2018IS THIS FOR REAL?Often there’s a catch in it. Some people just want your money or try to infl uence you. However, it can be diff erent. There are people who are looking forward to simply meeting you. They might have opinions but they are willing to listen to yours too. They are ordinary people who believe in Jesus Christ. They make mistakes like everyone else, but they would love to talk with you and get to know you better.

Check out the invitation at the bottom of this page. Why not come along some time?

CalendarEN011 bestellen / order

Stiftung Marburger Medien Am Schwanhof 17, D-35037 MarburgFon 06421 / 1809-0info@marburger-medien.dewww.marburger-medien.de

Marburger Medien

* New Year’s Day*

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A PANORAMIC VIEWIS GREAT. JUST MAKE SURE

YOU DON’T MISS THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU.

JANUARY // 2018

"A look into the Bible provides insight for today, a vision for tomorrow, and an outlook for eternity." Peter Hahne

We love to have the overall picture. We like to be able to see everything. We like to be prepared for any cir-cumstance or have a solution to any problem. We always like to look in control and composed… Wouldn’t that be great?

Chin up!

The year has just begun. This calendar will be with you for the next 12 months. It will remind you of holidays or appoint-ments. The short texts and quotes will get you thinking about life’s important questions. We, the editors, would like to hear any questions you might have. We also appreciate any feedback. Please find our contact details on the last page.

THE POINTTo be quite honest: We have no idea what will happen to us this year. We just don’t know what we will have to face. For sure, there will be good things—but there may also be those things that will confuse, disappoint and frustrate us.

At such times, it is so very good having Someone who is “above all things,” Someone who knows what our plans are —in fact Someone who has a good plan for us! So chin up, and allow God to broaden your horizons. He knows everything, and He has a big heart for you and me.

DID YOU KNOW?Giraffes only sleep for a total of 20 to 30 minutes each night.

"THE DESIRE TO SEEM CLEVER OFTEN KEEPS US FROM BEING SO."FRANCOIS LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

O LORD, YOU HAVE EXAMINED MY HEART AND KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ME. YOU KNOW WHEN I SIT DOWN OR STAND UP. YOU KNOW MY THOUGHTS EVEN WHEN I’M FAR AWAY.

King David had this confidence in God and declared it in a song. Read it in Psalm 139 verses 1 and 2. (NLT)

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"EVERYONE SEES WHO YOU

APPEAR TO BE, FEW

EXPERIENCE WHO YOU REALLY ARE." NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI

FEBRUARY // 2018

THE POINTThere are two sides to my life. There is a visible one which I like to present as attractive and personable as possible. And then there is the invisible one that includes my thoughts, feelings, yearnings, and hurts. No one sees the crazy scenes playing inside my head. Sometimes, however, they surface—and woe to those who are with me at that time.How can I stay balanced, keep calm? How should I treat others? How should I deal with failure or rejection?A wise man once said: “Guard your heart above all else, for it de-termines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4 verse 23) God calls us to do this—and He offers to help us do it, too!

Seething on the inside …Deep inside the earth there are enormous pressures and extremely high temperatures. Rock melts and can surface through cracks in the earth’s crust. This results in a devastating volcanic eruption.

"The deeper the feeling, the greater the pain." Leonardo da Vinci

TAKE NOTEIn one of his poems, Gunter Kunert wrote the following: "One can enjoy life on the slopes of a volcano, says an inscription in the destroyed town of Pompeii."

[In 79 A.D. this town at the Gulf of Naples was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius.]

TELL HIM! "Jesus, please help me to sort myself out! I don’t want to be a dangerous volcano, but help me to radiate warmth, joy and consistency."

FOR FROM THE HEART COME EVIL THOUGHTS, MURDER, ADULTERY, ALL SEXUAL IMMORALITY, THEFT, LYING, AND SLANDER.

This direct statement was made by Jesus Christ. Read it in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25 verse 19. (NLT)

*St. David’s Day (Wales)*

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THE MORE I DISTANCE MYSELF FROM MY

NEIGHBOUR, THE FURTHER HE HAS TO WALK

TO REACH ME.

MARCH // 2018

A hopeless situation

"Christians may disappoint—Christ never!"

THE POINTWham! The door is closed and no one can get in. I keep myself to myself… Has this been your experience, too? Disappointments and abuse of trust have often been the reasons that people want to be alone. At the same time, people have a deep need for relation-ships with others.

But there is something even more important: my relationship to God. How good to know that I can totally rely on Him. He will never abuse my trust but always honour it. Will you allow Him access to your life? Will you open the door to Him?

