Thoughts for another day
April 27, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 12:3. and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Isn’t it surprising that when you say Jesus is Lord, you are doing it by the Holy Spirit? By extension it means that the Holy Spirit resides in you, no matter what your ‘soul condition’ is. Such is the Grace of God, which He has appropriated toward you because you care to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. For, when His Spirit dwells in you, then the whole of the Kingdom of Heaven is opened unto you, with its joys and blessings; just goes to show how gracious our God is!
Do you know there are some people who are so bound that they do not, or shall I say, cannot say ‘Jesus is Lord’. Surprisingly, you may even notice that these people live in conditions of peace and prosperity and may wonder how they live in such tranquility when they are not able to declare the Lordship of Jesus. The answer is found in the sermon on the mount when Jesus says, ‘He rises His sun on the bad and the good and causes rain to fall on the just and unjust.’ God is a just God and His judgment applies when you come to believe. He understands the sorry plight of the unbeliever and therefore His edicts of retribution on their ‘belief-less’ life may not apply to their existence on the earth. But for eternal life…there is no alternative to belief in Jesus Christ. Which is why His Word urges us to proclaim Jesus.
There are many Christians and believers also who are unable to say ‘Jesus is Lord’. It is for them that I ask you to pray. You may wonder how they can’t declare, but know the power of darkness and principalities are so strong that they can easily overwhelm the flesh. It’s only when the flesh is cocooned by His Spirit, that no power can withstand the same flesh. I urge you my friend today to be concerned about that brother and sister who is bound by satan and cannot come to accept the Kingship of Jesus leave alone, declare it… Pray that God’s Spirit come upon them and their tongues are loosened to declare ‘Jesus is Lord’, just as you are able to. God bless you for it.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 26, 2007
Today's verse: Rom. 7:24. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
This statement of Paul, though shocking, is yet a sincere admission of his own spiritual bankruptcy before the Most High. When the Spirit of God touches us and makes us realize how ‘inable’ we are and then when we search within us for that one thing that may somehow make us look a little worthy before the Only Worthy One, and we find nothing, it really shakes us up.
When our souls yield to God and enjoy His fellowship, an internal war erupts. The battle of the flesh with the spirit. We understand there is a mismatch between what we are and what we ought to be before God. We fail to understand why we do something not right in the sight of God. An experience most of us have is: why did we consciously do that which was displeasing to God? Facing this question is a daunting task because before us we have the loving face of the Father and the bloodstained, disfigured body of our Lord Jesus. It is as if They seem to ask, ‘Why, My child do you do this when We love you so much?’ Like they say, there are some truths difficult to face and this really stings the heart.
Paul is heavily stung by the wretchedness he faces in himself. He realizes that the flesh is deathly and subject to death. He knows his wretchedness can be attributed to sin in his flesh. He looks for redemption and his heart is heavy. But then he rejoices over the fact that Jesus Christ has made it possible for him to get out of his melancholy and be freed from the shackles of sin by His enduring and abundant sacrifice. My friend this truth applies to all; for the merits of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ have been extended to each and every human who ever walked or is destined to walk, the face of this earth.
If today, your heart is wearied by your own shamefulness before God, take heart, for He has taken your shame and clothed you with His glory. Heaven is your right and rejoicing your nature. Like Paul you can say, I thank God through our Lord Jesus, for giving me the privilege of being a citizen of heaven.
April 26, 2007
Today's verse: Rom. 7:24. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
This statement of Paul, though shocking, is yet a sincere admission of his own spiritual bankruptcy before the Most High. When the Spirit of God touches us and makes us realize how ‘inable’ we are and then when we search within us for that one thing that may somehow make us look a little worthy before the Only Worthy One, and we find nothing, it really shakes us up.
When our souls yield to God and enjoy His fellowship, an internal war erupts. The battle of the flesh with the spirit. We understand there is a mismatch between what we are and what we ought to be before God. We fail to understand why we do something not right in the sight of God. An experience most of us have is: why did we consciously do that which was displeasing to God? Facing this question is a daunting task because before us we have the loving face of the Father and the bloodstained, disfigured body of our Lord Jesus. It is as if They seem to ask, ‘Why, My child do you do this when We love you so much?’ Like they say, there are some truths difficult to face and this really stings the heart.
Paul is heavily stung by the wretchedness he faces in himself. He realizes that the flesh is deathly and subject to death. He knows his wretchedness can be attributed to sin in his flesh. He looks for redemption and his heart is heavy. But then he rejoices over the fact that Jesus Christ has made it possible for him to get out of his melancholy and be freed from the shackles of sin by His enduring and abundant sacrifice. My friend this truth applies to all; for the merits of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ have been extended to each and every human who ever walked or is destined to walk, the face of this earth.
If today, your heart is wearied by your own shamefulness before God, take heart, for He has taken your shame and clothed you with His glory. Heaven is your right and rejoicing your nature. Like Paul you can say, I thank God through our Lord Jesus, for giving me the privilege of being a citizen of heaven.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 25, 2007
Today's verse: James 5:15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Today’s verse is like most of God’s promises, a simple statement of faith. It states that the ‘prayer of faith’ shall save the sick… The crucial point is ‘prayer of faith’ and most of us do not know how to pray; besides faith is something although we profess to have, we do not exhibit when situations ask for it.
But, when God says that the sick can be saved by, the ‘prayer of faith’, God means it. Ask some of those people who you think are prayerful and have prayed for others or self in the past. You will learn that God has never disappointed them. Prayer and faith are powerful weapons inter-related and working in tandem; not operating in isolation of the other. Like you will pray, only when you have faith. I am not talking here of some mumbling which most of us call prayer, rather a heart to heart connection with God. James mentions exactly that when he refers to prayer, that comes out of faith.
Prayer like they say, can move mountains and God has demonstrated it amply. People have prayed in the past and in faith claimed the thing that they needed, whether for self or for others even while the answer seemed impossible. While praying itself, God puts in our spirit the answer; and long before it happens, we know God has answered our prayer. When you stand in faith, you stand in His Name in firmness, a situation that opens your heart for the supernatural to happen in your life. And when you have that heart to heart connection with God, the supernatural happens. That is why James says, the sick ‘shall’ and not ‘may’ be saved.
In addition to the sickness going away, God in His mercy also forgives the sins of the sick person as we see in the verse. You see, it is God’s will that all be saved. First, the soul then, the body. This is demonstrated by, Jesus when the paralytic is brought through the roof on a stretcher, He first says, ‘Child your sins are forgiven’, Mk. 2:5. For God’s desire is wholeness of life and there is no wholeness of life without forgiveness of sin otherwise it is like treating the symptoms of the disease rather than the disease itself! See the magnificence of God. Experience it for yourself in the ‘prayer of faith.’
April 25, 2007
Today's verse: James 5:15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Today’s verse is like most of God’s promises, a simple statement of faith. It states that the ‘prayer of faith’ shall save the sick… The crucial point is ‘prayer of faith’ and most of us do not know how to pray; besides faith is something although we profess to have, we do not exhibit when situations ask for it.
But, when God says that the sick can be saved by, the ‘prayer of faith’, God means it. Ask some of those people who you think are prayerful and have prayed for others or self in the past. You will learn that God has never disappointed them. Prayer and faith are powerful weapons inter-related and working in tandem; not operating in isolation of the other. Like you will pray, only when you have faith. I am not talking here of some mumbling which most of us call prayer, rather a heart to heart connection with God. James mentions exactly that when he refers to prayer, that comes out of faith.
