Saturday, December 23, 2023

The source of all comfort

Nothing beats the comfort of a baby in the arms of its mother. Peace, safety, warmth, and love, no matter what goes on all around.

Jesus in the arms of His mother Mary, receiving the very comfort He came to give to mankind. That is what most nativity scenes remind me of.

When I look around me in the world, I see so much need for comfort. No, not the comfort as in sitting in front of the TV with a bag of chips, but comfort as in solace, relief, encouragement.

There is so much suffering, so much loneliness and pain. There is chaos and disorder. To be honest, I wouldn't know what to do or where to go if it wasn't for my Jesus who brings me comfort and joy... no matter what goes on all around me.

πŸ‘‰The Bible says that God is the source of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) so why wouldn't people flock to Him? He gives peace in chaos, comfort in pain, and love when all seems lost. Why wouldn't people consider the baby in the manger, the wonderful counselor, the prince of peace?

He is the hope of the nations and He wants to heal your heart. Jesus can and will calm any storm!

πŸŽ‡Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Core values of a Christian life

With the publication of 'No other gods', the book series I have been working on since 2004 has been completed (yeah!) Ten books, each book dealing with one of the Ten Commandments.

While working on 'No other gods' the idea came to me to compose a set of ten core values, based on the topics of my books. You can find them in the back of 'No other gods'.

I have called them the Ten Core Values of a dedicated and fruitful Christian life and of course, they can be summed up in one word: LOVE.

I believe these values sum up what it means to fulfill the Law in love. Mind you, we don't live by rules, we live by the leading of God's Spirit as I have described in each book practically and simply.

Core values are fundamental beliefs that we live out in our daily behavior. As I have explained in this book series, it is one thing to say we are not thieves but it is another thing to be a generous giver. It is one thing to not give a false testimony but it is another thing to always speak truth. It is one thing to say we are not killers but it is another thing to love and value life.

Well, you get the point, right? Of course, the Ten Commandments have not changed, but the way we make them come true is totally different under the New Covenant. Merely obeying or keeping a set of rules can turn into legalism. Fulfilling the ancient writings in a life of love is a different story, as Jesus showed us by the life He lived.

πŸ‘‰It is my prayer to see a Christianity based on these biblical core values with love (God) as the motivator and inspiration behind everything we do!