this morning I woke up with a certain scripture. After some research, I found it is written in Nehemiah. This is one of the rare situations that I like the German translation better than the English - it says something like "the joy in the Lord (or about the Lord) will give me strength".
So I started to think about what normally brings joy to a human being. It begins very early with birthday parties and Christmas - I think there's nothing like those days when we were little and someone gave us a a gift and it turned out to be something we wished to have for a long time.
I am very sure that this is not the kind of joy the Bible speaks about. Yes, we are happy and motivated for a certain time. I remember when we got games for Christmas, we could play with them all day long - but only for a certain time. And then to play with it got "normal" and wasn't as exciting as in the beginning. So that kind of joy gave some energy, but it was good or used for the subject itself and gone soon enough.
So what does it mean to be joyful in the Lord or feel joy about the Lord? It is a joy that doesn't revolve around my ego or comes from dreams that came true or desires that were fulfilled. It's not the joy about the blessings He gives me (I am thankful for those, though, that's not the point). Summarized, it is not the joy that comes from the things I recieve from God like forgiveness of sin, a holy life, gifts (of the spirit) and blessings. It is pure delight in the fact of knowing Jesus intimately and to only concentrate on Him as a person. I tried this today. Even if it hadn't had the side effect of providing an inner strength I didn't know before, I would like to encourage you to seek Him and get to know Him better! You will find a treasure unknown!
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Decisions Part 2, current example
Last year I had this post about how we have to decide things on a daily basis and how we can do it in a right way as Christians. Ever since I wanted to sit down and put some thoughts up here but I either had not the time (or I didn't take the time for it) or it was so much that I was thinking about and experienced according to that matter, that I didn't know how to sum it up. So I will have this post and probably another, last one, to conclude the topic.
So let me explain my current situation about a decision I think I should take. It's about a relationship to a certain man, let's call him Mr. Smith. He's a colleague and we are good friends. Ten years ago we worked together, now - during the past 7 years - I am at a different place but in the same house and so we still have lunch together every day. Sometimes I feel I should draw back from this friendship because he is married and somehow I know he wants more. He does not take actions to make it clear but now and then he drops certain hints that are definitely suggestive when we are alone... It's probably the old "Harry and Sally" - question (can men and women be just friends?). On the other hand, he really takes care - like: last week I had to have a suspicious mole cut out and he remembered that I had mentioned it a couple days earlier. That day he sent me a text and asked me to let him know if that "mini-surgery" went fine although he was sure that it was not a big deal, he just wanted to know I was well afterwards. When I am not at work he always calls me at home to hear how I am doing.
And yes, that makes me feel good, someone is taking care of my well-being. On the other hand it makes me feel bad because I am obviously taking his attention and he often enough notes that his wife should never know of it. That's the point when I feel like I'd love to run away.
I admit that I always tried to avoid to think about my situation during the last years. But the past two or three weeks it stood out bold and I thought I should take action and "break up" that friendship. First, I just wanted to have it come to an end so that I would feel better according to what I believe is the right thing to do. But the more I pray and study I think I should wait for God in this case.
A week ago I read in a devotional specifically that we should not end friendships just because we feel bad about it. It could cause difficulties that would take years to fix. We should God have take care of it.
Today I read that our obedience always costs something for our neighborhood. We willingly obey Jesus because we love him, but our obedience will cross the plans of those around us and hence will bring up difficulties.
So, what?
Sometimes the Bible doesn't give us an answer on specific things like "you should stop meeting Mr. Smith" but it holds a truth that always shows the same patterns. And this will always help us to take the right decision. Not based on feelings or shady signs we may pray for and/or might interpret into certain situations. We don't believe in signs, but in a living God, don't we?
Joseph fled to escape Potiphar's wife. It caused difficulties (sent him directly into prison). But he obeyed God which definitely crossed her plans. But he had to respond quickly in his situation, she draw him into her bedroom.
Reading the text again I referred to in the first place about not ending a friendship out of our feelings, I see, that it speaks about how God sometimes puts us in a situation that is not clear and we should not fill that empty space with actions that come from our uncomfortable feelings about it. Like Abraham. He was waiting for the promised son, who didn't show up and so he took an action to "help" God.
In my case, there's no chance we will get close to any bedroom and there's no reason for me now to take an action more than ever just because I feel more uncomfortable now than before. Also, usually we are not alone in the same room for more than a couple of minutes.
But I definitely will not allow suggestive talk in the future, which I failed to forbid often enough in the past. Above all, I pray that I will not deny Jesus in any way I behave, as I did by just remaining silent too many times. I already started to change my way of interaction and as a result I didn't get a phone call today (I am sick home)...
So let me explain my current situation about a decision I think I should take. It's about a relationship to a certain man, let's call him Mr. Smith. He's a colleague and we are good friends. Ten years ago we worked together, now - during the past 7 years - I am at a different place but in the same house and so we still have lunch together every day. Sometimes I feel I should draw back from this friendship because he is married and somehow I know he wants more. He does not take actions to make it clear but now and then he drops certain hints that are definitely suggestive when we are alone... It's probably the old "Harry and Sally" - question (can men and women be just friends?). On the other hand, he really takes care - like: last week I had to have a suspicious mole cut out and he remembered that I had mentioned it a couple days earlier. That day he sent me a text and asked me to let him know if that "mini-surgery" went fine although he was sure that it was not a big deal, he just wanted to know I was well afterwards. When I am not at work he always calls me at home to hear how I am doing.
