The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot hold you!
Isn`t it true?
17.11.09
Confession to make
It seems to me that my life is getting on track again. Not that there was anything wrong but for a certain period of my life I guess I was just lost. One time in my life finished and the other had not yet began so I kind of felt like in the middle.
But I am very greatful that God is leading the way and showing me slowly who I am and who he created me to be.
It`s funny one day my collegue told me - Piret it is obvious that you are standing on something firm. One can see it straight away.
It was a very nice compliment as I know on what I stand - my rock is my Saviour, Jesus Christ. In that I am 100% sure. I just was doubting in the person who was standing on the rock, on me!
Many things have changed and happened in past 5 years. In good way, I have grown up and discovered experienced and learned so much. I haven`t had a routine life for a long time. But sometimes I think got trapped in the busyness and new things that I just lost myself.
There is always 2 people in relationship, isn`t there? If God is still there and I am lost, how can that be a relationship? You see it is not always the question about believing in God, obeying God or living the Christian life. Most of the time it is about who YOU ARE living that life!
I have been encouraged, inspired and in so many ways just woken up by the Global Leadership Summit this past weekend!
Praise the Lord that he is faithful and takes care, spiritual care of his children!
But I am very greatful that God is leading the way and showing me slowly who I am and who he created me to be.
It`s funny one day my collegue told me - Piret it is obvious that you are standing on something firm. One can see it straight away.
It was a very nice compliment as I know on what I stand - my rock is my Saviour, Jesus Christ. In that I am 100% sure. I just was doubting in the person who was standing on the rock, on me!
Many things have changed and happened in past 5 years. In good way, I have grown up and discovered experienced and learned so much. I haven`t had a routine life for a long time. But sometimes I think got trapped in the busyness and new things that I just lost myself.
There is always 2 people in relationship, isn`t there? If God is still there and I am lost, how can that be a relationship? You see it is not always the question about believing in God, obeying God or living the Christian life. Most of the time it is about who YOU ARE living that life!
I have been encouraged, inspired and in so many ways just woken up by the Global Leadership Summit this past weekend!
Praise the Lord that he is faithful and takes care, spiritual care of his children!
31.10.09
Huvitav mõte...
Kui Jumal on seadnud üles mingisuguse süsteemi ja paika pannud, mis on õige ja hea, siis Jumal on pannud sellele ka salapärase ja meile tihti mõistetamatu õnnistuse.
Kui meie seda süsteemi rikume, siis me VARASTAME ÄRA Jumalalt õnnistuse ja ta ei saa seda õnnistust meile enam anda.
Kas pole mitte tõsi, et mõnikord oma elu ja valikutega võime ära rikkuda millegi, mis tegelikult olekski võinud olla see Jumala õnnistus?
Kui tihti me ise VARASTAME ära selle Jumala poolt määratud õnnistuse? Kui tihti me siis selle õnnistuse puudumises Jumalat süüdistame?
Kui meie seda süsteemi rikume, siis me VARASTAME ÄRA Jumalalt õnnistuse ja ta ei saa seda õnnistust meile enam anda.
Kas pole mitte tõsi, et mõnikord oma elu ja valikutega võime ära rikkuda millegi, mis tegelikult olekski võinud olla see Jumala õnnistus?
Kui tihti me ise VARASTAME ära selle Jumala poolt määratud õnnistuse? Kui tihti me siis selle õnnistuse puudumises Jumalat süüdistame?
29.10.09
Millegi lõpp on millegi uue algus...
Siis, kui me jõuame iseenda lõppu, võime näha Jumalat ja näha seda uut elu, mida ta on esile toomas (Peep Saar)
Sest Piibel ütleb - nüüd ei ela enam mina, vaid Kristus elab minus. Ja mida ma NÜÜD elan ihus, seda ma elan usus Jumala Pojasse, kes mind on armastanud ja on iseenese loovutanud minu eest (Gal 2:20).
Sest Piibel ütleb - nüüd ei ela enam mina, vaid Kristus elab minus. Ja mida ma NÜÜD elan ihus, seda ma elan usus Jumala Pojasse, kes mind on armastanud ja on iseenese loovutanud minu eest (Gal 2:20).
21.9.09
God`s Word
It`s essential that we spend time reading and studying the Bible. Trouble is, that advice sounds a lot like "eat less, get more exercise". In one ear and out the other!
But the difference is that fitness is good for life, GOD`S WORD IS LIFE!
But the difference is that fitness is good for life, GOD`S WORD IS LIFE!
13.9.09
I just have a feeling...
that we Christians sometimes neglect peoples needs that are part of life and sometimes we make ourselves so holy, that we deny them and do not deal with them. It`s like because you are Christian, you should not struggle with certain things, you should not have certain dreams and you should not have certain needs....
But then on the other hand you have! And that`s OK and that`s also part of Gods creation.
I feel that God is directing me to see the Christian reality! No more Christian bubble! Life is life and that`s what it is. We Christians should be better prepared and equipped for that!
But then on the other hand you have! And that`s OK and that`s also part of Gods creation.
