Do you know why we try so hard to hide our wounds? It almost feels like being vulnerable and real would be the end of the world. Like the real life would be only reserved for beautiful, perfect and unbroken. But that’s so, so wrong. First of all, there’s beauty in brokenness. Second of all, blessings come through wounds. Not by avoiding or hiding them. But by embracing them. Really. He was pierced because of our rebellions and crushed because…
Do you know that you convey a message of eternal life or death without saying a word? I know, quite a responsibility. But our part is just to cling to Jesus. He takes care of the rest. How does that happen? Let’s find out. In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ,…
What do you think is the goal of spiritual growth? Is it mastering spiritual practices? Or something much simpler? Your answer to this question tells the health of your spiritual life. Sometimes we do get carried away with our own plans. Hopefully this post can remind you of what matters most and direct you back to the very center of Christian faith. No matter how well we fast, how spiritually mature we are…it’s still God alone who saves. God alone…
I’ve always loved the Finnish flag – a blue cross on white – because it so boldly states our faith in the risen Christ. But I also love the Irish shamrock. According to St. Patrick’s Day lore, Patrick used the three leaves of a shamrock to explain the Christian holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. How wonderful to embrace the central part of Christian faith as your very own. Go then and make disciples of all…
Life does not have to be same old, same old over and over again. Your past can be buried and you can start anew and stop repeating the same old, same old over and over again. But if the wicked turn away from all the sins that they have committed, keep all my regulations, and act justly and responsibly, they will surely live and not die. (Ezekiel 18:21, CEB) Your future does not depend on your past but on the…
One of the really great things about Christianity is that God does not force us to do anything. God invites us and waits for willing hearts to follow his leading. How is your heart doing? Are you willinghearted? I’d like to say yes. I desire to say yes. But when I read these words of Jesus I am left wondering: Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it…
Are you satisfied with your walk with Christ? Or do you long for more? Do you want to rekindle your faith? To be more like Christ? To experience more of God’s presence in your life? Good for you. Time for spiritual renewal is here: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (today). Lent is an opportunity to imitate Jesus as he fasted forty days in the desert. Lent is an opportunity to make room for God in our lives and get closer…
You know that faith is a gift from God. You can’t earn it, you can just receive it. Just as spiritual gifts in general, also faith is inspired and brought to pass by one and the same Holy Spirit. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when. (1 Cor. 12:11, MSG) If you have had the pleasure to receive the gift of…
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Finland as Friends’ Day. In some ways I think it captures the heart of Valentine’s Day even better when it does not exclude all but romantic love. And having friends is one of the best things in life, don’t you think? So worth of celebrating. But just think what it would be like to be friends with Jesus? And the best news is that’s exactly what Jesus wants to be with us. You are My…
Do you have any idea how much God cares for you? Because God’s love for you is boundless. God went to great lengths to make a way for us to get back to him. But even that’s not all. God wants to care for you right now, right where you are. God cares for you more than you ever know. No matter what you’ve done or left undone. You are loved. I waited a long time for the Eternal; He…