And yes, that makes me feel good, someone is taking care of my well-being. On the other hand it makes me feel bad because I am obviously taking his attention and he often enough notes that his wife should never know of it. That's the point when I feel like I'd love to run away.
I admit that I always tried to avoid to think about my situation during the last years. But the past two or three weeks it stood out bold and I thought I should take action and "break up" that friendship. First, I just wanted to have it come to an end so that I would feel better according to what I believe is the right thing to do. But the more I pray and study I think I should wait for God in this case.
A week ago I read in a devotional specifically that we should not end friendships just because we feel bad about it. It could cause difficulties that would take years to fix. We should God have take care of it.
Today I read that our obedience always costs something for our neighborhood. We willingly obey Jesus because we love him, but our obedience will cross the plans of those around us and hence will bring up difficulties.
So, what?
Sometimes the Bible doesn't give us an answer on specific things like "you should stop meeting Mr. Smith" but it holds a truth that always shows the same patterns. And this will always help us to take the right decision. Not based on feelings or shady signs we may pray for and/or might interpret into certain situations. We don't believe in signs, but in a living God, don't we?
Joseph fled to escape Potiphar's wife. It caused difficulties (sent him directly into prison). But he obeyed God which definitely crossed her plans. But he had to respond quickly in his situation, she draw him into her bedroom.
Reading the text again I referred to in the first place about not ending a friendship out of our feelings, I see, that it speaks about how God sometimes puts us in a situation that is not clear and we should not fill that empty space with actions that come from our uncomfortable feelings about it. Like Abraham. He was waiting for the promised son, who didn't show up and so he took an action to "help" God.
In my case, there's no chance we will get close to any bedroom and there's no reason for me now to take an action more than ever just because I feel more uncomfortable now than before. Also, usually we are not alone in the same room for more than a couple of minutes.
But I definitely will not allow suggestive talk in the future, which I failed to forbid often enough in the past. Above all, I pray that I will not deny Jesus in any way I behave, as I did by just remaining silent too many times. I already started to change my way of interaction and as a result I didn't get a phone call today (I am sick home)...
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Decisions, part 1
From the very first minute of a day when we wake up we decide things. When to get up. What to wear. What to do next. What to fix for lunch. Where to go, where to stay. Whom we meet. What we do when all the daily duties are checked off our list (if we have a list...), what book we read or which show we watch. When we go to bed. Who we chose to be our friends. What job we apply for. Who we marry. This list goes on and on and on.
If we want to live as Christians, we certainly decide some things differently. Our only desire should be to do what God wants us to do. But how can we know what God wants from us in so many specific situations during the day or on an even greater basis?
Over and over again I hear people say it doesn't really matter. We can do whatever we want to do as long as we take responsibility for our actions and God, as a good father, is watching us from a distance enjoying whatever we are doing.
One of the most dangerous quotes in my eyes I read yesterday again while surfing the internet for a certain quote is from John Eldredge. He says something like: "because Jesus died on the cross, he saved us and restored mankind so we can live our glory - as we were meant to be". (quote) I must admit, when I read another book from him a couple years ago this idea he promotes very often sounded great to my ears! I am special! I am someone!! And now I can live MY GLORY!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!
Revolutionary thought!
Last Sunday I watched a sermon about the coronation of two men that and who couldn't be any different. The coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte on one hand. Please read here to see how glorious it was.
An on the other hand - have a guess - the coronation of Jesus Christ, which is, can you believe it, His crucifixion.
What happened during these two ceremonies? The first one did all to have HIS GLORY shine and people, no, the whole world throughout history see it. The second one did not only give up all and died, he did it in the most horrible and shameful manner. For the whole world throughout history to see it.
Old man: self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, self-WHATEVER (aka flesh) on its highest
versus
old man: self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, self-WHATEVER (aka flesh) being killed.
Someone who wanted to live out his own glory
versus
Someone who never did something for His Glory or out of His own decision but "became obedient unto death" (Phil. 2:8) and did not one thing out of Himself (John 5:19).
Can one really assume that Jesus died the most horrible death so that MY GLORY can shine afterwards? I don't think so.
Interesting is, after I had listened to this lesson last Sunday, I read something about Abraham two days later. Abraham wanted to have a son. To have kids or not is a decision to take for many couples. Especially today we can plan and control even birth. But wait! If you look closer, it was not really a decision for Abraham, was it? Sara just didn't get pregnant! For ages! And this, although God had already agreed to Abraham's plan to have a son. Or wait! Maybe it was God's plan for Abraham to have not only a son but ISAAK...? And Abraham decided to have a son, but the result was ISHMAEL. Some would say, it doesn't matter. It's a son anyway.
Did you know that when Abraham had Ishmael God remained silent for 13 years (Genesis 16:16 - 17:1)? Did you know from the time that Ishmael was born there was no peace in Abraham's home and he didn't even care about it? In fact, he prayed "Oh that Ishmael might live before thee" (Genesis 17:18).
So what is the difference between Ishmael and Isaak? And what does that mean for us on a daily basis? I will continue in a following post.
