Ten Core Values for the Christian life (6)

How do we go from Ten Commandments to Ten Core Values? In other words, how can we go from just following rules (Law) to living by convictions (Spirit)?

That's quite a question, isn't it? I hope you are enjoying this new blog series. Let's continue with the sixth commandment: You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13).

We don't need higher education to understand this. Surely, we are not killers. The true question is: Do we value life?

As human beings, we are made in the image and likeness of God. We are uniquely designed triune beings: spirit, soul, and body. We are made in the image of a loving God who is the source of all life.

We are made in the image and likeness of a God who, at the right time, became like one of us... this is the mystery of the Christian faith.

Jesus showed us what God is like. He gave His life for us, to save us from a life of sin and self-destruction. He offers us abundant life!

Maybe they have called you an accident, an incident, even a mistake, or simply illegitimate. Whatever the public opinion; conception is no coincidence. You are wanted and cherished by God, the Creator of the universe.

Life doesn't start with conception and it doesn't end with death. Our existence is eternal, that's the way God designed it. All of life is valuable to Him and it should be to us!

👉The core value I have attached to the sixth commandment is LIFE.

We advocate the protection of life, from life in the womb to the life of the elderly.

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For more on this topic, read my book 'Breath of Life' (A journey into origin & purpose of spirit, soul, and body). This book is available on Amazon in your country.

Origin, existence, intention...

Life's main questions are being answered in the Word of God; that is... if one decides to take time to read the ancient words of wisdom and prophecy.

Who am I?  Where do I come from and where am I going? What is my purpose here on earth? Just a few questions that have intrigued generations upon generations. I read somewhere that many people today struggle with existential questions.

The other day I came across a scripture that I had to read at least three or four times. Wow, so much truth and revelation in one verse! I am talking about Romans 11:36,

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

There you have it, three in one.

• Origin: everything comes from Him. It reminds me of John 1:3 where it is written about Jesus, God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. Our very origin is with God, how awesome is that?!
• Existence: everything exists by His power. That reminds me of Colossians 1:17 where it is written about Jesus, He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. If it wasn't for His power, everything would have fallen apart a long time ago!
• Intention: everything is intended for His glory. And that reminds me of 1 Corinthians 8:6 where it is written, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. Our lives are no coincidence, not random, and not to be lived without purpose. We live for God through Jesus and that brings great joy and fulfillment.

Well, I don't know about you, but I am super encouraged by the richness of this verse.

The things that occupy our time

The Bible is full of beautiful, encouraging, but also difficult and sometimes bizarre passages. Well, I am sure you all know that :)

One of the most important warnings in simple words was urged by the Master Himself when He addressed His followers about the vine and the branches. Jesus told them to stay connected to Him if they wanted to bear fruit, to be productive, and then He added: Apart from Me, you can do nothing (John 15:5).

I always thought that was such a radical and strong statement and kind of weird at the same time. Let's face it, there are millions of people who do all kinds of stuff without Him, every day. There are millions of people who labor in their own strength and purposely keep the Lord out of their daily business. What exactly does Jesus mean when He says 'apart from Me you can do nothing?'

Of course, I understand that if it wasn't for the breath of life He gives us, we would be dead. But still... 👉I personally believe Jesus' emphasis was not on the 'doing' of stuff, but on the fruit our labor produces. Does our work bring forth fruit? Are we putting energy in things that will be gone next year, or in relationships with everlasting value? 

Are we investing money in things that will be outdated or gone over time, or in programs that build the Kingdom? Are we working for earthly success, or to serve others? Quite some introspective questions to think about.

'Apart from Me, you can do nothing'. That is not a negative statement, it is a positive promise. It is everything we trust in and hope for! It seals our connectedness with and our dependency on God. It is a reminder that we live and move and have our being in Jesus Christ alone.

His words remind us, over and over again, that knowledge, education, status, or success are not important in the Kingdom, but the measure of fruit-bearing for the Kingdom of God... a matter of eternal value!

Millions are their numbers

When my book Breath of Life was published, back in 2008, I had no idea it would remain so topical and accurate. I received many comments on the story of Sorek, as described in that book.

With the abortion debate flaring up again, reader Don Coley (CA) sent me a message recently, that said:

"In the USA there is now a renewed opportunity for Sorek and his Breath of Life. His developing personality was so engaging that, after reading Breath of Life, I wrote about Sorek as well."

Don's poem will resonate with everyone who has read Breath of Life and hopefully trigger the curiosity of those who haven't read it yet.

Who will side with Sorek? Who will set him free?

