A lot of people know about the good news, having heard about it.

But they do not go, they do not apply the good news to their life.

The shepherds, they went. They heard the good news from the angels and they went to find out for themselves.

And whoever else throughout history walked the path of faith, they were not disappointed.

Do you only know, or do you go?

What is your refuge amidst the troubles of life?

Do you look for refuge from your home? Your family? Your friends?

God is our ultimate refuge. He protects us.

And he is the almighty, all-knowing, loving God.

Since we have such a great refuge, we can go forward with confidence and boldness.

What are your burdens?

Health issues and pains?

Or not enough time with too many things to do and not enough rest?

Or being persecuted?

Or having done wrong in the past and now suffering from its consequences?

There are so many forms of burdens.

Whatever your burdens are, Jesus invites us:

“Come to me, all of you who are tired of carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest.”

Guests may stay for a while in the house.

But the family members - parents and children - stay permanently.

The guests may participate in certain activities, such as to eat.

But the family members fully participate in everything, such as taking decisions.

The children are also heirs. They fully belong to the family.

Do you belong to the family of God?

Do you feel weak at times?

There are so many challenges and demands in life.

Do you worry about things in life? About the future?

Or do you involve God?

There are many things to worry about, every age, place and person has specific worries.

Worries of health, worries about safety, etc.

But instead of worrying, we may put our trust in God.

He may not fulfil all our wishes, but he knows all that we really need.

Where are you along the journey of life?

Along the journey of life with God?

It is good if someone understands that the own accomplishments will ultimately not be sufficient, and if the person therefore turns to the Lord.

God is full of grace. He invites everybody.

Being proud or being humble – what do you target?

There seem to be so many advantages of being proud.

Yet the bible tells us not to be proud over others.

Neither between generations, nor between hierarchies, etc.

God resists the proud but shows favour to the humble.

Has your life ever been at risk?

Few times we may notice it, for example if we almost had a serious accident.

Many more times we may not have noticed it, how we have been at risk.

Praise the Lord for each day we are still alive and more or less healthy.

Watched over by parental love – imagine a playground: the parents watch over their children, the children are safe.

And in the same way, God watches over his people and protects them.

Nothing can seriously harm us, even as we go through suffering and have to bear various burdens, God still has a good longterm plan for our life.

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.