Dag 1 - Vrydag 11 Januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 1 van 21
Esra 8: 21 & 23: “Toe het ek daar ’n vastyd uitgeroep aan die rivier Áhawa, om ons te verootmoedig voor die aangesig van onse God ten einde van Hom ’n voorspoedige reis te vra vir ons en ons families en al ons goed. So het ons dan gevas en onse God dit gevra, en Hy het ons verhoor.” Esra leer ons vandag dat ons vas om onsself te verootmoedig voor God voordat ons vra van God. Hy het geweet NET God kon hulle voorspoed gee op hul reis en met al hul besittings. Ons almal vertrou God vir ‘n voorspoedige 2019 maar voordat ons dit van Hom vra, moet ons eers onsself afvra of ons bereid is om onsself ook te verootmoedig voor Sy aangesig. Soek jy God vir WIE Hy is, of net vir wat Hy vir jou kan doen? Hy wil hê ons moet vir voorspoed vra, net soos Esra, maar Hy will eers hê ons moet Sy gesig bo alles soek. Vas en gebed IS die soeke na die gesig van God en daarin lê die wete dat Hy vir ons in 2019 GENOEG is. So het Esra gevas en God het hulle verhoor en as JY so vas en bid dan sal Hy JOU ook verhoor en jou reis, jou familie en al jou goed in 2019 seën. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, ons begin vandag deur onsself voor U te verootmoedig en om na U te soek hierdie jaar. Dankie dat U reeds weet wat ons nodig het en ons sal verhoor. Ons vertrou U en bid U seën op ons reis, ons families en al ons goed in 2019. In Jesus naam. Amen.
Day 1 - friday 11 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 1 of 21
Ezra 8: 21 & 23: “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”Ezra teaches us today that we fast to humble ourselves before God before we ask of God. He knew ONLY God could prosper their journey and keep them and all their possessions safe. We all trust God for a prosperous 2019 but before we ask this of Him, we must first ask ourselves if we too are willing to humble ourselves before Him. Do you seek God for WHO He is, or only for what He can do for you? He wants us to ask Him to prosper and protect us, just like Ezra, but He first desires for us to seek His face above everything else. Fasting and prayer IS seeking God’s face and therein lies the knowledge that He is ENOUGH for us in 2019. This is how Ezra fasted and God answered their prayer and if YOU also fast and pray this way, He will answer YOU too and bless your journey, your family and all your possessions in 2019. Prayer – Heavenly Father, we begin today by humbling ourselves before You and seeking You this year. Thank You that You already know what we need and will hear our prayers. We trust You and pray your blessing over our journey, our families and our possessions in 2019. In Jesus name. Amen.
Dag 2-saterdag 12 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 2 van 21
Handelinge 13: 2-3: “En terwyl hulle besig was om die Here te dien en te vas, het die Heilige Gees gesê: Sonder nou Bárnabas en Saulus vir My af vir die werk waarvoor Ek hulle geroep het. En toe hulle gevas en gebid het en hulle die hande opgelê het, laat hulle hul gaan.”Dit was gedurende ‘n tyd van vas en gebed wat die Heilige Gees met die volgelinge van Jesus gepraat het en hulle bemagtig het om vir Barnabas en Saulus uit te stuur. Vas en gebed maak ons Geestelike ore en oë oop om te HOOR en te SIEN waarmee God in ons lewens besig is en bemagtig ons om een stap verder te gaan en te DOEN wat Hy verlang. Hoe hoor ons by God? Hoe weet ons waarvoor Hy ons uitverkies het in 2019. Hoe ontvang ons nuwe krag om bemagtig te word om Sy wil te doen? Deur vas en gebed. God het ‘n missie vir JOU lewe in 2019 en wil hê jy moet dit ontdek sodat jy dit kan uitvoer. Vertrou Hom om met JOU te praat soos Hy met die dissipels gepraat het en in die jaar sal jy jouself in Sy wil en guns vir jou lewe vind. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie dat U ons deur die eerste dag van ons vas-tyd gedra het. Ons weet U het ‘n unieke doel vir ons elkeen hierdie jaar en wil dit graag ontdek sodat ons gehoorsaam aan U kan wees. Terwyl ons vas en bid wil ons U vra, Heilige Gees, om ook met ons te praat en te wys wat om te doen. Bemagtig ons om U wil te doen en om U goedheid en guns op ongewone plekke in 2019 te vind. In Jesus naam. Amen.
​
Day 2-saturday 12 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 2 of 21
Acts 13: 2-3: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” It was during a time of prayer and fasting that the Holy Spirit spoke to the followers of Jesus and empowered them to send out Barnabas and Saul. Prayer and fasting opens our Spiritual ears and eyes to HEAR and SEE what God is busy doing in our lives and to empower us to go one step further and DO what He asks of us. How do we hear from God? How do we know what He called us to in 2019? How do we receive new strength to be empowered to do His will? Through fasting and prayer. God has a purpose for YOUR life in 2019 and wants you to discover it so that you can fulfil it. Trust Him to speak to YOU as He did to the disciples and in this year you will find yourself in His will and favour for your life. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you for carrying us through the first day of our fast. We know You have a unique purpose for each of us this year and want to discover it so that we can be obedient to You. While we are fasting and praying we want to ask, Holy Spirit, that You will also speak to us and show us what to do. Empower us to do Your will and to find Your goodness and favour in unusual places in 2019. In Jesus name. Amen.
​
Dag 3 - sondag 13 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 3 van 21
Lukas 2: 36a & 37b: “En daar was Anna, ‘n profetes…Sy het nie weggebly van die tempel nie, en met vaste en gebede God gedien, dag en nag.” Anna was ‘n 84 jarige profetes en ‘n weduwee maar Lukas leer ons vandag dat haar eerste liefde, God was. Ons weet nie baie van haar nie, maar ons weet 2 belangrike dinge – Sy kon nie wegbly van God se huis nie en sy het Hom gereeld gedien met vaste en gebede. Vas en gebed is nie ‘n eenmalige gebeurtenis wat ons na streef een keer ‘n jaar nie. Dit was vir Anna, soos dit vir ons moet wees – ‘n lewens styl. Ons liefde vir God kan gesien word deur hoe lief ons Sy huis het en hoe gereeld ons tyd met Hom spandeer. Vas en gebed is die fondasie van ‘n dienskneg van die Here. Om God effektief te dien, soos Anna, verg toewyding en disipline en dit is nie iets wat ons in ‘n dag kan bewys nie, maar eerder daagliks. Anna leer ons ook dat wanneer ons God dien, ouderdom nie TEEN ons tel nie maar VIR ons. Terwyl ons nog asem het, weet ons God het ‘n doel met ons lewens wat beteken Hy ‘n doel vir JOU lewe het. Wil jy dit ontdek in 2019? Dan leer by Anna, en soek God daagliks. Word lief vir Sy huis en moenie laat enigiets in jou pad staan nie, self nie ouderdom nie. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, baie dankie vir die lewe van Anna. Help ons om op hierdie 3de dag van on vastyd, ‘n besluite te neem om U daaglikse te soek en weer lief te word vir U huis. Ongeag van ons ouderdom weet ons dat elke dag ‘n gawe van U is en daardeur wil ons U wil vir ons lewens ontdek en U verheerlik, net soos Anna het. In Jesus naam. Amen!
