These positive words of our Lord give us strength, for we know that His words are true. When we look at how small a mustard seed is in comparison to a mountain, we see a comparison that really makes an impact. What did Christ mean when He used the word ‘faith’? We often hear the words ‘my faith’, or ‘I have faith’ in this or that, or in this person etc. This is not the faith Christ meant, because all of these things will eventually let us down. Christ meant faith in HIM, which is the only way we have access  to His Father. He stated this clearly in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me”.

We see therefore we must place our faith in Christ, and believe in everything He established. Down through the ages, we see the downfall when this has been changed around so slightly to putting faith in something which was established  by Christ, and through that faith declaring belief in Christ. At first it does not appear any different, but when meditate  on it we see it becomes vastly different. We see, therefore, we must always place our faith in Christ or as the Apostles declared in Hebrews 12:2, we should always be “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”.

Now the mountains which Christ spoke of, are the mountains we build up in our lives. Often, they start as a small ‘mole hill’, a worry or care in our daily life, and as we allow this to build and build, before long we have a mountain of care, or unbelief or despair. Problems seem so great we cannot see or step  over them; we seem to become weighed down, and it is as if we were carrying a mountain around on us. If we allow it to keep building up and up, we grind to a stop, and often in desperation we do things that are contrary to our normal nature – even lashing out at the ones we love. God foresaw these problems of man in our times as the very pressures of living from day to day build up, when almost 2700  years ago he spoke through His prophet in Isaiah 40:4-5 “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain: and the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it”.

So we see how, when our mountains build up, we only have to gain that smallest seed of FAITH IN CHRIST and then we can say “Remove hence to yonder place” – then that mountain stands before our Lord and the words take over as He declared through His prophet Zechariah 4: 7, “Who are thou, 0 great mountain? before Zerubbel, thou shalt become a plain, and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying Grace, Grace unto it”. (Christ)

Therefore, we see the only way to tackle the cares and problems of this world which will be successful. The Apostle Paul writes of one final warning on this subject which is so important for us to remember at all time, in 1 Corinthians 13:2  “And though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing”. We must at all times be  prepared to share this knowledge of removing cares with all those we come in contact with, in whom we see or perceive a mountain, and then we fulfil our FAITH with LOVE.

Clay is earth, one may also call earth mud or dirt. Some say to each other ‘you are just dirt.’ Some say to themselves ‘I am no good, my life is as dirt.’ They are apathetic and devalue their lives. This world epitomizes impermanence. God made man from the earth and breathed His life into him. We are made in the image of God and God is in us, we are as earthen vessels containing the life of God. Paul said: “We have divine treasure in earthen vessels.” The earthen vessel is breakable, but the divine treasure is imperishable! What can God make of my life? Something meaningful, divine, eternal?

Clay cannot evade the potter, but man can evade God keeping certain aspects of his life hidden, he can withdraw from God. This leads to a divided way of life. Has God the influence to shake me with regards to my attitude towards work, my profession, leisure, money, illness, family, neighbours, and fellow Christians?

Every human being is unique. God gave us a shape as determined by Him. He did not make us all uniformed, He would like to awaken divine originals. Many a person is not satisfied being a simple vessel but wish to be an artistic vase made of bone china. In our houses are many different vessels and all are in use. This is what makes a community! Do we take part in our community? Are we active? Do we appreciate or despise the others? If we despise the creation, we despise the creator.

After the pot is made it is baked in the furnace, even as our lives are tested in the fire. Knowledge alone is not sufficient, does not help much, does not bring new life. We must convert knowledge into practical deeds to the benefit of our lives. The vessel made by God can be used in everyday life. God can use me.

God says: You are not a useless clod of earth; you are not dirt! You have been regenerated and have received a new meaning and direction to your life. Your life has been given intellect and you shall remain with Me!

The highest reward of being a Christian is to fulfil our divine predestination.

A Scribe once asked Jesus what he should do to win eternal life. Jesus knew that many Scribes (we would say Theologists) wanted to set a trap for Him, in the hope, that they would catch Him making a statement which was contrary to Holy Scripture and have reason to deliver Him to the judges. Jesus let them answer their own questions, asking what Jewish law said. The Scribe gave the well-known answer, “Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” But a little later the Scribe questioned “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus gave the famous parable of the Good Samaritan. Let us dwell on it once more, especially on the question “And who is my neighbour?”

