A 12 Day Bible plan: The Lessons we Learn from David and Goliath and How to overcome Despair and Fear.

A 12 Day Bible plan by Lynelle Clark 

Laai die Afrikaanse bybel plan hier af.

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Key scripture: 1 Sam 17 (KJV)

David and Goliath story had captured the minds of many children, warriors, and believers. It is a story of war, dedication, and unwavering faith in an unseen God.

However, the story of David and Goliath reveals more than what we read in the key scripture of this bible plan. It takes us from the charismatic into the apostolic sphere with precision and unwavering fear. We are called to do mighty exploits in God’s name. We can relinquish our despair and fear and walk into battle with the right mindset.

The symbolic significance of this confrontation in the history of Israel gives us a deeper look into our own life and how to face the battle within. This is a battle where you have to choose your war tools carefully. It is also important to wear the correct armour, otherwise you will be caught off guard.

You are ready to face your fears when you face your Goliath.

The twelve-day bible plan is devised to fall in love with God’s word again. God’s word will give you the mandate to operate as an exact representative of God on this earth. A remnant called to obey, to overcome and lead others to victory.

I would like to invite you on this journey of discovery as you learn the truths and the practical application to overcome. There might be many unfamiliar phrases you haven’t heard before and don’t understand, but I want to invite you to reach out and ask.

The Apostolic movement is not for the fainthearted but for the equipping of the saints to lead us back to Christ, our final destination.

Grace and peace to you. 

Lynelle
Hephzibeula Intercontinental Ministries: H.I.M. 

Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five/ Day Six / 

Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine / Day Ten / Day Eleven / Day Twelve 

Seven Characteristics of a Fully-Functioning Person

Written by Kain Ramsay

One of my biggest influences in the realm of personal development has been the work of Carl Rogers, the pioneer of person-centred counselling and author of 'On Becoming a Person'. I first came across his work while studying entry-level psychology and explored it further as I trained in counselling over a decade ago.

The greatest thing about Rogers' methodology for me is his humanity and compassion. He is extremely considerate of our individuality, emphasizes potential rather than pathology, and allows a lot of space in his theories and frameworks for people to be themselves and live the concepts in accordance with who they are.

One of these frameworks, and the one I'd like to discuss in this article, is the seven characteristics of a fully-functioning person, which he discusses in his excellent book On Becoming a Person. These qualities aren't something we reach at; instead, they're a continual process we strive for (Rogers refers to this as "the good life).

As you'll see, these qualities are more philosophical in nature than practical life advice, and many of them are interconnected. They're all about optimising our human potential and offering a beneficial summary of things to be aware of as we reflect on our daily lives.

Here are the Seven Characteristics of a Fully-Functioning Person;

# 1. Growing Openness to Experience

Having a growing openness to experience is about learning to accept the circumstances of life as they are, without needing them to be something different. It's also about stepping away from defensiveness. In this light, Defensiveness might be characterized as: "self-defense in the form of righteous indignation or innocent victimhood to avoid a perceived assault."

When we feel under emotional assault or criticism, defensiveness is generally synonymous with redirecting the blame away from ourselves and onto someone else. We are more receptive to what is unfolding before us as it occurs since we are less prone to react in an unconscious, knee-jerk manner.

# 2. Living Life Existentially

We tend to interpret our experiences through the prism of what we already believe about ourselves and the world, usually in a way that confirms these beliefs. However, when we embrace Rogers's "increasingly existential lifestyle," we reverse this process, allowing our personality and self-concept to develop based on what we are experiencing (rather than the other way around).

So, what does this imply in practice? Let's assume a person praises us for a job well done. If we apply our current belief system (which holds that we're not very good at what we're doing), we might dismiss their statement as them "just being polite" or even respond with, "Oh, it was nothing...," thus rejecting the compliment. However, if we allow our experience to shape our self-esteem, we may accept this compliment for what it is. Just a compliment.

This, too, demands us to cultivate mindfulness and live each moment completely. What I enjoy about this quality is that it includes a little mystery. Who knows what's possible if we let ourselves be open to our present-moment experience?

# 3. Increased trust in the Self

Self-confidence, in a nutshell. This is about believing in our judgment and ability to act appropriately in any situation. It's all about developing our sense of ethics and personal moral compass (rather than simply following the beliefs of others around us). This then leads us into...

# 4. Freedom of Choice

When we trust our internal procedure and external actions, we gain more freedom of choice. We are conscious of the distinction between “have to” and “choose to,” and because we understand that we have the power to respond in any scenario, we accept responsibility for our choices and conduct.

Granted, we live in a world where many people do self-centred, greedy, vindictive and highly destructive things, and while we have no freedom to choose what happens to us, we 100% have the freedom to choose how we respond in each situation that we face.

