Thoughts for another day
December 29, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:17. Show me a token for good; that they, which hate me, may see it, and be ashamed: (KJV)
Having walked in His ways, we find that God is a great and awesome God and most merciful; and He delivers even from the greatest trial if only our focus is on Him and not on anything before us. He is invisible, so how can our focus be on Him you might say; for this Paul says, ‘we walk by faith not by sight’ (2 Cor. 5:7) and therefore in our inner eyes, we see Him the Father of lights and we believe and we disregard that which is of the world. Jesus says, ‘you may have trouble in the world, but be of good cheer for I have conquered the world.’ – Jn. 16:33. So what fear should we harbor?
Now Ps. 86 is the distilled derivative of a soul, which believes in God. It is the rendition from the heart of a man who is down and in pain but not defeated because he trusts the Lord. No man, who ever trusted God, has gone back empty-handed. When a man’s trust in God, flows from his heart, it reaches the inner chambers of the Almighty and He arises to hold the tears that flow. His heart, yes, the most powerful God’s heart, melts at the sorrow of a sorrowing man, and He comes on the wings of a cloud to rescue him.
God is compassionate, gracious, patient, abundantly merciful and of wholesome truth. Reflect on each of these and you will have your purposes in life revealed. He gives strength to the son of His handmaid. For this son is very humble before Him. He is humble because he grew up with God, playing in His bosom as it were, unlike the son of a slave who does not know his master that much.
Then God gives a sign of His favor. David says, ‘You prepare a table for me before my enemies…’ – Ps. 23:5. God does it to declare His favor on His servant because the servant has trusted in Him and humbled himself before Him. Truly, most loving is our God who pardons our guilt and casts our sins at the bottom of the ocean never to look at them again. Discovering Him, is akin to discovering a priceless treasure. Knowing Him will mean the difference between life and death. And abiding in Him will mean knowledge and power in the Most High. Get the power into you, today!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 28, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:13. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (KJV)
Reflecting on David’s prayer, we come now to a point of satisfaction wrought by effort to please God. God is just and delivers abundantly. When we seek His ways and walk according to His will, He is well pleased. Thus, He was pleased with Jesus and He also declared David to be a man after His own heart! Acts. 13:22.
The psalmist says that he will praise God with all his heart and glorify His Name forever because of God’s love and because God rescues him from everything including the lowest of hell, which means great disaster, both spiritual and situational.
An important aspect in our relationship with God is our surety about Him and His love. Removing all doubt about His promises and enabling us to appropriate His power in our lives. Here in this prayer, as mentioned before, there is confidence in God and knowledge that God will deliver. Hence, even before the deliverance; is the glorification. How lovely it is to praise God even before we can get His answer. If you are yet to experience God’s power in your life but believe in your heart that you have recd. it, then your praise to God will be wonderful. It’s like sealing His promise for your need and making it alive. Indeed it will rush His power to you and help you.
The psalmist then makes another complaint to God in telling Him, his enemies are arrogant and ruthless, having deigned to kill him. Many times in life, we cross swords with others. But very rarely do we go to God to handle those situations. We feel we can handle the offender and then falter and later go to God. I’d say, we should go to God with everything at the point of its origin. Like a little child, who trusts its mother dearly and tells her all. When we trust and pray, God puts thoughts in our minds and hearts, making it possible to deal with both people and problems.
Overall, it is our confidence in God that will change the situation and praise to the Almighty that will enable His awesome power to charge our lives. Making us hungry, to look forward to each day even more joyfully; and birthing the yearning to be with Him, the owner of our souls!
December 28, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:13. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (KJV)
Reflecting on David’s prayer, we come now to a point of satisfaction wrought by effort to please God. God is just and delivers abundantly. When we seek His ways and walk according to His will, He is well pleased. Thus, He was pleased with Jesus and He also declared David to be a man after His own heart! Acts. 13:22.
The psalmist says that he will praise God with all his heart and glorify His Name forever because of God’s love and because God rescues him from everything including the lowest of hell, which means great disaster, both spiritual and situational.
An important aspect in our relationship with God is our surety about Him and His love. Removing all doubt about His promises and enabling us to appropriate His power in our lives. Here in this prayer, as mentioned before, there is confidence in God and knowledge that God will deliver. Hence, even before the deliverance; is the glorification. How lovely it is to praise God even before we can get His answer. If you are yet to experience God’s power in your life but believe in your heart that you have recd. it, then your praise to God will be wonderful. It’s like sealing His promise for your need and making it alive. Indeed it will rush His power to you and help you.
The psalmist then makes another complaint to God in telling Him, his enemies are arrogant and ruthless, having deigned to kill him. Many times in life, we cross swords with others. But very rarely do we go to God to handle those situations. We feel we can handle the offender and then falter and later go to God. I’d say, we should go to God with everything at the point of its origin. Like a little child, who trusts its mother dearly and tells her all. When we trust and pray, God puts thoughts in our minds and hearts, making it possible to deal with both people and problems.
Overall, it is our confidence in God that will change the situation and praise to the Almighty that will enable His awesome power to charge our lives. Making us hungry, to look forward to each day even more joyfully; and birthing the yearning to be with Him, the owner of our souls!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 26, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:11. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. (KJV)
In Matt. 5:5, Jesus says, Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. In Ps. 86, David displays a profound sign of meekness. That is why David inherited the choicest blessings of God. You see David announcing his lowliness to the Almighty in the opening itself. And that is why God always heard David. It is so simply put in the Bible that you don’t even notice it. Such has to be our case too.
Our confidence in God has to make us meek before Him. Our heart should be humble and our whole being has to be in reverence. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ See the first thing is – humble themselves…
In verse 10, David acknowledges the greatness of God and asks Him to teach him His way. Once God teaches you His way, you can walk in His Truth. Now Truth here is Jesus Christ remember? - I am the way, the truth and life. No one can come to the Father except through Me - Jn 14:6. When you are in Jesus, only then can you approach the Father. And our Amen to any prayer is in Jesus Christ - 2 Cor. 1:20. David then makes a statement difficult to understand but simple by the Spirit’s eyes. He says, ‘unite my heart…’ What is this? Nothing except that David asks God to join every emotion in him, every cell within him and every being and desire within him, in reverently fearing the Name of God! Which means that he yearns to wholesomely worship God. Do we desire to do the same?
Today, as we reflect on these two verses 10 & 11, we lift ourselves before our God and shout our praises to Him and glorify Him. Let us read the psalm again up to this point and see how God has given us the power of His Word to even lead a way of life and be found pleasing of Him. My friend, if you were to glean even a fraction of the wisdom of God, life here would be worth it and entry to heaven, guaranteed.
December 26, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:11. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. (KJV)
In Matt. 5:5, Jesus says, Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. In Ps. 86, David displays a profound sign of meekness. That is why David inherited the choicest blessings of God. You see David announcing his lowliness to the Almighty in the opening itself. And that is why God always heard David. It is so simply put in the Bible that you don’t even notice it. Such has to be our case too.
