings, ontberings, vervolging en moeilikhede ter wille van Christus, want as ek swak is, is ek sterk.” Fil 12:9-10.

Pray for those who persecute you. God also asked that we pray for someone else: our enemies, every one of them. Pray for them and ask God to show you what He wants you to do to bless them. It wasn’t until after Job  prayed for his so-called friends that God restored what Job had lost. “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.” Job 42:10. “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” He goes on to tell you why: “in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 5:44-45.

Bid vir diegene wat jou vervloek. God het ook gevra dat ons vir iemand anders moet bid: ons vyande, elkeen van hulle. Bid vir hulle en vra God om jou te wys wat jy moet doen om hulle te seën. Dit was eers nadat Job gebid het vir sy vriende, dat die Here vir hom teruggegee het wat hy verloor het. En die Here het die lot van Job verander toe hy vir sy vriende gebid het; en die Here het Job se besittings vermeerder tot dubbel soveel as voorheen.” Job 42:10. “Maar Ek sê vir julle: Julle moet jul vyande liefhê; seën die wat julle vervloek.” Hy gaan aan om vir jou te sê waarom: “sodat julle die kinders kan word van julle Vader wat in die hemel is.” Matt. 5:44-45.

Know God’s Word
Ken God se Woord

His Word will not come back void. You must know and learn God’s Word. You need to set out to find the blessed promises of God. These principles are from His Word and when we speak His Word to Him by  prayer, it will not come back void.

Sy Woord sal nie leeg terugkeer nie. Jy moet God se Woord ken en leer. Jy moet daarop uitgaan om die geseënde beloftes van God te vind. Hierdie beginsels is uit Sy Woord en wanneer ons Sy Woord na Hom toe praat in gebed, sal dit nie leeg terugkeer nie.

That is His promise to you! “So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void (empty), without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:11. His desire is that you may overcome the evils in this world.

Dit is Sy belofte aan jou!” So sal my woord wees wat uit my mond uitgaan; dit sal nie leeg na my toe terugkeer nie, maar doen wat My behaag en voorspoedig wees in alles waartoe Ek dit stuur. Jesaja 55:11. Sy begeerte is dat jy die bose van hierdie wêreld oorwin.

Search for His principles throughout your Bible. Seek understanding. God says if you seek you will find. God’s Word gives wisdom. Looking deeper into the meaning gives you a better understanding. “And I say to  you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Luke 11:9. And once you know what to do, then you can apply it to your life. “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Prov. 24:3-4.

Soek vir Sy beginsels dwarsdeur jou Bybel. Soek wysheid. God sê dat as jy soek sal jy vind. God se Woord gee wysheid. Hoe dieper jy na iets kyk in die betekenis gee dit jou ‘n beter verstandhouding. “En Ek sê vir julle: Bid, en vir julle sal gegee word; soek, en julle sal vind; klop en vir julle sal oopgemaak word.” Lukas 11:9. En sodra jy weet wat om te doen, kan jy dit in jou lewe toepas. “Deur wysheid word ‘n huis gebou, en deur verstand word dit bevestig; en deur kennis word die kamers gevul met allerande kosbare en lieflike goed.” Spr. 24:3-4.

Read His Word with delight. Mark the verses in your Bible. “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps. 37:4. Take the time to mark verses for quick reference in times of distress (or when leading another to the truth). In Luke 4:4-10 what did Jesus answer when Satan was trying to tempt Him? “And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written…, It is written…, for it is written….’”

Lees Die Bybel met vreugde. Merk die verse in jou Bybel. “ Vind jou vreugde in die Here, en Hy sal jou gee wat jou hart begeer.” Ps. 37:4. Neem die tyd om die verse te merk vir vinnige verwysing ten tye van nood (of wanneer jy iemand anders na die waarheid lei). In Lukas 4:4-10 wat het Jesus geantwoord toe Satan Hom probeer uitlok het?” En Jesus het hom geantwoord, ‘Daar is geskrywe…, Daar is geskrywe…, daar is geskrywe….’”

Memorize. Meditate day and night. Memorize the promises you find so that the blessed assurance of them may sink into your soul. You must learn and know God’s promises if you ever want to depend on Him alone. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever  he does, he prospers.” Ps. 1:2.

