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tisdag 31 december 2019

Gott nytt år 2020! Happy new year!

- I fädernas spår mot ett nytt år och ett nytt decennium. Gott nytt år!


Hebr. 13:8 "Jesus Kristus är densamme i går och i dag och i evighet."

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebr. 13:8 ESV)



År 2019 var för mig ett fest- och jubileumsår då det hände mycket på det personliga planet och för min familj.

Med tacksamhet blickar jag tillbaka och ser framåt.

Efesierbrevet 6:10 är min ledstjärna: "Till sist, bli starka i Herren och i hans väldiga kraft."

Kraften kommer från Gud.

När det gäller kyrka och samhälle får vi fundera över om yttrandefriheten fortfarande gäller i vårt land. Jag tänker naturligtvis på fall där man hänvisat till bibelord och denna sak har börjat ifrågasättas och tom. anses vara straffbart. Det är en mycket oroande utveckling.


















"Yksi nimi ylitse muiden":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRrx98l47NA

"On yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
yksi nimi muuttumaton.
Yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
vain yksi nimi toivomme on.
Tuo nimi, josta laulan, on Jeesus,
nimi kaunein alla auringon.

1.
Siinä vain, siinä vain
armo meille lahjoitetaan.
Siinä vain on valta ja voima
yhä taivaassa ja päällä maan

On yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
yksi nimi muuttumaton.
Yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
vain yksi nimi toivomme on.
Tuo nimi, josta laulan, on Jeesus,
nimi kaunein alla auringon.

2.
Siinä vain, siinä vain,
siinä on mun lauluni syy.
Siinä vain on taivas jo auki,
siihen kaikki rikkaus kätkeytyy.

On yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
yksi nimi muuttumaton.
Yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
vain yksi nimi toivomme on.
Tuo nimi, josta laulan, on Jeesus,
nimi kaunein alla auringon.

3.
Siinä vain, siinä vain
seisoo ristin muotoinen puu.
Siinä vain on Jumala läsnä,
kaikki polvet maahan notkistuu.

On yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
yksi nimi muuttumaton.
Yksi nimi ylitse muiden,
vain yksi nimi toivomme on.
Tuo nimi, josta laulan, on Jeesus,
nimi kaunein alla auringon."







Foton: familjen Linde'n

måndag 30 december 2019

Jesus, Guds enfödde Son - världens Frälsare är här - Christ, the Savior

I juletid. Christmastime. Winter in Finland. Acts 7:55-56 (ESV) Thinking of the persecuted Christians worldwide (the Son of Man standing).

"As I gaze I am blinded In the Light of Your brightness"

Joh. 3:16

"Ty så älskade Gud världen att han utgav sin enfödde Son, för att den som tror på honom inte skall gå förlorad utan ha evigt liv."

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)



Christmastime (Michael W Smith)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxEOxQYl-wY


"Han som kom ner": (Evangeliet)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7R0HJIJ7sA


Seasons (Hillsong): "the Light of Your brightness"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFEwV77n1Ng

- "I can see the promise..." - planting my tree...

The lyrics:

"Like the frost on a rose
Winter comes for us all
Oh how nature acquaints us
With the nature of patience
Like a seed in the snow
I’ve been buried to grow
For Your promise is loyal
From seed to sequoia

I know...
Though the winter is long even richer
The harvest it brings
Though my waiting prolongs even greater
Your promise for me like a seed
I believe that my season will come

Lord I think of Your love
Like the low winter sun
As I gaze I am blinded
In the light of Your brightness
Like a fire to the snow
I’m renewed in Your warmth
Melt the ice of this wild soul
Till the barren is beautiful

I can see the promise
I can see the future
You’re the God of seasons
I'm just in the winter
If all I know of harvest
Is that it’s worth my patience
Then if You’re not done working
God I’m not done waiting

You can see my promise
Even in the winter
Cause You’re the God of greatness
Even in a manger

For all I know of seasons
Is that You take Your time
You could have saved us in a second
Instead You sent a child

And when I finally see my tree
Still I believe there’s a season to come

Like a seed You were sown
For the sake of us all
From Bethlehem's soil
Grew Calvary's sequoia"

Words and Music by Chris Davenport, Benjamin Hastings & Ben Tan



***

Thinking of the persecuted Christians worldwide (even in the winter):

Acts 7:55-56  "But he (Stephen) , full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.