Jesus placed a Samaritan above a Priest and a Levite. That was nothing less than a very daring, an almost revolutionary act! The Jews despised the Samaritans to such an extent, that if the shadow of a Samaritan fell upon them, they would wash themselves, and vice versa the hate and scorn of the Samaritans for the Jews was no less. Just such a despicable person was chosen by Jesus to explain to the Scribe (a respected person of superior rank) who his neighbour was. The Priest, who according to their religion was surrounded by an aura of holiness, Jesus described as a coward and egoist.

Jesus lets the main answer to the question, who is the neighbour of the robbed and half-dead man, be given again by the Scribe himself. The latter could give no other answer than “He that shewed mercy on him.” He obviously could not utter the word “Samaritan.” To the unfortunate Jew the helpful Samaritan was his neighbour.   Undoubtedly Jesus had also wanted to make clear that the Samaritan’s neighbour was the man in need even though the latter belonged to an enemy people.

The admonition “Love your neighbour as yourself” is very often used. How would we answer the question “Who is our neighbour?” The word neighbour is related to the word “nigh.” Neighbour is one who is nigh. Neighbours are associates, colleagues, brothers and sisters in the community etc. Not only those we like but even our “enemies.” Jesus said, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?” (Matt.5:46).

In the Old Testament the word ‘neighbour’ occurs often. It means- those who belong to the same tribe or still narrower meaning to the same household, family member or friend. Jesus gave the word ‘neighbour’ a much broader meaning. Our neighbour is also the one who belongs to another nation, even enemies. Extend the above list by including the following groups: Workers from other countries. Totally different cultures, other races and minorities.

Love expresses itself in actions which serve to the good of others. Take care that our words and deeds are unbiased, that we are open hearted to all irrespective of their colour, beliefs, religion, social standing, wealth or poverty or place of residence. Christ’s Kingdom has no nationalities, races or classes. Wherever we see distress which we can alleviate we should do it. Wherever wrong ideas prevail, we should amiably but firmly point out what is wrong: and.be a living testimony of the effect Christ has had on us through His Apostles word and not aggressively, not brutally, not critically but clearly, with gentle persuasion. Then is Jesus’ commandment sufficient: “Go ye and do likewise!”

What does a person need to live? Food, clothes and somewhere to live without a doubt.

Are we therewith satisfied? Hopefully not!

What is it then that we are still missing? Once the occupants of Alexandria and Rome were reproached for being only interested in circus games beside food. The danger to be content with food and games exists always – even today. The question therefore must stay alive: Is that all? This might not touch everyone at the same time to the same extent. But would this question however not be asked, so was this a sign of ruin? Bread and games are surely not everything. A person needs orientation and meaning of life, to be able to live at peace with oneself and fellow citizens. The question for the “wherefrom” and the whereto” will always move a watchful mind. Many try in Art, Literature and Science to find the answer. There have been very special and great achievements made in these fields. But also, all this is not everything! Encouragement and orientation, meaningfulness and future perspectives are won from God’s word. God’s word meets us in the commandments. It will be placed before our eyes – what should be. God’s words tell us, what is good. The person who listens to God’s word, is not satisfied with the existing conditions. He strives for improvement and perfection.

God’s word is direction. It describes the way of perfection, to the conditions which should be. God’s word we hear, is a warning. It holds a mirror before our eyes, so that we can recognize the imperfection of the present condition. Therewith, can the word of God become very clear and distinct and hard to judgment against failures and evil motives. It does not need to take consideration like we have to for one another, because no-one-word can or is allowed to rise above the other.

But God’s word grants us also precious promises. With it belongs the promise that our praying and our deeds will not be in vain, no matter how small the deed. With it belongs also the promise of God’s grace and His mercy which strengthens our weakness. Finally, it gives us the view of the many mansions in our Father’s house, as well as the end of this age, a new heaven and a new earth without suffering and tears, but full of peace and righteousness. This account does show us that God’s word is Food, nourishment in the deepest significant means to a worthy and meaningful life. It is joy and comfort even in difficult times. Jeremiah experienced it like this, who spoke of these words, when he, on his mission and of his people nearly despaired.

I wish everyone would experience that God’s word is the best “nourishment”.

When we open up a Bible Concordance we can identify that there is a lot written about wisdom and knowledge. If one reads attentively, it becomes quite clear that the Bible makes a difference between “worldly’ and “godly’ wisdom.