If we want to live as Christians, we certainly decide some things differently. Our only desire should be to do what God wants us to do. But how can we know what God wants from us in so many specific situations during the day or on an even greater basis?
Over and over again I hear people say it doesn't really matter. We can do whatever we want to do as long as we take responsibility for our actions and God, as a good father, is watching us from a distance enjoying whatever we are doing.
One of the most dangerous quotes in my eyes I read yesterday again while surfing the internet for a certain quote is from John Eldredge. He says something like: "because Jesus died on the cross, he saved us and restored mankind so we can live our glory - as we were meant to be". (quote) I must admit, when I read another book from him a couple years ago this idea he promotes very often sounded great to my ears! I am special! I am someone!! And now I can live MY GLORY!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!
Revolutionary thought!
Last Sunday I watched a sermon about the coronation of two men that and who couldn't be any different. The coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte on one hand. Please read here to see how glorious it was.
An on the other hand - have a guess - the coronation of Jesus Christ, which is, can you believe it, His crucifixion.
What happened during these two ceremonies? The first one did all to have HIS GLORY shine and people, no, the whole world throughout history see it. The second one did not only give up all and died, he did it in the most horrible and shameful manner. For the whole world throughout history to see it.
Old man: self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, self-WHATEVER (aka flesh) on its highest
versus
old man: self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, self-WHATEVER (aka flesh) being killed.
Someone who wanted to live out his own glory
versus
Someone who never did something for His Glory or out of His own decision but "became obedient unto death" (Phil. 2:8) and did not one thing out of Himself (John 5:19).
Can one really assume that Jesus died the most horrible death so that MY GLORY can shine afterwards? I don't think so.
Interesting is, after I had listened to this lesson last Sunday, I read something about Abraham two days later. Abraham wanted to have a son. To have kids or not is a decision to take for many couples. Especially today we can plan and control even birth. But wait! If you look closer, it was not really a decision for Abraham, was it? Sara just didn't get pregnant! For ages! And this, although God had already agreed to Abraham's plan to have a son. Or wait! Maybe it was God's plan for Abraham to have not only a son but ISAAK...? And Abraham decided to have a son, but the result was ISHMAEL. Some would say, it doesn't matter. It's a son anyway.
Did you know that when Abraham had Ishmael God remained silent for 13 years (Genesis 16:16 - 17:1)? Did you know from the time that Ishmael was born there was no peace in Abraham's home and he didn't even care about it? In fact, he prayed "Oh that Ishmael might live before thee" (Genesis 17:18).
So what is the difference between Ishmael and Isaak? And what does that mean for us on a daily basis? I will continue in a following post.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Time
There's this saying.
Everyone has the same amount of time. It just depends on what every single one makes out of it.
I admit. Sometimes I am wasting my time.
But something really bothers me and every time I overhear or spot it, it makes my heart ache. Maybe it is "holier-than-thou", arrogant, fundamentalist?
I can't help it: people who are reading books/watching movies that glorify witchcraft like "Harry Potter" are not only wasting their God given time, they worship God's enemy.
Take some time to think about it...
post scriptum:
Jim encouraged me to add verse 14: Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war.and - as this was The Message translation - I will add a probably more familiar one:
Everyone has the same amount of time. It just depends on what every single one makes out of it.
I admit. Sometimes I am wasting my time.
But something really bothers me and every time I overhear or spot it, it makes my heart ache. Maybe it is "holier-than-thou", arrogant, fundamentalist?
I can't help it: people who are reading books/watching movies that glorify witchcraft like "Harry Potter" are not only wasting their God given time, they worship God's enemy.
Take some time to think about it...
Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? (...) Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way:
"I'll live in them, move into them; I'll be their God and they'll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good," says God.
"Don't link up with those who will pollute you.
I want you all for myself.
I'll be a Father to you;
you'll be sons and daughters to me."
2 Cor. 6:15ff
Jim encouraged me to add verse 14: Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war.and - as this was The Message translation - I will add a probably more familiar one:
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Monday, May 2, 2011
coincidence?
Quite a while ago, at least two years, a dear friend shared a short clip that showed her and some others singing a song a capella in a church. I loved it! I am not very familiar with contemporary Christian music - I do know "the Christian songs of old" much better - so I didn't recognize it. Beside this, I was so "into" that song, that I forgot to ask my friend what kind of song it was.
Last year another friend showed me a totally different far-away-from-church song but a special part of the tune reminded me of that first said song.
Yesterday evening I played with my smart phone and the "tune-in" app that comes with all kinds of radio stations, local and internet and I clicked the category "religious" and picked one station without thinking about it. It was WGTS 91.9 FM. I listened to it all evening and started it right away when I got up this morning.
While I was taking a shower I couldn't hear the sound of the music that was still playing in my bedroom and so, suddenly this very tune that I had almost forgotten came back to my mind. I also remembered 3 words of what I thought must be the chorus.
When I got back to my room, the music was still on and I thought, well, this tune sounds familiar! I checked the RDS and exactly those 3 words I just had remembered were on there. VOICE OF TRUTH... if I had known it was from "Casting Crowns"... I still can't believe, that it was playing on an internet radio station from the US right when I remembered it after such a long time!
I searched for it in youtube and found it - and reading the lyrics it was just getting better because it describes exactly how I felt during the last weeks!
Checking the song out more and more I realized that it is also soundtrack to one of my favorite movies, "Facing the Giants".