"Chain breaker" (Zach Williams)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U







Foton: KL

tisdag 24 december 2019

Merry Christmas! A child is born! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

God jul! Merry Christmas!

"For to us a child is born" (Is. 9:6 ESV)




"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." (Is. 9:6-7 ESV)






Händel: "Messiah, For unto us a child is born"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc


"O, du fröhlice" (Adoro & Augsburger Domsingknaben):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GV-V_kXLjo


"Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" (The Gesualdo Six):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAIro_A1CYw&feature=emb_title


"Es is ein Ros entsprungen" (Monteverdi choir):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fetQuBEF2WQ

***

"Glory in the highest" (Meredith Andrews):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPncC_lMTP8










Photos: KL (23.12.2019)

söndag 22 december 2019

Be born in me - Breath of heaven - The face of God

Fjärde advent. Fourth Sunday of Advent.
"And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” (Romans 15:10 ESV). Gloria. 

 Mary, the mother.



Be born in me:

 ("I'll hold you in the beginning, you will hold me in the end").


Breath of heaven:

("lighten my darkness").


The face of God:

("The Savior of the world is in her arms")







"Be born in me" (Francesca Battistelli)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPHkvbdOpw

The lyrics:

"Be Born In Me"

"Everything inside me cries for order
Everything inside me wants to hide
Is this shadow an angel or a warrior?
If God is pleased with me, why am I so terrified?
Someone tell me I am only dreaming
Somehow help me see with Heaven's eyes
And before my head agrees, my heart is on its knees
Holy is He; blessed am I

Be born in me, be born in me
Trembling heart, somehow I believe that You chose me
I'll hold You in the beginning, You will hold me in the end
Every moment in the middle, make my heart Your Bethlehem
Be born in me

All this time we've waited for the promise
All this time You've waited for my arms
Did You wrap yourself inside the unexpected
So we might know that Love would go that far?

Be born in me, be born in me
Trembling heart, somehow I believe that You chose me
I'll hold You in the beginning, You will hold me in the end
Every moment in the middle, make my heart Your Bethlehem
Be born in me

I am not brave
I'll never be
The only thing my heart can offer is a vacancy
I'm just a girl
Nothing more
But I am willing, I am Yours

Be born in me, be born in me
I'll hold You in the beginning, You will hold me in the end
Every moment in the middle, make my heart Your Bethlehem
Be born in me"




Breath of heaven (Amy Grant):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_475FKJWQ

The lyrics:

[Verse 1]
"I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son

[Verse 2]
I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now

[Chorus]
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven

[Verse 3]
Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong, help me be, help me

[Chorus]
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy

[Chorus]
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven"


***

Face of God (Phil Wickham)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elcvgbzFOlE

The lyrics:

"Face Of God"

"Underneath the starry sky
A mother holds a child tonight
All is calm and all is bright
She sings to Him a lullaby

Gloria, I hear the angels singing gloria
All of the heavens ringing, gloria
The Savior of the world is in her arms
She's staring at the face of God

She looks upon the great I Am
The gift of Heaven in her hands
Born to save the sons of earth
He was born to give them second birth

Gloria, I hear the angels singing gloria
All of the heavens ringing, gloria
The Savior of the world is in her arms
She's staring at the face of God

The face of God
Staring at the face of God
Staring at the face of God

Gloria, I hear the angels singing gloria
All of the heavens ringing, gloria
The Savior of the world is in her arms
Gloria, I hear the angels singing gloria
All of the heavens ringing, gloria
The Savior of the world is in her arms
She's staring at the face of God, the face of God"



***

Rom 15:10 "Vidare heter det: "Gläd er, ni hedningar, tillsammans med hans folk."
"And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” (Romans 15:10 ESV)

