It’s been exactly two weeks since our family landed in Ethiopia. It’s been a fantastic experience so far. People are friendly and the coffee is strong, so what’s not to like? Well, the rainy season is a bit tiresome but it will pass. Other than that there’s only one thing that has been tough. You see, there are beggars wherever you go, they even knock on car windows when the traffic slows down. The easiest way to deal with this…
John the Baptist was born as a miracle to elderly parents six months before Jesus. He was not named after his father because an angel visited him and told him he was to be called John instead (Luke 1:13). So there must then be a deep meaning to this name, right? So what does the name John mean? And what does that have to do with us? The English name John is the transliteration of the Greek name Ioannes, and the Greek…
Have you ever felt that if God hadn’t been there for you, you never would have made it? I have and I do. Without God, I am nothing. But with him, I can do anything he wants me to do. God makes all the difference in my life. How about you? If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast.When I was upset and beside…
This year the season of Lent seems to start a little earlier than usual or am I the only one who is a bit surprised? Nonetheless, I find this season of preparation a huge blessing. We need it to truly appreciate the tremendousness of Easter once it rolls around. And maybe we could stop worrying so much. God’s got this. Paul David Tripp tweeted today “The story of redemption is historical proof of the unstoppable sovereignty of God. In a…
It seems to me that what we all need right now is comfort. The pandemic has been with us almost a year and the end is not quite there yet. We need to persevere but we are exhausted. Hence we need some comfort and new strength. Otherwise, we won’t make it. But do not fear, we are in good hands. The source of all comfort is our God. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God…
This year has been the oddest for sure. Holiday plans being canceled seems to be the last straw for many. But, my friend, do not be dismayed, we have ever-present help and everlasting hope. Jeremiah tells us God is our strength, fortress, and refuge. Also during unprecedented times like this. Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress.(Jeremiah 16:19, NIV,*) So whenever you start panicking or distressing, turn to God instead. This might sound too simple but it works. Yet…
Usually, summer is a season of light and laughter. This year summer has been different and the clouds on the horizon are not white or fluffy either. Dark clouds are gathering and darkness around us is getting more intense. Or, at least, that’s how it feels like. Don’t worry, my friend. I have good news for you: God sees in the darkness. We can’t but God can. So we’re safe even in the dark. Know that you will not be…
Once again I am taken by a short verse in the Bible. It amazes me how the Word of God can feed us precisely what we need most. And it’s most certainly a verse that I’ve read many times yet it still clears my head and helps me to breathe more deeply. It reminds me of God’s willingness to help me. And when I remember that I am ready to tackle anything life throws at me. When I am afraid, I…
Would you like to escape your situation, your pain? It’d be nice, wouldn’t it? But that’s not how life works. Yet the plea is universal. King David wished the same when he was troubled. How could we find help for our misery? “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!I would fly away and be at rest.“I would wander far away,I would lodge in the [peace of the] wilderness. Selah.“I would hurry to my refuge [my tranquil shelter far away]From the…
Are you in need of encouragement or otherwise ready for some inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. Not that I, personally, have that kind of power but God’s Word does. So I’ll share with you a Bible verse that is packed with power to encourage and inspire. Isn’t it amazing that just a verse can do that? That’s God’s Word for you: power-packed grace for all who read it; encouragement and inspiration for the journey. Here you are: Even…