I love that song!!! With my Lord, I can face the giants and I don't care anymore if they are laughing back at me or not... for His Glory!
Last year another friend showed me a totally different far-away-from-church song but a special part of the tune reminded me of that first said song.
Yesterday evening I played with my smart phone and the "tune-in" app that comes with all kinds of radio stations, local and internet and I clicked the category "religious" and picked one station without thinking about it. It was WGTS 91.9 FM. I listened to it all evening and started it right away when I got up this morning.
While I was taking a shower I couldn't hear the sound of the music that was still playing in my bedroom and so, suddenly this very tune that I had almost forgotten came back to my mind. I also remembered 3 words of what I thought must be the chorus.
When I got back to my room, the music was still on and I thought, well, this tune sounds familiar! I checked the RDS and exactly those 3 words I just had remembered were on there. VOICE OF TRUTH... if I had known it was from "Casting Crowns"... I still can't believe, that it was playing on an internet radio station from the US right when I remembered it after such a long time!
I searched for it in youtube and found it - and reading the lyrics it was just getting better because it describes exactly how I felt during the last weeks!
Checking the song out more and more I realized that it is also soundtrack to one of my favorite movies, "Facing the Giants".
I love that song!!! With my Lord, I can face the giants and I don't care anymore if they are laughing back at me or not... for His Glory!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
attacked!
9 days ago there was a huge attack placed against my thought life, my emotions and my body. I wish I have had the chance to see this video sooner but I am glad that I was not totally beaten during this attack but the situation "helped" to rise that feeling in me that AT ALL COSTS, I want to fight the sin! May I never forget... please take one hour out of the 24 hours that God gave you today and watch the movie. It will certainly save your life.
Eric Ludy - The 38th Parallel from Ellerslie Mission Society on Vimeo.
Eric Ludy - The 38th Parallel from Ellerslie Mission Society on Vimeo.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Martin
Yesterday evening, when I noted down some catchwords in my new Bible Diary, I wrote down 5 names of people I especially want to pray for. One person's name I didn't write down but I had thought of him recently. Every time his name comes to my mind, I also pray for him. It's Martin.
Martin turned 40 years in 2009 (I think) and although he grew up in a let's call it good Christian family as an only child he became a criminal and ended up in prison. I think it was 2 years before he was set free that he had an encounter with Christ and started to read the Bible. He thought his life had changed when he got out of prison in 2008 (or end of 2007, I don't know the exact time) and he also got baptized later. In summer 2010 - he was living in a christian community that time - something happened that made him almost attack a brother in Christ seriously with a sledge. Long story short, he moved out there and during summer last year I just heard about him he had fallen back into his old criminal-ish behavior.
Last Fall (I don't remember if it was October or November) his name came to my mind and I prayed for him. I don't remember if it was the exact night after I prayed or the following, that he called (I think it was 3-ish) to yammer how bad his life is and how bad and unfair people, especially all the Christians, treated him. I offered to have him over so we could go to church the following weekend and he agreed, but I never heard back from him. After 2 weeks I tried to call him several times but he never picked up his phone.
This morning, 2 o'clock, he called again. Same story. He said about himself he is an arrogant a*hole, but it was his character to be like that and nobody would treat him right, especially when he thinks about Acts chapter 2, all the Christians back then shared everything but all the Christians he knows are rich and would never help him and above all, this stupid Eve ate that fruit and caused all the problems in the world and he never wanted to be like that and that's why he actually never had a chance.
Although I am somehow amazed that he called again after I had prayed for him, I have no idea what to do and I need prayer warriors to join me!
At the end of the "conversation" this morning at almost 4.30 a.m, I asked him what I had to expect now, if he would want to come or call again and he said, he doesn't know. Then I asked him not to call again in the middle of the night. Today is Sunday so I can get over the lack of sleep somehow but the first time he called last year was a Thursday night, I think, and of course I had to work that day...
Martin turned 40 years in 2009 (I think) and although he grew up in a let's call it good Christian family as an only child he became a criminal and ended up in prison. I think it was 2 years before he was set free that he had an encounter with Christ and started to read the Bible. He thought his life had changed when he got out of prison in 2008 (or end of 2007, I don't know the exact time) and he also got baptized later. In summer 2010 - he was living in a christian community that time - something happened that made him almost attack a brother in Christ seriously with a sledge. Long story short, he moved out there and during summer last year I just heard about him he had fallen back into his old criminal-ish behavior.
Last Fall (I don't remember if it was October or November) his name came to my mind and I prayed for him. I don't remember if it was the exact night after I prayed or the following, that he called (I think it was 3-ish) to yammer how bad his life is and how bad and unfair people, especially all the Christians, treated him. I offered to have him over so we could go to church the following weekend and he agreed, but I never heard back from him. After 2 weeks I tried to call him several times but he never picked up his phone.
This morning, 2 o'clock, he called again. Same story. He said about himself he is an arrogant a*hole, but it was his character to be like that and nobody would treat him right, especially when he thinks about Acts chapter 2, all the Christians back then shared everything but all the Christians he knows are rich and would never help him and above all, this stupid Eve ate that fruit and caused all the problems in the world and he never wanted to be like that and that's why he actually never had a chance.
Although I am somehow amazed that he called again after I had prayed for him, I have no idea what to do and I need prayer warriors to join me!
