November is a hard month in the northern hemisphere. As days are getting shorter and shorter, it seems our moods are getting darker and darker. It feels like all the weight in the world is on our very own weak shoulders. Will this last forever or is there a way forward? We are in desperate need of hope. Is there any left? Actually, my friend, there is plenty of hope for people who walk in darkness. Nevertheless, that time of…
This is just a sweet, little note to encourage you in the middle of your hardships. Believe me, this too shall pass. It might not feel like it and even not look like it but it’s true. Even the Bible tells us so: Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. (Isaiah 9:1, NLT,*) If we keep on seeking God and turning to him, this time of darkness will turn into light. This will not go…
It feels like darkness was overcoming the world, doesn’t it? Just look outside. It’s the darkest time of year. Without snow and sunshine, it’s pitch black. Also, all kind of hate speech is increasing, right? Malice seems to take over us. Today is also Friday the 13th, many people are afraid of evil forces. Spiritual darkness seems to be spreading. But I have good news for all who walk in darkness. The people who walk in [spiritual] darknessWill see a…
How are you doing? I’ve been pretty exhausted lately. Nothing major, just too little sleep and too much to process. Thankfully, I know where my strength comes from. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2, NIV). Especially now spending time with God is essential. Otherwise I would not make it. Often people say God does not give you more than you can bear. But life is not fair, things happen, and, suddenly, we do…
It’s getting dark very early these days. Even the days seem gloomy. We yearn to have more light. We try to get rid of darkness by putting up Christmas lights. But no amount of Christmas lighting can take away darkness of our lives. Only God can do that. Psalm 36 verse 9 has been giving me comfort and perspective as it gets darker and darker around us: For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see….
Have you accepted the reality of your sinfulness? Are you willing to admit that because of you Jesus died on the cross? Or do you deny your need for Christ? We would like to think we are not sinners. We would like to think it’s not our fault that Jesus died on the cross. But we could not be further from the truth. If we do not accept this fact, we are living in a lie. Then we either live…
John 3:16 is one of the most known Bible verses. But do you know to whom Jesus was preaching at that time? Do you know what happened to the listener later on? Jesus was talking to a pharisee named Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. Maybe it was easier to come in darkness. Other pharisees could not see him visiting Jesus. Or maybe it was the only time he could find Jesus alone. Anyhow, he came and had a…
It does not matter how dark it gets outside. It does not matter how dark the world is. What matters is that you have Light inside of you. Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, CEB) Claim the joy of Christ to be yours today and every single day of your life. Keep your light lit no…
As nights are getting longer and darker I am reminded of the battle of darkness and light. Thankfully we know that God has won the battle on the cross. Gratefully we realize that darkness has no say over us. Blessedly we acknowledge that in Jesus there will always be light.
This is a wonderful time of year in Finland. Our summers are not that hot but we really do have light in abundance. You’ve probably heard of the Midnight sun when the sun remains visible at the local midnight. Those of us who love light have a hard time understanding why some people don’t share our enthusiasm for light. There are people who prefer darkness. Like Jesus said 2000 years ago: “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into…