God has formed his features, God has shaped his plan

This God who holds his future, still gives a choice to Man

Choice to seek his purpose or choice to turn away

Choice that stops a beating heart, erases birth that day

No laughter in his future. No hugs, no friends, no wife

Because a choice was wrongly used and took his Breath of Life

Millions are their numbers, Sorek all their name

Lives not lived but slaughtered, choice reduced to shame

Must it always be this way? Is there nothing we can do?

To value life above false choice? What’s next is up to you.

Who will side with Sorek? Who will set him free?

I will side with Sorek, I will help him be.

The meaning of life

'God has a plan and purpose for your life'. I don't know how many times I heard that phrase before I believed it! I struggled with the thought that there would be meaning to individual lives in a world with almost 7.8 billion inhabitants and so much suffering.

Thank God I do know better now. 👉God has a plan and a purpose for each individual before they are even born. More on that precious womb phase in my book Breath of Life, by the way.

I am currently reading through the Psalms again in my Bible. And I noticed two scriptures that make it very clear that 1) God is the One to fulfill that purpose and that 2) God is the one to work out that plan. We need to ask Him, we must pray about it and we should go on a quest to find out what this is all about. I promise you will discover great things.

I cry out to God most high. to God who will fulfill His purpose for me (Psalm 57:2).

I find that so exciting and well for several reasons. 1) There is a purpose for my life. 2) It is His purpose, not mine. 3) He is the One to fulfill that purpose and 4) He will do so, even if I feel nothing is happening! I got so encouraged reading that passage, I must have read it twenty times in a row until the words finally took deep root in my heart. Then, I came to Psalm 138:8.

The Lord will work out His plans for my life.

Truly Lord? You will work out YOUR plans for MY life? Despite my failures, despite my mistakes, despite my fears and doubts? How awesome is that!  May I encourage you to find out more about God's purpose and plans for your life? Set time apart, turn off your tv, sit, listen, and read through the psalms. You will be richly blessed as you begin to discover why you are here on earth!

Womb story

The abortion debate has been flaring up again, more vicious than ever before if you ask me. Arguments for and against are coming from the democrats, the republicans, the churches, the pro-choice and pro-life organisations and so on and so on.

It is a shame that we all raise our voices over the ones that have no voice... yet. What if the child could speak from within the womb? What if the child had a message for us... from above?

In 2008 my book Breath of Life was published by Tate Publishing in Oklahoma, USA. A precious story about creation, as seen (and told) through the eyes of the unborn child. In 2011, a Dutch translation of the book was published in The Netherlands and later German and Italian editions followed.

The American publisher is no longer in business and right in the middle of a nasty court case on charges of money embezzlement (not necessarily an ideal situation for new and emerging authors). In the meantime my stock had been reduced to a minimum, so I decided to publish a revised paperback edition for my European audience and a $2.99 Kindle edition on Amazon. And you know what? It couldn't be more timely!

Simply, because the story in Breath of Life is timeless. I wrote this book in order to give the unborn child a voice. I wanted to give him a chance to tell his side of the story. Let's be quiet and listen to the pure wisdom of a child who is still very close to the Father's heart. Who knows, maybe we can learn something.

Don't miss out on this precious story. It might change the way you look at life.

Born again ABC (2)

The previous blog post ended with a question: why do we often talk and act so difficult, complicated or even vague when it comes to the need of being born again, especially within the church...? I honestly do not know the answer, if there is one. I am glad Jesus kept it simple and said: You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:7). Do not be surprised! It is normal.

The Bible shows us that prior to these words Jesus spoke to Jewish scholar Nicodemus, He said: Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Well, duuhhhh... that is kind of logical, right? You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand that. Not exactly what we expect to hear in a discussion about important matters between the Son of God and a theologian. But you know what we can learn from His words? There is more than a natural or human birth, there is also a spiritual birth. Those are two different happenings.

Well, that makes life a bit less complicated, doesn't it? We enter this earth through natural birth, which was not our choice, but the choice of our parent(s). Then there is something like a spiritual birth. Do we have a choice in this or not? Read it in the next blog....

Author to author

Translating author Lynn Austin

Last Thursday night I had the honor and privilege to meet with author Lynn Austin. She came to The Netherlands to promote her first non-fiction title Pilgrimage.

In the weeks prior to her visit I slowly read her latest release and was pleasantly surprised. The book is filled with nuggets of wisdom and truth! Lynn writes with raw honesty about the desert period she went through in her own life. Pilgrimage is a very inspirational book. I can absolutely recommend it. Give it as an encouragement to a friend or family member who is going through a hard time!

It was such a fun evening. Lynn showed photo's from her trip to Israel and shared the spiritual lessons the journey through that dry land taught her. I was asked to translate her message; how cool is that?! Many people came to the event and enjoyed Lynn's message and book signing.