At the end of the "conversation" this morning at almost 4.30 a.m, I asked him what I had to expect now, if he would want to come or call again and he said, he doesn't know. Then I asked him not to call again in the middle of the night. Today is Sunday so I can get over the lack of sleep somehow but the first time he called last year was a Thursday night, I think, and of course I had to work that day...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Seek More of God for Himself alone
I struggled with many questions during the last weeks and it almost drove me crazy. Yesterday evening when we met with our "Tuesday-Night-Bible-Team" I kinda freaked out when we came to discuss that God only listens to serious prayer and I said, how much more "serious" do I have to be I already feel like it's killing me! - and then I read this today:
Any of us who have experienced a life and ministry of faith can tell how the Lord met our needs. Surely we believe that God can send money to His believing children - but it becomes a pretty cheap thing to get excited about the money and fail to give the glory to Him who is the Giver!
So, many are busy "using" God. Use God to get a job! Use God to give us safety! Use God to give us peace of mind! Use God to obtain success in business! Use God to provide heaven at last!
Brethren, we ought to learn - and learn it very soon - that it is much better to have God first and have God Himself even if we have only a thin dime than to have all the riches and all the influence in the world and not have God with it!
Jon Wesley believed that men ought to seek God alone because He is love. I think in our day we are in need of such an admonition as:"Seek more of God, and seek Him for Himself alone!"
If we become serious-minded about this, we would soon discover that all of the gifts of God come along with the knowledge and the presence of God Himself.
from "Renewed Day By Day" by A. W. Tozer
----
Lord, thank you for putting me back on track. Show me how to really find EVERYTHING only in YOU.
Or despiseth thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth the to repentance? Romans 2:4Why should a man write and distribute a tract instructing us on "How to Pray So God Will Send You the Money You Need"?
Any of us who have experienced a life and ministry of faith can tell how the Lord met our needs. Surely we believe that God can send money to His believing children - but it becomes a pretty cheap thing to get excited about the money and fail to give the glory to Him who is the Giver!
So, many are busy "using" God. Use God to get a job! Use God to give us safety! Use God to give us peace of mind! Use God to obtain success in business! Use God to provide heaven at last!
Brethren, we ought to learn - and learn it very soon - that it is much better to have God first and have God Himself even if we have only a thin dime than to have all the riches and all the influence in the world and not have God with it!
Jon Wesley believed that men ought to seek God alone because He is love. I think in our day we are in need of such an admonition as:"Seek more of God, and seek Him for Himself alone!"
If we become serious-minded about this, we would soon discover that all of the gifts of God come along with the knowledge and the presence of God Himself.
from "Renewed Day By Day" by A. W. Tozer
----
Lord, thank you for putting me back on track. Show me how to really find EVERYTHING only in YOU.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
the enemy is doing a great job
there are so many thoughts cruising my brain and I don't know if I will be able to put the feelings that I have about it into correct words but I try.
basically it starts with the question: why am I one of the few who are privileged to be able to understand the concept of life? O yes, I know, to say something like that in our post modern world, it is arrogant and probably will be soon declared discriminatory because I say there is no other way to see the whole thing.
Well, of course you can see it differently. In these days everything is allowed, you can define your world the way you want to see it and do whatever you want as long as "it makes you happy" and no one else is harmed or at least not so much harmed.
Fact is, I had so many conversations with people recently, who are proud of being "modern" and able to do things the way "it makes them happy" no matter what and they fight for their right to be happy. Although in todays world you don't have to fight so much for what they are standing for, because today, it is cool for example to be homosexual. (but if someone dares to say homosexuality is not normal it is - again - discriminatory.) So why are they still - sometimes aggressivley - proclaiming their rights? They are already doing "what makes them happy", but you can almost smell it: deep inside they are not. I could list a lot more things like "take whatever you want, as long as it makes you happy" or "sleep with whoever you want if it makes you happy" or "leave me alone, I am having a nervous breakdown" when they realize this "happy feeling" didn't last. That's why I sum those "happy-makers" up by calling it sin.
WHAT??? don't you dare! sin is UNCOOL. And of course it is a religious invention/concept/fiction. Religion was always used to make you feel bad and guilty about things you have a right to do. It cuts down your self.
But why are those who live out their needs so extremely unhappy and distressed when you look underneath their happy surface?
And why do only a few realize, that as soon that they admit they are lost and (yes I dare to say it) sinners, something changes, the healing begins and the real happiness moves in? A happiness that is not dependent on the outer circumstances?
The enemy said to Eve, hey, eat that fruit because it is so beautiful to look at and so sweet; it will make you happy and you will be as wise as God. Eve did and she lost paradise.
And the enemy is still doing a great job.
A whole generation today is eating the fruit because it's so beautiful to look at and so sweet to eat. And they think they are as wise as God. [Excuse me? God?? What God? I am God!]
And they lost paradise.
Why are there only so few who can see the connection?
It breaks my heart - especially when I talk to those who I love. They reject the only thing that would make them happy, from deep inside, everlasting.
basically it starts with the question: why am I one of the few who are privileged to be able to understand the concept of life? O yes, I know, to say something like that in our post modern world, it is arrogant and probably will be soon declared discriminatory because I say there is no other way to see the whole thing.
