News and views from the German-language region of Europe
Our first thoughts |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
We are all different, but in one area of our lives there is no difference at all. We all have 24 hours a day at our disposal — no more, no less. (more…)
A pond with no water source? |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
Our neighbors in my home town of St. Louis, Missouri had a small pond in their back yard. The pond's only source of water was rainwater, and in the summer it would sometimes become stagnant when there was a dry period. The water then began to smell bad. (more…)
Feast of Tabernacles 2021 |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
We usually return home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed spiritual vigor. Even so, past experience shows us that not everyone who kept the Feast with us in past years was with us this year. Do we have high hopes that we are present at next year's Feast? Hope alone, while positive, isn't enough to ensure that we are present at next year's Feast. (more…)
Ask for forgiveness — or demand it? |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
To reach out for and receive forgiveness is a Christian reality. When others ask us for forgiveness, it is our duty and responsibility to grant it. On the other hand, if we are the ones seeking forgiveness? (more…)
"The way of peace they have not known" |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
The treaty for the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, called the "Abraham Agreement", which was signed in the American capital earlier this week, was a remarkable event that would usher in a new era in the Middle East, according to American President Donald Trump. UAE representatives confirmed that Trump's mediation played a role in the agreement. (more…)
God is a "weight lifter" |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
God has not promised us a burden-free life. We all know that. But sometimes a burden can seem to overwhelm us. How often do we get flustered because we are carrying a burden by ourselves when we don’t need to? (more…)
Our calling, walk and goal |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
What happens when we accept God's calling, His invitation to us? We experience many blessings and opportunities. Our way of thinking changes. We grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:1-11). We begin to think and act as God thinks and acts. (more…)
Lip service or actions based on conviction? |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
In general, people tend to attach more importance to their actions than their words. After all, words without corresponding actions are only lip service. This is also true of our Christian faith. It was no different with Jesus Christ. (more…)
"Be anxious for nothing" |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
For those who believe in the "health-wealth-gospel", some statements in the Holy Scriptures may be a paradox, because trials are part of our life as Christians. The apostle Peter tells us this: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7). (more…)
Will there be a surprise after corona? |
Filed under Sabbath Thoughts |
Have you ever noticed how pleasant the weather seems after a storm has passed? The wind has stopped and often the sun is shining. The air smells so fresh and clean. Things seem so much better after a storm. (more…)
Paul Kieffer's blog with personal insights and news from the German-language region in Europe.