Have you ever made huge plans and been so excited about everything? But then your plans have unexpectedly come crashing down? I’ve been there, done that. At that moment, it feels like the end of the world. But just like the scripture says: Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word (Proverbs 16: 1, MSG,*). It might sound a bit cruel but it isn’t. God’s purpose is not to crash our plans but give us something better. Let’s continue…
Do you know how to get to know God? Do you know how to take care of yourself? How does these two questions tie together? In a very organic way. We can’t know ourselves without knowing God first. We can’t be well if we are not made right with God. We are not flourishing if we do not know God’s will in our life. With the words of J.I Packer: “What were we made for? To know God. What aim…
Are you fully convinced that Christ is risen and lives and cares for you? Do you trust God will do what he has promised? Or are you tired of waiting for God to answer your prayers? This is why I am utterly thankful for the Bible stories, heroes of faith that leads the way for us. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully…
Spring is here. I especially love how there is more and more light. It does invigorate us – at least me – so much. But there is a problem. You see, here in Finland we get light around the clock in summer time. Yes, it is wild. Yes, it is wonderful. But. It is hard to sleep when it’s so bright all the time. So what do I do? I block the sunlight out. Then it’s nice and dark and…
How do you start your day? Do you have some routines that are always the same? How long do you go until you greet God each day? You answer defines the robustness of your faith. Really. Either you lean on God or on your own strength. Either you live for God or for yourself. Either you put God first or yourself. In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for…
Today I want to concentrate on the awesomeness of the Lord. I want everyone to soak in God’s abundant grace for the two last weeks before Easter. I want each and everyone of us to be fully motivated to keep on surrendering to God. Because it is what ultimately makes us happy. Because it is what ultimately is best for us. Because it is what brings life and more life forever more. Don’t take my word on it, the Bible…
Did you know that the first half of the lent is already over? Less than 20 days for Easter! Let’s continue to ready our hearts, minds, and souls for Jesus. Today I want to talk about something we very easily want to forget or, at least, downplay its importance in a life of a Christian. But the Bible does not want us to forget. If we want to mature in our faith, we need to be done with every trace…
It seems like this same old problem has been around since forever: people want to be like everyone else. The root cause for disobedience is the desire to be accepted and admired by others. Just like the Israelites were hoping to be like the other nations. “‘What you’re secretly thinking is never going to happen. You’re thinking, “We’re going to be like everybody else, just like the other nations. We’re going to worship gods we can make and control.” (Ezekiel…
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…
