Thoughts for another day
March 30, 2007
Today's verse: Amos 5:4. Seek ye me, and ye shall live: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is all beauty. In God is joy and happiness. In Him only rests fullness of life; and in Jesus alone is life itself. A dead rose when touched by Jesus can come alive. When Jairus’ daughter’s dead body felt the touch of the Master of the Universe, every tissue in her frame shuddered and life sputtered itself upon her.
Dead Lazarus’ cells had undergone the squish-squash of decay but when they sensed the Master’s call, they regenerated. Came back to life as it were and the grave, spat him out into the Master’s hands.
Many lives in this world are dead. Dead with sin and depravity. Dead in, idolatry and necromancy. There is moral turpitude and wanton debauchery. There is deliberate slandering and character assassination. How painful it is for God to see his children doing the very things He has told them not to. How it must be aching His heart to put up with the idiosyncrasies of humanity. God is looking at the human brigade and seeing them fall into the abyss of nothingness and isolation from Him and He is mournful to say the least. That is why today, my friend, He is looking up to you to take His message in the above verse to them.
He has made Himself known to you. He has revealed His might and power to you and He has put His imprint on you. Could you rise up for Him and take His saving message to the world. Your own world will be blessed by Him as you do.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 29, 2007
Today's verse: Rev. 3:10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Here is a promise of God and most of us Christians love God’s promises because in them we have what I call the ‘vitamins of life’. In the business of life, God asks us to be longsuffering; enduring and patient. Somehow our innate restlessness will not allow us to be patient. Our motto is: Act now. Usually a reaction; because patience tests our reaction patterns and symptoms, more than anything else. It is our response to an external stimulus and usually the course of our lives take shape depending upon them.
Today, God is promising us that because we keep our patience, He will keep us from the hour of temptation and He further tell us that this temptation will come upon the entire world as a trial. How wonderful is our God… when we keep the dictates of His Word, He can and will keep us safe from anything that can emerge as a result thereof.
There was this person who had some problem with his boss and he was really perturbed because he knew most of the time he was right and the boss was just throwing his weight around. It came to a head when this person told his other colleagues that he would go and complain to the CEO when a sister who is a believer told him to be patient about it and pray. The person did that. Within 10 days, the boss was transferred to a remote factory and this person was elevated as the boss. This is a good example of the result of being patient while depending on God in the secular world. How much more will God work in your favor when you are involved in His work?
My friend, fret not when the wiles of the world seem ganged up on you. Just be patient putting your trust in Him, who is able. He will deliver you from anything you face. Because of His Name.
March 29, 2007
Today's verse: Rev. 3:10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Here is a promise of God and most of us Christians love God’s promises because in them we have what I call the ‘vitamins of life’. In the business of life, God asks us to be longsuffering; enduring and patient. Somehow our innate restlessness will not allow us to be patient. Our motto is: Act now. Usually a reaction; because patience tests our reaction patterns and symptoms, more than anything else. It is our response to an external stimulus and usually the course of our lives take shape depending upon them.
Today, God is promising us that because we keep our patience, He will keep us from the hour of temptation and He further tell us that this temptation will come upon the entire world as a trial. How wonderful is our God… when we keep the dictates of His Word, He can and will keep us safe from anything that can emerge as a result thereof.
There was this person who had some problem with his boss and he was really perturbed because he knew most of the time he was right and the boss was just throwing his weight around. It came to a head when this person told his other colleagues that he would go and complain to the CEO when a sister who is a believer told him to be patient about it and pray. The person did that. Within 10 days, the boss was transferred to a remote factory and this person was elevated as the boss. This is a good example of the result of being patient while depending on God in the secular world. How much more will God work in your favor when you are involved in His work?
My friend, fret not when the wiles of the world seem ganged up on you. Just be patient putting your trust in Him, who is able. He will deliver you from anything you face. Because of His Name.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 28, 2007
Today's verse: Jas. 4:14. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Have you ever thought – how durable are you? From the above verse we get a fair idea, I’d say. Man is so weak that a small mishap and he’s finished. Gone forever. No sign at all. However, our actions betray this little fact. We behave as if we are going to live forever. We plan things and in planning make do as if we will definitely be there all the while as well as live long enough to enjoy the fruits of the plan. And life continues and makes us feel invincible. The world adds to this sinister wisdom.
The sad irony is that we do not know what is to happen, not just the next day, but also the next moment. Within the wink of an eye, worlds have tumbled for some. Some people have had their lives changed completely. And God embellishes the fact that the morrow will be far different than you have ever imagined. He alone holds complete control.
How well are we geared to embrace this little fact? Are we ready to welcome anything that may come our way? To tell you the secret of how to be prepared; just be tuned to God all the time. There is a song which goes: Footsteps walking with me, footsteps I cannot see, but every move I make and every step I take, I know they are there with me; they walk with me all the way, besides me day by day; thru’ good and bad, though happy and sad, His footsteps walking away... and this song is a great idea to sing all the time, knowing well that the God of the universe marches with you as you move along. My dear friend, don’t despair… because He marches with you even if you don’t want Him and He loves you far more than you can even think. Trust in His love.
March 28, 2007
Today's verse: Jas. 4:14. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Have you ever thought – how durable are you? From the above verse we get a fair idea, I’d say. Man is so weak that a small mishap and he’s finished. Gone forever. No sign at all. However, our actions betray this little fact. We behave as if we are going to live forever. We plan things and in planning make do as if we will definitely be there all the while as well as live long enough to enjoy the fruits of the plan. And life continues and makes us feel invincible. The world adds to this sinister wisdom.
The sad irony is that we do not know what is to happen, not just the next day, but also the next moment. Within the wink of an eye, worlds have tumbled for some. Some people have had their lives changed completely. And God embellishes the fact that the morrow will be far different than you have ever imagined. He alone holds complete control.
How well are we geared to embrace this little fact? Are we ready to welcome anything that may come our way? To tell you the secret of how to be prepared; just be tuned to God all the time. There is a song which goes: Footsteps walking with me, footsteps I cannot see, but every move I make and every step I take, I know they are there with me; they walk with me all the way, besides me day by day; thru’ good and bad, though happy and sad, His footsteps walking away... and this song is a great idea to sing all the time, knowing well that the God of the universe marches with you as you move along. My dear friend, don’t despair… because He marches with you even if you don’t want Him and He loves you far more than you can even think. Trust in His love.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 27, 2007
Today's verse: Job 14:1. Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil. (NASB)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the Book of Job (pronounced jobe to rhyme with ‘lobe’ as in ear-lobe), we read about a man who is much dedicated to God. In all things he does right and obeys every precept of God. Yet, a devastating calamity strikes, corroding the very fabric of his integrity that hinged on his being right in the sight of God! Now as he sits facing a bleak future, there’s only the dark prospect of defending himself before others, an unenviable task given the atrocious twist of destiny; and perhaps, rather unwillingly, accepting the fact that somewhere along the path of life he must have sinned! Having said this, we must understand what God wants to tell us through the book. That there is a reality, far beyond the scope of human imagination. That there is purpose and clarity, even in the midst of entropy and utter chaos. As long as, God is on our side.
