Thoughts for another day
Oct. 31, 2007
Today's verse: 2 Tim. 1:12. for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. (RSV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
How blessed is it to say: I know Him in whom I have believed. Really, it sums up the soul of a relationship: whether between God and I or between man and I. But think, how often can we say this about earthly people. Our experiences tell us that we can hardly say this with regard to people, even if they be of our household, for that matter even if that person is the spouse. Because people change. Because people harbor their own inner desires and their approach is colored by those desires.
Not so with the Lord. Behold, the Lord never changes. We know that He loves us tremendously and His love remains. The Lord is selfless and has no desires of His own, except that we be close to Him and commune with Him, so He can be close to us and bless us abundantly. Sadly, our make-believe worlds of pride and pomposity leave no room for Him but even then His love for us is not erased. It remains because as I said earlier, He never changes. That is why many a sinner has got up from the muck with confidence and fallen into the hands of the Lord to be welcomed and honored by Him.
Today, let us be so much with Him and know Him so well that in the beauty of this knowledge, we also declare like Paul, ‘For I know Him in whom I have put my trust’ and rephrase the rest with, ‘and can entrust my life to Him because His love for me is so much that it covers all my faults, His care will nullify any danger I face and His providence will leave me no want.’
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 30, 2007
Today's verse: 2 Cor. 3:18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
To be with the Lord in our eternal dwelling, we need to be transformed into His image. With many of us, that transformation is very gradual. There might be someone who has been transformed dramatically and in an instant like St. Paul; but they are few. That is because the spirit of man cannot handle instant change; just as the body if always subject to a warm climate and conditioned to live in that climate cannot suddenly tolerate a cold climate and resists by falling sick etc.
As we grow up, our spirit is conditioned. As grown ups, there are sure etchings of behavioral patterns because of our spirit and these are difficult to undo. Or, let me put it this way, it is impossible for us to remove them. Only some dramatic event can change the way we behave. Or, the intervention of God. This is where our affinity and craving for God and His consequent Grace works. As for me, I have had tremendous yearning for change in myself; but find it impossible to do. I have even cried out to the Lord to change me, but really felt no change. Today, I believe the Lord has given me as well as the rest of us who read this, the assurance that by His Spirit, we, who behold His reflected glory in His things, that His Spirit brings in our lives, are changed to conform to that glorious image. We are designated holy people, which means, we are separated by God to do His work and He is surely moving us from one step of glory to another day by day.
Our transformation may not be visible but is as sure as the fact that the sun gives light. It is only when we stand beholding His Face on that day, will we know how He worked in us to conform us into His image.
Oct. 30, 2007
Today's verse: 2 Cor. 3:18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
To be with the Lord in our eternal dwelling, we need to be transformed into His image. With many of us, that transformation is very gradual. There might be someone who has been transformed dramatically and in an instant like St. Paul; but they are few. That is because the spirit of man cannot handle instant change; just as the body if always subject to a warm climate and conditioned to live in that climate cannot suddenly tolerate a cold climate and resists by falling sick etc.
As we grow up, our spirit is conditioned. As grown ups, there are sure etchings of behavioral patterns because of our spirit and these are difficult to undo. Or, let me put it this way, it is impossible for us to remove them. Only some dramatic event can change the way we behave. Or, the intervention of God. This is where our affinity and craving for God and His consequent Grace works. As for me, I have had tremendous yearning for change in myself; but find it impossible to do. I have even cried out to the Lord to change me, but really felt no change. Today, I believe the Lord has given me as well as the rest of us who read this, the assurance that by His Spirit, we, who behold His reflected glory in His things, that His Spirit brings in our lives, are changed to conform to that glorious image. We are designated holy people, which means, we are separated by God to do His work and He is surely moving us from one step of glory to another day by day.
Our transformation may not be visible but is as sure as the fact that the sun gives light. It is only when we stand beholding His Face on that day, will we know how He worked in us to conform us into His image.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 29, 2007
Today's verse: Lev. 26:11,12. And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God’s precious promises are for sure besides; very true are His assurances. Yet, being engrossed with the ways of the world, we do not hold them in our mind as indelible rather we think they are like the promises people in the world make - promises meant to be kept (more often broken) depending on the situation. God’s promises stand; no matter what the situation.
Many are the times I’ve witnessed the provision of God in impossible situations. His healing has come at a time, when the body almost decayed. This, even more with people who kept the faith and had the conviction that what God has said, He will bring to pass. In our verse above, God saying ‘My soul shall not abhor you’ simply means He will not turn from you or despise you because, He has nurtured and raised you up, as His own. No matter who you are, you are God’s own. Your qualification for this depends on just a simple KEY: ‘Belief’. When you show belief, God comes forth as your Father to put you under His care.
When you consider it, don’t you find it amazing that God has set His tent among us? Isn’t it pleasing to our souls to know that God’s dwelling is with us? For it means that in whatever situation we are, God walks with us and will work for us, just as He promised. God’s presence is where there is all beauty; He is the fount of all good things. Every choice blessing is ours when we are in His presence and every breath of life is touched when we are placed in His anointing. He has already done His part of the deal. Now it’s your task to move toward Him with a heart of expectation and humility, waiting for His Spirit to do the most beautiful things in your life, as only He can.
Oct. 29, 2007
Today's verse: Lev. 26:11,12. And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God’s precious promises are for sure besides; very true are His assurances. Yet, being engrossed with the ways of the world, we do not hold them in our mind as indelible rather we think they are like the promises people in the world make - promises meant to be kept (more often broken) depending on the situation. God’s promises stand; no matter what the situation.
Many are the times I’ve witnessed the provision of God in impossible situations. His healing has come at a time, when the body almost decayed. This, even more with people who kept the faith and had the conviction that what God has said, He will bring to pass. In our verse above, God saying ‘My soul shall not abhor you’ simply means He will not turn from you or despise you because, He has nurtured and raised you up, as His own. No matter who you are, you are God’s own. Your qualification for this depends on just a simple KEY: ‘Belief’. When you show belief, God comes forth as your Father to put you under His care.
When you consider it, don’t you find it amazing that God has set His tent among us? Isn’t it pleasing to our souls to know that God’s dwelling is with us? For it means that in whatever situation we are, God walks with us and will work for us, just as He promised. God’s presence is where there is all beauty; He is the fount of all good things. Every choice blessing is ours when we are in His presence and every breath of life is touched when we are placed in His anointing. He has already done His part of the deal. Now it’s your task to move toward Him with a heart of expectation and humility, waiting for His Spirit to do the most beautiful things in your life, as only He can.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 26, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor 10:13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are some people in the church, rather many, whose sole objective in life is to grumble about their sufferings. You may feel that I am criticizing but no, that’s not what I am doing rather, pointing out what ‘Christians’ these days do, apart from of course many other things we are witness to. The grumbling, usually is about how much they’re suffering; how they’re so good; how God is sitting up there with a blindfold and sending them suffering after suffering despite (of course) them being so good!
About them being good, etc. I will not comment, but as to their suffering, yes I could talk on it as scripture dwells much on it. Besides, our Lord Jesus suffered so much. He hung on the wood with His torn and lacerated body, twitching with so much pain and the pierced hands and legs yelled with the pull of the body on the nerves that had moved to accommodate the nails.
I pray my friend you look closely at our verse today. Listen carefully what the Lord is saying. Take every trial as an opportunity to witness; a reason to praise Him even more. God is a fair God. He may put you through a trial that you may come out the stronger and be called a faithful servant. Look, suffering is but a way in which He can work powerfully in your life: an opportunity to do His greatest work, so that you may be His greatest witness. Cancer can be so dreadful when you go through it, yet when you stand up and testify of His goodness in taking it away, how much He is glorified as against Him making you well of a common cold, though even that too is powerful. And believe me, if He has given you a trial, like Paul says above, He will give you the strength to bear it. Just trust Him.