Matt. 1:18-24 "Med Jesu Kristi födelse gick det till så: hans mor Maria var trolovad med Josef, men innan de hade kommit tillsammans, visade det sig att hon var havande genom den helige Ande. Josef, hennes man, var god och rättfärdig. Han ville inte dra vanära över henne, och därför beslöt han att i hemlighet skilja sig från henne. Men när han tänkte på detta, se, då visade sig en Herrens ängel för honom i en dröm och sade: "Josef, Davids son, var inte rädd att ta till dig Maria, din hustru, ty barnet i henne har blivit till genom den helige Ande. Hon skall föda en son, och du skall ge honom namnet Jesus, ty han skall frälsa sitt folk från deras synder." Allt detta skedde, för att det skulle uppfyllas som Herren hade sagt genom profeten: Se, jungfrun skall bli havande och föda en son, och man skall ge honom namnet Immanuel, det betyder Gud med oss. När Josef vaknade upp ur sömnen, gjorde han som Herrens ängel hade befallt och tog sin hustru till sig."

Matt. 1:18-24 (ESV)
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,"


"Immanuel" (Michael Card)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISY2hOJ9v_E&t=2s




***

Foton: KL



fredag 20 december 2019

Gud kom till oss

"För att du nedsteg hit till de plågade, hit till de dömda, vet vi att ingen ensamhet finnes mer, vet vi var Gud är." - Gud är nära. I livets alla förhållanden.
- God is a present God. The greatest possible role model for us. (Phil. 2:5-11 ESV)



1.
"För att du inte
tog det gudomliga
dig till krona,
för att du valde
smälek och fattigdom
vet vi vem Gud är.

2.
För att du lydde
fram till det yttersta -
döden på korset,
vet vi vad seger,
vet vi vad väldighet,
vet vi vad Gud är.




3.
För att du nedsteg
hit till de plågade,
hit till de dömda,
vet vi att ingen
ensamhet finnes mer,
vet vi var Gud är.

4.
Därför skall alla
sargade, döende,
alla de dömda,
säga med alla
heliga, saliga:
Jesus är Herre.

5.
Därför skall alla
världar och varelser,
allt som har varit,
är och skall komma,
en dag bekänna det:
Jesus är Herre."

Psalm 87 i psalmboken.


Fil. 2:5-11

"Var så till sinnes som Kristus Jesus var. Fastän han var till i Gudsgestalt, räknade han inte tillvaron som Gud såsom segerbyte utan han utgav sig själv genom att anta en tjänares gestalt då han blev människa. Han som till det yttre var som en människa ödmjukade sig och blev lydig 'ända till döden - döden på korset. Därför har också Gud upphöjt honom över allting och gett honom namnet över alla namn, för att i Jesu namn alla knän skall böja sig, i himlen och på jorden och under jorden, och alla tungor bekänna, Gud, Fadern, till ära, att Jesus Kristus är Herren."


Phil. 2:5-11 (ESV)

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."


"Behold the Savior" (Meredith Andrews)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne_pP_SpWPQ


The lyrics ("Behold the Savior"):

"Oh what innocence
Sleeping in a manger
Under dreamless skies
See a newborn king
Trading every glory for a silent night
Here is the promise we had waited for
He will not leave us in the dark

He will bear our weight
He will wear our shame
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior
Jesus Christ law of love and light
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior!

Veiled Deity
Praise of every angel
Shepherds bowing low
Sweet humillty
Mercy as a baby
God in flesh in bone
Here is the promise we had waited for
He will not leave us in the dark

He will bear our weight
He will wear our shame
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior
Jesus Christ law of love and light
Come lift Him high
Behold the Savior!
Behold the Savior!
Immanuel
Immanuel

Here is the promise we had waited for
He will…"

***


"O, come all ye faithful" (King's College Cambridge)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5rMQ6P12WY


***



Foto: KL (20.12.2019 Jag fick julblommor av min man).





måndag 16 december 2019

Mit Gott versöhnt durch Jesus Christus

1.Johannes 4:9. Gottes Macht und Gnade (unbesiegbar).



