Be on watch!

About time and seasons
I always feel that the end of another year suddenly is upon us. It seems time moves faster when the end is near, almost like a runner at once speeding up when the finish is in sight. I like to reflect on a year gone by; the things I accomplished, the chances I missed, the people I met and the areas I have grown in. Even more so, I like to look ahead, anticipating an adventurous new year. I enjoy the expectation that seems to hang in the air as the clock finally moves to the end of the 21st century's first decade. We are already more than 2000 years beyond the human birth of Jesus. His birth changed time and history forever because ever since the manger the world as we know it has been divided in events before and after. Jesus seriously spoke about the times and seasons on several occasions. In Mark 13:32-37 we can read the following:

No one knows, however, when that day or hour will come-neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son; only the father knows. Be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. It will be like a man who goes away from home on a trip and leaves his servants in charge, after giving to each his own work to do and after telling the doorkeeper to keep watch. Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming-it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. If he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep. What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch!

Light to mankind

Reconciliation between God and man

All over the world millions and millions of people will be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this week, an awesome thought! Every year the birthday party attracts new people and that is even more awesome. In many churches the gospel (good news), as the apostle Luke penned it down, will be read. His account of the historical events around the birth of the Messiah is amazingly detailed. The sheperds, the angels, the manger; it all gives us a vivid picture of what happened that night. The apostle John has given us a more spiritual version of the happenings and I absolutely love his gospel.

Before the world was created, the Word already existed; He was with God, and He was the same as God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

Book of John, 1:1-5

This life, that is the life of Jesus, brought light to mankind and it still does today! No matter what is going on in our world, His life still brings light in the lives of people who were aimlessly walking in darkness and decided to call out His name. That light still has the power to radically change lives. It is more than a birthday we celebrate, we celebrate the reconciliation between God and man!

If you desire to be at peace with your Maker, ask Jesus to shine His light in your life. Tell Him you want to experience what the apostle John was so exited about. That is a simple, but life changing prayer!

Never ending kingdom

Mary carried the Kingdom seed in her womb

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the most High God. The Lord God will make Him a king, as His ancestor David was, and He will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32-33)

Mary must have been stunned when she heard the words of the angel who visited her. A kingdom without end? That was certainly unheard of. The Middle East at that time had a violent history in which kingdoms rose and fell constantly. Yes, they had enjoyed years of peace and prosperity, but it never lasted longer than a lifetime. Change was always in the air and each time a ruler took over, the people eagerly awaited better times. Certainly this time things would lighten up.
The angel’s promise to Mary however, differed greatly from the political propaganda she had heard so often. He talked about someone who would become king because the Lord God would make Him king. This was not a matter of human performance, political strategy or violent conquest. The establishment of this new king was a matter of divine appointment. No wonder His reign would be of eternal nature and His kingdom could not be taken over by a rival. The angel’s message was a prophecy of things to come. Mary carried the Kingdom seed in her womb, a small and humble beginning of something that would change the world forever. Through Yeshua, the Son of God, the Kingdom of Heaven came on earth and it has grown into the biggest Kingdom of all. Millions, yes, hundreds of millions of people are subject to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Surely, it will never end!

Spiritual Connection

Not one thing in all creation was made without Him

At first I thought it was a crazy idea; writing a book about life before conception. How could I possibly back that up with biblical truths? Now that Breath of Life is there, I cannot see it any other way. I was inspired by what God told Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart (Jeremaih 1:4) and also by the writings in Ecclesiastes 12:7 where it says, our bodies will return to the dust of the earth, and the breath of life will go back to God, who gave it to us. Well, there you have it, the biblical foundation for my latest book. God knows people before He formes them in the womb and the breath of life (the spirit) goes back to God, which tells me it has been there before. I have used these concepts throughout my book. The growing baby in the womb traverses from spiritual existence to natural existence, an extraordinairy journey, a process which I call the 'womb process'. Listen to him talking:

"I know God calls people to be important before they are even conceived! It could very well be that you never gave this a thought. After all, life before conception is kind of hard to imagine. As far as I am concerned, it is all I ever knew. The things I know are not considered earthly knowledge but rather heavenly wisdom. You see, around here we learn from the Living Word. I am not sure if you all are familiar with Him, but 'through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him'. See what I am talking about? The Living Word knows everything, because He existed before the world was created. He also existed long before He was conceived and received His destiny, His purpose for becoming a human being. Everything I know, I know because He told me, and I've never, ever heard such words, such wisdom, and such love for the people."

