Tuesday, January 22, 2008

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!

Monday, January 14, 2008

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!

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

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!