Aside from the plethora of questions that arise as to why, why, why… the book is also peppered with a number of truths that embrace life, and today’s verse is an example. Great philosophers have often wondered at the restlessness of man. Why does he want to move and move and move. Why does he yearn to go beyond the step he last took in understanding things, perhaps outside the boundaries of his wisdom? To fathom this, we need to go to the Book of Genesis. God creates man and puts him in command of all His creation. He gives man everything readymade – all kind of food - and also to the beasts of the field. The only condition as it were, was that man had to be rooted in God. Like the branches of a vine absorb its sap and flourish by being attached to it, man too had to be attached to God. But man lost it all when he sinned and disobeyed God. He became separated from God. He died…
My friend, only God has a cure for disturbances in life. When Martha was irritated that her sister Mary sat unconcerned at Jesus’ feet (Lk. 10:38-42) she voiced her indignation to the Lord who, in a gentle way admonished her, saying that there is need of only ‘one thing’ and since Mary has chosen that, it would not be taken from her. What’s this ‘one thing’? It is God Himself. To get rest, Jesus said, ‘Come to Me.’ for He knew that no human way or contraption could ever give rest. How can someone who is created in a particular manner of attaining peace, attain it any other way? We foolish people explore every other means to get it, rather than going to the One who can give it to us. But, today, you and I shall strike our hearts and get up and go to our Father, who is waiting to send every blessing our way. This dear friend, is the only way, we can enter His rest. And be at peace in the world, despite the turmoil.
March 27, 2007
Today's verse: Job 14:1. Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil. (NASB)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the Book of Job (pronounced jobe to rhyme with ‘lobe’ as in ear-lobe), we read about a man who is much dedicated to God. In all things he does right and obeys every precept of God. Yet, a devastating calamity strikes, corroding the very fabric of his integrity that hinged on his being right in the sight of God! Now as he sits facing a bleak future, there’s only the dark prospect of defending himself before others, an unenviable task given the atrocious twist of destiny; and perhaps, rather unwillingly, accepting the fact that somewhere along the path of life he must have sinned! Having said this, we must understand what God wants to tell us through the book. That there is a reality, far beyond the scope of human imagination. That there is purpose and clarity, even in the midst of entropy and utter chaos. As long as, God is on our side.
Aside from the plethora of questions that arise as to why, why, why… the book is also peppered with a number of truths that embrace life, and today’s verse is an example. Great philosophers have often wondered at the restlessness of man. Why does he want to move and move and move. Why does he yearn to go beyond the step he last took in understanding things, perhaps outside the boundaries of his wisdom? To fathom this, we need to go to the Book of Genesis. God creates man and puts him in command of all His creation. He gives man everything readymade – all kind of food - and also to the beasts of the field. The only condition as it were, was that man had to be rooted in God. Like the branches of a vine absorb its sap and flourish by being attached to it, man too had to be attached to God. But man lost it all when he sinned and disobeyed God. He became separated from God. He died…
My friend, only God has a cure for disturbances in life. When Martha was irritated that her sister Mary sat unconcerned at Jesus’ feet (Lk. 10:38-42) she voiced her indignation to the Lord who, in a gentle way admonished her, saying that there is need of only ‘one thing’ and since Mary has chosen that, it would not be taken from her. What’s this ‘one thing’? It is God Himself. To get rest, Jesus said, ‘Come to Me.’ for He knew that no human way or contraption could ever give rest. How can someone who is created in a particular manner of attaining peace, attain it any other way? We foolish people explore every other means to get it, rather than going to the One who can give it to us. But, today, you and I shall strike our hearts and get up and go to our Father, who is waiting to send every blessing our way. This dear friend, is the only way, we can enter His rest. And be at peace in the world, despite the turmoil.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 26, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 23:29. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Let’s today reflect on our reverence to God’s Word (we call it the Bible). This question is pertinent particularly when beaten by the storms of the world we prostrate before the Lord and seek His help. What, at that moment do we have, which we can hold on to, if not His Word as His assurance of help?
We can’t see God and many times, we can’t even feel Him. How then are we to look up to Him in both the good and the not so good times of our lives? For this purpose God has given us His Word. We use the Word in the singular because utterance of God is not a burst of separate sentences and words as we do; but a part of the entire Word that He speaks. It is like a barrel of oil. When you remove some of it for your use, again and again, it doesn’t mean we call what is contained in the barrel, ‘oils’.
By His Word, all that is created, was created. By His Word, energy happens and power descends. God utters His Word in the wilderness of our lives and lushness appears. By His Word, we are sustained and we live. And it is not that He speaks His Word today. He has already spoken it long before the foundation of the world. For even before He created us, He knew our every emotion and our every need and He catered to them. We may not be able to comprehend this because of the finiteness of our brain; it is enough to understand it the way it is given.
God knows the power of His Word and therefore, God is appalled when we do not take it as the guarantee for a full life. Imagine the frustration of a scientist who creates a cure against AIDS and nobody uses it. So it is with God and His Word. In today’s verse, God Himself speaks on the power of His Word. It is like fire He says, able to break the rock into pieces and He is talking about the huge rock on the mountainside, not a mere stone. God can shatter the rock that is your problem and straighten out the crooked path you have to traverse. Only you need to believe in His Word: His Sovereign Guarantee.
March 26, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 23:29. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Let’s today reflect on our reverence to God’s Word (we call it the Bible). This question is pertinent particularly when beaten by the storms of the world we prostrate before the Lord and seek His help. What, at that moment do we have, which we can hold on to, if not His Word as His assurance of help?
We can’t see God and many times, we can’t even feel Him. How then are we to look up to Him in both the good and the not so good times of our lives? For this purpose God has given us His Word. We use the Word in the singular because utterance of God is not a burst of separate sentences and words as we do; but a part of the entire Word that He speaks. It is like a barrel of oil. When you remove some of it for your use, again and again, it doesn’t mean we call what is contained in the barrel, ‘oils’.
By His Word, all that is created, was created. By His Word, energy happens and power descends. God utters His Word in the wilderness of our lives and lushness appears. By His Word, we are sustained and we live. And it is not that He speaks His Word today. He has already spoken it long before the foundation of the world. For even before He created us, He knew our every emotion and our every need and He catered to them. We may not be able to comprehend this because of the finiteness of our brain; it is enough to understand it the way it is given.
God knows the power of His Word and therefore, God is appalled when we do not take it as the guarantee for a full life. Imagine the frustration of a scientist who creates a cure against AIDS and nobody uses it. So it is with God and His Word. In today’s verse, God Himself speaks on the power of His Word. It is like fire He says, able to break the rock into pieces and He is talking about the huge rock on the mountainside, not a mere stone. God can shatter the rock that is your problem and straighten out the crooked path you have to traverse. Only you need to believe in His Word: His Sovereign Guarantee.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 23, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 10:37. Go, and do thou likewise. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the parable of the good Samaritan, we find a world of truth that Jesus gives us. The essence is, we are to reach out and help when help is needed of us. However we are generally apathetic to the situation and unless affected ourselves; we rarely get up to help. If we are not affected, we do not bother – the affected person be damned!