By the way, looking back through my blog posts, I noticed a Christmas meditation that I wrote some years back, it's about this spiritual connection.

Official Book Release

Breath of Life released December 2nd 2008
"... a warm, bittersweet story from the perspective of the unborn child. It is full of information on fetal development and insights on spiritual issues..."

-Wanda Franz, Ph. D.

President National Right to Life Committee, Inc.

As human beings we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are uniquely designed triune beings: spirit, soul, and body. In Breath of Life I take the reader on a journey to our earthly beginnings and beyond. Based on biblical concepts and a surprising array of Scriptures, I have painted an artistic picture of a colorful and loving God who is the source of all life.

If you haven't done so already, order your own copy today through one of the major internet book sellers in your part of the world.

Thanksgiving in the USA

I have learned this secret

This year Thanksgiving may have a different meaning for many people in the USA. Thousands have lost their homes in fires and floods or to foreclosure. Thousands have been laid off and are desperately seeking for new job opportunities. Others may have lost a loved one or are standing around one who is seriously ill. Whatever the case, I am sure they will celebrate Thanksgiving the best they can. Thanksgiving doesn't disappear because things are difficult or different from last year. It will make us re-focus and find new things to be grateful for. It will bring us closer to God who will provide all our needs. The Bible teaches us in Philippians 4:11-13, I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Breath of Life

A story about a child's love for his Father

Breath of Life is more than a story about the womb process, it is more than a cry for life, it is the journey of spirit, soul, and body as they come together as one. It is a story about a child's love for his Father.

"I am getting a little emotional over this heart and soul thing. Becoming a living soul means being able to walk and wonder, to live and let go, to meet and move on. All of a sudden I feel so complete. My Creator has given me a heart and awakened my soul. He is the one who will know me like no one else ever will. Ever! I am running over with gratefulness and exitement. He truly loves me more than I ever imagined. What I am saying is, I am sure He always loved me, but now that I am receiving a body, I can actually love Him back! I can love Him with all of my heart and with all of my soul. Yes, with all of my being!"

Casting Call

Auditions for all parts

Solid Rock Christian Center in Ventura, CA is planning to present the stage production "Sorek" at the beginning of next year. "Sorek" is a theater production based on my newest book Breath of Life, it tells the same story from another point of view in a way you will never forget!

Auditions for all parts will be held November 15th 2008 beginning at 12 pm at 5105 Walker Street in Ventura, CA. Please be prepared with a short monolgue.

If you are ready to use your talent and if you are interested to play a part in this production please show up at 12 noon. Be there!

Be Inspired!

The art of living

The little boy in my newest book Breath of Life is excited about his life, he just keeps on talking, trying to get the reader's attention ... "Listen, I am kind of inspired by David. What a great poet. Like I told you before, I am sure we have things in common. Well, for one thing, it must be the art of living."

And you know what? This little guy inspires me, everytime I read his musings. I believe there is such a thing as the art of living. We don't merely exist, we are, like God is! God wants us to value life, because He values it! Jesus said in John 14;19, because I live, you also will live. Jesus gave up His life so we could have a life in all its fullness! Now that is what I call an inspiring thought and it resulted in this new book! Let me ask you: Is His breath of life renewing you, your energy, and your excitement each new day, or do you merely exist? Have you ever tried to see yourself through the eyes of your Creator? What did He have in mind when He made you, when He got you ready to enter the world as you know it?

Take this journey with me and be inspired!

Choose Life!

Crucial time in American history

"I would like to call for a little time-out this week"

Although I am not an American citizen and not registered to vote, I think election time is a great moment to think about the decisions we make, not just every 4 years or so, but on a daily basis. In everything we do or say we actually stand up for what we believe in. Whether it is God, coffee or a book we're reading. I come from a culture where we voice our opinions all the time, about everything. Yeah, even when no one asked! We are not afraid to discuss and debate hot topics as religion and politics. We can get passionate about the arts, history or simply the climate.

