Zeit

Man muß sich ein bestimmtes Quantum Zeit gönnen, wo man nichts tut, damit einem etwas einfällt.

Mortimer Jerome Adler

Der amerikanische Philosoph Mortimer J. Adler (1902-2001) sagte auch (als er vom Judentum zum Christentum übertrat):

"My chief reason for choosing Christianity was because the mysteries were incomprehensible. What's the point of revelation if we could figure it out ourselves?

If it were wholly comprehensible, then it would just be another philosophy."

Mach's wie Gott ...

"Mach's wie Gott, werde Mensch!"

Ein frohes und gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest!

Einfach zum Nachdenken...

"Eigentlich bin ich ganz anders,
nur komm' ich so selten dazu."

Ödön von Horvath
(österreichischer Schriftsteller,
9.12.1901 - 1.6.1938)

Schwierige Zeiten

Wieder habe ich bei Bryant Wright Aufbauendes gelesen.
Unter dem Titel "Can I Get A Witness? - Werde ich ein Zeuge sein?" schreibt er über die positiven Aspekte harter Zeiten:

"...but he has told me, 'My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah's power may rest on me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

When reminded that God does not give us any burdens we cannot handle, Mother Teresa replied, "I know, but sometimes I just wish He didn't think so highly of me." While it's true that tough times can challenge us and shape character, most of us would prefer that God would find another teaching method!
While hitting rock bottom is not fun, crises do offer opportunities for growth and service. For instance, sometimes God allows us to go through hard times so that we can learn to truly trust Him. You see, when we do choose to trust God - even when there is no concrete evidence of His presence - we demonstrate real faith. And that faith is not only demonstrated to God, it is a powerful witness to everyone who sees what you have gone through. Look at the example shown by Joseph. After thirteen years of miserable setbacks, the first thing he did was to stand before Pharaoh and share his testimony of his faith in God. What a magnificent witness to the glory of God!
So, when facing tough times, recognize the opportunity you have to build trust in God, deepen your faith, and become a powerful witness for your Heavenly Father.

Persönliche Gebetszeit

"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, went away to a secluded place and was praying there."

Mark 1:35

Here are a couple of tips by Bryant Wright who runs the weblog Right From The Heart, for developing a regular prayer routine.

"First, pick a regular place. You may have a quiet spot in your home, or perhaps it would work better to get to the office early and close the door. For some, it's a walk in the park, because you may have found that you can pray best when you're enjoying outdoors. And, for those of you who travel a lot, you may have more trouble finding a routine place. But what could be more private than a hotel room? Each person has a different place that feels right, but the important thing is to find a place that works for you.

Next, pick a plan. It's good to set a routine, just so you can flow right into it and not have to re-invent the wheel each time. Perhaps you can start with a devotional reading that whets your spiritual appetite. Then read from the Bible, think about the words, and think about God.

And then, begin to pray. Look at Jesus' model prayer, not to recite, but just to help you focus.

And then, just listen for the voice and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

There are different places and routines for developing a healthy prayer life. Find what works for you and begin enjoying the blessing you will receive by being alone with God."

I have subsribed to the Free Daily Devotions, founded by Bryant Wright.

"Right from the Heart" is delivered to my computer every day and is a daily injection of truth, reminding me about what matters most in life. Most of the posts get right to the point and touch important points in my life. Maybe you will also find them useful, just try this link: http://www.rightfromtheheart.org/

Der Herr lässt mich lagern auf grünen Auen

Psalm 23
Der gute Hirt
1 [Ein Psalm Davids.] Der Herr ist mein Hirte, / nichts wird mir fehlen.
2 Er lässt mich lagern auf grünen Auen / und führt mich zum Ruheplatz am Wasser.
3 Er stillt mein Verlangen; / er leitet mich auf rechten Pfaden, treu seinem Namen.
4 Muss ich auch wandern in finsterer Schlucht, / ich fürchte kein Unheil; denn du bist bei mir, / dein Stock und dein Stab geben mir Zuversicht.
5 Du deckst mir den Tisch / vor den Augen meiner Feinde. Du salbst mein Haupt mit Öl, / du füllst mir reichlich den Becher.
6 Lauter Güte und Huld werden mir folgen mein Leben lang / und im Haus des Herrn darf ich wohnen für lange Zeit.