Thoughts for another day
August 31, 2006
Today's verse: Mt. 6:9. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (KJV).
We know that God of Himself, gave Himself to us and there are many shades in which God gives us of Himself. The greatest of these is, as Savior. Jesus is the Savior who made it possible for us to enjoy eternal bliss with our Creator. Were it not for Jesus, we would never be able to enjoy the bliss that we can for we were doomed.
Jesus when on earth gave us His Father as our Father. The significance of this is lost on most of us and life usually goes by without us realizing that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us without measure and cares for us tremendously. All we do in life is worry and be tense. Over nothing, really speaking!
My beloved, Jesus taught the people of those times a prayer and the first words were: Our Father. Which in other words means that we need to see the ‘Great I AM’ as our Father. Comprehend this if you will, the One who is more brilliant than a thousand suns is our Father. Before whom the oceans and mighty thunders shrivel and shut up is our Father! He whose footstool is the earth is our Father. The God of the universe whose palms hold up the vast universe is our Father! Think about it and you will understand. Yet, God is so gentle and so much with us.
David called Him Shepherd. Isaiah called Him the Holy One of Israel. I call Him my Guarantee. Yes, my friend remember when you need Him and look out for Him, He is there. When you cry out to Him, He listens. Look with your eyes of faith and you will realize that He is with you, never far from you. And try me out on this, call to Him today and see He will appear. I challenge you today my friend, give your faith wings, let it soar to reach the Mercy Seat. Life will be different thence on.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 30, 2006
Today's verse: Haggai 1:8. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. (KJV).
Today’s verse talks about something quite important as far as God is concerned. He expects us to give Him the reverence due Him. Now God, unlike man does not impinge upon our freedom and does not enforce that we give Him glory. But because of who He is and what He has done, it is incumbent upon us to honor Him and revere Him. And for all righteous men and women of God, it is alarming not to do so.
A check in our own lives, will show many instances where we could have done something for God but withheld doing it. We know that we ought to give Him our best; but we don’t. Why just common believers, even people who preach and teach and live by the breath of God under His shadow, do not.
The above voice of the Lord in Haggai decries the despicable situation that we have put the Lord in. He says, that they dwell in paneled wooden houses but His House lies in ruins. What a tragedy? The same is the situation today. I feel ashamed that I do not give the honor due to Him nor the time that is His, by virtue of the fact that He has created me and given me 24 hrs in a day.
In a way, like Paul says, we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory. Yet, the blood of the Lamb beckons, invites; but where do we have the time – or is it the inclination. I was talking to a sister yesterday and I told her that the Lord is moving my heart to greater prayer. She said she felt the same and that she was planning to do so. I suddenly realized that when it comes to God, I only plan – never implement the plan.
And today, in that shame I pray my beloved that God in His mercy will forgive us the inappropriateness of our hearts toward Him and give us the Grace to bow before His throne to His Glory. Let us be conscious of the ache in the heart of the Almighty and ask Him, ‘Lord, may I share in Your sorrow?’
August 30, 2006
Today's verse: Haggai 1:8. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. (KJV).
Today’s verse talks about something quite important as far as God is concerned. He expects us to give Him the reverence due Him. Now God, unlike man does not impinge upon our freedom and does not enforce that we give Him glory. But because of who He is and what He has done, it is incumbent upon us to honor Him and revere Him. And for all righteous men and women of God, it is alarming not to do so.
A check in our own lives, will show many instances where we could have done something for God but withheld doing it. We know that we ought to give Him our best; but we don’t. Why just common believers, even people who preach and teach and live by the breath of God under His shadow, do not.
The above voice of the Lord in Haggai decries the despicable situation that we have put the Lord in. He says, that they dwell in paneled wooden houses but His House lies in ruins. What a tragedy? The same is the situation today. I feel ashamed that I do not give the honor due to Him nor the time that is His, by virtue of the fact that He has created me and given me 24 hrs in a day.
In a way, like Paul says, we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory. Yet, the blood of the Lamb beckons, invites; but where do we have the time – or is it the inclination. I was talking to a sister yesterday and I told her that the Lord is moving my heart to greater prayer. She said she felt the same and that she was planning to do so. I suddenly realized that when it comes to God, I only plan – never implement the plan.
And today, in that shame I pray my beloved that God in His mercy will forgive us the inappropriateness of our hearts toward Him and give us the Grace to bow before His throne to His Glory. Let us be conscious of the ache in the heart of the Almighty and ask Him, ‘Lord, may I share in Your sorrow?’
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 29, 2006
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 89. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. (KJV).
The Christian faith is about tolerance and building up. Tolerance is extremely important because without it we become fanatical and extreme. Difficult it might be, but it is necessary to tolerate the other brother or sister. I know it is difficult because some of the mannerisms exhibited by my neighbor may be out rightly obnoxious yet; God wants that we tolerate that person. I trust that God gives us the Grace to overlook the bad things and see the better attributes.
St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians says that we are one body in Christ and we are called to build His body, the church. In the above verse, he talks about certain actions of ours, which though are not wrong clinically, are able to upset the consciences of the weak. The message I would like you to glean from this is; there are certain areas in our life where God has blessed us and made us superior to others, so should we consider us to be higher than another who is not so blessed?
Besides, when we come to the real knowledge of God, and understand the freedom He has bestowed on us in ways of seeking Him we must not put down another for their lack of the same knowledge. Like for instance, someone may be particular about fasting on some occasions as they feel closer to God if they do and we aren’t because of a deeper understanding of God’s ways. In this situation, should we be happy and look down upon those who as yet have not transcended the earlier ways? No we shouldn’t lest it hurt the little faith that they have. But rather, for a while, we must also fast until they come to the knowledge of the truth.
The verse also spawns a number of other things that we need to do apart from the above and we must delve deep inside the knowledge and understanding our Father gives us in learning the things we do to people. For remember at the end He will say, ‘Whatsoever you did to the least of my people, you did unto Me.’
August 29, 2006
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 89. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. (KJV).
The Christian faith is about tolerance and building up. Tolerance is extremely important because without it we become fanatical and extreme. Difficult it might be, but it is necessary to tolerate the other brother or sister. I know it is difficult because some of the mannerisms exhibited by my neighbor may be out rightly obnoxious yet; God wants that we tolerate that person. I trust that God gives us the Grace to overlook the bad things and see the better attributes.
St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians says that we are one body in Christ and we are called to build His body, the church. In the above verse, he talks about certain actions of ours, which though are not wrong clinically, are able to upset the consciences of the weak. The message I would like you to glean from this is; there are certain areas in our life where God has blessed us and made us superior to others, so should we consider us to be higher than another who is not so blessed?
Besides, when we come to the real knowledge of God, and understand the freedom He has bestowed on us in ways of seeking Him we must not put down another for their lack of the same knowledge. Like for instance, someone may be particular about fasting on some occasions as they feel closer to God if they do and we aren’t because of a deeper understanding of God’s ways. In this situation, should we be happy and look down upon those who as yet have not transcended the earlier ways? No we shouldn’t lest it hurt the little faith that they have. But rather, for a while, we must also fast until they come to the knowledge of the truth.
The verse also spawns a number of other things that we need to do apart from the above and we must delve deep inside the knowledge and understanding our Father gives us in learning the things we do to people. For remember at the end He will say, ‘Whatsoever you did to the least of my people, you did unto Me.’
Monday, August 28, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 28, 2006
Today's verse: Deut. 31:6. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (NIV).
There is never a moment in our lives when the Most High is not with us. He is an ever-present God and more a reality than we ourselves are. He is at call 24 X 7. He never slumbers nor sleeps. His hand is never weary of doing good and of course, He is always ready to forgive, no matter the gravity of our sin.
