We spend a lot of our time and energy in trying to find out who we are and where we belong. Marketers want to influence us by showing us possible identities – and stuff that goes along with that image. We are told to make something of ourselves. So we try to be successful, to be something, anything, really. Yet, we might miss our true identity altogether if we pass God’s invitation to come to him. Henri Nouwen has said, ‘Jesus came to…
Do not forget the joy of the Lord. Really. It has been given to you as a gift and it is meant to be used. Hence do not forget to take it with you wherever you go. If you tend to forget the joy in the midst of everyday chaos, write down reminders to save your day. Because the joy of the Lord makes your day. Every day and always. So don’t forget the joy of the Lord. It makes…
Are you struggling with life? Or are you at the end of your rope? I have good news for you. First of all, you are loved. And, second of all, God wants to help you. I know, it is a bit astonishing. But God did not send Jesus to save you and then leave you to manage on your own. The Holy Spirit is here to help us out. We just need to ask for help. This is not an…
We are told from very early on to be independent and self-reliant, preferably efficient and successful. That’s what’s expected of us, right? Then comes Christianity and tells us the opposite: depend on God, not on yourself. This can be really confusing and it can be hard to go against the grain. But the Bible does not mean you would not take care of yourself. Instead, it urges us to rely on God, not on ourselves or other people or money…
As long as there’s life there’s hope, they say. And sure, that’s true: nothing is over until you take your last breath. What about turning the saying around: as long as there’s hope, there’s life. Because that’s how I see it. As longs as we have hope, we are alive. Even beyond death. As long as we have Jesus, we have Life. And when we have Jesus, we do have hope always. Nothing can take it away from us. Because hope…
Today I want to share a quote about the difference being set free and walking in freedom. It reminds us that even being saved is not all God has for us. He wants us also keep on walking in freedom and live in light and love. Because he has provided everything for us to do so. Even walking in freedom is not to be done on our own power but in his strength and by his grace. This is Christian…
It is once again Friday the 13th. Believe it or not, it brings a wave of readers to my blog. People around the world want to know how Christianity responds to it. So every Friday the 13th I try to answer it with a different twist. So here we go again. Today I will share some thoughts and Bible verses that I hope will bless you and help you to break free from any superstitions that still try to keep you…
Jesus taught us to both give and seek forgiveness. It was that important to him. He saw something in being free of burdens and being gracious. Hence we are to live in forgiveness. How can we do that? And not just visit once in awhile but truly live in forgiveness. Day in, day out. And what would this mean to our well-being and happiness? Let’s see. ‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong…
Do you have guilt over something you’ve done in the past? Even after you’ve repented and been forgiven? I’m delivering good news to you. Once God has forgiven you, he chooses not to remember your sins anymore. How do I know? The Bible tells us God will trample our sins under his foot. So all our forgiven sins sink to the bottom of the ocean. Once they’re forgiven, they’re gone down under. He shall again have compassion on us; He will subdue…
Do you have a favorite place? A sweet spot where you’re the happiest? A reading chair or maybe the beach nearby? Or maybe your favorite place is your summer cottage or a rose garden? No matter how sweet and wonderful your favorite spot is, it doesn’t compare to the best place in the world: the foot of the cross. Because it has healing powers. It gives life upon life for anyone who wants to receive them in Jesus’ name. The…
