by Godloves.me | 23. November 2020
A few years ago, Pensa University in Russia studied children’s fears. They interviewed three types of children: Those who grew up in their own family, orphans in orphanages and children who were adopted or lived in foster homes. It turned out that children who lived with their parents suffered the least from irrational fears and phobia. Children in orphanages were unproportionally scared of being alone, foreigners, nightmares and forces of nature. Adopted children showed a tendency of reduced fear and towards a healthy development.
The Bible tells us that God ‘adopts’ everyone who decides to lead a life with him. He makes us to be his legal children. The fears that were part of our life without God can get smaller as we grow closer to the Father. He conquered the world. That’s why he can protect us. In his presence, we can get rid of our fears!
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
says Jesus in John 16:33b
Text of the week: John 16:25-33
How does fear impact your decisions?
by Godloves.me | 22. November 2020
Vor wenigen Jahren hat die Universität Pensa in Russland eine Studie über die Kinderängste durchgeführt. Dabei wurden drei Kategorien der Kinder befragt: Solche, die in eigenen Familien aufwuchsen, Waisenkinder in Heimen und Kinder, die adoptiert wurden oder in einer Pflegefamilie lebten. Es stellte sich heraus, dass die Kinder, die bei eigenen Eltern lebten, am wenigsten unter irrationalen Ängsten und Phobien litten. Die Heimkinder dagegen fürchteten sich übermässig vor dem Alleinsein, vor fremden Menschen, vor Albträumen und Naturgewalten. Adoptierte, zeigten Tendenz zur Reduktion der übermässigen Angst und zur gesunden Weiterentwicklung.
Die Bibel sagt, dass Gott jeden «adoptiert», der sich für ein Leben mit ihm entscheidet. Er macht uns zu seinen rechtmässigen Kindern. Die Ängste, die uns im Leben ohne Gott begleitet haben, dürfen nun mit der wachsenden Nähe zum Vater immer kleiner werden. Er hat die Welt besiegt. Deshalb kann er uns auch beschützen. In seiner Nähe können wir unsere Ängste fallen lassen!
«In der Welt werdet ihr hart bedrängt, aber lasst euch nicht entmutigen: Ich habe diese Welt besiegt.»
sagt Jesus in Johannes 16, 33b
Wochentext: Johannes 16, 25–33
Wie schwingt Angst in Ihren Entscheidungen mit?
by Godloves.me | 16. November 2020
I have read in a study that our life can change considerably if we practice only two minutes of gratefulness a day. It was discovered that it makes you happier and more fulfilled in the job. The more you practice gratefulness the better it is for your brain.
Today, I am living in conscientious gratefulness. Not because of the study, but because I learned as a child already to thank my creator for everything in life.
The text of the week tells us about ten lepers that Jesus healed. Unfortunately, only one came back to Jesus, fell on his knees and thanked him. Jesus tells him: “Your faith has saved you.” His gratefulness became this man’s rescue! The other nine were certainly healthy, but there were not saved. Only Jesus can forgive sin! That’s what I have experienced and I am still grateful for that!
What are you grateful for?
“always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father”
Ephesians 5:20
Text of the week: Luke 17:11-25
How do you practice gratefulness?
by Godloves.me | 16. November 2020
In the split-second in which his hands detached from the Golden Gate Bridge, Kevin Hines regretted his suicide. He survived the fall from about 25 stories. On impact several backbones broke but did not penetrate the heart and lungs. With only his arms and completely exhausted, he paddled to the surface and prayed: I do not want to drown, please save me! A fierce pain hit him when he emerged. He thought that a shark was attacking him, but it was a sea lion that had nudged him and kept him afloat until the coast guards came to rescue.
Kevin’s life won’t be like it was before. The steel plates are only part of the story. Today, Kevin encourages youth and adults to disregard the negative, inner voice and to turn their lives into Jesus’ hands. Why does it take tragic events that make us reason?
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
Psalm 139:7
Text of the week: Psalm 139
To try and escape from God is senseless?
by Godloves.me | 16. November 2020
… be prepared for death? If you research the internet about this question, you will find the most mind boggling opinions, but also practical and important advice. The possibility that we can come to terms with God and fellow man is almost forgotten. It is a very important decision for our Here and Now but especially for our future.
To prepare oneself for death means to live in peace with oneself, God and other people. Many take unresolved situations to their graves without ever solving them beforehand. The Bible gives us in Ephesians 4:26 some wise advice: “Do not commit a sin when you are angry! Reconcile and do not allow the sun to set over your anger.” The one who reconciles with God and those around him and lives according to this principle is on the way to see God. Here you can read the steps to a reconciled life with God.
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Text of the week: Luke 16:19-31
Sometimes things go faster than we think…