How then, might you say, do we have calamities? It is because we have rejected God. Many of you might tell me, But, brother, that is not what we have done. What then might I say you do, when in trouble, God appears last on the list to turn to – rarely before? In fact, most people turn to God finally and the approach is, well what do I lose anyway. . Then again many are not confident of approaching God and they ask people to pray for them.
My dear friend, if we look at our own affinity towards God, we will be ashamed to see how much He is dear to us. God is more an excuse in our lives than the cause. He is more a side dish than the main course. We are more apologetic to be connected to Him than proud to be with Him. Tell me how then can He work in our lives? We are so engrossed with our own ways, that His ways are dulled in our senses. His words don’t make sense. He says ‘Be quiet.’ And we are tumultuous. He says, ‘Cast your burdens unto Me.’ We want to keep them. And so goes our saga. So many people ask me, why does God allow such brutality and disasters to happen? Is He not seeing it? And I say, how much do you pray? How much do you think of Him? How much do you know Him.
My dearly beloved in Christ, turn to the Lord this day. Revere Him and give Him the attention due as the King of the universe. And truly I tell you, He will go with you. He will never forsake nor leave you and His radiance will always be around you.
August 28, 2006
Today's verse: Deut. 31:6. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (NIV).
There is never a moment in our lives when the Most High is not with us. He is an ever-present God and more a reality than we ourselves are. He is at call 24 X 7. He never slumbers nor sleeps. His hand is never weary of doing good and of course, He is always ready to forgive, no matter the gravity of our sin.
How then, might you say, do we have calamities? It is because we have rejected God. Many of you might tell me, But, brother, that is not what we have done. What then might I say you do, when in trouble, God appears last on the list to turn to – rarely before? In fact, most people turn to God finally and the approach is, well what do I lose anyway. . Then again many are not confident of approaching God and they ask people to pray for them.
My dear friend, if we look at our own affinity towards God, we will be ashamed to see how much He is dear to us. God is more an excuse in our lives than the cause. He is more a side dish than the main course. We are more apologetic to be connected to Him than proud to be with Him. Tell me how then can He work in our lives? We are so engrossed with our own ways, that His ways are dulled in our senses. His words don’t make sense. He says ‘Be quiet.’ And we are tumultuous. He says, ‘Cast your burdens unto Me.’ We want to keep them. And so goes our saga. So many people ask me, why does God allow such brutality and disasters to happen? Is He not seeing it? And I say, how much do you pray? How much do you think of Him? How much do you know Him.
My dearly beloved in Christ, turn to the Lord this day. Revere Him and give Him the attention due as the King of the universe. And truly I tell you, He will go with you. He will never forsake nor leave you and His radiance will always be around you.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 24, 2006
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 8:3. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (KJV).
In the daily hustle bustle of life, we do not find time to sit with God. Our devotion to Him is simply non-existent. When the thought comes that we have not prayed, our prayer is, ‘God, I hope you understand. You know I love You and want to be with You, yet I actually am so busy I don’t have the time; I hope You don’t mind…’
There was once a ‘very busy’ man called Harry, who died suddenly and went up there. He was sore angry with God because he was on an important assignment, which he thought only he could do and was extremely important for his company. He decided to ask God why He couldn’t wait atleast till he finished the assignment. God led him to a book and made him open it. He saw his life displayed there. Each event, each moment and everything he did. The times when he was invited to church and he exclaimed and said, ‘But, you see I don’t have the time, think of all the work I need to do.’
He was quite proud of his accomplishments as he saw them unfold before his eyes and scenes of him getting accolades, floated around. But as he looked, he saw something else. After each scene as he looked at his achievement, it hardly appeared as one, because the project just fizzled out and the company dropped it. Result – no gain. He looked at one instance and he saw his boss with his rival in the organisation and both were talking about him and saying, what a stupid fellow; he thinks he will achieve a lot and he will but it will be completely useless. He was stunned.
Another project on which he had worked hard and had earned much acclaim as well as a hefty bonus, was quietly shelved by his management. He was aware it was shelved but now he saw the reason. The consultants misjudged the business potential and going further would mean a colossal loss. He remembered having questioned the management and they transferred him to another department saying that they needed his expertise in that department. Of course he was given more money et al.
So he went through his book; every episode told him that whatever he had done was futile. When his colleagues came for his funeral, he saw his subordinate telling his boss, ‘thank God the fellow has gone. Atleast now I can be promoted’. His boss tapped his back saying, ‘yes, he was blocking your promotion.’ And to say that just a few days back, his boss had told him, ‘how could we ever manage without you Harry?’
Then God showed him the book ‘what if?’ And he saw himself at a particular time when he had separated from his wife, his friend had called him for a retreat and he had not gone. Later his wife had divorced him. Now God showed him the blessing he would have got had he attended the retreat. And he saw him walking down an avenue with trees on both sides, his hand in his wife’s hand and both of them at peace. God showed him a number of situations where, had he only prayed and remembered God, his life would have been different.
The man felt the remorse well up in him, but it was too late. He never had time to know God, leave alone love Him. He was sent to eternal damnation.
My friend, if you also have no time for God understand, you will not find time to know many issues concerning your very self. Neither will you know God and be able to appropriate His success. So wake up now from your sleep and turn to Him for help. He will help because He always has the time to know you.
August 24, 2006
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 8:3. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (KJV).
In the daily hustle bustle of life, we do not find time to sit with God. Our devotion to Him is simply non-existent. When the thought comes that we have not prayed, our prayer is, ‘God, I hope you understand. You know I love You and want to be with You, yet I actually am so busy I don’t have the time; I hope You don’t mind…’
There was once a ‘very busy’ man called Harry, who died suddenly and went up there. He was sore angry with God because he was on an important assignment, which he thought only he could do and was extremely important for his company. He decided to ask God why He couldn’t wait atleast till he finished the assignment. God led him to a book and made him open it. He saw his life displayed there. Each event, each moment and everything he did. The times when he was invited to church and he exclaimed and said, ‘But, you see I don’t have the time, think of all the work I need to do.’
He was quite proud of his accomplishments as he saw them unfold before his eyes and scenes of him getting accolades, floated around. But as he looked, he saw something else. After each scene as he looked at his achievement, it hardly appeared as one, because the project just fizzled out and the company dropped it. Result – no gain. He looked at one instance and he saw his boss with his rival in the organisation and both were talking about him and saying, what a stupid fellow; he thinks he will achieve a lot and he will but it will be completely useless. He was stunned.
Another project on which he had worked hard and had earned much acclaim as well as a hefty bonus, was quietly shelved by his management. He was aware it was shelved but now he saw the reason. The consultants misjudged the business potential and going further would mean a colossal loss. He remembered having questioned the management and they transferred him to another department saying that they needed his expertise in that department. Of course he was given more money et al.
So he went through his book; every episode told him that whatever he had done was futile. When his colleagues came for his funeral, he saw his subordinate telling his boss, ‘thank God the fellow has gone. Atleast now I can be promoted’. His boss tapped his back saying, ‘yes, he was blocking your promotion.’ And to say that just a few days back, his boss had told him, ‘how could we ever manage without you Harry?’
Then God showed him the book ‘what if?’ And he saw himself at a particular time when he had separated from his wife, his friend had called him for a retreat and he had not gone. Later his wife had divorced him. Now God showed him the blessing he would have got had he attended the retreat. And he saw him walking down an avenue with trees on both sides, his hand in his wife’s hand and both of them at peace. God showed him a number of situations where, had he only prayed and remembered God, his life would have been different.