Oct. 26, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor 10:13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are some people in the church, rather many, whose sole objective in life is to grumble about their sufferings. You may feel that I am criticizing but no, that’s not what I am doing rather, pointing out what ‘Christians’ these days do, apart from of course many other things we are witness to. The grumbling, usually is about how much they’re suffering; how they’re so good; how God is sitting up there with a blindfold and sending them suffering after suffering despite (of course) them being so good!
About them being good, etc. I will not comment, but as to their suffering, yes I could talk on it as scripture dwells much on it. Besides, our Lord Jesus suffered so much. He hung on the wood with His torn and lacerated body, twitching with so much pain and the pierced hands and legs yelled with the pull of the body on the nerves that had moved to accommodate the nails.
I pray my friend you look closely at our verse today. Listen carefully what the Lord is saying. Take every trial as an opportunity to witness; a reason to praise Him even more. God is a fair God. He may put you through a trial that you may come out the stronger and be called a faithful servant. Look, suffering is but a way in which He can work powerfully in your life: an opportunity to do His greatest work, so that you may be His greatest witness. Cancer can be so dreadful when you go through it, yet when you stand up and testify of His goodness in taking it away, how much He is glorified as against Him making you well of a common cold, though even that too is powerful. And believe me, if He has given you a trial, like Paul says above, He will give you the strength to bear it. Just trust Him.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 25, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 26:39. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Every person comes to a point, when she or he realizes that going further is going to be tough. No matter what your status, you will come to this point where you’re going to be one with your being, which means, your thoughts, your feelings and your actions are completely one with each other unlike other times in life where your thoughts may be detached from your feelings or your actions. Our Lord also came to this point and the Gospels project it as the only point where He struggled with the situation.
Jesus refers to this point as ‘the hour’. An hour of great distress. He looked forward to it, as it would mean the achieving of the work He had set out to do; an unfolding of the blueprint of His Father’s will. Yet, he realized the pain He would need to bear being separated from His Father and this realization hit Him hard. He was benumbed by its severity. His soul envisioned this catastrophe and became very heavy. As usual, He turned to His Father, portraying His grief and pain in praying, ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ And this prayer held hope for sinful mankind because it said, ‘Your will be done.’ Else, it could have been a different scenario, as how could the Loving Father, who always granted His beloved Son His prayer, not grant it now!
My friend, the Lord grimaced in pain and suffering, even before the event of scourging and crucifixion, for our sake. He gained strength from His prayer that in assimilating, the mantle of our sin upon Himself, He could go through the experience of being shut off from His Father – something He had never experienced. No matter the price, He knew He had to pay it, so you and I could be yanked out of the clutches of the evil one and reach the door of Paradise. For our salvation, He paid with His life. What a price that was. Remember this all your life and think if you will, ‘A God who can lay down His life for you, how much more He’ll do if you but believe and ask!’
Oct. 25, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 26:39. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Every person comes to a point, when she or he realizes that going further is going to be tough. No matter what your status, you will come to this point where you’re going to be one with your being, which means, your thoughts, your feelings and your actions are completely one with each other unlike other times in life where your thoughts may be detached from your feelings or your actions. Our Lord also came to this point and the Gospels project it as the only point where He struggled with the situation.
Jesus refers to this point as ‘the hour’. An hour of great distress. He looked forward to it, as it would mean the achieving of the work He had set out to do; an unfolding of the blueprint of His Father’s will. Yet, he realized the pain He would need to bear being separated from His Father and this realization hit Him hard. He was benumbed by its severity. His soul envisioned this catastrophe and became very heavy. As usual, He turned to His Father, portraying His grief and pain in praying, ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ And this prayer held hope for sinful mankind because it said, ‘Your will be done.’ Else, it could have been a different scenario, as how could the Loving Father, who always granted His beloved Son His prayer, not grant it now!
My friend, the Lord grimaced in pain and suffering, even before the event of scourging and crucifixion, for our sake. He gained strength from His prayer that in assimilating, the mantle of our sin upon Himself, He could go through the experience of being shut off from His Father – something He had never experienced. No matter the price, He knew He had to pay it, so you and I could be yanked out of the clutches of the evil one and reach the door of Paradise. For our salvation, He paid with His life. What a price that was. Remember this all your life and think if you will, ‘A God who can lay down His life for you, how much more He’ll do if you but believe and ask!’
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 24, 2007
Today's verse: Is. 51:6. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
On the way to work or to anywhere else, if you are in touch with the Lord, it can be a wonderful journey. As you meditate on Him, His reassurances float into your mind one by one. You praise Him and He returns that with His solid Word.
So it was with me today while going to work. As I started worrying, He started sending me His promises and with them He also sent me the Word, ‘Heaven and earth will pass away but My Word will not pass away.’ I was reassured thinking how Heaven and earth will fold up – these (at least earth), which we deem to be imperishable, will actually wither away! Consider this my friend: Those huge mountains and solid rocks will frizzle and vanish… inconceivable… but His Word will remain! Ah, how solid His Word is.
Working on this reflection, as I was praying to the Holy Spirit to give us something solid today, guess what? He gave us the verse above. In congruence with the Word He gave me on the way! I know I need it and I know you need it too. There is one among us who needs this re-assurance very much today. May I request you to pray for that someone? And also trust in His Word yourself. My friend, what else do we have with us but His Word to tell us of His Wonder? To tell us that He loves us, that He cares for our every tear; and I must tell you how in song this morning He told me, ‘I came to tell you, of the love My Father has for you. I came to tell you of what you mean to Him. I came to tell you that I have returned to you, the Paradise you had lost. And I came to tell you, I am going to commune with you forever and ever in My garden of bliss.’ My Word for you.
Oct. 24, 2007
Today's verse: Is. 51:6. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
On the way to work or to anywhere else, if you are in touch with the Lord, it can be a wonderful journey. As you meditate on Him, His reassurances float into your mind one by one. You praise Him and He returns that with His solid Word.
So it was with me today while going to work. As I started worrying, He started sending me His promises and with them He also sent me the Word, ‘Heaven and earth will pass away but My Word will not pass away.’ I was reassured thinking how Heaven and earth will fold up – these (at least earth), which we deem to be imperishable, will actually wither away! Consider this my friend: Those huge mountains and solid rocks will frizzle and vanish… inconceivable… but His Word will remain! Ah, how solid His Word is.
Working on this reflection, as I was praying to the Holy Spirit to give us something solid today, guess what? He gave us the verse above. In congruence with the Word He gave me on the way! I know I need it and I know you need it too. There is one among us who needs this re-assurance very much today. May I request you to pray for that someone? And also trust in His Word yourself. My friend, what else do we have with us but His Word to tell us of His Wonder? To tell us that He loves us, that He cares for our every tear; and I must tell you how in song this morning He told me, ‘I came to tell you, of the love My Father has for you. I came to tell you of what you mean to Him. I came to tell you that I have returned to you, the Paradise you had lost. And I came to tell you, I am going to commune with you forever and ever in My garden of bliss.’ My Word for you.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 23, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 221:15. Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In today’s verse, more than the assertion of love that Jesus wanted of Peter, in the question He asked him, it is Jesus’ love that oozes out. Peter had denied Jesus, not once but three times, that too despite his brave talk of being with Jesus in His trials even to death. In Jesus’ question, Peter realizes how much the Lord loves Him and how much concerned the Lord is that Peter may be guilty about his denial and so drift away. In a way, by asking Peter to assert His love, Jesus gave him the comfort of His own love and forgiveness. And it was not to Jesus’ benefit but that Peter may realize that despite what had happened, the Lord still counted on Him. That is what made Peter the great saint and also be martyred for Christ.