Well, of course you can see it differently. In these days everything is allowed, you can define your world the way you want to see it and do whatever you want as long as "it makes you happy" and no one else is harmed or at least not so much harmed.
Fact is, I had so many conversations with people recently, who are proud of being "modern" and able to do things the way "it makes them happy" no matter what and they fight for their right to be happy. Although in todays world you don't have to fight so much for what they are standing for, because today, it is cool for example to be homosexual. (but if someone dares to say homosexuality is not normal it is - again - discriminatory.) So why are they still - sometimes aggressivley - proclaiming their rights? They are already doing "what makes them happy", but you can almost smell it: deep inside they are not. I could list a lot more things like "take whatever you want, as long as it makes you happy" or "sleep with whoever you want if it makes you happy" or "leave me alone, I am having a nervous breakdown" when they realize this "happy feeling" didn't last. That's why I sum those "happy-makers" up by calling it sin.
WHAT??? don't you dare! sin is UNCOOL. And of course it is a religious invention/concept/fiction. Religion was always used to make you feel bad and guilty about things you have a right to do. It cuts down your self.
But why are those who live out their needs so extremely unhappy and distressed when you look underneath their happy surface?
And why do only a few realize, that as soon that they admit they are lost and (yes I dare to say it) sinners, something changes, the healing begins and the real happiness moves in? A happiness that is not dependent on the outer circumstances?
The enemy said to Eve, hey, eat that fruit because it is so beautiful to look at and so sweet; it will make you happy and you will be as wise as God. Eve did and she lost paradise.
And the enemy is still doing a great job.
A whole generation today is eating the fruit because it's so beautiful to look at and so sweet to eat. And they think they are as wise as God. [Excuse me? God?? What God? I am God!]
And they lost paradise.
Why are there only so few who can see the connection?
It breaks my heart - especially when I talk to those who I love. They reject the only thing that would make them happy, from deep inside, everlasting.
Monday, April 19, 2010
heartache of a different kind
If I only could some of my friends make realize that this "God thing" is not about religion and rules but about the Creator of the universe who loves us beyond understanding and desires so much that we love Him in return.
It breaks my heart to see some friends struggling with life to fill the void in their lifes by finding the right identity, or the right partner, the right job, the right house to live in or whatever. If they just could understand that this void is "God-created" and can only be filled by Him. Every other things (or person) we try to fill that void with might satisfy us for a moment, but it will never last and at the end of the day we are still standing there - alone.
And although it is actually easy to find God, it costs something - at least the understanding, that we really need Him, which is always kind of humiliating. It also costs time and some kind of energy. It is like searching for a treasure on a Treasure Island - if we would go there, we had to do a lot of preparation: Find a boat, a crew, supplies, have the right map - plus, there might be pirates who want to hinder us to get there.
But - as I also sometimes say - you have to dig deep and hard if you want to find diamonds. (This analogy fits in this case as well as for any aspect in our lifes.) And if we are willing to pay the costs, we will find something of prime importance, something that (or better somebody who) is brilliantly shining so that our life finally makes a complete sense.
It breaks my heart to see some friends struggling with life to fill the void in their lifes by finding the right identity, or the right partner, the right job, the right house to live in or whatever. If they just could understand that this void is "God-created" and can only be filled by Him. Every other things (or person) we try to fill that void with might satisfy us for a moment, but it will never last and at the end of the day we are still standing there - alone.
And although it is actually easy to find God, it costs something - at least the understanding, that we really need Him, which is always kind of humiliating. It also costs time and some kind of energy. It is like searching for a treasure on a Treasure Island - if we would go there, we had to do a lot of preparation: Find a boat, a crew, supplies, have the right map - plus, there might be pirates who want to hinder us to get there.
But - as I also sometimes say - you have to dig deep and hard if you want to find diamonds. (This analogy fits in this case as well as for any aspect in our lifes.) And if we are willing to pay the costs, we will find something of prime importance, something that (or better somebody who) is brilliantly shining so that our life finally makes a complete sense.
(Spring ESR 2010 in a nutshell)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
church, where are you?
Today a week ago I started to prepare the lesson for tonight's bible class. We started a new series about the letters to the churches in the first chapters of Revelation and today was the first one, the letter to Ephesus.
During the last week by preparing it, I realized it is a really serious, I mean a deadly serious topic.
Jesus tells them, I know, you are good guys. You are patient (greek: cheerful endurance, constancy) and you work a lot for me. But you don't love me anymore as it was in the beginning (greek: when I was the number one in your life and everything you did was to please me and not the world). Repent (greek: think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider [morally, feel compunction]) and do the first works (= let me be your number one again with your WHOLE heart and your whole being) otherwise I will move your candlestick from its place - sweep you off - execpt thou repent. Note: the "repent" is mentioned twice. This message is not only for the churches, it is valid for each of us personally today.
When I was studying and praying about that whole stuff last week I recieved a "commercial" from tangle and there I found the following video. This guy puts it better than I can say it.
I tried to present the topic tonight but it seems anybody understood how serious this is. They know the right answers but I am missing the action.
One thing that cheered me up a little bit when I came home was an email from Sheritha. I had sent her the link to this above video without a comment. And she immediately draw the connection to the churches in Revelation. At least somebody grabbed the message and, what I like even more, the holy spirit has revealed it to her.