Prayer like they say, can move mountains and God has demonstrated it amply. People have prayed in the past and in faith claimed the thing that they needed, whether for self or for others even while the answer seemed impossible. While praying itself, God puts in our spirit the answer; and long before it happens, we know God has answered our prayer. When you stand in faith, you stand in His Name in firmness, a situation that opens your heart for the supernatural to happen in your life. And when you have that heart to heart connection with God, the supernatural happens. That is why James says, the sick ‘shall’ and not ‘may’ be saved.
In addition to the sickness going away, God in His mercy also forgives the sins of the sick person as we see in the verse. You see, it is God’s will that all be saved. First, the soul then, the body. This is demonstrated by, Jesus when the paralytic is brought through the roof on a stretcher, He first says, ‘Child your sins are forgiven’, Mk. 2:5. For God’s desire is wholeness of life and there is no wholeness of life without forgiveness of sin otherwise it is like treating the symptoms of the disease rather than the disease itself! See the magnificence of God. Experience it for yourself in the ‘prayer of faith.’
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 24, 2007
Today's verse: Nu. 18:20. And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Not every moment of our lives are we at peace, with things that happen to us. In fact I have seen that the more you believe in God, the more is the experience of injustice. And it comes in all forms. Everyone seems to be aligned against you and you really feel frustrated and dejected. The chips seem down and the clouds of anxiety loom around.
Now take a good look at today’s verse for there is a profound message in the promise The Lord made Aaron. This promise, by virtue of Christ’s sacrifice and the resultant sanctification of mankind, is ours to hold and own too. St Peter says that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…1 Pet. 2:9 and so we are by His own choice. Therefore, it is incumbent upon God’s spiritual laws to assign the promise to us.
And this promise is tremendous if you know how tremendous God is. He says, ‘do I not fill heaven and earth?’, Jer. 23:24 while in Ps. 50:12 He says, ‘The world is mine and the fullness thereof.’ So everything is God’s and He is all in all. Put this as a seal in your heart and believe in it.
Then, when there is injustice in terms of your increment in salary being lower than the others, even when you are more worthy, fret not for He is your inheritance. When by your righteous living you don’t have much while your neighbor’s wealth overflows, envy him not for God is your portion. My friend, you may feel low when you actually experience this, but just leave it to God for your means will seem to be abundant, although it seems little, in times of thick and thin; but your neighbor’s wealth dries up as soon as an adversity floats into his home. Because it is from God, who is never ending and all complete, that you draw up your riches and in Him you can rest assured that they will never dry up. Amen.
April 24, 2007
Today's verse: Nu. 18:20. And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Not every moment of our lives are we at peace, with things that happen to us. In fact I have seen that the more you believe in God, the more is the experience of injustice. And it comes in all forms. Everyone seems to be aligned against you and you really feel frustrated and dejected. The chips seem down and the clouds of anxiety loom around.
Now take a good look at today’s verse for there is a profound message in the promise The Lord made Aaron. This promise, by virtue of Christ’s sacrifice and the resultant sanctification of mankind, is ours to hold and own too. St Peter says that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…1 Pet. 2:9 and so we are by His own choice. Therefore, it is incumbent upon God’s spiritual laws to assign the promise to us.
And this promise is tremendous if you know how tremendous God is. He says, ‘do I not fill heaven and earth?’, Jer. 23:24 while in Ps. 50:12 He says, ‘The world is mine and the fullness thereof.’ So everything is God’s and He is all in all. Put this as a seal in your heart and believe in it.
Then, when there is injustice in terms of your increment in salary being lower than the others, even when you are more worthy, fret not for He is your inheritance. When by your righteous living you don’t have much while your neighbor’s wealth overflows, envy him not for God is your portion. My friend, you may feel low when you actually experience this, but just leave it to God for your means will seem to be abundant, although it seems little, in times of thick and thin; but your neighbor’s wealth dries up as soon as an adversity floats into his home. Because it is from God, who is never ending and all complete, that you draw up your riches and in Him you can rest assured that they will never dry up. Amen.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 23, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 1:21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I want to take you today inside the mind of the girl, Ugur Yuksel, 32, was to marry. Yuksel was murdered last Wednesday in Malatya, Turkey. He was a convert from islam, involved in distributing biblical tracts published by Zirve Publishing. He was murdered for spreading Christianity along with two others. Even more shocking was that all three of them were fiercely tortured for three hours before their murder. Read url: http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070420-064724-9427r.
What would be going on in this girl’s mind? A few days ago, she must have planned to spend a lifetime of enjoying his companionship and building a family. Then it all ended and she must have probably fainted on seeing his badly tortured body. I am sure if she isn’t a firm believer, she must have thought what a foolish man he was. Couldn’t he mind his own business and not bother with other people? What might she be thinking at this very moment? Would you like to imagine it?
Sometimes in aligning ourselves to God’s mission, we face censure from the world… from both, our families and the enemies of Christ. Our families, because they don’t want to see us suffering. The enemies of Christ because, they want to silence us. But it is the censure from the family that’s more restraining and painful in that, while we are charged to spread the Good News, it is these who dissuade us; not reflecting for even a moment on the fact that no evil can touch us unless allowed by God and our lives being precious to God cannot be extinguished till God signals the end.
For many, proclaiming the Good News in the face of trouble, is foolishness. Take a good look at today’s verse. Our own wisdom was insufficient in God’s wisdom to give us salvation or for that matter to know God. But it is only by the foolishness of proclamation that we can be saved, when we believe. The Word of God cuts through our desensitized minds by saying the exact opposite of what we come to hold by the wisdom of the world. It says, when we are weak, then, we are strong; in silence we learn for when we shut up, then we are filled with strength, in both mind and body …and so on. My friend, consider God’s ways in assimilating His wisdom in your mind. Think not that He isn’t aware of things that happen to us. Remember that when adverse things are happening, God is busy working out the salvation of the world through us. What a wonderful office to hold.
April 23, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 1:21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I want to take you today inside the mind of the girl, Ugur Yuksel, 32, was to marry. Yuksel was murdered last Wednesday in Malatya, Turkey. He was a convert from islam, involved in distributing biblical tracts published by Zirve Publishing. He was murdered for spreading Christianity along with two others. Even more shocking was that all three of them were fiercely tortured for three hours before their murder. Read url: http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070420-064724-9427r.
What would be going on in this girl’s mind? A few days ago, she must have planned to spend a lifetime of enjoying his companionship and building a family. Then it all ended and she must have probably fainted on seeing his badly tortured body. I am sure if she isn’t a firm believer, she must have thought what a foolish man he was. Couldn’t he mind his own business and not bother with other people? What might she be thinking at this very moment? Would you like to imagine it?
Sometimes in aligning ourselves to God’s mission, we face censure from the world… from both, our families and the enemies of Christ. Our families, because they don’t want to see us suffering. The enemies of Christ because, they want to silence us. But it is the censure from the family that’s more restraining and painful in that, while we are charged to spread the Good News, it is these who dissuade us; not reflecting for even a moment on the fact that no evil can touch us unless allowed by God and our lives being precious to God cannot be extinguished till God signals the end.