Memoriseer. Oordink dag en nag. Memoriseer die beloftes wat by jou bly sodat dit diep in jou hart insink. Jy moet God se beloftes ken indien jy alleenlik op Hom wil staat maak. “Maar sy behae is in die wet van die Here, en hy oordink Sy wet dag en nag. En hy sal wees soos ‘n boom wat geplant is by waterstrome, wat sy vrugte gee op sy tyd en waarvan die blare nie verwelk nie; en alles wat hy doen, voer hy voorspoedig uit.” Ps. 1:2, 3.

No matter how bad things may seem; God is in control. Our comfort is found in knowing that God is in control, not us and certainly not Satan. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31- 32.

Maak nie saak hoe erg dinge mag lyk nie; God is in beheer. Ons kan ons berus in die wete dat God in beheer is, nie ons nie en sekerlik nie Satan nie. “Simon, Simon, kyk, die Satan het vurig begeer om julle soos koring te sif. Maar Ek het vir jou gebid, dat jou geloof nie ophou nie; en as jy eendag bekeerd is, moet jy jou broeders versterk.” Lukas 22:31-32.

Sifting. Jesus knew the outcome, yet Peter still had to go through the “sifting” to be ready for God’s calling on his life. Will you be ready when He calls you? “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be  perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Jas. 1:4.

Sifting. Jesus het geweet wat die uitkoms gaan wees, tog moes Petrus nog steeds deur die “sifting” gaan om gereed te wees vir die roeping op sy lewe. Sal jy gereed wees wanneer Hy jou roep? “Maar die lydsaamheid moet tot volle verwerkliking kom, sodat julle volmaak en sonder gebrek kan wees en in niks kortkom nie.” Jak. 1:4

Spiritual Warfare
Geestelike Oorlogvoering

Take your thoughts captive. Your battle WILL be won or lost in your mind. “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” 2Cor. 10:5-6. Don’t play into the enemies’ hands. Don’t entertain evil thoughts. Take them captive!

Neem jou gedagtes gevangene. Jou stryd SAL gewen of verloor word in jou gedagtes. “Daarmee vernietig ons die redenasies en elke hooghartige aanval wat teen die kennis van God gerig word. Ons neem elke gedagte gevange om dit aan Christus gehoorsaam te maak. Ons is ook gereed om met elke ongehoorsaamheid af te reken sodra julle eie gehoorsaamheid volkome is.” 2Kor. 10:5-6. Moet nie in die vyand se hande speel nie. Moenie bose gedagtes vermaak nie. Neem hule gevangene!

The Power of Three
Die Krag van Drie

Two or three gathered together. Find two other MEN who will pray with you. “But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sunset…when Moses held his hand up, then Israel prevailed, and when he  let his hand down Amalek (the enemy) prevailed.” Ex. 17:11-12.

Wanneer twee of drie saamstaan. Vind twee ander MANS wie saam jou sal bid. “En telkens as Moses sy hand ophou, was Israel die sterkste. Maar die hande van Moses het swaar geword; daarom het hulle ‘n klip geneem en dit onder hom neergelê dat hy daarop kan sit. En Aäron en Hur het sy hande ondersteun, die een duskant en die ander anderkant. So het sy hande dan vas gebly tot sononder.” (Eks. 17:11-12.

Find two other men to hold you up so you won’t become too weary. Pray and ask God to help you find two others who are like-minded. You can  also find an Encouragement Partner on our website.

Vind twee ander mans om jou op te hou sodat jy nie te moeg word nie. Bid en vra vir God om jou te help om twee ander te vind wie eensgesind is. Jy kan ook ‘n Bemoedigende Vennoot op ons webwerf vind.

The power of three. “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Eccl. 4:12.

Die krag van drie. “En as iemand die een aanval, kan altwee hom teëstand bied; en ‘n driedubbele lyn word nie gou gebreek nie.” Pred. 4:12.

To lift the other up. “Two are better than one because they have a good  return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his  companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift  him up.” Eccl. 4:9-10.

Om die ander op te lig. “Twee vaar beter as een. Hulle inspanning kom tot iets. As die een val, kan die ander hom ophelp. Maar as een val wat alleen is, is daar niemand om hom op te help nie.” Pred. 4:9-10.

He is there with you. “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” Matt. 18:20. “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he responded and said to his high officials, ‘Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?’ They answered and said to the king, ‘Certainly, O king.’ He answered and said, ‘Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!’ ” Dan. 3:24. You are never alone!

