What is the most important connection you can make in your lifetime? Social networking has its place and it’s great to have friends. You can be on the top of the world of connections but if you haven’t made the most important connection, you don’t have anything. What could this be? It’s certainly possible to say, “Other branches were pruned so that I could be grafted in!” Well and good. But they were pruned because they were deadwood, no longer…
Do you feel inadequate? Are you afraid you are not enough, not even to God? Do you feel you lack what it takes to make it? Don’t worry. I have great news for you feeling inadequate. You see, you have everything you need in Jesus. You are enough. God made you and he does not make mistakes. You see, God loves you. There’s no buts about it. He loves you and he always will. His loves is not conditional on your…
Are you afraid of the future? I hear you, the world seems to becoming all the time crazier. Or do you feel you have you lost your way? Don’t worry, finding the safe way to the future is easier than you think. Jesus guides us this way: “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a…
It was wonderful to soak in God’s goodness during the celebration of Christ’s birth, wasn’t it? But what now? How are we to go about our lives with this knowledge? How can we bring the joy of the Lord into our everyday lives? That’s the question, isn’t it? How can we hold onto God’s goodness as the festivities end? Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your…
How did you react to the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2 this year? Isn’t it amazing how it captures our hearts every time we hear it? Why does it move us year after year? You know, most stories do get boring. But the Christmas story is not just any story. The Christmas story is not just any story We are all familiar with the story line yet we never get tired of hearing the Christmas story. Because…
What do you think? Why did God choose shepherds to be the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus? We all can give a reason or two why we think God did it. But few days ago I read a great column (in Finnish) by Rev. Dr. Eero Junkkaala who gave five possible reasons why God chose shepherds. I found them inspiring. Hence I want to share them briefly with you. Hopefully, they can give you a new way to look at…
How does being alive forevermore sound like? I was thrilled to read the word combination in the Bible a couple of days ago. Ever since I’ve been thinking about the awesomeness of it. And how totally dependent we are on Jesus to make it happen. You see, there is no way we can make ourselves alive forevermore. Well, we can’t even make us alive. We can’t take a single breath without God. Human beings are just that: human beings and…
As we are fast approaching Christmas I wanted to share with you this amazing video of the first Christmas. The reason of the season is not family nor friends. It’s not gifts, it’s not food, it’s not having jolly good time. They’re all most wonderful blessings but they’re nothing compared to the birth of Christ. Because that changed history. That changed my life and yours if you let it happen. Hallelujah – Written by Leonard Cohen & performed by Cloverton. Video…
Did you know that you have a place in God’s plans? Yes, God is calling you to enter deeper into his grace. God is calling you into a full partnership with him. How do I know this? The Bible tells me so. God is calling every follower of Christ – not just pastors – to make disciples and serve the body of Christ. What could it mean to you to live and work in partnership with God? Malcolm Smith has…
Do you know how to find your sweet spot in Jesus? You know, this is crucial for spiritual well-being. Only when we abide in Jesus, we are growing in grace and freedom. Religion does not make us happy but knowing and enjoying the heart of God does. People try to find their sweet spots in different places. But only making our sweet spot in Jesus makes a difference in our lives. That’s because Jesus gives life upon life and grace…
