Slim and fit when Jesus comes back
A survey done in one Western nation some time ago concluded that three things were on top of people’s wish lists for the coming year. The respondents wanted to exercise more, lose weight, and eat healthier. The survey did not distinguish between Christians and others. Most l ikely the goals were not very different for those who want to follow Jesus.
Implications of Jesus coming
We hope you have had a wonderful celebration of Jesus coming! Two days ago, we finished our series of advent devotions focusing on different professions in the Christmas story recorded in the gospel of Luke. Regardless of their social position or professions, the Jesus-followers whom we meet in the New Testament collaborated to make known the Savior who was born.
Come and see the one that was born!
When people in the Western world describe what is often called “the spirit of Christmas” they mention things like love, compassion, care, and fellowship. This is all fine. All these attitudes and feelings are confined in the Biblical record, and Jesus contain all of them. He also comprises much more. The Bible describes him as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus’ coming cannot be underestimated. He started a new era in world history.
God's Goodness
This fall I have read two books by Nik Ripken (not his real name). In the "Insanity of God," he talks about a visit to Russia where he met Dmitri who had been in prison for 17 years. HIs problems with the police started when he and his wife decided to gather their little family for a regular time of Bible reading, worship, and praise.
Waiting
In our fast-paced society, we want things to happen at once and we can see how everything is set up so well that fast food restaurants and various drop-in services allow us to satisfy our appetites as quickly as possible. This kind of thinking could very easily influence our walk with God;
Heavenly GPS
Finding our way to a destination could either be a pleasure or a nightmare, depending on your personality. Different phobias could hinder us from reaching our port of call.
Where do you come from?
While living in Central Asia some years ago, one of my best friends was a carpet maker. I still remember the time when he produced what he called his “Mona Lisa”. The carpet was not so big - less than a meter wide and a little bit more than a meter long.
Lifter of My Head
In this year alone, the world has recorded a series of natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes, fires, and floods, accompanied with the devastating loss of lives and properties.
Guided on the Journey: Trusting the Lord's Path
Life is a journey through a changing landscape on a road with twists and turns. We may sometimes go through a flat valley where we are able to see far ahead, at other times we only see to the next bend. For those who know the Lord and walk with Him, we have the huge blessing of a guide who knows the whole way to the end.
Commanded to rest
I do not regard myself as a legalist. When it comes to observing one day off per week, I am however strict. For my family and me, as for most Christians around the world, Sunday has been our holy day of the week.
Where Does God Want Me to Work?
How do I find God’s will for my life? It’s always a pressing question on the college campus, and especially in our day of unprecedented options.
When life happens
Like many people I have met, you likely have a carefully crafted plan outlining your daily, weekly, monthly, and even future goals. However, unexpected events can occur…
Hunger for a Touch of God!
Upon arriving in Nairobi, we had to endure another 5-hour drive to get to our destination. But despite the length of time, the journey was an adventure in itself.
Go and make
One of the things I found hard when I first accepted the position at my current workplace in 2012, was that everyone around me was a believer.
Meetings organized by God #2
When we pray for God to organize divine meetings, we will start looking out for these appointments that he may have created. For me, I must admit that most days pass by without my knowledge of having any special, God-ordained encounters with others.
Meetings organized by God #I
The Bible has many stories about people who seemingly meets randomly. When we look closer at things, we do however see God’s finger behind the encounter. It is like God brought the people together without them knowing it.
Golden rule and customer care
“This is a hike and not a training session,” says my coach, Frank. His job is to take people on hikes in the mountains. Frank has a deep voice. His practical style and way of talking resembles his passion in life; hiking. He draws forth a big blue rucksack. It is full of security equipment and different hiking gear, extra clothes in case of chilly weather, flashlights, and a walkie talkie that can be used in remote places.
God’s good guidance
In chapter 28 of Deuteronomy, we read about the blessings God is promising to the people of Israel if they obey his instruction (v.1-14), and the curses that will follow should they choose to disobey (v. 15-68).
Joy at workplace
When I told my co-workers that I had accepted an offering for another job a few months ago, some of them came to my office trying to convince me to stay. They told me that I was the one bringing happiness and peace to the office, and they did not want to lose this.
Revelation on a rainy workday
During my studies abroad, at the leading of God, I took up a part-time work assignment at a public kindergarten