You know, we may not have much, we may not acquire much, moreover, we may be very small people in society, yet we need know that God’s love is in us, as much as in anybody else and so, we are equal in the world. What a blessed and privileged thing the love of God is – surpassing, all human logic. In the world, we trade hate for hate and wealth means all, but for God worldly wealth means nothing because He knows it’s going to perish and in His kingdom, hate is to be traded for love. For God, love means all and that is why Jesus says there are only two commandments: Love God with the entire heart, mind and soul and next, love neighbor.
God loves us so much and He expects us to love Him too. Once I remember, a colleague telling us in his sharing that we do not love God. This stunned me. I used to always think I loved God a lot, but realized it wasn’t true. If it were, I’d do anything He would ask me to and love everybody else. That realization shamed me and today, I seek His Grace in being able to love Him and thereby love others because He loves them.
I know it’s difficult to love people who aren’t what you expect them to be. Yet I know He is looking at me and I am afraid of answering His question, ‘Child, do you love Me.’
Oct. 23, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 221:15. Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In today’s verse, more than the assertion of love that Jesus wanted of Peter, in the question He asked him, it is Jesus’ love that oozes out. Peter had denied Jesus, not once but three times, that too despite his brave talk of being with Jesus in His trials even to death. In Jesus’ question, Peter realizes how much the Lord loves Him and how much concerned the Lord is that Peter may be guilty about his denial and so drift away. In a way, by asking Peter to assert His love, Jesus gave him the comfort of His own love and forgiveness. And it was not to Jesus’ benefit but that Peter may realize that despite what had happened, the Lord still counted on Him. That is what made Peter the great saint and also be martyred for Christ.
You know, we may not have much, we may not acquire much, moreover, we may be very small people in society, yet we need know that God’s love is in us, as much as in anybody else and so, we are equal in the world. What a blessed and privileged thing the love of God is – surpassing, all human logic. In the world, we trade hate for hate and wealth means all, but for God worldly wealth means nothing because He knows it’s going to perish and in His kingdom, hate is to be traded for love. For God, love means all and that is why Jesus says there are only two commandments: Love God with the entire heart, mind and soul and next, love neighbor.
God loves us so much and He expects us to love Him too. Once I remember, a colleague telling us in his sharing that we do not love God. This stunned me. I used to always think I loved God a lot, but realized it wasn’t true. If it were, I’d do anything He would ask me to and love everybody else. That realization shamed me and today, I seek His Grace in being able to love Him and thereby love others because He loves them.
I know it’s difficult to love people who aren’t what you expect them to be. Yet I know He is looking at me and I am afraid of answering His question, ‘Child, do you love Me.’
Monday, October 22, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 22, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 28:20. …lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
It is amazing how God keeps His promises. Every time the mind, conditioned by the world and its buffoonery, says God isn’t existing and that everything you see and hear about God is someone’s figment of imagination; God comes down to prove that He is there and is still the same God Moses perceived in the burning bush.
Yesterday, I was in a prayer meeting. After the Word was broken, we started calling upon His Name and praising Him. The faith of the people arose and a point came when I believe each individual there expected to see the Lord. As the expectation arose, Jesus Christ Himself came down and not only me, but others too witnessed His presence. There was one sister there, who even wiped His tears: the tears that fall with ours when we are in pain. Amazingly, her hands were wet with them!
See my friends, He loves us so much. Yet our approach to Him is improper. At times, our prayers are not heard because we do not move to a point of desperation before the throne. God really moves when our desperation meter starts ticking and the needle reaches the maximum. We know this yet, we do not hammer at His heart and then when we do not witness His hand in our problems, we react negatively; we hurt Him much and tell Him we don’t believe in Him any longer. Sad, no? But that’s the way I must confess and say, we are, chiefly me.
Today, I urge you to get down on your knees and touch Him. If He became real to a bunch of sinners on a Sunday evening, He will definitely become real to you too. Remember He said, ‘I am with you always.’ And of course just as He told the people after Zacchaeus’ conversion, He says the same again, ‘The Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.’ Be sure and know He will come into the corner where you are, desperately seeking Him.
Oct. 22, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 28:20. …lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
It is amazing how God keeps His promises. Every time the mind, conditioned by the world and its buffoonery, says God isn’t existing and that everything you see and hear about God is someone’s figment of imagination; God comes down to prove that He is there and is still the same God Moses perceived in the burning bush.
Yesterday, I was in a prayer meeting. After the Word was broken, we started calling upon His Name and praising Him. The faith of the people arose and a point came when I believe each individual there expected to see the Lord. As the expectation arose, Jesus Christ Himself came down and not only me, but others too witnessed His presence. There was one sister there, who even wiped His tears: the tears that fall with ours when we are in pain. Amazingly, her hands were wet with them!
See my friends, He loves us so much. Yet our approach to Him is improper. At times, our prayers are not heard because we do not move to a point of desperation before the throne. God really moves when our desperation meter starts ticking and the needle reaches the maximum. We know this yet, we do not hammer at His heart and then when we do not witness His hand in our problems, we react negatively; we hurt Him much and tell Him we don’t believe in Him any longer. Sad, no? But that’s the way I must confess and say, we are, chiefly me.
Today, I urge you to get down on your knees and touch Him. If He became real to a bunch of sinners on a Sunday evening, He will definitely become real to you too. Remember He said, ‘I am with you always.’ And of course just as He told the people after Zacchaeus’ conversion, He says the same again, ‘The Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.’ Be sure and know He will come into the corner where you are, desperately seeking Him.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 19, 2007
Today's verse: Jdgs. 7:2. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God’s ways are total. Everything is complete in itself or not at all. Like a few days ago we read in these reflections, either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ nothing in-between. So too, here in the verse above, God is making a point with Gideon, one of the judges, through whom God brought redemption to Israel. With not a single man’s help, but totally by Himself.
In this account, we have the Midianites wrecking havoc on the Israelites who cry out to God. God arranges to save them through Gideon and provides signs to Gideon that He will redeem the Israelites through him. When Gideon prepares for battle, God does an amazing thing: He tells Gideon to reduce the men with him so that after they gain victory, they do not attribute it to their own effort. And through an interesting chain of events, God brings about victory through 300 men who do not even wield a sword! Imagine, the enemy – as numerous as locusts – being reined in by 300 men who blow horns with one hand and hold lit torches with the other!! That is the power of God and the completeness of His work. This is the God we worship!!!
Only thing He needs is that, we are totally surrendered and deign to give Him alone the glory and the honor. My friend, is it too difficult to do that? I know there are many of us here who are not surrendered completely and therefore continuously face tumult. But today, if you feel good about your God, lay hold of His Spirit in sweet and complete surrender. And determine in your heart that you will honor Him alone. Then, no matter what your situation of difficulty, sit back and watch how He brings you out of it.
Oct. 19, 2007
Today's verse: Jdgs. 7:2. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God’s ways are total. Everything is complete in itself or not at all. Like a few days ago we read in these reflections, either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ nothing in-between. So too, here in the verse above, God is making a point with Gideon, one of the judges, through whom God brought redemption to Israel. With not a single man’s help, but totally by Himself.
In this account, we have the Midianites wrecking havoc on the Israelites who cry out to God. God arranges to save them through Gideon and provides signs to Gideon that He will redeem the Israelites through him. When Gideon prepares for battle, God does an amazing thing: He tells Gideon to reduce the men with him so that after they gain victory, they do not attribute it to their own effort. And through an interesting chain of events, God brings about victory through 300 men who do not even wield a sword! Imagine, the enemy – as numerous as locusts – being reined in by 300 men who blow horns with one hand and hold lit torches with the other!! That is the power of God and the completeness of His work. This is the God we worship!!!