For many, proclaiming the Good News in the face of trouble, is foolishness. Take a good look at today’s verse. Our own wisdom was insufficient in God’s wisdom to give us salvation or for that matter to know God. But it is only by the foolishness of proclamation that we can be saved, when we believe. The Word of God cuts through our desensitized minds by saying the exact opposite of what we come to hold by the wisdom of the world. It says, when we are weak, then, we are strong; in silence we learn for when we shut up, then we are filled with strength, in both mind and body …and so on. My friend, consider God’s ways in assimilating His wisdom in your mind. Think not that He isn’t aware of things that happen to us. Remember that when adverse things are happening, God is busy working out the salvation of the world through us. What a wonderful office to hold.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 20, 2007
Today's verse: Gen 28:16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
How true is the above verse in our lives too is it not? We might not have seen a dream as did Jacob, but God gave us a powerful experience of His presence and jolted us from our reverie. Yet how scarcely do we recognise Him, who is our Lord and attribute our defining moments to His Grace. The irony is that we also say like Jacob, ‘I know it not!’
Jacob had a defining moment at Bethel enroute to His uncle Laban’s home. God chose to give him an experience of Himself in a dream and it was really awesome. When He woke up, He sensed God’s presence and set up a memorial stone. Taking a cue from Jacob, we too, must set up an indelible memorial insignia of God’s presence in our lives so that at the time of tribulation and insecurity, we must remember that God is on our side.
In the dream God tells Jacob, ‘Know that I am with you wherever you go…’ so too my friend, if you believe in Him, He becomes what He became to Jacob. A Father and a Guardian. In fact even more is His eagerness to become that today because of His Son’s Name in which we place our petitions at His feet. All He requires us to do to delight us is that we praise Him and yield to His will, shunning sin and loving our neighbor.
April 20, 2007
Today's verse: Gen 28:16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
How true is the above verse in our lives too is it not? We might not have seen a dream as did Jacob, but God gave us a powerful experience of His presence and jolted us from our reverie. Yet how scarcely do we recognise Him, who is our Lord and attribute our defining moments to His Grace. The irony is that we also say like Jacob, ‘I know it not!’
Jacob had a defining moment at Bethel enroute to His uncle Laban’s home. God chose to give him an experience of Himself in a dream and it was really awesome. When He woke up, He sensed God’s presence and set up a memorial stone. Taking a cue from Jacob, we too, must set up an indelible memorial insignia of God’s presence in our lives so that at the time of tribulation and insecurity, we must remember that God is on our side.
In the dream God tells Jacob, ‘Know that I am with you wherever you go…’ so too my friend, if you believe in Him, He becomes what He became to Jacob. A Father and a Guardian. In fact even more is His eagerness to become that today because of His Son’s Name in which we place our petitions at His feet. All He requires us to do to delight us is that we praise Him and yield to His will, shunning sin and loving our neighbor.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 19, 2007
Today's verse: Is. 43:22. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God at many times is exasperated with us for the way in which we treat Him. He has done so much for us (remember by ourselves, there is hardly anything we can do) and there are many examples in our past, which define the work of God in our lives, yet we do not remember Him at the present. If you were to go back a few verses to the above, you will see God talking about the marvelous things He did in the past. He also says; He will be with them through thick and thin (v 2). Besides, in v 19, He mentions that He will do something new; and all this, so that they could be His people and proclaim His praises. Yet, He is dismayed that they have not called upon Him; rather they have been tired of Him.
Look at this very objectively and you will see pain in the heart of The Father. My friend, when we ignore God, and trust others to do things which He can easily do, He is pained. When our confidence rests in man, His countenance falls. He must think, ‘Here I am, all-powerful and merciful. Yet these my people, do not want to come to me, despite my telling them again and again that I love them.’
Do a quick search of your own life. How do you see God intertwined with it? Do you feel that you have involved Him at all times? I understand it is a little difficult to trust Him when the water has risen up to the nose. But God rushes in at the last minute. That’s His way. All His things are on time. We can’t say it is late for we do not know? But that’s not the case with God. He has seen your life completely. So it’s best to trust Him. Work my friend to involve God in every aspect of your life. Call upon Him each moment. Weary Him with your tears and do not be weary of Him. You will see then His glorious hand in your life.
April 19, 2007
Today's verse: Is. 43:22. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God at many times is exasperated with us for the way in which we treat Him. He has done so much for us (remember by ourselves, there is hardly anything we can do) and there are many examples in our past, which define the work of God in our lives, yet we do not remember Him at the present. If you were to go back a few verses to the above, you will see God talking about the marvelous things He did in the past. He also says; He will be with them through thick and thin (v 2). Besides, in v 19, He mentions that He will do something new; and all this, so that they could be His people and proclaim His praises. Yet, He is dismayed that they have not called upon Him; rather they have been tired of Him.
Look at this very objectively and you will see pain in the heart of The Father. My friend, when we ignore God, and trust others to do things which He can easily do, He is pained. When our confidence rests in man, His countenance falls. He must think, ‘Here I am, all-powerful and merciful. Yet these my people, do not want to come to me, despite my telling them again and again that I love them.’
Do a quick search of your own life. How do you see God intertwined with it? Do you feel that you have involved Him at all times? I understand it is a little difficult to trust Him when the water has risen up to the nose. But God rushes in at the last minute. That’s His way. All His things are on time. We can’t say it is late for we do not know? But that’s not the case with God. He has seen your life completely. So it’s best to trust Him. Work my friend to involve God in every aspect of your life. Call upon Him each moment. Weary Him with your tears and do not be weary of Him. You will see then His glorious hand in your life.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 18, 2007
Today's verse: Job 23:14. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is this beautiful song: He is able, more than able to accomplish what concerns me today… Really when you think of it, and you truly believe in the Fatherhood of our Abba in heaven, you will be delighted to learn and reiterate that ‘He is able’.
God has given us life and put us in the cocoon of our families to be nurtured and molded as His child. Then when we grow up, we are to do the same with our children. But there are times we look at what is happening in our own lives and we see our life derailing from what seems to us to be the proper track. We despair; get frustrated and are drained out. Our spirits are not able to reconcile with the turmoil within. Seasons go by and all seems worthless and futile. ‘What to do?’ is the question uppermost in our minds.
My friend, in the midst of this strife, it is right to look up to heaven. Maybe a fair dew will trickle down our creased brows and remind us that ‘He is able’. You know, we can do nothing without Him. We may boast and shout that we are self-made and that all things are possible with us. But is it really possible? What if you had asked this question, to one of those who were in the jets that crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, just minutes before it crashed. What would he or she have told you?
But God is able. You never know with Him around, anything is possible. You may be a pauper one day and turn into a millionaire the next or the reverse. All power is at His command. He can call into being that which doesn’t exist. Awesome and glorious is He. And you His child can tap that power only if you believe that He is able to perform the thing that He has appointed for you and even more.
April 18, 2007
Today's verse: Job 23:14. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is this beautiful song: He is able, more than able to accomplish what concerns me today… Really when you think of it, and you truly believe in the Fatherhood of our Abba in heaven, you will be delighted to learn and reiterate that ‘He is able’.
God has given us life and put us in the cocoon of our families to be nurtured and molded as His child. Then when we grow up, we are to do the same with our children. But there are times we look at what is happening in our own lives and we see our life derailing from what seems to us to be the proper track. We despair; get frustrated and are drained out. Our spirits are not able to reconcile with the turmoil within. Seasons go by and all seems worthless and futile. ‘What to do?’ is the question uppermost in our minds.
My friend, in the midst of this strife, it is right to look up to heaven. Maybe a fair dew will trickle down our creased brows and remind us that ‘He is able’. You know, we can do nothing without Him. We may boast and shout that we are self-made and that all things are possible with us. But is it really possible? What if you had asked this question, to one of those who were in the jets that crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, just minutes before it crashed. What would he or she have told you?