​
Day 3 - sunday 13 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 3 of 21
Luke 2: 36a & 37b: “There was also a prohet, Anna…She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” Anna was an 84 year old prophet and widow but Luke teaches us today that her first love was God. We don’t know much about her, but we know 2 important things – She couldn’t stay away from God’s house and regularly worshiped Him with prayer and fasting. Fasting and prayer is not a once off event that we aim towards once a year. It was for Anna, as it should be for us – a lifestyle. Our love for God can be seen by our love for His house and how regularly we spend time with Him. Fasting and prayer is the foundation of a worshiper. To serve God effectively, like Anna, demands commitment and discipline and that is something that we cannot prove in a day, but rather daily. Anna also teaches us that when we serve God, that age does not count AGAINST us but FOR us. While we still have breath, we know that God has a plan for our lives which means He has a plan for YOUR life. Do you want to discover that plan in 2019? Then learn from Anna, and seek God daily. Love His house and don’t let anything stand in your way, not even age. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you for the life of Anna. Help us on this 3rd day of the fast, to make the decision to seek you daily and love Your house again. Irrespective of our age we know that each day is a gift from You and want to discover Your will for our lives and glorify You with it, just like Anna did. In Jesus name. Amen!
​
Dag 4 - maandag 14 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 4 van 21
Exodus 34: 28-29: “En hy was daar by die HERE veertig dae en veertig nagte; hy het geen brood geëet en geen water gedrink nie. En Hy het op die tafels die woorde van die verbond, die tien woorde, geskrywe. En toe Moses van die berg Sinai afdaal — die twee tafels van die Getuienis was in die hand van Moses toe hy van die berg afdaal — het Moses nie geweet dat die vel van sy gesig blink omdat hy met Hom gespreek het nie.” In Exodus 34 leer ons die geheim agter die rede dat ons vas. Moses was by die Here en het niks geëet of gedrink nie. Die hoof rede dat ons vas en bid is om met die Here te wees, om tyd met God te spandeer. Dit was God wat Moses se hongerte kon stil en sy dors kon les omdat Moses vir God nodiger gehad het as kos en water. Hy wou MEER van God in sy lewe hê en was bereid om selfs van kos te laat gaan om God se gesig te soek. Wat is JY bereid om te laat gaan in 2019? Is dit dalk ‘n slegte gewoonte? Is dit dalk ‘n ongesonde verhouding? Is jy honger en dors na God in jou gees selfs meer as wat jy honger na kos in jou vlees? Wat sal JY hierdie week uitsit om by die Here te wees en tyd met Hom te spandeer? Toe Moses terugkom het hy die 10 Gebooie gehad en sy gesig het geblink. Tyd met God sal jou toerus in Sy weë en Sy wil en Hy sal jou verander. Jy sal nie meer dieselfde lyk nie en ander sal die verskil raaksien. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie vir Moses se voorbeeld wie na U gesoek het en na U gehonger het, selfs meer as na kos en water. Ons honger en dors ook na U geregtigheid in ons lewens hierdie jaar en weet dat U belowe het om ons te vul. Help ons om te laat gaan van enigiets wat ons hinder om tyd met U te spandeer hierdie week en ons bid soos die liedjie sê - Kom verander, kom vernuwe, weer die passie binne my…Jesus, dit gaan alles net oor U! Amen.
​
Day 4 - monday 14 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 4 of 21
Exodus 34: 28-29: “Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” In Exodus 34 we learn the secret behind the reason we fast. Moses was with the Lord and didn’t eat or drink anything. The main reason we pray and fast is to be with the Lord, to spend time with Him. It was God who could satisfy Moses’ hunger and thirst because Moses needed God more than food or water. He wanted more of God in his life and was even prepared to give up food to seek the face of God. What are YOU prepared to give up in 2019? Is it perhaps a bad habit? Is it perhaps a toxic relationship? Are you hungry and thirsty for God in your spirit even more than for food in your flesh? What will YOU set aside this week to be with the Lord and spend time with Him? When Moses returned he had the 10 Commandments and his face was radiant. Time with God will equip you in His ways and will and He will change you. You won’t look the same anymore and others will see the difference. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you for Moses’ example who sought after You and hungered for You, even more than for food and water. We also hunger and thirst for You righteousness in our lives this year and know that You promised to fill us. Help us to let go of anything that hinders us to spend time with You this week and we pray as the song says – Come change, come renew, the passions inside me…Jesus, it’s all about You! Amen.
​
Dag 5 - dinsdag 15 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 5 van 21
Rigters 20: 26-27a: “Daarop trek al die kinders van Israel, ja, die hele volk weg, en hulle het na Bet-el gekom; en hulle het geween en daar gebly voor die aangesig van die HERE en dié dag gevas tot die aand toe en brandoffers en dankoffers voor die aangesig van die HERE gebring. En die kinders van Israel het die HERE geraadpleeg…” Dit was gedurende ‘n een dag vas wat die volk van die Here besluit het om Hom te raadpleeg. Dit beteken iets besonders vir ons op hierdie 5de dag van ons 21 dag vas. Die krag in vas en gebed lê nie daarin van hoe lank ons vas nie en of ons langer as ‘n ander kan vas nie, nee, die krag van vas en gebed lê in die toewyding wat ons maak om God te raadpleeg in die tyd wat ons uiteen gesit het. Of jy een dag of 21 dae vas is nie ter sprake nie en bly vertroulik, maar bly toegewyd aan dit wat jy besluit het om te offer en RAADPLEEG die Here oor jou lewe, jou verhoudinge, jou bekommernisse, jou uitdagings en jou drome. Hy wil met jou praat en wag vir jou om Hom te nader. Wat sal Hy vir JOU sê hierdie jaar? Bly getrou in vas en gebede en jy sal sekerlik uitvind. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie dat ons U kan raadpleeg in die wete dat U vir ons omgee en met ons wil praat. Praat asseblief met elkeen wat vandag vas en bid en vertroos ons in U liefde en vrede. Ons is lief vir U en vra dat U teenwoordigheid ons elkeen vandag sal deurdra. In Jesus naam. Amen!
​
Day 5 - tuesday 15 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 5 of 21
Judges 20: 26-27a: “Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. 27 And the Israelites inquired of the Lord…” It was during a one day fast that God’s people decided to inquire of the Lord. This means something special for us on this 5th day of our 21 day fast. The power in fasting and prayer lies not in how long we fast or if we can fast longer than another, no, the power in fasting and prayer lies in the commitment we make to inquire of the Lord in the tie we’ve decided to set aside. Whether you fast one day or twenty one is irrelevant and remains confidential but remain faithful to that which you have decided to offer and INQUIRE of the Lord for your life, your relationships, your worries, your challenges and your dreams. He wants to speak to you and is waiting for you to draw close to Him. What will He say to YOU this year? Stay faithful in fastings and prayer and you will certainly find out. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank You that we can inquire of You in the knowledge that You care for us and want to speak to us. Please speak to each one who is fasting and praying today and comfort us in Your love and peace. We love You and ask that Your presence will carry each of us through today. In Jesus name. Amen!