Hy is daar by jou. “want waar twee of drie in my Naam saam is, daar is Ek by hulle.”Matt.18:20. Toe het koning Nebukadnesar verskrik opgespring en vir sy raadgewers gevra: “Het ons dan nie drie manne vasgebind in die oond gegooi nie?” En hulle sê vir hom: “Dit is so, U Majesteit!”  Hy sê toe: “Maar ek sien dan vier manne wat vry en ongedeerd rondbeweeg in die vuur, en die vierde lyk soos 'n hemelwese!” Dan. 3:24. Jy is nooit alleen nie!

Agreement. “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father whois in heaven.” Matt. 18:19. When you are wrestling with peace about  something, call someone who will believe with you and pray in agreement.

Saamstem. “ Verder verseker Ek julle: As twee van julle op aarde oor enige saak saamstem en daaroor bid, sal my Vader wat in die hemel is, hulle dit laat kry.” Matt. 18:19. Wanneer jy met vrede stoei oor iets, skakel iemand wie saam jou sal glo en instemmend bid.

Standing in the gap. “And I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should  not destroy it; but I found no one.” Ezek. 22:30.

Tree in die bres. “Ek het iemand tussen hulle gesoek wat 'n muur sou bou en vir die stad in die bres sou tree dat dit nie vernietig word nie, maar Ek het niemand gekry nie.” Eseg. 22:30.

Pray for one another. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” Jas. 5:16. Also, confession to a like minded man is the best way to obtain a pure heart.

Bid vir mekaar. “Bely julle sondes eerlik teenoor mekaar en bid vir mekaar, sodat julle gesond kan word. Die gebed van 'n gelowige het 'n kragtige uitwerking.” Jak. 5:16. Ook, belyding teenoor ‘n eensgesinde man is die beste manier om ‘n pure harte te verkry.

Make your confession. Ezra knew what to do when praying: “Now while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and prostrating himself before the house of God….” Ezra 10:1. Keep confessing the  truth.

Doen belydenis. Esra het geweet wat om te doen terwyl hy bid: “Terwyl Esra voor die tempel gekniel en gebid en belydenis gedoen het… Hy het gehuil ….” Esra 10:1. Hou aan om die waarheid te bely.

When do you give up praying? Never! We have a wonderful example of the fact that God does not always mean “no” when we don’t see immediate  answers to our prayers.

Wanneer hou jy op om te bid? Nooit! Ons het ‘n wonderlike voorbeeld van die feit dat God nie altyd  “nee” bedoel wanneer ons nie onmiddellike antwoorde op ons gebede sien nie.

Your faith is great. The Canaanite woman continued to beg Jesus for her daughter’s healing. The result: “…Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.’ And  her daughter was healed at once.” Matt. 15:2. When we pray for something that is clearly in God’s will and it seems to have gone unheard or He has said what we think is “No,” God may simply want us to keep on asking,  waiting, pleading, fasting, believing, weeping, laying ourselves prostate  before Him!

Jou geloof is groot. Die Kanaanitiese vrou het aangehou om Jesus te smeek vir haar dogter se genesing. Die resultaat: “…“Mevrou,” sê Jesus vir haar, “jou geloof is groot. Jou wens word vervul.” Van daardie oomblik af was die dogter gesond.” Matt. 15:2. Wanneer ons vir iets bid wat duidelik in God se wil is lyk dit asof dit ongehoord is of Hy het gesê wat ons dink is “Nee,” God mag eenvoudig wil hê dat ons aanhou vra, wag, pleit, vas, glo, huil, onsself prostaat voor Hom lê!

The battle for his soul. Are you unequally yoked? The real battle in your home is the battle for your wife’s soul! Are you unequally yoked? Remember that you have the promise: “…you will be saved, you and all your household.” Acts 11:14.

Die stryd vir sy siel. Is jy oneweredig gejuk? Die regte stryd in jou huis is die stryd vir jou vrou se siel! Is jy oneweredig gejuk? Onthou dat jy die belofte het “...jy gered sal word, jy en jou hele huisgesin.” Hand. 11:14.

Prayer and Fasting
Gebed en Vas

Prayer AND fasting. Jesus told His apostles, “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matt. 17:21. If you have been praying fervently and have checked to see if your ways are pure, then fasting may  be called for. There are different lengths of fasts:

Gebed EN vas. Jesus het vir Sy apostels gesê, “Maar hierdie geslag gaan nie uit behalwe deur gebed en vas nie.” Matt. 17:21.As jy vurig gebid het en gekyk het of jou bedoeling rein is, dan is vas dalk die volgende stap. Daar is verskillende tydperke om te vas.

