Silent Time

What do you think of God? Is he only a remote God? Is he only a kind God? He is both, present in the most remote places filling the universe, but also close to each and every human soul. He is both, kind, but also holy. And in his kindness he wants to draw us away from evil behavior. By the time of the prophets, God repeatedly gave warnings to the people to turn away from their evil ways, else the...

As we all know, in this world there is a lot of wrongdoing and evil going on. On a big scale, the leaders misuse their power and influence, but also among the ordinary people, in the families, organizations and communities, a lot of slander, injustice and gossip among a lot of other wrongs and sins. By right we all would be subject to eternal punishment, but praise the almighty Lord that in his me...

There might be plenty of opportunities throughout life to use wrong ways to the disadvantage of others, that are against the laws, standards and morals. One might for example not tell the truth and lie here and there. Another one might steel not only others' possessions, but possibly in a more subtle way also their time and other resources. Yet another one might be involved in corruption or other...

As humans we are used to the concept that there are borders and limitations. There are borders of countries, for example, and there are limitations to our competences of what we can do and achieve. So it sounds like a too big task when Jesus instructs us to go into all the world, after all, there are indeed certain limits and there are only few preachers. And many people are not interested in the...

What do you primarily aim for? Only your own short term benefit?

Good results come to those who continue the good routines. For example new year resolutions are easily made and pursued for a few days, but good results come to those who continue throughout the year, for example to excercise in order to keep the body fit and healthy. Which are the things that God wants you to do? What are the negative things that you should stop doing? And what are the positive t...

What would you like to do at all times?

Have you ever wondered who will truly guide you through life’s uncertainties, not just for a season but forever? In a world full of shifting advice and changing circumstances, the Bible points to a guide who is unchanging and trustworthy for all generations. The psalmist is not just celebrating God’s protection over Jerusalem, but inviting you to trust that God’s guidance is not limited to the pas...

Over the last couple of days, weeks and months, what have been your biggest worries? And how have you tried to solve them? Whether alone or with others, have you involved the almighty God, the creator of the universe? Psalm 147: Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. He renews our hopes and heals our bodies. ... He always listens to our prayers and knows wha...

Who is your best friend? Do you have someone to consult in the various questions that come up during walking through life? It is very valuable to have a trustworthy companion. Give thanks to the Lord, if you have reliable persons as friends or in the family, who have good intentions, and with whom you can discuss personal matters. And it also means, we are called to be ourselves good friends towar...

What do you value higher and give priority to in life - to always get your own maximum benefit or to be at peace? The Bible tells us to seek peace and to pursue it.

How do some people, even in the midst of struggles, live with a sense of purpose and hope? Considering all the bad news in the world, the injustice and trouble, many other people fall in despair or get aggressive, others drift into addictions or get on other bad ways. But how do some manage to keep a sense of purpose and hope? It is more than positive thinking. The Bible reveals that as a believer...

Does God only care for certain matters and selected people?  We may not be able to imagine that God takes care of all matters of all people and even for each animal as well, because as humans we can only focus at a certain number of things at a time, but God as the almighty creator takes care for all, the bible tells us that God cares for all people, no matter what background or origin or circumst...

People have different interests depending on life's circumstances and also depending on the age and other factors. One is mainly interested in playing games, another loves to spend time gardening, another one pursues his business, another is active in the stock market, others go hiking or join festivals, events and parties. To where do you turn your heart?  The psalmist prays: Psalm 119 [36]. If w...

What do you do, when you have eaten?  Only very few people remember to give thanks to the Lord, for the food and for everything else. Yet, that perfectly makes sense, because God puts it all in a bigger context. If we do not give thanks, then it was just a consumption of something that happended to be there. But by giving thanks and praise to the Lord, we put it into a bigger context: the almighty...

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that seemed hopeless? Whether deserved or not, times in jail can be desperate, whether literally in prison or in a transferred sense. But the Bible offers powerful examples of how God's presence can transform even the darkest circumstances. In Genesis 39 [20 - 23] we read about Joseph's unjust imprisonment. Despite his dire circumstances, Joseph experience...

Have you ever felt that God has turned away from you in times of need? Throughout history people in the end got blessed, who were longing for God's presence and relying on his goodness, despite having to go through temporary difficulties. In Isaiah 63 [15 - 16] God's people cried out, "Lord, look upon us from heaven, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where is your great concern for us? Where...

For everything there is a season, for joy and for sadness, a time to be quiet and and time to speak out. For everything there is an appropriate time appointed by the Lord, Ecclesiastes 3 [1 - 7] For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to c...

Despite all the cultural differences between regions and countries, as well as between the past and today, one thing we have in common: everyone needs to eat and drink to nourish the body. Some suffer scarcity being locked in hold captive. Others have more than enough in abundance. Praise the Lord and give thanks every time you have a meal to enjoy. And yet, food and drink will ultimately not be t...

It can be terrible to be left alone. In ordinary life it can be hard to be left alone, and how much more in serious crises and difficult situations. People may leave us behind. And sometimes it might even feel as if even God left us alone. But God never leaves us. For example the psalmist prayed in Psalm 33 [22]: I was terrified and thought, “They've chased me far away from you!” But you answered...

Who cares for you? Do you have anyone who cares about and for you? Praise the Lord, if you are blessed with caring persons such as among family and friends, who care and provide for you, who intercede and support. But even if you feel totally alone, as if no one would care at all, still, there is a strong provider, the Lord himself. He does not simply fulfill all our wishes, often we have to wait...

This life here on earth alone has a lot of questions. And beyond that the question may be asked: Will everyone enter heaven? Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to be his follower will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do God's will, for example in the gospel to Matthew 7 [21]: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does...

What do you hold on to, that you should let go? It might be to give up unhealthy habits such as smoking. Or to turn off the TV on time in order to get sufficient sleep. Or to stop using abusive language that takes energy from family members, friends and colleagues and rather taking own responsibility for one's life and happiness. Or it might be to give back something stolen. Or simply to stop bein...

When driving a conventional vehicle, it is important to be concentrated. Have you ever been in critical situations of driving while being sleepy? Like a driver of a small older car who was tired but nevertheless driving on the highway with high speed and without noticing it he fell asleep for a short moment. When he opened the eyes, his car was very close to a huge truck, an extremely dangerous si...

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty, wondering how you could possibly face what lies ahead? Throughout all kinds of situations, God encourages you to remain calm and trust in His promises, even when the world around you seems threatening. In Isaiah 7 [4], God sends a message through the prophet Isaiah to a fearful king: “Tell him to stop worrying. Tell him he does no...