​
Dag 6 - woensdag 16 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 6 van 21
-
ël 9: 3: “En ek het my aangesig tot die Here God gerig om met vas, en in roukleed en as, my aan gebed en smekinge te wy.” Daar is baie uit die boek Daniël wat ons kan leer oor vas en gebed. Daniël het gereeld gevas en bid en in hierdie voorbeeld van sy toewyding sien ons nie net die REDE dat Hy homself tot God gerig het nie, maar ook die WYSE. Dit is belangrik in ons eie toewyding gedurende ons 21 dae. Daniël het homself tot God gerig om homself aan gebed en smekinge te wy. Gebed beteken dat ons intree vir ander en sake buite onsself, maar smekinge sluit ons eie behoeftes en node in. Daniël het vir ander gebid maar ook vir homself. Ons MOET vir ander bid en vir omstandighede buite ons beheer bv. ons dorp, ons land en wêreld wye situasies, maar ons MOET ook vir onsself bid, ons Geestelike groei, ons behoeftes, ons node, ons families ens. Die wyse waarop Daniël tot God gebid en smeek het was deur te vas. Om te vas wys ons is ernstig oor wat ons vra. Om te vas wys ons is afhanklik van God. Om te vas wys dat ons Hom meer nodig het as dinge. Om te vas help ons fokus en om onsself te wy aan Hom om gebruik te word deur Hom. Terwyl JY vas en bid, net soos Daniël, sal God IN jou en DEUR jou werk om jou gebede en smekinge te beantwoord. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie vir Daniël se voorbeeld in vas en gebed. Ons rig onsself ook tot U en wil in hierdie tyd van vas, onsself aan U wy deur gebed en smekinge. Dankie dat U reeds elke versoek ken uit ons harte nog voordat ons kan vra, maar ons WIL vra omdat ons wil hê U moet weet dat ons U meer nodig het as ooit tevore en niks sonder U kan doen nie. Hoor ons gebede Here en seën ons families, dorpe en land in 2019. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 6 - wednesdag 16 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 6 of 21
Daniel 9: 3: “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” There is a lot to learn from the book of Daniel about fasting and prayer. Daniel regularly fasted and prayed and in this example of his commitment we find the REASON that he turned to God as well as the WAY he did it. This is important in our own commitment during our 21 days. Daniel turned to God to plead with Him in prayer and petition. Prayer includes others, and situations outside ourselves, but petition includes our own needs and challenges. Daniel prayed for others but also for himself. We MUST pray for others and for circumstances beyond our control for ex. Our town, our country and world-wide situations, but we MUST also pray for ourselves, our spiritual growth, our needs, our families etc. The way Daniel prayed and petitioned God was through fasting. To fast shows we are serious about what we are asking. To fast shows we are dependant on God. To fast shows that we need Him more than things. To fast helps us focus and to commit ourselves to Him to be used by Him. While YOU fast and pray, just like Daniel, God will work IN you and THROUGH you to answer your prayers and petitions. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank You for Daniel’s example in prayer and fasting. We also turn to You and during this time of fasting want to seek You in prayer and petitions. Thank You that You already know every request from our hearts before we can even ask it, but we WANT to ask because we want You to know that we need You more than ever before and we cannot do anything without You. Hear our prayers Lord and bless our families, towns and country in 2019. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 7 - donderdag 17 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 7 van 21
Joël 2: 12: “Maar selfs nou nog, spreek die HERE, bekeer julle tot My met julle hele hart, en met vas en geween en rouklag.” Die Here wil nie ‘n DEEL van jou lewe wees nie – Hy wil jou HELE lewe wees. Hy nooi ons om onsself te bekeer, om om te draai en weg te draai van dinge wat Hom nie behaag nie. Iemand het eendag gevra ‘Hoe voel jy om te weet dat daar dinge is wat jy vandag gaan doen, dinge wat God haat?’ Haat is ‘n sterk woord maar ons kan nie liefhê sonder om te haat nie, dit wil sê om dit lief te hê wat REG is moet ons kan haat wat VERKEERD is. Om God lief te hê moet ek nie net van sonde wil wegdoen nie, maar sonde haat, want God haat sonde. Die Here nooi ons om uit te vind wat in ons lewens Hom nie behaag nie. Hy wil jou oë oopmaak tot die dinge wat dalk vir jou aanvaarbaar is maar nie vir Hom nie. Hy wil jou wys wat Hy haat wat jy dalk liefhet en Hy wil jou bewus maak van al die dinge wat Hy hierdie jaar IN jou mee wil deel. Hoe gaan Hy dit doen? Wanneer ons vas en bid. Ons kan onsself tot God bekeer met vas en gebed. Vas en gebed help ons omdraai en wegdraai van die sonde en terugdraai na God toe. Hy wag vir ons met ope arms om ons te vergewe en Sy hartklop met ons te deel sodat ek en jy sal liefhê wat Hy liefhet – Hom sal liefhê met one hele lewens. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie vir elke nuwe dag wat ‘n nuwe geleentheid is om onsself tot U te bekeer. Terwyl ons vas en bid wil ons U vra om ons te wys wat in ons lewens U nie behaag nie. Ons wil daarvan wegdraai en terugdraai na U toe. Dankie vir U vergifnis en liefde. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 7 - thursday 17 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 7 of 21
Joel 2: 12: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” God does not want to be a PART of your life – He wants to be your WHOLE life. He invites us to return to Him, to turn around and to turn away from the things that do not please Him. Someone asked once ‘How do you feel knowing that there are things you will be doing today, that God hates?’ Hate is a strong word but we cannot love without hating, that is, to love what is RIGHT we must be able to hate what is WRONG. To love God I must not just dislike sin, but hate it because God hates sin. The Lord invites us to find out what in our lives don’t please Him. He wants to open our eyes to the things that might be acceptable to us but not to Him. He wants to show us what He hates that we might love and wants us to be aware of all the things in us that He wants to deal with this year. How? When we fast and pray. We can repent and return to the Lord through fasting and prayer. Fasting and prayer helps us to turn around and to turn away from sin and to return to the Lord. He is waiting for us with open arms to forgive us and to share His heartbeat with us so that we will love what He loves – to love Him with all our lives. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you for each new day that is a new opportunity to return to You. While we are fasting and praying we want to ask You to show us what in our lives do not please You. We want to turn away from it and turn back to You. Thank you for Your forgiveness and love. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 8 - vrydag 18 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 8 van 21
Mt. 4 :4: "Maar Hy antwoord en sê: Daar is geskrywe: Die mens sal nie van brood alleen lewe nie, maar van elke woord wat deur die mond van God uitgaan." Soos kos ons liggaam versadig so versadig God se Woord ons gees. Is jy geestelik versadig? Eet jy genoeg van God se Woord? Die woorde wat by ons monde uitkom openbaar dit waarmee ons gees versadig is. Ek wil jou graag 'n uitdaging gee op ons 8ste dag - om vandag te vas van negatiewe en kritiserende woorde en om sleg te praat van ander en om eerder God se Woord in jou mond te sit sodat dit wat uitkom soete genesing en opbouing van ander kan meebring. Sal jy die uitnodiging aanvaar? Dit sal nie maklik wees nie. Gebed - Hemelse Vader, help ons asseblief om vandag niks sleg van n ander te se nie. Ons praat so maklik en luister so min. Praat met ons en versadig ons gees deur U Woord sodat ons woorde ander optel en genesing tot hul lewens voortbring. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 8 - friday 18 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 8 of 21
Mt. 4:4: "Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” As food nourishes our bodies so the Word of God nourishes our spirit. Are you spiritually nourished? Do you eat enough of God's Word? The words that come from our mouths reveal what our spirit is satisfied with. I would like to give you a challenge on our 8th day - to fast today from negative and critisizing words and speaking badly of others and to rather put God's Word in your mouth so that what comes out may bring healing and upliftment to others. Will you accept the challenge? It won't be easy. Prayer - Heavenly Father, please help us today not to speak bad of anyone. We speak so easily and listen so little. Speak to us and nourish our spirit with Your Word so that our words may lift others up and bring healing to their lives. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 9 - saterdag 19 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed: Dag 9 van 21