Only thing He needs is that, we are totally surrendered and deign to give Him alone the glory and the honor. My friend, is it too difficult to do that? I know there are many of us here who are not surrendered completely and therefore continuously face tumult. But today, if you feel good about your God, lay hold of His Spirit in sweet and complete surrender. And determine in your heart that you will honor Him alone. Then, no matter what your situation of difficulty, sit back and watch how He brings you out of it.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 18, 2007
Today's verse: Ezekiel 17:24. I the LORD have spoken and have done it. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Reflecting on the above, I can safely draw the conclusion that God will fulfill whatever promise we have in His Word. When God says something it is better to believe in what He says, for what He says, He is able to do.
In the episode of the Lord’s visit to Abraham in Genesis Ch. 18, God speaks and tells that Sarah will bear a child next year, even when Sarah was 89 years old and withered. Therefore, Sarah laughs to herself as she ponders on what she is able to see of herself in the natural realm and what God had just said. God asks Abraham why she laughed and questioned the possibility of bearing a child. Further the Lord says, ‘Is there anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?’ We know that Isaac was born to Sarah at age 90. God had done what He had spoken!
Ponder upon this my friend. The Bible in your hand is God’s Word and God is able to accomplish every Word therein. NO action is beyond Him. None can come in His way of redeeming you or working a miracle in your life when you have asked for it. Just believe in Him.
Oct. 18, 2007
Today's verse: Ezekiel 17:24. I the LORD have spoken and have done it. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Reflecting on the above, I can safely draw the conclusion that God will fulfill whatever promise we have in His Word. When God says something it is better to believe in what He says, for what He says, He is able to do.
In the episode of the Lord’s visit to Abraham in Genesis Ch. 18, God speaks and tells that Sarah will bear a child next year, even when Sarah was 89 years old and withered. Therefore, Sarah laughs to herself as she ponders on what she is able to see of herself in the natural realm and what God had just said. God asks Abraham why she laughed and questioned the possibility of bearing a child. Further the Lord says, ‘Is there anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?’ We know that Isaac was born to Sarah at age 90. God had done what He had spoken!
Ponder upon this my friend. The Bible in your hand is God’s Word and God is able to accomplish every Word therein. NO action is beyond Him. None can come in His way of redeeming you or working a miracle in your life when you have asked for it. Just believe in Him.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 17, 2007
Today's verse: Gen. 45:8. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I’ve had many discussions, or if you choose to call, debates about the hand of God in all the affairs of man: whether good or bad; whether we like it or not. I echo this refrain again in saying; God works all things in our lives. It depends on our perceiving ability to look through the situation and see the good that can come of it, for let me tell you, everything wrought by God has a purpose, however faint it may seem. Even the accident, you might have met with last year or the cancer in the throat.
Obviously the thing may be painful, but remember God in His way will bring good out of it mysteriously. In day-to-day life, God shows this so many times. A lady was thrown out of her job. When it happened, she was distraught; the thought ‘what will I do now?’ engaged her mind. But unlike many others, she fell at God’s feet and chanted, ‘all things happen for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes’ Ro. 8:28. Then she got an unbelievable offer. She came to realize that if she had the previous job, she would never have tried to get another and so would certainly have missed this one! The new job was the dream job she wanted.
Then again, a lady’s son wasn’t promoted. She was broken. That year her son changed. He studied hard and scored top ranks. Since then he has not looked back. He who was a dud is studying engineering today! Ah, talk about God’s ways. See what He can do.
Today’s verse today is a classic. Affirming it is God, not man. So too in your current problematic situation, envision God’s hand. But don’t stop there; also fathom the good that will come out. I know, you may be down and wondering what good God can bring out of it, but remember my friend, God is able to do anything. When hope turns to despair, God sets you on reverse mode. When clouds gather over you, God, streaks in a beauty that is rare. Rather than looking at the problem, look at His face. There you will find the radiance that will smash your problem and shower your life with His light.
Oct. 17, 2007
Today's verse: Gen. 45:8. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I’ve had many discussions, or if you choose to call, debates about the hand of God in all the affairs of man: whether good or bad; whether we like it or not. I echo this refrain again in saying; God works all things in our lives. It depends on our perceiving ability to look through the situation and see the good that can come of it, for let me tell you, everything wrought by God has a purpose, however faint it may seem. Even the accident, you might have met with last year or the cancer in the throat.
Obviously the thing may be painful, but remember God in His way will bring good out of it mysteriously. In day-to-day life, God shows this so many times. A lady was thrown out of her job. When it happened, she was distraught; the thought ‘what will I do now?’ engaged her mind. But unlike many others, she fell at God’s feet and chanted, ‘all things happen for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes’ Ro. 8:28. Then she got an unbelievable offer. She came to realize that if she had the previous job, she would never have tried to get another and so would certainly have missed this one! The new job was the dream job she wanted.
Then again, a lady’s son wasn’t promoted. She was broken. That year her son changed. He studied hard and scored top ranks. Since then he has not looked back. He who was a dud is studying engineering today! Ah, talk about God’s ways. See what He can do.
Today’s verse today is a classic. Affirming it is God, not man. So too in your current problematic situation, envision God’s hand. But don’t stop there; also fathom the good that will come out. I know, you may be down and wondering what good God can bring out of it, but remember my friend, God is able to do anything. When hope turns to despair, God sets you on reverse mode. When clouds gather over you, God, streaks in a beauty that is rare. Rather than looking at the problem, look at His face. There you will find the radiance that will smash your problem and shower your life with His light.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 16, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 6:4. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I have read and read this verse so many times but this time; the Spirit of the Lord gave me a new revelation in it: That He rewards us openly when we give secretly which means, we don’t give to show others but respond to the cry of need.
Giving alms is mandatory – not left to us as a choice, for in the preceding verse, Jesus says, ‘When you give alms’, not ‘if you give alms’. In the giving of alms, we tend to ask, ‘what’s in it for me?’ To which many would answer, ‘Nothing.’ In fact, we rationalize the art of ‘not giving’ with many reasons, ranging from the most basic, ‘well, I don’t have the money’, to the more reasoned, ‘it makes them lazy’ thereby quelling our inner voice’s urge of giving to a needy soul begging in visible and absolute desperation. By the way, I am not promoting the art of giving to beggars but just echoing what the Lord says of almsgiving; you may take it the way He speaks to you.
Whether we give or not, today’s verse is rich in one thing and that is: He will reward you! Like I said earlier, I had read this verse so many times but only now did I discover the promise of Christ that God rewards the alms giver openly, of course when the giver gives not for selfish gains, but because she sees a person in need. Further, it arrives in my mind that God, is really concerned for the poor which is why when you share His concern and act, He rewards you. People become poor, not because they are children of a lesser god but because greed in others makes them poor and they remain poor because our greed does not allow them to change their social status. We don’t give because we are driven to understand that we need to save for our future. And we do it because we don’t trust God enough to take care of our future!
If we can crystallize this message and give without questioning whenever we see another human being in need, I can tell you, the God of Heaven to whom belongs the earth and all its fullness, will reward us abundantly – more than we could imagine. Further, let me tell you, almsgiving also includes love, sympathy, a gentle caring word, etc. Truly when you do it, God will ensure your world becomes a lot more beautiful.
Oct. 16, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 6:4. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I have read and read this verse so many times but this time; the Spirit of the Lord gave me a new revelation in it: That He rewards us openly when we give secretly which means, we don’t give to show others but respond to the cry of need.