I feel that God is directing me to see the Christian reality! No more Christian bubble! Life is life and that`s what it is. We Christians should be better prepared and equipped for that!
5.9.09
Real love, fathers love
I said to God: "Father, he is jerk!"
"Yes, he is my child!"
"Father, I have sinned..."
"Yes you have and you deserve punishment!"
"But father, he broke my heart!"
"I know what you mean, my heart has been broken too..."
"But father, I still love him..."
"I still love you too!"
"Yes, he is my child!"
"Father, I have sinned..."
"Yes you have and you deserve punishment!"
"But father, he broke my heart!"
"I know what you mean, my heart has been broken too..."
"But father, I still love him..."
"I still love you too!"
25.8.09
Aeg on edasi minna...
Õpi ära tundma eluetapi lõppu. Kui Jumal tahab seda pikendada, siis ta ka teeb seda. Kuid kui oled ise tulutult püüdnud seda elus hoida, siis lepi Jumala tahtega.
Tõuse, mine jalutama, osta uued rõivad, luba endale mõnus söömaaeg ning HAKKA UUESTI ELAMA! Ära kunagi anu, et keegi jääks oma tahte vastaselt sinu juurde. Lahkumine ei ole elu lõpp, see tähendab vaid seda, et Jumalal on sinu ning tõenäoliselt ka tema jaoks varuks midagi parematr, seepärast usalda teda ja mine edasi!
Tõuse, mine jalutama, osta uued rõivad, luba endale mõnus söömaaeg ning HAKKA UUESTI ELAMA! Ära kunagi anu, et keegi jääks oma tahte vastaselt sinu juurde. Lahkumine ei ole elu lõpp, see tähendab vaid seda, et Jumalal on sinu ning tõenäoliselt ka tema jaoks varuks midagi parematr, seepärast usalda teda ja mine edasi!
What you think about Christian depression?
We live in a fallen world, and the pain and struggles of this life effect us all, mentally and physically. Depression is a common experience, effecting many of us at some point in our lives.
But for some, the dark pain of depression is worsened by the shame and guilt that can come when a Christian gets depressed.
Depression is a complex, multi-faceted condition, with many causes. Some become depressed in response to loss, or rejection, or battles that can never be won. Others experience growing depression as they fight a physical illness, or deal with a painful health condition. Still others have no idea why or how they became depressed. They only know that there is no joy in their life. The nights do nothing to renew their energy, and the burdens of the day drag on, with no hope for relief.
If this is you, take heart. You are not alone. Your depression is not a punishment. It's not sign you are refusing to live in God's will. And you CAN feel better.
Christians have physical illnesses and emotional hurts. Some show-some don't. But we all struggle with our fallen-ness, and we all live in a world where sin has consequences. Our bodies are not the perfect homes they were created to be, and our minds both believe, and refuse to accept what we believe. We know we're loved, and safe, and forgiven-but very often, we have difficulty experiencing those very truths. Instead, we experience anger, hurt and pain, and find little comfort in our relationship with the Lord.
Of course we want to do better, and feel better-no one who has ever been depressed would think it was an experience to be chosen! But how? How do we live in the joy of our salvation, in the comfort of His love, instead of tossing and turning in the dark night of the soul?
There are medications, to be sure, and they can help depression, just like they can help diabetes. But just like with diabetes, unless your life choices change, the medicine will soon be overpowered.
So what choices will help?
There are 2 main areas you need to address in order to heal your depression-physical choices, and mental choices. And you need to work with both. The physical choices include exercise, loving touch and healthy sleep, and the mental choices involve developing healthy rational thoughts.
Interestingly, there is one area that yields both mental and physical effects. And choosing to work in this area is the most powerful choice of all. It's the choice to rest in Him, to meditate on His word, to trust in His love and experience His joy.
But when you feel no joy at all, when your life feels dark and you feel alone, helpful meditation can be difficult to choose!
In fact, it may feel impossible, even hurtful. Just one more demand you can't meet. One more example of how stuck you are, and how you can't do whatever it will take to get out of this depression.
But you can choose to experience His love, and let it heal you, mind and body, heart and soul. With guided meditations, you can begin to rest in His healing. You can touch the joy, release the cascades of healing biochemicals, and begin to live in the pathways He created just for you.
Because He loves you. Even when you don't love Him. And His love is there, waiting for you. Right now.
Just like praying with a friend when your heart is too broken to speak, a healing Christian meditation can open your heart to His loving presence, and guide you into the joy He offers.
And once you begin to experience that joy, that love and protection, that peace and renewal, the path becomes more and more clear, and your mind and body begin to heal.
And you can live in the light of His love, in every area of your world.
But for some, the dark pain of depression is worsened by the shame and guilt that can come when a Christian gets depressed.
Depression is a complex, multi-faceted condition, with many causes. Some become depressed in response to loss, or rejection, or battles that can never be won. Others experience growing depression as they fight a physical illness, or deal with a painful health condition. Still others have no idea why or how they became depressed. They only know that there is no joy in their life. The nights do nothing to renew their energy, and the burdens of the day drag on, with no hope for relief.
