The NJ Podcast

My name is Karabo Digasho, currently 21 years old. I’m a student pursuing my degree in LLB Law with University of South Africa institution. I am an author, femtor, actress, poetess (royal poet of Chief Macingwane the 2nd), entrepreneur, peer educator, women advocate, motivational speaker and master of ceremonies. I was born bred and buttered in Tembisa, 1632!

In the first episode of 2024, we sit down with and talk to Dr Samke J. Ngcobo on her journey to deal with and overcome being diagnosed with bipolar disorder to become a hero in her own right.

Imagine, if you will, a majestic oak tree standing tall in a vast forest. This tree does not exist to grant favors to the forest, nor does the forest exist for the sake of the tree. Instead, they coexist in a symbiotic relationship; each plays a role, and each benefits from the other. Now, consider our relationship with God. Do we sometimes think that by our acts of worship or service, we are doing Him a favour? Or do we realize that our acts of worship are more for our own spiritual growth and well-being than they are for God?

“For who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” Romans 11:35 (NIV)

1. God's Infinite Abundance and Our Limited Perspective

Scripture: Acts 17:24–25 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”

It’s easy to slip into the mindset that our actions somehow "contribute" to God's glory, as if He is in need. However, God, in His infinite abundance, does not "need" our worship or service. Instead, He desires a relationship with us, and our acts of service deepen that bond.

2. The Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Stewardship

Scripture: Matthew 25:14–30

In this parable, the servants did not do the master a favour by investing the talents; they did what was expected of them. Likewise, God has given each of us unique talents and abilities, not for our own glorification, but to further His kingdom. When we use our gifts, we are merely fulfilling our God-given duties.

3. Humility in Service

Quote: “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Many biblical figures, like John the Baptist, recognized that their service was not about elevating their own status or doing God a favour. It was about fulfilling God's plan and purpose. Our service is an act of humility, acknowledging God’s sovereign role in our lives.

4. Grace, Not Works

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Our salvation is not something we earned; it is a gift. We can never do enough good deeds to "earn" our place in Heaven. It’s crucial to approach our relationship with God with gratitude, recognizing that we are the beneficiaries of His boundless love and grace.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We humbly come before You, acknowledging that all we have and all we are is because of Your grace. Remind us daily, Lord, that our service to You is not a favour we do for You, but a privilege and a responsibility. Let our hearts remain humble, and our spirits always thankful, recognizing that it is You who has done us the ultimate favour by granting us the gift of salvation. Guide us to serve You with pure motives, seeking only to glorify Your name.

And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, today and always.

Amen.

Imagine a skilled potter working with clay. At first glance, you might think the potter is taking too long, fumbling with the clay. But what we perceive as “delay” is the potter's deliberate process, molding the clay into a masterpiece. Similarly, we often interpret God’s timing as tardiness or indifference. Could it be, however, that His "lateness" is a loving act, shaping us into what we are meant to become?

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)

1. Mary and Martha: When God Seems Late

Scripture: John 11:1-44

"Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.'"

"Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days."

Mary and Martha had faith in Jesus' ability to heal. When Lazarus fell sick, they expected Him to come immediately. But Jesus was "late," and Lazarus died. However, the "lateness" set the stage for a greater miracle: the raising of Lazarus. Sometimes God's delay is a set-up for a miracle that we couldn't even imagine.

2. The Story of Joseph: A Delayed Promise

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before his God-given dream was realized. The long journey was not a detour but a necessary pathway for the growth Joseph needed.

3. Waiting on God: Building Character

Quote: "God has perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes a little patience and faith, but it's worth the wait." - Unknown

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Delays and "lateness" serve as training grounds for our character. It teaches us patience, builds our faith, and cultivates a deeper relationship with God.

4. God’s Timing Is Perfect Timing

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1

"To everything, there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven."

Though His timing often seems late according to our clock, God is never late. He acts precisely when He means to, aligned perfectly with His sovereign plans.