Giving alms is mandatory – not left to us as a choice, for in the preceding verse, Jesus says, ‘When you give alms’, not ‘if you give alms’. In the giving of alms, we tend to ask, ‘what’s in it for me?’ To which many would answer, ‘Nothing.’ In fact, we rationalize the art of ‘not giving’ with many reasons, ranging from the most basic, ‘well, I don’t have the money’, to the more reasoned, ‘it makes them lazy’ thereby quelling our inner voice’s urge of giving to a needy soul begging in visible and absolute desperation. By the way, I am not promoting the art of giving to beggars but just echoing what the Lord says of almsgiving; you may take it the way He speaks to you.
Whether we give or not, today’s verse is rich in one thing and that is: He will reward you! Like I said earlier, I had read this verse so many times but only now did I discover the promise of Christ that God rewards the alms giver openly, of course when the giver gives not for selfish gains, but because she sees a person in need. Further, it arrives in my mind that God, is really concerned for the poor which is why when you share His concern and act, He rewards you. People become poor, not because they are children of a lesser god but because greed in others makes them poor and they remain poor because our greed does not allow them to change their social status. We don’t give because we are driven to understand that we need to save for our future. And we do it because we don’t trust God enough to take care of our future!
If we can crystallize this message and give without questioning whenever we see another human being in need, I can tell you, the God of Heaven to whom belongs the earth and all its fullness, will reward us abundantly – more than we could imagine. Further, let me tell you, almsgiving also includes love, sympathy, a gentle caring word, etc. Truly when you do it, God will ensure your world becomes a lot more beautiful.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 12, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 4:20. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Jesus Christ in sending us on His Mission, says, Behold, I send you like lambs among wolves.’ Therefore, we may feel that we are asked to be gentle and timid and of course yielding. Anything else would contradict Kingdom values isn’t it?
But that would be a wrong understanding of His message. What Paul tells us in our verse for today, is clear and powerful. He says the Kingdom of God is POWER. When we proclaim this Kingdom, His power is displayed. The power witnessed by us - to split rocks, to calm the sea, to raise the dead to life and in today's context, to crush cancers, to bring financial windfalls, to harness peace where there is strife; and so on.
Jesus asks us to be personally humble and meek. But, when we speak of His Kingdom, He needs us to be transformed for then we bring Him into the picture and He is powerful. In His life here on earth, He was meek and mild; but when it came to the Kingdom, He suddenly changed. From a calm and patient person, He became the aggressor; powerful and charged. For e.g. He spoke powerfully while calming the sea and He was upset with His disciples as they were timid and terrified. Even when He rid the temple of the traders and moneychangers, He was extremely aggressive.
His aggression came of His being zealous for the King and His Kingdom. The Kingdom tolerates no nonsense, particularly towards the weak. It harbors not falsehood speaking, the truth in confidence. There is power in the Kingdom. Diseases are flung away. Poverty is banished. Weakness is transformed into strength and sorrow is morphed into joy. The Kingdom has no partiality and serves everybody equally and being citizens of the Kingdom, we are all asked to worship one King, one Lord and one God. By the way, the Kingdom is here and now and it is easy to be a part of it: Just believe Him. So, would you partake of the Power; would you be a part of the Kingdom?
Oct. 12, 2007
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 4:20. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Jesus Christ in sending us on His Mission, says, Behold, I send you like lambs among wolves.’ Therefore, we may feel that we are asked to be gentle and timid and of course yielding. Anything else would contradict Kingdom values isn’t it?
But that would be a wrong understanding of His message. What Paul tells us in our verse for today, is clear and powerful. He says the Kingdom of God is POWER. When we proclaim this Kingdom, His power is displayed. The power witnessed by us - to split rocks, to calm the sea, to raise the dead to life and in today's context, to crush cancers, to bring financial windfalls, to harness peace where there is strife; and so on.
Jesus asks us to be personally humble and meek. But, when we speak of His Kingdom, He needs us to be transformed for then we bring Him into the picture and He is powerful. In His life here on earth, He was meek and mild; but when it came to the Kingdom, He suddenly changed. From a calm and patient person, He became the aggressor; powerful and charged. For e.g. He spoke powerfully while calming the sea and He was upset with His disciples as they were timid and terrified. Even when He rid the temple of the traders and moneychangers, He was extremely aggressive.
His aggression came of His being zealous for the King and His Kingdom. The Kingdom tolerates no nonsense, particularly towards the weak. It harbors not falsehood speaking, the truth in confidence. There is power in the Kingdom. Diseases are flung away. Poverty is banished. Weakness is transformed into strength and sorrow is morphed into joy. The Kingdom has no partiality and serves everybody equally and being citizens of the Kingdom, we are all asked to worship one King, one Lord and one God. By the way, the Kingdom is here and now and it is easy to be a part of it: Just believe Him. So, would you partake of the Power; would you be a part of the Kingdom?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 12, 2007
Today's verse: Prov. 18:10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
If you were to consider the meaning of the word ‘tower’, the first thing you may think of is a tall structure; a structure that proffers support and shelter. Something you could run into when faced with danger and be safe, isn’t it?
In the world, we may not always find man made towers to shield us from dangers that may arise on the path of life, but there is a tower that is ever present and willing to embrace us anytime. This tower is SAFE. Having existed even before the world began, it is Rock Solid and foolproof. None can scale its walls or destroy it. Once you are in it, it will never allow anyone or anything snatch you or harm you. O Blessed one, today, the Good News reminds us that the Lord is this Tower. He is the Rock of refuge in whom we may immerse and forget about the snares that chase us. He is the One in whom we may sleep on, even when the billows of life thrust and toss us or when dark clouds engulf us and threaten to numb our senses.
Across time and ages, the Tower has been faithful and true. In the Bible, we have so many examples of people protected by Him. Even today, saints of God are shielded and kept under the columns of this Tower. You may be hounded by some problem or may be down to your last ounce of strength in fighting that disease or painful situation, but fret not my friend; run into the Tower covered by the Lamb’s blood. None will then be able to harm you as He takes over: He before whom the rocks shatter and the winds scatter. He before Whom shivers the enemy of souls whose arrows are but dry twigs for the Tower’s Almighty ramparts.
Oct. 12, 2007
Today's verse: Prov. 18:10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
If you were to consider the meaning of the word ‘tower’, the first thing you may think of is a tall structure; a structure that proffers support and shelter. Something you could run into when faced with danger and be safe, isn’t it?
In the world, we may not always find man made towers to shield us from dangers that may arise on the path of life, but there is a tower that is ever present and willing to embrace us anytime. This tower is SAFE. Having existed even before the world began, it is Rock Solid and foolproof. None can scale its walls or destroy it. Once you are in it, it will never allow anyone or anything snatch you or harm you. O Blessed one, today, the Good News reminds us that the Lord is this Tower. He is the Rock of refuge in whom we may immerse and forget about the snares that chase us. He is the One in whom we may sleep on, even when the billows of life thrust and toss us or when dark clouds engulf us and threaten to numb our senses.
Across time and ages, the Tower has been faithful and true. In the Bible, we have so many examples of people protected by Him. Even today, saints of God are shielded and kept under the columns of this Tower. You may be hounded by some problem or may be down to your last ounce of strength in fighting that disease or painful situation, but fret not my friend; run into the Tower covered by the Lamb’s blood. None will then be able to harm you as He takes over: He before whom the rocks shatter and the winds scatter. He before Whom shivers the enemy of souls whose arrows are but dry twigs for the Tower’s Almighty ramparts.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 11, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 89:33. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
A few years ago, I was witness to an amazing testimony of a father who testified how God’s faithfulness brought his 10-year-old daughter back from the brink of death. Thinking about it, I look up to heaven, eyes misty; and sing, ‘How great thou art…’
The girl had a malignant tumor in her liver, the size of a man’s fist. The liver itself would have been less than half it’s size! Doctors gave up. ‘Twenty to thirty days more’, they said. Let her die in peace. Relatives, flocked around ready with condolences. One look at the little girl and even the biggest optimist would drown in melancholy. In fifteen days, the bubbly and chirpy girl was reduced to skin and bones with tubes sticking out from her hands, her legs, etc. Many bottles of blood were pumped into her because the only thing she did was vomit blood. What a funereal situation.