If this is you, take heart. You are not alone. Your depression is not a punishment. It's not sign you are refusing to live in God's will. And you CAN feel better.
Christians have physical illnesses and emotional hurts. Some show-some don't. But we all struggle with our fallen-ness, and we all live in a world where sin has consequences. Our bodies are not the perfect homes they were created to be, and our minds both believe, and refuse to accept what we believe. We know we're loved, and safe, and forgiven-but very often, we have difficulty experiencing those very truths. Instead, we experience anger, hurt and pain, and find little comfort in our relationship with the Lord.
Of course we want to do better, and feel better-no one who has ever been depressed would think it was an experience to be chosen! But how? How do we live in the joy of our salvation, in the comfort of His love, instead of tossing and turning in the dark night of the soul?
There are medications, to be sure, and they can help depression, just like they can help diabetes. But just like with diabetes, unless your life choices change, the medicine will soon be overpowered.
So what choices will help?
There are 2 main areas you need to address in order to heal your depression-physical choices, and mental choices. And you need to work with both. The physical choices include exercise, loving touch and healthy sleep, and the mental choices involve developing healthy rational thoughts.
Interestingly, there is one area that yields both mental and physical effects. And choosing to work in this area is the most powerful choice of all. It's the choice to rest in Him, to meditate on His word, to trust in His love and experience His joy.
But when you feel no joy at all, when your life feels dark and you feel alone, helpful meditation can be difficult to choose!
In fact, it may feel impossible, even hurtful. Just one more demand you can't meet. One more example of how stuck you are, and how you can't do whatever it will take to get out of this depression.
But you can choose to experience His love, and let it heal you, mind and body, heart and soul. With guided meditations, you can begin to rest in His healing. You can touch the joy, release the cascades of healing biochemicals, and begin to live in the pathways He created just for you.
Because He loves you. Even when you don't love Him. And His love is there, waiting for you. Right now.
Just like praying with a friend when your heart is too broken to speak, a healing Christian meditation can open your heart to His loving presence, and guide you into the joy He offers.
And once you begin to experience that joy, that love and protection, that peace and renewal, the path becomes more and more clear, and your mind and body begin to heal.
And you can live in the light of His love, in every area of your world.
The reality of life
Happiness keeps Me Sweet,
Trials keep Me Strong,
Sorrows keep Me Human,
Failures keep Me Humble,
Success keeps Me Glowing,
But Only God keeps Me Going! By His grace alone!
Trials keep Me Strong,
Sorrows keep Me Human,
Failures keep Me Humble,
Success keeps Me Glowing,
But Only God keeps Me Going! By His grace alone!
2.8.09
28.7.09
Vaadakem üles Jeesusele
Vaadakem üles Jeesusele, usu alustajale ja täidesaatjale, kes häbist hoolimata kannatas risti temale seatud rõõmu asemel ja on nüüd istunud Jumala trooni paremale käele! (Hb 12:2)
Vaadake kuhu?
Vaadake kuhu?
- ÜLES, mitte alla, mitte kõrvale, ega taha, mitte ette;
- JEESUSELE, mitte inimestele, mitte endale, mitte olukordadele, mitte minevikule, olevikule, tulevikule;
Kes on see Jeesus, kellele vaatame?
- usu alustaja - temast ja temasse uskudes algab tõeline usk, usk Jumalasse. Tema on usu alustaja ja ainult temasse uskudes me pääseme ja meil on igavene elu;
- usu täidesaatja - tema oli ainuke, kes oma teoga (meie pattude eest ristil surres) viis usu täide. See tähendab SÕNAST SAI TEGU! Sõna võrdub Jeesus. Alguses oli Sõna ja Sõna oli Jumala juures ja Sõna oli Jumal (Joh 1:1). Ja sõna sai lihaks ja elas meie keskel ... (Joh 1:14) Usk ilma tegudeta on tühine
Kuidas tegi Jeesus oma tegu?
- häbist hoolimata - ta tegi tegu kuigi teda häbistati. Ta tegi seda, sest ta TEADIS, miks ta seda tegema peab, et kinkida meile igavene elu, ta tegi seda et olla meile eeskujuks ja tegi seda, sest ta TEADIS, et selleks on JUMAL ta maailma saatnud. Ta tegi isetut tegu! SÕNA SAI ISETUKS TEOKS!
- kannatas risti - ta tegi tegu kuigi see tõi kannatust! Ta kandis oma (Jumala poolt talle ette määratud tegu) ja teiste risti (meie patud).
- temale seatud rõõmu asemel - Jeesus väärib kogu maailma tänu, ülistust, rõõmu ja kõrgeks tõstmist, kuid ta TEGI TEGU hoolimata sellest, et ta EI SAANUD sin maailmas seda, mille ta oli ära teeninud ja mida ta vääris (Kuningate kuningas väärib austust!)
Mis oli Jeesuse tasu?