But God is able. You never know with Him around, anything is possible. You may be a pauper one day and turn into a millionaire the next or the reverse. All power is at His command. He can call into being that which doesn’t exist. Awesome and glorious is He. And you His child can tap that power only if you believe that He is able to perform the thing that He has appointed for you and even more.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 17, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 50:25. The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are times when people irritate us a lot. And it is not an irritation of an easy sort but one, which creates maximum redness under the collar. Then there are situations created by some people, which make us seethe because they cause us great discomfort. At these times, we are so angry that we want to retaliate and hurt them too.
But caution; For the Lord says: ‘…do not look for revenge…for vengeance is Mine, I will repay…’ I remember the life of David. Saul was seeking to kill him for no fault of his and he was on the run. Two times was Saul put into his hands that he could kill him. Yet, David didn’t touch him; rather David prevented his servants too from hurting him saying that Saul was the Lord’s anointed and woe unto him to harm Saul.
In today’s verse, look at how the Lord is ready to wreck vengeance on the Babylonians (or Chaldeans). You will remember that the Babylonians had destroyed the Israelites and the Temple of the Most High. Further humiliation resulted from their exile to Babylon. Before the Babylonians, the Israelites were really helpless. A careful reading of Isaiah and Jeremiah will reveal, even that, had been brought about by the Lord because the Israelites had sinned grievously. That, which was His inheritance, He, the Lord had rejected. But then the Lord had told through the prophets that He would bring them back. The above Word is ensconced at that moment. A Word of confidence and power. A sign of massive vengeance on the Babylonians. And we know the Lord did it.
My friend when you have the Great God, the Most High with you, there is naught you need fear, for even if they have wronged you dreadfully, He will at His time wreck such a vengeance on them that they shall dread coming in your path ever! But only know, leave the vengeance to Him, He will redeem.
April 17, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 50:25. The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are times when people irritate us a lot. And it is not an irritation of an easy sort but one, which creates maximum redness under the collar. Then there are situations created by some people, which make us seethe because they cause us great discomfort. At these times, we are so angry that we want to retaliate and hurt them too.
But caution; For the Lord says: ‘…do not look for revenge…for vengeance is Mine, I will repay…’ I remember the life of David. Saul was seeking to kill him for no fault of his and he was on the run. Two times was Saul put into his hands that he could kill him. Yet, David didn’t touch him; rather David prevented his servants too from hurting him saying that Saul was the Lord’s anointed and woe unto him to harm Saul.
In today’s verse, look at how the Lord is ready to wreck vengeance on the Babylonians (or Chaldeans). You will remember that the Babylonians had destroyed the Israelites and the Temple of the Most High. Further humiliation resulted from their exile to Babylon. Before the Babylonians, the Israelites were really helpless. A careful reading of Isaiah and Jeremiah will reveal, even that, had been brought about by the Lord because the Israelites had sinned grievously. That, which was His inheritance, He, the Lord had rejected. But then the Lord had told through the prophets that He would bring them back. The above Word is ensconced at that moment. A Word of confidence and power. A sign of massive vengeance on the Babylonians. And we know the Lord did it.
My friend when you have the Great God, the Most High with you, there is naught you need fear, for even if they have wronged you dreadfully, He will at His time wreck such a vengeance on them that they shall dread coming in your path ever! But only know, leave the vengeance to Him, He will redeem.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 16, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 16:15. Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is an error that lies in the heart of man: The ‘desire’ to look good before the world and please others. We somehow tend to seek favor from the denizens of the world more than we seek favor from the Lord of Heaven. Jesus clearly mentions this in John 5:44. I’d say, this is a real tragedy for mankind because he pleases man and thus puts himself in line for God’s retribution, having not sought His hand on his life.
This error is the root of most strife in the world. It beckons the base nature of man, which seeks to look good before the world. Conceit and covetousness arise, as well as the desire to conquer, plunder and inappropriately reign, rule supreme. In this we tend to forget what we are here for and do the exact opposite of what we should really be doing.
A good look at our own lives will also reveal the absurdity of our actions in seeking gratification from man. Don’t we try to please those in authority so that we could be seen as hobnobbing with them and thus appear to be powerful? Don’t we seek positions of honor to show the world that we are achievers? Ah, how we want to show the others that we’ve arrived! This list can go on but suffice it to say that God is not pleased with this endeavor.
God yearns that we please Him above all. He wants to bless us and give us full lives but this can happen only when we give Him the no. 1 place in our world. God is pleased with those who seek His favor and don’t mind looking foolish before the world. Come to think of it, isn’t it much foolishness to please temporary man rather than please the Eternal One. Question, what would your status be on this?
April 16, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 16:15. Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is an error that lies in the heart of man: The ‘desire’ to look good before the world and please others. We somehow tend to seek favor from the denizens of the world more than we seek favor from the Lord of Heaven. Jesus clearly mentions this in John 5:44. I’d say, this is a real tragedy for mankind because he pleases man and thus puts himself in line for God’s retribution, having not sought His hand on his life.
This error is the root of most strife in the world. It beckons the base nature of man, which seeks to look good before the world. Conceit and covetousness arise, as well as the desire to conquer, plunder and inappropriately reign, rule supreme. In this we tend to forget what we are here for and do the exact opposite of what we should really be doing.
A good look at our own lives will also reveal the absurdity of our actions in seeking gratification from man. Don’t we try to please those in authority so that we could be seen as hobnobbing with them and thus appear to be powerful? Don’t we seek positions of honor to show the world that we are achievers? Ah, how we want to show the others that we’ve arrived! This list can go on but suffice it to say that God is not pleased with this endeavor.
God yearns that we please Him above all. He wants to bless us and give us full lives but this can happen only when we give Him the no. 1 place in our world. God is pleased with those who seek His favor and don’t mind looking foolish before the world. Come to think of it, isn’t it much foolishness to please temporary man rather than please the Eternal One. Question, what would your status be on this?
Thoughts for another day
April 16, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 16:15. Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is an error that lies in the heart of man: The ‘desire’ to look good before the world and please others. We somehow tend to seek favor from the denizens of the world more than we seek favor from the Lord of Heaven. Jesus clearly mentions this in John 5:44. I’d say, this is a real tragedy for mankind because he pleases man and thus puts himself in line for God’s retribution, having not sought His hand on his life.
This error is the root of most strife in the world. It beckons the base nature of man, which seeks to look good before the world. Conceit and covetousness arise, as well as the desire to conquer, plunder and inappropriately reign, rule supreme. In this we tend to forget what we are here for and do the exact opposite of what we should really be doing.
A good look at our own lives will also reveal the absurdity of our actions in seeking gratification from man. Don’t we try to please those in authority so that we could be seen as hobnobbing with them and thus appear to be powerful? Don’t we seek positions of honor to show the world that we are achievers? Ah, how we want to show the others that we’ve arrived! This list can go on but suffice it to say that God is not pleased with this endeavor.
God yearns that we please Him above all. He wants to bless us and give us full lives but this can happen only when we give Him the no. 1 place in our world. God is pleased with those who seek His favor and don’t mind looking foolish before the world. Come to think of it, isn’t it much foolishness to please temporary man rather than please the Eternal One. Question, what would your status be on this?
April 16, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 16:15. Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is an error that lies in the heart of man: The ‘desire’ to look good before the world and please others. We somehow tend to seek favor from the denizens of the world more than we seek favor from the Lord of Heaven. Jesus clearly mentions this in John 5:44. I’d say, this is a real tragedy for mankind because he pleases man and thus puts himself in line for God’s retribution, having not sought His hand on his life.