LOOK! I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. IF YOU HEAR MY VOICE AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN, AND WE WILL SHARE A MEAL TOGETHER AS FRIENDS.

Jesus Christ promises this in Revelation chapter 3 verse 20. (NLT)

Wow, this truly is a room with a splendid view! The perspective could be marvellous—provided you can get there! Without a helicopter or even a rope ladder… it would not even be possible!

DID YOU KNOW?A bivouac is a mountain hut or refuge for climbers in very remote terrain. It won’t have running water or a toilet, but it provides blankets, candles, snow shovels, and emergency food supplies.

REASONS TO BELIEVEAn invitation to think about your faith104 pg.

Philip Nunn examines the basics of faith and how Christianity works. He answers the question as to whether we can be sure that Jesus is indeed the only way to God. Available through any good bookstore or online.

"FAITH DOESN’T LOCK THE DOOR TO REALITY BUT

IT OPENS IT." HELMUT THIELICKE

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APRIL // 2018

Broken beauty

"They say: ‘Follow your heart!’ But when the heart is broken into a million pieces, then what?"

THE POINT Glass can burst into a million shards—and our soul can, too. Friends may hurt us. Our life’s dreams are shattered. We experience great suf-fering. These and many other things can make us feel broken inside.

The Bible says that God wants to make people whole again. He is near to those who are broken. He wants to comfort and heal their wounds.

We are absolutely sure of this: God can make us whole again!

A million shards… They can never be fixed. Not even a professional would be able to glue them together.

TAKE NOTESometimes this is what happens: We are shaken by a disaster and no longer know if we are coming or going. And then? Is that the moment when God steps in?

No, God is not like the fire brigade—who only appear when something is already burning. He wants to be your companion now. You can hold on to Him. He will get you through all of life’s circumstances. This is what He has promised—to all those who believe in Him!

GOD HEALS THE BROKEN-HEARTED AND BANDAGES THEIR WOUNDS.

This is what it says in a song that was written several hundred years ago and has been recorded in the Bible. Read it in Psalm 147 verse 3. (NLT)

are co

en

o ooe we w

on ton tumcum

holl thoHimim

WILL I EVER BE

PUT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN?

"WHAT GOOD IS IT TO BE WHOLE OUTWARDLY BUT BROKEN INSIDE?"NICK VUJICIC

LIMITLESSDevotions for a Ridiculously Good LifeNick Vujicic, 208 pg.

This is a very personal account with lots of questions and answers, practical tips and suggestions, trying things out for yourself, getting into good habits and deepening your spiritual understanding. Available through any good bookstore or online.

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"THE

TRUTH DOES NOT BECOME A LIE

JUST BECAUSE WE DON’T

BELIEVE IT."

MAY // 2018

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. Saint Augustine

THE POINT I admire courageous people. It is great to see someone brave enough to take the first step. I have to admit that I am not like that. I am not a bold person.

When it comes to faith in God, the first step also requires a bit of courage. We need to be bold and trust Him. This is what faith is all about. The good news is that God will never disappoint us. And each new step will become easier.

TAKE NOTEFaith in God is first of all a personal relationship between me and Him. God wants me to trust in Him and love Him like He loves me. His love completely changes my life.

FAITH IS THE CONFIDENCE THAT WHAT WE HOPE FOR WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN; IT GIVES US ASSURANCE ABOUT THINGS WE CAN-NOT SEE.

This definition is from the Bible; see the Letter to the Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1. (NLT)

"IF CHRISTIANITY IS UNTRUE, THEN NO HONEST MAN WILL WANT TO BELIEVE IT,

HOWEVER HELPFUL IT MIGHT BE; IF IT IS TRUE, EVERY HONEST MAN WILL WANT TO

BELIEVE IT, EVEN IF IT GIVES HIM NO HELP AT ALL."C.S. Lewis

DID YOU KNOW?The Christian faith is not a secret religion. Jesus declared openly what He came to do. God’s judgment on us was death—Jesus took that death sentence and died on our behalf. He also rose again and overcame death. The Bible tells us all about it. Getting to know these things should cause us to believe.

Keep on learning about the Christian faith! It is important! If you do not have a Bible, we are happy to send you a New Testament free of charge. Just let us know.

TELL HIM! "God, I find it difficult to believe in You. But if You really exist, then please prove Yourself to me. Show me what Your plan is for me."

The first step is the hardest. But it will give you an idea of how to proceed. Each following step will be easier. Try it! Dare to step into the unknown.