As human beings we pick, choose and vote all the time and it is good to ponder the options. That is why I would like to call for a little time out this week. Turn off the television and leave your newspaper on the doorstep. Go to the beach, the park or any place outdoors, and go for a walk. Clear your head and breathe in the fresh air and simply ask God what His will is. Make sure to listen ... He'll help you make the right decisions!

By the way, the current crucial time here in America reminds me of something Moses told the people of Israel. You can read his moving speech in the Book of Deuteronomy. In chapter 30:19 he sums it up with the following words: I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life.

Lifenews.com

Pro-life news leader advertises Breath of Life

With the elections coming up next week, the pro-life debate is top news, every day! It seems everyone has voiced their opinion about the rights of the unseen life in the womb; individuals, churches, politicians, organisations etc. In Breath of Life you are given the unique opportunity to hear the story from an unexpected source: the unborn child. Shouldn't we listen, just for once?

Please check out http://www.lifenews.com/ if you like, they give the latest political news about the debate. Lifenews.com is also running a week long ad for Breath of Life in their daily e-mail newsletter that goes out nationwide to thousands of readers.

Be Creative!

Make something for your Maker

Breath of Life is not just your every day story about God's creating power! It is a cry for life, it is spiritual poetry, it is a celebration of God's love for mankind. The voice of the unborn hero in my story is fighting for your attention, listen:

"As a human, I finally get a chance to actually see and touch the things He has made. It is this experience that urges humans to express their admiration for the great Creator in words, music, pictures, and dance. Well, that is how I see it. That's what I mean by adding substance to our praise. I will finally have a chance to make something for my Maker."

When was the last time you made something for your Maker? Use your hands (and feet) and let it be a song, a poem, a picture, a photo, or a dance. Dedicate it to Him and share it with someone!

Financial Security

Choose your investments wisely!

The media is crying crisis and financial disaster, day after day. Tiring really, if you ask me. I cannot help but think: if the world suffers, the Kingdom is thriving! Jesus warned us for wrong investments a long time ago. Matthew 6:19 says, Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven... How simple can it get? If we have listened and invested our money and time in faith-based programs and charities, we have no reason to worry. This time should be our greatest victory! God promises us an abundance off all kinds of good things in return for 10% of our income in Malachi 3:10 and I don't care if that is Old Testament, because He is the same yesterday, today and forever! The Bible is full of financial advice! By the way, Jesus went on to say, So do not start worrying: where will my food come from or my drink or my clothes? (These things are the things the pagans are always concerned about). Your Father in Heaven knows that you need all these things!

Center for Bio-Ethical Reform endorses book

Breath of Life endorsed by pro-life group

In the last few weeks I have been contacting various pro-life organisations within the USA with the request to either advertise or endorse my newest book. The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform in California was the first one to react and they have placed a link on their website. Please, check out their website at http://www.abortionno.org/. Breath of Life is added at their 'Recent additions'.

Breath of Life Audio Book

3rd book in series now also available on CD and as MP3

The official release date for my newest book, Breath of Life, is set on december 2nd 2008. Orders can be placed by clicking on the link on the right side of this page. Tate Publishing made the book also available on CD as well as digital download for your i-pod. You will have to go to their on-line bookstore for details. Please click on the following link if you want to place an order:
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60604-450-6

I can only hope and pray you will be blessed and inspired by this story which holds a very strong pro-life message!

Life before conception

About eternity and such...
I actually heard a calling, the calling of my name...

The meditation scripture for my newest book Breath of Life comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes. The ancients words precede my story of the unborn child. In chapter 12:7 we can read:
Our bodies will return to the dust of the earth, and the breath of life will go back to God, who gave it to us.
Well, if the breath of life, or should I say our spirit, goes back to God it must have been there before! That is a thought I want to give you before reading the book. God is so much bigger than we think and He had His eyes on us before we even entered the womb! Now, that is what my new book is all about!

Now Available!

You can order Breath of Life now

For all of you dear people living within the USA, my newest book (the third one in the series) is now available through the publisher's website. The official release date has been set on december 2nd 2008 but you don't have to wait that long to read this moving story. Order your own copy today by clicking on the following link

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60604-260-1

I am looking forward to hear your comments. In the meantime, thanks a million for supporting my work!

