As I am preparing to teach Christian Ethics starting next week, I have been thinking of holiness a lot. We are called to be holy like our God is holy, right? It is a tall order for human beings but there is no way around it. No one is excused from pursuing perfect holiness. The Bible clearly tells us to be holy over and over. My life experience tells me it’s undoable on my own. I need help. Thankfully, God…
Tone can play a big role in how the words are interpreted. The used tone of voice can even totally change the meaning of the words spoken. This is true also when it comes to the Bible. I had always thought the commandment “Be holy!” was said sternly. But what if it was whispered in love? Then it is an invitation to intimacy with God. That does change everything, doesn’t it? “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to…
Lately, certain Bible verses have become my prayers. Somehow each of these verses encapsulates so well what my heart has been trying to pray for. Thankfully, God hears even our groans. But it is a blessing to find words for the desires of our hearts. So this week I’ve been praying for godly wisdom with the words of James: But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to…
God’s definition of success is pretty much the opposite of the definition we find in a dictionary. The Bible does not urge us to be successful. Instead, we are told to thrive towards faithfulness. Success God is talking about comes from staying in his love. And even this happens not by our own might but by God’s grace. We need to just remember we are loved by God. All else follows. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your…
What’s your take on happiness? Is it overrated or is it something you expect to be? Sometimes Christians think it’s not something we should be. But how could we not if we’ve been right with God? What if happiness is holy? But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. (Psalm 68:3, NIV,*) Happiness is an outward expression of an inner joy. Nothing but Jesus can make us truly joy-filled. Nothing but Jesus…
Would you like to become spiritually mature? I bet you do. I have very good news and very bad news. Let’s tackle the bad first. There are no shortcuts available. There’s no magic pill to take away the spiritual fat. There’s no fast track to skip the long lines of the obedience school. But here’s the very good news: spiritual maturity happens by grace when we stick to Jesus day in, day out. But grow in the grace and knowledge…
Do you like to laugh? Or have you forgotten how? Holiness does not mean cheerlessness. Actually, we are called to be cheerful no matter what. We are called to sing ourselves into God’s presence. We are called to be joyful. Laughter and good cheer are God’s good gifts to us. On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. (Psalm 100:1-2, MSG,*) Laughter is indeed a gift from God. Life without laughter would be dull,…
One of the best things about Christianity is that we are not just saved, made right with God but we are also made whole. Wholeness is something everyone in the world wants. We want to feel complete. We want our lives to be wholesome. We want to be happy, whole, and peaceful. The way to wholeness is available for us in Christ. But only in Christ. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore…
I just love this time of the year. The days are getting longer and soon we need – even here way up north – some sunglasses to protect us from the bright rays of the sun. Have you ever heard of spiritual shades? I hadn’t either. But, believe me, spiritual shades make sense in more ways than one. You see, just this morning I was discussing with my children about mirrored sunglasses. Our discussion started when my son said that…
Lately, I have been contemplating on wholeness. It seems to be the goal for every person on earth. According to Victor Frankl meaninglessness in our lives is a hole, an emptiness, in our lives. Whenever there is a vacuum we rush to fill it with things. We keep on trying one thing after another – shopping, money, work, sex, drugs, entertainment, relationships, hobbies – but nothing fills the hole. But God. Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of…