- nüüd on ta istunud Jumala trooni paremale käele - Jumal ÜLENDAS TEDA (alandlikke ülendatakse ja kõrgi alandatakse) ja pani Jeesuse sellele kohale, MIS ÕIGUSEGA KUULUB TALLE. Jumal pani Jeesuse tema õigele kohale. Täna on Jeesuse nimi nimi üle kõigi nimede ja AINUKE nimi, mille kaudu tuleb pääste ja ELU, TÕDE JA TEE JUMALA JUURDE!
Kas tunned täna, et elu on raske? Kas tunned häbi ja kannatust rõõmu asmele, mis peaks sul õigusega olema? Sinul kui Jumala lapsel? Kas tunned, et tasu, mis sulle kui Jumala lapsele kuulub on hägus ja kaugel?
SIIS VAATA JEESUSELE! Mitte alla, ega kõrvale, inimestele, ega olukordadele, minevikule, tulevikule, olevikule ega ebajumalatele!
VAATA JEESUSELE SEST JUMAL SEISAB OMA TÕOTUSTE TAGA! Jumal ei jäta meid üksi ja ilma tasuta! Jumal on õiglane Jumal!
Küll me omal ajal lõikame, kui me enne ära ei nõrke! (Gal 6:9)
Ole püsiv mu sõber, ole püsiv!!!!
28.6.09
29.3.09
How you can love me, how can I love you?
I have been reading a book called: The five love languages. How to express heartfelt commitment to your mate by Gary Chapman.
It is a Christian book and I remember lots of people reading it when I was in US a few years ago.Anyways today I discovered that at the end of book is a test to discover your Love language.
According to the book there are 5 love languages that communicate love to us. Of course it goes for romantic love, but also love between family members, friends, church members or whoever around us. After all it is one of the biggest commandments of Jesus after loving God to love other people. I have been puzzled about loving other people and how can we really do that for months now. Maybe it is because many times I discover I am not always a loving person and sometimes I even think it takes too much to completely to love somebody!
But God loves us completely, because he sent his only son to die for our sins. So how can I love more? Even just the person next to me? How can I make the other person feel loved even in the midst of life difficulties? How can I love somebody consciously - THAT MEANS - every step that I take, every move that I make, every decision I make and every word that I say - I do it out of love? And not the way I THINK the person wants me to love him/her, but the way he/she NEEDS to be loved?
JESUS KNEW HOW TO APPROACH INDIVIDUALS!
Now back to the book! The book describes the 5 love languages and they are:
It is a Christian book and I remember lots of people reading it when I was in US a few years ago.Anyways today I discovered that at the end of book is a test to discover your Love language.
According to the book there are 5 love languages that communicate love to us. Of course it goes for romantic love, but also love between family members, friends, church members or whoever around us. After all it is one of the biggest commandments of Jesus after loving God to love other people. I have been puzzled about loving other people and how can we really do that for months now. Maybe it is because many times I discover I am not always a loving person and sometimes I even think it takes too much to completely to love somebody!
But God loves us completely, because he sent his only son to die for our sins. So how can I love more? Even just the person next to me? How can I make the other person feel loved even in the midst of life difficulties? How can I love somebody consciously - THAT MEANS - every step that I take, every move that I make, every decision I make and every word that I say - I do it out of love? And not the way I THINK the person wants me to love him/her, but the way he/she NEEDS to be loved?
JESUS KNEW HOW TO APPROACH INDIVIDUALS!
Now back to the book! The book describes the 5 love languages and they are:
- Words of Affirmation (Encouragement);
- Quality time (both talking and doing something together);
- Receiving gifts;
- Acts of service;
- Physical touch (not only sexual).
Well, I did the test and my results are as I thought that the biggest love languages for me are Physical touch (11 points) and Quality time (8 points). The far off are: Words of affirmation (5 points), Receiving gifts (4 points) and finally Acts of service (2 points).
It’s amazing, because it is totally the way things are with me and people who have loved me the way I need to be loved, the way God has created me to be, the Piret I am, have more success with finding my love, approval, friendship and those people are very dear to my heart.
I tell you something to prove that. There have been 4 people in my life that have succeeded to win my heart by hugging me - my father, missionaries Mel and Mary Lou and my ex-boyfriend Romain.
From my childhood I had very special relationship with my father. Even though, he was not Christian, I loved him unconditionally and I was his favorite child. One thing that worked well between us that we hugged a lot. I will always remember and cherish the times when he came home from work, came to greet me and then hugged me. I don’t remember much talking to him about my heart matters, my wishes or whatever, but I always remember hugging him and being hugged by him and feeling safe. I am pretty sure it is something that made us very close besides the fact that we were very similar and my toes look exactly like his :). And I feel huge GRATITUDE for the closeness and hugs!
The other 2 people that totally won my heart were Mel and Mary Lou, missionaries from US who lived in Estonia for 7 years. Now they were a couple over 70-s and I think I spent the most of my time with them in Bible Studies, talking (mostly about spiritual and personal matters), eating, doing fun stuff and experiencing the true fellowship. They won my heart by spending a lot of time with me talking and listening. They were my mentors in Christ and spirit mates :). Having them in my life has taught me to be 100% honest and share my emotions and feelings. I always felt free to do that and I never had to feel ashamed or embarrassed. They loved me the way Christ did and the way many girls dream their husbands would - THEY LOVED ME JUST AS I AM! They were good listeners. Actually they were the grandparents I never had, the only ones that were there for me with no expectations in return! They just came to Estonia, loved and served me! Wow, am I not blessed? And those hug...ah every time I met them or we said goodbye, we hugged and they gave me a kiss on my cheek! I even remember their faces when they did it and I will always remember those quality times and the physical and spiritual closeness we had. I DID FEEL GREATLY LOVED BY THEM!