The man felt the remorse well up in him, but it was too late. He never had time to know God, leave alone love Him. He was sent to eternal damnation.
My friend, if you also have no time for God understand, you will not find time to know many issues concerning your very self. Neither will you know God and be able to appropriate His success. So wake up now from your sleep and turn to Him for help. He will help because He always has the time to know you.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 24, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 40:2. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, (KJV).
An understanding of our Father’s nature reveals His amazing desire to help us when we are in trouble. When Jesus said, ‘I am with you always’, never would the apostles have imagined what He meant. But as days went by, they realized its meaning and I am sure, Peter would have reflected on those words with gratitude in his heart for he sure felt Jesus’ presence wherever he went.
A small child who is told Jesus is always with us, will question and ask, where? For a child does not know the intimate connection God’s Spirit has with our spirit. That what cannot be seen is a greater reality that what can be. You know, God’s breath instills the beat of our hearts and the compression of our lungs. His power drives the blood through our veins and His Grace saves us from taking that step, just missing …that accident. Truly, I must exclaim and say, my God, my God, how awesome You are.
My friend, you will be overwhelmed when you consider what the Lord has done for you. Yes, you may be leading a very normal life. You could be having an average job and being paid an average salary. But come on, look to your neighbor who is also average and seems to be doing well. But there is a secret she never tells and that is of the turmoil in her family and the struggle to make ends meet. Disease in the house, depression, frustration, fights and what not. But you, you are alien to these for God is you Rock and Stronghold.
And when you fall, God bends and extends His hand (ah, you may not see it, but He does) and pulls you out of the pit and leads you to safety. My brother, He is your guarantee of safety. My sister, He alone is the insignia of comfort. I pray today, your senses get attuned to His Presence.
August 24, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 40:2. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, (KJV).
An understanding of our Father’s nature reveals His amazing desire to help us when we are in trouble. When Jesus said, ‘I am with you always’, never would the apostles have imagined what He meant. But as days went by, they realized its meaning and I am sure, Peter would have reflected on those words with gratitude in his heart for he sure felt Jesus’ presence wherever he went.
A small child who is told Jesus is always with us, will question and ask, where? For a child does not know the intimate connection God’s Spirit has with our spirit. That what cannot be seen is a greater reality that what can be. You know, God’s breath instills the beat of our hearts and the compression of our lungs. His power drives the blood through our veins and His Grace saves us from taking that step, just missing …that accident. Truly, I must exclaim and say, my God, my God, how awesome You are.
My friend, you will be overwhelmed when you consider what the Lord has done for you. Yes, you may be leading a very normal life. You could be having an average job and being paid an average salary. But come on, look to your neighbor who is also average and seems to be doing well. But there is a secret she never tells and that is of the turmoil in her family and the struggle to make ends meet. Disease in the house, depression, frustration, fights and what not. But you, you are alien to these for God is you Rock and Stronghold.
And when you fall, God bends and extends His hand (ah, you may not see it, but He does) and pulls you out of the pit and leads you to safety. My brother, He is your guarantee of safety. My sister, He alone is the insignia of comfort. I pray today, your senses get attuned to His Presence.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 22, 2006
Today's verse: Mt. 5:44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV).
I am led today by the Spirit of God to write on a subject which disturbs me quite a bit and also because I believe I need this more than anybody else.
In the Sermon on the mount, the magna carta for Christian living, Jesus unfolds the Kingdom way. In it you have quiet a few shockers and ways of doing things, as in today’s verse: ‘Love your enemy’. Equally disturbing are, ‘Bless them that curse you’ and ‘Pray for them that use you for their gain and persecute you.’ No mincing words but plain and simple, love your enemies…
And really, how difficult it is. How can you love a person who has hurt you and put you in pain? How can you have sympathy for a person who has never had sympathy on anybody cursing them all? The questions go on. But the Word of God is clear. It just asks us to do it, if we reverence our God. But really, honestly, from the bottom of my heart I can say, it requires tremendous, tremendous inner strength to do. I recently had a situation where someone wronged me. I left the situation to God, but prayed, ‘Lord, vengeance is Yours, so extract maximum vengeance on that person.’ But, God led me to pray for that person and very unwillingly and giving God some condition, I did.
Later, I was thinking, why do we harbor grudge? Why do we want to extract revenge? Because, we feel we are made to look small by the offender? Because, we are insulted in front of others? Because our prestige is pricked? And then, the picture of Jesus flashed in my mind. Ridiculed, mocked, spat upon, jeered, reviled, humiliated and crucified. The Greatest given the worst! Yet, He said, Father forgive…Why? Because He wanted you to do the same.
When we rise above the mean things that human beings do, we prove ourselves truly great. Not when we try to defend our puny bubble of a pride. When we can look at the eye of our offender and say, I forgive, is a moment of great strength. Reflection of divinity in a way. There is a wonderful feeling inside, a lightness, indescribable. Truly Paul was right when he said, ‘conquer evil with good’. Want to experience the feeling? Go the person today (now if possible) and say, I forgive. Tell me what happens next…(By the way, if the person further insults you, no problem. Look at the joy in your heart and don’t be subdued by the crudeness of that person. After all, the Lord is happy with you, no?)
August 22, 2006
Today's verse: Mt. 5:44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV).
I am led today by the Spirit of God to write on a subject which disturbs me quite a bit and also because I believe I need this more than anybody else.
In the Sermon on the mount, the magna carta for Christian living, Jesus unfolds the Kingdom way. In it you have quiet a few shockers and ways of doing things, as in today’s verse: ‘Love your enemy’. Equally disturbing are, ‘Bless them that curse you’ and ‘Pray for them that use you for their gain and persecute you.’ No mincing words but plain and simple, love your enemies…
And really, how difficult it is. How can you love a person who has hurt you and put you in pain? How can you have sympathy for a person who has never had sympathy on anybody cursing them all? The questions go on. But the Word of God is clear. It just asks us to do it, if we reverence our God. But really, honestly, from the bottom of my heart I can say, it requires tremendous, tremendous inner strength to do. I recently had a situation where someone wronged me. I left the situation to God, but prayed, ‘Lord, vengeance is Yours, so extract maximum vengeance on that person.’ But, God led me to pray for that person and very unwillingly and giving God some condition, I did.
Later, I was thinking, why do we harbor grudge? Why do we want to extract revenge? Because, we feel we are made to look small by the offender? Because, we are insulted in front of others? Because our prestige is pricked? And then, the picture of Jesus flashed in my mind. Ridiculed, mocked, spat upon, jeered, reviled, humiliated and crucified. The Greatest given the worst! Yet, He said, Father forgive…Why? Because He wanted you to do the same.
When we rise above the mean things that human beings do, we prove ourselves truly great. Not when we try to defend our puny bubble of a pride. When we can look at the eye of our offender and say, I forgive, is a moment of great strength. Reflection of divinity in a way. There is a wonderful feeling inside, a lightness, indescribable. Truly Paul was right when he said, ‘conquer evil with good’. Want to experience the feeling? Go the person today (now if possible) and say, I forgive. Tell me what happens next…(By the way, if the person further insults you, no problem. Look at the joy in your heart and don’t be subdued by the crudeness of that person. After all, the Lord is happy with you, no?)
Monday, August 21, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 18, 2006
Today's verse: Ro. 5:20,21. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV).
We talk about the Grace of God and its marvelous work among us. God’s Grace is for sure our lifeline and we have to drink constantly from its fountain.
When I think about God’s Grace, I marvel at the intensity with which it is available for every believer. What surprises me even more is what is written in the above verse: that the quantum of Grace for the sinner is very big. It is very touching and humiliating to know that inspite of sin, God allows the flow of His Grace into our lives and what’s more, it flows fast and free touching each shred of our brokenness, washing the stains of our minds and healing the wounds of our hearts, as it were.
