Thoughts for another day
Jan. 31, 2008
Today's verse: Gen. 1:28. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The blessing of God comes to us everyday when we commune with Him. His blessing comprises fullness and, a very important dimension of life and that is, dominion. Since we are God’s choice creation, created in His own image, God cares much for us and we are precious to Him, even if we consider ourselves worthless. Besides, He also considers us worthy and therefore, He has given us authority to be lord and master of the earth and to care for it.
But either we have not understood our status or we have got the whole thing wrong, for example, if we are to be fruitful and reign over the earth, why are we sad and why do we grope about in life always scared, anxious and without direction? Then again, does domination mean destruction? Our ways do not show dominance but rather we are dominated as it were, by the devil and his legions. Most of us are beat and tired and waiting for that magical moment which never arrives. I would say, not that it doesn’t arrive, but we do not see it arrive cause our furrows are laid deep with creases of anxiety disabling us from seeing it.
The sad thing is, even our domination is marked with ‘satanic’ brutality which unleashes irreversible damage to nature and the earth, whose consequences, in a way, we have seen and which we will see more in the future. All in all, we have failed miserably in the instruction God gave our first parents. But then again, the Cross gives us new hope. A new strength and fortitude, to rise up and do as He has asked us to, with His Grace. All else will fall into place.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 30, 2008
Today's verse: Eccl. 3:13. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Among the people you interact with, don’t you find many who are negative minded? I am not referring to their speaking against others or mudsling somebody rather, about their opinion of life. It’s just that they have a completely negative opinion of themselves and everything else. Constant worry and anxiety, dot the spectrum of their lives.
It’s as if they see life from the prism of ‘half empty’ when faced with the situation, ‘Is the glass half empty or half full!’ And so, they don’t enjoy what they have, but yearn for something they don’t have or can never achieve. Some of them are so obsessed with this negative trait that their brooding is grave and a few minutes with them are enough to dab your heart with melancholy too. Where do these people fit into the Kingdom of God? Like Jesus said in Luke 7: 31 onward, they are neither happy nor do they mourn.
As Christians, are we to be like them? Absolutely not, because we are to rejoice, even in the midst of tribulation. The writer of Ecclesiastes says that we must enjoy the good of our labor for that is the gift of God. If we have worked hard, we must find the time to enjoy the fruit of our work. Constant worry or nagging or brooding will yield nothing except a bouquet of misery. But being satisfied with what we have is key.
Actually, it’s all in the mind. If we feel insecure all the time, we will be insecure. I have seen people losing their jobs and laughing about it because they believe that adversity brings about the best in them and even I have experienced it. Yet, there are others who, knowing for long that they will lose their jobs, behave as if their world has collapsed when it happens.
Let me tell you, adversity is but for a temporary moment. And even in it, God wants us to rejoice and be glad. Not because we will not suffer in it or that He won’t send problems our way, but because when they come, we will seek His strength and hold on to the faith that, He will handle them.
Jan. 30, 2008
Today's verse: Eccl. 3:13. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Among the people you interact with, don’t you find many who are negative minded? I am not referring to their speaking against others or mudsling somebody rather, about their opinion of life. It’s just that they have a completely negative opinion of themselves and everything else. Constant worry and anxiety, dot the spectrum of their lives.
It’s as if they see life from the prism of ‘half empty’ when faced with the situation, ‘Is the glass half empty or half full!’ And so, they don’t enjoy what they have, but yearn for something they don’t have or can never achieve. Some of them are so obsessed with this negative trait that their brooding is grave and a few minutes with them are enough to dab your heart with melancholy too. Where do these people fit into the Kingdom of God? Like Jesus said in Luke 7: 31 onward, they are neither happy nor do they mourn.
As Christians, are we to be like them? Absolutely not, because we are to rejoice, even in the midst of tribulation. The writer of Ecclesiastes says that we must enjoy the good of our labor for that is the gift of God. If we have worked hard, we must find the time to enjoy the fruit of our work. Constant worry or nagging or brooding will yield nothing except a bouquet of misery. But being satisfied with what we have is key.
