The other day our 3-year old Selina Jo prayed her first spontaneous prayer. Mom, she said, we have to thank God for the Pippi Long-stocking fairy tale and all the books (we had just been to the library lending some books). So she xx her hands and simply said, "Thank you God for Pippi Long-stocking and all the books". Just a few days later she prayed again: "Thank you God for rescuing me". For a parent that is a big moment! And I didn’t tell her to say that, honestly! The only thing I did was take her to church.
I am so glad that we are building a church for the children as well! Since we started Kids Church Selina now knows that it is Jesus and not Santa that has his birthday on Christmas, she loves to read her Bible and give money in the offering. And now, her "rescuing-prayer". Of course we sometimes struggle to get ready (all you who have kids know what I mean) and it seems like a miracle when you are on your way to church:), but I don’t regret a second. When my kids grow up loving Jesus it is not because I am a great parent, but because we have decided to plant ourselves in the church. That is something I honestly believe in.
It is such a relief that we (as parents) don’t have all the pressure ourselves to teach our kids the walk with Jesus, but we have a big church family that together passes on the faith to the next generation.
Love you Church!
Lina
Invest in yourself and come to Church tomorrow. We have planned a great day with two different messages, a lot of surprises, great atmosphere and people waiting to see you. I believe that what we put into ourselves controls our output in life. So, don’t waste tomorrow, invest in your future and why not come and invest in other people.
‘Cause that’s what we’re all about - others! That includes you my friend.
Love You Lot’s!
Andreas
I believe that the key to success is to stay in the game. If you want to beat your competitors, just be the last man standing. So make sure you do what you need to live your life. Life is not meant to be endured, but to be enjoyed!
Well tonight I’m gonna do just that, enjoy life. I’m going to see my favorite ice hockey team Leksand beat AIK at the arena called Hovet. And I’m gonna do what I always do when I’m there, close my eyes and picture when our Church fills the arena with thousands of people worshiping God, with people walking down to the front to say yes to Christ.
I love being a part of His life!
Andreas
It’s is our pastor Brian Houston’s birthday. Happy birthday!
I tell you something that is true, because of how he lives his life full of vision and with a cause. He is more fresh and full of life than most 25 year old people I know. I love how he always includes and makes room for young people in his world. I believe that his commitment to the young generation has kept him in a place where he is so relevant and up to date.
We love you so much and are so proud to have you as our pastor! You’re the best!
Andreas & Lina and all of Hillsong Church, Stockholm.
Oh my God! That’s the best way do describe what I feel right now about what is happening in Church. It seems like God really is building His house. I know we all pull a lot of weight and are giving sacrificially of what we have in time, money and the way we serve. But there is something in the air that is bigger than all that. I seems like Gods hand is on Church.
I was so blown away about the fact that our new 3 pm service was packed the first Sunday! Thank you all for making it fly! And 5 pm was more than packed as usual. I really pray that you will stop this week and give thanks and recognize that God is doing something we have been dreaming about. People are flooding the Church, people finds Christ every Sunday, people are flourishing in their gifts and the atmosphere is full of love.
"Tho whom much is given, much is required". That’s what the Bible says, and nothing could be more true. This is not the goal, just the start. You have a part to play in what God has planned in Hillsong Church, Stockholm.
Love people this week! Let your life shine! Bring your friends to Church next Sunday because the best is yest to come!
Luv U all!
Andreas
I’m sure all of you know about the tragedy and the effects of the bush fires in Australia. Thousands of people have lost their homes and hundreds of people have lost their lives. On top of that there are so many hurt and broken people who have suffered greatly from the fires. Can you imagine children, moms and dads, young and old people loosing everything they have in the fires. In some cases even a family member.
We can’t help everyone but we can help someone. This Sunday at least 10% of the offerings in both services will go towards helping restore peoples and families lives in Australia. We will join with Hillsong Churches around the world and play a part in giving something of what we have to make a diffierence in someones life.
