When you make a choice for God, his Spirit moves in, bringing about a major change in your life of which joy probably is the most significant. That is what Paul said about the new Christians in Thessalonica: 6Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! […]
Read moreAs the week comes to an end, my wife and I agree not to invite anybody. This weekend we’ll have a relaxing family weekend, and load our batteries. But by late afternoon Friday, we’re having withdrawal symptoms and start looking around for a good get-together or a braai at home or with friends. Or the […]
Read moreSo often one comes up against the question: What am I actually doing here on earth? What is my purpose? Does my life have a calling? And unfortunately, there are times in our lives when we don’t have answers to these questions. This happens especially in times of hardship. Times when we have more questions […]
Read morePaul is very excited about the people of Thessalonica. The message of the risen Jesus Christ entered their hearts. Their lives changed significantly and this was apparent in the way they acted. That is why Paul starts his letter by thanking them profusely: 2Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Paul […]
Read moreIn between the greetings Paul recalls a name: Archippus. But Paul doesn’t send him greetings. No, he encourages Archippus to live his calling to the full and to take it seriously right to the end: 17And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.” […]
Read moreRight at the end of his letter to the people of Colossae Paul gives us a glimpse of his support network. Paul conveys the greetings of his friends: Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus (also called Justus), Epaphras, Luke, Demas and naturally Tychicus and Onesimus who we got to know in the previous two devotions. Once again, I […]
Read moreWe meet another one of Paul’s friends who helped to preach the gospel. His name is Onesimus. His story did not have a good start. Originally, he was Philemon’s worker, but somewhere along the way he absconded. He was just a lay about, but then he met Paul and the message of salvation turned Onesimus’ […]
Read moreLife was not easy in Paul’s time. He was in prison. Their Messiah was no longer with them and everybody who believed in Jesus was in danger of death. Not a good time to be living. Still the Christians supported and encouraged one another. That’s why Paul sent Tychicus to them: 8I’ve sent him to […]
Read morePeople often ask me if I would be a referee on their CVs. For some I do it with pleasure, for others with some hesitance, because you have to be honest when someone calls you asking you to give a reference for the person. When someone enquires about someone who didn’t really pull their weight, […]
Read moreWe travel to Vredendal to have discussions with the congregation. What exactly it’s all about, I don’t know, but we spent the weekend there enjoying their potjiekos, going to their bazaar, just having a good time all around. On the way back, we stopped at Piketberg’s Spur and quickly talked about the weekend’s experiences. Everybody […]
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