Tone can play a big role in how the words are interpreted. The used tone of voice can even totally change the meaning of the words spoken. This is true also when it comes to the Bible. I had always thought the commandment “Be holy!” was said sternly. But what if it was whispered in love? Then it is an invitation to intimacy with God. That does change everything, doesn’t it? “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to…
Valentine’s Day is approaching, so there is a lot of talk of love these days. That’s fine but so often we forget the most important love of all. So I enjoyed Bob Goff’s tweet the other day “Jesus didn’t tell us to become religious. He told us to be like Him, and He was love.” What a relief we don’t need to be religious. Instead, we are told to be like God, and he is love. So we need to…
It’s really inspiring to hear how my texts and teachings have touched hearts (thank you for all your feedback). However, I have to admit that I feel immense emptiness and powerlessness as I get back to teaching, especially after a break. I was sharing this with God this morning and I understood that especially as empty and inadequate I was exactly the right kind of sharer of the Good News. Because it’s not about my message but about God’s Word….
My oldest goddaughter is getting married today. Even though we have never lived in the same place and sometimes even thousands of kilometers have separated us, our connection has never wavered. I’ve been praying for her since before she was born and that’s the key here: prayer. We don’t have this great connection because I would have been such an awesome godmother. It’s because of God’s grace. And that’s the secret to any steady relationship. Prayer is also the pathway to…
God is love, right? Just like the Bible tells us. But that’s not the end of the story. Actually, that opens up everything. My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. (1 John 4:7-8 ,…
Few years ago I read an interview with a retiring bishop. He was asked what he would like to be remembered by. He said that it’s not important that he would be remembered. But he hopes people would remember that God is good. Amen to that! It’s not really about us, it’s about God! Because God is good – all the time! God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to…
You do matter. You are wanted, loved, and cherished by God. You exist because God wanted you to exist. You exist because of God’s special love just for you. Like Thomas Kempis has said “To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love.” Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits….
I don’t even pretend to be a romance expert. But I know what real love is. And what’s not. In this romance-crazy world people have lost a sense of right and wrong also in the areas of love. Hollywood seems to be the last word on what’s cool and what’s not. Hollywood seems to be the authority over happiness in relationships nowadays. But I dare to say Hollywood does not have a clue about what real love is. Hollywood has…