"Daran ist erschienen die Liebe Gottes gegen uns, daß Gott seinen eingeborenen Sohn gesandt hat in die Welt, daß wir durch ihn leben sollen." (Lutherbibel 1912)





Adoro and the Augsburger Domsingknaben - "Oh du fröhliche" (Official Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GV-V_kXLjo


***

1 Joh. 4:9 "Så uppenbarades Guds kärlek till oss: han sände sin enfödde Son till världen för att vi skulle leva genom honom."

1 John 4:9 (ESV)
"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him."


***

Foto: familjen Lindén

torsdag 12 december 2019

Christ the everlasting light, Son of Righteousness arise

Advent.
Mal. 4:2f, Luk. 1:78-79

"Christ whose glory fills the skies
Christ the Everlasting Light
Son of Righteousness arise
Triumph o'er these shades of night

Come Thou long awaited one
In the fullness of Your Love
Loose this heat bound up by shame
And I will never be the same

So here I wait in hope of You,
My soul's longing through and through
Dayspring from on high be near
Daystar in my heart appear

Dark and cheerless is the morn
'Till Your love in me is born
Joyless is the evening sun
'till Emmanuel has come"



"The thrill of hope" (Christy Nockels) Advent hymn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNuY6I4OtoE


***

"But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." Mal. 4:2 (ESV)

"Men för er som fruktar mitt namn skall rättfärdighetens sol gå upp med läkedom under sina vingar. Då skall ni komma ut och hoppa likt kalvar som släpps ur sitt bås." Malaki 4:2f

"för vår Guds innerliga kärleks skull, i kraft av den skall en soluppgång från höjden besöka oss, för att ljus skall skina över dem som sitter i mörker  och dödsskugga och styra våra fötter in på fridens väg." Luk. 1:78-79

"because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 ESV)


***


Foto: familjen Lindén (december 2019)

tisdag 10 december 2019

Kazakhstan - Chatham House report

Kazakhstan.

Forum 18, Chatham house report (* pdf)

"Kazakhstan is at a turning point in its history. At face value, at least, Central Asia’s wealthiest state has embarked on a bold experiment following the March 2019 decision by its founding father and long-standing ruler, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to resign from the presidency and initiate a managed political succession. --- the purpose of this report is twofold. First, to make the case for the West to devote more attention to Kazakhstan. The country’s relative importance in Central Asia, and as the constant focus of intense attention from China and Russia, suggests that the West is wrong to direct so little time and diplomatic effort and so few resources towards it. --- The second function of the report is to serve as a well-intentioned message to the leadership of Kazakhstan. The research undertaken by the report’s eight authors shows that Kazakhstan is at risk of failing to achieve the goals its leadership has set for the country. As significant as it has been, the partial stepping aside of Nazarbayev by no means guarantees the modernization and renewal that he and his successor have promised. Far deeper political, economic and social reforms will be needed if Kazakhstan is to meet the growing challenges to its stability, prosperity and development. Street protests since Nazarbayev’s resignation have demonstrated a level of popular disaffection far higher than the authorities acknowledge. The leadership needs to bridge the disconnect between the rulers and the ruled and start listening to its people. --- It also includes a series of recommendations for Western governments and institutions and for the Kazakhstan government. " (Chatham.house.org: "Kazakhstan: Tested by Transition")


Chatham.house.org: "Kazakhstan: Tested by Transition" (full text)
https://www.chathamhouse.org/publication/kazakhstan-tested-transition
"A partial handover of political power through an orchestrated transition takes Kazakhstan into uncharted territory. Will it be able to pursue modernization and reform, and break from its authoritarian past?"



"Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a world-leading policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world."




* Chatham House report (pdf 140 pages)
(Annette Bohr, Birgit Brauer, Nigel Gould-Davies, Nargis Kassenova, Joanna Lillis, Kate Mallinson, James Nixey and Dosym Satpayev Russia and Eurasia Programme | November 2019)
https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/2019-11-27-Kazakhstan-Tested-By-Transition.pdf



***


Forum18: "KAZAKHSTAN: Three pastors' convictions "an unjust court decision"
http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2521
"The Judge sentenced Pastor Maximov to five years' imprisonment, and Pastor Maximova and Pastor Zaikin each to four years' imprisonment, according to the verdict seen by Forum 18.