Just as Jesus was concerned about this attitude when He walked the planet, He is concerned today. He is looking at us as His instruments in reaching out to people. Jesus is even today telling us that our attitudes of keeping to ourselves, when our neighbor is in trouble is not right in Kingdom life. He knows that there may be a cost we need to pay in this. For e.g. if we see an accident victim and decide to take the person to the nearest hospital for treatment, we may be subject to much trouble by the authorities etc. But as this thought enters our minds, Jesus asks us to put ourselves in the shoes of that person: What if it was me who met with the accident and lay profusely bleeding?
My friend, this corollary applies not only to grievous hurt but also, day-to-day basic situations. We are not able to see our neighbor in some small need or we ignore it if we do. I remember, a discussion with the president of a parish association, engaged in helping the poor. This person was raising the association to the skies. I was so angry at his hypocrisy that I bluntly told him about a man who committed suicide, jumping in a well, pretty close to where he stays. Suicide, because that man couldn’t make two ends meet! And the irony is that this ‘president’ tells me he was not aware of the situation! Let me tell you, God is hurt. Very hurt when our hearts aren’t moved by the misery around. God’s heart is gripped with compassion for the unenabled. He wants to do something for them. He wants to use us as His instruments. Are we moved enough to be His instruments?
March 23, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 10:37. Go, and do thou likewise. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the parable of the good Samaritan, we find a world of truth that Jesus gives us. The essence is, we are to reach out and help when help is needed of us. However we are generally apathetic to the situation and unless affected ourselves; we rarely get up to help. If we are not affected, we do not bother – the affected person be damned!
Just as Jesus was concerned about this attitude when He walked the planet, He is concerned today. He is looking at us as His instruments in reaching out to people. Jesus is even today telling us that our attitudes of keeping to ourselves, when our neighbor is in trouble is not right in Kingdom life. He knows that there may be a cost we need to pay in this. For e.g. if we see an accident victim and decide to take the person to the nearest hospital for treatment, we may be subject to much trouble by the authorities etc. But as this thought enters our minds, Jesus asks us to put ourselves in the shoes of that person: What if it was me who met with the accident and lay profusely bleeding?
My friend, this corollary applies not only to grievous hurt but also, day-to-day basic situations. We are not able to see our neighbor in some small need or we ignore it if we do. I remember, a discussion with the president of a parish association, engaged in helping the poor. This person was raising the association to the skies. I was so angry at his hypocrisy that I bluntly told him about a man who committed suicide, jumping in a well, pretty close to where he stays. Suicide, because that man couldn’t make two ends meet! And the irony is that this ‘president’ tells me he was not aware of the situation! Let me tell you, God is hurt. Very hurt when our hearts aren’t moved by the misery around. God’s heart is gripped with compassion for the unenabled. He wants to do something for them. He wants to use us as His instruments. Are we moved enough to be His instruments?
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 15, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 139:16. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
As we approach another weekend, we would have many plans. Some pure and some not. We hardly know how the day will open up and what will happen in it. And for those of us who are facing some kind of test, we don’t even know how it will go. Will we pass; will we not? Doubt. Uncertainty. Feebleness infinite, that’s what we are. But when it comes to God, He knows it all. In Ps. 139, a beautiful psalm, where David acknowledges God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence, we learn of God’s tremendous ability. Friends, we must remember that God is able. In any situation. At any time. And the best part is, He knows everything. Question is do we know that He knows and is in control?
Would remembering this help us? Before coming to it, let me say that God loves us beyond our imagination and He is there to help whenever we call, and in any situation of life, particularly, when we take the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Put this in your mind and seal it. We also know God is able. Now, remembering that He loves us and likes to help us, we can confidently call Him in times of difficulty. And if we hold on to our faith in that situation He will help us. No matter how hard the problem, He can solve it, because He is able. Terminal cancer? God can halt it and reverse it. AIDS? God can undo its effect. Job or financial loss? God can cause a gain in that situation. And so on. I too am holding on to Him for something very very difficult and you know what? I know that He has done it. In time, He will open it up and give it to me in the physical. The time could be now. I don’t know but I know that He knows it and that’s enough.
Our faith has to be unwavering. Why shouldn’t it? When you know your God; and you know that the days ordained for you were written in His book even before you were born, where is the need to falter in life. Like David we move on. Very sure in life but not acting until we hearing the sound of His footsteps walking ahead. Then Victory will be ours.
March 15, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 139:16. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
As we approach another weekend, we would have many plans. Some pure and some not. We hardly know how the day will open up and what will happen in it. And for those of us who are facing some kind of test, we don’t even know how it will go. Will we pass; will we not? Doubt. Uncertainty. Feebleness infinite, that’s what we are. But when it comes to God, He knows it all. In Ps. 139, a beautiful psalm, where David acknowledges God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence, we learn of God’s tremendous ability. Friends, we must remember that God is able. In any situation. At any time. And the best part is, He knows everything. Question is do we know that He knows and is in control?
Would remembering this help us? Before coming to it, let me say that God loves us beyond our imagination and He is there to help whenever we call, and in any situation of life, particularly, when we take the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Put this in your mind and seal it. We also know God is able. Now, remembering that He loves us and likes to help us, we can confidently call Him in times of difficulty. And if we hold on to our faith in that situation He will help us. No matter how hard the problem, He can solve it, because He is able. Terminal cancer? God can halt it and reverse it. AIDS? God can undo its effect. Job or financial loss? God can cause a gain in that situation. And so on. I too am holding on to Him for something very very difficult and you know what? I know that He has done it. In time, He will open it up and give it to me in the physical. The time could be now. I don’t know but I know that He knows it and that’s enough.
Our faith has to be unwavering. Why shouldn’t it? When you know your God; and you know that the days ordained for you were written in His book even before you were born, where is the need to falter in life. Like David we move on. Very sure in life but not acting until we hearing the sound of His footsteps walking ahead. Then Victory will be ours.
Thoughts for another day
March 15, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 139:16. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
As we approach another weekend, we would have many plans. Some pure and some not. We hardly know how the day will open up and what will happen in it. And for those of us who are facing some kind of test, we don’t even know how it will go. Will we pass; will we not? Doubt. Uncertainty. Feebleness infinite, that’s what we are. But when it comes to God, He knows it all. In Ps. 139, a beautiful psalm, where David acknowledges God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence, we learn of God’s tremendous ability. Friends, we must remember that God is able. In any situation. At any time. And the best part is, He knows everything. Question is do we know that He knows and is in control?
Would remembering this help us? Before coming to it, let me say that God loves us beyond our imagination and He is there to help whenever we call, and in any situation of life, particularly, when we take the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Put this in your mind and seal it. We also know God is able. Now, remembering that He loves us and likes to help us, we can confidently call Him in times of difficulty. And if we hold on to our faith in that situation He will help us. No matter how hard the problem, He can solve it, because He is able. Terminal cancer? God can halt it and reverse it. AIDS? God can undo its effect. Job or financial loss? God can cause a gain in that situation. And so on. I too am holding on to Him for something very very difficult and you know what? I know that He has done it. In time, He will open it up and give it to me in the physical. The time could be now. I don’t know but I know that He knows it and that’s enough.