"You must realise that fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Danger is very real, but fear is a choice." Will Smith

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JUNE // 2018

vitamin seaThe sun is already setting. The man’s eyes sting because of the salt, but he still decides to go for another swim. The waves keep rolling in—and then he spots the perfect one. He jumps on his board and feels it surfing on the wave. This moment is priceless!

THE POINT

At times, it might be that problems roll over you like crashing waves. You might feel like drowning in a flood of fears. But there is hope! Like the surfer feels the board carrying him, you can experience God carrying you through your difficult times. The problems will not simply disappear, but God will be your anchor all the way.

"FAITH DOES NOT PROTECT FROM DIFFICULTIES,

BUT IT PROVIDES CONFIDENCE DESPITE TO THE CONTRARY." PAUL TOURNIER

COME TO ME, ALL OF YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND CARRY HEAVY BURDENS, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.

This is what Jesus Christ tells those who follow Him. You can read it in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 11 verse 28. (NLT)

YOU CAN,T

STOP THE WAVES, BUT YOU CAN LEARN

TO SURF.

TIPDare to pray! Give it a try and tell God all your worries!

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ART IS

THE

EXPRESSION OF YOUR

CREATIVITY.

JULY // 2018

You are a work of art!What is art? I am sure you know the answer. You can tell what pleases you more than everything else. Of course, we may not agree on these things, but that does not matter. God made each person an individual, as His special work of art.

“God does not love us because we are valuable, but we are valuable because God loves us.” Helmut Thielicke

THE POINT I often wonder how the value of artwork is defined. And I used to wonder about my own value, too. What makes me valuable? Is it my average grade, my education, my career, my possessions, my family, or my friends?Then I understood that my value solely depends on God. He created me and wants to have fellowship with me. He puts eternal value on my life—a value that is totally independent of anything else.

“Every person is a unique and autonomous person and actually, considered independently, the greatest artwork of all time.”Thomas Bernhard

TAKE NOTEGod gave each person an understanding and appreciation of beauty. He Himself is extremely creative and displayed it in the making of the universe. He also made people to be creative. Try it, and find out what God has placed inside of you.

DID YOU KNOW?Pablo Picasso is supposed to have said, “If I knew what art was, I would keep it for myself.” But what was it then that he left behind for us?

YOU MADE ALL THE DELICATE, INNER PARTS OF MY BODY AND KNIT ME TOGETHER IN MY MOTHER’S WOMB. THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME SO WONDERFULLY COMPLEX! YOUR WORKMANSHIP IS MARVELLOUS—HOW WELL I KNOW IT.

This is what King David (Jerusalem, ca. 1,000 B.C.) said in Psalm 139 verses 13 and 14. (NLT)

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HAPPY IS THE ONE WHO

BELIEVES THAT IT IS NEVER TOO LATE IN LIFE FOR A NEW START.

AUGUST // 2018

“Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion. Jesus came to give new life.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

TAKE NOTELove is not conditional: “I am nice to you so you be nice to me.” True love is uncondition-al: “I give you something and expect nothing in return.”

THE POINT Jesus wants us to see new life flourishing; not weeds, but genuine life, eternal life which only He can give. In the Bible, He compared Himself not to a dandelion but to a grain of wheat. The seed falls into the soil and dies, and so it produ-ces many more seeds of wheat. Likewise, Jesus died in order to bring new, eternal life to us. And this new life is available to all who believe!

New life shoots up here and there. A single dandelion plant can produce over 5,000 seeds in a year. An acre of land covered in dandelions can send out approx. 40,000,000 seeds with the wind every year.

I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, UNLESS A KERNEL OF WHEAT IS PLANTED IN THE SOIL AND DIES, IT REMAINS ALONE BUT ITS DEATH WILL PRODUCE MANY NEW KERNELS—A PLENTIFUL HARVEST OF NEW LIVES.

John, the disciple, recorded this quote of Jesus Christ for us in his Gospel in chapter 12 verse 24. (NLT)

DID YOU KNOW?If dandelion seeds fall on poor ground and remain there for up to ten years, they are still able to grow, provided they are co-vered by just two centimetres of soil.

p

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SEPTEMBER // 2018

Taking stockIs this the place where I am the most content? Now and again I should have a different perspective on things and examine the way I live in order to see how it affects me and others.

DID YOU KNOW?Jesus of Nazareth claimed to be God’s Son, even God Himself. Someone who makes such claims can only be one of two things—either He is a lunatic, or He really is what He says He is. What if His claims are true?

“A different perspective gives insight and wisdom.”

