by Godloves.me | 23. February 2020
Paul Kalanithi, a Neurosurgeon, was happily married at the age of 36. He was on the cusp of a dream career, just about to finish his residency when he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The illness could not be cured, so the young doctor wrote a book called: “When Breath Becomes Air”. Kalanithi wrote about what makes life worth living in the face of death. This very personal and touching story has influenced many readers. Therefore, it was not surprising when his book became a bestseller.
In the face of death or difficult situations, we often realize what is truly important. But why wait until we face death? Thankfully, Paul Kalanithi rediscovered the value of his family and friends. Little things were re-evaluated and his life was changed. The most important thing was his discovery that Jesus is the answer in life and death. Jesus has conquered death! Only with him do we find reconciliation and eternal life. Only with him can we walk through life’s most difficult challenges. That is why the words of Jesus in the New Testament are so important.
Where do you need to rediscover the valuable things in life? Are you taking care of the relationships you have with friends and family? How is your relationship with Jesus? How can you further nurture it?
“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.“
Psalm 90:12
What moves you about this week’s verse?
Weekly text: Luke 16:19-31
by Godloves.me | 16. February 2020
What is advertising and where does manipulation begin?
Today, many companies send their products to “influencers” who have many followers on social media. The agreement is that these influencers will wear or use their products, covertly advertising for them. These companies want to increase their clientele. Their goal is to sell more and earn more. Many people are being subconsciously manipulated this way without even realizing it.
Jesus acts completely different. He is transparent and puts the positive and negative things in the Bible on the table for all to see. Truth and manipulation have nothing in common. Again and again, I stumble upon God’s immeasurable love for us and his incomprehensible greatness. He has created each one of us brilliantly unique. He gave us the freedom to reject him and because of this transparency, he also points out in the Bible the consequences that are connected with it. God cannot manipulate us because He is truth. He is incapable of acting outside of his character. This is why the Bible calls sin – death, and hell by name. Love speaks plainly, without manipulation.
“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!“
Romans 11:33
Where do you experience God’s wisdom?
Weekly text: Romans 11:33-36
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