Our faith has to be unwavering. Why shouldn’t it? When you know your God; and you know that the days ordained for you were written in His book even before you were born, where is the need to falter in life. Like David we move on. Very sure in life but not acting until we hearing the sound of His footsteps walking ahead. Then Victory will be ours.
March 15, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 139:16. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
As we approach another weekend, we would have many plans. Some pure and some not. We hardly know how the day will open up and what will happen in it. And for those of us who are facing some kind of test, we don’t even know how it will go. Will we pass; will we not? Doubt. Uncertainty. Feebleness infinite, that’s what we are. But when it comes to God, He knows it all. In Ps. 139, a beautiful psalm, where David acknowledges God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence, we learn of God’s tremendous ability. Friends, we must remember that God is able. In any situation. At any time. And the best part is, He knows everything. Question is do we know that He knows and is in control?
Would remembering this help us? Before coming to it, let me say that God loves us beyond our imagination and He is there to help whenever we call, and in any situation of life, particularly, when we take the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Put this in your mind and seal it. We also know God is able. Now, remembering that He loves us and likes to help us, we can confidently call Him in times of difficulty. And if we hold on to our faith in that situation He will help us. No matter how hard the problem, He can solve it, because He is able. Terminal cancer? God can halt it and reverse it. AIDS? God can undo its effect. Job or financial loss? God can cause a gain in that situation. And so on. I too am holding on to Him for something very very difficult and you know what? I know that He has done it. In time, He will open it up and give it to me in the physical. The time could be now. I don’t know but I know that He knows it and that’s enough.
Our faith has to be unwavering. Why shouldn’t it? When you know your God; and you know that the days ordained for you were written in His book even before you were born, where is the need to falter in life. Like David we move on. Very sure in life but not acting until we hearing the sound of His footsteps walking ahead. Then Victory will be ours.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 15, 2007
Today's verse: Is. 26:12. LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Occasionally, we tend to forget that God it is, who is our Peace – Yahweh Shalom. By God alone, we are blessed with a peace that we may not understand. Everything around us seems to be crumbling yet, we are able to stand firm without fear and I for one understand this so well for I have seen it happen many times in mine and in other people’s lives.
Of this we need to be sure: God directs our every step on the path of life. In its course we may run into rough weather but it is precisely at that point when, because of the difficulties faced by us we are angry with Him, that we must realize God is going to bring about something new in us. Out of the dungeons, God often brings us into the light of hope. Look back if you can in your own life and check whether He has not done that with you. It’s amazing but you will see that the happiest moments in your life were the ones immediately after a terrible ordeal. Believing in God and His omnipotence does that for us.
Another thing I’d like to say, it is God who has done all that we do and tend to call our work. He has given us our liberties; and our faculties are trained to do work. But it is by His sustaining power that we are able and continue doing it. Were it not for God’s Grace, we would fumble at the least difficulty. Look at the so many things taken for granted by us. We don’t even see God’s hand in orchestrating them. Take your breath for instance. Are you making any effort to breathe? Your heartbeat… are you the cause of it? Similarly, there are many things that proceed from God, quietly but surely.
Rest secure in the knowledge, that God is at work in you, each time you feel your heartbeat. Be glad that you can do things because He enables you. ‘ How then’, you may ask, ‘do those who do not believe in God do those things?’ Well the Bible says that His rain falls on the just and the unjust and His sun shines upon the good and the evil. How can a God who has created men abandon them? Not like us is He; rather He cherishes everyone and waits for them to know Him and come to Him in His patience. As for us who believe, let us stay firm in the knowledge that we have a Father in Heaven who is at work in us and will continue working in us. Our difficulties are but for a while. They will soon be cast away. That problem you have will move by His power.
March 15, 2007
Today's verse: Is. 26:12. LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Occasionally, we tend to forget that God it is, who is our Peace – Yahweh Shalom. By God alone, we are blessed with a peace that we may not understand. Everything around us seems to be crumbling yet, we are able to stand firm without fear and I for one understand this so well for I have seen it happen many times in mine and in other people’s lives.
Of this we need to be sure: God directs our every step on the path of life. In its course we may run into rough weather but it is precisely at that point when, because of the difficulties faced by us we are angry with Him, that we must realize God is going to bring about something new in us. Out of the dungeons, God often brings us into the light of hope. Look back if you can in your own life and check whether He has not done that with you. It’s amazing but you will see that the happiest moments in your life were the ones immediately after a terrible ordeal. Believing in God and His omnipotence does that for us.
Another thing I’d like to say, it is God who has done all that we do and tend to call our work. He has given us our liberties; and our faculties are trained to do work. But it is by His sustaining power that we are able and continue doing it. Were it not for God’s Grace, we would fumble at the least difficulty. Look at the so many things taken for granted by us. We don’t even see God’s hand in orchestrating them. Take your breath for instance. Are you making any effort to breathe? Your heartbeat… are you the cause of it? Similarly, there are many things that proceed from God, quietly but surely.
Rest secure in the knowledge, that God is at work in you, each time you feel your heartbeat. Be glad that you can do things because He enables you. ‘ How then’, you may ask, ‘do those who do not believe in God do those things?’ Well the Bible says that His rain falls on the just and the unjust and His sun shines upon the good and the evil. How can a God who has created men abandon them? Not like us is He; rather He cherishes everyone and waits for them to know Him and come to Him in His patience. As for us who believe, let us stay firm in the knowledge that we have a Father in Heaven who is at work in us and will continue working in us. Our difficulties are but for a while. They will soon be cast away. That problem you have will move by His power.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 14, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 23:27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
At a Retreat, a preacher said, ‘a Christian is one who is the same at Church, at home, in the market and place of work. If he is different in different places, he is a hypocrite. And hypocrisy has its downfall.’ How real and powerful these words are. How true in everyday life! In introspection, don’t we find our personalities waver according to the place we are at? We are so good when it comes to others but at our own homes and offices, we are like hooligans. We have no patience inside, but outside we are patience personified. We have no money to spare when the kids ask, but at a neighbor’s place our generosity is exalted. We have nothing to say to our family members but to those people over there we can’t stop talking.
We have no time to work in our homes and are lazy in our offices, but in my neighbor Mrs. David’s home, we have all the time to help…and so it goes on. And how pleased we are when Mrs. David says, ‘What a kind man.’ Besides, when she adds, ‘wish I had a husband like you’, my God! the heart leaps within and we go back and tell our wives, ‘see what Mrs. David said today and you are always complaining!!!’ What hypocrites we all are, me included. We want to look good outside but inside we don’t mind if we are like animals. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. My friend, no matter what you are on the inside, God knows you. We can whitewash the tombs of our minds and nature and adorn them with garlands and rich festoons, but God can see the filth within.
