Silent Time

Have you noticed the difference between people with bright shining eyes, a face expressing hope and confidence, and those with dark eyes of bitterness, whose mind is filled with hatred, often even hatred towards their own family and colleagues, they live lives filled with selfishness, greed and seek priorities in life that are other than God, sometimes they even involve in occult practices. The bible tells us that the commands of the LORD are radiant, giving joy to the heart and light to the eyes. Psalm 19 [8] says that the precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 

Do words matter? Does it make a difference what we speak? Often the common opinion seems to undervalue words, and of course finally it is more relevant what a person does, rather what he speaks. For example Jesus explained to the disciples by asking who of the sons did the will of the father: the one who said "yes, I will do the task" but did not, or the one who first rejected to do but finally went out and accomplished the work? Ultimately the deeds are more relevant. But words are often also part of the deeds. God created the universe by speaking words. Jesus healed people by speaking words. And all of us either build up by using constructive words or we tear down by using destructive words.

Do you practice hospitality? The bible encourages us to do that: Romans 12 [13]. 

Have you ever felt weighed down by guilt or shame, wondering if there is any hope for a fresh start? The Bible offers a profound message of redemption that spans from the Old Testament to the New, revealing God's eternal plan for humanity.

When has been the last time that you benefited from others being strong and their strength helping you? Often we might even not be aware of it, but how wonderful it is, if for example parents in their strong years can help and guide young children, or vice versa once the parents get into the high age and the children might have grown strong and help. Or when you have to go through times of weakness, illnesses or depressions, and friends who are stronger by that time help by giving words of encouragement or practical help. It is an indicator of a healthy society.

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 there is a charge to bring against them, for example in Hosea 4: There is no faithfulness or love in the land, and the people do not acknowledge me as God. They make promises and break them; they lie, murder, steal, and commit adultery. Crimes increase, and there is one murder after another. 

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 mercy he offers forgiveness and new beginnings, if we humbly turn to him in repentance. For example the Israelites by the time of the judges, once more they had begun to disobey the LORD by worshiping idols, so they came into distress by being attacked by enemies. But then the Israelites cried out to the LORD as can be read in Judges 10. They had to bear the consequences of their unfaithfulness for a while. But since they humbly returned to the Lord in repentance, so the Lord offered them forgiveness and new beginnings. And God still offers that today. Everyone from any background is invited to turn to the Lord in prayer. Also John prepared the people before the ministry of Jesus by the message of God offering forgiveness and new beginnings, as already predicted by Zechariah, the father of John.

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 ways of unfair treatment. There is crime, war and violence. The question that God asks us is "Do you intend to do right?" And accordingly we are requested not to take advantage of one another, rather to do to others as we would like them to treat us. The Apostle says: We intend to do what is right not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of others. How about you?

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 Christian message. So it looks hopeless, the borders are narrow and there seems to be plenty of reasons to give up. But Jesus adds a second sentence, because it is not about us, not about our abilities. Rather it is about the wonderful good news of salvation, that knows no borders. 

What do you primarily aim for?