2 Samuel 1: 12: “En hulle het gerouklaag en geween en gevas tot die aand toe oor Saul en oor sy seun Jónatan en oor die volk van die HERE en oor die huis van Israel, omdat hulle deur die swaard geval het.” Toe Dawid en sy mense hoor dat Saul en Jonatan oorlede is, het hulle daaroor gevas, en oor die volk, en oor Israel. Die impak van hulle dood was so groot dat Dawid geweet het dit sou elke person en selfs die nasie affekteer en daar is ‘n les hierin vir ons ook vandag. Wanneer ons vas is dit ‘n gulde geleentheid om in te tree en besorg te wees oor ander. Daar is gebeure in ons lewens en in ons wêreld wat partykeer mense op ‘n wye vlak kan impak en dit roep ons tot gebed. Om te vas beteken letterlik om te ‘rou’. Dawid se hart was seer en het besef hoe nodig hy en die volk God het. Toe vas hulle. Ons lewe ook in tye wat roep vir manne en vroue om God te soek vir hul lewens en ook vir hul land. Wat sien jy op die nuus of sosiale media wat jou hart breek? Wat het jou in die laaste week geaffekteer? Watter huidige gebeure impak jou lewe en ons land? Terwyl ons vas en bid, kom ons dink aan die in gesag’s posisies, kom ons bid vir ons land en kom ons tree in vir die wat geraak word deur geweld en kriminaliteit. Word ingestel op die Heilige Gees vandag en versag jou hart tot Hom sodat die dinge wat Sy hart breek, ook jou hart breek. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, ons bid vanoggend vir ons land Suid Afrika. U ken elke hartseer en elke pyn. U ken die omstandighede beter as ons en ons is dankbaar, dat net soos Dawid, het u manne en vroue op strategiese plekke geplaas om verandering te bewerkstellig en vir ons land in te tree. Ons bid vir ons leiers en vra dat U elke ongeredde siel in ons regering sal red deur U volmaakte werk op die kruis. Bring genesing en vertroosting tot elkeen wat geraak is deur ongeregtigheid in al sy vorme en seën ons land en sy mense. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 9 - saturday 19 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 9 of 21
2 Samuel 1: 12: “They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.” When David and his men heard about the death of Saul and Jonathan, they fasted about it and for the people and for the nation. The impact of their death was so big that David knew it would impact every person and even the nation and there is a lesson in that for us today. When we fast it is a unique opportunity to stand in the gap and be concerned for others. There are situations in our lives and in our world that can have a wide impact on people and it calls us to prayer. To fast literally means to ‘mourn’. David’s heart was broken and he realised how much he and the nation needed God. So they fasted. We also live in times that call for men and women to seek God for their lives and for their country. What do you see on the news or social media that break your heart? What has affected you in the last week? What current situations impact your life and our country? While we are fasting and praying, let us think about those in authority, let us pray for our country and let us stand in the gap for those affected by violence and crime. Become sensitive to the Holy Spirit today so that the things that break His heart, break yours also. Prayer – Heavenly Father, we pray this morning for our country South Africa. You know every heartache and every pain. U know the circumstances better than us, and we are grateful, that just like David, you have placed men and women in strategic places to bring about change and stand in the gap for our country. We pray for our leaders and ask that you save every unsaved soul in government through Your perfect work on the cross. Bring healing and comfort to every person affected by unrighteousness in all its forms, and bless our nation and its people. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 10 - sondag 20 januarie
​
Vas & Gebed : Dag 10 van 21
​
Nehemiah 1:4 :"En toe ek hierdie woorde hoor, het ek gesit en ween, en ek het dae lank getreur; en ek het gevas en gebid voor die aangesig van die God van die hemel." Toe Nehemiah hoor van die Jode wat in smaad verkeer en dat Jerusalem gebroke was het hy dadelik getreur en begin vas en bid. Dit was instinktief vir hom en deel van wat hy geweet het om te doen want Nehemiah het iets geweet wat ons nog leer. Nehemiah het geweet vas en gebed werk, maar nie in die sin wat jy dalk mag dink nie. Dit werk nie in die sin dat ons dit doen om God te kry om te maak soos ons wil nie. Dit het gewerk omdat hy tot God kon nader en dit hom gekry het om te weet en te maak soos God wil. Vas en gebed gaan oor baie meer as wat ons nodig het. Dit gaan eintlik oor wat God van ons verlang en dit rus ons toe om Sy wil uit te voer. Eindelik het Nehemiah na Jerusalem gegaan en die mure herbou, iets wat hy nie sonder God se hulp en guns kon doen nie. Wat in JOU wereld is stukkend? Sal JY bruikbaar wees in 2019 om dit te herbou. Vas en bid en ervaar hoe God jou sal lei en jou sal gebruik om jou gebede vir families, jou dorp en land te beantwoord. Gebed - Hemelse Vader, ons bid dat net soos Nehemiah, ons dadelik na U sal gaan in tye van nood en wanneer ons vas en bid, dat U ons sal wys wat in ons wereld stukkend is en hoe U ons wil gebruik om dit te herbou. Begin in ons eie lewens. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 10 - sunday 20 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 10 of 21
​
Nehemiah 1:4: "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." When Nehemiah heard about the Jews who were troubled and that Jerusalem was broken he immediately mourned and began to fast and pray. It was instinctive to him and what he knew to do because Nehemiah knew something we are still learning. Nehemiah knew fasting and praying works, but not in the sense you might think. It doesn't work in the sense that we do it to get God to do what we want. It worked because he could draw closer to God so that he could know and do what God wanted. Fasting and praying is about much more than what we need. It is actually about what God needs and it equips us to do His will. Eventually Nehemiah went and rebuilt Jerusalem, something he would not have been able to without God's help and favor. What in YOUR world is broken? Will YOU be available in 2019 to rebuild it? Fast and pray and experience how God will lead you and use you to answer your prayers for families, your town and country in 2019. Prayer - Heavenly Father, we pray that just like Nehemiah we will also go to You immediately in times of trouble and when we fast and pray, that You will show us what is broken in our world and how You want to use us rebuild it. Begin in our own lives. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 11 - maandag 21 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 11 van 21
Psalm 35: 13-14: “En ek — toe hulle siek was, het ek ’n roukleed gedra; ek het my siel gekwel met vas, en my gebed het teruggekeer in my boesem. Ek het rondgegaan asof dit ’n vriend, asof dit ’n broer van my was; ek het gebuk gegaan in die rou soos een wat oor sy moeder treur.” Toe mense wie teen Dawid gedraai het, siek geword het, het hy besluit om vir hulle te vas en bid. Sy dade sluit aan by Jesus se les dat ons vir ons vyande moet bid en hulle moet seën. Nie lank terug nie het iemand vir my gesê dat hulle geen vyande het nie. Dit was vir my moeilik om te verstaan want wanneer ons Jesus volg, en alhoewel ons altyd poog om in vrede met alle mense te lewe waar moontlik soos Paulus dit stel, sal daar wel mense wees wie vyandig teenoor ons optree al beskou ons hulle nie as vyande nie. Die vraag is – Sal ons vir mense wie vyandig teenoor ons optree bid en hulle seën? Dit is baie moeilik, maar wat my oor die jare gehelp het om aan te beweeg is om te onthou dat ek ook eens vyandig teenoor God was, ongered en behoeftige aan Sy genade. Na alles wat Hy vir my gedoen het kan ek elke dag net probeer om met Jesus, te vergewe, lief te hê, te seën en soos Dawid, selfs te vas wanneer my vyande swaar kry of siek is. Ek kan my nie verlustig in hul moeilikhede nie want ek is te dankbaar vir wat die kruis in my eie lewe beteken en bid dat dit dieselfde vir hulle sal wees. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie dat Jesus vir ons gesterwe het terwyl ons nog sondaars was. Ons verdien nie dit wat U alles vir ons al gedoen het oor die jare nie en daarom wil ons dieselfde mate gebruik wat U tot ons gemeet het en ons vyande liefhê, vergewe en ook seën. Help ons asseblief hiemee, want in onsself is dit nie maklik nie maar met U is dit moontlik. Ons dink aan elkeen vandag wie hulself vyandig teenoor ons beskou, selfs familie, vriende of werk’s genote. Seën hulle elkeen Here en help hulle om U genade ook te ervaar soos ons het. Laat U goedheid hulle uit die lokval van vyandigheid uitpluk en hulle oë oopmaak tot U liefde. In Jesus naam. Amen!