This world has many “wise” people who have detailed expert knowledge of certain subjects. People who have studied in Universities and High Schools are highly accomplished in their education. Their knowledge refers always to a certain part or branch. One can possess a wide range of general knowledge, but is never the less, specialised in one or few study-subjects. It is not a rarity that some people are quite conceited about their knowledge and let others know in no uncertain terms, especially those who have a lesser education. In their narrow mindedness, their worldly wisdom has become to them a somewhat Status-symbol, although it is transitory.

In the book “What we believe” is also mentioned Wisdom in the chapter, which speaks of the gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit. Will one obtain true wisdom, there is the belief necessary; and indeed a belief which does not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but undoubtedly on the power of God. Therewith becomes the signal for this Year, that is God given, apparently clearer. Wisdom and knowledge are hid in Jesus Christ. Out of our belief we should search for it.

This search does not have to be endless, because God already promised through Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”.

The Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the brothers and sisters in Corinth 18:21 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written in Isiah 29:14 “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Now, where are the wise? Where are the scribes? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”. About the preaching Paul says (1 Corinthians 2:6) “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory”. How we should treat this preaching, we read in Matthew 7:24-29. Jesus concludes His sermon with these words: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock”. The deciding factor is, that we firstly hear His word, receive it and then act accordingly.

Often, our ears are nearly deaf, so we don’t hear some speeches, some sermons, some valuable words. But the Lord wants that His words move our hearts and we, through our deeds, bring forth fruit. A wise man accounts for today, for tomorrow and for the future. That is why he builds his house upon a rock, which does not fall nor disappear. This rock is and will always be JESUS CHRIST. That is why He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

As long as there are no storms, no self-denials and disappointments, there seems to be no difference between a wise and a foolish man. Both houses look secure. But the floods will come, He says: storms, sufferings, opposition, doctrines, sickness, misleading friendships beat upon our house of faith and tear at it. But when the heart is securely anchored in faith and stand upon this rock, there will be no damage done to that house.

Sorry to say, that many have fallen victim to the temptations, traps and snares of the evil one. They liked the sand (the world) rather than the rock (Christ). Even we as well, stand always anew before the deciding choice: Rock or sand, Christ or the world, godly or worldly wisdom. The famous middle-road, which we rather love to choose, is not available here. The main point is, that we in sure belief, are trusting God to guide us in His wisdom, fully give ourselves into His hand and follow His word in obedience. May this realization, the true willingness and the necessary courage, grow for the consequence in this year. Then will God grant us also the so important insight which makes it possible, to try the spirits, whether they are of God!

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. Matthew 6:21.

We often find ourselves in situations which bring us sorrow and pain. We find ourselves in
darkness and despair, apparently forgotten by God and the world. We complain and ask “Why?”
Our source of comfort and strength in the darkest moments of our life is when we look to Jesus
Christ, who suffered for our sakes, our Saviour and Redeemer.
During Jesus’ life on earth many of His followers left Him, every time His suffering increased.
Finally, when He was taken captive in the garden of Gethsemane, all His disciples left Him and
fled in fear. In human terms, this was Jesus’ darkest hour. His soul was troubled unto death. His
darkness, loneliness, torture and finally His terrible death on the cross, were all caused by those
who had fallen away from God. Because of our transgressions, He was wounded and “He was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are
healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
The Son of God who because of God’s eternal love, became man in all things but sin, had to eat
the most bitter fruits of our sinful world. His dying words “My God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me?” reveal His humanity and show Him as a man with feelings like us.
Jesus’ “Why” as He was hanging on the cross feeling forsaken, should give us the answer: He was
forsaken by God for some time so that He would feel the same as we do when we are forsaken,
suffering and miserable and then He could take pity on us. It is in times of trouble, that He will
support, comfort and be close to us. The author of the letter to the Hebrews says “For we have not
an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Knowing that Christ is always there to
help and comfort us, there is no need to fearfully ask why, for we can be sure that He will redeem
us, set us free and give us peace.
It is true that because of our continual disobedience God sometimes hides His face from us, but
with Jesus Christ who, though sinless, sacrificed Himself for all mankind, God with everlasting
kindness will have mercy on a sinful world and redeem us. (Isaiah.54:8)
Through Jesus Christ, who was scorned and martyred at Golgotha. God showed His great love for
man. This love is so strong, that it conquered death and sin. The day of Christ’s resurrection
dawned brightly on the dark scene or the crucifixion. The way to God was open again to all
mankind, through the unique sacrifice of God’s Son. It was no longer reserved for the privileged
and pious teachers of the law as they had preached. The rending of the temple veil in Jerusalem
symbolized this act of mercy by the Almighty. Christ redeemed us from the tyranny of the law and
gave us His love, which is the fulfilment of the law.