Our confidence in God has to make us meek before Him. Our heart should be humble and our whole being has to be in reverence. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ See the first thing is – humble themselves…
In verse 10, David acknowledges the greatness of God and asks Him to teach him His way. Once God teaches you His way, you can walk in His Truth. Now Truth here is Jesus Christ remember? - I am the way, the truth and life. No one can come to the Father except through Me - Jn 14:6. When you are in Jesus, only then can you approach the Father. And our Amen to any prayer is in Jesus Christ - 2 Cor. 1:20. David then makes a statement difficult to understand but simple by the Spirit’s eyes. He says, ‘unite my heart…’ What is this? Nothing except that David asks God to join every emotion in him, every cell within him and every being and desire within him, in reverently fearing the Name of God! Which means that he yearns to wholesomely worship God. Do we desire to do the same?
Today, as we reflect on these two verses 10 & 11, we lift ourselves before our God and shout our praises to Him and glorify Him. Let us read the psalm again up to this point and see how God has given us the power of His Word to even lead a way of life and be found pleasing of Him. My friend, if you were to glean even a fraction of the wisdom of God, life here would be worth it and entry to heaven, guaranteed.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 26, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. (KJV)
I was just watching a video (url: http://thinkrightnow.com/can.htm), where I saw the amazing love a human father for his son who is brain damaged, not being able to control the movement of his limbs. Then I thought of my Father in Heaven. Tears came to my eyes as I remembered what He did for me and continues to do in my life as well as yours. If you were to put down on paper what God does for you each moment of your life, you would run out of paper and even if for your whole life you were to thank Him, it would be insufficient. For, a gracious God is He, most loving and kind; and very very beautiful.
That is why David having known Him, can cry out like he does in Ps. 86. In verse 7, he says with confidence, ‘In the day of trouble I will call upon you and you will answer me.’ Are you too so confident about God? Are you willing to lay your life on Him? Blessed are you if you are because Jehovah God Himself has put that thought in your mind. Many have heard me make the statement, ‘It is God’s business to take care of us.’ I repeat this today. God has created us and is with us each step of the way. He knows He needs to take care of us and He does. It is we who have a lop-sided understanding of this situation, which is why we falter and we fail; for the moment we try to do it ourselves, God moves away. Have you realized this?
The world and its tribes have many gods whom they worship. It is of no avail. Nothing is got from it and nothing will be. Some even elevate men and women as God. There is no fulfillment and peace, for the prince of peace has not made His abode among them. David’s finding God and then worshipping Him and trusting Him implicitly make his words, a great tribute to the only Almighty God. No other god can give you what Jehovah can give. Most of what these so called gods give are illusions and mirages. There isn’t anything in them for they are creations of the obnoxious fertile imaginations of man. Time will prove that He, Jesus Christ alone, is God and He reigns, not in the way we would expect but in a manner, which is eternal. That’s why we utter and say, ‘every knee shall bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, ever and ever more.’ Thus we will glorify Him in the heavens and rejoice in our souls as He enfolds us in His wings.
December 26, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. (KJV)
I was just watching a video (url: http://thinkrightnow.com/can.htm), where I saw the amazing love a human father for his son who is brain damaged, not being able to control the movement of his limbs. Then I thought of my Father in Heaven. Tears came to my eyes as I remembered what He did for me and continues to do in my life as well as yours. If you were to put down on paper what God does for you each moment of your life, you would run out of paper and even if for your whole life you were to thank Him, it would be insufficient. For, a gracious God is He, most loving and kind; and very very beautiful.
That is why David having known Him, can cry out like he does in Ps. 86. In verse 7, he says with confidence, ‘In the day of trouble I will call upon you and you will answer me.’ Are you too so confident about God? Are you willing to lay your life on Him? Blessed are you if you are because Jehovah God Himself has put that thought in your mind. Many have heard me make the statement, ‘It is God’s business to take care of us.’ I repeat this today. God has created us and is with us each step of the way. He knows He needs to take care of us and He does. It is we who have a lop-sided understanding of this situation, which is why we falter and we fail; for the moment we try to do it ourselves, God moves away. Have you realized this?
The world and its tribes have many gods whom they worship. It is of no avail. Nothing is got from it and nothing will be. Some even elevate men and women as God. There is no fulfillment and peace, for the prince of peace has not made His abode among them. David’s finding God and then worshipping Him and trusting Him implicitly make his words, a great tribute to the only Almighty God. No other god can give you what Jehovah can give. Most of what these so called gods give are illusions and mirages. There isn’t anything in them for they are creations of the obnoxious fertile imaginations of man. Time will prove that He, Jesus Christ alone, is God and He reigns, not in the way we would expect but in a manner, which is eternal. That’s why we utter and say, ‘every knee shall bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, ever and ever more.’ Thus we will glorify Him in the heavens and rejoice in our souls as He enfolds us in His wings.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 25, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:6. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. (KJV)
Prayerfully let us continue seeking God in Ps. 86. The ability to understand Him, God has put in unbound measure, in the heart of men. David says, in verse 4, Rejoice the soul of thy servant… Pause for a moment and reflect on this Word. God is able to put happiness in the darkest recesses of the core of the human. He is able to touch in a far superior way the most intimate pathways running inside your blood vessels and lift them up with the joy of peace and contentment and this, I may add, even in the most agonizing circumstances.
Paul says, rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. This is possible only by the Almighty’s working. David knows it well. And therefore having been thrust upon the billows of life, he asks God to put joy in his inner being. MY friend God can do it for you and He will do it if you believe and trust in Him alone. Lift up your soul pray to Him the cause of life of all, and yes He will arrive with His love to receive you.
Further in verse 5, David tells God that He is good and forgiving with abundant mercy. If there were one thing God will always do, it is forgive. He will forgive even if the last drop of blood were to ebb out from His body. Even if you have raised a standard against Him and abused Him to the core and then repent and seek His forgiveness, He will forgive. Our sins grieve Him, but He loves when we repent with a sincere heart and He is quick to forgive and of course, forget.
David then asks God to listen to his prayer and attend unto his imploring. My friend, God cannot bear when you cry! But then again, we don’t know it. And He can’t do much because, He still waits outside the door of our hearts and knocks and the door is not opened. Sad. We suffer so much, yet do not turn to Him with our hearts for we do not trust Him and that goes for even the greatest saints.
Today, I want you to realize my friend that God isn’t someone out there beyond the blues who doesn’t understand your pain. In fact, that’s precisely the reason why Jesus suffered terrible pain. He did because He loves you. And He knows each iota of pain you bear. Yet, He cannot help if you don’t ask Him to or if you ask without faith.
Today, when we commemorate His birth, let us seek to derive those glorious blessings that emanate from the Lover of our souls and as we sing our glories, let’s silently remember that quiet and lonely night when the Emperor of the universe made a grand entry onto earth, known by all nature and the heavens but unknown to man. Perhaps, known to you!!!
December 25, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:6. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. (KJV)
Prayerfully let us continue seeking God in Ps. 86. The ability to understand Him, God has put in unbound measure, in the heart of men. David says, in verse 4, Rejoice the soul of thy servant… Pause for a moment and reflect on this Word. God is able to put happiness in the darkest recesses of the core of the human. He is able to touch in a far superior way the most intimate pathways running inside your blood vessels and lift them up with the joy of peace and contentment and this, I may add, even in the most agonizing circumstances.
Paul says, rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. This is possible only by the Almighty’s working. David knows it well. And therefore having been thrust upon the billows of life, he asks God to put joy in his inner being. MY friend God can do it for you and He will do it if you believe and trust in Him alone. Lift up your soul pray to Him the cause of life of all, and yes He will arrive with His love to receive you.