​
Day 11 - monday 21 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 11 of 21
Psalm 35: 13-14: “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.”When David’s enemies became sick, he decided to fast and pray for them. His actions are connected to Jesus’ lesson that we should pray for our enemies and bless them. Not long ago someone told me that they do not have any enemies. It was difficult for me to understand because when we follow Jesus, although we always strive to live at peace with all men where possible as Paul says, there will always be people who consider themselves our enemies even if we don’t. The question is – will we pray for and bless people who consider themselves our enemies? This is very difficult but what has helped me move on over the years is to remember that I once too, was an enemy of God, unsaved and in need of His grace. After everything He has done for me, I can only try daily with Jesus to forgive, love, to bless and even like David, to fast when my enemies struggle or are sick. I cannot rejoice in their suffering because I am too grateful for what the cross means in my own life and pray that it would mean the same to them. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. We don’t deserve everything you have done for us over the years and therefore we want to use the same measure You used towards us and love, forgive and bless our enemies. Please help us with this, because in ourselves this is not easy but with You it is possible. We think of every person today that considers themselves our enemy, even family, friends and work colleagues. Bless them and help them Lord to experience Your grace as we did. Let Your goodness pull them out of the trap of hostility and open their eyes to Your love. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 12 - dinsdag 22 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 12 van 21
Jona 3: 5a & 8b: “En die manne van Ninevé het God geglo en ’n vasdag uitgeroep… en hulle moet ernstig tot God roep, en elkeen moet hom van sy verkeerde weg bekeer…” Nineve se voorbeeld van wat vas en gebed is, gee vir ons baie leiding vir die jaar wat voorlê. Hulle voorbeeld leer ons iets van hoekom en hoe ons vas. Hulle het gevas omdat hulle God GEGLO het. Glo JY God? Glo jy Sy Woord en beloftes aangaande jou? Glo jy dat Hy sal doen wat Hy gesê het in jou lewe? Glo jy Hy sal jou nie teleurstel nie en dat Hy altyd in jou beswil sal optree? Glo jy Hy KAN wonderwerke doen en wil ook in JOU lewe? Nineve se mense leer ons – as ons GLO sal ons VAS en BID! Hulle het gevas deur ernstig tot God te roep en van hulle sonde te bekeer. Sal jy ernstig met God wees in 2019? Sal jy met erns Hom dien en wat Hy van jou verwag ernstig opneem? As jy ernstig is oor jou verhouding met God dan sal God ook ernstig wees oor jou. As ons ernstig is dan sal ons onsself bekeer van wat verkeerd is in ons lewens. Wees eerlik met Hom en draai weg van dit wat God nie behaag nie. Hy het jou reeds die vermoë gegee – al wat ons moet doen is die keuse maak net soos Nineve wie God gespaar het. As ons Hom glo en ons bekeer dan sal hy ons ook spaar vir Homself. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, ons glo in U en ons glo U. U is nie ‘n mens wat vir ons sal lieg nie. U Woord oor ons bly waar. Help ons om onsself te bekeer van wat verkeerd is in ons lewens. Wys ons wat om weg te gooi en wat om op te neem. Ons kom met erns na U in 2019 daarom vas en bid ons en soek ons na U. Nader asseblief tot ons, vergewe ons en seën ons in Jesus naam. Amen!
​
Day 12 - tuesday 22 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 12 of 21
Jonah 3: 5a & 8b: “The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed… Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways…” The example of the Ninevites gives us much guidance this year about fasting and prayer. Their example teaches us why and how to fast. They fasted because they BELIEVED God. Do YOU believe God? Do you believe His Word and promises concerning you? Do you believe that He will do what He said in your life? Do you believe that He will never disappoint you and always act in your best interest? Do you believe He CAN do miracles and want to in YOUR life? The Ninevites teach us – if we BELIEVE we will FAST and PRAY! They fasted by calling urgently on God and giving up their evil ways. Will you seek God with urgency in 2019? Will we serve Him with seriousness and treat His expectations of you seriously? If you are serious about your relationship with God He will also be serious about you. If we are serious we will repent of the wrong in our lives. Be honest with Him and turn away from the things that don’t please Him. He has already given you the ability – all we need to do is make the choice just like the Ninevites whom God saved. If we believe God and repent He will save us for Himself also. Prayer – Heavenly Father, we believe in You and we believe You. You are not a man that You would lie to us. Your Word over us stays true. Help us repent of the wrongs in our lives. Show us what to throw away and what to pick up. We come with urgency to You in 2019 therefore we fast and pray and seek You. Please draw near to us, forgive us and bless us in Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 13 - Woensdag 23 Januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 13 van 21
2 Samuel 12: 22: “En hy sê: Toe die kind nog in die lewe was, het ek gevas en geween, want ek het gedink: Wie weet — die HERE kan my genadig wees, sodat die kind in die lewe bly.” Dawid het vir sy seun gevas omdat hy GEGLO het dat God hom genadig KON wees, maar sy seun het gesterwe. Hy het geweet NIKS is ontmoontlik by God nie. Hy het geweet God KON die omstandighede verander. Hy het geweet God het MAG oor die dood en hy het al hierdie dinge geglo – maar sy seun het steeds gesterwe. Wanneer ONS vas dan moet ons, net soos Dawid, GLO, maar om te vas beteken nie altyd dat ons sal kry wat ons wil hê nie – nee – om te vas beteken ons gee oor en vertrou God met die uitkoms, al is dit hoe moeilik. God WAS Dawid genadig, maar nie soos Dawid verwag het nie. God se genade was genoeg vir hom nadat sy seun oorlede is en Sy genade het Dawid deurgedra deur van die moeilikste jare van sy lewe. Steeds het Hy God vertrou, steeds het hy gebid en steeds het hy aan God vasgehou omdat hy geweet het God alleen bepaal die uitkomstes, nie ons nie. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, ons vas en bid omdat ons, soos Dawid, ook U genade nodig het elke dag. Party dae is moeiliker as ander maar U is altyd in beheer. Help ons in hierdie tyd om U volkome te vertrou en al kry ons nie altyd wat ons wil hê nie, dat ons sal rustigheid hê in die wete dat U altyd goed vir ons sal wees. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 13 - wednesday 23 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 13 of 21
2 Samuel 12: 22: “He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’” David fasted for his son because he knew BELIEVED that God COULD be gracious to him, but his son died. He knew that NOTHING is impossible with God. He knew God COULD change the circumstances. He knew God had POWER over death and he believed all these things – but his son still died. When WE fast, then we must BELIEVE, just like David, but fasting doen not mean we will always get what we want – no, fasting means we give up and trust God with the outcome, no matter how difficult. God WAS gracious to David, but not the way he expected. God’s grace was enough for him after his son died and His grace carried David through some of the most difficult times in his life. Still he trusted God, still he prayed and still he held onto God because he knew that God alone determines the outcomes, not us. Prayer – Heavenly Father, we fast and pray, because like David, we also need Your grace every day. Some days are more difficult than others but You are always in control. Help us during this time to trust You completely and even though we don’t always get what we want, that we will have peace in knowing that You will always be good to us. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 14 - donderdag 24 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 14 van 21
