Lately, I’ve been pondering on two stories Jesus told according to the Gospel of Luke. The first one is the parable of two builders and the second one is the parable of the sower. They’re both perfect for Lenten reflection. Jesus is asking “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46, NIV, emphasis added,*) You see, faith requires heads, hearts, and hands. Faith is not just a belief system we embrace, right? It…
How on earth do I think we could still live with great expectations when the world is distressed for so many reasons? That is a million-dollar question, don’t you think? How can we live hope-filled lives when life as we know seems to be just a memory? Let’s find out the answer. Peter guides us this way: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through…
Do you know how to handle envy? Feeling jealous is not necessarily a bad thing, it can tell us what we need or want. We just need to know what to do with it. When we give our envy to God, he gets the chance to create something positive out of it. Yesterday I was envious of Moses’ friendship with God as I read about it. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. (Exodus 33:11,…
Sometimes I wonder if we just believe to get to heaven. In that case, we see faith as an insurance policy. We repent and become forgiven citizens of heaven but then we go back to live like we always used to do. But that’s not what Jesus wants us to do, is it? Faith is lived in Christ. Not away from Christ. Faith is meant to be so much more than an insurance policy for the afterlife. [And I am…
Today I have four quotes and three Bible verses about faith and control to share with you. We all would like to have everything together, be in control so we could relax and enjoy our lives, right? But that’s not how faith or life works. Faith and control don’t mix well together. How come? If our goal is to be in control, we push faith away. The one who is in control is the god in our life whether we…
Are you united by faith with the Word of God? This is what I was pondering on after reading the fourth chapter of the letter to Hebrews. The writer states the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not united with faith in God by those who heard. God’s Word needs to be merged with us so it could affect and bless us. Those who are united by faith with the Word of God are one with…
Summer is here. How wonderful. Yet I know there are many who are exhausted or depressed or disappointed or not just feeling it. This post is for you. Know that you don’t have to be excited about summer, you can feel blues and that’s fine. But, please, do know where you can get comfort for hurting hearts. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in…
I love knowing God knew me before I was born. He knows me thoroughly because he made me. None of us is alive by accident. We are alive because God called us into being. Just think about it! You are God’s beloved child and your life has a meaning – and purpose. So lift your head high and rejoice. Live your life by faith. Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the…
I find it a huge blessing to know perfection is not required for Christians. Martin Luther has said, “A Christian is never in a state of completion but always in a process of becoming”. We are in the process of becoming a person of faith. God is at work in us. We are becoming what God created us to be. Unfortunately, we are able to hinder the process through our decision making. If we always choose things based on convenience,…
At first sight, this text has nothing to do with undeserved grace or does it? I was astonied by this year’s (B) lectionary reading. Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging…