But the girl’s father never gave up. He remembered Jairus’ daughter. Didn’t Jesus raise her up even when she was dead; and the people had laughed when told she was sleeping! And he knew Jesus was the same: yesterday, today and forever. In his heart, he chanted: Jesus never fails. He got into the Word. He got out the promises God made and in all this He saw God’s faithfulness being mentioned again and again. Verses like today’s made his hope soar even as life in the girl sank. A reputed oncologist, called in as a last resort, refused to operate while the girl was on the operating table as he didn’t want the girl to die even as he operated.
But, my friend, God never fails. In an amazing turn of events, the tumor began to shrink; it shrank and shrank till it was the size of a pea and could be operated. Today, the girl is alive and doing well…The Word became flesh and gave life to the girl. The Word, which God gave us. The very Word, which assures us of all good things if we believe. As I write this, there is an anointing around me because of His Word. As you read this, feel His anointing, not because I tell you it is there, but because He is faithful and He has no partiality and above all, His Word is True.
Oct. 11, 2007
Today's verse: Ps. 89:33. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
A few years ago, I was witness to an amazing testimony of a father who testified how God’s faithfulness brought his 10-year-old daughter back from the brink of death. Thinking about it, I look up to heaven, eyes misty; and sing, ‘How great thou art…’
The girl had a malignant tumor in her liver, the size of a man’s fist. The liver itself would have been less than half it’s size! Doctors gave up. ‘Twenty to thirty days more’, they said. Let her die in peace. Relatives, flocked around ready with condolences. One look at the little girl and even the biggest optimist would drown in melancholy. In fifteen days, the bubbly and chirpy girl was reduced to skin and bones with tubes sticking out from her hands, her legs, etc. Many bottles of blood were pumped into her because the only thing she did was vomit blood. What a funereal situation.
But the girl’s father never gave up. He remembered Jairus’ daughter. Didn’t Jesus raise her up even when she was dead; and the people had laughed when told she was sleeping! And he knew Jesus was the same: yesterday, today and forever. In his heart, he chanted: Jesus never fails. He got into the Word. He got out the promises God made and in all this He saw God’s faithfulness being mentioned again and again. Verses like today’s made his hope soar even as life in the girl sank. A reputed oncologist, called in as a last resort, refused to operate while the girl was on the operating table as he didn’t want the girl to die even as he operated.
But, my friend, God never fails. In an amazing turn of events, the tumor began to shrink; it shrank and shrank till it was the size of a pea and could be operated. Today, the girl is alive and doing well…The Word became flesh and gave life to the girl. The Word, which God gave us. The very Word, which assures us of all good things if we believe. As I write this, there is an anointing around me because of His Word. As you read this, feel His anointing, not because I tell you it is there, but because He is faithful and He has no partiality and above all, His Word is True.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 8, 2007
Today's verse: Hosea 14:9. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Reading the book of Hosea and coming to this verse, one wonders why it’s there. Because the book’s theme is simple enough and does not dwell on mysteries difficult to understand like in some other books; so this addition is a tad difficult to understand.
But we know Words in the Bible are not there for nothing. They talk of an essentiality of God. Let’s move to the Book to learn why. God asks Hosea, to marry a prostitute, which he does. Then his wife leaves him to continue in her adultery. This must have broken Hosea’s heart yet God asks him to give his love to her despite her depravity. At that point, she was in slavery to her paramour; still Hosea buys her back re-accepting her as his wife.
When we look beyond the surface into the prophet’s life and what happens in this story, we realize God talking of the relationship between Israel and Himself. Israel had strayed from God and prostituted herself to other gods and to idol worship. Yet, God in His mercy forgives her and redeems her. The essence of Hosea is about the love of God and His ability to forgive despite the gross act of Israel’s infidelity which breaks His heart; something very difficult to comprehend.
That is where; we come to today’s verse. Hosea through the tragic events in his life, understands God’s heart. So too is God’s expectation of Israel that through the tragedy He inflicts upon them, they will understand His forgiving nature. Wisdom assumes this knowledge to seep into her followers in understanding that God’s paths are straight to the just who walk in them. But to sinners, they are stumbling blocks, which bring them down.
Oct. 8, 2007
Today's verse: Hosea 14:9. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Reading the book of Hosea and coming to this verse, one wonders why it’s there. Because the book’s theme is simple enough and does not dwell on mysteries difficult to understand like in some other books; so this addition is a tad difficult to understand.
But we know Words in the Bible are not there for nothing. They talk of an essentiality of God. Let’s move to the Book to learn why. God asks Hosea, to marry a prostitute, which he does. Then his wife leaves him to continue in her adultery. This must have broken Hosea’s heart yet God asks him to give his love to her despite her depravity. At that point, she was in slavery to her paramour; still Hosea buys her back re-accepting her as his wife.
When we look beyond the surface into the prophet’s life and what happens in this story, we realize God talking of the relationship between Israel and Himself. Israel had strayed from God and prostituted herself to other gods and to idol worship. Yet, God in His mercy forgives her and redeems her. The essence of Hosea is about the love of God and His ability to forgive despite the gross act of Israel’s infidelity which breaks His heart; something very difficult to comprehend.
That is where; we come to today’s verse. Hosea through the tragic events in his life, understands God’s heart. So too is God’s expectation of Israel that through the tragedy He inflicts upon them, they will understand His forgiving nature. Wisdom assumes this knowledge to seep into her followers in understanding that God’s paths are straight to the just who walk in them. But to sinners, they are stumbling blocks, which bring them down.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 8, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 11:23. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There’s something about God that’s different from the provisions of man’s code of living: There is no middle road. No sitting on the fence. With God, you are either for Him or not; not maybe! The above verse is an example of what God’s desire is with respect to our loyalties. That’s why, Jesus says, ‘let your yes, be yes and your no, be no’ Mt. 5:37. And He also adds, ‘anything beyond comes from the evil one!!!’
In our wisdom, we wonder, why we shouldn’t have a third option because It’s so easy to sit on the fence. In understanding the meaning of ‘for or against’, we learn the greater things in life where God is involved to a large extent. E.g. life and death. There is no in-between (as long as the heart beats, a man is alive – a comatose person is alive too) and no cause for confusion. Then again, either you are or you are not. E.g. If you are at home, you are not in the office and vice versa. Now imagine if there were a third dimension (with our limited power of both comprehension and imagination, it’s hard to perceive what we are heading toward but yet let’s move ahead) and we take a person who is on earth - can he be either alive or dead? Or is he both at home and at work at the same time? Is he with you and also not with you at the same time? And so on …what confusion this will create. People will be walking around in circles trying to determine what is.
In our day-to-day lives, we have some examples of us using our logic - with God we have: either you are married or not married. But man says, you neither need to be married nor unmarried; you can enjoy conjugal bliss without marriage and father or mother children too. Now see what a mess this can lead to? I am not conservative in my approach but hard core practical. What happens to children out of wedlock? Look at the mess the world is in because of man’s stunted principles, which he propounds as freedom of expression. Bah, freedom of expression! Gay marriages, live-ins, etc. And the proponents want society to accept these freaks as normal! Yes, it may be normal on a squeaky planet somewhere out there but certainly not on God’s earth. He runs the earth so you need to live by His rules.