Daniël 6: 19a & 23a: “Toe het die koning na sy paleis gegaan en met vas die nag deurgebring…My God het Sy engel gestuur en die bek van die leeus toegesluit…” Meeste van ons ken die storie van Daniël in die leeukuil, maar vandag gaan ons iets nuuts leer. Ons weet dat Daniël in God se oë onskuldig was en ons weet dat hy geen onreg aan die koning gedoen het nie, maar het jy geweet dat dieselfde nag wat God vir Daniël beskerm het was dieselfde nag wat die koning gevas het. Ek glo nie in toeval nie. Ek glo die koning se gesindheid het iets te doen gehad met God se beskerming. Ek glo die Here het sy erns gesien en sy gebede beantwoord en Daniël gespaar. Ek glo dat die Here sy toewyding in sy vas gesien het en ‘n wonderwerk gedoen het. Ek glo dat die Here vandag nog ons erns sien, ons gebede hoor en ons toewyding beloon. Ek glo dat as ons ook gereeld vas en bid, dat die Here vir ons OOK wonderwerke kan doen – vir JOU wonderwerke kan doen, jou beskerm en jou seën. Glo jy? Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie vir al die mooi voorbeelde in U woord van die krag wat in vas en gebed lê. Ons glo ook, soos Daniël en soos die koning. Ons glo dat daar beskerming in U is. Ons glo dat niks vir U ontmoontlik is nie. Ons glo dat U ons WIL seën in 2019. Ons vertrou U. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 14 - thursday 24 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 14 of 21
Daniel 6: 18a & 22a: “Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating… My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” Most of us know the story about Daniel in the lion’s den, but today we are going to learn something new. We know that in God’s eyes Daniel was innocent and we know that he did the king no wrong, but did you know that the same night that God protected Daniel was the same night the king fasted. I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe the king’s attitude had something to do with God’s protection. I believe that God saw his earnestness, answered his prayer and spared Daniel. I believe that God saw his commitment in fasting and did a miracle. I believe that God still sees our earnestness today, still answers prayer and rewards our faithfulness. I believe that if we also regularly fast and pray that God can do miracles for us TOO – for YOU and protect and bless you. Do you believe? Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you for all the beautiful examples in Your Word of the power that lies in prayer and fasting. We also believe, just like Daniel and the king. We believe that there is protection in You. We believe that nothing is impossible for You. We believe that You want to bless us in 2019. We trust You. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 15 - vrydag 25 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 15 van 21
Handelinge 14: 23: “En hulle het in elke gemeente vir hulle ouderlinge gekies, en hulle, ná gebed en vas, opgedra aan die Here in wie hulle geglo het.” Die eerste kerk het ouderlinge opgedra aan die Here, maar eers NADAT hulle gevas en bid het. Ons het onlangs geleer dat as ons GLO sal ons vas en bid. Dit is interessant dat dit hier ook opkom. Hulle het ouderlinge gekies en hulle opgedra aan die Here in wie hulle geglo het, en omdat hulle geglo het, het hulle eers gevas en bid. Vas en gebed moenie die laaste ding wees wat ons doen nadat ons alles anders al probeer het en dit nie uitgewerk het nie. Vas en gebed is die eerste ding wat God ons nooi om te doen sodat dit wat ons aan die Here opdra, geseënd sal wees. Wanneer JY voor ‘n uitdaging te staan kom wat is die eerste ding wat jy doen? Bekommer jy of bid jy? In ons besluite, in ons opdragte en in ons allerdaagse lewe, nooi God ons om ALLES en ALMAL op te dra aan Hom in gebed. Ons is 6 dae weg van die einde van ons gebed’s seisoen hierdie Januarie. Sal jy tot God nader VOORDAT jy tot ander en die dinge van die wêreld nader. Besluit vandag en kweek ‘n nuwe gewoonte – ‘Ek sal vas en bid voordat ek enigiets anders doen’. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie dat U ons geleer het hoe om te vas en bid sodat ons na U kan nader in 2019. Help ons om EERSTE U koninkryk en U geregtigheid te soek en ons weet U sal vir die res sorg. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 15 - friday 25 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 15 of 21
Acts 14: 23: “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” The first church committed elders to the Lord, but did so first with prayer and fasting. We recently learned that if we BELIEVE we will fast and pray. It is interesting that it happens here too. They appointed elders and committed them to the Lord in whom they trusted, and because they believed, they fasted and prayed. Prayer and fasting shouldn’t be the last thing we do after we’ve tried everything else and it didn’t work out. Prayer and fasting is the first thing that God invites us to do so that whatever we commit to the Lord, may be blessed. When YOU face a challenge, what is the first thing you do? Do you worry or pray? In our decisions, our assignments and our everyday life, God invites us to commit EVERYTHING and EVERYONE to Him in prayer. We are 6 days away from the end of our fasting season this January. Will you draw closer to God BEFORE you draw closer to people and the things of this world? Decide today and begin a new habit ‘I will fast and pray before I do anything else.’ Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us how to fast and pray so that we can draw closer to You in 2019. Help us to FIRST seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness and we know You will take care of the rest. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 16 - saterdag 26 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 16 van 21
Mattheus 17: 20: “Maar hierdie geslag gaan nie uit behalwe deur gebed en vas nie.” Toe Jesus se dissipels nie ‘n duiwel uit ‘n seun kon dryf nie en die taak vir Jesus oorgelaat was, het Hy hulle bestraf vir hul ongeloof, maar Hy het ook vir hulle genoem dat dit wat hulle nodig gehad het om hierdie tipe duiwel uit te dryf, nie sonder vas en gebed gedoen kon word nie. Jy sien, ons het geleer dat as ons GLO sal ons vas en bid maar vandag gaan ons een stappie verder – as ons vas en bid sal ons GELOOF groei en versterk en al voel dit of jy ‘klein’ gelowig is, is dit steeds beter as ongelowig, want selfs met geloof so klein soos ‘n mostert saadjie sal jy berge voor jou verskuif in 2019 en geen duiwel sal in jou pad kan staan nie – hoekom? Omdat jy vas en bid…want jy GLO in die krag van Jesus naam. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie vir ons geloof. Help ons om dit in werking te stel deur U Woord te glo en te doen en dankie dat geen duiwel ons sal verhinder in 2019 van U beste nie. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 16 - saturday26 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 16 of 21