It's true that in some contexts, "control" has a negative connotation, but it is also true to say we have complete agency over all of our decisions and actions, allowing us to be who we are and act in accordance with our values and sense of right and wrong. Which then leads us to...

# 5. Raw Creativity

With the confidence to be ourselves and the self-trust that comes with it, we are able to be more inventive. As Rogers points out, without feeling compelled to conform to norms and values that are in conflict with our own, we may be even more creative when it comes to adjusting to our circumstances. Some people go on to found multinational corporations, socially innovative enterprises, and world-changing products or services during this stage of human development.

# 6. Consistency and Constructiveness

This idea appeals to me because it addresses the relationship between our inner and external selves. Rogers describes this as being open to all of our requirements while also maintaining a balance between them. According to Rogers, when individuals develop a congruent view of themselves (one in which their self-worth, self-image, and ideal self are similar rather than distinct), even aggressive needs are answered by inherent goodness within the individual.

# 7. A Purpose Oriented Life

The “fully-functioning” individual, according to Rogers, feels pleasure and pain, love and heartbreak, anxiety and bravery more intensely, and does not need more of or less of these experiences. The purpose-oriented individual is open to experiencing everything that life has to offer - including both good and bad.

Human beings cannot choose to be ignorant of specific events: when we numb so-called unpleasant emotions, we also numb everything. Receiving the entire spectrum of human existence - the good, the unbearable, and the heartbreaking - means opening ourselves up to a full, rich and purpose-oriented life.

And living life this way isn’t easy. As Rogers writes in On Becoming a Person:

“This process of the good life is not for the faint-hearted. It involves stretching, growing and embracing more and more of one’s potentialities. It involves the courage to be. It means immersing oneself fully into the stream of life.”

So to summarise, is it possible for you to become a fully functioning person?

Yes, of course, it is. But to achieve this, you must become willing to let go of any expectations you have regarding how your life should go. Lose your opinions, disregard your biases, your fears, insecurities, and embrace the opportunity you have to step apart from the norms that the majority of people live their lives by.

PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

1. What are your initial thoughts about these characteristics?

2. In what ways are you unwilling to accept certain experiences?

3. In what ways can you become more fully functioning today?

Boek Vrystelling: Verlore Gisters deur Lynelle Clark

 

Genre: Misterieuse Spanningsverhaal

Uitgewer: Ns. Skrywershuis Publikasies

Novelle: 25058 woorde

ISBN: 978-1-7764392-8-7

Bladsye: 85

 

 

Sinopsis

 

Die Kennis van Goed en Kwaad is die dryfveer van Verlore Gisters. In ons daaglikse keuses berus die besluit by ons watter een sal seëvier. Kies ons verkeerd, wel, dan moet ons die prys betaal. Die vraag is wat sal jy doen om jou kind se nagedagtenis in ere te herstel? 

Bertha Geldenhuis se lewe het ’n lelike draai gemaak die dag toe sy met Heino Beetge en sy vriende deurmekaar geraak het. Die prys van dié vriendskap het haar alles wat belangrik is gekos.  

Wanneer hoop net ’n vae begrip word en vriendskap yler as hoendertande, dan weet jy jou keuse was ʼn fout. Sou sy die een hand wat wel na haar uitgehou word vat, of sou sy aanhou om die verkeerde besluite te neem? Die besluit van kennis van goed ... of kwaad? 

Luitenant-Kolonel Hendrik Swanepoel is op die drumpel van aftrede. Sy lewe as oujongkêrel en toegewyde polisieman was vervullend. Maar die dag toe hy Bertha Geldenhuis ontmoet, was sy keuses afgebaken in hoopvolle meetsnoere.  

Met die ewige vraag: wat beteken die kennis van goed en kwaad nou eintlik, word hy aangespoor om die antwoord vir Bertha te soek. Wat hy vind is meer as net ’n antwoord. Dit is ’n openbaring wat hom op wye draaie sou vat.  

Hoop is soms al wat ons het om aan vas te hou ...  

’n Spannende misterie-novelle.  

 

Skakels:
Goodreads: Verlore Gisters, ’n Spannende misterie-novelle.
Amazon / Smashwords

 

 

Empowering women in August

 

 

Scripture: Proverbs 31: 10

An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls. (Amp)

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. (KJV)

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. (MSG)

A wife of noble character who can find her? She is worth far more than rubies. (NIV)

Wie sal 'n deugsame vrou vind? want haar waarde is ver bo korale. (AFR53)

A woman of noble character is a woman who follows the biblical principles of Proverbs 31:10-31 we heard this morning. She is virtuous, capable, trustworthy, hardworking, generous, wise, and God-fearing. She is also more precious than rubies/ diamonds. 

Today, these qualities are hard to find among women, but when you find one, you must cling to that person. Why? So that her character can rub off on you and you can become like her, a woman of noble standing.