Further in verse 5, David tells God that He is good and forgiving with abundant mercy. If there were one thing God will always do, it is forgive. He will forgive even if the last drop of blood were to ebb out from His body. Even if you have raised a standard against Him and abused Him to the core and then repent and seek His forgiveness, He will forgive. Our sins grieve Him, but He loves when we repent with a sincere heart and He is quick to forgive and of course, forget.
David then asks God to listen to his prayer and attend unto his imploring. My friend, God cannot bear when you cry! But then again, we don’t know it. And He can’t do much because, He still waits outside the door of our hearts and knocks and the door is not opened. Sad. We suffer so much, yet do not turn to Him with our hearts for we do not trust Him and that goes for even the greatest saints.
Today, I want you to realize my friend that God isn’t someone out there beyond the blues who doesn’t understand your pain. In fact, that’s precisely the reason why Jesus suffered terrible pain. He did because He loves you. And He knows each iota of pain you bear. Yet, He cannot help if you don’t ask Him to or if you ask without faith.
Today, when we commemorate His birth, let us seek to derive those glorious blessings that emanate from the Lover of our souls and as we sing our glories, let’s silently remember that quiet and lonely night when the Emperor of the universe made a grand entry onto earth, known by all nature and the heavens but unknown to man. Perhaps, known to you!!!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 22, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (KJV)
The Word of God is a mystery. Its purposes and promises are closed to those with closed hearts, Mt. 13:15. By closed hearts we mean those who are too pompous and lofty headed, thinking everyone else is base. Such were the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ time and also some Jews; who therefore thought that Moses, Abraham and Elijah were superior to Jesus, despite what they saw of Jesus. Jesus spoke authoritatively and with a Word did those marvelous miracles in the sight of all, yet, they needed to ask Him, ‘…are You the Christ, the Son of God…’ Mt. 26:63.
The Word of God my friend, is the Sword of the Spirit. It is an abundant treasure. The warehouse, of the infinite goodness of God. Today onwards, as we open the Word of God, let us remove our blinkers and see. For in it, we shall find the Living God. The Father of lights who lights up our lives and brings us into His kingdom. Making us live like priests, anointed and set up for His glory. As a beginning, we turn to Ps. 86. And each day as the Spirit of God allows, we shall look at a few verses and pray that God Himself speaks to us and reveals the glory of His kingdom even as we move closer to being perfect as He is. Decide today, no matter what, you will meditate on His Word even if it is a trifle long. Remember, eternity is a long period. And if we are going to be spending it with God, let us begin now by being ready to spend a few mins. with Him.
The psalm is written by David. It tells us about the relationship that the man has with God. It speaks of confidence in God. It talks bout the miserable condition he is in. His plea to the Almighty to rescue him is an ardent prayer made in complete knowledge that God will rescue him from his misery. Open your Bibles to Ps. 86 now.
The first verse speaks about the man’s own admission of being lowly. He humbles himself before God. Humility before God is very important. When you sit for prayer, sit in a position of humility. Sit on the floor; it is possible for even the worst arthritis patient to do that and remember, you are not leaning on your own strength but on His. Speak humbly to Him and talk to Him like the psalmist does. Verse 2 is a prayer for preserving His life and he gives the reason for that as his loyalty. In your own personal life you might not have been loyal. Declaration of loyalty is not appropriate in times of prosperity, rather it must be done in times of adversity. Can you rise above the mire you are in and look at Him and say, ‘Lord, I trust you.’
My beloved in Christ, the thief on the cross, looked upon Him who is the righteousness of all mankind. Pleaded with Him saying, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus immediately said, ‘Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.’ So rise above your problems and look at Him. You may have never been loyal to Him, you can begin now.
Verse 3 is in expectation of the mercy of God. His Word says that His mercies never cease and are new every morning. The psalmist tells God that He is crying out to Him daily. Not only is He leaning upon God’s promises, but incessantly imploring the Lord. My friend, God loves it when we unceasingly pray to Him. When the weight on our hearts are unbearable, the heart pounds out its sorrow in an endless flow and when you do that, the results are immediate. Remember the story of the unjust judge – Lk. 18:1-8? Jesus asks us to be persistent as the widow is. For in our persistence we show God that He alone can redeem us and we depend on Him alone.
We will continue this psalm tomorrow. But reflect on each of these three verses. If you don’t have your Bibles with you as you read this, go to google and search for the Bible and read it. It will do your soul a lot of good.
December 22, 2006
Today's verse: Ps. 86:3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (KJV)
The Word of God is a mystery. Its purposes and promises are closed to those with closed hearts, Mt. 13:15. By closed hearts we mean those who are too pompous and lofty headed, thinking everyone else is base. Such were the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ time and also some Jews; who therefore thought that Moses, Abraham and Elijah were superior to Jesus, despite what they saw of Jesus. Jesus spoke authoritatively and with a Word did those marvelous miracles in the sight of all, yet, they needed to ask Him, ‘…are You the Christ, the Son of God…’ Mt. 26:63.
The Word of God my friend, is the Sword of the Spirit. It is an abundant treasure. The warehouse, of the infinite goodness of God. Today onwards, as we open the Word of God, let us remove our blinkers and see. For in it, we shall find the Living God. The Father of lights who lights up our lives and brings us into His kingdom. Making us live like priests, anointed and set up for His glory. As a beginning, we turn to Ps. 86. And each day as the Spirit of God allows, we shall look at a few verses and pray that God Himself speaks to us and reveals the glory of His kingdom even as we move closer to being perfect as He is. Decide today, no matter what, you will meditate on His Word even if it is a trifle long. Remember, eternity is a long period. And if we are going to be spending it with God, let us begin now by being ready to spend a few mins. with Him.
The psalm is written by David. It tells us about the relationship that the man has with God. It speaks of confidence in God. It talks bout the miserable condition he is in. His plea to the Almighty to rescue him is an ardent prayer made in complete knowledge that God will rescue him from his misery. Open your Bibles to Ps. 86 now.
The first verse speaks about the man’s own admission of being lowly. He humbles himself before God. Humility before God is very important. When you sit for prayer, sit in a position of humility. Sit on the floor; it is possible for even the worst arthritis patient to do that and remember, you are not leaning on your own strength but on His. Speak humbly to Him and talk to Him like the psalmist does. Verse 2 is a prayer for preserving His life and he gives the reason for that as his loyalty. In your own personal life you might not have been loyal. Declaration of loyalty is not appropriate in times of prosperity, rather it must be done in times of adversity. Can you rise above the mire you are in and look at Him and say, ‘Lord, I trust you.’
My beloved in Christ, the thief on the cross, looked upon Him who is the righteousness of all mankind. Pleaded with Him saying, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus immediately said, ‘Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.’ So rise above your problems and look at Him. You may have never been loyal to Him, you can begin now.
Verse 3 is in expectation of the mercy of God. His Word says that His mercies never cease and are new every morning. The psalmist tells God that He is crying out to Him daily. Not only is He leaning upon God’s promises, but incessantly imploring the Lord. My friend, God loves it when we unceasingly pray to Him. When the weight on our hearts are unbearable, the heart pounds out its sorrow in an endless flow and when you do that, the results are immediate. Remember the story of the unjust judge – Lk. 18:1-8? Jesus asks us to be persistent as the widow is. For in our persistence we show God that He alone can redeem us and we depend on Him alone.
