Silent Time

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that seemed hopeless? Whether deserved or not, times in jail can be desperate, whether literally in prison or in a transferred sense. But the Bible offers powerful examples of how God's presence can transform even the darkest circumstances.
In Genesis 39 [20 - 23] we read about Joseph's unjust imprisonment.
Despite his dire circumstances, Joseph experienced God's presence and favor. This divine companionship not only comforted him but also enabled him to thrive and lead even in confinement. God's presence transformed Joseph's prison into a place of purpose and growth.
In Acts 16 [23 - 26] we see Paul and Silas, after having preached the good news, facing injust punishment and imprisonment as well.
In both cases, God's presence brought unexpected blessings and freedom. These stories remind you that no matter how confined or restricted you may feel in life, God is with you. No matter how long you are jailed, God is with you and has a good long term plan. His presence can turn your prison into a place of praise, your limitations into opportunities for growth, and your challenges into testimonies of His power.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who himself experienced imprisonment, once said, "God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself." This truth echoes through Joseph's and Paul's experiences, encouraging you to trust in God's presence and purposes, even in life's most difficult moments.
Let's pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your constant presence in my life. Help me to recognize your hand at work, even in my most challenging circumstances. Thank you that you have a good long term plan and want to guide me through all challenges towards your eternal kingdom of peace and joy. Transform my limitations into opportunities for growth and my difficulties into testimonies of your faithfulness. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.

Have you ever felt that God has turned away from you in times of need? Throughout history people in the end got blessed, who were longing for God's presence and relying on his goodness, despite having to go through temporary difficulties.
In Isaiah 63 [15 - 16] God's people cried out, "Lord, look upon us from heaven, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where is your great concern for us? Where is your power? Where are your love and compassion? Do not ignore us. You are our father." This heartfelt plea reflects the deep yearning we often experience when facing trials, wondering if God has forgotten us.
Yet, even in moments of perceived absence of the almighty, we are called to maintain our hope, as Galatians 5 [5] declares, "For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness." Paul reminds us that our hope is not based on immediate circumstances but on the promise of God's righteousness.
While we may feel as if the Lord was absent, like the people by the time of the prophet Isaiah, we are encouraged to persist in faith, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises. This patient waiting is not passive but active, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In your daily life, you may encounter situations that challenge your faith. Remember that God's seeming silence does not equate to His absence. Instead, it is an invitation to deepen your trust and hope in Him. As you navigate through difficulties, allow the Spirit to nurture your faith, knowing that God's righteousness will ultimately prevail.
John Wesley once said, "The best of all is, God is with us." This simple yet profound statement reminds us that even when we cannot feel God's presence, He remains faithful and active in our lives.
Let's pray: Heavenly Father, in moments when I can not feel Your presence, strengthen my faith. Thank you for the hope and confidence that you provide. Help me to seek Your righteousness, trusting in Your unfailing love and promises. May Your Holy Spirit empower me to persevere with joyful expectation and to live towards your eternal kingdom of peace and fulfillment. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.

For everything there is a season, for joy and for sadness, a time to be quiet and and time to speak out. For everything there is an appropriate time appointed by the Lord, Ecclesiastes 3 [1 - 7] For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
The question is: do you follow the timing of the all-knowing, eternal creator God? He has the best long term plan and if we follow his guidance to do the right activitiy at the right time, great blessings can follow and he can guide us throughout this life towards his eternal kingdom of peace and joy, and already bless us here. By contrast if we oppose God's timing, then lots of setbacks can result.
Jesus perfectly followed God's timing. When it was time to celebrate, they celebrated. And when the serious time of his crucification came up, he also followed and prepared his disciples for that time of hardship: Luke 18 [31 - 33] Jesus took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, “Listen! We are going to Jerusalem where everything the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Gentiles, who will make fun of him, insult him, and spit on him. They will whip him and kill him, but three days later he will rise to life.” 
Jesus perfectly obeyed God's timing resulting in great blessings: by his victory on the cross, everyone who humbly puts trust in him can be saved. Do you put faith in him and accept God's timing in your life?
Let's pray: Thank you, Lord, that you provide a proper season for everything. Often we do not understand it, especially if we have to go through times of sorrow and pain. Forgive all objection to the seasons that you have foreseen. You have the best long term plan. Thank you that we can rely on your grace that saves us. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.