During the last week by preparing it, I realized it is a really serious, I mean a deadly serious topic.
Jesus tells them, I know, you are good guys. You are patient (greek: cheerful endurance, constancy) and you work a lot for me. But you don't love me anymore as it was in the beginning (greek: when I was the number one in your life and everything you did was to please me and not the world). Repent (greek: think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider [morally, feel compunction]) and do the first works (= let me be your number one again with your WHOLE heart and your whole being) otherwise I will move your candlestick from its place - sweep you off - execpt thou repent. Note: the "repent" is mentioned twice. This message is not only for the churches, it is valid for each of us personally today.
When I was studying and praying about that whole stuff last week I recieved a "commercial" from tangle and there I found the following video. This guy puts it better than I can say it.
I tried to present the topic tonight but it seems anybody understood how serious this is. They know the right answers but I am missing the action.
One thing that cheered me up a little bit when I came home was an email from Sheritha. I had sent her the link to this above video without a comment. And she immediately draw the connection to the churches in Revelation. At least somebody grabbed the message and, what I like even more, the holy spirit has revealed it to her.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Heaven's jubilant
After a long time of praying, waiting and crying my sister is now my real sister, she got baptized last Monday! I am still overwhelmed. Finally all she knows about christianity (and she know a lot, believe me, our mom is a great teacher) she is starting to put things into action. She's like a skyrocket!
As many countries and an ocean are seperating us, I asked her today if she would be interested in sharing our bible readings on a blog and here it is: 2 sisters and 1 bible (it is still under construction, though)
If you like that and maybe want to be one of our sisters as well, let us know and we will authorize you to be a contributor.
As many countries and an ocean are seperating us, I asked her today if she would be interested in sharing our bible readings on a blog and here it is: 2 sisters and 1 bible (it is still under construction, though)
If you like that and maybe want to be one of our sisters as well, let us know and we will authorize you to be a contributor.
Halloween
Dear friend, I want to thank you for thinking of me when you sent out the Halloween greeting cards, I received mine yesterday. I know you had a good intent but I wonder, if you ever thougth about Halloween. I know it is normal to "celebrate" Halloween in the US but what the world does and/or think is normal is not always good for us, who want to serve the living God. [All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1 Cor. 10:23]
I also know that the origin of Halloween is controversial, some say the celtic druids chose a family who had to give a child to be sacrificed as a burnt offering (treat) otherwise they would burn down their house (trick) others just say the dead are honored or it's a kind of a harvest festival. I think it doesn't matter what the origin is, if you look at the outcome. It is a day/night, when people want to look like skeletons, zombies and other undead. They can turn to be witches, wizards and any kind of a creature that you will never find in heaven, everything is like a madhouse. Plus, people think they are are 'allowed' to play tricks, which in Germany sometimes ends up in scratched cars, ruined front gardens and smeared walls.
I do not want to be a part of that. As well as Paul said "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom. 12:2) My heart is breaking to see people celebrate witchcraft and death while Jesus had to suffer beyond understanding to overcome all of that.
I hope you won't be too offended, but please put me off the list for next year to get a card like that. I want to follow up Phil. 4:8 (Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.) and do not want to think about who I can trust or not... Yes, we live in the world; but we are not supposed to live like the world.
Thank you so much for your understanding, may the glory and honor be to Him, who is light and not scary darkness.
Love, Tina
I also know that the origin of Halloween is controversial, some say the celtic druids chose a family who had to give a child to be sacrificed as a burnt offering (treat) otherwise they would burn down their house (trick) others just say the dead are honored or it's a kind of a harvest festival. I think it doesn't matter what the origin is, if you look at the outcome. It is a day/night, when people want to look like skeletons, zombies and other undead. They can turn to be witches, wizards and any kind of a creature that you will never find in heaven, everything is like a madhouse. Plus, people think they are are 'allowed' to play tricks, which in Germany sometimes ends up in scratched cars, ruined front gardens and smeared walls.
I do not want to be a part of that. As well as Paul said "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom. 12:2) My heart is breaking to see people celebrate witchcraft and death while Jesus had to suffer beyond understanding to overcome all of that.
I hope you won't be too offended, but please put me off the list for next year to get a card like that. I want to follow up Phil. 4:8 (Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.) and do not want to think about who I can trust or not... Yes, we live in the world; but we are not supposed to live like the world.
Thank you so much for your understanding, may the glory and honor be to Him, who is light and not scary darkness.
Love, Tina
Friday, August 21, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Bible in 90 Days
Last week I told Damaris that another dear friend, Frances, gave me a OneYearBible as a "Thanksgiving-gift" last year. I started immediately to read it because I had tried to read the entire Bible before but I always "failed".
Three days ago Damaris told me, she found another website biblein90days. She started to like that concept and created a blog, so that whoever knows german and is interested can join us (or the project). So we don't need to meet "physically" every week to encourage each other - our bible group is only one click away.
Isn't that a cool idea?
Hope we will find many who are interested! You can visit/join us at Bibel in 90 Tagen.
Three days ago Damaris told me, she found another website biblein90days. She started to like that concept and created a blog, so that whoever knows german and is interested can join us (or the project). So we don't need to meet "physically" every week to encourage each other - our bible group is only one click away.
Isn't that a cool idea?