This error is the root of most strife in the world. It beckons the base nature of man, which seeks to look good before the world. Conceit and covetousness arise, as well as the desire to conquer, plunder and inappropriately reign, rule supreme. In this we tend to forget what we are here for and do the exact opposite of what we should really be doing.
A good look at our own lives will also reveal the absurdity of our actions in seeking gratification from man. Don’t we try to please those in authority so that we could be seen as hobnobbing with them and thus appear to be powerful? Don’t we seek positions of honor to show the world that we are achievers? Ah, how we want to show the others that we’ve arrived! This list can go on but suffice it to say that God is not pleased with this endeavor.
God yearns that we please Him above all. He wants to bless us and give us full lives but this can happen only when we give Him the no. 1 place in our world. God is pleased with those who seek His favor and don’t mind looking foolish before the world. Come to think of it, isn’t it much foolishness to please temporary man rather than please the Eternal One. Question, what would your status be on this?
Friday, April 13, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 13, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Tim. 2:1-3. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
When you pray, do you ever ask God to pray for your country and its leaders and the people in authority and even for all men? I rarely do it. This verse therefore comes as a reminder of the fact that we need to regularly pray for this purpose. That God will keep the leaders and people in authority in His bosom and take care of them. I believe it works and spreads tranquility.
Prayer is the adhesive that keeps bonds together. Even when we pray for non-brothers or for that matter, non-believers, there is a bonding that happens, in the spiritual realm, if I may say. The object of our prayer becomes related to us through the Almighty and when face to face with this person, the bonding at times might be revealed.
I believe Paul when he says, in praying for rulers and others, we lead a quiet and peaceful life, it means that in praying God gives us the Grace to live in peace. Consider how wonderful this is; when we pray for others, God transforms the blessing we seek for them into a blessing for ourselves!
I have an example of this, though not in terms of government but in an organisation. There is a lady whom I had asked to pray for her organisation. She did. Now this lady is not great at her work but despite the turmoil within the organisation in terms of employees being shifted, transferred, sacked, nothing happened to her. The only effect was she was transferred to another division, which turned out to be a better working proposition for her. So she who prayed for the organisation was rewarded with job satisfaction for herself.
My friend, let us today pray for our country and the people in authority. God will certainly reward us in that He will keep our doorsteps free from violence and establish His reign in our lives as well as those we pray for.
April 13, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Tim. 2:1-3. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
When you pray, do you ever ask God to pray for your country and its leaders and the people in authority and even for all men? I rarely do it. This verse therefore comes as a reminder of the fact that we need to regularly pray for this purpose. That God will keep the leaders and people in authority in His bosom and take care of them. I believe it works and spreads tranquility.
Prayer is the adhesive that keeps bonds together. Even when we pray for non-brothers or for that matter, non-believers, there is a bonding that happens, in the spiritual realm, if I may say. The object of our prayer becomes related to us through the Almighty and when face to face with this person, the bonding at times might be revealed.
I believe Paul when he says, in praying for rulers and others, we lead a quiet and peaceful life, it means that in praying God gives us the Grace to live in peace. Consider how wonderful this is; when we pray for others, God transforms the blessing we seek for them into a blessing for ourselves!
I have an example of this, though not in terms of government but in an organisation. There is a lady whom I had asked to pray for her organisation. She did. Now this lady is not great at her work but despite the turmoil within the organisation in terms of employees being shifted, transferred, sacked, nothing happened to her. The only effect was she was transferred to another division, which turned out to be a better working proposition for her. So she who prayed for the organisation was rewarded with job satisfaction for herself.
My friend, let us today pray for our country and the people in authority. God will certainly reward us in that He will keep our doorsteps free from violence and establish His reign in our lives as well as those we pray for.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 12, 2007
Today's verse: Dan.4:35. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The God you and I worship is awesome and powerful. He is the Power. When you see things happening on earth which are completely against His will, be not disappointed or dismayed for it is happening because He allows it. There is no helplessness on His part, which we as humans exhibit when things don’t go our way. The all-powerful One is but amazed at the bravery exhibited by man who at best is like smoke floating in the wind.
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob has His gaze focused on you. While evil seems to triumph, He is anxious to see what your reaction is. It is easy for Him to nip the evil in its bud, but He who is the Eternal Holy One, is looking to see if your heart too is pained as His is, to cry out in asking Him to restore His kingdom.
The All Consuming Fire trusts you with His kingdom. He is waiting for you to be its custodian. He is waiting for you to rush to its defence even as everything seems to go haywire. Know well that no one can hold back His hand or say to Him, ‘What are You doing.’ But in the midst of the strife in the world you can make Him, the Most High, Most Powerful Almighty God, move His hand. Not for the world’s destruction but for its transformation.
My friend, there is immense power out there in the gentle Lamb of God. Heaven and earth shake at His approach. Mountains and seas slither away at His coming. Winds and the clouds of rain shriek in fear at His Word. He commands and it comes to be. He speaks and it is. The Son of Man will come on the clouds of heaven but then what will you do and how will you welcome Him. Begin today. He just needs you to sing His praises and pray for the world and the peace of Jerusalem. My friend you are in His sight; a target on the crosshairs of His telescope. Small though you are, He has made you so important that you are there in each of His heartbeats. Rise up and hold His hand. Get the Power into you.
April 12, 2007
Today's verse: Dan.4:35. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The God you and I worship is awesome and powerful. He is the Power. When you see things happening on earth which are completely against His will, be not disappointed or dismayed for it is happening because He allows it. There is no helplessness on His part, which we as humans exhibit when things don’t go our way. The all-powerful One is but amazed at the bravery exhibited by man who at best is like smoke floating in the wind.
The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob has His gaze focused on you. While evil seems to triumph, He is anxious to see what your reaction is. It is easy for Him to nip the evil in its bud, but He who is the Eternal Holy One, is looking to see if your heart too is pained as His is, to cry out in asking Him to restore His kingdom.
The All Consuming Fire trusts you with His kingdom. He is waiting for you to be its custodian. He is waiting for you to rush to its defence even as everything seems to go haywire. Know well that no one can hold back His hand or say to Him, ‘What are You doing.’ But in the midst of the strife in the world you can make Him, the Most High, Most Powerful Almighty God, move His hand. Not for the world’s destruction but for its transformation.
My friend, there is immense power out there in the gentle Lamb of God. Heaven and earth shake at His approach. Mountains and seas slither away at His coming. Winds and the clouds of rain shriek in fear at His Word. He commands and it comes to be. He speaks and it is. The Son of Man will come on the clouds of heaven but then what will you do and how will you welcome Him. Begin today. He just needs you to sing His praises and pray for the world and the peace of Jerusalem. My friend you are in His sight; a target on the crosshairs of His telescope. Small though you are, He has made you so important that you are there in each of His heartbeats. Rise up and hold His hand. Get the Power into you.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 11, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is omnipresent and omniscient. He is always there. No matter where you are, God can see you and He knows whether you are up to good or bad. I have always seen the omnipresence and omniscience of God as a great blessing. Because of which, no matter what difficulty, either me or my family or friends are in, God is there to take care. It is because I believe in Him.
Yesterday, I read a small poster pasted on a bus-stop which had the face of a little girl who went missing from 4 days. The girl was just 4 year old and looked so pretty, I literally cried inside. I prayed to God to take care of her and also give her parents the courage to face this tragedy. The bus then came and after sitting I started reading the newspaper and inside was the story that the girl’s body was found in a gutter!