Despite all the cultural differences between regions and countries, as well as between the past and today, one thing we have in common: everyone needs to eat and drink to nourish the body. Some suffer scarcity being locked in hold captive. Others have more than enough in abundance. Praise the Lord and give thanks every time you have a meal to enjoy. And yet, food and drink will ultimately not be the most important things. Romans 14 [17]: The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. God's kingdom is not food and drink alone, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Everyone of any background who humbly puts faith in the eternal creator God and receives his blessing will already find here peace and joy and contribute to justice, which all will be perfected in heaven. 
Also the psalmist had experienced that God puts more gladness into his heart than abundance of grain and wine, more happiness than a rich harvest. Let's pray with Psalm 4: You are my God and protector. Please answer my prayer. I was in terrible distress, but you set me free. Now have pity and listen as I pray. You LORD have chosen everyone who is faithful to be your own, and you answer my prayers. There are some who ask, “Who will be good to us?” Let your kindness, LORD, shine brightly on us. You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes. I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, LORD, will keep me safe. Amen.

It can be terrible to be left alone. In ordinary life it can be hard to be left alone, and how much more in serious crises and difficult situations. People may leave us behind. And sometimes it might even feel as if even God left us alone. But God never leaves us. For example the psalmist prayed in Psalm 33 [22]: I was terrified and thought, “They've chased me far away from you!” But you answered my prayer when I shouted for help. I had said in my alarm "I am driven far from your sight". But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help.
And many others have experienced the same until today: God does not leave us alone. At times we may feel too weak or too distressed to pray, but when at least slightly turning the mind towards God, then the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, Romans 8 [26] In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. We do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words, he prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. 
Even when people leave us, we are never left alone by God. 
Let's pray: Lord Jesus, you were left alone by people when you have taken upon yourself all the heavy burden on the cross. And you know how difficult it is for us when being left alone by people. Thank you that you never leave us alone. Thank you that you are always there and listen to every prayer. And when we can not find the right words, you intercede for us. You have a good long term plan of eternal salvation for each and everyone individually, even when we often can not understand why things happen as they do. May you guide us throughout this life, through times being accompanied in companionship as well as through times of being alone, guide us always towards your eternal kingdom of peace, joy and good community. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.

Who cares for you? Do you have anyone who cares about and for you? Praise the Lord, if you are blessed with caring persons such as among family and friends, who care and provide for you, who intercede and support. But even if you feel totally alone, as if no one would care at all, still, there is a strong provider, the Lord himself. He does not simply fulfill all our wishes, often we have to wait and go through times of trouble and hardship, yet the Lord has a good long term plan to guide us through all that, to prepare us for his kingdom of glory. He is the strong provider for all kinds of needs, some examples are given in Psalm 107 [4 - 21]: Some of you were lost in the scorching desert, far from a town. You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. At once he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. He has satisfied a longing soul, and has filled a hungry soul with goodness. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice. You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. Some of you had foolishly committed a lot of sins and were in terrible pain. The very thought of food was disgusting to you, and you were almost dead. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
The Lord is Jehovah Jireh, my provider, as it also says in the letter to the Philippians chapter 4 [19 - 20]: My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

This life here on earth alone has a lot of questions. And beyond that the question may be asked: Will everyone enter heaven? Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to be his follower will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do God's will, for example in the gospel to Matthew 7 [21]: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of the Father who is in heaven.” And in order to remember, that message is also put into various pictures, for example the distinguishing between sheep and goats. And in another example the 10 bridesmaids: Matthew 25 [1 - 2 + 13]: At that time the Kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there were ten young women who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and the other five were wise. And Jesus concluded, “Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour". 
Yet in another picture, the light dawns for the upright, as described in Psalm 97 [11]: Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Not everyone will enter heaven, but it is available to everyone who is upright, who admits one's wrongdoings, who relies on the Lord's grace. Light dawns for the upright.
Let's pray: Lord, you know everything. You know all the questions that we face, and you know the answers. You know every person's attitude deep down in the heart. You also know all the guilt and wrongdoing, the sin that separates us from your kingdom. Thank you that in your mercy you offer the possibility that we may return to you. Thank you that you offer forgiveness to everyone who is upright and repents. Thank you that you offer new beginnings and that you let your light shine for the upright. Help us to be honest and not only say "Lord, Lord" with our lips and not really mean it. May you rather send your Holy Spirit into our hearts to guide us through this life towards your eternal kingdom. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.