The third person who made me feel loved was my ex-boyfriend. Now that was different kind of love, not parent-child love or friend-friend love like I described above, but it was girlfriend-boyfriend potential husband-wife love, romantic love. Now I think I don’t have to explain what this kind of relationship means, but I can tell you one thing - it is very hard to have the biggest love language, the primary way you feel loved physical touch yet as Christian have some restrictions on that. It takes a lot of spiritual discipline and TRUST in God, that the way he has planned the thing to be, IS THE BEST WAY for me! But I can tell you this - I really enjoyed watching TV and just sitting close to him, having my head on his shoulder and just having him close. I enjoyed travelling with him, doing sports, visiting people, organizing camps, volunteering and just spending quality time, chatting and talking about serious things. Talking on phone. I was calling to FRANCE for almost 4, 5 years! Can you imagine what fortune I spent on that? And him too!!! But he definitely taught me how to love a man and how to be loved as a woman! And I did love him deeply and he loved me deeply! It’s interesting, that today we both can say - I HAVE BEEN LOVED and we have no doubt about it. What is also interesting - HE TAUGHT ME TO LOVE HIS COUNTRY AND NATION! Today I am definitely fan No 1 of France and people must be tired of me talking all the time about how things are in France...well, people must be tired too that I always tell how much I learned from this relationship. And I am grateful for that.
Today I don’t have those people in my life anymore. My father died 9 years ago, Mel died last October, Mary Lou moved back to US and I and Romain broke up. But today I can say - I HAVE BEEN LOVED, because they loved me the way I needed to be loved without even knowing that they did. I am quite sure that they did not love me this way because they knew the theory. Maybe they knew that this was what I needed, but they loved me naturally. Isn`t it amazing, that God knows our needs and he puts people in our life to fulfill the need?
Today I have the rest of my family, friends and people I know, people love me and that need me to be there and fulfill their need for love. People that so desperately need to know and feel secure in the knowledge that they as well are loved unconditionally.
Isn`t it amazing that when you want to love the others the way they need to be loved, the only one who can help you do that is GOD? Isn`t it amazing, that even when you feel loved and you love the others the way they need to be loved, that you realize that it is never enough? That actually God himself, the one WHO IS LOVE and who SO LOVED THE WORLD....is THE ONLY ONE WHO IS ENOUGH???? Isn`t it exciting, magical if you would and wonderful??? Ahhh, that’s just amazing and beautiful!
And isn`t it interesting, that the way you really feel loved, the love language you speak and need others to speak with you, is actually something you are most afraid to share? That if you are the person whose primary love language is physical touches, that you actually don´t let too many people come close to you? It`s like this protected area or something that you don`t want to share with too many people.
And finally the book says - meeting some bodies need for love is a choice I make each day. If I know his or her primary love language and choose to speak it, the people’s deepest emotional need will be met and he or she will feel secure in my love.
What is your primary love language? How can I love you the appropriate way? How can I love God?
10.3.09
Justification and Sanctification
An important part in standing firm in the gospel and avoiding legalism is understanding the difference between the work Christ accomplished to save us and the work of becoming holy that He enables us to participate in after we`ve been saved.
Justification and sanctification are two closely related yet different concepts.
Justification refers to your status before God. When you placed your faith in Jesus, God the judge handed down the verdict that you are righteous. He transferred the perfect sinless record of Jesus to you. God completely and totally forgave you. He not only wiped away the record of your sin, He credited the righteousness of His Son to you.
Sanctification is a process - the process of becoming more like Christ, of growing in holyness. This process began the instant you were converted and will not end untill meet Jesus face to face. Through the work of the Spirit, through the power of His Word and through fellowship with other believers, God peels away our desire to sin, renews our minds and changes our lives. This ongoing work is what we call sanctification.
If you`ve truely been justified, you`re going to want to be sanctified too. You`re going to want to grow in holiness too. The person who has experienced God`s grace and has been genuinly converted can still choose to sin, but he can`t love sin like he used to. He can`t continue in sin indefinitely!
Have I been justified and sanctified? Have you?
Justification and sanctification are two closely related yet different concepts.
Justification refers to your status before God. When you placed your faith in Jesus, God the judge handed down the verdict that you are righteous. He transferred the perfect sinless record of Jesus to you. God completely and totally forgave you. He not only wiped away the record of your sin, He credited the righteousness of His Son to you.
Sanctification is a process - the process of becoming more like Christ, of growing in holyness. This process began the instant you were converted and will not end untill meet Jesus face to face. Through the work of the Spirit, through the power of His Word and through fellowship with other believers, God peels away our desire to sin, renews our minds and changes our lives. This ongoing work is what we call sanctification.