Breath of Life Weblog

Upcoming book gets own weblog

I started a new weblog for my upcoming book Breath of Life. This story is so different from the other books, that it deserves a special place on the web. If you want to keep up with the latest news on this book, please check lifeofsorek.blogspot.com and join us on this awesome journey to our earthly beginnings and beyond!

Last week I have sent the final proof back to Tate Publishing and I expect that pretty soon the book will go to the printer!

Coming Soon

Breath of Life 3rd book in series

"I am a spirit being. But something happened that will change my life forever: I received my destiny. I am going to have a body." So far I haven't shared much about my upcoming book Breath of Life, but this is how the story begins! It is a story about life, about creation and destiny, written from the perspective of an unborn child. Based on a surprising array of scriptures I have painted a picture of our colorful God who creates people in His own image and according to His likeness. I have painted a picture of mankind in its purest form. I hope this book will take you back to your beginnings but at the same time will make you think about your own future. The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.

Roadmap For Life

Are you on the road to nowhere?

More than once I urge my readers to see the Bible as a roadmap for life. God wants to guide us, not punish us. He wants to teach us, not confuse us. Today many people seem to make up their own laws and guidelines and do not care about what God says or said thousands of years ago. Many do not want to be guided or corrected, but rather find their own way through life. I am not saying that living that way is an impossible thing to do (millions of people are doing it each and every day), but I know it will lead to a lot of frustration. Be honest, how will you know if you are on the wrong track if there are no road signs? How will you know if you are on the right track if there is no map to guide you? How will you know when you have arrived if you don't know where you're going?

Let me ask you: do you have a destination in life or are you aimlessly wandering?

Attitude Towards Others

Food for thought!

Last week we discussed the wisdom of Jesus, as found in Matthew 7:12, in our small group. It says, Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets. We were amazed about the simplicity of this teaching. It is one of the key principles I describe in my book Respectfully Yours. Our attitude towards others should no longer be the result of past experiences, but the key to unlock future blessings.

Food for thought!

Weblog Gets Facelift

New look after 2 years of blogging

Spring time is a great time to dust off the shelves and clean the cupboards. After two years of faithful blogging I decided to give my weblog an extreme make over! I don't dread changes, but pushing a button that will change two years of work wasn't easy. I did it anyway and I am very happy with the results. Hope you like it too! I think the lay out is more peaceful and yes, green is a very soothing color.

Respectfully Yours on CD

2nd book now available as audio book

I am proud to announce that the 2nd book in the Ten Commandments Series is now available as audiobook through Tate Publishing. Last winter I narrated and Tim recorded my angelic voice :) at Mountaindog Music Studio in Oak View, California. That was a fun project and now we'll finally see and hear the result! If you prefer downloads, in the coming weeks it will also be available through sources like Apple's iTunes, Audible.com and others. You can do me a great favor and pre-order it now, by clicking on the following link:

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60604-133-8

I promise the book will bless you, big time!

Small Group Gathers Again

Reading and discussion of Respectfully Yours

Last year we started a small group in our home in Holland. Together we have been reading and studying the first book in the Ten Commandments Series, Sacred Sabbath. We had much fun doing so and we all learned some valuable lessons from Gods Word. All members of our group were motivated to start on the next book, but they had to wait for our return from the USA. Last week we came together for the first time in 2008 and we started our study of the 2nd book, Respectfully Yours. This book is about family life and family relations, a very sensitive and personal subject. For this book we decided to put more emphasis on self study. Each week our homework is to read one chapter and to meditate on the discussion notes, which we hand out seperately. The following week we will take time to answer questions, discuss comments or listen to relevant stories. This way we will go through the book individually at home, write down our thoughts and discuss them together in the group. Our first evening was very promising, everyone attending was excited to learn more about mutual respect between God, parents and children!

Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them. That is an awesome promise!

Agenda for May

Please, note the following

Some of you might still be on vacation this week, but let me give you a few important dates for the coming month, you don't want to miss this! Both Jan and me will speak at the Agape Unit3 Youth evenings, we will start our small group sessions again and I will speak about my book series at the Oostpolder study group from the Morgensterkerk. Do you want to learn more about the application of biblical truths and principles, do you need a fresh approach on God's Word? Don't hesitate,come and join us!

