Living by the Book in 2022

Before I was a believer, I thought that living according to biblical principles and values would be hard, that most fun things would be forbidden, and that life would be predictable and boring....

Oh, how wrong my thinking was! The opposite is true. Of course I had to renew my thinking on thousands of topics, followed by corresponding words and actions.

This new life turned out to be a completely different adventure than the ones I had lived until then, and I had lived many adventures, believe me.

The Christian life has many ups and downs and the Bible even warns us to expect trials and tribulations!  Which, by the way, will strengthen our faith and build endurance. But in a certain way 'living by the Book' has made my life easier.

Yeah, really. How? Well, there is no need for me to join every new hype and fad the world can come up with. Sticking with the Word of God means that opinions I have about creation, the climate, mankind, marriage, family life, work ethics, and so on, and so on, are based on that very same Word. They are not mine, they are His and that makes them eternal and thus extremely valuable.

👉What has living by the Book brought or taught you?

About podcasts, videos, devotionals, and a WIP

PODCAST

A little while back the idea came to me to read and record some of my older blog series and publish them as podcasts. Although I am an avid reader, I understand some people enjoy listening rather than reading, and since I have so much valuable material... why not venture out onto new roads? 😉

My husband and I used to listen to cassette tapes and CDs with preaching and teaching. Nowadays we use YouTube. So, audio messages are nothing new, yet podcasts are very popular at the moment.

I am using the Anchor app to record my messages and they get linked to Spotify, where you can find them under 'Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths',  yep... same name as this blog.

Readers: you might enjoy these short messages while walking, working out, or cooking!
Bloggers: maybe this is an idea for you!

VIDEOS

Last year I taped more than 200 video devotions on the Psalms, on Psalm 119 (incl. the Hebrew alphabet), and on Proverbs 3. They are 2 minutes each and you can find them on YouTube or my Instagram TC channel. If you are in need of encouragement and a daily boost of faith, please consider doing #apsalmaday. 👉And... I am working on a new series!

DEVOTIONAL

At the beginning of this year, I decided to read a devotional, which I hardly ever do. The book is called Stormproof, 100 days of triumph over trouble. It is written by John Hagee.

Well, are we going through a storm worldwide, or what? I want to make sure I keep running the race towards the end, I want my faith to grow stronger.

I need this book, I need these reminders!

Are you reading a devotional these days?

WIP, work in progress

I have been working on a new book for quite a while now (I admit I struggle with writing discipline). It will be the ninth book in my series about the Ten Commandments in the 21st century and it deals with the 7th commandment: do not commit adultery. I plan to publish it this year!

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17).

My #oneword for 2022

For some reason or another, I received my #oneword for this year back in October 2021, on October 4th to be precise, which happens to be my birthday.

I wrote it down in my journal while Psalm 51:10 came to my mind: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I had been struggling with some health issues and that evening, when we went to bed, I told my husband he had to call an ambulance... I had so much pain, I thought I was going to die.

He prayed Psalm 91 over me, again and again, until I finally fell asleep. As always, the Word sustained me and the #oneword God gave me, turned out to be a huge encouragement to me. My #oneword for 2022 (that I needed that day back in October) is RENEWAL.

When that word popped up in my mind that autumn day, I thought 'Oh my goodness, what a refreshing thought!' Yes, I need renewal of strength (Isaiah 57:10), renewal of a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10), and renewal of my mind (Romans 12:2).

I am curious to find out in what other areas renewal will come. I'll keep you posted!

Do you have a #oneword for 2022?