We will continue this psalm tomorrow. But reflect on each of these three verses. If you don’t have your Bibles with you as you read this, go to google and search for the Bible and read it. It will do your soul a lot of good.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 21, 2006
Today's verse: Is. 57:15. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (KJV)
God is so beautiful that at times, when I think of His mercies and His ways of loving me, my senses go numb just thinking of my beloved Heavenly Father. I think of how much He has suffered because of me. Yet, He has never left me nor forsaken me. And you know what, whenever in distress, I call out to Him for help, He answers – immediately.
What brings ache in my heart is when He was being scourged, He remembered me and at that moment when I asked Him, Lord, why have you arranged this scourging, He told me, My child, doesn’t your body need healing and then He shouted out in pain as the whip landed on His tortured flesh, tearing it even further and sending a searing shaft of pain through His body. My Father looking from above, gasped at every whiplash on the body of His beloved Son. His ache was so much…But He had to undergo it. Because by this, could our bodies be healed. Jesus bore it for you, my friend and me.
You know He loves us when we are contrite and humble. He loves when we trust Him fully. He tells us today that although no high place on earth is good enough for Him to dwell, for He is the Highest, the most wondrous King of kings, Presidents and rulers are nothing in comparison, An iota of His Glory is far superior to the pomp of kingdoms and reigns, yet He still lives with those who possess a humble and contrite heart. And truly, you yourself will recall how when you went to Him in humility, you did find Him.
My friend, today let us strive to wear the garment of humility. Let us learn to befriend temperance and patience. For then, the Lord of the universe will be with us.
December 21, 2006
Today's verse: Is. 57:15. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (KJV)
God is so beautiful that at times, when I think of His mercies and His ways of loving me, my senses go numb just thinking of my beloved Heavenly Father. I think of how much He has suffered because of me. Yet, He has never left me nor forsaken me. And you know what, whenever in distress, I call out to Him for help, He answers – immediately.
What brings ache in my heart is when He was being scourged, He remembered me and at that moment when I asked Him, Lord, why have you arranged this scourging, He told me, My child, doesn’t your body need healing and then He shouted out in pain as the whip landed on His tortured flesh, tearing it even further and sending a searing shaft of pain through His body. My Father looking from above, gasped at every whiplash on the body of His beloved Son. His ache was so much…But He had to undergo it. Because by this, could our bodies be healed. Jesus bore it for you, my friend and me.
You know He loves us when we are contrite and humble. He loves when we trust Him fully. He tells us today that although no high place on earth is good enough for Him to dwell, for He is the Highest, the most wondrous King of kings, Presidents and rulers are nothing in comparison, An iota of His Glory is far superior to the pomp of kingdoms and reigns, yet He still lives with those who possess a humble and contrite heart. And truly, you yourself will recall how when you went to Him in humility, you did find Him.
My friend, today let us strive to wear the garment of humility. Let us learn to befriend temperance and patience. For then, the Lord of the universe will be with us.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 15, 2006
Today's verse: Judith 9:11. For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in strong men: for thou art a God of the afflicted, an helper of the oppressed, an upholder of the weak, a protector of the forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope. (KJV)
The book of Judith in the Bible is all about trust in God. The edification is in so many areas that invariably a Spirit led look into it will open your eyes to God’s mercies and His love for His people.
The best part is God brings about salvation through the hand of a woman, a widow, who is known for her integrity and who rises above her set style of life and moves into something which she abhors all because her people are in peril.
Today’s verse re-inforces the knowledge about our Father God. God does not need us to do anything. In fact most of the time, He wants us to stay away so that His power is displayed only by Him and in turn He gets unalloyed glory. There are so many instances in His Word where this happens, like when the Israelites are near the Red Sea with the Egyptians closing in upon them; it is our Father who opens up the path in the Red Sea, separating the waters on either side.
Another aspect is God’s soft corner for the down trodden and those completely beaten by the storms of life. My friend, if today you have run out of all channels of comfort and are staring at the mountain of your problem, look up to the Lord. He is a friend waiting for you to ask for His help. And let me tell you, His joy is in you so that your joy may be complete; in that He accomplishes His work and you give Him the glory. Just what Judith and the Israelites did when they cut the head of Holofernes.
December 15, 2006
Today's verse: Judith 9:11. For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in strong men: for thou art a God of the afflicted, an helper of the oppressed, an upholder of the weak, a protector of the forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope. (KJV)
The book of Judith in the Bible is all about trust in God. The edification is in so many areas that invariably a Spirit led look into it will open your eyes to God’s mercies and His love for His people.
The best part is God brings about salvation through the hand of a woman, a widow, who is known for her integrity and who rises above her set style of life and moves into something which she abhors all because her people are in peril.
Today’s verse re-inforces the knowledge about our Father God. God does not need us to do anything. In fact most of the time, He wants us to stay away so that His power is displayed only by Him and in turn He gets unalloyed glory. There are so many instances in His Word where this happens, like when the Israelites are near the Red Sea with the Egyptians closing in upon them; it is our Father who opens up the path in the Red Sea, separating the waters on either side.
Another aspect is God’s soft corner for the down trodden and those completely beaten by the storms of life. My friend, if today you have run out of all channels of comfort and are staring at the mountain of your problem, look up to the Lord. He is a friend waiting for you to ask for His help. And let me tell you, His joy is in you so that your joy may be complete; in that He accomplishes His work and you give Him the glory. Just what Judith and the Israelites did when they cut the head of Holofernes.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 14, 2006
Today's verse: Gen. 12:1. Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: (KJV)
You must have heard the story where a mountaineer slips in the pitch dark of the evening when descending down a sharp slope and trundling down manages to hang on the stump of a tree. With absolutely no visibility, he prays to God and says, God please help me. From the deep darkness, he hears a voice saying, ‘if you have faith in Me, leave that tree.’ The next morning, they find his frozen body hanging from the tree, fastened with a rope and what amazes them is that just two feet below was a ledge strewn out of the mountain and moving towards a path, leading to base camp. Which only means the man failed to listen to God and on the contrary to keep himself from falling even fastened himself with a rope to the tree! Faith…
Right now, I am also learning a lesson on faith. My friend, only by His Grace, I am going along trusting Him completely. I write this because when God overturns the scheming of devious minds and works, then you will know that it is a miracle; and that God still works in our lives because when faith in a man calls, He is quick to rise. And more than anything else, He is pleased with a man who keeps faith in Him. Wasn’t Jesus pleasantly surprised when people who came to Him for help, trusted Him implicitly… Didn’t He say, ‘Note even in Israel have I found such faith!’ In the case of people who keep faith, then it is not they who contend with the problem, but God moves in their stead and now the problem has to contend with God.
Look at Abraham. What an example of faith! Leave everything and go to a land I will show you… And Abraham went. You believe this because you read what happened. But if you were in the time of Abraham, wouldn’t you call Abraham mad? Take Noah, being ridiculed because He was building an ark and a huge one at that, when the rains hardly came in that land. You are out of your mind they must have told him…Yet we know what happened.
You may also be having a similar problem today. Just hand it over to Him. He knows what to do. He has worked across the ages on similar situations. Just trust Him like a little child trusting the comforting hand of his father leading Him on. And let me tell you, our God is a far greater lover of His child than ever an earthly father can be.