Andreas
I woke up way to early today. 4 am I opened up my eyes and couldn’t go
back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I also did a big mark on our
car today. But that is not what I will remember.
My thoughts when I look back at this day is on the many hands was lifted
towards God in worship during Touching Heaven tonight. The tears streaming
down from someone’s face, the people accepting Jesus as their Saviour. Who
cares about a scratch on the car (besides Andreas) when lives get changed?? When the Church
is Christ’s Body, in which He acts and speaks, and fills everything with His presence?!
Lina
Prayers and Support for Australians
Posted: Feb 11th 2009 by Brian in Sydney.
As Australians it is impossible (and unthinkable) to ignore the tragedy that has so recently devastated the state of Victoria. The recent bushfires have claimed too many lives, and changed the face of some communities forever. Too many people have lost homes, and too many people are now facing the heartbreaking task of rebuilding their lives without loved ones. Our hearts and prayers are with all of those affected by these horrible fires.
In times like these, it is often easy to ask why things like this happen, and to look heavenward for answers. Too often we try to understand these tragic times, and turn to political statements and moral codes to help us grasp the depth of these situations. It breaks my heart to hear of people making broad, bold, and often very disillusioned statements equating such tragedies as ‘retribution from God’.
The God I serve is a personal being who cares about our everyday lives, and whose heart breaks over these unfair and often unjust circumstances. I believe in a God who is full of mercy and grace, a compassionate Saviour who wants to build people’s lives for the better, feels the pain of loss as His own, and who cares deeply for those that are hurting, alone, widowed and orphaned.
Our days are filled with unpredictable circumstances, and it is at this time that we must quickly focus our attention to offering support and compassion, concentrating our efforts on the restoration of these great Australian communities and our neighbours in need.
Pastor Brian Houston
Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church
Next Sunday is the start of the brand new 3 pm service. For the last 3-4 Sunday the venue has been overflowing. We got to do something about it. In September, in the old venue we had to turn more than 30 people away one Sunday because we were not allowed to add more services. That really broke my heart, that was 30 people who God potentially could have touched and changed and blessed their lives. I never want that to happen again.
So all though adding a new service bring some challenges and in some areas pushes us out of our comfort zone I really believe and pray that we as a Church will rise and take on the challenge. It’s our responsibility to serve the people who God draws to Hillsong Stockholm. Last three Sundays more that 30 people have responded to the opportunity of accepting Christ in their lives. That is AWESOME! And I know that this is only a start. I really feel that God is telling us that “we will get what we make room for and are ready to serve”. I know we’re up for the challenge!
I am so proud to serve along with all the amazing people every week. You guys are the best! We’re building a Church that draws people to Christ and changes peoples mindset about Church! I am more convinced than ever that THE TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!!!
Andreas
As many of you know, I have spent a lot of times at hospitals the past four months. Since it was discovered that our little princess Angelina was born with a heart problem the hospital environment is now very familiar. Now, when the surgery is done and everything went good, Angelina is healthy and strong again. The only sign of her ever having a problem is a tiny little scar. I am so thankful to God! And thankful for all of your prayers. It is really a miracle! Now when that part of our life is over, I have decided to keep reminding myself of being thankful. Because things that once was the only thing you thought of can soon be something that you take for granted. Let us never stop to be thankful! God has given us so much! I don’t know what you have to be thankful for, all of us doesn’t have a heart surgery behind, but I do know that Jesus decided that He loved each one of us so much that He would die for us. For me and for you. So we could live a wonderful life with Him! I know this is probably not the first time you hear this, but the gift of life is really something to be grateful for! Every day. So when my daughters wake me up way to early tomorrow morning, or when the dish washer breaks (which it did last week), I remind myself of being thankful and not take Jesus for granted. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for giving me a reason to live, for giving me life!!!
See you on Sunday!
XO
Lina
