by Godloves.me | 9. February 2020
“You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” Martin Luther
Isn’t it fitting how birds can be compared to thoughts that suddenly appear? If left unconfronted, they build nests full of thoughts, that can eventually evolve into huge mental structures. These structures can feel unmovable and cause great distress.
Thankfully, they are movable, but you need to choose to move them. You are in control of the thoughts in your head; you allow them to be there. Good or bad, it is your choice. Allow God into your thoughts, ask him to clear away any mental structures that have been built. Take the time to meditate on his word and allow his truth to be the foundation of your daily thoughts.
When a negative thought enters your head, it’s okay. Take a mental note and choose to bring it to God. Most of the time if we think about it, these thoughts aren’t even true. These worries are just worries. Think about it, most of the things you have worried about in your life have never even happened. So why worry?
Take the time to read the weekly text and reflect on what it means for your life. What does it mean for your day to day thoughts? Are there any lies that you’re allowing yourself to believe? How can you choose to not worry about today, but seek first the kingdom of God?
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
asked Jesus in Matthew 6:27
God will take care of you. You are precious to Him. Trust Him.
Weekly text: Matthew 6:25-34
by Godloves.me | 9. February 2020
«Du kannst nicht verhindern, dass die Vögel der Besorgnis über deinem Kopf fliegen, aber du kannst verhindern, dass sie sich auf deinem Kopf ein Nest bauen.» – Martin Luther
Treffend, wie Vögel mit Gedanken verglichen werden, die plötzlich auftauchen. Schnell werden aus Gedankennestern gewaltige Gedankengebäude, die psychische Störungen auslösen können.
Versuchen Sie nicht, die Sorgenvögel zu fangen, sondern erklären Sie ihnen vielmehr ganz höflich, dass Sie an wichtigeren Aufgaben dran sind. Geben Sie Ihrer Arbeit Raum. Sie selber sind der Kapitän auf Ihrem Lebensboot. Sie lenken Ihre Gedanken und können diesen auch laut «Stop» befehlen. Weisen Sie die sich aufdrängenden, schwierigen Gedanken entschieden weg.
Sorgen lähmen, sie sind elende Hoffnungskiller. Entscheiden Sie sich jetzt, den guten Gedanken aus Matthäus 6, 25–34 Raum zu geben. Das vertreibt Ihre Sorgen.
«Wer von euch kann durch Sorgen sein Leben auch nur um einen Tag verlängern?»
Sagt Jesus in Matthäus 6, 27
Wie entsorgen Sie Ihre Sorgen?
by Godloves.me | 3. February 2020
When the first Russian astronaut, Juri Gagarin, announced in 1961 that he had not seen God in space, a 12-year-old girl from Gothenburg, Sweden wrote him the following: “Dear Astronaut Gagarin, I have heard that you have been to space and that you have not seen God. May I ask if you have a pure heart?” (Matthew 5:8)
In contrast, Apollo 15 Astronaut, James Irwin had a completely different experience. He shared with the world that “the entire space achievement is put in proper perspective when one realizes that God walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon.” (J. Irwin, 1983). He goes on to say that we only see what our hearts let us see. We can see God’s glory, love, and blessings, both in space and on earth, when we have God in our hearts. He experienced this again and again throughout his life and shared how God had met and spoken to him.
I want to encourage you to take the time to ask God to purify your heart. Ask him to open your eyes to the beauty he has created all around you, and in Him. A great way to see God’s goodness is by writing a list of what you’re thankful for. Find at least 20 things and write them down. Continue this every day for this week, and of course longer if you’d like, to see how a little bit of daily thanksgiving with God will be a transforming experience.
“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8
Is your heart truly happy?
Weekly text: Matthew 5:1-12
by Godloves.me | 2. February 2020
One day, the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray. In return, he told them not to pray lengthy, eloquent prayers to try to impress God or pray on the streets or in public for all to see how “righteous” they were. Instead, he taught them to follow this prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.”
Jesus ended his teaching with a twist; he challenged his disciples by saying that “if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
It appears that prayer and forgiveness go hand in hand. Is there anyone in your life that you need to forgive?
I want to encourage you to take some time in prayer. Find a quiet, private place and seek God. Take the time to listen. Your prayers don’t need to be anything special, just a genuine conversation with God. If there is someone you need to forgive, bring it up with God. Walk through your hurt with him and ask him to show you how to forgive.
“For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”
Jesus said in Matthew 6:8b
How do you experience our caring God in everyday life?
Weekly text: Matthew 6:5-15
by Godloves.me | 26. January 2020
The little boy broke his piggy bank, counted all of his money and ran to the pharmacy. There, he asked the pharmacist how much a miracle cost. Surprised, the pharmacist told the boy that she sold medication, not miracles. The boy burst out that his sister was in hospital and needed a miracle! A well-dressed man interjected, asking the boy how much money he had for this miracle. “Exactly 1 dollar and 12 cents” the boy answered softly while tears ran down his cheeks. The man then asked the boy if he could come to the hospital with him to visit his sick sister.
Shortly after, his sister went into surgery. Her brain tumor was removed and she made a full recovery. Little did the boy know, the man he had talked to that day was the director of the hospital. He had decided to privately pay for his sister’s surgery. So indeed, the boy had bought himself a miracle with all of his savings.. 1 dollar and 12 cents.
When Jesus fed the 5000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and two fish, it was a little boy who had chosen to give everything he had. Jesus took the boy`s offering and exponentially multiplied it; performing a miracle.
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
Matthew 14:16
Where is God calling you to give what you have?
