by Elyn Schranz | 5. July 2026
Many people hope, at some point in their lives, to have enough money to be happy. Others believe that if they spend their time meaningfully, they’ll be content. Still others find fulfillment in relationships. All of these things can only fill our inner emptiness to a limited extent.
I’m sure the woman mentioned in the Bible knows this, too. She meets Jesus at the village well during the heat of midday. This is very unusual. After all, who goes to fetch water at the hottest time of the day? But this woman probably has her reasons. I think she’s an outsider in her village. Everyone talks about her, but no one talks to her. Yet that doesn’t bother Jesus. He knows that this woman has a deep longing for a fulfilling life.
What Jesus does here is exactly what God wants: He wants to enter into conversation with you and me. Through Jesus Christ, this becomes possible. Jesus meets us exactly where we need Him—namely, when we are alone, in the midst of our need.
Have you ever wondered what truly fulfills your life? Jesus says, “Your thirst for life can truly be quenched. I can give you true peace!”
But whoever drinks the water I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
John 4,14
Jesus Christ IS life—the full life, eternal life.
The life you can begin today in fellowship with God continues beyond death.
Weekly text: John 4,1-30
by Elyn Schranz | 28. June 2026
That’s what we all want: a life brimming with joy. But how do we achieve that? There are just too many things that kill joy: my difficult neighbor who doesn’t like me; the coworker who’s constantly favored by the boss; the partner who makes my life difficult; the kids who make strange decisions… and so on and so forth. So many circumstances that constantly try to rob me of my joy.
Yes, life can deal some heavy blows. Circumstances can seem almost impossible. People throughout history have experienced this and shared their stories. The Bible offers this encouragement: “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” This is a great mystery—and one that can truly be experienced: Whoever looks to the living God and trusts in Him will find joy—no matter how bitter, how hard, or how difficult the circumstances may be. Why? Because they have come to understand that God’s plans are beyond our understanding. This perspective opens up new dimensions that extend beyond the present moment.
So, take your eyes off your circumstances. Look to Jesus Christ—HE wants to and will give you new joy.
for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Nehemiah 8, 10
Weekly text: Nehemiah 8, 5–12
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