Truly my friend, it never ceases to amaze me when I think of God. What manner of love does He have for us that when we sin, He sends more of His Grace into our lives. I remember, Jesus once sitting with the tax collectors and talking and eating with them when the Pharisees and the so-called righteous people commented and said, ‘look He is mingling with sinners and prostitutes’. He turned to them and said, ‘I have come so that they might be saved. A sick person needs doctors, not a healthy one!’ And surprisingly, it was the sinners, who accepted God’s free gift of Grace and grabbed entry into heaven and the self-righteous ones were left wailing at the door.
Let’s think now about our own lives particularly, the occasions we have stifled the Grace of God from working in us. If we have, we can rise up and go the Fount of Grace and seek His healing and again make ourselves eligible for it, not of course by our own work but again by His redeeming mercy.
August 18, 2006
Today's verse: Ro. 5:20,21. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV).
We talk about the Grace of God and its marvelous work among us. God’s Grace is for sure our lifeline and we have to drink constantly from its fountain.
When I think about God’s Grace, I marvel at the intensity with which it is available for every believer. What surprises me even more is what is written in the above verse: that the quantum of Grace for the sinner is very big. It is very touching and humiliating to know that inspite of sin, God allows the flow of His Grace into our lives and what’s more, it flows fast and free touching each shred of our brokenness, washing the stains of our minds and healing the wounds of our hearts, as it were.
Truly my friend, it never ceases to amaze me when I think of God. What manner of love does He have for us that when we sin, He sends more of His Grace into our lives. I remember, Jesus once sitting with the tax collectors and talking and eating with them when the Pharisees and the so-called righteous people commented and said, ‘look He is mingling with sinners and prostitutes’. He turned to them and said, ‘I have come so that they might be saved. A sick person needs doctors, not a healthy one!’ And surprisingly, it was the sinners, who accepted God’s free gift of Grace and grabbed entry into heaven and the self-righteous ones were left wailing at the door.
Let’s think now about our own lives particularly, the occasions we have stifled the Grace of God from working in us. If we have, we can rise up and go the Fount of Grace and seek His healing and again make ourselves eligible for it, not of course by our own work but again by His redeeming mercy.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 18, 2006
Today's verse: Jos. 13:14. the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them. (KJV).
The word ‘inheritance’ vis-à-vis God, has been ringing in my ear for a long time. The Bible declares that our inheritance is the Lord (Ps. 16:5) and that we are God’s inheritance (Deut. 32:9).
But as the Lord reveals to me, there is an important message rendered by today’s verse. It says, the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance… This verse in the Old Testament applies to the tribe of Levi who were priests of the LORD God, Yahweh. In the New Testament, Peter declares us as a ‘Royal Priesthood’ (1 Pe. 2:9). We are therefore provided entry to the sanctuary of the Lord, the God of all flesh, the King of the Universe. And His sacrifice is our inheritance.
Now look at the altar of Calvary. There was a sacrifice made literally by fire. That sacrifice is our inheritance. The precious Lamb of God is our inheritance. This Lamb has the rights of the first-born. He therefore imparts us the rights by virtue of His Word of Him being the great sacrifice before Yahweh, the King.
My friend, God has come to us. God has become our inheritance and we, His. Marvel if you will, at this, for it is no small happening. If God is our inheritance, what then is not ours? At the same time, we are His inheritance; and when we believe that Jesus Christ is the sacrificial Lamb of God, we are made pure in His sight by the blood that flowed down Calvary’s icon – the Cross. Let us then strive to be a worthy inheritance unto Him, not by our own work but by His eternal sacrifice, that we may come before the throne some day and He declare, ‘Come forth my inheritance and let me indulge you…’ That my friend is the meaning of being the ‘Bride’…
August 18, 2006
Today's verse: Jos. 13:14. the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them. (KJV).
The word ‘inheritance’ vis-à-vis God, has been ringing in my ear for a long time. The Bible declares that our inheritance is the Lord (Ps. 16:5) and that we are God’s inheritance (Deut. 32:9).
But as the Lord reveals to me, there is an important message rendered by today’s verse. It says, the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance… This verse in the Old Testament applies to the tribe of Levi who were priests of the LORD God, Yahweh. In the New Testament, Peter declares us as a ‘Royal Priesthood’ (1 Pe. 2:9). We are therefore provided entry to the sanctuary of the Lord, the God of all flesh, the King of the Universe. And His sacrifice is our inheritance.
Now look at the altar of Calvary. There was a sacrifice made literally by fire. That sacrifice is our inheritance. The precious Lamb of God is our inheritance. This Lamb has the rights of the first-born. He therefore imparts us the rights by virtue of His Word of Him being the great sacrifice before Yahweh, the King.
My friend, God has come to us. God has become our inheritance and we, His. Marvel if you will, at this, for it is no small happening. If God is our inheritance, what then is not ours? At the same time, we are His inheritance; and when we believe that Jesus Christ is the sacrificial Lamb of God, we are made pure in His sight by the blood that flowed down Calvary’s icon – the Cross. Let us then strive to be a worthy inheritance unto Him, not by our own work but by His eternal sacrifice, that we may come before the throne some day and He declare, ‘Come forth my inheritance and let me indulge you…’ That my friend is the meaning of being the ‘Bride’…
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 17, 2006
Today's verse: 2 Ch. 14:11. And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: (KJV).
Exhibiting powerlessness before God is the greatest cause for the power of God to be displayed in that individual’s life. It requires humility and inner resolve (or extreme desperation) to tell others that you are powerless because the world craves to be known as successful and powerful. Humility arising out of extreme desperation of course is not in order, though God will look at the person anyway.
The bane of mankind is the peer pressure, which makes one claim to be more than one is. It is never the practice of people to humble themselves and display helplessness before others. However, with God it doesn’t work. When you come before God you need to humble yourself for that’s when He will look at you. God’s criteria for healing or any such thing is prima facie humility. And isn’t it but right that before the Sovereign of the universe, we be humble? In today’s verse, we see Asa a king making himself a weakling before God and God, if you read further, answers his prayer.
When the Almighty casts His glance upon the children of men and He spots someone who is humble and weak, that person He chooses to bless. The ill situation of that person changes as God’s power touches the very fabric of the situation and heals it inside out. God is never a one who will ignore His humble and powerless servants. In fact, He Himself says (2 Co. 12:9) ‘My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ If today, you are standing in queue to avail of God’s blessings, you know what to do, don’t you?
August 17, 2006
Today's verse: 2 Ch. 14:11. And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: (KJV).
Exhibiting powerlessness before God is the greatest cause for the power of God to be displayed in that individual’s life. It requires humility and inner resolve (or extreme desperation) to tell others that you are powerless because the world craves to be known as successful and powerful. Humility arising out of extreme desperation of course is not in order, though God will look at the person anyway.
The bane of mankind is the peer pressure, which makes one claim to be more than one is. It is never the practice of people to humble themselves and display helplessness before others. However, with God it doesn’t work. When you come before God you need to humble yourself for that’s when He will look at you. God’s criteria for healing or any such thing is prima facie humility. And isn’t it but right that before the Sovereign of the universe, we be humble? In today’s verse, we see Asa a king making himself a weakling before God and God, if you read further, answers his prayer.
When the Almighty casts His glance upon the children of men and He spots someone who is humble and weak, that person He chooses to bless. The ill situation of that person changes as God’s power touches the very fabric of the situation and heals it inside out. God is never a one who will ignore His humble and powerless servants. In fact, He Himself says (2 Co. 12:9) ‘My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ If today, you are standing in queue to avail of God’s blessings, you know what to do, don’t you?
