Is sharing part of your life? Or is it something you put off for later? Or do you think sharing is overrated? If you’re a Christian, sharing is not optional. We are called to share what we’ve received with others. Whether it is the Good News of Jesus Christ or our time or some resources we have. Sharing is caring. And that’s a distinctive feature of Christian living. If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his…
What has been on your mind lately? What (or who) is the center of your attention these days? Is it a new car or ? marriage troubles? Or lack of a dating partner or job opportunities? Or are you very excited about new travels or hobbies? Your answer tells a lot about you. These questions lead you the very things on which your life centers. The answers will tell you where your treasure is. “Do not store up for yourselves…
I just love this time of the year. The days are getting longer and soon we need – even here way up north – some sunglasses to protect us from the bright rays of the sun. Have you ever heard of spiritual shades? I hadn’t either. But, believe me, spiritual shades make sense in more ways than one. You see, just this morning I was discussing with my children about mirrored sunglasses. Our discussion started when my son said that…
The quickest way to unhappiness is the road the world thinks leads to happiness. Really. We tend to think if we only could satisfy our every whim and want we’d be happy. But we could not be further from the truth. When we focus on earthly and temporal things, we lose track of what really matters. Only when we focus on Jesus, we achieve what we were looking for from the beginning. For there are many, of whom I have…
Are you planning to do some spring cleaning? How about some spiritual spring cleaning too? Before you start, I have a spiritual cleaning tip for you that will hopefully save you some time and effort. Wash me completely clean of my guilt; purify me from my sin! (Psalm 51:2, CEB) First of all, forget about any quick-fix cleaning. That does not fix the real problem, it just hides it for awhile. Instead, put the best spiritual cleaning tip into practice:…
I’ve always thought abiding in Christ is the most important task of a Christian. Everything else just details. Jesus himself invites us to remain in him, to linger in the presence of God. What could that mean in real life? Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:4, NIV) The Greek word used here…
Do you use your time wisely? That’s my prayer every morning. I say ‘Good morning’ to God and surrender myself and my time to him and ask him to guide me and enable me to use my time wisely. It’s not that easy on our own, you know. Sometimes using your time wisely is doing nothing at all. Let me explain. Managing your time effectively is not necessary the same thing as using your time wisely. I find it helpful…
Are you striving to perfect your faith? I have news for you. That’s not your job. That’s the job for Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of faith, not you. Sure, there are still things for you to do: You are called to run with endurance and active persistence. Your task is to abide fully in Jesus, not to strive to perfect your faith on your own. You are called to focus on Jesus and let him deal with…
Mercy will make your day. Nothing else will do. But mercy delivers, day after day. And so does this fresh, upcoming singer Ida Elina. She has a totally unique way to play her kantele, inspired by the gospel music and the slap-guitar players. And when you mix it with her amazing voice and most compelling words, you get a wow experience. Don’t miss it. It will make your day. And it will remind you of mercy, that five-letter word that…
How has the new year treated you so far? Do you have particular plans? Do you know the makings of a great year? If you do, then it’s easier to make it happen, don’t you think? So let’s see what are the makings of a good year. It shouldn’t be that complicated, should it? And it’s not, believe me. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being…