If you`ve truely been justified, you`re going to want to be sanctified too. You`re going to want to grow in holiness too. The person who has experienced God`s grace and has been genuinly converted can still choose to sin, but he can`t love sin like he used to. He can`t continue in sin indefinitely!
Have I been justified and sanctified? Have you?
8.3.09
When I say...
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,'I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ in my life!
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ in my life!
28.1.09
React like Jesus
This morning I was reading for my quiet time about reacting like Jesus. I tell you the story....
One soldier had an habbit of reading Bible and praying every evening. When everybody else was going to sleep, he got on his knees and started to pray.
One evening somebody saw this and started to make fun of him. But one evening the violence went further from words. When the soldier had just got on his knees to pray, the other one put on his boots and hit him in the face.
All the other soldiers were making fun as well and were waiting for a fight....but it did`nt come... the praying soldier did not fight back...
The next morning when the soldier who hit, woke up, could not believe his eyes....he saw his boots and they were shining...Do you imagine, that you would polish the boots that have been hitting you in the face? That takes a lot of mercy!
Why did Jesus pray on the cross "Father forgive them, because they don`t know what they do?" Because he knew that people, who have been raised a certain way, are lead by certain influences, who are dealing with life problems and fears and who have no motivation to act differently, need God. He saw an opportuniy in this to show the face of God and be an example.
It takes so much more than to be just the Sunday Christian. It takes Christlike reaction full of love that will not be unnoticed to others. It matters who you represent!
Who do I represent? My wounded EGO or CHRIST?
One soldier had an habbit of reading Bible and praying every evening. When everybody else was going to sleep, he got on his knees and started to pray.
One evening somebody saw this and started to make fun of him. But one evening the violence went further from words. When the soldier had just got on his knees to pray, the other one put on his boots and hit him in the face.
All the other soldiers were making fun as well and were waiting for a fight....but it did`nt come... the praying soldier did not fight back...
The next morning when the soldier who hit, woke up, could not believe his eyes....he saw his boots and they were shining...Do you imagine, that you would polish the boots that have been hitting you in the face? That takes a lot of mercy!
Why did Jesus pray on the cross "Father forgive them, because they don`t know what they do?" Because he knew that people, who have been raised a certain way, are lead by certain influences, who are dealing with life problems and fears and who have no motivation to act differently, need God. He saw an opportuniy in this to show the face of God and be an example.
It takes so much more than to be just the Sunday Christian. It takes Christlike reaction full of love that will not be unnoticed to others. It matters who you represent!
Who do I represent? My wounded EGO or CHRIST?
26.1.09
Jumalal on hea plaan ka siin
Kallis sõber Jürgen!
Ma olen Jumalale nii tänulik, et ma sinuga sel aastavahetusel Saaremaa laagris tuttavaks sain. Sinu põlemine Kristuses oli suureks inspiratsioniks ja tunnistuseks sellest, et Jumal teeb imesid!
Ma ei unusta kunagi seda, kuidas sa jagasid seda lootust, mis on sinus ka teistega! See, mida Jumal sinu elus ja sinu elu läbi tegi oli võimas!
Kohtume taevas!
http://www.postimees.ee/?id=74268
Dear Jürgen,
I am so glad to have met you this New Years in camp is Saaremaa! The way you were burning for Christ was a true inspiration! I am so thankful to God the way you were sharing Christ in our evangelism group! You helped to change lives!
See you soon in heaven!
24.1.09
Some thoughts...
1. Soul healing is putting your pride aside and acting intentionally to overcome the soul wounds that make you wound your partner;
2. Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die /Malachy McCourt/.
2. Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die /Malachy McCourt/.
21.1.09
Honesty and Forgiveness
How heavy is a glass of water? It depends how long you have to hold it in your hands. One minut is not a problem, but after holding it for many hours, your hand might start to ache. After 24 hours the way you feel will be propable very bad. Actually at every hour the glass of water weights the same, but the longer you are holding it, the heavyer it seems. It is the same way with heatred. Carrying it might turn out to be so heavy that it paralyses all your life.
This week I have been seriously talking with my mother. Some of the things we have been sharing go back in childhood and I have discovered that there are some things that have been broken and need to be fixed. I can honestly say, that those things are influencing who I am today.
I was watching Oprah show one day and she said - feelings are time travellers and they dont go away just because you get older! I never really thought that this woman was the light of truth, but it made sence to me...she was talking about grown ups from divorced families...
I think it is time to let go of some things. It is time to let go of the heavy glass of the past. But the first thing is to really understand what is my heavy glass and let God heal what is there.
It seems to me, that it is a period of time in my life where I am experiencing God more peronally. Not that He is someone who wants me to do something for Him. Yes, that too, but today it seems that He is helping me to look inside of me and says - I know what is there. I know why it is there. I see your feelings and pain, and I understand. But it is time for you to trust me as your personal Saviour and let me take away from your heart the things that do not belong there anymore! I have created a new creation in you and I have given you new life, a new chance! Use it!