The case against the three pastors is "complete drivel", Евгений Жовтис of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, told Radio Free Europe's Kazakh Service on 26 September. "I have read the verdict. It is nonsense."



Let the light shine through

Advent. "Prepare Him room."
He is beside us in our struggle.
עִמָּנוּאֵל Jes. 7:14, Luk. 1:31-33, 17:21b




"Tell everyone the news
That you came, as a child
Beside us in our struggle
Now we come lifting high
the name that’s like no other
Jesus, Wonderful Counselor
Prince of Peace
Son of God
Here with us
We receive our King"









Lyrics:

"Light my heart like a candle
Let it burn for only you
Join my song with the angels
Tell everyone the news

That you came, as a child
Beside us in our struggle
Now we come lifting high
The name that’s like no other

Jesus, Wonderful Counselor
Prince of Peace
Son of God
Here with us
We receive our King

Turn my eyes to the wonder
Let me see you as You are
Be my life be my center
In my night be the brightest star

For you came as a child
Beside us in our struggle
Now we come lifting high
The name that’s like no other

Prepare him room
Let the light of the world shine through
Prepare him room
Let the light of the world shine through"

www.meredithandrews.com


"Receive our King" (Meredith Andrews)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MbUk3ZnRo


***

Jes. 7:14 "Därför skall Herren själv ge er ett tecken: Se, jungfrun skall bli havande och föda en son och hon skall ge honom namnet Immanuel."

Is. 7:14 (ESV) "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Luk. 1:31-33 "Se, du skall bli havande och föda en son, och du skall ge honom namnet Jesus. Han skall bli stor och kallas den Högstes Son, och Herren Gud skall ge honom hans fader Davids tron. Han skall vara konung över Jakobs hus för evigt, och hans rike skall aldrig få något slut."

Luke 1:31-33 (ESV) "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Luk. 17:21b "Ty se, Guds rike är mitt ibland er."
Luke 17:21b "behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."



Foto: KL (10.12.2019)

måndag 9 december 2019

ECI - news: Annual Policy Conference marks 60 years of EU-Israeli diplomatic relations

Shalom! ECI news:

- Tomas Sandell: "there could be no Europe without the influence of the Jewish people, but it is equally true that there would, humanly speaking, be no modern State of Israel if it were not for important decisions made in European cities such as Basel (1897), London (1917) and San Remo (1920). But the complicated, and sometimes tragic relationship between Europe and the Jewish people is also sadly recorded at other European locations, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Mauthausen and Theresienstadt."


ECI: "ECI Annual Policy Conference marks 60 years of EU-Israeli diplomatic relations – Without the technological contributions of modern Israel, Europe would come to a standstill" (full text)
https://www.ec4i.org/eci-annual-policy-conference-marks-60-years-of-eu-israeli-diplomatic-relations-without-the-technological-contributions-of-modern-israel-europe-would-come-to-a-standstill/
“The day all Israeli technology would be removed from Europe, our continent would come to a standstill”, said ECI Special Envoy, Dr. Andreas Kelling. “The fact of the matter is that Europe may need Israel more than Israel needs Europe, hence the EU should cherish this special relationship instead of adding restrictive conditions.”




ECI: "European report November 2019" (video):
https://www.ec4i.org/european-report-november-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3XTQ3iigd9afMJM76dBi2TWjy_88q5yY4ERWbRoonJKTLUAdrAG2ResRk
"European Court ruling on Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria. Simon Barrett is joined in the studio of the European Parliament by MEP Karoline Edtstadler, ECI Director for UN Affairs, Gregory Lafitte and ECI Founding Director Tomas Sandell."


söndag 8 december 2019

"by thine all sufficient merit"

Advent. ... while we are waiting. Come thou long expected Jesus.


"Come, thou long expected Jesus
born to set thy people free
from our fears and sins release us
let us find our rest in thee
Israel's strength and consolation
hope of all the earth thou art
dear desire of every nation
joy of every longing heart."