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 16, 2006
Today's verse: Eph. 2:4-6. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (KJV).
The more you talk about the mercy of God, the more will you be amazed at its quantity and quality. We know that the mercies of the Lord never cease which is why sinners like me have hope. It is not to say that we go on sinning and trust the mercy of the Lord to each time overlook our sins, but just that no matter how much we sin because of the weakness of our flesh, we can always get up and move towards God trusting His mercy to help us forward.
God does not withhold His mercy from us no matter how far gone we are. But He allows it to flow to us and help us repent. Today’s verses tell us also about the quality of God’s mercy. My beloved in Christ, sin has filled the vaults of the earth and has attempted to thwart the Glory of the Living God. It had bought death to us. But the Son of God, by decree of the Father’s will, purchased life with His own precious blood.
Today, if we can stand confidently before our God, it is because of the blood of our Savior. His blood has once again made us God’s inheritance. A people whom, He can call, His own. And that’s not all; it has also made us heirs of the Kingly places. It has made us inherit a mansion in His Kingdom! We may not understand the implications of this, but suffice it to know that we will be able to behold the Glory of our God some day and dine with Him. This is really awesome. And, all because of His mercy. Think about it.
August 16, 2006
Today's verse: Eph. 2:4-6. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (KJV).
The more you talk about the mercy of God, the more will you be amazed at its quantity and quality. We know that the mercies of the Lord never cease which is why sinners like me have hope. It is not to say that we go on sinning and trust the mercy of the Lord to each time overlook our sins, but just that no matter how much we sin because of the weakness of our flesh, we can always get up and move towards God trusting His mercy to help us forward.
God does not withhold His mercy from us no matter how far gone we are. But He allows it to flow to us and help us repent. Today’s verses tell us also about the quality of God’s mercy. My beloved in Christ, sin has filled the vaults of the earth and has attempted to thwart the Glory of the Living God. It had bought death to us. But the Son of God, by decree of the Father’s will, purchased life with His own precious blood.
Today, if we can stand confidently before our God, it is because of the blood of our Savior. His blood has once again made us God’s inheritance. A people whom, He can call, His own. And that’s not all; it has also made us heirs of the Kingly places. It has made us inherit a mansion in His Kingdom! We may not understand the implications of this, but suffice it to know that we will be able to behold the Glory of our God some day and dine with Him. This is really awesome. And, all because of His mercy. Think about it.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 14, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 91:7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. (KJV).
It is strange how God reveals the truth about Himself and I always tell myself that I have to be attentive to His prompting and of course, churn His Word, which I have either read or received, in my mind continually. This signals to Him my desire to abide in His Word and then He is pleased to open up the deeper secrets about Himself.
Take for example what happened yesterday when I was conducting a Bible class. I was speaking about my belief that a staunch believer in God, will never die by some gruesome incident. NO MATTER WHAT. For God will not allow that. And then I continued that the pestilence – whether a flood or a bomb or an airplane crash or whatever, will first need to take permission from God whether it can kill somebody. One by one the pestilence goes through the names’ list and God may grant His assent on the names. But when it comes to a believer’s name, God sits up and immediately recognises the person and God sees the person in fervent prayer, kneeling before Him, day in and day out. And God muses, ‘How can I give my assent to this person’s name? No I will not.’
Later, as I was thinking on this, I realized, as God started putting the thoughts in my mind, each one of us is God’s property. To destroy this property, is not easy and therefore even though man is fragile, he still lives on an average atleast 50 years despite the myriad ways in which he can die. God watches over Him with that of a Father’s zeal. And as I said above, He does not allow anything to happen to His faithful believer, which will compromise His own love and protection of that person. That is why in Ps. 91 we have the above verse. And mind you, we all know of how in a crash that should have taken all, one pious man survives. In the floods, a dear child of God survives.
My beloved in Christ, believe today that if you are devoted to Him there is no harm that can touch you. There is no devil that can irritate you or a disease that can claim your life. For your husband, your maker watches over you and if He sees a threat toward you, He rises in anger and tell me, who can stand before the wrath of God?
August 14, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 91:7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. (KJV).
It is strange how God reveals the truth about Himself and I always tell myself that I have to be attentive to His prompting and of course, churn His Word, which I have either read or received, in my mind continually. This signals to Him my desire to abide in His Word and then He is pleased to open up the deeper secrets about Himself.
Take for example what happened yesterday when I was conducting a Bible class. I was speaking about my belief that a staunch believer in God, will never die by some gruesome incident. NO MATTER WHAT. For God will not allow that. And then I continued that the pestilence – whether a flood or a bomb or an airplane crash or whatever, will first need to take permission from God whether it can kill somebody. One by one the pestilence goes through the names’ list and God may grant His assent on the names. But when it comes to a believer’s name, God sits up and immediately recognises the person and God sees the person in fervent prayer, kneeling before Him, day in and day out. And God muses, ‘How can I give my assent to this person’s name? No I will not.’
Later, as I was thinking on this, I realized, as God started putting the thoughts in my mind, each one of us is God’s property. To destroy this property, is not easy and therefore even though man is fragile, he still lives on an average atleast 50 years despite the myriad ways in which he can die. God watches over Him with that of a Father’s zeal. And as I said above, He does not allow anything to happen to His faithful believer, which will compromise His own love and protection of that person. That is why in Ps. 91 we have the above verse. And mind you, we all know of how in a crash that should have taken all, one pious man survives. In the floods, a dear child of God survives.
My beloved in Christ, believe today that if you are devoted to Him there is no harm that can touch you. There is no devil that can irritate you or a disease that can claim your life. For your husband, your maker watches over you and if He sees a threat toward you, He rises in anger and tell me, who can stand before the wrath of God?
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 11, 2006
Today's verse: Eph. 3:19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV)
A look at Christ the man, reveals a lot of His love for mankind. His nature was one of being helpful at all times and this paved the way for Him to heal with His power whenever someone wanted it.
Jesus did not even bother about what the people would say when He healed on the Sabbath. So called religious leaders of that time, had different opinions of mercy. When we read Luke 13:10-16, about the cure of a crippled woman, we have the leader of the synagogue telling the people that there are six other days when a person can be healed, but not on the Sabbath. Even then, Jesus healed on that day with grave personal risk, about which He did not bother. As a digression, would we do it? Would we risk the ire of the authorities in doing something good which, they have prohibited. Would you lend a helping hand to an employee who is seen to be not in favor with the management?
But the awesome love of Jesus overflowed in some of the worst situations, in a way quite undecipherable by us. When they did not even look at somebody, Jesus went and lifted that person. When people asked Bartimaeus to shut up, Jesus called him. And He paid a heavy price for His unconditional and unalloyed love getting a Cross as the reward.
My friend, in His love for us, we are filled with the fullness of God. I would urge you today to behold that face full of love for Him and His heart cries out for you and for the whole of mankind. Could you just get up and say, Lord, I love you for your love. Let it heal and renew me.
August 11, 2006
Today's verse: Eph. 3:19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV)
A look at Christ the man, reveals a lot of His love for mankind. His nature was one of being helpful at all times and this paved the way for Him to heal with His power whenever someone wanted it.
Jesus did not even bother about what the people would say when He healed on the Sabbath. So called religious leaders of that time, had different opinions of mercy. When we read Luke 13:10-16, about the cure of a crippled woman, we have the leader of the synagogue telling the people that there are six other days when a person can be healed, but not on the Sabbath. Even then, Jesus healed on that day with grave personal risk, about which He did not bother. As a digression, would we do it? Would we risk the ire of the authorities in doing something good which, they have prohibited. Would you lend a helping hand to an employee who is seen to be not in favor with the management?