In today’s verse, we see Jesus make a scathing indictment of hypocrites. He doesn’t mince words when he strikes the egos of those who put on facades and mind you, He will do the same with us. See my friend, is there any need to look good elsewhere but in our own backyards be like filth. Think deeply and you’ll find your answer. It is better to be loved at home where we can create the atmosphere of heaven, than be praised by all and sundry during the day and come back and create hell at home, where your people will dread your footfalls.
What is the use of piety if my goodness is seen only in the church? What is the use if we strive to keep friends and neighbors happy but the wife goes and cries on somebody else’s shoulder and the children have dry tears in their eyes and dread in their hearts? Let’s take Jesus’ message rather seriously and look towards being what we are everywhere. And if we are bad, so what? Isn’t Jesus there to change us?
March 14, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 23:27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
At a Retreat, a preacher said, ‘a Christian is one who is the same at Church, at home, in the market and place of work. If he is different in different places, he is a hypocrite. And hypocrisy has its downfall.’ How real and powerful these words are. How true in everyday life! In introspection, don’t we find our personalities waver according to the place we are at? We are so good when it comes to others but at our own homes and offices, we are like hooligans. We have no patience inside, but outside we are patience personified. We have no money to spare when the kids ask, but at a neighbor’s place our generosity is exalted. We have nothing to say to our family members but to those people over there we can’t stop talking.
We have no time to work in our homes and are lazy in our offices, but in my neighbor Mrs. David’s home, we have all the time to help…and so it goes on. And how pleased we are when Mrs. David says, ‘What a kind man.’ Besides, when she adds, ‘wish I had a husband like you’, my God! the heart leaps within and we go back and tell our wives, ‘see what Mrs. David said today and you are always complaining!!!’ What hypocrites we all are, me included. We want to look good outside but inside we don’t mind if we are like animals. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. My friend, no matter what you are on the inside, God knows you. We can whitewash the tombs of our minds and nature and adorn them with garlands and rich festoons, but God can see the filth within.
In today’s verse, we see Jesus make a scathing indictment of hypocrites. He doesn’t mince words when he strikes the egos of those who put on facades and mind you, He will do the same with us. See my friend, is there any need to look good elsewhere but in our own backyards be like filth. Think deeply and you’ll find your answer. It is better to be loved at home where we can create the atmosphere of heaven, than be praised by all and sundry during the day and come back and create hell at home, where your people will dread your footfalls.
What is the use of piety if my goodness is seen only in the church? What is the use if we strive to keep friends and neighbors happy but the wife goes and cries on somebody else’s shoulder and the children have dry tears in their eyes and dread in their hearts? Let’s take Jesus’ message rather seriously and look towards being what we are everywhere. And if we are bad, so what? Isn’t Jesus there to change us?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 13, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 41:12. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is a merciful God and He is always with us. But, in life, there are times He tries us. He seems to move away and we tread from one step of trouble to another. In saying this let me add that God will never try us beyond our strength… 1 Cor. 10:13. Our response in those dark and scary moments is what speaks of our integrity with God.
How often, when tried, we fall. How often we find the situation of deep affliction controlling us and we hardly remember God’s Word. Yes, I understand at that moment, our focus is on the pain, which is natural. But my friend, we are not called to be in the natural if we want to enjoy the blessings our Father in heaven sends us. Rather we are called to look upon His face so that His radiance is reflected on our faces and hold fast to His promises.
The challenge before us Christians is to welcome despair, hurt and pain in whatever measure He sends us. Remember through these moments alone, He can check whether we trust Him. An elderly woman I visited long ago, was suffering from cancer in her whole body. Yet, she used to get up, sit and pray for others with cancer, undergoing excruciating pain herself. I asked her how she managed. Smiling through that pain wracked face she told me, ‘Brother, in my pain I can see the pain of those people who suffer from cancer. I am pained more by their pain than mine. How then can I not sit up and pray for them? Didn’t Jesus pray for me on that cross?’
My friend the lesson I learned that day I’ll never forget. She passed away long ago, but her words will always remain in my mind. Before my being, I could see her integrity with her God and my God. I am reminded of my own inadequacy before God when I think of her and shame engulfs me. Have I been selfless like her? Do I accept the will of God in the suffering He gives me? Questions to which, answers are difficult to give, not because I don’t know them, but because they show me the ‘real me’.
But I know, if and when I have passed the test, He will set me before Him, to behold Him in all His glory. Then, wouldn’t all the pain in the world have been worth it?
March 13, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 41:12. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is a merciful God and He is always with us. But, in life, there are times He tries us. He seems to move away and we tread from one step of trouble to another. In saying this let me add that God will never try us beyond our strength… 1 Cor. 10:13. Our response in those dark and scary moments is what speaks of our integrity with God.
How often, when tried, we fall. How often we find the situation of deep affliction controlling us and we hardly remember God’s Word. Yes, I understand at that moment, our focus is on the pain, which is natural. But my friend, we are not called to be in the natural if we want to enjoy the blessings our Father in heaven sends us. Rather we are called to look upon His face so that His radiance is reflected on our faces and hold fast to His promises.
The challenge before us Christians is to welcome despair, hurt and pain in whatever measure He sends us. Remember through these moments alone, He can check whether we trust Him. An elderly woman I visited long ago, was suffering from cancer in her whole body. Yet, she used to get up, sit and pray for others with cancer, undergoing excruciating pain herself. I asked her how she managed. Smiling through that pain wracked face she told me, ‘Brother, in my pain I can see the pain of those people who suffer from cancer. I am pained more by their pain than mine. How then can I not sit up and pray for them? Didn’t Jesus pray for me on that cross?’
My friend the lesson I learned that day I’ll never forget. She passed away long ago, but her words will always remain in my mind. Before my being, I could see her integrity with her God and my God. I am reminded of my own inadequacy before God when I think of her and shame engulfs me. Have I been selfless like her? Do I accept the will of God in the suffering He gives me? Questions to which, answers are difficult to give, not because I don’t know them, but because they show me the ‘real me’.
But I know, if and when I have passed the test, He will set me before Him, to behold Him in all His glory. Then, wouldn’t all the pain in the world have been worth it?
Monday, March 12, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 12, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Sam. 16:7. For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
We Christians have a penchant for looking at the outward appearances of people and making our opinions depending, on what we see. The result is that many-a-times we are wrong and consequently suffer. For e.g. there are very suave looking people who come to us, asking us to invest in a scheme they propose. They seem to be so knowledgeable that we are very impressed with the first meeting. Taking our stupidity further, we invest and then after a while, we realize we have been conned but it’s too late.
Today’s Word is a good reminder of this trait of ours, of looking at the externals. It should provoke us to see others in the way God sees. God looks beneath the skin and discovers the goodness in human beings. When Jesus looked up at the Sycamore tree and saw Zacchaeus, He did not see him as the people saw him, rather as a beautiful soul who needed to be touched; and one who would respond immediately (Lk. 19:1-10). See how the whole thing turned out: Zacchaeus immediately accepted the offer of the Messiah and became eligible for the Kingdom.