My friend, putting your feet in different boats doesn’t help. We have enough examples of how just concentrating on one takes you to the pinnacle of success. God seeks to know what our response to Him is; is it for or not. If you are for Him, then you are 100% His. In such a state, He will work in you and through you in taking you to dimensions you’ve never known. Vistas you’ve never seen and worlds you’ve never heard of. So be unified in your spirit and let your answer be, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. For if you are both be sure, He will spew you out of His mouth.
Oct. 8, 2007
Today's verse: Lk. 11:23. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There’s something about God that’s different from the provisions of man’s code of living: There is no middle road. No sitting on the fence. With God, you are either for Him or not; not maybe! The above verse is an example of what God’s desire is with respect to our loyalties. That’s why, Jesus says, ‘let your yes, be yes and your no, be no’ Mt. 5:37. And He also adds, ‘anything beyond comes from the evil one!!!’
In our wisdom, we wonder, why we shouldn’t have a third option because It’s so easy to sit on the fence. In understanding the meaning of ‘for or against’, we learn the greater things in life where God is involved to a large extent. E.g. life and death. There is no in-between (as long as the heart beats, a man is alive – a comatose person is alive too) and no cause for confusion. Then again, either you are or you are not. E.g. If you are at home, you are not in the office and vice versa. Now imagine if there were a third dimension (with our limited power of both comprehension and imagination, it’s hard to perceive what we are heading toward but yet let’s move ahead) and we take a person who is on earth - can he be either alive or dead? Or is he both at home and at work at the same time? Is he with you and also not with you at the same time? And so on …what confusion this will create. People will be walking around in circles trying to determine what is.
In our day-to-day lives, we have some examples of us using our logic - with God we have: either you are married or not married. But man says, you neither need to be married nor unmarried; you can enjoy conjugal bliss without marriage and father or mother children too. Now see what a mess this can lead to? I am not conservative in my approach but hard core practical. What happens to children out of wedlock? Look at the mess the world is in because of man’s stunted principles, which he propounds as freedom of expression. Bah, freedom of expression! Gay marriages, live-ins, etc. And the proponents want society to accept these freaks as normal! Yes, it may be normal on a squeaky planet somewhere out there but certainly not on God’s earth. He runs the earth so you need to live by His rules.
My friend, putting your feet in different boats doesn’t help. We have enough examples of how just concentrating on one takes you to the pinnacle of success. God seeks to know what our response to Him is; is it for or not. If you are for Him, then you are 100% His. In such a state, He will work in you and through you in taking you to dimensions you’ve never known. Vistas you’ve never seen and worlds you’ve never heard of. So be unified in your spirit and let your answer be, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. For if you are both be sure, He will spew you out of His mouth.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 5, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 6:9. Our Father which art in heaven… (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Jesus came to earth to accomplish a few things. The main of course, was to redeem mankind and make him eligible to enter eternal life. Another equally important thing was, to tell us that we have a Father in Heaven, we can go to: Anytime.
At the juncture in time when Jesus took birth on earth, man had eminently forgotten that God is not just a God on high, but a Father – ever close and ever loving. Different from any earthly Father. Man had forgotten he could go to this Father any time and talk to Him as with another person. Therefore, to reacquaint man to his Father, who was and is from ages, the Son spoke very often of the Father. Even in telling His disciples that in praying, they begin invoking the Father in Heaven - the verse of today.
Jesus knew first hand the nature of the Father since He came from Him. He had lived closely God’s love for man and God’s brokenness (we can see glimpses of this in the reading of the prophetical books in His Word) when man rebelled against Him. He knew God could go to any extent to help man if only he would trust Him. In the OT, we see God exalting Moses far above others because Moses had learnt to trust Yahweh, the great I AM. We also see so many others like David, Abraham and Joseph to name a few who knew God well.
Let’s hear Jesus in Mt 7:11, If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?’ In it, we can experience how good the Father is. And how He is ever willing to give us all that we ask. In other places Jesus talks about how much the Father loves us that He has even numbered the hair on our heads. In sharing His personal communion with His Father, Jesus projects how beautiful and loving the Father is. If you have had a personal experience with our Father in Heaven, won’t you agree that our Father is beautiful?
Oct. 5, 2007
Today's verse: Mt. 6:9. Our Father which art in heaven… (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Jesus came to earth to accomplish a few things. The main of course, was to redeem mankind and make him eligible to enter eternal life. Another equally important thing was, to tell us that we have a Father in Heaven, we can go to: Anytime.
At the juncture in time when Jesus took birth on earth, man had eminently forgotten that God is not just a God on high, but a Father – ever close and ever loving. Different from any earthly Father. Man had forgotten he could go to this Father any time and talk to Him as with another person. Therefore, to reacquaint man to his Father, who was and is from ages, the Son spoke very often of the Father. Even in telling His disciples that in praying, they begin invoking the Father in Heaven - the verse of today.
Jesus knew first hand the nature of the Father since He came from Him. He had lived closely God’s love for man and God’s brokenness (we can see glimpses of this in the reading of the prophetical books in His Word) when man rebelled against Him. He knew God could go to any extent to help man if only he would trust Him. In the OT, we see God exalting Moses far above others because Moses had learnt to trust Yahweh, the great I AM. We also see so many others like David, Abraham and Joseph to name a few who knew God well.
Let’s hear Jesus in Mt 7:11, If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?’ In it, we can experience how good the Father is. And how He is ever willing to give us all that we ask. In other places Jesus talks about how much the Father loves us that He has even numbered the hair on our heads. In sharing His personal communion with His Father, Jesus projects how beautiful and loving the Father is. If you have had a personal experience with our Father in Heaven, won’t you agree that our Father is beautiful?
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 4, 2007
Today's verse: Dan. 3:35, 39. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one… Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, (RSV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God made man and a few rules by which man is to abide. That is because man came from God and is designed to be with God forever. The rules were so that man would be fit to be in the environment of God. But as evil entered the heart of man through the devil’s temptation and seduction, man started rebelling against the laws of God. His rebellion was like darts being thrown on God paining Him.
God had a choice. To destroy man; or save Him. Now even before the foundation of the world, God knew that His most choice creation would rebel against Him and fall. Then the Son, Yashua Masiach, volunteered to step in and restore the situation. What would have been sure destruction of man, transcended to his being washed of his sin and being saved. A new dimension was birthed then. A dimension of MERCY. This was because the Son looked at the Father and saw the pride the Father had in Man. How then could the Son bear to see the Father hurt; which He would be, if He had to destroy man. Such deep love between the three persons of the Trinity accedes to hurt self rather than see any of the other, hurt! Then on, mercy has always bailed man out of the wrath of God.
God’s mercy is extensive and awesome. Not because we are deserving but because God cannot but remember, the moment the Son chose to become so small like puny man and die to save man and please Him. God’s mercies are new every morning because of the effusion of the love God has for His Son. Besides God, in creating us with much love, is only pleased to forgive us our sin and why not, when His Son has washed them away. This isn’t so that we keep sinning, but rather we discover how much love there is in God’s heart for us.
Remember dear follower of Jesus, God is merciful and we need his mercy. Whenever we fall short of His glory, let us from our hearts attain to the prayer of Azariah as he and his companions sang to God’s glory in the fiery furnace that did not so much as singe their hair. Bear in mind that God’s mercy is just a prayer away.
Oct. 4, 2007
Today's verse: Dan. 3:35, 39. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one… Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, (RSV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God made man and a few rules by which man is to abide. That is because man came from God and is designed to be with God forever. The rules were so that man would be fit to be in the environment of God. But as evil entered the heart of man through the devil’s temptation and seduction, man started rebelling against the laws of God. His rebellion was like darts being thrown on God paining Him.
