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…
The million dollar question in today’s chaotic lifestyle is how you can have peace and quiet despite all odds. How about you? Do you know how to have peace beyond understanding? If you do, you are blessed beyond measure. Here are two Bible verses to lead you in the right direction: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7, NIV,*) The fruit of that righteousness will be…
I love grace. Undeserved love towards us cleansing us from all unrighteousness….what’s not to like, right? But here are three reasons why I love grace on the top of its saving quality. Because there’s no way around it: God’s grace saves sinners. There’s nothing better in my book. But there are, at least, three other qualities of grace that needs to be mentioned. Grace is so amazingly wonderful that we can’t figure it out. It is beyond reason. How can…
Sometimes you hear someone mention they’ll return to God when they get their act together. That makes me sad because they’ve misunderstood the process so badly. It’s not our job to put our act together on our own. We need Jesus for that. But Jesus is more than happy to help us out. Anytime. Anywhere. With the words of Oswald Chambers “If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He does not ask you to put…
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…
Do you know the deep secret of joy? It has nothing to do with the entertainment industry but it has everything to do with Jesus. Because, you know, nothing but Jesus can give us freedom from all the ugliness in our lives. And that’s not even all. Jesus can save us from eternal separation from the ultimate goodness. Martin Luther explains the deep secret of joy very well: The heart overflows with gladness, and leaps and dances for the joy…
This Advent season I hope you’re not running around like crazy. You know, abundant life is not found in shopping extravaganzas or perfect decorations. Spending money will not bring your peace or happiness. You get bankruptcy and hollowness instead. Because you become what you embrace. If you go after false idols, you become false. They despised his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and the warnings which he gave them. They went after false idols, and…
Getting ready for Christmas is not about finishing your shopping lists. It’s not about cleaning your house or preparing scrumptious meals. It’s not about getting the Christmas cards out on time. It’s not about trimming your tree beautifully or decorating your house festively. It’s entirely something else. All these other things can be fun but the one thing that really makes or breaks our Christmas is our heart condition: Do we love Jesus more than anything? Jesus: Simon, son of…
Many people count their blessings. I do too. I offer thanks for them in my evening prayer. Then I move onto my concerns and petitions. Then I do something that brings me peace and lots of hope. What could that be? Being peaceful and hope-filled is the best way to fall asleep, don’ t you think? I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a…