Conclusion and Summarising Prayer:

Lord God Almighty,

We often grow impatient and worried when our prayers seem unanswered and Your help appears delayed. Remind us, Father, that Your timing is perfect. Let us find peace in knowing that Your "lateness" is a demonstration of Your love, a step in Your grand design to shape us into the beings we are meant to become.

We humbly submit ourselves to Your divine timeline, trusting that You are never truly late, but always right on time for Your glorious purposes. As we wait, fill us with Your Holy Spirit to be strong in faith and steadfast in hope.

And now, may the assurance of Your perfect timing, the love that molds us, and the faith that sustains us be with us all, now and forevermore.

In Jesus' mighty name, we pray.

Amen.

May the love of God enfold you, His timing reassure you, and His plans for you bring glory to His kingdom. Go in peace, live in faith, and trust in God's perfect timing for your life. Amen.

The Ten Commandments: Their Relevance in the 21st Century

Consider this, if you will: a road map. In days past, before the advent of GPS, we relied heavily on paper maps and well-marked signs to guide us on our journeys. Now imagine trying to navigate without such maps or signs. You'd be lost, wouldn't you? The Ten Commandments serve a similar purpose in our spiritual journey, pointing us in the right direction, keeping us on the right path, and protecting us from pitfalls and danger.

Our foundational scripture today is Exodus 20:1–17, where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. However, let's anchor our conversation on Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

1. The Ten Commandments: A Guiding Light

The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, were a moral compass for the Israelites. They were a light in the darkness, guiding them to live in a way that was pleasing to God. In today's world, they remain relevant as they continue to guide us in making ethical decisions and distinguishing right from wrong.

2. Relevance in the 21st Century

Some might argue that the Ten Commandments, written thousands of years ago, are outdated. But are they really 'Do not steal? 'Do not bear false witness.' Honour behaviour. and your father and mother.' These are timeless principles that govern human behaviour. They guide us in our relationships with others and, ultimately, with God.

3. A Foundation for Modern Laws

Many legal systems around the world are based on Judeo-Christian ethics, which are rooted in the Ten Commandments. 'Do not murder,' for instance, forms the basis of laws against homicide worldwide. This alone shows the enduring relevance of these commandments in contemporary society.

4. A Call to Love

Jesus summarised the Ten Commandments into two great commandments: love God and love your neighbour (Matthew 22:37–40). When we love God, we naturally want to follow His commandments. And when we love others, we naturally want to treat them with respect and kindness.

5. Spiritual Transformation

The Ten Commandments are more than a set of rules. They are God's way of shaping our character to be more like Him. They draw us closer to His heart and deepen our relationship with Him.

Let's close in prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for giving us your commandments as a light for our path. Help us to follow them in our daily lives, not out of obligation, but out of love for You and for our fellow human beings. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, guide us in Your truth and help us to live in a way that brings honor to You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

As you depart today, I bless you with the words from Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." May the Commandments of God guide you, protect you, and lead you in paths of righteousness. Amen.

Women of the Bible: Esther’s Courage and Its Impact Today

Consider a chess game. Each piece has its own role and its own power. The queen, however, is unique. She can move in any direction and as far as she likes. This does not make her better than the other pieces; rather, her role is crucial in protecting the king. Esther, in the Biblical narrative, is akin to the queen on a chessboard. She used her position not for personal gain but to protect and save her people.

Our opening scripture today is Esther 4:14 (NIV): "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

1. The Unlikely Queen: Esther's rise to queen was nothing short of miraculous. An orphaned Jewish girl becoming a Persian queen is nothing short of divine intervention. Like Esther, God has placed each of us in our current position for a purpose. Regardless of where we are right now, God can and will use us for His glory if we allow Him.

2. The Courageous Decision: Esther's decision to go before King Xerxes without being summoned was not only brave but also risky since it was against the law and could result in death. But Esther chose to act, stating, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Her courage in the face of possible death challenges us to be brave and stand for what is right, even when it is risky.

3. The Impact of Her Bravery: Through Esther's bravery, the Jews were saved from genocide. This victory still echoes today as a testament of God's providence and protection over His people. It also serves as a reminder of the impact that one brave decision can have.