December 14, 2006
Today's verse: Gen. 12:1. Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: (KJV)
You must have heard the story where a mountaineer slips in the pitch dark of the evening when descending down a sharp slope and trundling down manages to hang on the stump of a tree. With absolutely no visibility, he prays to God and says, God please help me. From the deep darkness, he hears a voice saying, ‘if you have faith in Me, leave that tree.’ The next morning, they find his frozen body hanging from the tree, fastened with a rope and what amazes them is that just two feet below was a ledge strewn out of the mountain and moving towards a path, leading to base camp. Which only means the man failed to listen to God and on the contrary to keep himself from falling even fastened himself with a rope to the tree! Faith…
Right now, I am also learning a lesson on faith. My friend, only by His Grace, I am going along trusting Him completely. I write this because when God overturns the scheming of devious minds and works, then you will know that it is a miracle; and that God still works in our lives because when faith in a man calls, He is quick to rise. And more than anything else, He is pleased with a man who keeps faith in Him. Wasn’t Jesus pleasantly surprised when people who came to Him for help, trusted Him implicitly… Didn’t He say, ‘Note even in Israel have I found such faith!’ In the case of people who keep faith, then it is not they who contend with the problem, but God moves in their stead and now the problem has to contend with God.
Look at Abraham. What an example of faith! Leave everything and go to a land I will show you… And Abraham went. You believe this because you read what happened. But if you were in the time of Abraham, wouldn’t you call Abraham mad? Take Noah, being ridiculed because He was building an ark and a huge one at that, when the rains hardly came in that land. You are out of your mind they must have told him…Yet we know what happened.
You may also be having a similar problem today. Just hand it over to Him. He knows what to do. He has worked across the ages on similar situations. Just trust Him like a little child trusting the comforting hand of his father leading Him on. And let me tell you, our God is a far greater lover of His child than ever an earthly father can be.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 13, 2006
Today's verse: Jn. 14:21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: (KJV)
Some days ago, in an office prayer meeting, a colleague who was conducting it asked, ‘do you know why we do not love others?’ and answered, ‘because we do not love God.’ This statement left a deep impression on me. I had always considered that I love God and that I want to do His work: so where was the question of me not loving God.
But then truth is truth…Peter experienced this truth, when Jesus asked Him thrice, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? (Jn 21:15 ff). In that moment of truth, Peter understood exactly what the Lord told him. At that time, Jesus’ love flowed into Him and that is why the third time, he told the Lord, ‘Lord You know that I love You…’ He was strengthened by Jesus’ love and Jesus knew that Peter was now a reformed man and He could trust him to tend His sheep! Earlier Peter had denied Him despite saying that he would die with Him! So what kind of love did Peter have for Jesus earlier?
Through the message my colleague gave, I came to know the truth: I do not love Him the way He wants me to. That is why the strife within me. That is why I find things not the way they should be, because I want them to be my way, what then is the scope for God in my life? There is bound to be strife because my purposes are not aligned to His. Clearly I don’t have His commandment within me and therefore I do not love Him.
For me as for anyone else it would indeed be worthwhile to take a look deep inside and figure out, do I really love God? Do I keep His commandments? Do I come forth as one He could trust? Then knowing the truth, I need to adhere to His commands and thus be set free. That, my friend, is real freedom. Nothing that happens would matter any more because I know that I am getting to appreciate His ways, acknowledge His work and accept His love. Never grumbling even if everything goes wrong; for God can set the wrong, right! It is only then that I can love; for His love and my acceptance of His command gushes out in the form of love for my fellow human.
December 13, 2006
Today's verse: Jn. 14:21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: (KJV)
Some days ago, in an office prayer meeting, a colleague who was conducting it asked, ‘do you know why we do not love others?’ and answered, ‘because we do not love God.’ This statement left a deep impression on me. I had always considered that I love God and that I want to do His work: so where was the question of me not loving God.
But then truth is truth…Peter experienced this truth, when Jesus asked Him thrice, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? (Jn 21:15 ff). In that moment of truth, Peter understood exactly what the Lord told him. At that time, Jesus’ love flowed into Him and that is why the third time, he told the Lord, ‘Lord You know that I love You…’ He was strengthened by Jesus’ love and Jesus knew that Peter was now a reformed man and He could trust him to tend His sheep! Earlier Peter had denied Him despite saying that he would die with Him! So what kind of love did Peter have for Jesus earlier?
Through the message my colleague gave, I came to know the truth: I do not love Him the way He wants me to. That is why the strife within me. That is why I find things not the way they should be, because I want them to be my way, what then is the scope for God in my life? There is bound to be strife because my purposes are not aligned to His. Clearly I don’t have His commandment within me and therefore I do not love Him.
For me as for anyone else it would indeed be worthwhile to take a look deep inside and figure out, do I really love God? Do I keep His commandments? Do I come forth as one He could trust? Then knowing the truth, I need to adhere to His commands and thus be set free. That, my friend, is real freedom. Nothing that happens would matter any more because I know that I am getting to appreciate His ways, acknowledge His work and accept His love. Never grumbling even if everything goes wrong; for God can set the wrong, right! It is only then that I can love; for His love and my acceptance of His command gushes out in the form of love for my fellow human.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 12, 2006
Today's verse: Is. 51:12. I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; (KJV)
In the Bible, we often find God telling us things to our benefit. Really, His promises can bring comfort to our miserable souls, particularly in times of distress.
What we find in today’s verse is the ‘absoluteness’ of God knowing that He loves us and is there for us. In a way, it seems that God is angry that we do not take Him as a comforter. He is amazed we are afraid of the machinations of mere man however powerful he be. He is asking, ‘how dare you be scared when I am there with you?’
God’s indignation was not valid only during the time of Isaiah. In any place today, where a man’s heart is tuned to God, and he looks up to Him as Savior and GOD, He is there for him. There are times, when we need to rise above the tremors our problems cause us and cry out to Him. We need to appeal and make our case known to the King of justice and I know that He will come. The anger that He shows towards the people for lack of trusting in Him will now be focused on your tormentor. And I pity anyone who has to face the wrath of God.
You know the love of God far surpasses any of His other attributes. His only Son Jesus Christ meets with his justice, so if there is a just punishment to be meted out to you, just brush it aside for Jesus has already taken the punishment upon Himself. Know this my friend, today if you commit your ways to God and invite Him in your heart, you immediately become eligible for His protection and without fail, He will be there when you run into a crisis. And He will deliver you out of it. Because, of His love.
December 12, 2006
Today's verse: Is. 51:12. I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; (KJV)
In the Bible, we often find God telling us things to our benefit. Really, His promises can bring comfort to our miserable souls, particularly in times of distress.
What we find in today’s verse is the ‘absoluteness’ of God knowing that He loves us and is there for us. In a way, it seems that God is angry that we do not take Him as a comforter. He is amazed we are afraid of the machinations of mere man however powerful he be. He is asking, ‘how dare you be scared when I am there with you?’
God’s indignation was not valid only during the time of Isaiah. In any place today, where a man’s heart is tuned to God, and he looks up to Him as Savior and GOD, He is there for him. There are times, when we need to rise above the tremors our problems cause us and cry out to Him. We need to appeal and make our case known to the King of justice and I know that He will come. The anger that He shows towards the people for lack of trusting in Him will now be focused on your tormentor. And I pity anyone who has to face the wrath of God.