Saturday May 3rd - 20.00 hrs

What: Agape Unit3 Youth Evening

Where: little school building, Tiendweg, Papendrecht

Speaker: Marja Meijers

Theme: Sacred Sabbath

Wednesday May 14th - 19.30 hrs

What: start small group

Where: Zalmsteeg 4, Papendrecht

Theme: study of 2nd book Respectfully Yours

Saturday May 31st - 20.00 hrs

What: Agape Unit3 Youth Event

Where: Prins Florisschool, Zuidkil 53, Papendrecht

Speaker: Jan Verschoor

Theme: what do I have with Israel?

Sunday June 1st - 20.00 hrs

What: study group Oostpolder

Where: Visschersbuurt 156, Papendrecht

Speaker: Marja Meijers

Theme: the Ten Commandments in the 21st century

Travels

Quick update on our whereabouts

On the 1st of April we arrived safely in Holland, flying from Los Angeles is always a long run, but with a few good movies and some decent grub it was over before we realized. Even our lost lugage at London Heathrow was a minor inconvenience; we were finally home again! Within a week we packed our bags again, this time to fly to Israel, where we stayed for a two weeks visit. We met with old and new friends, made some wonderful daytrips and enjoyed beautiful beach weather! We left kind of reluctantly, we could have stayed longer! Back in Holland I have been trying to catch up on e-mails and blogs, liks this one. I have a new book release coming soon as well as the release of two audio books and we will start our small group studies again in the coming weeks, so there is plenty of exitement in the air. I will keep you posted!

Final Cover 3rd Book

Breath of Life gets beautiful cover

Tate Publishing has done it again! Graphic designer Lindsay Behrens created an absolute beautiful cover for my upcoming book, which will be the 3rd book in the Ten Commandments Series. I am very excited that Breath of Life (a journey into origin and purpose of spirit, soul and body) will be released this year! It is an intriguing tale about life, before and after conception. If you think to know on which of the Ten Commandments this new book is based, leave me a note. In the meantime I will keep you all posted about the publishing process.

Fullness of Life

Easter celebrated worldwide

This weekend we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ worldwide. What a wonderful idea, hundreds of millions of people all over the world in a united celebration. It excites me to think about the vast amount of people who have found new life, eternal life, in Jesus Christ. At the same time it saddens me that still so many people have no clue who He is or what He did for us. The Bible is full of promises and blessings, if only we decide to believe in Him and live for Him. I came across a word in Colossians 2:10 where it says that we have been given full life in union with Him. Now that is plain and simple language, you have to be a fool to misinterpret that verse. Fullness of life can only be found in Jesus Christ. Go and search for it! You won't be disappointed!

Tommy Tenney at SRCC

Be inspired by the success of others

March 12th and 13th Tommy Tenney will be speaking at Solid Rock Christian Center in Ventura. I am looking forward to that, because Tommy has a creative ministry that is a great example for the things I desire to do. He is the author of many books with the Godchasers being his biggest best seller. Last year he was involved in the making of the movie One night With the King, based on one of his books. He has a worldwide traveling ministry and yet, he finds the time to write new books all the time. This week I saw him on TBN and he announced the publishing of two new books. His inspiration inspires me! I want to learn from his success. If you're in the area, please stop by!

Love and the Law

How do we treat God's Commandments?

The books in the Ten Commandments Series are NOT about the keeping of the Law, they are about the fulfilling of the Law. The only way to bridge the gap between Law and grace is in fulfillment. Jesus came to fulfill the Law as He states in Matthew 5:17. His life, dead and resurrection marked a turning point in human history. Because of Him we no longer have to keep the Law in order to be at right terms with God, it is His grace and our faith in Jesus that will put us right with God. The Law did not disappear though; it is still part of the Bible. So how do we treat the Law? The answer is simple: the same way Jesus did. He came to fulfill the Law, we can follow His example. Now, you might say, Marja, Jesus was without sin, that is why He was able to fulfill the Law. We have no business trying to do the same. Well, I would say we are without excuse, because 2 Corinthians 5:21 says,

Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made Him share our sin in order that in union with Him we might share the righteousness of God.

