This week I have been touched by these words of Jesus: “Peace be with you”. This is how he greeted his disciples after his resurrection (John 20:19-). He knew they needed relief from fear as they were taking in his resurrection and all the changes therefore happening. Jesus also knew they needed new courage to face future challenges and eternal hope to carry them through some difficult times ahead. All this was inclosed in the word of peace. Jesus always…
Lately, inner peace seems to be it. Famous people tell here and there how they’re seeking and planning on achieving inner peace. But, my friend, do you know you what? You can’t earn or achieve inner peace. You receive it as a gift from Jesus. Yes. Jesus gives you inner peace. By grace. Christianity doesn’t appear very trendy and some people don’t like that God gives so many good things free. Achieving something appears so much more noble and sophisticated….
I have a question for you. What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Is your life somehow different? I hope so. Why would you otherwise claim to be a Christian if not for a redeemed life, right? William Wilberforce has said “It makes no sense to take the name of Christian and not cling to Christ. Jesus is not some magic charm to wear like a piece of jewelry we think will give us good luck. He…
Are you afraid of the future? I hear you, the world seems to becoming all the time crazier. Or do you feel you have you lost your way? Don’t worry, finding the safe way to the future is easier than you think. Jesus guides us this way: “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a…
As we approach Thanksgiving and other big family celebrations, it is good to remember how to be at peace in demanding situations. We can’t be peaceful without being centered on God. We can’t be gracious without resting in grace ourselves. We can’t be loving without feeling God’s love. What to do then? Before you enter into difficult situations (or any day for that matter) spend time with God. Not just a hasty prayer here and there but pray until praise…
Robust peace might sound a bit odd first. That’s because we’ve learned to think of peace as of lack of something. Peace is a lack of hurry or lack of pestering people. The peace the world ever is able to give is this kind of peace: a removal from busyness or a subtraction of something from our lives. But this kind of peace is not lasting and it diminishes our lives. This kind of peace is not robust peace. This…