But the awesome love of Jesus overflowed in some of the worst situations, in a way quite undecipherable by us. When they did not even look at somebody, Jesus went and lifted that person. When people asked Bartimaeus to shut up, Jesus called him. And He paid a heavy price for His unconditional and unalloyed love getting a Cross as the reward.
My friend, in His love for us, we are filled with the fullness of God. I would urge you today to behold that face full of love for Him and His heart cries out for you and for the whole of mankind. Could you just get up and say, Lord, I love you for your love. Let it heal and renew me.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 10, 2006
Today's verse: Jn. 4:42. Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (KJV)
The Holy Bible is a wonderful and mysterious book. Wonderful because it has the message of eternal life and mysterious because you notice that once you read and meditate upon it, it starts speaking to you. Truly, it is like no ordinary book for no other book can speak to you as the Bible does. The reason is simple, no book has the guarantee and assurance of God other than the Bible.
My earnest prayer is that all mankind who have been proclaimed the Good News, will echo the words in today’s verse. For then will mankind have known God. For then alone could one say that a man has a personal relationship with God. I speak nothing in this column but, that you and I need to have a personal relationship with God. We must have that experience of being told something by Him. Of knowing in our hearts that He is there and that He cares for us. Only then will we be victorious Christians.
Very often I find people telling me, ‘Pls. Pray for me brother’ and I find it kind of strange because our God is approachable and He can be approached by anybody, however sinful. I do pray for them for I have to; but feel sad because they don’t know God and I am talking of a people who profess to know God and believe in Him. All talk of belief is fake; for when struck with a slight calamity, all faith vanishes and the person becomes completely helpless. Sometimes the way some believers behave is really disgusting. Helplessness and a spirit of resignation are not the characteristics of a Christian. Rather standing firm in the midst of disaster shows trust in Him. He is a Rock and we need to know this. And when we stand beside the Rock holding it steadfastly, no wind nor wave can get to us if we believe that The Rock will protect us.
August 10, 2006
Today's verse: Jn. 4:42. Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (KJV)
The Holy Bible is a wonderful and mysterious book. Wonderful because it has the message of eternal life and mysterious because you notice that once you read and meditate upon it, it starts speaking to you. Truly, it is like no ordinary book for no other book can speak to you as the Bible does. The reason is simple, no book has the guarantee and assurance of God other than the Bible.
My earnest prayer is that all mankind who have been proclaimed the Good News, will echo the words in today’s verse. For then will mankind have known God. For then alone could one say that a man has a personal relationship with God. I speak nothing in this column but, that you and I need to have a personal relationship with God. We must have that experience of being told something by Him. Of knowing in our hearts that He is there and that He cares for us. Only then will we be victorious Christians.
Very often I find people telling me, ‘Pls. Pray for me brother’ and I find it kind of strange because our God is approachable and He can be approached by anybody, however sinful. I do pray for them for I have to; but feel sad because they don’t know God and I am talking of a people who profess to know God and believe in Him. All talk of belief is fake; for when struck with a slight calamity, all faith vanishes and the person becomes completely helpless. Sometimes the way some believers behave is really disgusting. Helplessness and a spirit of resignation are not the characteristics of a Christian. Rather standing firm in the midst of disaster shows trust in Him. He is a Rock and we need to know this. And when we stand beside the Rock holding it steadfastly, no wind nor wave can get to us if we believe that The Rock will protect us.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 9, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 68:19. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (NIV)
Praise to our God is the most wondrous thing that can escape our lips. And it is beautiful when the heart creates it from deep within and it bursts forth with the might of our lungs. The psalmist says, ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…’ In doing this we please the creator of the universe and bring honor to His holy Name.
The question is, why do this? Is God someone who loves flattery? Is He so small that He would expect praise from men for every little thing that He did? Of course not. When the devil told Christ, I know who you are – the Holy One of God, Jesus told Him to shut up. God doesn’t seek our praise for gratification of Himself. But God expects it because it tells Him how grateful we are for His having created us and for bearing our burdens daily. Besides, praise put us in line for the overflow of His blessings.
God has made us such that in constantly being one with His being, He is able to sustain us fully. When we are in His presence and wrapped in Him, praise automatically wells up within our being. Utterances that exult Him flow out from our depths because our spirit flows with His Spirit in a glorious train of splendour that engulfs the earth and leads from one level of beauty to the other. Behold, heaven is created and angels look down and envy the sight. And God builds His throne therein. At that point in time, bondages break, problems melt away, sicknesses vanish, broken limbs are restored, shattered lives are put back together and made whole and earth is refreshed with the fragrance from Heaven.
Praising God gives evidence of the highest level of belief and that is what allows Him to work out the best for you. Hebrews 11:6 says, ‘anyone who approaches God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.’ Read the words carefully and now think, when you approach Him with praise on your lips, what can happen…!
August 9, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 68:19. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. (NIV)
Praise to our God is the most wondrous thing that can escape our lips. And it is beautiful when the heart creates it from deep within and it bursts forth with the might of our lungs. The psalmist says, ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…’ In doing this we please the creator of the universe and bring honor to His holy Name.
The question is, why do this? Is God someone who loves flattery? Is He so small that He would expect praise from men for every little thing that He did? Of course not. When the devil told Christ, I know who you are – the Holy One of God, Jesus told Him to shut up. God doesn’t seek our praise for gratification of Himself. But God expects it because it tells Him how grateful we are for His having created us and for bearing our burdens daily. Besides, praise put us in line for the overflow of His blessings.
God has made us such that in constantly being one with His being, He is able to sustain us fully. When we are in His presence and wrapped in Him, praise automatically wells up within our being. Utterances that exult Him flow out from our depths because our spirit flows with His Spirit in a glorious train of splendour that engulfs the earth and leads from one level of beauty to the other. Behold, heaven is created and angels look down and envy the sight. And God builds His throne therein. At that point in time, bondages break, problems melt away, sicknesses vanish, broken limbs are restored, shattered lives are put back together and made whole and earth is refreshed with the fragrance from Heaven.
Praising God gives evidence of the highest level of belief and that is what allows Him to work out the best for you. Hebrews 11:6 says, ‘anyone who approaches God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.’ Read the words carefully and now think, when you approach Him with praise on your lips, what can happen…!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 8, 2006
Today's verse: Ez. 8:21. Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. (KJV)
It was a nightmare. What the people had never imagined, happened. Then they repented. That’s when the above verse was uttered by EZRA, the priest. And we know that God raised the Persians to overcome the Babylonians and let the Israelites go back to their homeland. God is the same today. The thing which has changed is, because of the awesome sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven minute by minute. All we need to do is cry out. My beloved in Christ, if you have fallen into displeasure with God, throw yourself on the floor and appeal to His mercy. REPENT. It will do a lot of good for your soul, not withstanding of course, for your little problems in life.
August 8, 2006
Today's verse: Ez. 8:21. Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. (KJV)
Human kind has always gone against God and offended Him. God is long suffering and will not act until He knows the offender has had enough time to repent. But if he still doesn’t, then God’s wrath comes down. Many of us kid around with God, thinking that His wrath will not hit us. Then one diasaster after the other strikes and we are felled like the coconut tree whose bottom is systematically sawed.