On Saturday, I took part in the perseverance walk at the SAP, CPF event for women. We walked around the rugby field a few times (4). During this walk, I noticed one small yellow flower still blooming. I cannot say how many feet trampled over her. But here was this little flower, so minute in the larger scope of the field, still blooming her heart out.

At that moment, I recognized her strength and tenacity. She was not willing to bow her head amid adversaries. She held her head high, and she bloomed. She fulfilled her purpose.

Do you know what is your purpose?

Do you have goals that would bring you closer to your purpose?

Now, you will tell me, you don’t know my story Lynelle, and you are right, I don’t. But I know my story. I know about desperation and poverty; I understand about lack, and the depression and fear that follow it. I can write books about the unfairness dealt to me, bitter stories of discouragement and disillusionment, but I choose not to focus on that. I choose to bloom where I am planted.

One lesson I have learned during my life walk is this: No One Will Believe In You If You Don’t Believe In Yourself. If you do not make a conscious decision to lift your head and bloom where you are planted, no one will reach out or help you.  

Ruth, the woman from the Bible, was a noble woman. A Proverbs 31 woman. A woman I can relate to. She chose to follow Naomi. This led her to the fields of Boas and today her name is still mentioned hundreds of years after her death. Why? Because she made an intentional decision to stick with one woman.

How can you do this? Living with Intent Journal is created to help you to formulate your plans and stick with them. Use the journal like a tool.

Right at the beginning of the journal, it begins with Self-Love. If you cannot love yourself, no one else will. 

      Ø Don't Compare Yourself to Others.

Ø  Grow Your Positive Vibe.

Ø  Do An Activity You Love at least once a month.

Ø  Find A Place That Makes You Happy.

Ø  Clean Your Room and Environment.

Ø  Don't Forget to Take Time to Relax.

Ø  Eat healthily and exercise. Your future self will thank you one day.

Ø  Enjoy the little things.

Ø  Keep your chin up, shoulders straight and let your smile speak for you.

Ø  Get into the Word of God, study it and find your North. You cannot find it without God.

Remember: Diamonds are born under immense pressure. A noble woman is not born like one. She is planted, pressed, sometimes forgotten, but when she immersed from the ground and cleaned, she shines.

But it all starts with one decision. A decision only you can make.

If you need guidance, support, or an ear, reach out to a life coach or counsellor near you. It is your choice; I cannot force you. But if you don’t, you will still be here next year, in the same position.

I was where you are right now, eleven years ago. I understand the difficulties and the problems. I understand the fears and worries. I know what it is to feel alone, desperate, without hope. It is only when I reached out that I could find the way forward. For each of us, it is different, but when you make an intentional decision, you can encourage others.

Position yourself, get a Naomi in your life. Follow and learn. Nobility is a seed that needs water. Water gives life. Once you water that seed, it will grow and you will become like that little flower that blooms where she is planted. 

Contact me at lynelleclark@gmail.com if you want to connect or in need of a life coach. 

Week 6: Ignored stains.

 

Ignored stains are the worst kind of stain. It is an ugly thing to look at; especially on top of a beautiful wood table where everyone can see. It leaves an aftertaste for the onlookers and spoil an immaculate life. No matter how hard you ignore it, it will mark your life unless you deal with it.

We all have our reasons why we don’t want to deal with it. It is harmless and won’t hurt anyone, we might think. Or it will take too much time to remove it and will take you away from what you love to do.

Others will say, “I just don’t let it bother me,” but it won’t solve the problem. It will just increase the problem.

In Acts 24, Paul was preaching to a ruler named Felix. Paul reasoned with Felix of “righteousness,” “temperance,” and of the “judgment to come” (v. 25). This caused Felix to tremble. Clearly, he was affected by what Paul had said. Instead of acting on what he had learned, he responded, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Felix chose to do nothing about his sins. Instead, he chose to ignore them. As far as we know, Felix never found a convenient season to obey God.

We don’t escape responsibility from our sins by ignoring them. Ignoring sin will cause us to be lost eternally. Instead of ignoring sin, a non-Christian must believe (Jn. 3:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Rom. 10:10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Mk. 16:16). The Christian who sins must repent, pray, and confess his sins (Acts 8:22, I Jn. 1:8-10).

Don’t find an excuse or allow more time to laps, before you do something about it. Do it now while the time is now.

Prayer

Father, I humbly bring my sin……. (name it) to your table of grace and confess my unwillingness to deal with this. Lord, give me the wisdom to come clean and to allow the Holy Spirit to do his perfect work of healing and restoration in me. Wipe my slate clean, Lord, and show me how not to sin anymore.

I confess Romains 10: 10 over my life: For it is with my heart that I believe and are justified, and it is with my mouth that I profess my faith and are saved.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

©LynelleClark2023

Day 3: Standing Tall Together

A few years ago, we had the opportunity to visit Redwood National Park in northern California. I remember walking through forests blanketed by lush ferns growing around these gentle giants that seemed to touch the sky. Imagine the Creator of those trees!

