For a long time, whenever I was reading a list of spiritual gifts, the spiritual gift of martyrdom – the divine enablement to undergo suffering for the faith even to death – puzzled me. Of course, even then I knew a multitude of Christians have been martyred ever since the early church and persecution is still a factor around the world. I’ve always admired the martyrs and thought they’ve possessed something I don’t have. Where I did go wrong was…
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…
I’ve always loved The Parable of the Sower. The Holy Spirit seems to be speaking through it so powerfully. At least, that’s my experience. It opens our eyes to see what hinders our spiritual growth and what helps us to grow into maturity. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow…
‘You are worth it’, says a commercial to get you to buy a product. The number one way to get into debt is to think you deserve to have certain things. Don’t try to buy your worth. You are worthy just because you are made by God Almighty. You worthiness comes from the Lord. There’s nothing you can buy or do that would make you worthy of God but his grace. But his grace is all you ever need to…
Today I am in awe of God once again. I just realized God does not rely on me. What a relief! He knows me and my abilities…and how much I am lacking. Instead, God relies on grace. And so should I do too. Too often we try to rely on ourselves on everything, even when there’s no way we could ever deliver. We get stressed out and all the joy disappears from our life. It’s especially sad if we rely on ourselves…
How does your perfect day start? What do you need to get your day going well? Coffee and a newspaper? A cup of tea and little time for yourself? Or do you crave for some time with the Lord? I love starting my day with some quiet time with God (but I do understand that some people prefer to do it in the evening or some other time of the day). It readjusts my attitude, fills my heart with hope and…
It is amazing how God is fully present – through his Holy Spirit – in our lives. It is a mystery and a wonder and we can’t really fully understand it yet. Nonetheless, it is true. If you have not experienced it yet, ask for it. Ask God to come into your life so clearly that you can see it and feel it. Christ came to be with us and now the Holy Spirit continues to do that. God is…
Are you afraid of the future? You don’t have to be. Of course, it’s easier said than lived out but I truly believe it and try to live according to that belief too. Certainly, the future is scary if we face it all alone. But if we live our lives with God, there is nothing to be afraid of. Here are some verses and thoughts for a fear-free future. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope…
My last speaking engagement for this spring was last Thursday and when I got into my car I spontaneously started singing a traditional summer hymn. The hymn usually marks the beginning of summer for us. Maybe I just turned off my brain or something because I forgot to blog last Friday. I’ve been blogging for years now and never before missed a post when scheduled. Interestingly, I did not even notice it until I started to write today’s post. Friends,…
The world news seems to be getting more horrific all the time. Suicide bombers, kidnappings, massacres, wars, murders, accidents. It all feels terrible, it’s easy to get discouraged. How can we go on like this, we ask. How can we continue to enjoy living when the world is full of tears and heartbreak? But don’t we then forget this is not all there is? Don’t we forget why Jesus came into the world? The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on…