After David, the Israelites went on their sinful ways. They started worshipping false gods and raised poles and temples for them. They practiced immoral acts and usury and every type of practice that angered God. They perhaps thought they would go to the temple on a particular day of the year and absolve themselves of their sins and get ready for another bout of sin until next year. Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine that the temple, magnificent as it was, would be allowed to be destroyed. For that matter, they might have even felt invincible with Yahweh as their God, and thought that even with their sinful ways God would deliver their enemies into their hands. God sent them prophets foretelling what would happen but they did not listen. Eventually, Israel fell, the temple was destroyed and the people exiled.
It was a nightmare. What the people had never imagined, happened. Then they repented. That’s when the above verse was uttered by EZRA, the priest. And we know that God raised the Persians to overcome the Babylonians and let the Israelites go back to their homeland. God is the same today. The thing which has changed is, because of the awesome sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven minute by minute. All we need to do is cry out. My beloved in Christ, if you have fallen into displeasure with God, throw yourself on the floor and appeal to His mercy. REPENT. It will do a lot of good for your soul, not withstanding of course, for your little problems in life.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 7, 2006
Today's verse: Nu. 11:1. And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD. (KJV)
In Mumbai, its been raining quite a bit off and on since the last three days and people are complaining. I was thinking to myself, if it rains people complain. If it doesn’t, people complain. If it rains heavily and continuously, people complain and if it rains intermittently, people are fed up of the rains. This from a people who comprise the vast population of about 15 million, who need a lot of water.
My mind traverses backwards in time when the Israelites were freed from the iron grip of Egypt by amazing acts of God; when He brought the mighty Egyptians to their knees before the Israelites and how! The Israelites saw this and were extremely happy but when it came to certain practices, they murmured and complained against God. They knew that God was with them and that He could provide everything; they but needed to ask. yet instead of doing it, they started complaining.
When you complain, God doesn’t like it. He sometimes works thing out in a manner that makes us feel unhappy. The situation is not to put us down but to build us up in the long run. But it rattles us and instead of praise, murmur escapes our lips. A check into our own lives will reveal how many times we have murmured against God and what reasons made us do it. Yet, in His infinite mercy and love, He does not as much as lift a finger against us; yet He patiently explains to us why He is doing what He is, unfortunately, we don’t have time to listen.
My friend, complaining against this beautiful God of ours is an act of utter sacrilege, no matter what difficulty He has put us in. Remember, it is precisely at that time He is looking to see if you are faithful. If you are, His Hand will move toward you and open up with blessings galore. If you aren’t, His countenance falls as it were, for it is like an insult to Him.
Lift up your voice today, in the midst of your difficulty and praise Him. Oh, He will love you for it and lift you up as sure as there is blood flowing within your veins.
August 7, 2006
Today's verse: Nu. 11:1. And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD. (KJV)
In Mumbai, its been raining quite a bit off and on since the last three days and people are complaining. I was thinking to myself, if it rains people complain. If it doesn’t, people complain. If it rains heavily and continuously, people complain and if it rains intermittently, people are fed up of the rains. This from a people who comprise the vast population of about 15 million, who need a lot of water.
My mind traverses backwards in time when the Israelites were freed from the iron grip of Egypt by amazing acts of God; when He brought the mighty Egyptians to their knees before the Israelites and how! The Israelites saw this and were extremely happy but when it came to certain practices, they murmured and complained against God. They knew that God was with them and that He could provide everything; they but needed to ask. yet instead of doing it, they started complaining.
When you complain, God doesn’t like it. He sometimes works thing out in a manner that makes us feel unhappy. The situation is not to put us down but to build us up in the long run. But it rattles us and instead of praise, murmur escapes our lips. A check into our own lives will reveal how many times we have murmured against God and what reasons made us do it. Yet, in His infinite mercy and love, He does not as much as lift a finger against us; yet He patiently explains to us why He is doing what He is, unfortunately, we don’t have time to listen.
My friend, complaining against this beautiful God of ours is an act of utter sacrilege, no matter what difficulty He has put us in. Remember, it is precisely at that time He is looking to see if you are faithful. If you are, His Hand will move toward you and open up with blessings galore. If you aren’t, His countenance falls as it were, for it is like an insult to Him.
Lift up your voice today, in the midst of your difficulty and praise Him. Oh, He will love you for it and lift you up as sure as there is blood flowing within your veins.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 4, 2006
Today's verse: 1 Tm. 2:4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (KJV)
God has created each one of us here with tremendous wisdom and love. And the Bible says that all the rest of God’s creation is for us, His most choice creation. That is why we see man lording over creation. The fate of the earth is in a way in his hand. Not that he can control the movement of the winds or regulate the rays of the sun, etc. But the important aspect is that he can destroy the earth. Creative power rests only with God.
When God visualised us, we were clothed in perfection but the free will that He gave us, became our bane and we sinned and fell short of His Glory thereby becoming dead. But God does not want our story to be wiped away into oblivion. He wants us to be with Him and reign with Him in eternity. His will is that we be saved and abide with Him. For that He authored the death of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. So that through His awesome human death, we may be made eligible for ‘god-like’ life eternal!
The Bible, says that ‘there is no name given to men under the sun but the Name of Jesus Christ, by which they are to be saved’. Which means that there is no other name that can save you. You have to fall back on Him to be received into eternal life. That is the wholesome truth my friend and I know you believe it. It is the truth of God. And, God in His mercy for mankind wants that truth to be known of all. You have a chance today to take this truth to everybody. Talk about Jesus. If you can’t talk, pray that someone will. For God’s sake.
August 4, 2006
Today's verse: 1 Tm. 2:4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (KJV)
God has created each one of us here with tremendous wisdom and love. And the Bible says that all the rest of God’s creation is for us, His most choice creation. That is why we see man lording over creation. The fate of the earth is in a way in his hand. Not that he can control the movement of the winds or regulate the rays of the sun, etc. But the important aspect is that he can destroy the earth. Creative power rests only with God.
When God visualised us, we were clothed in perfection but the free will that He gave us, became our bane and we sinned and fell short of His Glory thereby becoming dead. But God does not want our story to be wiped away into oblivion. He wants us to be with Him and reign with Him in eternity. His will is that we be saved and abide with Him. For that He authored the death of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. So that through His awesome human death, we may be made eligible for ‘god-like’ life eternal!
The Bible, says that ‘there is no name given to men under the sun but the Name of Jesus Christ, by which they are to be saved’. Which means that there is no other name that can save you. You have to fall back on Him to be received into eternal life. That is the wholesome truth my friend and I know you believe it. It is the truth of God. And, God in His mercy for mankind wants that truth to be known of all. You have a chance today to take this truth to everybody. Talk about Jesus. If you can’t talk, pray that someone will. For God’s sake.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 4, 2006
Today's verse: 14:22 It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (NAB)
Christian living: easy? no way. There are thorns and bramble bushes along the way and every true Christian has to walk that way. The saying of Jesus is true even today which is, ‘Take up your cross and follow me.’ My brother/sister, take note: If you feel being born again guarantees a bed of roses, think again.
In the book, The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, the protagonist, Christian, is faced with choices and told which choice will take him towards the Lord; and everyone else tells him the other choice is good. Yet he trudges on the narrow path and finally conquers.
The world has ensconed itself into a comfort zone. Try to upset it and you will be ejected. It was similar in the days Jesus began His Ministry. He shook the people out of their sleep. He challenged them. He made them realise how beautiful our Father is and how His ways lead to eternal life as against their ways which lead to doom. You know what they did to Jesus. Even today, men and women who tell the truth are shunted out. But I believe there is a God who is in control and whose ways remain.
God has His way of running the earth and no one can tell the Owner of the universe what to do. His ways entail suffering but for those whose trust is in Him, there is also the guarantee of safety and strength to move through the storm. So my dearly beloved, if you have Christ above all, not merely on your lips but on your hearts, then get ready to suffer… you can’t escape it, anyway. But let me assure you, even in that suffering there will be a song of praise on your lips.