I was shocked, to say the least. My God, I thought, how did this innocent die and why? Then my mind went to my own daughter who is nine and about her safety. A little anxiety was there in my heart but in a flash the Spirit of God reminded me of His awesome presence in my life and by extension in the lives of all those associated with me. I realized; I may take all precautions but still something could happen. But if I left it to God, nothing will happen. For even where I am not there nor is anyone else, He is. He is there in every crevice and nook. And for me, He is there to keep me safe. When I do bad, He is there to remind me about the bad I have done so I may repent and be joined back to Him.
My friend, take the might of the all-knowing and everywhere present God as your power. You can rest assured that when the time of adversity comes He who is seeing all will bring back your peace. Let me tell you: if you love Him and care for Him, He will ensure that He is always with you and your people to fend for you and keep you safe. Trust Him.
April 11, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is omnipresent and omniscient. He is always there. No matter where you are, God can see you and He knows whether you are up to good or bad. I have always seen the omnipresence and omniscience of God as a great blessing. Because of which, no matter what difficulty, either me or my family or friends are in, God is there to take care. It is because I believe in Him.
Yesterday, I read a small poster pasted on a bus-stop which had the face of a little girl who went missing from 4 days. The girl was just 4 year old and looked so pretty, I literally cried inside. I prayed to God to take care of her and also give her parents the courage to face this tragedy. The bus then came and after sitting I started reading the newspaper and inside was the story that the girl’s body was found in a gutter!
I was shocked, to say the least. My God, I thought, how did this innocent die and why? Then my mind went to my own daughter who is nine and about her safety. A little anxiety was there in my heart but in a flash the Spirit of God reminded me of His awesome presence in my life and by extension in the lives of all those associated with me. I realized; I may take all precautions but still something could happen. But if I left it to God, nothing will happen. For even where I am not there nor is anyone else, He is. He is there in every crevice and nook. And for me, He is there to keep me safe. When I do bad, He is there to remind me about the bad I have done so I may repent and be joined back to Him.
My friend, take the might of the all-knowing and everywhere present God as your power. You can rest assured that when the time of adversity comes He who is seeing all will bring back your peace. Let me tell you: if you love Him and care for Him, He will ensure that He is always with you and your people to fend for you and keep you safe. Trust Him.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 10, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The God we serve, loves us tremendously. He always has time for us and is available 24 hours of the day, every day of the year, until eternity. We have seen in the death of His Son, the nature of His love. Imagine if you can; a God so powerful, turning His face away from His most beloved Son, when mere mortal men were peeling His flesh off His body causing Him pain beyond compare. He turns away His face when they took those blunt nails and with the sheer might of the hammer, tore through the skin, flesh and bone in His palm to attach to the cross. Gruesome it was and really could cut through the heart. Such was the cruelty displayed upon one so gentle, yet His almighty Father, looked not at Him. The reason my friend is, He did it for you. How could He have fellowship with you if He had not done it? There was no other way.
A deeper understanding of our God will help us realize He has wonderful plans for us. This short life, we believe, is everything because we fail to see beyond it. But God has things in the right perspective. He knows it is eternal life that is more important and that is why, while He meets our needs for this life, He more than meets our needs for the next one. Even if we have to suffer in this life He allows it, because we can rejoice in the next. Just as parents do not spend that money for some short term luxury but save it for the future, so that it will be comfortable, so also God does not give us all things that we ask for, so that He can give us the fruit for the next life.
My friend, reflect if you will and see the meaning of today’s verse. Try to get its significance. God has reserved the best for those who love Him. In that great marching in heaven, in rejoicing and singing praise and thanks, I would love to count my self in; because I love Him, don’t you?
April 10, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The God we serve, loves us tremendously. He always has time for us and is available 24 hours of the day, every day of the year, until eternity. We have seen in the death of His Son, the nature of His love. Imagine if you can; a God so powerful, turning His face away from His most beloved Son, when mere mortal men were peeling His flesh off His body causing Him pain beyond compare. He turns away His face when they took those blunt nails and with the sheer might of the hammer, tore through the skin, flesh and bone in His palm to attach to the cross. Gruesome it was and really could cut through the heart. Such was the cruelty displayed upon one so gentle, yet His almighty Father, looked not at Him. The reason my friend is, He did it for you. How could He have fellowship with you if He had not done it? There was no other way.
A deeper understanding of our God will help us realize He has wonderful plans for us. This short life, we believe, is everything because we fail to see beyond it. But God has things in the right perspective. He knows it is eternal life that is more important and that is why, while He meets our needs for this life, He more than meets our needs for the next one. Even if we have to suffer in this life He allows it, because we can rejoice in the next. Just as parents do not spend that money for some short term luxury but save it for the future, so that it will be comfortable, so also God does not give us all things that we ask for, so that He can give us the fruit for the next life.
My friend, reflect if you will and see the meaning of today’s verse. Try to get its significance. God has reserved the best for those who love Him. In that great marching in heaven, in rejoicing and singing praise and thanks, I would love to count my self in; because I love Him, don’t you?
Monday, April 09, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 9, 2007
Today's verse: Phillip. 3:10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Hallelujah. The Lord is risen. Let’s go back to the day of the resurrection when this would have been the exclamation of those who were told that Jesus Christ was no more in the grave but alive. What a glorious exclamation! Three days ago, He was stumped to the dust and raised as a ridicule on an object of extreme shame – the cross. It killed the courage in the hearts of his followers who cringed in shame for having abandoned their Master and in fear, hid themselves, lest they too meet the same fate. They who had witnessed great miracles and had themselves driven out demons and healed the sick; who had even promised they would accompany the Lord to His death.
Yet, in their withdrawn selves, the word, ‘The Lord is risen’ seemed music in their ears with unbelief written large on their faces. When the reality of these words sank in, they sure rejoiced. What a great miracle. Performed by God for the redemption of mankind as was written by the prophets. It meant redemption from slavery. It meant being saved from death. It meant rejoicing eternally in the bosom of the Father. O sweet Savior how beautiful is Your Cross the hallmark of Glory and Power.
It would be so wonderful to know Him and the power of His resurrection. To, partake in His sufferings, and conform to His death. Jesus, the sweet odour of eternal destiny is our route to Life. It is important my friend to know Him and the power of His resurrection. That very power which can turbo-charge our lives. If God resurrected Him, He will also save us who believe in Him. God will reveal the same power of this resurrection in our lives because we believe in that power. God has granted that power so that we could appropriate and use it in our lives. It’s the power to change - the world and me. Today, let us pledge to the risen Lord that we will change in accord to His gracious will. If there is a negative in me, let me cast it out with that power. If I hate my brother, let me begin using His power to learn to love him. But let me be involved in that power. Because, It will make me, live.
April 9, 2007
Today's verse: Phillip. 3:10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Hallelujah. The Lord is risen. Let’s go back to the day of the resurrection when this would have been the exclamation of those who were told that Jesus Christ was no more in the grave but alive. What a glorious exclamation! Three days ago, He was stumped to the dust and raised as a ridicule on an object of extreme shame – the cross. It killed the courage in the hearts of his followers who cringed in shame for having abandoned their Master and in fear, hid themselves, lest they too meet the same fate. They who had witnessed great miracles and had themselves driven out demons and healed the sick; who had even promised they would accompany the Lord to His death.
