by Elyn Schranz | 21. June 2026
What does freedom really mean? Does it mean being able to do whatever you want? Going on vacation without having to answer to anyone?
God gave us His commandments for our protection. Yet no one can say they have never broken one. Sin enslaves us, but Jesus sets us free. He enables us to do God’s will from the heart—not by the letter of the law, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our human nature does not want to do what pleases God. We have to fight a battle. How good it is that God is patient with us!
Freedom requires a decision. You decide how to use your freedom. Jesus’ infinite love for us gave him the strength to die for our sins. He paid the high price in our place, not so that we might live as we please, but so that God’s power and glory might be made visible in our lives.
Christ has set us free to enjoy our freedom. So remain strong in the faith. Don’t let the chains of slavery hold you again.
Galatians 5,1
When do you feel free?
Weekly text: Romans 6,15–23
by Elyn Schranz | 14. June 2026
The man was deeply in debt. He knelt before the king and begged him to forgive his debt. Then the king was moved with compassion. No sooner was this man set free than he went to his fellow servant, who owed him a small sum. The latter begged him to be patient with him until he could pay it all back. The unmerciful man had his fellow servant thrown into prison. When the king heard of this, he became very angry and had the hard-hearted debtor imprisoned and tortured until he had paid everything back.
Jesus told this parable to his disciples because they were arguing about how often one should forgive someone. In this parable, Jesus compared debt to money. – Every day, we hurt one another many times with our words and actions. We are indebted to one another and need forgiveness.
“Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18,21b-22
Jesus gave his life as payment for our sins. He therefore asks that we, too, forgive those who treat us unfairly.
How hard is it for you to forgive your “enemies”?
Weekly text: Matthew 18,21-35
by Elyn Schranz | 7. June 2026
How often do we try to gain something through prayer? Unfortunately, with this attitude, we miss out on the very best thing God wants to give us. In my regular prayer, I bring my anger, pride, greed, selfishness, envy, jealousy, impure thoughts, lies, impatience, despair, and discouragement to Jesus! By confessing and letting go, I gain a new freedom!
That is how I overcame my fear of invisible forces that often sought to torment me. The more I let go and surrender myself to the almighty God, the more I experience His sustaining power. Ever since I began to realize that it is not my own achievements that matter, my relationship with Jesus has taken on a whole new dimension. He is my friend and meets me in prayer. He takes my burdens away and truly sets me free.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Ephesians 6,18
What do you gain from praying?
Bible passage on the topic: Ephesians 6,10-19
by Elyn Schranz | 31. May 2026
It’s wonderful to sit down with a good friend and learn from them. It’s just as valuable to be encouraged to take on a challenge or to be reined in and asked to reconsider the path I’ve chosen. A true friend usually has my best interests at heart.
Through healthy relationships, we flourish, discover our potential, are refined, and move forward. We are social beings who depend on connection. Without community, we wither inside. The Creator designed our souls for relationship. He wants to shape us because that is part of His plan. This is His gift of love to us. Jesus modeled community for us.
How do you nurture relationships? How do you live out your friendships? Is God at the center of them?
The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.
Genesis 2, 18
Weekly text: 1. Samuel 18, 1–5
by Elyn Schranz | 24. May 2026
Many people base their image of God on their own image of their father. So it’s no surprise that many incomplete and absurd ideas about God are circulating. As a pastor, I have encountered many broken family relationships that deeply disturb me. How much more does this affect children or spouses—those directly affected! Will you be able to see the perfect, loving Father in heaven in the right light and trust Him?
The Lord has thoughts of peace, the future, and hope for every person. He has a plan tailored just for us, because He is the one who created us. He is the answer to all of life’s shortcomings. He fills every void when we open ourselves to Him.
Do you think he means well?
For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29,11
What does God think of you?
Weekly text: Ephesians 3,14–21