Hope we will find many who are interested! You can visit/join us at Bibel in 90 Tagen.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
definition of me
Everybody's got an opinion
Of what they want me to be
Everybody's got a condition
That I may never meet
So tired of looking in the mirror
‘Cause it always says the same thing
I want to be about something different
Something more than the mirror can see
Like joy, peace
Alive in me
When it comes to my identity
I want the love
I want the light
I want the beauty
On the inside
I want the one that you can't see
To be the definition of me
More than the face
More than the girl
More than the voice
More than the world
I want the truth that I believe
To be the definition of me
Pretty is cool for a minute
But it will always fade away
Trends are hot for a second
But they'll be gone the very next day
So before you get lost in the moment
Let’s get one thing clear
Only love will last forever
That's the reason that we're here
It's up to you ‘cause everybody's looking
Who do you want them to see?
I want Your love to be
The very heart of me
Jesus, I want You to be
Living inside of me
Lyrics of “Definition of Me” sung by Mandisa
Amanda, I didn’t know about Mandisa until I got a newsletter from tangle announcing her new CD “Freedom” a couple days ago. I’ve got 3 favorite songs from it and this is one of them. If you want, send me an email (see my profile), I’ve got something for you :-)
Of what they want me to be
Everybody's got a condition
That I may never meet
So tired of looking in the mirror
‘Cause it always says the same thing
I want to be about something different
Something more than the mirror can see
Like joy, peace
Alive in me
When it comes to my identity
I want the love
I want the light
I want the beauty
On the inside
I want the one that you can't see
To be the definition of me
More than the face
More than the girl
More than the voice
More than the world
I want the truth that I believe
To be the definition of me
Pretty is cool for a minute
But it will always fade away
Trends are hot for a second
But they'll be gone the very next day
So before you get lost in the moment
Let’s get one thing clear
Only love will last forever
That's the reason that we're here
It's up to you ‘cause everybody's looking
Who do you want them to see?
I want Your love to be
The very heart of me
Jesus, I want You to be
Living inside of me
Lyrics of “Definition of Me” sung by Mandisa
Amanda, I didn’t know about Mandisa until I got a newsletter from tangle announcing her new CD “Freedom” a couple days ago. I’ve got 3 favorite songs from it and this is one of them. If you want, send me an email (see my profile), I’ve got something for you :-)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
… to be better Christians…
Once in a while I heard people pray the phrase “that we can become better Christians”. Is it just that my German ears hear that sounding “holier-than-thou”? I am sure those people don’t want to be or sound arrogant, but for me this assertion is suggestive of different categories of Christians or rather different kinds of categories of people generally. For example
- bad people/sinner/non-Christians
- just some kind of Christians
- good Christians
- better Christians
Sunday, December 2, 2007
sunday sermon # 1
UNTANGLING LIFE'S KNOTS
by Max Lucado
It’s your best friend’s wedding. “I’ll take care of the reception,” you’d volunteered. You planned the best party possible. You hired the band, rented the hall, catered the meal, decorated the room, and asked your Aunt Bertha to bake the cake.
Now the band is playing and the guests are milling, but Aunt Bertha is nowhere to be seen. Everything is here but the cake. You sneak over to the pay phone and dial her number. She’s been taking a nap. She thought the wedding was next week. Oh boy! Now what do you do? Talk about a problem! Everything is here but the cake …
Sound familiar?
It might. It’s exactly the dilemma Jesus’ mother, Mary, was facing. Back then, wine was to a wedding what cake is to a wedding today.
What Mary faced was a social problem. No need to call 911, but no way to sweep the embarrassment under the rug, either.
When you think about it, most of the problems we face are of the same caliber. We’re late for a meeting. We leave something at the office. A coworker forgets a report. Mail gets lost. Traffic gets snarled. The waves rocking our lives are not life threatening yet. But they can be. A poor response to a simple problem can light a fuse.
For that reason you might want to note how Mary reacted. Her solution poses a practical plan for untangling life’s knots. “They have no more wine,” she told Jesus (John 2:3). That’s it. That’s all she said. She didn’t go ballistic. She simply assessed the problem and gave it to Christ.
It’s so easy to focus on everything but the solution. Mary didn’t do that. She simply looked at the knot, assessed it, and took it to the right person. “I’ve got one here I can’t untie, Jesus.”
“When all the wine was gone Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine’” (John 2:3).
Please note, she took the problem to Jesus before she took it to anyone else. A friend told me about a tense deacons’ meeting he attended. Apparently there was more agitation than agreement, and after a lengthy discussion, someone suggested, “Why don’t we pray about it?” to which another questioned, “Has it come to that?”
What causes us to think of prayer as the last option rather than the first?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I got this "email devotional" from a dear friend of mine and just thought it would be good to share!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
My BibleBlog
After preparing it for a while I am almost finished with my new bible blog and happy to start it tomorrow.
So if you want to read the bible with me online come and join at
Tina's Bible Blog
So if you want to read the bible with me online come and join at
Tina's Bible Blog
Saturday, February 3, 2007
A Prayer For You
Today when I said a prayer
I asked the Lord above
To keep you safely in His care
and enfold you in His love.
I did not ask for fortune,
for riches or for fame,
I only asked for blessings
in the Holy Saviour's name -
Blessings to surround you
in times of trial and stress
And inner joy to fill your heart
with peace and happiness.
(Helen Steiner Rice)
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