God is teaching me to look inside of me and be honest about it! Not blame others, but to forgive them! Not question God, but thank Him for carrying me through this! But to do that, I have to be brutally honest about myself and my feelings. I have to stop hiding those feelings from myself and just not being afraid of feeling the way I do....
Honesty and forgivenes.... it looks like I have a valuable lesson to learn there...
This week I have been seriously talking with my mother. Some of the things we have been sharing go back in childhood and I have discovered that there are some things that have been broken and need to be fixed. I can honestly say, that those things are influencing who I am today.
I was watching Oprah show one day and she said - feelings are time travellers and they dont go away just because you get older! I never really thought that this woman was the light of truth, but it made sence to me...she was talking about grown ups from divorced families...
I think it is time to let go of some things. It is time to let go of the heavy glass of the past. But the first thing is to really understand what is my heavy glass and let God heal what is there.
It seems to me, that it is a period of time in my life where I am experiencing God more peronally. Not that He is someone who wants me to do something for Him. Yes, that too, but today it seems that He is helping me to look inside of me and says - I know what is there. I know why it is there. I see your feelings and pain, and I understand. But it is time for you to trust me as your personal Saviour and let me take away from your heart the things that do not belong there anymore! I have created a new creation in you and I have given you new life, a new chance! Use it!
God is teaching me to look inside of me and be honest about it! Not blame others, but to forgive them! Not question God, but thank Him for carrying me through this! But to do that, I have to be brutally honest about myself and my feelings. I have to stop hiding those feelings from myself and just not being afraid of feeling the way I do....
Honesty and forgivenes.... it looks like I have a valuable lesson to learn there...
15.1.09
Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousnessfor his name's sake.
Even though I walkthrough the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff,they comfort me.
You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow meall the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
When shepherd takes care of the sheep, he uses rod and the staff. God also uses the rod (Word of God) and the staff (Spirit of God) to guide us.
Many times God leads us through the valley of death. We cannot go around it, we cannot go over it or besides it. We have to go through, but He has promises to be always with us even at the bottom of the valley. God promises to take care of our needs even down in that valley. He knows that when I go through this, I am scared. He is big enough to handle my deepest fears and personal enough to care about my needs. He does not leave me, but He shows how big He really is.
God also promises to restore my soul. He does care that the life that has been taken into pieces would be put together. But God is interesting in that sence. He does not put together the old, he creates something totally new. I should not even want God to restore things the way they were. God is more gracious than that. He gives new beginnings and directs our stept the way He sees is better for us to go. He gives us new life every step of the way!
God also promises to hold my future secure. He cares for what will happen to me and when my future plans vanish away or do not come true, he gives me new opportunities and brings me closer to him through that. I think this is one of the most appealing things for me about being a Christian - you can always learn so much and every step of the way is exciting and you discover the world and God in totally new, deeper way. God cares for our dreams and hopes, but He does not want us to hope for and dream of things that are not good for us and do not bring glory to His name.
But what if I am scared while travelling in the valley of darkness, what should I do? I have to anticode my worst fear by:
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousnessfor his name's sake.
Even though I walkthrough the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff,they comfort me.
You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow meall the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
- He promises to provide for my needs;
- He promises to restore my soul;
- He promises to guide me;
- He promises to be present in my darkest valley;
- He promises me comfort when I face evil;
- He promises to hold my future secure.
When shepherd takes care of the sheep, he uses rod and the staff. God also uses the rod (Word of God) and the staff (Spirit of God) to guide us.
Many times God leads us through the valley of death. We cannot go around it, we cannot go over it or besides it. We have to go through, but He has promises to be always with us even at the bottom of the valley. God promises to take care of our needs even down in that valley. He knows that when I go through this, I am scared. He is big enough to handle my deepest fears and personal enough to care about my needs. He does not leave me, but He shows how big He really is.
God also promises to restore my soul. He does care that the life that has been taken into pieces would be put together. But God is interesting in that sence. He does not put together the old, he creates something totally new. I should not even want God to restore things the way they were. God is more gracious than that. He gives new beginnings and directs our stept the way He sees is better for us to go. He gives us new life every step of the way!
God also promises to hold my future secure. He cares for what will happen to me and when my future plans vanish away or do not come true, he gives me new opportunities and brings me closer to him through that. I think this is one of the most appealing things for me about being a Christian - you can always learn so much and every step of the way is exciting and you discover the world and God in totally new, deeper way. God cares for our dreams and hopes, but He does not want us to hope for and dream of things that are not good for us and do not bring glory to His name.
But what if I am scared while travelling in the valley of darkness, what should I do? I have to anticode my worst fear by:
- Going to my worst fear and dealing with it, not running away or hiding from it;
- Reminding myself of the Shepherd`s character;
- Turning my panic to praise. T
WHAT IS MY PERSONAL BIGGEST FEAR?
Maybe being left alone, being lonely? Don`t know...I am still trying to find out and and detect my worst fear....
Hope to discover it soon..
14.1.09
KEEP ON
by Donald Seltzer
I know what you are going through. I know it is not what you expected nor planned for. From the very beginning, I have walked through this with you and I am with you now! I am your Good Shepherd
And I will never leave you nor abandan you.
