by Elyn Schranz | 17. May 2026
Too often I forget to thank my wife for the delicious lunch and her wonderful support… So much of my life revolves around me and my own problems. Everyday acts of kindness quickly become the norm. Demanding more and more—and even “complaining” about it—quickly becomes the standard.
Encouraging, grateful interactions are “pick-me-ups” and motivate us to achieve even more. This triggers positive mini chain reactions. – Malice, on the other hand, poisons everything.
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5,20
The forgiving love of Jesus brings me happiness and gratitude. It fills my heart with indescribable joy whenever I experience His cleansing forgiveness.
How do you experience your personal relationship with God?
How do you experience gratitude?
Weekly text: Ephesians 5,10-20
by Elyn Schranz | 10. May 2026
I’m walking around Vienna with a large suitcase. The escalator leads upward from the subway station. “Be careful,” someone just advised me because of the luggage—“That can’t be a problem,” I think to myself, but no sooner had I thought it than I nearly lost my balance. I struggle to keep my balance, but I can’t stop myself from falling. Backward, sideways—I let go of the suitcase so I can brace myself, but I’m only going backward! Brace myself? Impossible…
I fall backward and suddenly realize: There are hands holding me. Behind me and beside me, people have reached out their hands and literally saved me from a serious fall.
An unforgettable experience: I am not alone. I am being held. There are people around me—they catch me when I fall.
And deep inside I feel: Ultimately, it is God, the strong, loving Father, who holds me, who carries me in life and in death.
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
If you fall—who will catch you?
Weekly text: Psalm 91,1–16
by Elyn Schranz | 3. May 2026
I love talking about God’s “unmerited gift.” This new life that He wants to give us shows just how boundless His love is. God gave His only Son, who died for our sins.
You no longer have to atone for your wrongdoing or earn God’s favor through good works. Jesus has already done that for you. His grace cannot possibly be earned.
On this foundation, we are called to “do good.” The new life, sustained by God’s love, bears the fruits of gratitude and generosity. This is God’s plan and purpose for our lives.
You are a beloved person created by God. The people around you can see this when you listen to God and do what He reminds you to do as a plan or a mission.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2, 10
What if “doing good” weren’t a moral effort, but simply a natural consequence of who you are?
Weekly text: Ephesians 2, 1-10
by Elyn Schranz | 26. April 2026
A wealthy landowner had exceptionally bountiful harvests. His storehouses became too small, so he decided to build new, enormous barns. He thought that now he could enjoy life and no longer have to worry. – Far from it! God said to him, “You fool, you will die tonight. Then what will become of all your wealth?” – This is the fate of all who accumulate riches on earth but will stand before God with empty hands (from Luke 12:21).
life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Luke 12, 15b
Jesus told this parable because he had been asked for advice regarding an inheritance dispute. He illustrated to his listeners how little material things matter compared to what is eternal. What is considered important on earth is viewed entirely differently by God. It is therefore worth investing in values that last forever.
What will your “hands” be filled with when you stand before God?
Weekly text: Luke 12,13-21
by Elyn Schranz | 19. April 2026
Jesus understands his friends’ doubts and deals with them in a powerful way. He addresses their feelings and thoughts and shows them his wounded hands and feet: “Look… It really is me.”
The ease with which Jesus speaks about worries, fears, and doubts shows me how approachable, sensitive, and personal his interactions with people are. He also lovingly responds to Thomas, allowing him to place his fingers in his wounds. What a turbulent scene Jesus’ disciples witnessed! Their teacher was executed like a murderer, even though he preached love and lived it.
The Jewish leaders of that time masked their doubts with arrogance and presumptuous arguments. Thomas, on the other hand, spoke his mind honestly. He wanted to see Jesus, and the Son of God granted his wish.
How do you deal with doubts? Think about where and how you have experienced Jesus so far.
«Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself!»
JEsus says in Luke 24,38b–39a
When do you start having doubts?
Weekly text: Luke 24,36–49