Some facts about redwood trees …

·Redwoods can grow as tall as 400 feet.

·The oldest redwood is thought to be over 3,200 years old and is known as the “President.”

·Some are wide enough for a car (like ours) to drive through.

·Redwood roots only go about 7 to 8 feet deep but can be spread out over 100 feet.

·These roots are intertwined with other redwoods, which allows them to remain stable even through strong storms.

·A redwood cone can produce 150 to 250 seeds, with each seed only the size of a tomato seed. That’s about the size of the head of a matchstick.

Like the redwood, our books also begin with a seed idea. God then waters that seed, and it continues to grow into something we could have hardly imagined. 

Redwoods are rugged trees. Some have deep grooves in the bark. Others have been struck by lightning. Many still stand after being partially burned by a fire, while heavy winds have blown over others. 

Kingdom writers are a rugged breed. Many of us have been battered by various life elements, yet we still stand tall with the Lord’s strength. 

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” – 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT) 

Though Peter didn’t have trees in mind when he penned those words, this is what I call redwood faith! 

Within these redwood forests lie trees that have toppled over due to old age. I became a kid again as I jumped on one of these sleeping giants before walking perhaps fifty feet down its aged trunk. 

Many of these fallen trees even have new saplings from hollowed sections. These dead warriors still give life to young redwoods through their decomposed bark. 

There will be a time when you and I will ‘topple over’ due to old age, but we can continue giving life through our books and writings. Imagine God fertilizing the faith of those coming after us with the writings He inspires through us. 

“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)

Gazing up at a lone redwood tree can take your breath away by itself, but a forest of these natural skyscrapers is utterly spectacular. Similarly, a lone Christian writer can produce impressive stuff. Still, it’s a beautiful thing to be part of a forest of Kingdom writers with all of our diversity, styles, stories, and varying backgrounds.

We can lean on one another as the storms of life hit. Perhaps our writings will influence others to look up and give glory to our great God!

Reflection: As a Christian author, do you have others to lean on when the storms of life hit? We consider our Christian Book Academy like a redwood forest of Kingdom writers.

**Download our Kingdom Writers Bundle here to learn more about our online community and get access to resources to help you move forward in your call to write.

 

Taken from the Priestly Pens Bible Plan at You Version. 

Kingdom Writers Bundle / Amazon

Written by Shelly Hitz.

Day 2: Unless the Lord Writes the Book

 

“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.”—Psalm 127:1-2 (NLT)

Our workaholic society tells us to push, strain, and strive to accomplish our goals. Many books have been written with this method. Ultimately, at what cost and benefit?

We also see many in the world today trying to protect all the work they’ve done in their own human strength. If we’re honest, we’ve all done this as if everything depends on us alone.

It’s interesting to note that Psalm 127 was written by Solomon, who also wrote most of Proverbs – many of which instruct us to work hard and not be lazy. In this Psalm, he’s addressing the issue of working without including God in the picture.

Whether it’s building houses or writing books, both are acceptable enterprises. They serve an important purpose. Our motives behind these things are equally important. Are we doing these things for our glory or God’s glory? In the end, this is why we call ourselves Kingdom writers who join God in building His Kingdom, not some monument unto ourselves.

God makes no distinctions between the sacred and secular. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” (Emphasis mine)

God is interested in ALL our work, including all the words we write. Our books will have more substance when we partner with God, just as families will have more substance in their relationships when they build their homes with the Lord.

Houses are viewed as a symbol of status around the world. We can easily desire a huge, extravagant house to look good in the eyes of others. This can also happen with our books. We can create something that comes off as polished and shiny to seek status. We can place our security in the approval we receive from others, which is here today and gone tomorrow.

Why is ‘the work of the builders wasted?’ It’s wasted when we trade the eternal for the temporal.

We also see in this Psalm that God gives rest to His loved ones. Our work becomes a problem when it goes beyond the limits God has set for it. Those who undergo tough physical training understand the benefits of rest and recovery. As writers, our times of prayerful rest can create space for us to hear what God might have in mind for our books.

King Solomon tells us, “There is a time for everything,” including rest. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

We believe our best books will be birthed from a place of rest as we pause to seek the Lord. He’ll supply the substance rather than us trying to gut it out and quickly exhausting our strength.

Every book, article, or blog post of eternal value results from God’s grace when we include Him.

Reflection: Read John 15:1-11. What is the key to producing lasting fruit? Before sitting down for your next writing session, play a soft worship song and prayerfully invite the Lord into every aspect of your writing.

Taken from the Priestly Pens Bible Plan at You Version. 

Kingdom Writers Bundle / Amazon

Written by Shelly Hitz.