Matthew 17: 20: “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” When Jesus’ disciples couldn’t drive a demon out of a boy, and the task was left to Jesus, He rebuked them for their unbelief, but He also told them that what they needed to drive out this kind of demon, couldn’t be done without prayer and fasting. You see, we learned recently that if we BELIEVE we will fast and pray but today we’re going one step further – if we fast and pray our faith will grow and become stronger and even when it feels like you have ‘little faith, it is still better than no faith because even with faith as small as a mustard seed you will move mountains out your way in 2019 and no demon will be able to stand in your way – why? Because you fast and pray…because you BELIEVE in the power of Jesus name. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank You for our faith. Please help us to put it to work by believing and doing Your Word and thank you that no demon will be able to hinder us in 2019 from Your best. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 17 - sondag 27 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 17 van 21
Lukas 5: 35: “Maar daar sal dae kom wanneer die bruidegom van hulle weggeneem word; dan sal hulle vas, in daardie dae.” Dit is bekend dat Markus en Lukas nie van die eerste 12 dissipels van Jesus was nie, maar Jesus eers later begin volg het onder die bediening van Petrus en Paulus. Dit is belangrik vir vandag se les omdat Petrus dit vir Markus sou duidelik maak dat Jesus hulle geleer het om te vas en bid nadat Hy weggegaan het. Die ‘dae’ waarvan Jesus gepraat het is vandag, 2000 jaar later, terwyl ons wag op Sy wederkoms. Om te vas is om te verwag en te glo dat Hy weer sal terugkom. Terwyl ons vas en bid onthou ons dat wanneer Hy terugkom, Hy alles sal herstel wat stukkend is, Hy alles sal regmaak, hy alles in orde sal sit en Hy alles sal laat sin maak. Ons vas want ons rou oor die kondisie van die lewe en die wêreld en alles wat tydelik is. Ons vas want ons wat op die ewige. Voel JY gebroke, wag JY op die Here vir ‘n antwoord vandag, staan JY voor ‘n reus op die oomblik – ONTHOU! Jesus kom weer gou! Vertrou op Hom. Wag vir Hom. Glo in Hom. Skuil by Hom. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, ons wag vir die oomblik van Jesus se wederkoms wanneer elke knie sal buig en elke tong getuig Jesus is Heer. Terwyl U oppad is, vas en bid ons omdat ons weet U ons sien en hoor. Ek bid vanoggend vir elkeen op ons vas-tog wie hopeloos of radeloos voel en vra – Kom Jesus kom, kom tog gou. Amen!
Day 17 - sunday27 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 17 of 21
Luke 5: 35: “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” It is well know that Mark and Luke were not of the initial 12 disciples of Jesus, but only started following Jesus later on under the ministry of Peter and Paul. This is important for today’s lesson because Peter made it clear to Mark that Jesus taught them to fast and pray once He will be taken from them. The ‘days’ that Jesus were speaking about is now, 2000 years later, while we wait for His return. To fast is to expect and believe that He is coming back again. While we fast and pray, we remember that when He returns, He will restore everything that is broken, He will rebuild everything, He will put everything in order and He will make sense of everything. We fast because we mourn about the condition of life and the world and everything that is temporary. We fast because we are awaiting the eternal. Do YOU feel broken, are YOU waiting on the Lord for an answer today, are YOU standing before a giant at the moment – REMEMBER! Jesus is coming soon! Trust Him. Wait on Him. Believe in him. Hide in Him. Prayer – Heavenly Father, we await the moment of Jesus’ return when every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord. While You are coming back, we will fast and pray because we know You see and hear us. I pray this morning for everyone on our fast-journey who is feeling hopeless and ask – Come Jesus come, come quickly. Amen!
Dag 18 - maandag 28januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 18 van 21
Handelinge 10: 30-31: “En Cornelius sê: Vier dae gelede was ek besig om te vas tot op hierdie uur, en die negende uur het ek in my huis gebid, en meteens staan daar ’n man voor my in ’n blink kleed en sê: Cornelius, jou gebed is verhoor…” Terwyl Cornelius gevas en bid het, het hy ‘n gesig gesien en die Here het bevestig dat sy gebede verhoor was. Daar is dinge omtrent God se wil waarmee Hy met ons wil praat in 2019 en dinge wat Hy ons wil wys – wat NET gesien en gehoor kan word deur vas en gebed. Vas en gebed laat maak ons geestelike sintuie wakker. Vas en gebed trek God se aandag en vas en gebed bring antwoorde in ons lewens. Waarop het JY vandag ‘n antwoord nodig? Bly getrou en weet dat die Here jou toewyding raaksien, jou begeerte vir Hom en Hy SAL jou gebed verhoor en jou antwoord, wag op Hom, die antwoord is oppad - vas en bid. Gebed – Hemelse Vader – praat asseblief met ons en wys ons U wil vir hierdie jaar. Verhoor ons gebede net soos Cornelius en help ons om te sien en te hoor deur elke dag se besige lewe en geluide wat U vir ons wil sê. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 18 - monday 28january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 18 of 21
Acts 10: 30-31: “Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer…” While Cornelius fasted and prayed he saw a vision and God confirmed to him that his prayer has been heard. There are things about God’s will that He wants to talk to us about in 2019 and things He wants to show us – that can only be seen and heard through fasting and prayer. Fasting and prayer awakens our spiritual senses. Fasting and prayer draws God’s attention and fasting and prayer brings answers in our lives. What do YOU need an answer for today? Stay faithful and know that God sees your commitment, your desire for Him and He WILL hear and answer your prayers, wait on Him, the answer is on the way – fast and pray. Prayer – Heavenly Father, please speak to us and show us Your will for this year. Hear our prayers just like Cornelius and help us see and hear through the business and noise of each day what You are saying to us. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 19 - dinsdag 29januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 19 van 21
1 Kor. 10: 31: “Of julle dan eet of drink of enigiets doen, doen alles tot verheerliking van God.” Vir Paulus om te sê dat ons ALLES tot verheerliking van God moet doen, selfs wanneer ons eet, laat ons aflei dat selfs wanneer ons NIE eet nie, dit tot Sy verheerliking moet wees. Dink jy gereeld aan God se heerlikheid? Wonder jy wat in jou lewe Hom behaag en wat nie? Stel jy jouself daarop om elke dag so te lewe dat wanneer mense jou raaksien of selfs wanneer jy alleen is, dat jy God verheerlik? Die rede dat ons lewe is vir Sy heerlikheid. In hierdie laaste 3 dae van ons vas-tyd wil ek jou aanmoedig om intensioneel in ALLES op te tree en om God elke dag te verheerlik. Hoe ek eet, hoe ek my kar bestuur, hoe ek met mense praat, waarna ek kyk, waaraan ek dink, hoe ek my geld spandeer…in ALLES kan ons begin oefen om God te verheerlik en voordat jy weet word Sy heerlikheid JOU lewensstyl. Mag Hy deur JOU verheerlik word hierdie jaar en JOU lewe die vergroot glas van Sy heerlikheid en lig wees aan ‘n donker en sterwende wêreld daar buite. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, ek het al baie gedink, gedoen en gesê wat U nie verheerlik het nie. Vergewe my asseblief en help my om intensioneel op te tree om U elke dag in my lewe te verheerlik. Terwyl ons vas en bid wil ek sterwe tot myself en lewe vir U heerlikheid. Laat my lewe ‘n boek wees wat ander kan lees om te sien en te glo hoe goed en wonderlik U werklik is, soveel so dat dit hulle sal aantrek tot U en hulle U ook mag ken. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 19 - tuesday 29january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 19 of 21