He has given us His own righteousness, so off we go! Romans 13:10 states clearly that, Love is the fulfillment of the Law!
Every time we act in love, we fulfill the Law, because love casts out all jealousy, pride, ill-manners, selfishness and irritation.

Screenplay Completed

Dramatization based on upcoming book in series

Just this week I finished the writing of a screenplay based on the 3rd book in the Ten Commandments Series. Although the book itself is not available yet, I have been working on a dramatization of the events as described in this short novel. Breath of Life is the underlying story for the sript I wrote. In the coming weeks Solid Rock Christian Center will start the audition and choose the cast for this performance. I can't tell you too much about it now, but we are all very excited about this project and it will be a wonderful tool to reach more people and promote the book which has a very serious message for our nation. We hope and pray that we will not only be able to perform this message in churches but also elsewhere. Mark 16:15 says, go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all mankind. We are aiming for schools and theaters, wherever doors will be opened!

Endurance

Never give up, never give in

Even writing asks for a break every now and then. So off we went, to Parker Arizona, for the 1st off-road race of this season. The guys had to replace the transmission during the race, definitely not an easy job! I watched their efforts curiously and learned a valuable lesson: endurance is everything. A few hours down time is a bummer, even in a 450 mile race, yet, no one gave up, no one gave in. They kept working, determined to get the car back on the course again. Winning was no longer possible, but finishing a must! And I am glad to announce we did, we collected our first points for 2008. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:11, strive for endurance. It is not something that comes automatically, we have to go after it. We live in a time where endurance has become a valuable virtue, people give up so easily; not everyone though!

We too have to run our best in the race of faith!

Breath Of Life

3rd book is a journey

People have asked me, 'Marja, what is the 3rd book in the Ten Commandments Series about?' A good question, because it urges me to come up with an accurate and short answer. Well, 'it's about life.'

As human beings we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are uniquely designed triune beings; spirit, soul, and body, yet one. In this upcoming book I take the reader on a journey to our earthly beginnings and beyond. I unfold the divine design that is the blueprint for every human being on this planet. Let's say, I unravel our biblical dna!

Breath of Life will already be the 3rd book in the Ten Commandments Series published by Tate. This one differs from the previous books in form however, it is a novel. I believe the form will not limit the use of the book. I believe it can and will be used for small group bible studies, just like the previous books. It is defenitely something to look forward to!

A New Thing

Ready for some refreshment?

The beginning of a new year is a great time to be refreshed. It is a great time to evaluate our work, our family life, our friendships, our dreams and goals and last, but certainly not least: our walk with God! Throughout the Bible we can see how God promised refreshment from time to time to the people of Israel. They needed it just like we need it. The Lord urged them to no longer dwell on past mistakes and failures. He taught them an important but simple lesson: don't look back, look ahead! We can read that in Isaiah 43:18-19
Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already-you can see it now!

I don't know if you made any New Year's resolutions, but I do know how to approach the New year: don't look back at past mistakes or failures, look ahead with anticipation, the Lord desires to do something new in your life! Whether you need a refining fire, a fresh wind or streams of living water, expect it!

Our Motto for 2008

Apart from Me you can do nothing

A stern warning in simple words from the Master Himself. Jesus adressed His followers and urged them to stay connected to Him if they wanted to be productive. As a follower of Jesus we should have the desire to do the things He did, we are called to do the things He did. In our zeal to do so, however, it is easy to start relying on our own strength and ideas and maybe even perform on automatic pilot. That is something we pray would never happen in our work for Him. We want to be fully aware of the fact that we can do nothing worthwhile without His help, without His guidance, without His teaching. This awareness will simply make us fully dependant on Him, in everything we do! Jesus made His and our position very clear in John 15:5

Apart from Me you can do nothing

This is not a negative statement, it is a positive promise, it is everything we trust in and hope for! It seals our connection, our friendship and our sonship. In 2008 we want to be reminded, over and over, that we live and move and exist in Jesus Christ alone. We want to be reminded, over and over again, that knowledge, education, or status are not important in the Kingdom. Staying connected to the source of life, that is important!