Hettie Boer 
‘for He has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name’ (Luke 1:48,49). Mary looked at herself with humility. It was not pride in herself that made Mary … Lees meer
‘And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior’ (Luke 1:46,47). In Ein Kerem, a small town close to Jerusalem in Israel, a church was built in the past near the spot where Elizabeth and Mary are said to have met. On the grounds of this church, Mary’s … Lees meer
‘And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord’ (Luke 1:45) Shortly after the angel Gabriel’s visit and special message, Mary traveled to her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:35-37). Both women had become pregnant in an unexpected way. Full of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth … Lees meer
“But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7). We do not have to go through a heavy training programme or master special skills through hard work to receive God’s power. As earthly people, we are limited and … Lees meer
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness” (2 Corinthians 11:30). We humans usually prefer to show others our best side. Fear, shyness, insecurities or inabilities we prefer to hide. In our world, there seems to be no place for weakness and powerlessness. Fortunately, with Jesus it is the … Lees meer
…”Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9b). Paul did not write here that he enjoyed being faced with his weaknesses. Lacking in physical strength, he could not always be what he wanted to be. But he had also discovered that … Lees meer
“He said to me: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness“ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul no longer needed to prove himself by using big words to show his importance. And even if he would have had that tendency, God Himself had made it clear to him that he … Lees meer
… “but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses ” (2 Corinthians 12:5). As a believer, Paul was a powerful figure in the eyes of many people. He knew a lot and could convey the message of Jesus in a powerful way. However, there were also those who doubted whether … Lees meer
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a) You could also phrase these verses like this: ‘All glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who loves … Lees meer