Yet, in their withdrawn selves, the word, ‘The Lord is risen’ seemed music in their ears with unbelief written large on their faces. When the reality of these words sank in, they sure rejoiced. What a great miracle. Performed by God for the redemption of mankind as was written by the prophets. It meant redemption from slavery. It meant being saved from death. It meant rejoicing eternally in the bosom of the Father. O sweet Savior how beautiful is Your Cross the hallmark of Glory and Power.
It would be so wonderful to know Him and the power of His resurrection. To, partake in His sufferings, and conform to His death. Jesus, the sweet odour of eternal destiny is our route to Life. It is important my friend to know Him and the power of His resurrection. That very power which can turbo-charge our lives. If God resurrected Him, He will also save us who believe in Him. God will reveal the same power of this resurrection in our lives because we believe in that power. God has granted that power so that we could appropriate and use it in our lives. It’s the power to change - the world and me. Today, let us pledge to the risen Lord that we will change in accord to His gracious will. If there is a negative in me, let me cast it out with that power. If I hate my brother, let me begin using His power to learn to love him. But let me be involved in that power. Because, It will make me, live.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 5, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 19:28. Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the sufferings of Jesus, one thing we must bear in mind and keep close to our hearts is that Jesus never thought of Himself during His ordeal. He thought of us. On the Cross, Jesus felt thirsty. Being human, He would because, He was arrested the previous night, tried by the Sanhedrin in the night itself, tried by Pilate early morning, scourged thereafter and then hanged. No rest, no water, no nothing.
But, when He uttered ‘I thirst’ it wasn’t really for the physical thirst He felt. Rather, it was the thirst He felt so deeply in His heart for you and me and the whole of humanity. Through the Spirit, He could see the wanderings of man through the ages. He could visualize each one of us doing meaningless things and running after illusions. There was nothing in us He could be happy about. Each one of us, going about in a way, that would bring to zero, His love for us. He had asked us to love one another but He knew we would hate one another.
He had told us there is need of only one thing, that is to sit at His feet and that was the last thing He knew we would do. He had said, ‘come to Me all you who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest’, yet, He knew we would never go to Him, running all over the place instead. Man was banal and a liability. He had done His best but the apparent results were not too encouraging. But, that is our way of thinking.
In His expression of thirst, He displayed His helplessness to His Almighty Father, knowing there was nothing impossible with Him and that in course of time, His Father would restore the kingdom and bring all men to the knowledge of Him and that every knee would bow and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord unto the Father’s Glory. Therefore, He later cried ‘It is finished.’ My friend, this does not take away the fact that we have made Him thirst. Reflect inside of you and see His bloodied and broken face. What do you see? Only love for you no? Then today, commit your life to Him with all its warts and cuts and tell Him Lord, you thirsted for me but here Lord I am; do with me as You please and lead me home. Surely, my friend, He will rejoice and say, ‘you will be with Me in Paradise.’
April 5, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 19:28. Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the sufferings of Jesus, one thing we must bear in mind and keep close to our hearts is that Jesus never thought of Himself during His ordeal. He thought of us. On the Cross, Jesus felt thirsty. Being human, He would because, He was arrested the previous night, tried by the Sanhedrin in the night itself, tried by Pilate early morning, scourged thereafter and then hanged. No rest, no water, no nothing.
But, when He uttered ‘I thirst’ it wasn’t really for the physical thirst He felt. Rather, it was the thirst He felt so deeply in His heart for you and me and the whole of humanity. Through the Spirit, He could see the wanderings of man through the ages. He could visualize each one of us doing meaningless things and running after illusions. There was nothing in us He could be happy about. Each one of us, going about in a way, that would bring to zero, His love for us. He had asked us to love one another but He knew we would hate one another.
He had told us there is need of only one thing, that is to sit at His feet and that was the last thing He knew we would do. He had said, ‘come to Me all you who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest’, yet, He knew we would never go to Him, running all over the place instead. Man was banal and a liability. He had done His best but the apparent results were not too encouraging. But, that is our way of thinking.
In His expression of thirst, He displayed His helplessness to His Almighty Father, knowing there was nothing impossible with Him and that in course of time, His Father would restore the kingdom and bring all men to the knowledge of Him and that every knee would bow and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord unto the Father’s Glory. Therefore, He later cried ‘It is finished.’ My friend, this does not take away the fact that we have made Him thirst. Reflect inside of you and see His bloodied and broken face. What do you see? Only love for you no? Then today, commit your life to Him with all its warts and cuts and tell Him Lord, you thirsted for me but here Lord I am; do with me as You please and lead me home. Surely, my friend, He will rejoice and say, ‘you will be with Me in Paradise.’
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 3, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 2:13. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the Old Testament, God is very upset with the Israelites. They no longer feared Him thinking they had His covenant and the Temple; and God would never forsake His Temple, His abode where He wished to stay permanently; neither would He go back on His covenant. They conveniently chose to ignore the fact that anyone who did not live by the dictates of the covenant would have to bear the consequences. Moses revealed this just before He died. And another thing was that the very Israelites who had seen and experienced the Glory of the Lord, chose to carve images of wood, metal, stone, etc. and started worshipping them.
It was incredulous. Imagine, the depravity of their minds in forsaking the Living God and worshipping things made of earthly material. Imagine giving these sordid things the same position God needs to have. It makes us seethe with anger and we are quick to say, those people were foolish. But now, wait a minute, what do we do?
We need to look at our relationship with God closely. Or do we have a relationship with Him at all? Fact is, we don’t. Do we have time and space for God in our lives? Do we believe in His Sovereignty? Do we know how to look up to Him and sit before Him in complete surrender? I bet, most of us would have a no to these. Because, we never care for God. We’re too busy with other things and obsessions, who’ve become god for us. We are engaged in the pursuit of money and illusory rainbows like studying to be highly qualified, etc., which eventually give no returns. The final sum is that God is no longer present to us. He quietly slips away from our lives. In the Old Testament, the wrath of God would fall down upon such people but today in the Christ Jesus dispension, even that God is unwilling to do. So we continue in our trivial pursuits and He continues to overlook our faults with a sigh.
Sometimes, when I look at today ‘s verse, I can’t but help marvel at God’s patience and how He who is so powerful can utter such words when all He needs to do is just destroy us. But then that is the way I think, for I can never realize the full import of His love. Can you?
April 3, 2007
Today's verse: Jer. 2:13. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the Old Testament, God is very upset with the Israelites. They no longer feared Him thinking they had His covenant and the Temple; and God would never forsake His Temple, His abode where He wished to stay permanently; neither would He go back on His covenant. They conveniently chose to ignore the fact that anyone who did not live by the dictates of the covenant would have to bear the consequences. Moses revealed this just before He died. And another thing was that the very Israelites who had seen and experienced the Glory of the Lord, chose to carve images of wood, metal, stone, etc. and started worshipping them.
It was incredulous. Imagine, the depravity of their minds in forsaking the Living God and worshipping things made of earthly material. Imagine giving these sordid things the same position God needs to have. It makes us seethe with anger and we are quick to say, those people were foolish. But now, wait a minute, what do we do?
We need to look at our relationship with God closely. Or do we have a relationship with Him at all? Fact is, we don’t. Do we have time and space for God in our lives? Do we believe in His Sovereignty? Do we know how to look up to Him and sit before Him in complete surrender? I bet, most of us would have a no to these. Because, we never care for God. We’re too busy with other things and obsessions, who’ve become god for us. We are engaged in the pursuit of money and illusory rainbows like studying to be highly qualified, etc., which eventually give no returns. The final sum is that God is no longer present to us. He quietly slips away from our lives. In the Old Testament, the wrath of God would fall down upon such people but today in the Christ Jesus dispension, even that God is unwilling to do. So we continue in our trivial pursuits and He continues to overlook our faults with a sigh.