Now contrast this with a man who came to Jesus with the question of how to inherit eternal life in Mk. 10:17-22. Now I am sure this man was not considered sinful. Rather, because he had observed the commandments from his birth and had meticulously kept them, he would probably have been considered pious too. But then, Jesus looked inside of him and sure enough, the man failed the test.
The folly of judging based on the externals has been pretty rampant with us humankind. It is God who alone always sees the inside and it is God who sets us offices in His Kingdom depending on what He sees. To the whole world you may be a misfit. But to God you are perfect. Let us today adopt that approach and see the gems where otherwise we are able to see only dirt.
March 12, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Sam. 16:7. For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
We Christians have a penchant for looking at the outward appearances of people and making our opinions depending, on what we see. The result is that many-a-times we are wrong and consequently suffer. For e.g. there are very suave looking people who come to us, asking us to invest in a scheme they propose. They seem to be so knowledgeable that we are very impressed with the first meeting. Taking our stupidity further, we invest and then after a while, we realize we have been conned but it’s too late.
Today’s Word is a good reminder of this trait of ours, of looking at the externals. It should provoke us to see others in the way God sees. God looks beneath the skin and discovers the goodness in human beings. When Jesus looked up at the Sycamore tree and saw Zacchaeus, He did not see him as the people saw him, rather as a beautiful soul who needed to be touched; and one who would respond immediately (Lk. 19:1-10). See how the whole thing turned out: Zacchaeus immediately accepted the offer of the Messiah and became eligible for the Kingdom.
Now contrast this with a man who came to Jesus with the question of how to inherit eternal life in Mk. 10:17-22. Now I am sure this man was not considered sinful. Rather, because he had observed the commandments from his birth and had meticulously kept them, he would probably have been considered pious too. But then, Jesus looked inside of him and sure enough, the man failed the test.
The folly of judging based on the externals has been pretty rampant with us humankind. It is God who alone always sees the inside and it is God who sets us offices in His Kingdom depending on what He sees. To the whole world you may be a misfit. But to God you are perfect. Let us today adopt that approach and see the gems where otherwise we are able to see only dirt.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 9, 2007
Today's verse: Ezek. 16:62. And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Humanity must exult and rejoice and praise God because throughout history God, although very angry and frustrated with men, has never ceased to apply His mercy upon us.
Right from the time Adam fell and became estranged with God, because he wanted to be like God, man has repeatedly sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We know that the earth is filled with the glory of God and the heavens continuously declare His glory. There is no place in creation, which is far from His glory. Yet, the irony is, we have fallen short of His glory. Not that His glory eschews us but that, we try to escape and hide from it, the way Adam and Eve hid when they heard the voice of God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.
Why do we do this? I believe it is because we are scared. Before such splendor, we are bound to fail because we ensconce ourselves with dirt. Because, we know He loves us and therefore we are ashamed to look Him in the face. But despite all this, God does not veer away from us. In fact, He says, ‘I have come to seek and save the lost!’ Oh what love doth our God have for us that He being so splendorous bends down in the dirt we are, to lift us up and bestow upon us, His splendor.
The best part my friend is, when we have wallowed in sin and misery and after we have experienced His chastening, He says: I will establish my covenant with you and you will know that I am God. See He will never allow us to be away from Him forever. Rather He will do what it takes to bring us to Him. He loves us that much. His anger lasts for a while, but His mercy extends forever. Look therefore at His face and be radiant.
March 9, 2007
Today's verse: Ezek. 16:62. And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Humanity must exult and rejoice and praise God because throughout history God, although very angry and frustrated with men, has never ceased to apply His mercy upon us.
Right from the time Adam fell and became estranged with God, because he wanted to be like God, man has repeatedly sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We know that the earth is filled with the glory of God and the heavens continuously declare His glory. There is no place in creation, which is far from His glory. Yet, the irony is, we have fallen short of His glory. Not that His glory eschews us but that, we try to escape and hide from it, the way Adam and Eve hid when they heard the voice of God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.
Why do we do this? I believe it is because we are scared. Before such splendor, we are bound to fail because we ensconce ourselves with dirt. Because, we know He loves us and therefore we are ashamed to look Him in the face. But despite all this, God does not veer away from us. In fact, He says, ‘I have come to seek and save the lost!’ Oh what love doth our God have for us that He being so splendorous bends down in the dirt we are, to lift us up and bestow upon us, His splendor.
The best part my friend is, when we have wallowed in sin and misery and after we have experienced His chastening, He says: I will establish my covenant with you and you will know that I am God. See He will never allow us to be away from Him forever. Rather He will do what it takes to bring us to Him. He loves us that much. His anger lasts for a while, but His mercy extends forever. Look therefore at His face and be radiant.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 7, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 7:5. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Character Assassination. We Christians are pretty familiar with this term and indulge in it too isn’t it? How easy it is for us to take a person and just add a few sentences to his or her name and slur their images.
The strange thing is that, the best of us do it. There are many of us, me included, who do this, most of the time, not unwittingly, but deliberately. Little do we reflect on our own lives and see the corrosion in our own characters wrought by our sins; yet, how we love to fling mud on others.
Jesus is very categorical when He says, that we must cast out the beam from our own eyes, before we look at the splinter in the others’ eye! If I were to look at my own life, I see so much dirt in it. Long back I heard a preaching saying: If you were to draw the sketch of your life on a huge white canvas, would you open it up for public viewing? Wouldn’t there be many areas you would like to hide under thick coats of paint? How true it is. We humans are a mixed bag of weaknesses and strengths. More weaknesses than strengths, and we do all kinds of immoral and unrighteous acts which, we don’t want others to know. Yet when our ‘enemies’ do the same, those very acts become outrageous! And of course, the whole world needs to know and through our tongues!
Reflect on your own life my friend and when some very ‘juicy’ news comes your way, please don’t spread it for how do you know it is true? Even if it was true, why should you spread it? What kind of pleasure would you get in demeaning the character of another person? Aren’t we Christians supposed to forgive? Lets get down to basics and learn what Christ has to say about these things. I urge each one of you, those who are observing the period of Lent and even those who are not, to make it a point to learn to respect all human beings just as Christ did and give them one more chance. Do you remember the adulterous woman in Ch. 8 of John’s Gospel? How Jesus forgave her? Do likewise this season and truly Jesus will say, ‘Salvation has entered her heart.’
March 7, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 7:5. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Character Assassination. We Christians are pretty familiar with this term and indulge in it too isn’t it? How easy it is for us to take a person and just add a few sentences to his or her name and slur their images.
The strange thing is that, the best of us do it. There are many of us, me included, who do this, most of the time, not unwittingly, but deliberately. Little do we reflect on our own lives and see the corrosion in our own characters wrought by our sins; yet, how we love to fling mud on others.
Jesus is very categorical when He says, that we must cast out the beam from our own eyes, before we look at the splinter in the others’ eye! If I were to look at my own life, I see so much dirt in it. Long back I heard a preaching saying: If you were to draw the sketch of your life on a huge white canvas, would you open it up for public viewing? Wouldn’t there be many areas you would like to hide under thick coats of paint? How true it is. We humans are a mixed bag of weaknesses and strengths. More weaknesses than strengths, and we do all kinds of immoral and unrighteous acts which, we don’t want others to know. Yet when our ‘enemies’ do the same, those very acts become outrageous! And of course, the whole world needs to know and through our tongues!