Come thou long expected Jesus

Lyrics:

VERSE1
"Come, thou long expected Jesus
born to set thy people free
from our fears and sins release us
let us find our rest in thee
Israel's strength and consolation
hope of all the earth thou art
dear desire of every nation
joy of every longing heart

VERSE2
Born thy people to deliver
born a child and yet a King
born to reign in us forever
now thy gracious kingdom bring
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone
by thine all sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne

BRIDGE
You draw the hearts of shepherds
You draw the hearts of kings
Even as a baby
You were changing everything
You called me to Your Kingdom
Before Your lips could speak
And even as a baby
You were reaching out for me

And now we are awaiting
The day of Your return
When every eye will see You
As heaven comes to earth
Until the sky is opened
Until the trumpet sounds
The bride is getting ready
The church is singing out

ENDING
Come, thou long expected Jesus
born to set thy people free
from our fears and sins release us
let us find our rest in thee
Come Thou long expected King"

www.meredithandrews.com

Meredith Andrews - "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOxJFN-9_vs


***

Upp. 22:20b "Amen, kom, Herre, Jesus!"
Rev. 22:20b (ESV) "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"


***



Foto: KL (december 2019, a shelf in my kitchen)


Adventstiden - Guds nåd - Set your hope fully on God's grace

2:a advent.
"Is there room in your heart, for God to write His story" ("prepare your minds for action").



1 Petr. 1:13

"Spänn därför bältet om livet och var vakna och sätt ert hopp helt och fullt till den nåd som skall komma er till del, när Jesus Kristus uppenbaras."


"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)







"Is there room in your heart" (Make room/Matt Maher):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUFSxt7qkNw

Lyrics:

"Family hiding from the storm
Found no place at the keeper's door
It was for this a Child was born
To save a world so cold and hollow

The sleeping town did not know
That lying in a manger low
A Savior King who had no home
Has come to heal our sorrows

Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
For God to write His story
You can come as you are
But it may set you apart
When you make room in your heart
And trade your dreams for His glory
Make room in your heart
Make room in your heart

Shepherds counting sheep in the night
Do not fear the glory light
You are precious in His sight
God has come to raise the lowly, so...

Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
For God to write His story
You can come as you are
But it may set you apart
When you make room in your heart
And trade your dreams for His glory
Make room in your heart
Make room in your heart

Mother holds the Promise tight
Every wrong will be made right
The road is straight and the burden's light
For in His hands He holds tomorrow

Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
For God to write His story
You can come as you are
But it may set you apart
When you make room in your heart
And trade your dreams for His glory
Make room in your heart
Make room in your heart"




Foto: 8.12.2019 KL

fredag 6 december 2019

Finlands självständighetsdag

Finland 102 år 6.12.2019. Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää! Happy Independence Day!

- Vi tackar Gud för vår självständighet och minns med tacksamhet dem som kämpade för den. Självständigheten är inte självklar och vi tänker på dem som fortfarande inte lever i ett självständigt land och som kämpar för sin frihet. 1 Tim. 2:1-3. Bevara, Gud, vårt fosterland!


































GRATTIS Finland 102 år med denna bild av svärfars fältpost och evangeliebok från tiden 1942-1943 när han var frivillig fältpastor i Jandeba och sände fältpost till sin hustru.

***


1 Tim. 2:1-3 "Först av allt uppmanar jag till bön och åkallan, förbön och tacksägelse för alla människor, för kungar och alla i ledande ställning, så att vi kan föra ett lugnt och stilla liv på alla sätt gudfruktigt och värdigt. Sådant är rätt och behagar Gud, vår Frälsare, som vill att alla människor skall bli frälsta och komma till insikt om sanningen."