Sometimes, when I look at today ‘s verse, I can’t but help marvel at God’s patience and how He who is so powerful can utter such words when all He needs to do is just destroy us. But then that is the way I think, for I can never realize the full import of His love. Can you?
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 3, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 13:1. Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Sometime back, a lady invited me home. I went and we sat and prayed. Then the lady started telling me about her son. On the outside her son seems very nice and honestly I still feel he is nice. But what she said, shocked me. Her son was a monster at home. He demands money from her despite the fact that he works. He insults and even beats her when angry, so much so that she lives in dread of him.
She prayed for his conversion day after day but the fellow became even more insolent and fiery. When evening comes and he is to return home, the lady kind of gets into a shell, not knowing what will happen once he’s home. The funny thing is when I visit when they are together, I don’t see anything amiss. A perfect case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde! I then asked the lady to go and complain to the police as atleast then, the beating would stop. But what she told me later, revealed how base I am and how strong love is. She said, ‘Brother, how can I go to the police? They will beat him and I love him so much that I can’t bear to see him being hit!
My God what a statement! When I heard it, it was like someone had thumped into my mind the essence of love. Imagine, this lady, living in dread yet, didn’t want anything to harm the very object of her dread. Simply unexplainable! But then it takes me to the love of God. In fact, God’s love is far more. Jesus, the replica of the Father, came down on earth and died for sinful mankind to show the extent of love the Father had for us. Oh how much the Lord loves us that even when we hurt Him, He comes to us and stays with us. I remember, the Words of Simon Peter, ‘To whom shall we go…’ And today, of a truth I want to tell you, if you were to ask the Lord, to go away, He will turn and tell you, ‘to whom shall I go?’ My friend, He has no one to love Him, but you. He has no one to be in communion with, but you. He loves to be with you. He knocks at the door of your heart waiting for you to open…
How much more can He love? How much more can I ask of Him so that my heart of stone will melt? Oh that today, I would rise and welcome Him in my heart and tell Him, ‘Lord, I realize, how much You missed me. Come now and stay with me for ever.’
April 3, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 13:1. Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Sometime back, a lady invited me home. I went and we sat and prayed. Then the lady started telling me about her son. On the outside her son seems very nice and honestly I still feel he is nice. But what she said, shocked me. Her son was a monster at home. He demands money from her despite the fact that he works. He insults and even beats her when angry, so much so that she lives in dread of him.
She prayed for his conversion day after day but the fellow became even more insolent and fiery. When evening comes and he is to return home, the lady kind of gets into a shell, not knowing what will happen once he’s home. The funny thing is when I visit when they are together, I don’t see anything amiss. A perfect case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde! I then asked the lady to go and complain to the police as atleast then, the beating would stop. But what she told me later, revealed how base I am and how strong love is. She said, ‘Brother, how can I go to the police? They will beat him and I love him so much that I can’t bear to see him being hit!
My God what a statement! When I heard it, it was like someone had thumped into my mind the essence of love. Imagine, this lady, living in dread yet, didn’t want anything to harm the very object of her dread. Simply unexplainable! But then it takes me to the love of God. In fact, God’s love is far more. Jesus, the replica of the Father, came down on earth and died for sinful mankind to show the extent of love the Father had for us. Oh how much the Lord loves us that even when we hurt Him, He comes to us and stays with us. I remember, the Words of Simon Peter, ‘To whom shall we go…’ And today, of a truth I want to tell you, if you were to ask the Lord, to go away, He will turn and tell you, ‘to whom shall I go?’ My friend, He has no one to love Him, but you. He has no one to be in communion with, but you. He loves to be with you. He knocks at the door of your heart waiting for you to open…
How much more can He love? How much more can I ask of Him so that my heart of stone will melt? Oh that today, I would rise and welcome Him in my heart and tell Him, ‘Lord, I realize, how much You missed me. Come now and stay with me for ever.’
Monday, April 02, 2007
Thoughts for another day
April 2, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 39:7,8. And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Deliver me from all my transgressions: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Yesterday night, I was telling my daughter how beautiful Jesus is. I told her how His entire body was beaten to pulp (what you see in The Passion of the Christ is but a small part) and unrecognizable with chunks of flesh ripped apart and bones being seen through. Such was the brutal cruelty of the Roman scourging. Even then, Jesus looked at us and told His Father, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do.’ When the thief on His side repented and looked up to Him, despite the immense pain He was in, Jesus somehow managed to tell him, ‘today you will be with Me in Paradise.’
When I look at today’s verse, I think of all the wrongs I have done. Will He forgive me? Then I look at Zacchaeus. Well, Jesus wished to dine at this sinner’s place! When the pseudo religious people moaned about it, He was quick to say, ‘The Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.’ And that’s why, you and I, can be confident that despite the wrongs we do, He will accept us. This morning I was reading a testimony of a young girl called Jenn on the url: http://lifeinreturn.com/?page_id=40. I was struck by the way, the Lord converted her and made her back-track into a world of bliss and fellowship with Him; a girl who was on the sure highway to hell with drugs and sex and wanton depravity at the root of her life!
My friend, we have a wonderful God. His heart yearns for us. How to explain this? Yes, hold your nose and your mouth for about 40 seconds. By that time, you are ready to even fight to let go, cause you are yearning for the breath of oxygen. So God is yearning for us. Don’t believe it? Just close your eyes for a moment and think of the many times He has helped you, even when you had cursed Him. Think of the times you were in some distress and out of the blues, help arrived. Yes, my friend, those are the times, He reached out in the darkness of your life and delivered you. Thank Him for it. He’s worth every little praise and thanks we give Him.
April 2, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 39:7,8. And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Deliver me from all my transgressions: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Yesterday night, I was telling my daughter how beautiful Jesus is. I told her how His entire body was beaten to pulp (what you see in The Passion of the Christ is but a small part) and unrecognizable with chunks of flesh ripped apart and bones being seen through. Such was the brutal cruelty of the Roman scourging. Even then, Jesus looked at us and told His Father, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do.’ When the thief on His side repented and looked up to Him, despite the immense pain He was in, Jesus somehow managed to tell him, ‘today you will be with Me in Paradise.’
When I look at today’s verse, I think of all the wrongs I have done. Will He forgive me? Then I look at Zacchaeus. Well, Jesus wished to dine at this sinner’s place! When the pseudo religious people moaned about it, He was quick to say, ‘The Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.’ And that’s why, you and I, can be confident that despite the wrongs we do, He will accept us. This morning I was reading a testimony of a young girl called Jenn on the url: http://lifeinreturn.com/?page_id=40. I was struck by the way, the Lord converted her and made her back-track into a world of bliss and fellowship with Him; a girl who was on the sure highway to hell with drugs and sex and wanton depravity at the root of her life!
My friend, we have a wonderful God. His heart yearns for us. How to explain this? Yes, hold your nose and your mouth for about 40 seconds. By that time, you are ready to even fight to let go, cause you are yearning for the breath of oxygen. So God is yearning for us. Don’t believe it? Just close your eyes for a moment and think of the many times He has helped you, even when you had cursed Him. Think of the times you were in some distress and out of the blues, help arrived. Yes, my friend, those are the times, He reached out in the darkness of your life and delivered you. Thank Him for it. He’s worth every little praise and thanks we give Him.
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