Reflect on your own life my friend and when some very ‘juicy’ news comes your way, please don’t spread it for how do you know it is true? Even if it was true, why should you spread it? What kind of pleasure would you get in demeaning the character of another person? Aren’t we Christians supposed to forgive? Lets get down to basics and learn what Christ has to say about these things. I urge each one of you, those who are observing the period of Lent and even those who are not, to make it a point to learn to respect all human beings just as Christ did and give them one more chance. Do you remember the adulterous woman in Ch. 8 of John’s Gospel? How Jesus forgave her? Do likewise this season and truly Jesus will say, ‘Salvation has entered her heart.’
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 6, 2007
Today's verse: James 1:20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
A great difficulty for most of us is in controlling our anger. Anger is the bane of the person striving to become perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect (ref. Mt. 5:20).
Anger, a form of negative energy, makes us blind to the situation and un-merciful. It is a trait, we learn from the time we are children and is the ‘stickiest’ of bad habits. Anger can single-handedly destroy all of God’s Grace in our lives. Not only that, it can also destroy our peace and families. The point therefore is, how do we put this emotion under our control? For that we need to see why we get angry. We usually get angry when we have certain expectations that are not met (so have no expectation of anybody, even if that were your child). Anger also floats in when our command is not obeyed thus pricking our ego (how much will your reputation be damaged if your sub-ordinate does not obey you? Will it sully your name? No way!). There could be other reasons for being angry too. However, it all boils down to one: Our ego.
For a Christian who has died to self and has dedicated himself to God, the ego dies. Of course let me say that it is not an easy thing for us to let go of our ego. It may take years and perhaps a lifetime too. But it needs to happen. I too suffer from the malady of anger, but mercifully God intervenes immediately in the mind, so even if I flare up, God shuts me up. That is because of my proximity to God and my constant effort to be tuned to Him. Which I would like to believe, all of us have in some way or other.
With the intervention of God, anger generally is toned down. God works in strange ways to control our anger and God does it because, He wants to clothe us with the righteousness of His Son. It is that righteousness which will catapult us into the doorway of Heaven and enable us to enjoy eternal bliss. My friend, if you get angry often, pray to God to do something about it, so that eventually when you stand before the throne, you are covered with His righteousness and the roll call of heaven will include your name too.
March 6, 2007
Today's verse: James 1:20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
A great difficulty for most of us is in controlling our anger. Anger is the bane of the person striving to become perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect (ref. Mt. 5:20).
Anger, a form of negative energy, makes us blind to the situation and un-merciful. It is a trait, we learn from the time we are children and is the ‘stickiest’ of bad habits. Anger can single-handedly destroy all of God’s Grace in our lives. Not only that, it can also destroy our peace and families. The point therefore is, how do we put this emotion under our control? For that we need to see why we get angry. We usually get angry when we have certain expectations that are not met (so have no expectation of anybody, even if that were your child). Anger also floats in when our command is not obeyed thus pricking our ego (how much will your reputation be damaged if your sub-ordinate does not obey you? Will it sully your name? No way!). There could be other reasons for being angry too. However, it all boils down to one: Our ego.
For a Christian who has died to self and has dedicated himself to God, the ego dies. Of course let me say that it is not an easy thing for us to let go of our ego. It may take years and perhaps a lifetime too. But it needs to happen. I too suffer from the malady of anger, but mercifully God intervenes immediately in the mind, so even if I flare up, God shuts me up. That is because of my proximity to God and my constant effort to be tuned to Him. Which I would like to believe, all of us have in some way or other.
With the intervention of God, anger generally is toned down. God works in strange ways to control our anger and God does it because, He wants to clothe us with the righteousness of His Son. It is that righteousness which will catapult us into the doorway of Heaven and enable us to enjoy eternal bliss. My friend, if you get angry often, pray to God to do something about it, so that eventually when you stand before the throne, you are covered with His righteousness and the roll call of heaven will include your name too.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 5, 2007
Today's verse: Eph. 6:18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Over the months, we have had much talk and exhortation about prayer. But it is never enough to just talk about prayer, but pray.
Prayer is important. We know what prayer has done to so many saints of God and also what prayer can do in our lives. But human conceit keeps us from praying. For e.g., I have to go today for an important meeting. I spend all my time preparing for it but when it comes to prayer, I may not even spend a minute on it. And I do not know why. I know the power of God delivered through prayer and I also experienced it in the past when prayer delivered results in similar situations. But now, I am just not inclined to pray. Sounds familiar?
I believe the key reason for this is, the ways of the world have so entered our system that the ways of God cannot penetrate, leave alone dislodge them. Worldly maxims suggest: ‘God helps those who help themselves’ and that is where I believe the problem lies. We continue helping ourselves 100% of the time. We do not even think of God, leave alone believe He can help us.
But let’s today determine to seek Him in every situation of our lives. Be it as small as stitching a button on a shirt. I know for a fact that God can deliver. I myself have prayed for small things like a parking slot in a busy locality for my scooter and God has given me that one spot I needed. I have prayed that we have sufficient water in days of water scarcity and God has done it. That’s why Iike Paul, I will exhort you to pray unceasingly. Not only for your needs but God’s needs too! If you break for a moment to do some task, go back and start praying and praising Him again. You can even do better. Pray in the Spirit. For the Spirit, prays with deep groaning, as to, hammer the heart of God and get you the right things in life. If you don’t know how, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. He loves to do it.
March 5, 2007
Today's verse: Eph. 6:18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Over the months, we have had much talk and exhortation about prayer. But it is never enough to just talk about prayer, but pray.
Prayer is important. We know what prayer has done to so many saints of God and also what prayer can do in our lives. But human conceit keeps us from praying. For e.g., I have to go today for an important meeting. I spend all my time preparing for it but when it comes to prayer, I may not even spend a minute on it. And I do not know why. I know the power of God delivered through prayer and I also experienced it in the past when prayer delivered results in similar situations. But now, I am just not inclined to pray. Sounds familiar?
I believe the key reason for this is, the ways of the world have so entered our system that the ways of God cannot penetrate, leave alone dislodge them. Worldly maxims suggest: ‘God helps those who help themselves’ and that is where I believe the problem lies. We continue helping ourselves 100% of the time. We do not even think of God, leave alone believe He can help us.
But let’s today determine to seek Him in every situation of our lives. Be it as small as stitching a button on a shirt. I know for a fact that God can deliver. I myself have prayed for small things like a parking slot in a busy locality for my scooter and God has given me that one spot I needed. I have prayed that we have sufficient water in days of water scarcity and God has done it. That’s why Iike Paul, I will exhort you to pray unceasingly. Not only for your needs but God’s needs too! If you break for a moment to do some task, go back and start praying and praising Him again. You can even do better. Pray in the Spirit. For the Spirit, prays with deep groaning, as to, hammer the heart of God and get you the right things in life. If you don’t know how, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. He loves to do it.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 2, 2007
Today's verse: Rom. 8:37. …in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
If I were to sing a love song to my Father in Heaven, my composition would comprise, 1. His Love. 2. His Mercy. 3. His Kindness and 4. His untiring eye of protection, on me.