- I min familjs ägo finns svärfars evangelii- och bönebok med hans handstil: 10.11.1939. I boken finns bla. ett urklipp med Z Topelius:

"Bön i nödtid":

"Du gav mig, Herre, ditt överflöd:
ett älskat hem och ett dagligt bröd,
frid, hälsa, glädje och helga orden.
Vi bedja nu för all sorg på jorden:
för de olyckliga utan tal,
för dem som kvida i hungerns kval,
för dem som frysa i vinternatten,
för dem som sjunka i havets vatten,
för dem som smäkta i ökensand,
för dem som flykta för eld och brand,
för dem som vandra vid tiggarstavar,
för dem som sörja vid kära gravar,
för alla sjuka i sömnlös kväll,
för alla fångar i järn och cell,
för de landsflyktiga, de fördrivna,
de faderlösa, de övergivna,
för de vansinnigas mörka natt,
för dem som mist sina ögons skatt,
för alla lytta, för dem en tunga,
Du nekat, Gud, att Ditt lov besjunga,
för dem som sörja sitt fosterland,
för slaven bunden vid bödelns hand,
för de betryckta, de skuldlöst dömda,
för de förskjutna, och de förglömda,
för dem som Dig, Herre Jesus Krist,
ha aldrig känt eller tidigt mist,
för alla sorgsna, för alla arma,
Gud, över dem Dig i nåd förbarma."

***

"Vårt land":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-xm4SYH3t4

Om händelserna i breven har jag skrivit tidigare: 
http://minkristnasamhllsblogg.blogspot.com/2014/12/jag-har-nog-haft-ett-arbete-utan-like.html



Foto: KL 6.12.2019

torsdag 5 december 2019

The call of Christmas - bringing you good news

Advent. The call of Christmas.

 ("For all of those in need, come find your hope and peace. Oh, do not be afraid for He has come to save")



"Wonder of all wonders

Outside of Bethlehem
Angels come to shepherds
Ordinary working men
Not the high and mighty
The powerful and great
But those who feel unwanted
That the world has pushed away"






The call of Christmas

"Wonder of all wonders
Outside of Bethlehem
Angels come to shepherds
Ordinary working men
Not the high and mighty
The powerful and great
But those who feel unwanted
That the world has pushed away

Hear the call of Christmas
All you lost and left behind
The lowly and those longing
With an emptiness inside
The forgotten and forsaken
I bring you good news
Hear the call of Christmas
The Savior waits for you

All who feel rejected
Unworthy and alone
We’re all undeserving of
The kindness we’ve been shown
Come behold the King of Kings
Find rest you weary souls
Lay down all your burdens
He will mend and make you whole

Hear the call of Christmas
All you lost and left behind
The lowly and those longing
With an emptiness inside
The forgotten and forsaken
I bring you good news
Hear the call of Christmas
The Savior waits for you

For all of those in need
Come find your hope and peace
Oh, do not be afraid
For He has come to save"


Music Video by Zach Williams performing The Call of Christmas (Official Music Video). (C) 2017 Provident Label Group LLC, a division of Sony Music Entertainment


Zach Williams - The Call of Christmas (Official Audio)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bWrDYTTMVs



Photo: KL


onsdag 4 december 2019

Belarus - Well-known journalist Iryna Khalip summoned to police for shouting "Long Live Belarus"!

Belarus in the heart of Europe. Long Live Belarus! Lack of freedom of speech. Public expression of an opinion is considered an administrative offence. 



- "As far as I remember, this is about violating the rules of holding mass events. Calls or something like that. I do not know the details yet.

I would like to say that the summons did not surprise me at all. Especially after the news that Ales Krutkin was arrested for 15 days just for a repost, which allegedly contained a call to come to a rally. Anyway, I was waiting for something like this." (Iryna Khalip)


Charter 97: "Iryna Khalip summoned to police" (full text)
https://charter97.org/en/news/2019/12/2/357590


Charter 97: "I will express my opinion publicly in court" (full text):
https://charter97.org/en/news/2019/12/2/357603/
- "I was handed a protocol, which says that I came to Kastrychnitskaya Square to express publicly my attitude to the results of the upcoming "elections", and was shouting out slogans "Long Live Belarus!" during the rally. That was all, actually.

It is an administrative offense from their point of view. They drew up a protocol. A court session will be scheduled. ---  It is forbidden (to say Long Live Belarus)! And it turns out that it is also forbidden to express publicly one's attitude to "elections". Public expression of an opinion is considered an administrative offence. --- I do not intend to do anything in this situation. I wrote that I do not agree with the protocol. This is the only thing I could do. I will once again express my opinion publicly in court, - Iryna Khalip said."


tisdag 3 december 2019

The light of the world - come, let us walk in the light of the LORD

Advent. Encouragement and hope for all who wait for a miracle...