August 4, 2006
Today's verse: 14:22 It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (NAB)
Christian living: easy? no way. There are thorns and bramble bushes along the way and every true Christian has to walk that way. The saying of Jesus is true even today which is, ‘Take up your cross and follow me.’ My brother/sister, take note: If you feel being born again guarantees a bed of roses, think again.
In the book, The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, the protagonist, Christian, is faced with choices and told which choice will take him towards the Lord; and everyone else tells him the other choice is good. Yet he trudges on the narrow path and finally conquers.
The world has ensconed itself into a comfort zone. Try to upset it and you will be ejected. It was similar in the days Jesus began His Ministry. He shook the people out of their sleep. He challenged them. He made them realise how beautiful our Father is and how His ways lead to eternal life as against their ways which lead to doom. You know what they did to Jesus. Even today, men and women who tell the truth are shunted out. But I believe there is a God who is in control and whose ways remain.
God has His way of running the earth and no one can tell the Owner of the universe what to do. His ways entail suffering but for those whose trust is in Him, there is also the guarantee of safety and strength to move through the storm. So my dearly beloved, if you have Christ above all, not merely on your lips but on your hearts, then get ready to suffer… you can’t escape it, anyway. But let me assure you, even in that suffering there will be a song of praise on your lips.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 3, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 55:16. As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. (KJV)
I was in heaven with Jesus and looking upon earth and seeing the intense darkness of misery below. It was so dark that I shivered although I was beside Eternal Light. I kept looking at it and suddenly saw a powerful ray of light piercing the darkness, like that of a streak of lightning, lighting up the night sky during monsoon.
And turning to the Lord I asked, ‘Lord, what was that ray of light?’ The Lord turned His benevolent eye upon me and said, ‘That is the confident cry from the heart of a known soul.’ Then suddenly I saw the Lord stretch forth His hand and within the twinkling of an eye, a particular spot in the vast expanse of darkness become bright!
I had questions and the Lord knowing my mind said, ‘My child, from the time I formed men, I have been looking at being connected to their hearts. I do not have any desire of them but that they come to Me with their hearts. That when they look at Me, their full focus is on Me. I who have created the universe, know how to sustain it. I can and will take care of everything. I am able. And I AM. I AM always. The rivers may find new areas to run to, seas may find new places to froth from. The Sun may run a reverse coarse and the moon may fly any where across the sky but I don’t change. I AM still the same, and I love you, in still the same intense manner in which I did, when I formed you!’
‘The world has rejected Me even though I shed my blood to wash them clean. But there are a few who know Me and trust Me fully. When I see a tear in their eyes, My Spirit rushes to catch that tear for it is precious in My sight. When their hearts break in agony, I rush to their aid. They are My people and I am their God. I know my child, you also belong to that tribe. And I am happy to be your Father!’
I suddenly woke up. The stillness of the night was like a piercing jab on my heart bringing to reality, the immenseness of my Father’s love. I fell on my knees and cried out, ‘Father have mercy on me and the whole world…’
August 3, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 55:16. As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. (KJV)
I was in heaven with Jesus and looking upon earth and seeing the intense darkness of misery below. It was so dark that I shivered although I was beside Eternal Light. I kept looking at it and suddenly saw a powerful ray of light piercing the darkness, like that of a streak of lightning, lighting up the night sky during monsoon.
And turning to the Lord I asked, ‘Lord, what was that ray of light?’ The Lord turned His benevolent eye upon me and said, ‘That is the confident cry from the heart of a known soul.’ Then suddenly I saw the Lord stretch forth His hand and within the twinkling of an eye, a particular spot in the vast expanse of darkness become bright!
I had questions and the Lord knowing my mind said, ‘My child, from the time I formed men, I have been looking at being connected to their hearts. I do not have any desire of them but that they come to Me with their hearts. That when they look at Me, their full focus is on Me. I who have created the universe, know how to sustain it. I can and will take care of everything. I am able. And I AM. I AM always. The rivers may find new areas to run to, seas may find new places to froth from. The Sun may run a reverse coarse and the moon may fly any where across the sky but I don’t change. I AM still the same, and I love you, in still the same intense manner in which I did, when I formed you!’
‘The world has rejected Me even though I shed my blood to wash them clean. But there are a few who know Me and trust Me fully. When I see a tear in their eyes, My Spirit rushes to catch that tear for it is precious in My sight. When their hearts break in agony, I rush to their aid. They are My people and I am their God. I know my child, you also belong to that tribe. And I am happy to be your Father!’
I suddenly woke up. The stillness of the night was like a piercing jab on my heart bringing to reality, the immenseness of my Father’s love. I fell on my knees and cried out, ‘Father have mercy on me and the whole world…’
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Thoughts for another day
August 1, 2006
Today's verse: Mt. 14:30. …and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (KJV)
We know that God is good and that He loves us with an everlasting love. Besides, He cares for us and takes our burdens away and is there in every aspect of our lives, enriching and nourishing us in every way. This He does to everybody and He is ever willing to accept anyone who comes His way.
But, there is one thing that is very endearing to God and makes Him move fast. You see, God’s ear is always attentive for a cry from the heart. When we are desperate and we believe in Him and need Him to touch immediately all we need to do is cry out. Look at the verse of today and the cry that escaped Peter’s lips.
My friend, are we so proud that we suffer endlessly and do not cry out to Him who can put an end to our misery. Why do we wallow in the condescending and patent lie that it is God’s will we suffer. Are we so afraid of those around that we will not yell out to God even though we are sinking? Your answer to these questions may tend to show complete faith in God. But let me tell you, in reality, we are diffferent. We suffer, endure and give up because we say we prayed but God has not answered and so my suffering is God’s will. Nonsense. No matter what anyone tells you, God will not allow you to suffer if you trust in Him and cry out to Him particulary if your pain is not meant to bring Him glory.
When Peter cried out, Jesus immediately stretched out His hand to help him up. (By the way for all those who apply conditions to ‘Ask and you shall receive’ why did Jesus allow Peter to walk on the water?…was it necessary?)So will He do for you, if your heart raises a cry saying, ‘Lord help me.’
August 1, 2006
Today's verse: Mt. 14:30. …and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (KJV)
We know that God is good and that He loves us with an everlasting love. Besides, He cares for us and takes our burdens away and is there in every aspect of our lives, enriching and nourishing us in every way. This He does to everybody and He is ever willing to accept anyone who comes His way.
But, there is one thing that is very endearing to God and makes Him move fast. You see, God’s ear is always attentive for a cry from the heart. When we are desperate and we believe in Him and need Him to touch immediately all we need to do is cry out. Look at the verse of today and the cry that escaped Peter’s lips.
My friend, are we so proud that we suffer endlessly and do not cry out to Him who can put an end to our misery. Why do we wallow in the condescending and patent lie that it is God’s will we suffer. Are we so afraid of those around that we will not yell out to God even though we are sinking? Your answer to these questions may tend to show complete faith in God. But let me tell you, in reality, we are diffferent. We suffer, endure and give up because we say we prayed but God has not answered and so my suffering is God’s will. Nonsense. No matter what anyone tells you, God will not allow you to suffer if you trust in Him and cry out to Him particulary if your pain is not meant to bring Him glory.
When Peter cried out, Jesus immediately stretched out His hand to help him up. (By the way for all those who apply conditions to ‘Ask and you shall receive’ why did Jesus allow Peter to walk on the water?…was it necessary?)So will He do for you, if your heart raises a cry saying, ‘Lord help me.’
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