Among all these, I would lay tremendous stress on His love. What is it about the love of God that makes us so secure? What kind of love does God have that we are not destroyed despite our rolling in sin over and over? God is a consuming fire, so what kind of love is there in God for us that we are not consumed even though we repeatedly offend Him?
I quickly understand that as I stand on this earth with the robe of humanness and finiteness, I will never be able to define the girth of God’s love. Nor will I be able to discern its nature. And where will I find the measuring stick to know the extent of it?
However, despite my lacuna in trying to compose the perfect love song to God, I can only say that I have felt the warmth of His love in each sinew and fiber of my being. In the dark of the night when the shadows seem too frightful and threatening, God’s loves comes with a whoosh and shatters the fright. Ah… I think, God must say to that shadow, ‘How dare you come near my child?’
Then again, when the billows of life cast themselves upon my life, making it impossible to do the simplest of things and encroach upon my freedom of living a full life, His love comes to my rescue.
My friend, God’s love is so ample, it’s there in every aspect of your and my life. Notice, the way your eyes are reading this, don’t you perceive that His loves gives you the sight to read of His love for you and to rise up and conquer the world with His power given to you because of His great love? Understand I may not, but atleast I can reflect with some sense on what Paul says, ‘we are more than conquerors through Him…’ and I may by His Grace modify slightly saying ‘…because He loves us so.’
March 2, 2007
Today's verse: Rom. 8:37. …in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
If I were to sing a love song to my Father in Heaven, my composition would comprise, 1. His Love. 2. His Mercy. 3. His Kindness and 4. His untiring eye of protection, on me.
Among all these, I would lay tremendous stress on His love. What is it about the love of God that makes us so secure? What kind of love does God have that we are not destroyed despite our rolling in sin over and over? God is a consuming fire, so what kind of love is there in God for us that we are not consumed even though we repeatedly offend Him?
I quickly understand that as I stand on this earth with the robe of humanness and finiteness, I will never be able to define the girth of God’s love. Nor will I be able to discern its nature. And where will I find the measuring stick to know the extent of it?
However, despite my lacuna in trying to compose the perfect love song to God, I can only say that I have felt the warmth of His love in each sinew and fiber of my being. In the dark of the night when the shadows seem too frightful and threatening, God’s loves comes with a whoosh and shatters the fright. Ah… I think, God must say to that shadow, ‘How dare you come near my child?’
Then again, when the billows of life cast themselves upon my life, making it impossible to do the simplest of things and encroach upon my freedom of living a full life, His love comes to my rescue.
My friend, God’s love is so ample, it’s there in every aspect of your and my life. Notice, the way your eyes are reading this, don’t you perceive that His loves gives you the sight to read of His love for you and to rise up and conquer the world with His power given to you because of His great love? Understand I may not, but atleast I can reflect with some sense on what Paul says, ‘we are more than conquerors through Him…’ and I may by His Grace modify slightly saying ‘…because He loves us so.’
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Thoughts for another day
March 1, 2007
Today's verse: Judges 10:16. …and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is this psalm: Great is Your Name Lord, its Majesty fills the earth. When we sing it, we hardly bother to understand why the psalmist wrote it. Has he written it because he saw God’s greatness in the moon and the stars? Or, because God, gave him control over all the things of the earth?
Think about it. I believe, the clue lies in verse 4…’what is man that Thou are mindful of him?’ We know that God is truly great and majestic. There is no, and can never be, any comparison with Him whatsoever. The sun and even greater stars as scientists claim to exist, pale in comparison before God. Yet, when it comes to man, it is as if God forgets how great He is. Just look at what Jesus did. He came as a very common man and died a miserable death. And Jesus is God. He left His glory behind and came to earth, a weakling! It’s because He loved man. It’s because man is precious to Him.
Now think about the many diverse ways we offend God. Really if someone would offend me like that, I would cut off completely from that person. Never talk to him nor have anything to do with him, ever. The Israelites offended God with the worst sins. Their perversity was abhorrent. They even exchanged the Glory of the living God and embraced idols made by man with its compulsive rituals; this they did to satisfy their carnal needs. They wanted a god who would be there at their beck and call. They wanted to drum up his presence with their sordid dances and slashing of wrists, etc. They thought such neurotic acts could bring their god to them and answer their prayers. They terribly insulted God Yahweh making a mockery of Him, the Most High. So God with a heavy heart abandoned them.
Isn’t this story familiar today too?
But the story doesn’t end here. When the Israelites turned their faces and cried out to God Almighty, He relented. My friend, today’s verse says that. In fact, it says even more…His soul was grieved. He was saddened to the core! And He came to their aid. See how beautiful is the God we serve. Ever willing to forgive. In my mind’s eye when I see myself calling out to Him after a fall, I see Him running towards me, just as the father of the prodigal son and embracing me, the super filth, and giving me a new robe and a ring on which is stamped, ‘My beloved child’.
March 1, 2007
Today's verse: Judges 10:16. …and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is this psalm: Great is Your Name Lord, its Majesty fills the earth. When we sing it, we hardly bother to understand why the psalmist wrote it. Has he written it because he saw God’s greatness in the moon and the stars? Or, because God, gave him control over all the things of the earth?
Think about it. I believe, the clue lies in verse 4…’what is man that Thou are mindful of him?’ We know that God is truly great and majestic. There is no, and can never be, any comparison with Him whatsoever. The sun and even greater stars as scientists claim to exist, pale in comparison before God. Yet, when it comes to man, it is as if God forgets how great He is. Just look at what Jesus did. He came as a very common man and died a miserable death. And Jesus is God. He left His glory behind and came to earth, a weakling! It’s because He loved man. It’s because man is precious to Him.
Now think about the many diverse ways we offend God. Really if someone would offend me like that, I would cut off completely from that person. Never talk to him nor have anything to do with him, ever. The Israelites offended God with the worst sins. Their perversity was abhorrent. They even exchanged the Glory of the living God and embraced idols made by man with its compulsive rituals; this they did to satisfy their carnal needs. They wanted a god who would be there at their beck and call. They wanted to drum up his presence with their sordid dances and slashing of wrists, etc. They thought such neurotic acts could bring their god to them and answer their prayers. They terribly insulted God Yahweh making a mockery of Him, the Most High. So God with a heavy heart abandoned them.
Isn’t this story familiar today too?
But the story doesn’t end here. When the Israelites turned their faces and cried out to God Almighty, He relented. My friend, today’s verse says that. In fact, it says even more…His soul was grieved. He was saddened to the core! And He came to their aid. See how beautiful is the God we serve. Ever willing to forgive. In my mind’s eye when I see myself calling out to Him after a fall, I see Him running towards me, just as the father of the prodigal son and embracing me, the super filth, and giving me a new robe and a ring on which is stamped, ‘My beloved child’.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)