THE POINT I doubt if a flamingo can have such thoughts. But we humans can. Where am I? What am I doing here? Is this the life I want to live? A wise Chinese once said, “Only the one who knows his destina-tion will find the way.”

What goal do you have? Wealth, popularity, free-dom? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father (the Creator who knows exactly what I need to be content) except through Me.” (John 14:6, NLT)

TAKE NOTE Flamingos are good swimmers, but they don’t use that ability very often. We humans are good thinkers and can enquire about meaning and purpose—but we often don’t use that ability either!

YOU WILL SHOW ME THE WAY OF LIFE, GRANTING ME THE JOY OF YOUR PRESENCE AND THE PLEASURES OF LIVING WITH YOU FOREVER.

This is what King David told God. Read it in Psalm 16 verse 11. (NLT)

“WHO IS IN FOR A PENNY NEED NOT BE IN FOR A POUND. HE MAY ALSO RE-COGNISE THAT THE PENNY WAS A BAD INVESTMENT.” B. BRECHT

GOT ANY QUESTIONS?Would you like to know more about Jesus? He can give direction to your life. We don’t have all the answers but we would like to share what we know. Please feel free to get in touch with us. Our contact details are found on the second to the last page.

.

“WHETHER THE WORLD SEEMS

UPSIDE DOWN OR NOT DEPENDS UPON

WHICH WAY YOU LOOK AT IT.” KARTINI DIAPARI-ÖNGIDER

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“If you look at a calendar too often, you think time is passing too fast— or too slowly, depending on whether you are in a hurry or not.”

Safety in the stormThe lighthouse is not a cosy place, but it is very safe. The scene is very stormy, but we don’t have to worry because the lighthouse is not going to move. It will outlast the waves. Perhaps you, too, know of uncomfortable situations in life, of waves that seem to crash over you. When difficulties arise, just feeling safe will not help, but true safety will.

THE POINT Each one of us will sooner or later face these questions: Where am I safe? What can I hold on to? Can I manage life’s problems, or are they too overwhelming? Some people try to control everything and everybody. Then there are those who rely on other people to show them the way out. However, there is only One who offers true safety, security and protection. When the waves are crashing in, do you look to Jesus for help?

OCTOBER // 2018

WHO IS THIS MAN? EVEN THE WIND AND WAVES OBEY HIM!

The disciples asked this question after Jesus had just calmed a storm. Read it in the Gospel of Mark chapter 4 verse 41. (NLT)

TAKE NOTELet’s face it: most of us start looking for God only when we are in a crisis. It is when life’s problems hit us hard that we realise we need more than the world can offer. Let this be the time when you find Him, in the midst of the storm. He calls out to you, “Take My hand!”

BECAUSE GOD IS WITH US, WE NEED NOT FEAR WHAT IS AHEAD OF US.

TELL HIM!“God, here I am. I find it difficult to talk to You because I cannot see You. But I still want to believe that You are there and that You are listening to me now.”

IM!

this question after Jesus had just i in the Gospel of Mark chapter t

MM

EVEN THOUGH THE WAVES CRASH,

THE LIGHTHOUSE STANDS FIRM!

onnnner er er er or oroor latlatatateer er ers:::: WhWhWhWhereereereere amamamam III Ildddld onononon totototo? C? C? C? Canananan III

lememememss,s,s or ororor arareareare ththththey ey ey ey SomSomSomSome pe pe pe peopeopeopeoplelelele trytrytrytry

ngggg anananand ed ed ed eververververyboyboyboybody.dy.dy.dy. e e whowhowhowho rereeely y y y on on on on

thethethethem tm tm tm thehehehe waywaywayway nlynlynlynly OnOnOnOne ee e

uriuriuririty tytyty anaaaandandandand

TEL“G“G“G“G

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IT’S POSSIBLE

TO GET LOST EVEN ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL

OF PATHS.

NOVEMBER // 2018

Are you on the right path?Only a few clouds grace the sky and the sun is warming your face. The wooden path meanders through the dunes. Where is it leading? And is the weather going to change soon?

“God never said that a Christian’s journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrivalwould be worthwhile.” Max Lucado

THE POINT Each path is defined by its destination. The path you take determines where you will end up. That is true of your path of life: no matter whether it is raining or blowing a gale or whether the sun is shining. You might stop and enjoy a happy moment—but then you must move on. The further you try to look ahead, the harder it is to see. What will you face next? Where does your path lead?

God wants to show you the way to Himself. He is your destination; He wants to define your path of life. Isn’t this a cool thought?!

“SOMETIMES WE ONLY FIND OUT AT THE END OF A PATH WHY IT WAS WE HAD TO WALK IT.”

