I don’t know about you but I want to follow Jesus. It should be straightforward, right? But somehow we have made it complicated. Following Jesus means we want to become like him. So being more Christlike is our goal. But how do we put all our efforts into becoming the better version of ourselves instead of becoming more like him? Well, my friend. That’s the question. In the words of Bob Goff “Our problem with following Jesus is we’re trying…
Today I want to remind us living in fear is optional for children of God. Sometimes we think there is no choice available. But there is in Jesus. So do not live under the privileges of God’s children. When we are in Christ, we are not slaves, we are heirs of God Almighty. And that does change everything. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your…
When you walk with Jesus, you can’t hide your inner joy even though the world around you might not recognize the source of your strength, peace, and joy. If people are happy with superficial living, and just splashing on the surface, they will never find the treasures of deep grace diving. That’s a shame, don’t you think? Mainly because they can never find the pearl of deep-sea, Jesus. If you keep my commands, you will live in my love, just…
Very often I am asked how to live faith out in everyday life. It’s a great question, don’t you think? If you do know how to live faith out, faith is not just great theology, it’s a fulfilling way of life. And that’s what we all want, right? I’ve always thought the answer to this question is somewhat hard to explain but then I read from Ephesians how Paul explains it in two verses: In conclusion, be strong in the…
Do you know why people are turning their backs to God? I have a hard time figuring this out. You see, to me, God is alive and powerful. I am constantly in awe of how he moves in our lives, how he loves us. For me, God is the source of all worth having. Hence he is the last thing I would let go of. Faith is a gift from God and it is offered to everyone. But God does…
Do you need a reminder of God’s goodwill toward you (and mankind)? Keep on reading! The Bible is full of good news but today I want to share some verses from the third chapter of the Acts. It proclaims God wants to bless you. And it reminds us of what a gift faith really is. And how faith truly is all about grace. You see, even all the good we ever do is empowered by grace and God’s goodness. Just…
Easter season, the time between Easter Sunday and Pentecost feels particularly holy. This year I’ve been especially in awe of Jesus’ resurrection. Somehow it has permeated every inch of my soul and I am left in awe. Friends, Jesus has risen! Truly risen from death. We have the risen Christ in our midst, how amazing is that. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another…
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…
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…
