Silent Time

Whether we are aware of it or not, to a certain degree we all seek power and influence. We enjoy being in a better or higher position than others. Too many times we have an exalted opinion of ourselves. It means by our human nature, we tend to look down on others. But that is not the major direction of view that we are called to pursue. God - as the highest being, the creator of the universe - he...

We try to avoid the topic. We prefer not to think about it, not to talk about it. We keep ourselves busy with other topics. We literally talk about “killing the time”. Yet it is one of the few things in the future, that is 100% sure. We do not need to worry about the end of life. Rather, let’s make the best of the time we have. Let’s spend time wisely on what is really important in life. Carpe die...

Many people with a bad reputation came and listened to Jesus. The religious elites grumbled “this man welcomes sinners and even eats with them”. What do you think about that? We all tend to categorize people by their reputation and status. But let’s be aware – God uses other standards. While we can only see what is on the surface, God looks much deeper into the hearts.

“You shall not murder” – a commandment which is very well known. It is a matter of common sense among the sane community. Even people who have nothing to do with religion will agree. Beyond the literal meaning, we are also called to bless – not curse – others. To help – not to take advantage. To build up our as well as other person’s lives – not to tear down. What do you do with that?

The good news brings joy! What brings the word “gospel” to your mind? Sadness and grieving? For sure life provides plenty of hardships. Yet the ultimate message of victory is filled with joy, true hope and peace. Let’s pray that God may guide and protect us throughout all the negative things that burden us.

What are currently your biggest burdens and worries? Is it to have enough for life? How to pay all the bills? Or health issues? Or persecution? Let us every day lift up our eyes to the Lord! Praise the Lord for his good deeds. He carries the biggest burdens and saves us. He helps us to carry our burdens. All things work together for good for those, who love God.

Nothing is too hard for God. Do you believe that? He may not answer all our prayers immediately. He may not fulfil all our wishes. But he has all the power. And he knows, what is best for us. Nothing is too hard for God to do, neither in the physical world nor in the spiritual world. He offers us his strength.

In a world full of darkness, there is a light. That light is so bright, that it lightens up all kinds of darkness. There are various kinds of darkness. For many people it is not so obvious, on the surface, life seems to be ok and successful, e.g. the career is going well, yet there are so often inner problems, anxieties about the future, persecution, diseases, guilt and all kinds of negative thing...

Many people think of God as a “big brother watching”, who only looks out whether we do something wrong in order to punish us. But it is not like that. God is full of love and mercy. He wants to help us and to give us fulfilled lives. In all situations of life, we can involve God into our lives. Even with the things that we have done wrong, we can turn to the Lord. He wants to forgive us and enable...

We pray in the Lord’s prayer “Your kingdom may come”. But - what does it mean? For one for sure, that God may establish his eternal kingdom and may let us participate. But it is also significant for our lifes here on earth: That God may establish his kingdom of kindness, goodness, forgiveness and grace, in which people help and bless each other instead of destroying and harming each other. The mus...

How much value do you assign to the word of the Lord? Is it just one among many other topics in life? Some people spend huge amounts in seminars. The guidance and instructions of God, which are much more valuable, are available for free.

Of course, with our physical eyes, we can only see the obvious things, we cannot see God with our eyes. But we can experience and feel the actions and results, in the same way as we cannot see the wind, but we can feel its results. We walk by faith, not by sight. Yet, it is not just a vague idea, we have the assurance of God of God himself.

Despite God is holy and almighty, far beyond what we can imagine, yet he sent his son into the world, to be humbled and to suffer on our behalf, in order to set us free, to bring us peace. He has come to save us and has done everything, because he loves us, he brings our sorrows to an end. The son of man came not to be served but to serve. Normally it should be us being hold responsible for our sh...

Many put only themselves into the centre of the mind. Who would instead deserve the honour?

“Peace is there in abundance”. All too many times, the opposite seems to be true: people harm each other, take advantage of each other, and so forth. How can it yet come true?

Do you sometimes need words of comfort and help? Many people will say “I do not need anyone to comfort me. I can handle my life alone.” But do we not all know times of weakness and need?

How many times per day do you use computer, smart phone or similar devices? Nowadays, everything gets faster. What we easily unlearn at the same time, is to be patient. Praise the Lord that God remains patient, no matter our circumstances.

In these modern times, there is so much progress with lots of inventions, innovation in technology is almost exponential. Just think of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, etc… No matter how amazing such developments are, still, let’s be careful not to worship things not even any kind of advanced technology.

If you hear the word “peace” – what do you think about? With whom are you possibly not in peace? Everyone can ask oneself: Do I really want to live in peace with all people? Beyond that, how about peace with oneself? And with God?

Modern medicine offers a lot of opportunities to heal us from sicknesses, to let us recover from illnesses and to make our lives better. Thank God for all those possibilities. Despite the life expectancy increases compared to previous generations, nevertheless, once there will be an end to the natural life. But there is good news, hope and assurance that outweighs all negative thoughts.

It is said that the soul nourishes from what we have joy about. So what are the primary things which you have joy about?

When things go wrong, how do you react? Do you more tend to get aggressive or rather to freeze? In such situations, do you talk to other people or do you prefer to stay alone? Whether it is your own fault or some else’s fault that you have gotten into such a situation of distress, the most useful first action towards recovery is the same.

As we go through the different phases of life, we face different kinds of worries and challenges. For example someone might be worried how to pass the next exam. Someone else might just have lost the job. Yet others are facing serious health issues. And there is persecution and lots of other kinds of trouble. One thing remains throughout all these challenges.

If you think about the last one year or one week, what have been your major driver? What have been your major goals and motivations? And how do you define yourself? From the past alone? It can also be worthwhile to think about the long-term future!

How do you react, if another person has had a success? Do you compare yourself and look down on that person? “He/she was simply lucky…”.