Three-day fast. Esther fasted “for favor” from her husband the king. She fasted 3 days “for favor.” “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I  and my maidens also will fast in the same way.” Esth. 4:16.

Drie-dae vas. Ester het gevas “vir guns” van haar man die koning. Sy het vir 3 dae gevas “vir guns.” “Gaan maak al die Jode wat in Susan is, bymekaar en vas ter wille van my. Julle moet drie dae, dag en nag, niks eet en drink nie. Ek en my kamerpersoneel sal ook vas.” Est. 4:16.

Day fast. The day fast begins in the evening after your evening meal. You drink only water until the 24-hour period is complete, and then eat the next day’s evening meal. You fast and pray during this time for your  petition. This fast can be done a couple of times a week.

Dag vas. Die dag vas begin in die aand na jou aandete. Jy drink net water totdat die 24-uur periode verby is, en dan eet jy die volgende dag se aandete. Jy vas en bid gedurende hierdie tyd vir jou petisie. Die vas kan ‘n paar keer ‘n week gedoen word.

Seven-day fast. “Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” Neh. 1:4. Usually it will be during great sorrow that  you are “called” to fast for seven days.

Sewe-dae vas. “By die aanhoor van dié woorde het ek gaan sit en gehuil en dae lank getreur. Ek het gevas en tot die God van die hemel gebid.” Neh. 1:4. Gewoonlik sal dit gedurende groot smart wees dat jy “geroep” word om vir sewe dae te vas.

My knees are weak from fasting. When you are hungry or weak, use that time for prayer and reading His Word. “My knees are weak from  fasting; and my flesh has grown lean, without fatness.” Ps. 109:24.

My knieë knik van vas. Wanneer jy honger en swak is, gebruik daardie tyd vir gebed en om Sy Woord te lees. ”My knieë knak al soos ek gevas het, my liggaam is uitgeteer en maer.” Ps. 109:24.

In order to be seen. Keep as quiet about your fast as is possible. During the fast, you are to be silent, never complaining or drawing attention to yourself. “And whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the  hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance in order to be seen fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Matt. 6:16-18.

Om gesien te word. Hou so stil as wat moontlik is oor jou vas. Gedurende die vas, moet jy stil wees, nooit kla of aandag op jouself vestig nie. “ “As julle vas, moet julle nie soos skynheiliges met lang gesigte rondloop nie. Hulle mismaak hulle gesigte sodat die mense kan sien dat hulle vas. Dit verseker Ek julle: Hulle het hulle beloning klaar weg. Nee, as jy vas, versorg jou hare en was jou gesig sodat niemand kan sien dat jy vas nie, behalwe jou Vader wat jy nie kan sien nie. Jou Vader wat sien wat verborge is, sal jou beloon.” Matt. 6:16-18.

Many write to us and say they can’t fast. If it is for medical reasons, then fast “any good thing.” If, however, you think you can’t fast because you  are working – you are selling yourself and God short!

Baie skryf aan ons en sê hulle kan nie vas nie. As dit vir mediese redes is, dan kan jy “enige goeie ding vas.” As, nietemin, jy dink dat jy nie kan vas  omdat jy werk - verkoop jy jouself en God tekort!

Intensity of your trials is a sign that you are close to victory. Your trials may intensify when you are close to gaining the victory. “For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” Rev. 12:12.

Intensitiet van jou beproewings is ‘n teken dat jy na aan oorwinning is. Jou beproewings mag intensifiseer wanneer jy naby is om die oorwinning te behaal. “Daarom, hemel en dié wat daarin bly, verheug julle. Maar vir julle, land en see, wag daar ellende omdat die duiwel na julle toe gekom het met groot woede en met die wete dat hy min tyd het.” Die Open. 12:12.

No one should boast. When a battle is won or when the war is over, let us only boast in Him. Let us remain humble. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So let us remember this when the battle is won. Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags. Glory in Him!

Niemand mag roem nie. Wanneer die geveg gewen is of die oorlog verby is moet ons net in Hom roem. Laat ons nederig bly. “Julle is inderdaad uit genade gered, deur geloof. Hierdie redding kom nie uit julleself nie; dit is 'n gawe van God. Dit kom nie deur julle eie verdienste nie, en daarom het niemand enige rede om op homself trots te wees nie.” Efe. 2:8-9. Ons het almal gesondig, en het nie deel aan die heerlikheid van God nie. So laat ons dit onthou wanneer die stryd gewen is. Ons geregtigheid is niks maar besoedelde klere nie. Glorie in Hom!