Our very own Dutch singer/songwriter Christian Verwoerd (click on his name to see a video clip from Israel) was present as well, and performed several songs. His music turned out to be just right for this evening.

PS: I just received word this week from two of my foreign translators. The German translation of Breath of Life and the Spanish translation of Grace of Giving are finished and ready to be edited!

I sincerely hope your week had some writing highlights as well!

Visiting the Sorek caves in Israel

We just came back from a wonderful vacation in Israel. On our last day we visited a very special place, close to Hebron, the Sorek caves. It had been on my 'places-to-visit' list for some years, actually ever since I wrote Breath of Life. The main character in this book is called Sorek.

At the time of writing I purposely picked that name. I wanted a name that was unknown, yet biblical, so I searched for weeks until I came upon a verse in Judges 16:4, Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. I immediately liked the name Sorek. I found out that the name appears only once in the Bible and that it has a prophetic meaning. Exactly what I needed for the main character in my book.

The Sorek caves are now part of the National Park system in Israel. After a long search in the mountains south of Jerusalem we found the entrance to the park. Upon arrival we noticed that a couple of school buses had gone ahead of us. Hundreds of Arab and Jewish students came to admire this underground miracle as well. We walked down a natural stairway and descended into the caves where it was warm and humid (exactly as I had described the womb in Breath of Life) and at first it appeared dark. After our eyes got used to the darkness, however, we became aware of the incredible sanctuary we were in. Because of small orange and pink spot lights the cave's shapes, forms and colors looked like a scene in a science fiction movie... it felt like we had arrived on another planet. Wow, awesome! Indescribable...

Following a small and slippery pathway we wandered through the caves. After the school children left it was so quiet, only drops of water falling... It was truly amazing to be there. Sorek has his origin in Israel, that makes him a very special child!

Seventh Month of Tishri

"Is it truly possible to become so overwhelmed by our natural circumstances that we forget the power of the Living Word? I was complaining about the darkness, and forgot that He overrules everything, even darkness! Darkness has no power over the Real Light. Let’s reverse that today: the Real Light overpowers the darkness. I’ll leave you with the words David wrote about this subject. You can find this in Psalm 18:28, You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

Talent & the Kingdom (5)

Let's continue to look at the parable of the talents and the Kingdom. We have learned some interesting things so far. The Bible speaks about money or property being entrusted to the servants or workers. Basically this is about something we can work with, to build His Kingdom. Something we have received from the Lord: money, talents, opportunities...

Matthew 25:14-15 says: Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. It is the man who hands out the talents. A talent is not something we can earn or buy or go to school for. It is a gift from God and it is our assignment to receive it and use it. The question we should ask ourselves therefore is not 'Do I have talent?', but 'What is my talent?'

A talent is an inborn ability, something the Creator put in us while we were still in our mother's womb (see my book Breath of Life, for more on this subject). It is something that:

• we can do fairly easily
• we enjoy doing, and
• that gives us satisfaction

Of course a talent needs to be stimulated, developed and perfected. We can do that by using it! Did I start my writing career writing books? No, not really. I practiced the art of writing in short stories, essays, poetry, articles, columns, press releases etc. etc. Someone once said that talent is 10% gifting and 90% hard work. I think that comes very close to the truth. God gives us our talent(s) as a seed, we need to water it...

TIP: It is very important that, next to our job, family and social life, we make room for our talent. That is the first choice we must make. Turn off the television one evening a week, for starters, or go into another room and ask God to show you WHAT He has put inside of you and HOW He wants you to use it for His glory... that is: to change the world around you.

I am very curious!

Psalm of Sorek

Close to the heart of the Father

I wonder

if I will ever find,

the right way to express

That longing in my heart and mind

 a love so pure and fresh

To stay forever in your care

my source of life and laughter

To be with You

anytime and anywhere,

now and forever after

From: Breath of Life, a journey into origin of spirit, soul, and body

Tate Publishing

Life of Sorek

Don't forget to visit Sorek's blog!

Saturday, October 2nd 2010, was a great day at Westminster Gardens! More than 50 authors presented their work to the public. We had a slight drizzle in the morning, but by the time the volunteers started the bbq, sun came out and so did most of the visitors. I think we had a great turn out, lots of super friendly people, interesting speakers and very helpful volunteers, all at a beautiful location. I participated on one of the panels and got a chance to tell a little bit more about the life of Sorek, the character in my book Breath of Life. If you have never visited Sorek's blog, please be so kind and come on over! Feel free to leave your comment about 'life before conception'.