Women and Men of Courage Today: Like Esther, we are called to have courage. We may not be queens or kings, but we each have a sphere of influence—family, friends, colleagues—a group of people that God has given us to impact. Let's be brave, like

 and stand for righteousness, justice, and truth, knowing that God is with us.

Let's close in prayer:

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Esther - her courage, her faith, and her obedience. We pray that You would grant us the same courage to stand for what is right, to use our positions for Your glory and for the benefit of others. Lord, help us to realize that we are placed where we are 'for such a time as this'. May we make decisions that honor You, and may our lives impact those around us positively. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

As you go forth, may "the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26, NIV). Just like Esther, you are in your position for a reason. Be bold, be courageous, and let God use you for His glory. Amen.

Understanding Salvation: A Closer Look at the Cross

Think about the last time you tried to assemble a piece of furniture without instructions. Frustrating, isn't it? Every screw and every bolt seem to be a mystery. In many ways, the cross of Christ is like that instruction manual, providing a path, a method, and a way forward in our relationship with God. But like any guide, we have to read and understand it for it to make any difference.

Our anchor scripture today is from Romans 5:8 (NIV): "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

1. The Cross as a Display of God’s Love: The act of Jesus dying on the cross is the ultimate testament to God's love for us. Despite our flaws and failures, despite our sin, God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us (John 3:16). It was on the cross that Love itself was nailed, showing us the depth and height of God's love.

2. The Cross as the Means of Atonement: In the Old Testament, the blood of an animal served as atonement for sin (Leviticus 17:11). But these sacrifices were a shadow of the perfect and final sacrifice—Jesus, the Lamb of God. On the cross, His blood was shed, providing forgiveness and atonement for all of humanity's sins (Hebrews 9:12–14).

3. The Cross as the Bridge to Eternal Life: The cross is not just about death; it's also about resurrection and life. Jesus's death on the cross and subsequent resurrection are the victory over sin and death. Because of His sacrifice, we have the promise of eternal life (1 Corinthian 15:54–57). The cross bridges the gap between our mortal lives and the eternity God promises to those who believe in Him.

Understanding the Cross and Our Salvation To understand salvation, we must understand the cross—tthe manifestation of God's love, the means of our atonement, and the bridge to eternal life. The cross isn't just a symbol; it's an invitation to a transformed life, a call to lay down our sins, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Let's close in prayer:

"Father God, we thank You for Your love so profound that You gave Your only Son to die for our sins. Help us to never take for granted the immense sacrifice made on the cross. May we live our lives in response to this grace, sharing Your love with those around us, and making the most of the salvation You've gifted us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen."

As you go from here, remember this, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV). The cross was heavy, but its message is light, bringing hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. May your understanding of the cross deepen and enrich your walk with Christ. Amen.

Walking in Faith: Abraham’s Obedience and its Relevance Today

Let's imagine you're on a road trip. You've meticulously planned your route, dotted your Is, and crossed your T's. But as you're driving, your GPS suddenly instructs you to make an unexpected turn. Confused and uncertain, would you follow its guidance? Today, we're going to explore a similar experience in the life of Abraham and its implications for our own journey of faith.

The scripture that underpins our sermon today is from Genesis 12:1 (NIV): "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'"

1. Abraham's Call and Obedience: Abraham was instructed to leave everything familiar—his country, his people, and his father's house. Yet he did not hesitate or negotiate with God. He packed up his family and his belongings, and he embarked on a journey to an unknown destination simply because God told him to (Genesis 12:4-5). This obedience was credited to him as faith.

2. Abraham's Faith in Promises: God promised Abraham that He would make him into a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. Despite having no child at that time and his wife Sarai being barren, Abraham believed God's promise (Genesis 15:5–6). His trust in God was not dependent on his circumstances but on the One who made the promise.

3. Abraham's Faith Tested: The pinnacle of Abraham's faith journey was when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This was the son through whom God had promised to fulfil His words to Abraham. Despite the seeming impossibility of the situation, Abraham's faith did not waver, demonstrating that his confidence was in God and not in the promise (Genesis 22:1–18).