1 Cor. 10: 31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” For Paul to say that we must do ALL for the glory of God, even when we’re eating, lets us conclude that even when we’re not eating, that it should be for His glory. Do you regularly think about the glory of God? Do you consider what in your life pleases Him and what doesn’t? Do you focus every day to live your life in such a way that when people see you or when you’re alone, that you glorify God? The reason we live is for His glory. In these last 3 days of our fast-journey I want to encourage you to be intentional in glorifying God daily in all that you do. How I eat, hoe I drive my car, how I speak to people, what I look at, what I think about, what I spend my money on…in EVERYTHING we can begin to practice glorifying God and before you know it, His glory will become YOUR lifestyle. May He be glorified through YOU this year and my YOUR life become the magnifying glass of His glory and light to a dark and dying world. Prayer – Heavenly Father, many times I have thought, spoken and done things that did not glorify You. Please forgive me and help me to live intentionally by glorifying You daily in my life. While we fast and pray I want to die to myself and live for Your glory. Let my life be a book others can read to see and believe how wonderful You are, so much so, that it will attract them to You that they may know You too. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 20 - woensdag 30januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 20 van 21
2 Kronieke 20: 3: “…Josafat (het) bevrees geword en sy aangesig daarop gerig om die Here te soek, en hy het oor die hele Juda ‘n vasdag uitgeroep.” Toe koning Josafat hoor dat hy binnekort teen ‘n groot menigte te staan gaan kom, was sy eerste emosie VREES. Ons lewe in ‘n tyd waarin baie mense in vrees lewe en miskien het JY ook vrese waarmee jy hierdie tyd van vas en gebed begin het. Miskien voel dit vir JOU ook asof jy teen ‘n groot menigte in 2019 ingegaan het, maar daar is goeie nuus. Alhoewel die koning gevrees het, het hy na God gesoek IN sy vrees en ‘n vasdag uitgeroep. Hy het geweet dat as hy vas en bid en die omstandighede aan die Here oorgee dat die Here, wie GROTER is as sy omstandighede sal sorg vir die menigte en die Here het. Hy het die menigte oorwin sonder dat Juda enigsins in die oorlog betrokke was. Die Here het verwarring onder hul vyande gebring en hulle het mekaar uitgewis terwyl Sy volk in veilgheid kon aankyk. Die Here sê vir ons dat in 2019 ons stil moet word en weet dat Hy God is. Moenie probeer om self die menigte aan te vat nie, vertrou God, Hy is GROTER en weet dat Hy vir jou sal baklei. Terwyl jy vas en bid in die volgende 2 dae, gee jou vrese vir Hom en vind vrede in die wete dat Hy jou sal omvou in Sy liefde en genade. Prys die Here. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie dat ek nie hoef te vrees nie want U is in beheer. Help my om hierdie jaar die krag in stilte te ontdek en vul my met U vrede terwyl U vir my baklei. Die menigte lyk groot maar U is GROTER en ek vertrou U. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 20 - wednesday 30january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 20 of 21
2 Chronicles 20: 3: “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” When king Jehoshaphat heard that he was going to face many armies, his first emotion was fear. We live in a time where many people live in fear and maybe YOU even have fears that you started this time of prayer and fasting with. Maybe it feels to you as if you went into 2019 facing many battles yourself, but there is good news. Although the king was alarmed, he decided to seek God IN his fear and proclaimed a fast. He knew that if he fasted and prayed and gave God the circumstances, that God who is BIGGER than the circumstances will take care of the battles and He did. He overcame the enemy armies without Judah being involved in the war at all. The Lord brought confusion amongst their enemies and they destroyed one another while God’s people looked on in safety. The Lord is telling us in 2019 to be still and know that He is God. Don’t try to take on the battles yourself, trust God, He is BIGGER and know that He will fight for you. While you are fasting and praying the next 2 days, give your fears to Him and find peace knowing that He will cover you in His love and grace. Praise the Lord. Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank you that I don’t have to be afraid because You are in control. Help me this year to discover the strength in being still and fill me with Your peace while You fight for me. The battles look big but You are BIGGER and I trust You. In Jesus name. Amen!
Dag 21 - donderdag 31 januarie
Vas & Gebed: Dag 21 van 21
Mattheus 6: 18b: “…maar jou Vader wat in die verborgene is; en jou Vader wat in die verborgene sien, sal jou in die openbaar vergelde.”Dag 21 – die laaste dag. Ons wil vir elkeen dankie sê wie saam met ons vir die 21 dae gevas en bid het. Ons sal ons groep tot more aand oop los indien enigeen graag ‘n getuienis wil deel of iets wat die Here met hulle oor gepraat het wat hulle graag op die groep sal wil deel. Ons sal Vrydag oggend elkeen weer van die groep afhaal en die groep dan verwyder. Ons wil u aanmoedig om gerus met ons in 2019 op ons Facebook blad te gesels en saam met ons te groei. Ons sluit af met die wete dat God ons WIL beloon vir gehoorsaamheid en getrouheid aan Hom in 2019. Hy wat in die verborgene is en sien sal JOU vergelde wie na Hom gesoek het. Stap in 2019 in met ‘n verwagting en hou vas aan Hom – die Rots wat ewig staan en ongeag die omstandighede weet dat jy meer as ‘n oorwinnaar in Jesus is. Baie seëninge vir die jaar vorentoe. Pastoor Jonathan & Chantal Els. Gebed – Hemelse Vader, dankie vir alles wat ons saam met U kon leer hierdie maand en help ons om dit toe te pas en dit uit te leef hierdie jaar. Seën elkeen wat deel was van ons vas en gebed’s tyd en hul families ryklik. Dankie dat ons kan uitsien na die belonings wat uit U hand uit gaan kom in 2019. Ons waardeer U goedheid en guns om elke draai en wy onsself aan U toe omdat niks en niemand vir ons belangriker is as U nie. In Jesus naam. Amen!
Day 21 - thursday 31 january
​
Fasting & Prayer: Day 21 of 21
Matthew 6: 18b: “…your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Day 21 – the last day. We would like to thank everyone who fasted and prayed with us for the 21 days. We will leave this group open until tomorrow evening if there is anyone who would like to share a testimony here or perhaps something the Lord spoke to them about during the fast. On Friday morning we will remove everyone from the group again and then delete the group. We would like to encourage you to please continue talking to us on our Facebook page in 2019 and to come grow with us. We close with the knowledge that God WANTS to reward us for obedience and faithfulness to him in 2019. He who is and sees in secret will reward YOU for seeking Him. Step into 2019 with an expectation and hold onto Him – the Rock who stands forever and irrespective of the circumstances know that you are more than a conqueror in Jesus. Many blessings for the year ahead. Pastor Jonathan & Chantal Els. Prayer – heavenly Father, thank You for everything we could learn with You this month and help us to apply it and to live it fully this year. Bless every person who was part of our fast and prayer time and their families richly. Thank You that we can look forward to the rewards at come from Your hand in 2019. We appreciate Your goodness and favour around every corner and commit ourselves to You because nothing and no one is more important to us than You. In Jesus name. Amen!