Actually, it’s all in the mind. If we feel insecure all the time, we will be insecure. I have seen people losing their jobs and laughing about it because they believe that adversity brings about the best in them and even I have experienced it. Yet, there are others who, knowing for long that they will lose their jobs, behave as if their world has collapsed when it happens.
Let me tell you, adversity is but for a temporary moment. And even in it, God wants us to rejoice and be glad. Not because we will not suffer in it or that He won’t send problems our way, but because when they come, we will seek His strength and hold on to the faith that, He will handle them.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 29, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Tim. 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Are you filled with the Spirit of God? You should, by virtue of your believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and bearing His Name. And if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, have you ever thought what kind of Spirit He is?
Let’s look at it this way. Is my life joyful? Am I always looking forward to something in life? Are my days full of happiness? My relationships: are they healthy? Is there clean fun and frolic in my family? Am I sufficiently endowed? So on, and so forth. If the Holy Spirit is resident in my heart, most of my answers to the above, in fact almost all should be positive. There has to be zest in life, explained only by knowing that there is a power in operation here that’s not natural.
Being completely subservient to Jesus Christ ensures that through His mercy, His Spirit enters our lives and moves us on the path to an abundant life. Remember, God’s Spirit is power, love and a sound mind. Each of these three attributes is surely ours when He, the Holy Spirit abides with us. I recall an incident over a long time ago when a person suddenly developed a spirit of fear. She just couldn’t understand what the fear was about. Because of the fear she developed a number of diseases, which almost sank her. I then had the opportunity to pray for her and I told her that the devil is keeping her bound by her fear. I told her, she needed to understand what her fear was about and then ask the Holy Spirit to erase it. Gradually the fear vanished and today she is a normal person eager to serve the Lord.
As Christians, we are very powerful because the One we follow is powerful. We love because our God is love and none of us has an unsound mind for our God holds us in His so balance that our minds do not lose balance. If there is any problem in life, which is weighing heavily on you, please ask the Holy Spirit to take hold of you and invigorate your mind so that you could be tuned to the life Jesus wants you to lead.
Jan. 29, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Tim. 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Are you filled with the Spirit of God? You should, by virtue of your believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and bearing His Name. And if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, have you ever thought what kind of Spirit He is?
Let’s look at it this way. Is my life joyful? Am I always looking forward to something in life? Are my days full of happiness? My relationships: are they healthy? Is there clean fun and frolic in my family? Am I sufficiently endowed? So on, and so forth. If the Holy Spirit is resident in my heart, most of my answers to the above, in fact almost all should be positive. There has to be zest in life, explained only by knowing that there is a power in operation here that’s not natural.
Being completely subservient to Jesus Christ ensures that through His mercy, His Spirit enters our lives and moves us on the path to an abundant life. Remember, God’s Spirit is power, love and a sound mind. Each of these three attributes is surely ours when He, the Holy Spirit abides with us. I recall an incident over a long time ago when a person suddenly developed a spirit of fear. She just couldn’t understand what the fear was about. Because of the fear she developed a number of diseases, which almost sank her. I then had the opportunity to pray for her and I told her that the devil is keeping her bound by her fear. I told her, she needed to understand what her fear was about and then ask the Holy Spirit to erase it. Gradually the fear vanished and today she is a normal person eager to serve the Lord.
As Christians, we are very powerful because the One we follow is powerful. We love because our God is love and none of us has an unsound mind for our God holds us in His so balance that our minds do not lose balance. If there is any problem in life, which is weighing heavily on you, please ask the Holy Spirit to take hold of you and invigorate your mind so that you could be tuned to the life Jesus wants you to lead.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 28, 2008
Today's verse: Eph. 4:30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Are we lead by the Spirit of God? Is our life a fertile ground where God’s Spirit can come, reside and bear fruit? Questions that need to be paid attention to because if we are to live abundant lives, then the Holy Spirit has to become real in our lives. The Holy Spirit, the third person of our Trinitarian God has always assumed a low profile, yet every work that is of the Father is completed by the power of the Holy Spirit …not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit, declares the Lord God in Zech. 4:6.