Jes. 2:5b "låt oss vandra i HERRENS ljus."
Is. 2:5 "come, let us walk in the light of the LORD."



"The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
O come, o come Emmanuel...
He is the song for the suffering
He is Messiah, the prince of peace has come.
For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who've prayed
For all who wonder
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel"







"Light of the world" (Lauren Daigle):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR5iwssnTn4&feature=youtu.be

the lyrics:

"The world waits for a miracle
The heart longs for a little bit of hope
O come O come Emmanuel
A child prays for peace on earth
And She's calling out from a sea of hurt
O come O come Emmanuel
And Can you hear the angels singing

Glory --- to the light of the world
Glory --- the light of the world is here

The drought breaks with the tears of a mother
A baby's cry is the sound of love come down
Come down Emmanuel
He is the song for the suffering
He is Messiah, the prince of peace has come
He has come Emmanuel

For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who've prayed
For all who wonder
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel"

***

Joh. 8:12 Jesus är världens ljus. "Jesus talade åter till dem och sade: Jag är världens ljus. Den som följer mig skall inte vandra i mörkret utan ha livets ljus."

John 8:12 (ESV) "Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”


***


Foto: KL (3.12.2019) Sunshine in this dark season is a miracle.


måndag 2 december 2019

Quo vadis, Belarus?

- Belarus in the heart of Europe and Russia? Keep informed on what's happening in the centre of Europe. "Long Live a free Belarus!"

"Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Vladimir Semashko said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko agreed to create a joint Parliament and government as part of the Union State."

UAWire: "Russia and Belarus to create joint Parliament and Government" (full text)
http://uawire.org/russia-and-belarus-to-create-joint-parliament-and-government?fbclid=IwAR162YDMTaXlDwBvHqGhBmxK1Tf0mp3AXzJPAlzggai6ZMDCdE_q3gKzbgM#




Belsat.eu: "Lukashenka, Putin agree on single parliament, govt – top diplomat about integration"
https://belsat.eu/en/news/lukashenka-putin-agree-on-single-parliament-govt-top-diplomat-about-integration/
"Alyaksandr Lukashenka and Vladimir Putin approved the plans to establish a common government and parliament, Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Uladzimir Syamashka said in an interview with TUT.BY.

“The presidents admitted that the objectives set [in the 1999 Union Treaty] are ambitious and they should not need to be changed. These are the following: a shift to unified tax legislation, the creation of common oil, gas and electricity markets, establishing a single parliament and government with certain powers, when independent Russia and Belarus delegate certain functions which shall be performed to the upper instance. Such challenge is now being dealt,” Syamashka said."



söndag 1 december 2019

"Fröjda dig stort, dotter Sion! Jubla, dotter Jerusalem! Se, din kung kommer..."

1:a advent 2019. Grace and mercy.

”Fröjda dig stort, dotter Sion! Jubla, dotter Jerusalem! Se, din kung kommer till dig, rättfärdig och segerrik är han. Han kommer ödmjuk, ridande på en åsna, på en åsninnas föl.” (Sak. 9:9). Första advent 2019 och nytt kyrkoår.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zech. 9:9 ESV)














"Fifthly: He cometh. Without doubt you do not come to him and bring him to you; he is too high and too far from you. With all your effort, work and labor you cannot come to him, lest you boast as though you had received him by your own merit and worthiness. No, dear friend, all merit and worthiness is out of the question, and there is nothing but demerit and unworthiness on your side, nothing but grace and mercy on his. The poor and the rich here come together, as Prov. 22, 2 says."

Martin Luther, Sermon for Advent 1 (Institute of Lutheran Theology)



***
Dresdner Kreuzchor - Tochter Zion freue dich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkHkb2K5RBQ


»Tochter Zion« (Adventslied)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDal59RiGjI


Georg Friedrich Händel: "Tochter Zion"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9o2M7jHnlE

***



Foto: KL (1.12.2019)