Abraham's Legacy and Our Walk of Faith: The life of Abraham teaches us that walking in faith means trusting God's directions even when the destination is not clear, believing in His promises despite our circumstances, and keeping our faith in God even when our understanding is limited.

The writer of Hebrews affirms this when he says, "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

Let's bow our heads in prayer:

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Abraham's faith. Help us to trust in Your guidance, believe in Your promises, and maintain our faith in You regardless of the circumstances. May we walk in obedience as Abraham did, fully assured that what You have promised, You are able also to perform. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

As you leave this place, may the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). Let the faith of Abraham inspire you to trust in God's perfect plan for your life, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. God bless you all.

Faith Versus Science: Reconciling the Debate

Imagine, if you will, a symphony orchestra. Each section, from the brass to the strings, the percussion to the woodwinds, plays its unique part. The notes from the trumpet do not contradict the violin's melody, but rather, they come together, harmoniously, to create a unified piece of music. Now consider that science and faith are not opposing sections in life’s orchestra but are instead different instruments contributing to the harmony of understanding our world and our purpose in it.

Our scripture today comes from Romans 1:20 (NIV): "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

**1. Faith and Science Seek Truth:** Like two sides of the same coin, faith and science are both rooted in the quest for truth. Science seeks to understand the 'how' of creation, while faith seeks to understand the 'why.' The pursuit of scientific knowledge does not negate our belief in God but rather enhances our appreciation of His magnificent creation.

**2. God is the Author of Science:** The laws of physics, biology, and chemistry that scientists study are not apart from God; rather, they are a reflection of His wisdom and order. Scientists who were also men of faith like Isaac Newton and Louis Pasteur saw their scientific work as a way to understand God’s creation better.

**3. Faith Fills the Gaps:** While science can explain much about our physical universe, it does not have all the answers—particularly when it comes to questions of purpose, morality, and the spiritual world. This is where faith steps in.

Consider this quote from renowned scientist and Christian, Francis Collins: "Science is the only reliable way to understand the natural world, and its tools when properly utilized can generate profound insights into material existence. But science is powerless to answer questions such as 'why did the universe come into being?' 'What is the meaning of human existence?' 'What happens after we die?'"

Let us pray:

"Dear God, we thank You for the gift of knowledge and the tools of science that help us understand Your creation. Help us to see that faith and science are not opposing forces but complementary in our quest for truth. May we, like King David, see Your hand in all creation and say, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands' (Psalm 19:1). We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen."

And now, as you go forth to explore and understand this world and your purpose in it, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Resilience in Trials: Lessons from Job’s Endurance

Imagine, for a moment, a man sailing a boat in the middle of a vast ocean, and suddenly a storm arises. The waves grow higher, the wind howls louder, and his small boat is tossed about. It seems as if all is lost, yet the sailor remains at the helm, holding on and steering his ship through the tempest. He is resilient, undeterred by the circumstances, for he knows the storm will pass and he will reach the shore.

Our scripture today is James 5:11 (NIV): "As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

1. Resilience is Faith Tested: Job was a righteous man, yet he faced immense trials—loss of wealth, children, and health. But despite his circumstances, he held on to his faith in God (Job 1:21-22). Sometimes, resilience means holding on to our faith when it's tested, believing that God remains sovereign in our trials.

**2. Resilience Requires Humility:** In his suffering, Job questioned God, but when God finally spoke, Job humbly accepted his human limitations and God's divine wisdom (Job 40:3-5). Resilience involves humbly acknowledging that we do not have all the answers but trusting in God, who does.

3. Resilience Brings Restoration In the end, Job's fortunes were restored, and he received twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). Though we may face hardship, we can trust in God's promise of restoration, which may not always be material but can bring spiritual growth and increased faith.

Consider this quote from Helen Keller: "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." Job’s story echoes this sentiment. 

Let us pray 

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Job, for his perseverance, and for the hope that comes from his story. In our trials, help us to hold fast to our faith, humble ourselves before Your wisdom, and wait with hope for Your restoration. Thank You that You are a compassionate and merciful God who sees us, knows us, and carries us through our storms. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen."

As you navigate the storms of life, may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)