God had a choice. To destroy man; or save Him. Now even before the foundation of the world, God knew that His most choice creation would rebel against Him and fall. Then the Son, Yashua Masiach, volunteered to step in and restore the situation. What would have been sure destruction of man, transcended to his being washed of his sin and being saved. A new dimension was birthed then. A dimension of MERCY. This was because the Son looked at the Father and saw the pride the Father had in Man. How then could the Son bear to see the Father hurt; which He would be, if He had to destroy man. Such deep love between the three persons of the Trinity accedes to hurt self rather than see any of the other, hurt! Then on, mercy has always bailed man out of the wrath of God.
God’s mercy is extensive and awesome. Not because we are deserving but because God cannot but remember, the moment the Son chose to become so small like puny man and die to save man and please Him. God’s mercies are new every morning because of the effusion of the love God has for His Son. Besides God, in creating us with much love, is only pleased to forgive us our sin and why not, when His Son has washed them away. This isn’t so that we keep sinning, but rather we discover how much love there is in God’s heart for us.
Remember dear follower of Jesus, God is merciful and we need his mercy. Whenever we fall short of His glory, let us from our hearts attain to the prayer of Azariah as he and his companions sang to God’s glory in the fiery furnace that did not so much as singe their hair. Bear in mind that God’s mercy is just a prayer away.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 3, 2007
Today's verse: Gen. 11:9. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Today, I am being led to reflect on God’s work in dividing the race of mankind and then bringing them back in Jesus Christ. A look at the verse above coupled with what happens in Ch. 10 of Genesis tells us that from being one race, one nation if I may call it, man was dispersed throughout the earth. The Bible says that by the time Peleg was born to Eber, the descendent of Shem, the son of Noah, the earth was divided and in harboring intentions of building the tower of Babel to make a name for themselves, God decreed further scattering and the birth of many languages.
In understanding God’s ways, atleast somewhat (none will ever understand fully God ways), we realize that whenever, man tried to do something that went against God’s role in fathering and nurturing the universe, God worked against him and man had to retreat. Very critical also is man’s foolishness in trying to attain to that knowledge that isn’t his to grasp, a reason why Adam was banished from Paradise.
In the coming of Christ all changed. God’s knowledge opened up to man. Mysteries of old began to unfold as Paul says in Col. 1:26, ‘Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints’. The mystery is the unification of the world so then an offering of ‘the one world’ may be made to God through Jesus Christ His Son. The circuitous route and time this will take is because of Adam’s fall and man’s reliance on himself. Much time is appointed till the human race understands their reliance has to be on God and God alone; don’t we see a trailer of this in the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land which took 40 years rather than a few weeks at the most?
Now that it has been revealed, we know that the whole world will be assimilated into one big unity into Christ. Paul says that blindness happened to the Jews until the fullness of the gentiles be come in through Christ. And then all Israel will be saved. That God then gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and on earth, and then the son Himself will be subjected to the One who subjected (gathered) everything to Him, so that God may be all in all. Understand this if you can.
Oct. 3, 2007
Today's verse: Gen. 11:9. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Today, I am being led to reflect on God’s work in dividing the race of mankind and then bringing them back in Jesus Christ. A look at the verse above coupled with what happens in Ch. 10 of Genesis tells us that from being one race, one nation if I may call it, man was dispersed throughout the earth. The Bible says that by the time Peleg was born to Eber, the descendent of Shem, the son of Noah, the earth was divided and in harboring intentions of building the tower of Babel to make a name for themselves, God decreed further scattering and the birth of many languages.
In understanding God’s ways, atleast somewhat (none will ever understand fully God ways), we realize that whenever, man tried to do something that went against God’s role in fathering and nurturing the universe, God worked against him and man had to retreat. Very critical also is man’s foolishness in trying to attain to that knowledge that isn’t his to grasp, a reason why Adam was banished from Paradise.
In the coming of Christ all changed. God’s knowledge opened up to man. Mysteries of old began to unfold as Paul says in Col. 1:26, ‘Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints’. The mystery is the unification of the world so then an offering of ‘the one world’ may be made to God through Jesus Christ His Son. The circuitous route and time this will take is because of Adam’s fall and man’s reliance on himself. Much time is appointed till the human race understands their reliance has to be on God and God alone; don’t we see a trailer of this in the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land which took 40 years rather than a few weeks at the most?
Now that it has been revealed, we know that the whole world will be assimilated into one big unity into Christ. Paul says that blindness happened to the Jews until the fullness of the gentiles be come in through Christ. And then all Israel will be saved. That God then gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and on earth, and then the son Himself will be subjected to the One who subjected (gathered) everything to Him, so that God may be all in all. Understand this if you can.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Thoughts for another day
Oct. 2, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 14:27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The world is starved for peace today. What exists in the minds and hearts of people is fear. The fear, of what may happen or the unknown. Many times, it is the fear of what seems preposterous to the mind today becoming a reality tomorrow. If you were to ask me what the biggest disease currently, I’d say, it is the lack of peace in people’s hearts; and I am calling it a disease because it is at the root of most afflictions of the body and it gnaws at the insides and tears apart a human being. The victims are people from all classes of society, not just the poor or underprivileged.
So what really is peace and why is it so elusive? Peace I’d say is that state of mind in which is no anxiety. It is elusive because most human beings have some form of worry or other, which occupies their mind space and does not allow them to imbibe joy and other good things in life. Peace is something that one can experience even in the worst calamity though my saying that may seem foolish to you. And that kind of peace can be found in Jesus alone; peace, despite the problems perceived right before our eyes.
If you recall the miracle of the storm at sea, Jesus chides the apostles for their lack of faith for when the storm had arisen, their peace was shattered, the strange thing was that in the midst of the storm, Jesus was calm and sleeping. Do you think it is possible to sleep during a storm? But still He was. Because He had confidence in His Father. He knew that His Father could handle all things. His faith in His Father was unshakeable. Therefore, He was at peace.
What we must know today is that Jesus has told us that He has given us His peace. A peace, unlike the world’s definition of peace. A peace, which can withstand the biggest catastrophes of life and can ride the largest waves. My friend put your trust in Jesus. Yes, you will still have your problems and woes and your difficulties. But in their midst, you will have an inexplicable calm. And in this situation, you will see the Hand of your God, working for you.
Oct. 2, 2007
Today's verse: Jn. 14:27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The world is starved for peace today. What exists in the minds and hearts of people is fear. The fear, of what may happen or the unknown. Many times, it is the fear of what seems preposterous to the mind today becoming a reality tomorrow. If you were to ask me what the biggest disease currently, I’d say, it is the lack of peace in people’s hearts; and I am calling it a disease because it is at the root of most afflictions of the body and it gnaws at the insides and tears apart a human being. The victims are people from all classes of society, not just the poor or underprivileged.
So what really is peace and why is it so elusive? Peace I’d say is that state of mind in which is no anxiety. It is elusive because most human beings have some form of worry or other, which occupies their mind space and does not allow them to imbibe joy and other good things in life. Peace is something that one can experience even in the worst calamity though my saying that may seem foolish to you. And that kind of peace can be found in Jesus alone; peace, despite the problems perceived right before our eyes.
If you recall the miracle of the storm at sea, Jesus chides the apostles for their lack of faith for when the storm had arisen, their peace was shattered, the strange thing was that in the midst of the storm, Jesus was calm and sleeping. Do you think it is possible to sleep during a storm? But still He was. Because He had confidence in His Father. He knew that His Father could handle all things. His faith in His Father was unshakeable. Therefore, He was at peace.
What we must know today is that Jesus has told us that He has given us His peace. A peace, unlike the world’s definition of peace. A peace, which can withstand the biggest catastrophes of life and can ride the largest waves. My friend put your trust in Jesus. Yes, you will still have your problems and woes and your difficulties. But in their midst, you will have an inexplicable calm. And in this situation, you will see the Hand of your God, working for you.
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