Today I want to remind ourselves of the resurrection reality in the everyday life of Christians. Too often we live like nothing would have changed, like the resurrection of Jesus would not have happened. But it certainly did (even though it does sound crazy, doesn’t it?) and you should live like you believe. And that’s what you want, right? So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not…
One of the core Christian beliefs is God’s omnipotence. We think God can do anything and he has done some amazing things along with the salvation history, right? Indeed. So God is able. But would you also say Jesus is willing to help you? Yeah. God is able but is he willing to help us? That’s the million-dollar question. Do you believe Jesus wants to help you? If you do not believe this, you will shy away from praying. You…
The book of Numbers might not be the most exciting book in the Bible but it served as a mirror for me today. It made me question my habits of complaining. Do I do what Moses did or do I follow the example of the Israelites? I want to know how to complain without sinning. How about you? Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the Lord heard everything they said. (Numbers 11:1, NLT,*) The Israelites were unhappy about…
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…
How do you keep on going when things get tough? When it’d be natural to get depressed, to give in, to let go. That is a million-dollar question, isn’t it? How can we thrive amidst difficulties, when everything seems almost unbearable? Maybe this will help you. At least, I was blessed by reading these verses from the letter to Romans: Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in…
It’s already the end of January yet I have not achieved much this year. Of course, the pandemic keeps shutting everything down and it keeps us close to home. But I don’t think that’s what hinders us. It’s our bland visions and lack of boldness instead. Thankfully we can be inspired by the example of Paul: For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I…
How on earth do I think we could still live with great expectations when the world is distressed for so many reasons? That is a million-dollar question, don’t you think? How can we live hope-filled lives when life as we know seems to be just a memory? Let’s find out the answer. Peter guides us this way: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through…
Epiphany is one of my favorite holy days. The pressure of Christmas celebrations is over, now it is time to join the wise men worshiping Jesus and bringing him the best we have to offer. This calls for some reflection and self-evaluation, don’t you think? It is also great time to plan how we want to spend this new year. How about doing it with the mind of Christ? Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose,…
Are you ready for the New Year? I am, at least, ready to say goodbye to 2020. Good riddance, right? 2020 is a year we won’t forget easily. I had such high hopes for it, yet it was nothing I had hoped for. Yet I am thankful. Because I learned a lot this year, I bet you did too. And, most of all, I am thankful because God is good all the time. The Lord is good,A strength and stronghold in the day of…
Singing Hosanna on the first Advent Sunday is a must. This year, due to Covid-19, I did so at home while virtually attending the service. Nonetheless, it is a powerful experience. It is good to cry for help with the body of Christ. Especially this year, don’t you think? We do need help. Hence our expectations for Jesus are high. Hosanna could be translated as “Please, save us” or “Please, help us”. The crowd welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem was enthusiastic,…