You know the love of God far surpasses any of His other attributes. His only Son Jesus Christ meets with his justice, so if there is a just punishment to be meted out to you, just brush it aside for Jesus has already taken the punishment upon Himself. Know this my friend, today if you commit your ways to God and invite Him in your heart, you immediately become eligible for His protection and without fail, He will be there when you run into a crisis. And He will deliver you out of it. Because, of His love.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 11, 2006
Today's verse: Prov. 3:27. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. (KJV)
In this world today, with the kind of revulsion for the human being by another human being, it is extremely difficult to love and honor somebody genuinely. But that’s precisely what God wants of us today.
If at all we love, then it is someone from our family. If we praise, then it is someone who has favored us. This is because, we find good only in those we look for good in and as to the rest, our opinion of them is that they are wicked. It is not only a tragedy that we see the blemishes in people and fail to notice the good. That is one of the chief reasons why the atmospheres around us are a mix of discord and anger.
For a change and that too in this Christmas season, can we spot something good in someone near us? It could be a total stranger. And the good could be as much as trying to make the person next to me in the public transport a little more comfortable by my using a little less space on my shared seat. Then again could we overlook the faults of our colleagues who never cease to alarm us with their stupidities?! Importantly, can we profusely praise someone who deserves it? Can we just deliver good to those to whom it is due? Can we go out of our way and congratulate another person on a victory, even if that person happens to be my enemy?
My friend, God forgives us and accepts us always. Can we do the same to our fellow men and women so that we could spread some good cheer and bring in the atmosphere of divinity? Remember, people will watch you at it and will glorify God for your actions.
December 11, 2006
Today's verse: Prov. 3:27. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. (KJV)
In this world today, with the kind of revulsion for the human being by another human being, it is extremely difficult to love and honor somebody genuinely. But that’s precisely what God wants of us today.
If at all we love, then it is someone from our family. If we praise, then it is someone who has favored us. This is because, we find good only in those we look for good in and as to the rest, our opinion of them is that they are wicked. It is not only a tragedy that we see the blemishes in people and fail to notice the good. That is one of the chief reasons why the atmospheres around us are a mix of discord and anger.
For a change and that too in this Christmas season, can we spot something good in someone near us? It could be a total stranger. And the good could be as much as trying to make the person next to me in the public transport a little more comfortable by my using a little less space on my shared seat. Then again could we overlook the faults of our colleagues who never cease to alarm us with their stupidities?! Importantly, can we profusely praise someone who deserves it? Can we just deliver good to those to whom it is due? Can we go out of our way and congratulate another person on a victory, even if that person happens to be my enemy?
My friend, God forgives us and accepts us always. Can we do the same to our fellow men and women so that we could spread some good cheer and bring in the atmosphere of divinity? Remember, people will watch you at it and will glorify God for your actions.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 8, 2006
Today's verse: Mt 5:13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, (KJV)
Much of Christian living is dependent on saltiness. Saltiness is something ingrained in salt. Where ever on earth you are, salt will be salty…but the Lord has a very important question to ask of us: what if salt were to lose its saltiness?!
My beloved in Christ, a look at our own life will determine the answer we give to Jesus’ question. We are a holy temple, built by the Lord. We are His choice creation and He has invested Himself in us. We are the salt of the earth. His is the saltiness in us. Yet we seem to have lost this saltiness. And if we do not have it in us, we are good for nothing. Which means if as Christians we have no ‘Christlikeness’ in us, we are as good as nothing.
You know, Christ came to earth to glorify His Father. And He did that through His works and He wants that we too glorify His Father. Now He is not calling us to perform great miracles or do great things. But very simple things like wiping the tears of a neighbor. Forgiving my friend for spreading tales about me. This Christmas as we prepare to celebrate with our families, could we also include the poor somehow in our program? Yes, my friend, this is how we will glorify the Father.
Thus will we show to the world our savor. Thus, will we spread the love of Christ and bring them closer to our blessed Saviour who died for them as much as for us. Be challenged by what the Lord says and raise His banner on high by living up to His expectations. It’s not easy but with Him it is possible.
December 8, 2006
Today's verse: Mt 5:13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, (KJV)
Much of Christian living is dependent on saltiness. Saltiness is something ingrained in salt. Where ever on earth you are, salt will be salty…but the Lord has a very important question to ask of us: what if salt were to lose its saltiness?!
My beloved in Christ, a look at our own life will determine the answer we give to Jesus’ question. We are a holy temple, built by the Lord. We are His choice creation and He has invested Himself in us. We are the salt of the earth. His is the saltiness in us. Yet we seem to have lost this saltiness. And if we do not have it in us, we are good for nothing. Which means if as Christians we have no ‘Christlikeness’ in us, we are as good as nothing.
You know, Christ came to earth to glorify His Father. And He did that through His works and He wants that we too glorify His Father. Now He is not calling us to perform great miracles or do great things. But very simple things like wiping the tears of a neighbor. Forgiving my friend for spreading tales about me. This Christmas as we prepare to celebrate with our families, could we also include the poor somehow in our program? Yes, my friend, this is how we will glorify the Father.
Thus will we show to the world our savor. Thus, will we spread the love of Christ and bring them closer to our blessed Saviour who died for them as much as for us. Be challenged by what the Lord says and raise His banner on high by living up to His expectations. It’s not easy but with Him it is possible.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 7, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 42:7. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: (KJV)
My heart is in trouble Lord. Despair has set in. Frustration is rising as smoke that rises as oil burns. Where do I turn Lord? Whom do I call? Look Lord, Thy servant is in pain and life isn’t going right at the moment.
Every promise is remembered Lord. Every thought is toward You. My heart is really conscious of You and talking to You yet, Lord, darkness seems to be the only answer. Tell you something Lord, my whole being is in turmoil and frankly, I yearn to be with You, not in the same way as Paul desired – he did because, He knew how good it is with You – but I Lord, want to be with you so I can escape the sorrow of my soul. I want to be with You because I have become too weak. I want to be with You so I can deflect the darts of temptation to which I succumb all the time. Master, I want to escape because my body is also in pain.
Lord, my heart calls out to You. I want to pour out my tale to You. You said come to Me all who are weary and I did come Lord. I don’t know whether my coming was partial or full, I think it was full, but somehow Lord, I ain’t finding solace. What do I do Lord.
Once again I turn my face to you Lord. I implore You to cast but one glance at me. Lord, today don’t go by me but Master if Thou love me the way You say You do, then hold me close. Today Lord, let me feel Your love and experience Your mercy. And then I will tell my soul: Rejoice for thy Creator has come to save you.
December 7, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 42:7. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: (KJV)
My heart is in trouble Lord. Despair has set in. Frustration is rising as smoke that rises as oil burns. Where do I turn Lord? Whom do I call? Look Lord, Thy servant is in pain and life isn’t going right at the moment.
Every promise is remembered Lord. Every thought is toward You. My heart is really conscious of You and talking to You yet, Lord, darkness seems to be the only answer. Tell you something Lord, my whole being is in turmoil and frankly, I yearn to be with You, not in the same way as Paul desired – he did because, He knew how good it is with You – but I Lord, want to be with you so I can escape the sorrow of my soul. I want to be with You because I have become too weak. I want to be with You so I can deflect the darts of temptation to which I succumb all the time. Master, I want to escape because my body is also in pain.
Lord, my heart calls out to You. I want to pour out my tale to You. You said come to Me all who are weary and I did come Lord. I don’t know whether my coming was partial or full, I think it was full, but somehow Lord, I ain’t finding solace. What do I do Lord.