TAKE NOTEWe may have many goals and purposes that we want to achieve before the end of our lifetime. When we have accom-plished one thing, we move on to another—without realising that the end of our life may be closer than we think. It matters where we are heading!

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE CAN COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.

This uncompromising statement comes from Jesus Christ who declares Himself to be the Son of God. Read it in the Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 6. (NLT)

define your ght?!

“I’VE GOT IT!” 2019Of course, there will be a new calendar in 2019, too. If you want to get it, find our contact details on the last page.

AKE NOTEW

erswhe

*1. Advent*

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HOPE IS THE SPARK

OF LIFE!

DECEMBER // 2018

Hope is kindled … or not.Christmas is a time of celebration. Most people like to decorate their homes and enjoy the cosy atmosphere, but even with all of the festivities, it can still leave us feeling empty inside, can’t it?

“Most people celebrate Christmas because that’s what most people do.”

THE POINT You have probably lit a sparkler. It works best when you hold it against another that is burning. When the sparklers touch, the spark is transferred from one to another.

We celebrate Christmas because God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to bring us hope and love. Have you caught the real sparkle of the season yet? Have you grasped the meaning of Christmas?

GOD SHOWED HOW MUCH HE LOVED US BY SENDING HIS ONE AND ONLY SON INTO THE WORLD SO THAT WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH HIM.

This was stated by someone who had really grasped what Christ-mas is all about. Read it in John’s First Letter, chapter 4 verse 9. (NLT)

TAKE NOTEGod is big. But He is not too big to be approached. Christmas is the reminder that God became a Man—and in this way He reached out to us with His hope and love.

“THE BIRTH OF JESUS IN BETHLEHEM IS NOT A ONE-TIME STORY BUT AN EVERLASTING GIFT.” MARTIN LUTHER

S OT

BBBBY YYYDDDD

EEEE

bigbigbigbigbig tototototo bebebebebe ChrChrChrChrChristististististmasmasmasmasmas isisisisis tthathahathahat Gt Gt Gt Gt Gododododod becbecbecbecbecamamamamaininininin thithithithithis ws ws ws ws way ay ay ay ay HeHeHeHeHe rererereus usususus witwitwiwitwith Hh Hh Hh Hh His is is is is hophophophophope ee e e

DID YOU KNOW?Normally iron does not burn. There is only one exception—in the make-up of a sparkler. When you light several of them together, you can even put them under water and they will continue to burn. See for yourself when you google it…

“Lord Jesus, I want to make a new start and live my life for You. I know that I have made many mistakes and am guilty—I have sinned against You and have hurt others. Please forgive me. (At this point you may want to be specifi c about actual things.) I know that You died on the cross for me. Thank You for doing this. Now I accept your gift of forgiveness. Please come into my life; change me and help me from now on to live to please You. I pray that You will give me the strength I need for this. Amen.”

This is just the beginning. Jesus, as Lord of your life, will guide you through the Bible. It would also be helpful to contact other Christians who can give you advice and support in your life with Him.

Perhaps this calendar has shown you how real a life with God can be. Jesus Christ is no myth but can be experienced personally.So, how do you start this new life with Him?

What do you have to do?

Well, fi rst of all fi nd out more about Him: who He was, what He said and what He did. It would be good to read a Biblical record of His life. The Gospel of Luke is a good starting point.

What did Jesus Christ do? He came into this world in order to carry out God’s plan for us. It was never God’s desire for man to be separated from Him forever. This separation was caused by sin, by our wrong-doing.

Jesus is the solution for our sin problem.He chose to go to the cross in our place to take the punishment which our sin deserved. Jesus

gave His life as a gift of love to all people, because He knew that this was the only way to restore a right relationship with God and allow us to live with Him forever.

When you accept what Jesus has done for you, you can experience God’s forgiveness as you start a new life with Him. Thank Him for all

that He has done for you. One way to do this is through a personal prayer. Perhaps the following words will help:

ABOUT USThe editors of this calendar come from diff erent Christian churches. The purpose of this calendar is to point others to Jesus and help them discover true meaning of life in Him. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments. So please feel free to contact us.

CJ, 27432 Basdahl, Germanyivegotit@cj-info.de

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Editor and Copyright Christliche Jugendpflege e. V., D–27432 Basdahl, Germanywww.cj-info.de

Reprint only with prior permission of the editor

Editorial Departments

Markus Bartsch, Markus Danzeisen, Carsten Deicke,Junias Meurer, Oliver Last, Wilhelm Wittfeld, Kathrin Teubert

Arrangement

Anita Muntean

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