Silent Time

A sports-person who thinks of oneself to be the best in class, to be the fastest or strongest, may reduce the level of exercise and will fall behind. Assuming to have the victory in the future for sure may make the person careless or negligent.

In the same way, one of the biggest risks for a believer is to assume to be perfect already.

We have not reached the goal yet.

It is a lifelong process to become into how God wants us to be.

We are not perfect yet, but we are one the way.

Praise the Lord that it does not depend on our own efforts to improve.

The Lord already has won the victory.

Let’s pray: “Lord, help us to understand how we are.

May you prepare us and change our being into how you want us to be. Amen.”

Are you a child of God? Or a child of this world?

To whom do you want to belong to?

It might often be, that if you are a child of God, if you take his word serious, you may feel as if you have a lot of disadvantages. The commandments seem to limit us. Persecution and other troubles.

Others, who do not follow God and rather the patterns of this world, seem to be more free. They take advantage of others and may have for example faster careers. They often seem to enjoy the pleasures of this life or are more aggressive.

Yet fates may suddenly change.

Even amidst the suffering, children of God can be comforted and even be joyful, because they know that God will fight for them. The Lord will provide help, comfort, rest and peace.

Let’s pray: “Lord you know how much suffering your children go through. Help us not to give up. Help us to remain honest and to do what serves your kingdom. Show us the way throughout this life towards your eternal kingdom, where we praise you forever. Amen.”   

Do you mainly think about the past or about the future?

For sure it is important to spend our time and energy mainly into things that concern the future.

Nevertheless, it sometimes also makes sense to take a moment to think back, and consciously overcome the past, for example if guilt, shame and devil try to accuse and condemn us. If we humbly confess what we have done wrong, God forgives us, his grace is much bigger than any wrongdoing.

Making oneself aware of these facts enables us to overcome all kinds of depression and negativity, and helps to take better decisions for a bright future.

Cast the past. And pursue the future.

When we have heard and understood the Good News about God’s mercy, that our salvation does not depend on our own good deeds and rather on God’s grace, then for sure we want to tell on that good news to other persons.

To whom are we called to tell on that good news?

Basically to all people.

Only in very few occasions are we warned to be careful.

For example we need to be careful of the persecutors or those who are involved in white or black magic. People who misuse the Good News to turn it around or to fight against it.

Apart from those few exceptions, generally we are called to pass on the Good News to others: family, friends, colleagues, … .

Let’s pray that God may give us wisdom also in that regard.

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 rather calls us to look up to him.

There is no one like the sovereign, almighty God above.

God is exalted above all, yet he sees the lowly and listens to those who are humble in mind.

If we recognize that we are not worthy of the care of God, especially then God cares for us.

In such a humble attitude, we have the right direction of view up to God and God will take care of all that we really need.

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 diem.

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.