Once again I turn my face to you Lord. I implore You to cast but one glance at me. Lord, today don’t go by me but Master if Thou love me the way You say You do, then hold me close. Today Lord, let me feel Your love and experience Your mercy. And then I will tell my soul: Rejoice for thy Creator has come to save you.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 6, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 32:1. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (KJV)
In reading Paul’s letter to the Romans, various truths about the Grace of God emerge. I found a truth of great value in the above verse, which Paul attributes to David in Ps. 32.
In His Word, God is clear about our righteousness: It is a filthy rag! (Is. 64:6). Can we then work out our righteousness let’s say by doing penance of an extreme kind, which we read in the myths of the world? Or can we wipe the slates of our hearts clean of all blemishes by doing all good work possible? Think about it. Do you think that we doing anything can wipe off sin, the indelible mark on the very fabric of our eternal souls? What is the answer that comes to mind?
No matter how righteous we become, we cannot wipe the spots on our souls created by our sins and then again, no person on the face of the earth is without sin. So then, how can we attain the purity that can take us before the throne of ultimate purity? It is only the righteousness of the One who sits on that throne. Nothing else.
God who loved us with an everlasting love has imparted us that righteousness. Not by mere verdict or decree because that would negate the justice of God. It would have gone against His nature for He is a just God and in His sight justice prevails. So He decreed that One who will be blemishless would take our place. Who could He find without sin except His only begotten Son? And therefore He sent His Son, to be born of a woman and to die a death most cursed and when He died, our sins were nailed with Him on the cross. When He rose, we too rose with Him unto eternal life.
This is difficult to understand and it’s better to not understand it but believe. All the righteousness of God is imparted to us when we believe in His only begotten Son as John says in 3:16, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Because God has done all this for us, we too can tell ourselves just as David did or Paul reflected, ‘Blessed am I for my transgression is removed and my sin washed.’ Declare it and truly, God’s Grace will flood your heart as the sweetness of His love holds you in His heavenly fragrance.
December 6, 2006
Today's verse: Ps 32:1. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (KJV)
In reading Paul’s letter to the Romans, various truths about the Grace of God emerge. I found a truth of great value in the above verse, which Paul attributes to David in Ps. 32.
In His Word, God is clear about our righteousness: It is a filthy rag! (Is. 64:6). Can we then work out our righteousness let’s say by doing penance of an extreme kind, which we read in the myths of the world? Or can we wipe the slates of our hearts clean of all blemishes by doing all good work possible? Think about it. Do you think that we doing anything can wipe off sin, the indelible mark on the very fabric of our eternal souls? What is the answer that comes to mind?
No matter how righteous we become, we cannot wipe the spots on our souls created by our sins and then again, no person on the face of the earth is without sin. So then, how can we attain the purity that can take us before the throne of ultimate purity? It is only the righteousness of the One who sits on that throne. Nothing else.
God who loved us with an everlasting love has imparted us that righteousness. Not by mere verdict or decree because that would negate the justice of God. It would have gone against His nature for He is a just God and in His sight justice prevails. So He decreed that One who will be blemishless would take our place. Who could He find without sin except His only begotten Son? And therefore He sent His Son, to be born of a woman and to die a death most cursed and when He died, our sins were nailed with Him on the cross. When He rose, we too rose with Him unto eternal life.
This is difficult to understand and it’s better to not understand it but believe. All the righteousness of God is imparted to us when we believe in His only begotten Son as John says in 3:16, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Because God has done all this for us, we too can tell ourselves just as David did or Paul reflected, ‘Blessed am I for my transgression is removed and my sin washed.’ Declare it and truly, God’s Grace will flood your heart as the sweetness of His love holds you in His heavenly fragrance.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 5, 2006
Today's verse: Lk. 9:60. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: (KJV)
Some times as we listen to Jesus’ Words, we find them a little difficult to comprehend. Because Jesus often uses language that is from on High and difficult to discern, e.g. … they seeing, see not; and hearing hear not…(Mt. 13:13). One such classic gem is the above verse. For a long time I couldn’t for the life of me understand what it meant; how can the dead bury their dead! But for those of us who have been given understanding by His Spirit, there is a world of knowledge and truth in it.
When Jesus uttered these Words, He knew how dead the world was. And He also knew that many would remain dead because those who did not accept the decree of God, which He had destined even before the foundation of the world: that man would fall and then be saved by a ‘Man’ who would be His own Son, would not be saved and the justice of God would prevail, for their lack of belief in the Righteous One of God. The justice that derived from God when He said to Adam, ‘if you eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall surely die - Gen. 2:17.
My beloved in Christ I want to ask you a question: are you dead? In spiritual terms, death doesn’t mean death of the body but death of the soul. For to live and die in this body, is the destiny of all. But is your soul dead? Are you so busy that you cannot make time for God? Are you so caught up with things of the world that the feet of the Lord become alien to you? Are you so involved in the rituals of worship that you miss the real thing? Do the niceties and the pomp and the glory of the world seduce you into such a coma that you do not discern the Master’s love. Has your heart become so gross that you cannot perceive His love flowing from the Cross of Calvary?
My friend you are dead when you go to worship the Lord but do not meet Him. You are dead when you see the pain and misery in the world and do not even pray about it. You are dead when your own things and your concern for your family becomes too big for you that Jesus becomes too small.
All these may seem harsh but that is the truth. God, who sees all and knows all, knows the condition of your heart. Remember, when Jesus saw the widow put in her small mite (Lk. 21:2) He said that she cast in more than all. If you can find just that little moment in your busy schedule to stop by and be stilled in His presence, you will have given a lot to Him. If you have the courage to put away things, which seem to be very important and sit at His feet, then you will find Him. Remember He said, ‘There is need of only One thing…’ Lk. 10:42, and if you want to know what that one thing is, listen to what David says: One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD (Ps. 27:4).
December 5, 2006
Today's verse: Lk. 9:60. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: (KJV)
Some times as we listen to Jesus’ Words, we find them a little difficult to comprehend. Because Jesus often uses language that is from on High and difficult to discern, e.g. … they seeing, see not; and hearing hear not…(Mt. 13:13). One such classic gem is the above verse. For a long time I couldn’t for the life of me understand what it meant; how can the dead bury their dead! But for those of us who have been given understanding by His Spirit, there is a world of knowledge and truth in it.
When Jesus uttered these Words, He knew how dead the world was. And He also knew that many would remain dead because those who did not accept the decree of God, which He had destined even before the foundation of the world: that man would fall and then be saved by a ‘Man’ who would be His own Son, would not be saved and the justice of God would prevail, for their lack of belief in the Righteous One of God. The justice that derived from God when He said to Adam, ‘if you eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall surely die - Gen. 2:17.
My beloved in Christ I want to ask you a question: are you dead? In spiritual terms, death doesn’t mean death of the body but death of the soul. For to live and die in this body, is the destiny of all. But is your soul dead? Are you so busy that you cannot make time for God? Are you so caught up with things of the world that the feet of the Lord become alien to you? Are you so involved in the rituals of worship that you miss the real thing? Do the niceties and the pomp and the glory of the world seduce you into such a coma that you do not discern the Master’s love. Has your heart become so gross that you cannot perceive His love flowing from the Cross of Calvary?