One of the most provoking answers man has ever given God, is in Genesis 4·9. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Only those can speak like that whose heart is far from God. This raises the question of joint responsibility for our fellowmen, that is of Christians for their brothers and sisters in the community. There are chiefly two parables about this which Christ taught. In the parable of the “prodical son”, the son who stayed home, does not feel responsible for his brother in spite of his condition. He is right because his brother received his whole share of the inheritance, but ruined his life through selfishness. But the parable also contains the reproof, for Christ made it very clear that, independent guilt, the saving of mankind is much more important than insisting on one’s own right.

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins is another. Without any recognizable difference the ten virgins are going to meet the bridegroom. But five of the ten are unwise and miss their salvation. In contrast to the first parable mentioned, there is here for five young women, no “Happy End”. As much as this parable hurts, one has to ask, surly, the so called “Wise Ones” must have recognized the lacking condition of the foolish? Why didn’t they help? Were they different, did they not care about the foolish? Can one really be going with joy in heart to meet the bridegroom, when one should know that half of us may not make it. The question stands anew about the joint responsibility. It has become very complicated in our time, as we speak of the “Mature Christian”, his own responsibility and not being a busybody. Also – can I – should I may I – must I – be my brother’s keeper?

Our text answers this question. “We that are strong”, who dares to talk like that about oneself? If we appear to be the better one, the smarter, the more proficient, it would but offend the foolish. Is it not much better to stay out of every thing? After all we have the Apostles, the Ministers, the Sermons etc.? But, now that we know the parable of Christ, can we then still withdraw ourselves from this joint-responsibility? Is there a “Without Me”?

Here it is not a matter of thinking to be clever or strong, but the only object is, how far the love is poured out in one’s heart (Rom. 5:5) and how much one is honestly concerned about the welfare of another because of this love. Can we – through false consideration (not to busy ourselves in another men’s matters) allow, that someone will lose out? We cannot excuse ourselves herewith not to have known that oil is lacking in someone in the Church. Our communities are mostly in size easy to overview and with a little observing, it will not escape us who in the community may be in trouble.

The Bible warns first against judging or despising brothers (and sisters) and advises foremost to set our minds on this – to be to one an offence or cause any annoyance. This also is a responsible act. But our task goes further and shall lead us from holding back to the offensive, the conscious, but loving intervention. In Galatians, the Apostle exhorts to brotherhood and gives the important advice to help someone, who made a mistake, with tender heart and spirit. An unmistakable invitation: “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ”. (Gal. 6:1-2)

I MUST HELP! How can we help, is taught that through the carrying of the weak and good conduct, our fellowmen can build themselves up on these virtues. This excludes any highmindness. To form an opinion about the weak in the Church may in some cases be reasonable enough, but we have no right to do this. Only the loving service, the friendly conversation, the brotherly and sisterly love produce trust and encouragement for our fellowman to grow.

This is a lesson for all. “Love your neighbour as yourself’! One could also say: “Dedicate time for your neighbour as much as for ourself.” This is in practice difficult. Serving others requires time and we should not be stingy with it. The word egoism is not contained in the Bible. God gives us a lesson in those who are weak, which we can hardly shrink back from. He expects an active community and no self-satisfied or self-conceited Christians, who favour only themselves.

I recently read an article reportedly written by Karl Elsener, a Swiss designer of surgical equipment in the 19th century, who worked for years on perfecting a military knife. Today his Swiss army knife is associated with excellence in blades and a variety of other useful tools. One model includes knife blades, a saw, scissors, magnifying glass, a can opener, a screw driver, a ruler, a tooth brush, a writing pen and more, all in the one knife. It is marketed even to-day to make campers and owners feel equipped for survival.
He commented at the time this was an aid to help natural survival, the same as the Bible was, given to us to provide spiritual survival, a type of spiritual knife for the soul. How true were his observations, which were also given to Timothy by Apostle Paul in our text word.

We see the key words – All scripture
-profitable for doctrine
-reproof
-correction
-instruction in righteousness.
Furnished on equipped means to fit completely. We see how all the scripture does equip us for our spiritual life’s journey.
-Doctrine – provides spiritual truth.
-Reproof – points us to our imperfections
-Correction -points us to the correct way from our sinful failures.
-Instruction -tells us how to live a righteous life.

Above all it provides that wonderful light on our journey and tells us very clearly how we can find grace. Ephesians 2:8 “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Let us always seek out of this complete valuable tool daily to equip us on our journey.