Silent Time

silenttime

Welcome to Silent Time, the opportunity to think on what is really important in life.

  1. 6d ago

    Even in Prison

    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.

  2. Oct 16

    From Yearning to Hope

    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.

  3. Oct 15

    For Everything there is a Season

    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.

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Welcome to Silent Time, the opportunity to think on what is really important in life.