My friend you are dead when you go to worship the Lord but do not meet Him. You are dead when you see the pain and misery in the world and do not even pray about it. You are dead when your own things and your concern for your family becomes too big for you that Jesus becomes too small.
All these may seem harsh but that is the truth. God, who sees all and knows all, knows the condition of your heart. Remember, when Jesus saw the widow put in her small mite (Lk. 21:2) He said that she cast in more than all. If you can find just that little moment in your busy schedule to stop by and be stilled in His presence, you will have given a lot to Him. If you have the courage to put away things, which seem to be very important and sit at His feet, then you will find Him. Remember He said, ‘There is need of only One thing…’ Lk. 10:42, and if you want to know what that one thing is, listen to what David says: One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD (Ps. 27:4).
Monday, December 04, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 2, 2006
Today's verse: Is. 41:13. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (KJV)
Listen my dear friend to what the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth says today. He will hold thy right hand – the hand of partnership, the hand of sincerity and the hand of your strength – and He will help thee. And of course, He is the Most High, the God of all creation.
You know, His help is dynamic and ranges from the little to the large. It is like as if a man fallen into quicksand, already sunk up to his neck, suddenly found a rope falling firmly into his hand or like a kid sitting on a swing and not swinging until a hand started pushing his seat firmly and the swing soared in the sky!
The domain of the Lord is full of His promises. He loves you and He loves you even until the end. His is an unalloyed love. A drop, nay even lesser, is enough to hold your hand until the call comes. My beloved in Christ, look up and see the canopy of the sky and how it is like a tent spread above you, covering you with His love. He loves you even if you do not love Him or have hurt Him grievously, I should know because it happened with me last week and I felt washed by His love. The burden of guilt was removed by His reassurance that ‘my sins are washed away and I am on my ‘Way’’. And I write this sacred thing not because I stand pure in His sight, but because the blood of the Lamb has purified me in the sight of ‘The Eternal I AM’ and given me an office of a high order. Just the way perhaps, it might be your case!
You might be staring at despair right near you or you would be at your wits’ end wondering how to tide over the crisis looming large before you or perhaps even at the door of death, too young to die. No matter what, It Doesn’t Matter. For when the Lord of the Universe says that He holds your right hand and help you, you can smile through those tears and be calm with the fears, even as He leads you on.
December 2, 2006
Today's verse: Is. 41:13. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (KJV)
Listen my dear friend to what the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth says today. He will hold thy right hand – the hand of partnership, the hand of sincerity and the hand of your strength – and He will help thee. And of course, He is the Most High, the God of all creation.
You know, His help is dynamic and ranges from the little to the large. It is like as if a man fallen into quicksand, already sunk up to his neck, suddenly found a rope falling firmly into his hand or like a kid sitting on a swing and not swinging until a hand started pushing his seat firmly and the swing soared in the sky!
The domain of the Lord is full of His promises. He loves you and He loves you even until the end. His is an unalloyed love. A drop, nay even lesser, is enough to hold your hand until the call comes. My beloved in Christ, look up and see the canopy of the sky and how it is like a tent spread above you, covering you with His love. He loves you even if you do not love Him or have hurt Him grievously, I should know because it happened with me last week and I felt washed by His love. The burden of guilt was removed by His reassurance that ‘my sins are washed away and I am on my ‘Way’’. And I write this sacred thing not because I stand pure in His sight, but because the blood of the Lamb has purified me in the sight of ‘The Eternal I AM’ and given me an office of a high order. Just the way perhaps, it might be your case!
You might be staring at despair right near you or you would be at your wits’ end wondering how to tide over the crisis looming large before you or perhaps even at the door of death, too young to die. No matter what, It Doesn’t Matter. For when the Lord of the Universe says that He holds your right hand and help you, you can smile through those tears and be calm with the fears, even as He leads you on.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Thoughts for another day
December 1, 2006
Today's verse: Jn. 17:15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (KJV)
Read carefully today’s Word. Something important, is expressed by our Lord in it. Jesus has great confidence in His Father and on us. Therefore, He prays the Father not to take us out of the world for He has confidence in us that we will be victorious. Then again, He prays confidently that His Father should keep us from evil.
My beloved friend in Christ, the world (not the physical earth but the spiritual evil) is an awful place. It is a place of sin. If you think I am wrong, let us take a good deep look at ourselves and see the filth within us. You know I just can’t believe that I can sin the way I do. How did I get molded into this manner of life? Well, the world taught me. Just the other day, I read a graffiti which said, ‘I prayed and prayed to God for a bicycle but nothing happened. Then I robbed one and went to Him and confessed and asked for pardon!’ Imagine. Sufficient is this to let me think that God works the way it is suggested here! And millions of people read it and gloat and say, ‘Yes, I think I should do that.’ This is an abomination in the sight of God but the filthy world accepts it.
Jesus well knew about the world and if you read His prayer in Ch. 17 of John’s gospel, you will see the how much He is cares for us and expresses His prayer accordingly to His Father. One of the reason’s why Paul says, ‘be not conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind’ is because of the evil that is the world. My friend, in this world we need to be away from it. Sounds complicated but that’s exactly the point. ‘How can I forgive when what she did to me was so heartless?’ This might be my refrain; that’s the world. But the Grace of God insists…FORGIVE.
I pray God today that He will open the eyes of our hearts to understand the evil times we are living in and work towards raising His banner up to all people. Despite the filth. Despite the fact that I am a great sinner and despite the fact that the evil in people seems beyond redemption; remembering well that it is for such like us that Christ came into the world, wearing the garment of mortality to cleanse us and renew us and keep us for Himself.
December 1, 2006
Today's verse: Jn. 17:15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (KJV)
Read carefully today’s Word. Something important, is expressed by our Lord in it. Jesus has great confidence in His Father and on us. Therefore, He prays the Father not to take us out of the world for He has confidence in us that we will be victorious. Then again, He prays confidently that His Father should keep us from evil.
My beloved friend in Christ, the world (not the physical earth but the spiritual evil) is an awful place. It is a place of sin. If you think I am wrong, let us take a good deep look at ourselves and see the filth within us. You know I just can’t believe that I can sin the way I do. How did I get molded into this manner of life? Well, the world taught me. Just the other day, I read a graffiti which said, ‘I prayed and prayed to God for a bicycle but nothing happened. Then I robbed one and went to Him and confessed and asked for pardon!’ Imagine. Sufficient is this to let me think that God works the way it is suggested here! And millions of people read it and gloat and say, ‘Yes, I think I should do that.’ This is an abomination in the sight of God but the filthy world accepts it.
Jesus well knew about the world and if you read His prayer in Ch. 17 of John’s gospel, you will see the how much He is cares for us and expresses His prayer accordingly to His Father. One of the reason’s why Paul says, ‘be not conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind’ is because of the evil that is the world. My friend, in this world we need to be away from it. Sounds complicated but that’s exactly the point. ‘How can I forgive when what she did to me was so heartless?’ This might be my refrain; that’s the world. But the Grace of God insists…FORGIVE.
I pray God today that He will open the eyes of our hearts to understand the evil times we are living in and work towards raising His banner up to all people. Despite the filth. Despite the fact that I am a great sinner and despite the fact that the evil in people seems beyond redemption; remembering well that it is for such like us that Christ came into the world, wearing the garment of mortality to cleanse us and renew us and keep us for Himself.
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