Silent Time

Whom do you admire? People of all times have admired the famous people, those that have special abilities, extraordinary skills. A lot of things change over the centuries, and it looks as if the change is getting faster and faster. But some things remain. The one who deserves the highest admiration, he also remains. 

What characteristics does a good relationship have between a mentor and a mentee, between parents and their children, between a good teacher and eager students willing to learn? They know each other. They trust each other. And we can learn much more from Psalm 23.

A good government will do a lot for the citizens. And even more, good parents will do a lot for their children, who in such a sense enjoy special privileges. These pictures are weak compared to what God does for his people. And everybody is invited to join and to enjoy those special privileges.

What is your philosophy of life? Do you only believe in yourself and in the things that you have under control, your own accomplishments?

What do we do amongst all the challenges, difficulties and threats in the world? What do we do if we have too many tasks but not enough time to do it all?

Whom would you like to talk to most? To a famous person, a president or a minister? To other authorities or influential persons? Or would you like to get into a conversation with a person whom you have fallen in love with but did not have a chance to tell yet?

Amidst all the challenges, darkness and difficulties that surround us – is it possible to have a deep inner joy in the heart? In order to elaborate on that question, in our modern times there are many kinds of teachings and seminars, some of them are very expensive. What really counts and gives us true joy cannot be paid for by money. True hope and a fulfilled life can be found in the Good News.

Who gets favor from whom?

Can we bring our requests to God? Does God have time for our small daily needs? Is God not busy with other things? Jesus was on his way, yet he stopped for a beggar along the road. God cares for every individual soul. He listens to all of us, no matter how big or small our requests are.

God gives us many opportunities to turn to him all throughout our life, in fact continuously every minute as long as we live we have that great undeserved offer of his mercy. All too many times we have other priorities, we reject that opportunity and instead keep us busy with other kinds of things. How do you decide today?

How much hatred and aggression is there in the world? By the time of Jesus, the soldiers made a crown of thorns. Yet bigger than all the hatred and aggression of people is the mercy of God.

"If only ..." - do you use that phase? Going the way from “if only …” towards “readily available, all done” leads us from unrest towards peace. We can find that in Jesus.

Triumphant in rejection. Triumphant despite all rejection. The good news has been rejected throughout history. Yet there is reason for triumph – the major victory has already been won.

The good old times anew. Did you walk closely with the Lord when you were younger? Many people once had a heart on fire for the Lord but later other priorities came up in life. God calls us back any time and offers his blessing for our lives. Whatever we have done, wherever we are. He always invites us.

What goes often hand in hand with the help of God? It may sound like a contradiction, but often the help of God goes hand in hand with trouble. If we want to visit a remote country, we have to accept that the weather conditions there might be different to the climate at home.

Does the church need to create a truth for each era? Adjusted to the ages and generations? The opposite is true: since there is an eternal truth from God, that is why the church exists. For the longterm stability, the foundation is more important than the top of the roof.

"I, me and myself". This expression is at times used in a funny way.

Are you a generous person?

A good type of fear – is that a contradiction? Or what is it?

How much do you know about farming? Are you actively involved in operating a farm? Or maybe on a smaller scale taking care of garden with a few plants? Or maybe not at all. But one thing is clear and everybody will understand it: when it is the right time to harvest, then we shall use it to bring in the goods. Because there is a good season to harvest, but once it is over, the crops might be spoil...

Love or revenge?

The sword is sharpened. Frightening words. We may not want to listen at first. But warnings can also have a positive effect and help us.

Do you give thanks?

Who are wicked people?

What is common knowledge and what is not well known to the majority of people? We would expect that the Good News – the best news – is well known amongst humanity. Sadly, the truth is often turned around so that people are not interested in the freedom that God offers. They even run away from it. The offer is available to everybody: we are called to freedom.