What do you hold on to, that you should let go? It might be to give up unhealthy habits such as smoking. Or to turn off the TV on time in order to get sufficient sleep. Or to stop using abusive language that takes energy from family members, friends and colleagues and rather taking own responsibility for one's life and happiness. Or it might be to give back something stolen. Or simply to stop being angry and spreading a bad mood. Whatever it might be, Jesus encourages us to give up those things which he has shown us individually in everyone's situation. To let go the matters that are not healthy, which are not good for the future. And rather to follow Jesus, to serve God and to share the good news. Because what benefit would it be, if someone gained this whole world but lost one's soul? It is worthwhile to think about that and the topic is also addressed in the gospel to Mark chapter 8 [34 - 38]: When Jesus had called the people to himself along with his disciples, he said to them "Those who want to follow me need to say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. As my follower, you have to give up your own ways, setting aside selfish interests. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Do not be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people, says the Lord. If you are ashamed and deny the good news, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 
But whoever gives priority to God and his good news over the interests of this world, participates in the kingdom of God here and in eternity. 
In other words, we are called to let go certain matters in this world, such as unhealthy habits, and rather so to take up one's cross, means to  express and pursue a willingness to endure whatever may come and to follow Jesus, believing in him, conforming to his example in living and, if need be, to suffering and to give up whatever required, giving the priority in life to God over everything else, to let go of all harmful matters of this life. To what do you hold on that you should let go?
Let's pray: Lord, you know all the unhealthy matters that we hold on to, that are bad for our future and have negative consequences. Please help us to identify them and to stop habits that harm and destroy us and others. Help us to get rid of selfishness, to give up whatever is not useful and rather to follow you, to take upon ourselves our crosses where required and to share your wonderful good news of freedom, forgiveness, love and confidence. May you fill us with courage not to be ashamed of you. May you protect our souls and prepare us, so that we may finally fit into your eternal kingdom. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.

When driving a conventional vehicle, it is important to be concentrated. Have you ever been in critical situations of driving while being sleepy? Like a driver of a small older car who was tired but nevertheless driving on the highway with high speed and without noticing it he fell asleep for a short moment. When he opened the eyes, his car was very close to a huge truck, an extremely dangerous situation. Praise the Lord no accident. The driver of that small car had learned the lesson, stopped the car at the next service center, took a short rest and quick excercise before driving on. It is important to notice one's own tiredness as well as that of others, not just to ignore it. Sometimes there are deeper issues in life: more serious types of being tired, burn-out or depressions, as well as seemingly unsolvable health issues, conflicts and strife in family or at work, financial trouble or other difficulties. Then it is important to notice one's situation, to talk openly to others, to oneself and to talk to God in prayer. John 6 [35]. The Lord is the great provider who gives strength in weakness. Not all problems might be gone immediately, but we have a clearer view being aware of the grace and friendship of the all-knowing Lord who has a good longterm plan for everyone throughout unpleasant as well as throughout pleasant times of life as the way towards his eternal kingdom. Isaiah 40 [29]: He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty, wondering how you could possibly face what lies ahead? Throughout all kinds of situations, God encourages you to remain calm and trust in His promises, even when the world around you seems threatening.
In Isaiah 7 [4], God sends a message through the prophet Isaiah to a fearful king: “Tell him to stop worrying. Tell him he does not need to fear the fierce anger of those two burned-out embers, King Rezin of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah.” The people of Judah were trembling with fear, but God’s instruction was clear: keep calm, do not be afraid, and do not let your heart grow faint. God’s protection is greater than any threat, and His presence is the reason you can face challenges with courage.
This message finds its fulfillment and deepest meaning in the ministry of Jesus. In Luke 4 [18 - 19 + 21], Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah and declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.” Then Jesus says, “This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read.” Jesus Himself is the assurance that God’s promise to calm your fears and set you free is not just ancient history, but a living reality for you right now.
God invites you to trust Him instead of giving in to fear, because He is both your protector and your deliverer. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The overcoming of fear – that is what we are proclaiming here. As a human, you do not have to fear, because there is hope since Jesus is bigger than any evil, guilt or despair. So look at him in all anguish, pray to him. Then fear will fade away and you will be free in the living Lord.”. When you focus on Christ and His good news, fear loses its grip and hope takes its place.
Today, whenever anxiety rises, remember: God calls you to keep calm and not be afraid, for He is with you, and Jesus has already brought the freedom and eternal peace you need.
Let's pray: Lord, help me to trust you more deeply, and to rest in your presence, no matter what I face. Thank you for your promise to calm my fears, and for sending Jesus to bring freedom and hope for here and for eternity. To you be praise and glory and honor forever. Amen.