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Tag: growing in grace

Promises in Bud

Promises in Bud

We all want to grow in our faith. But sometimes it feels like nothing is happening. Rest assured, when you stick to Jesus, the Holy Spirit keeps on working on you and you are maturing no matter how you feel. You see, it really is the work of Christ in you. But, yeah, reading the Bible and all the demands God lays on us can be daunting. Yet I have an encouraging word for you today. When in Christ, all…

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Undeserved Grace

Undeserved Grace

At first sight, this text has nothing to do with undeserved grace or does it? I was astonied by this year’s (B) lectionary reading. Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging…

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Redeemed Life

Redeemed Life

I have a question for you. What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Is your life somehow different? I hope so. Why would you otherwise claim to be a Christian if not for a redeemed life, right? William Wilberforce has said “It makes no sense to take the name of Christian and not cling to Christ. Jesus is not some magic charm to wear like a piece of jewelry we think will give us good luck. He…

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Searching for Significance

Searching for Significance

Have you been searching for significance all your life and have still not found it? Let’s remedy that right now. You see, the problem might be that you’ve been searching for significance in the wrong places. You might seek recognition by doing everything you can think of – and then some – yet you never get it. Don’t get me wrong, you might be a world-known scientist or an all-star athlete, yet you might still be searching for significance. Because…

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The Beauty of Surrender

The Beauty of Surrender

Isn’t it interesting how everything in Christian life starts with surrender? The word and the thing we all hate until we learn the beauty of it. Let me explain. The beauty of surrender is real. It leads us from dark disasters into light and love. Sure, we are saved by grace but it doesn’t happen without surrendering our hearts to Jesus. Also, all the growth in grace and wisdom happens through surrender. The Christian life is all about surrender. God…

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Discarding My Own Glory

Discarding My Own Glory

Many of you know that I’ve been tweeting Christian quotes for almost a decade now. So I don’t come across a new quote every day, especially older ones. But a couple of days ago I found this Jean (John) Calvin quote that felt, first of all, new to me and, second of all, touching. Somehow, Jean Calvin summed up Christian faith only in few well-selected words, which is remarkable of course. But mostly I was in awe of its ability…

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Discipleship Is an Invitation for More

Discipleship Is an Invitation for More

Discipleship doesn’t make us giddy, does it? Rather it is something we see as boring or tiresome, something we are not too keen on doing. It reminds us of kitchen privilege or chores we’d rather not be doing. But discipleship is not a chore, it’s an invitation to get to know our Maker better. Discipleship is an invitation for more. It’s a start of the lifelong process of becoming like Jesus. How come it’s not a chore then, making yourself…

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Loving Jesus More than Anything

Loving Jesus More than Anything

I love Jesus. How could I not, right? He died for me and gave me a chance to be made right with God. Loving Jesus is a no-brainer to me. How about you? It gets tough when we are told in the Bible to love God and Jesus above all. More than ourselves. Even more than our kids. And even more than life itself. Ouch. Loving Jesus more than anything does not come naturally to us. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord…

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Fasting and Feasting

Fasting and Feasting

The first day of Lent and Valentine’s Day do not collide that often. It creates an interesting situation this year. Valentine’s Day is full of chocolate and feasting. Ash Wednesday invites us to repentance and fasting. How can we combine Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, fasting and feasting? Or do we need to choose one over other? Let’s find out. Fasting and Feasting Both fasting and feasting are part of Christian life. There is time for both. But the question…

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Life Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Life Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Inspiration is a wonderful thing. Without it, any creative work would be nearly impossible. My ultimate inspiration comes from the Lord. Like James Stalker has said, “How poor a guide enthusiasm is when it is not informed with the mind and spirit of God.” We need the Holy Spirit to guide us and inspire us. Hence, my agent of inspiration is the Holy Spirit who breathes life into me and through me. Without him, any spiritual life would be impossible….

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