You are never alone!
I know there are times when you are filled with fear,
but remember - I will guide you and keep you steady.
I know there are things that cause you worry or anxiety,
but I want you to know that I have promised to provide
for you and all your needs.
When things are unclea, I will be your wisdom...
when things are overwhelming, I will be your strength.
When things are stressful, I will be your rest.
I love you completely! I am the Shephered of your Soul!
I want you to trust Me with your future
I will do what is good and what is best.
You are safe with Me! Keep on with My Love!
I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:11)
3.1.09
I have been hit by the truth
I can truly honestly say, that the last week has changed me! I cannot express enough how those young people in the camp encouraged me and how much I had to learn from them!
Even this Christmas and some hard talks with my mum have brought me clarity of who I am and how little I bother to take time to look at myself from outside!
But about the camp....
You see, many times you think you go and lead something. But then the table is turned the other way around and you realize that all you can do is just be yourself and learn from others!
I am so thankful to all those young people I had the opportunity to meet! And my co-leader Helari! Ahh, I learned so much from you! Your faith and devotion, desire to love and serve others is just so admireable!
God really taught me some basic things again....I just keep forgetting them, but He keeps reminding me. That is called grace!
It has been an amazing time of looking inside of ME and realizing that:
1. I have bad attitute and heart like a stone - my pride gets on the way of really being who I was created to be! On one side I want to help people and make an impact in this world. On the other side I am always thinking of how will I be praised and thanked for what I do.
I definately did learn the meaning of servant leadership and that the only way you can lead people is not pushing your own ideas and thought on them, but helping others discover their strenghts and encouraging them to step out and be at the upfront! A good leader is willing to step back, tie together the loose ends, see that all that is happening would form a nice unity, that peoples needs would be met individually yet the common goal would be reached!
A good leader quarantees a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all that! Good leader is like a clue holding everything together!
2. My heart has been broken so that I could understand better when Christ was broken on the cross and so that I could understand better the brokenness of others!
Wow, that hit me like a bomb this New Years Eve! I have been focusing on being disappointed all this year that I did not realize that it is one of the biggest lessons of my life!
My own brokenness has been used for the benefit of others and that is just so beautiful! I do believe from the bottom of my heart that nothing happens in this life for no reason at all!
Everything we experience, all the difficulties, are the opportunities to learn and get closer to God! I am so thankful for all the lessons and my group!
I have been just amazed by being part of it all and seeing how great things happen, how peoples lives and attitutes are changed, mine included. And the result is rewarding!
Like the moto of the camp said - Be bold to shine! I want to shine! I hope this new year will be learning all this in even more depth! I hope I learn to shine more!
Thank you so much: Helari, Helina, Jürgen, Illimar, Gaspar, Pirgit, Merike, Saara, Kaur, Kristjan, Triinu. You are the best!
Happier Piret :)
Even this Christmas and some hard talks with my mum have brought me clarity of who I am and how little I bother to take time to look at myself from outside!
But about the camp....
You see, many times you think you go and lead something. But then the table is turned the other way around and you realize that all you can do is just be yourself and learn from others!
I am so thankful to all those young people I had the opportunity to meet! And my co-leader Helari! Ahh, I learned so much from you! Your faith and devotion, desire to love and serve others is just so admireable!
God really taught me some basic things again....I just keep forgetting them, but He keeps reminding me. That is called grace!
It has been an amazing time of looking inside of ME and realizing that:
1. I have bad attitute and heart like a stone - my pride gets on the way of really being who I was created to be! On one side I want to help people and make an impact in this world. On the other side I am always thinking of how will I be praised and thanked for what I do.
I definately did learn the meaning of servant leadership and that the only way you can lead people is not pushing your own ideas and thought on them, but helping others discover their strenghts and encouraging them to step out and be at the upfront! A good leader is willing to step back, tie together the loose ends, see that all that is happening would form a nice unity, that peoples needs would be met individually yet the common goal would be reached!
A good leader quarantees a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all that! Good leader is like a clue holding everything together!
2. My heart has been broken so that I could understand better when Christ was broken on the cross and so that I could understand better the brokenness of others!
Wow, that hit me like a bomb this New Years Eve! I have been focusing on being disappointed all this year that I did not realize that it is one of the biggest lessons of my life!
My own brokenness has been used for the benefit of others and that is just so beautiful! I do believe from the bottom of my heart that nothing happens in this life for no reason at all!
Everything we experience, all the difficulties, are the opportunities to learn and get closer to God! I am so thankful for all the lessons and my group!
I have been just amazed by being part of it all and seeing how great things happen, how peoples lives and attitutes are changed, mine included. And the result is rewarding!
Like the moto of the camp said - Be bold to shine! I want to shine! I hope this new year will be learning all this in even more depth! I hope I learn to shine more!
Thank you so much: Helari, Helina, Jürgen, Illimar, Gaspar, Pirgit, Merike, Saara, Kaur, Kristjan, Triinu. You are the best!
Happier Piret :)
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