It is through the Spirit that we have life for He is the Spirit of life (Ro. 8:2, Rev. 11:11). In the Spirit of God we are made children of the Father, which means, the Holy Spirit bestows upon us the parenthood of the Father (Ro. 8:14). The beginning of God’s awesome work of creation began with the Holy Spirit, the all-powerful, who laid the foundations of the earth as God sent forth His Word. God’s Spirit sustains all things, even as He renews and refreshes the earth.
As we delve into the Word of God, we notice that He, the Holy Spirit is everywhere. Whatever Jesus accomplished was by the Holy Spirit’s power. The Christian church was created and ordained by the Holy Spirit with great power on the day of Pentecost when He came upon the group of about 120 persons gathered in the upper room, in the form of tongues of fire. From then on He has sustained us at every step. The moment we seek to glorify Jesus, the Holy Spirit most tenderly ushers in His presence and miracles and wonders happen.
It may happen that as we live this life, we may hurt God’s Spirit. See, He is gentle and the moment, we show in our actions that we are self sufficient, He quietly moves away. At other times, we may ascribe a miracle to something other than His power and this is how He gets hurt. He is also hurt when we do not follow Christ’s teaching and do our own things. Paul tells us in today’s verse that we should never grieve the Holy Spirit for of a truth I can tell you, that if even for a moment the Holy Spirit abandons us, our lives would fall apart. That’s why David while lamenting his sin and praying Ps. 51 says to God says (v 11) – ‘take not Thy Holy Spirit from me!’ For he knew what the Holy Spirit meant to him. It’s time we too understood the Holy Spirit’s significance in our lives.
Jan. 28, 2008
Today's verse: Eph. 4:30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Are we lead by the Spirit of God? Is our life a fertile ground where God’s Spirit can come, reside and bear fruit? Questions that need to be paid attention to because if we are to live abundant lives, then the Holy Spirit has to become real in our lives. The Holy Spirit, the third person of our Trinitarian God has always assumed a low profile, yet every work that is of the Father is completed by the power of the Holy Spirit …not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit, declares the Lord God in Zech. 4:6.
It is through the Spirit that we have life for He is the Spirit of life (Ro. 8:2, Rev. 11:11). In the Spirit of God we are made children of the Father, which means, the Holy Spirit bestows upon us the parenthood of the Father (Ro. 8:14). The beginning of God’s awesome work of creation began with the Holy Spirit, the all-powerful, who laid the foundations of the earth as God sent forth His Word. God’s Spirit sustains all things, even as He renews and refreshes the earth.
As we delve into the Word of God, we notice that He, the Holy Spirit is everywhere. Whatever Jesus accomplished was by the Holy Spirit’s power. The Christian church was created and ordained by the Holy Spirit with great power on the day of Pentecost when He came upon the group of about 120 persons gathered in the upper room, in the form of tongues of fire. From then on He has sustained us at every step. The moment we seek to glorify Jesus, the Holy Spirit most tenderly ushers in His presence and miracles and wonders happen.
It may happen that as we live this life, we may hurt God’s Spirit. See, He is gentle and the moment, we show in our actions that we are self sufficient, He quietly moves away. At other times, we may ascribe a miracle to something other than His power and this is how He gets hurt. He is also hurt when we do not follow Christ’s teaching and do our own things. Paul tells us in today’s verse that we should never grieve the Holy Spirit for of a truth I can tell you, that if even for a moment the Holy Spirit abandons us, our lives would fall apart. That’s why David while lamenting his sin and praying Ps. 51 says to God says (v 11) – ‘take not Thy Holy Spirit from me!’ For he knew what the Holy Spirit meant to him. It’s time we too understood the Holy Spirit’s significance in our lives.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 25, 2008
Today's verse: Jer. 1:5. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Many people in this world operate thinking God doesn’t know anything about them. They move around, realising little that God is watching everything. Which is why they resort to all kinds of immorality and thieving and things that are below board. But God is watching and retribution will surely come.
There are times, due to personal weakness, I do foolish things and offend God. Yet, I never let Him out of my sight; or rather, I beg of Him to remain with me. I know, He cannot bear the stain of sin in me. But I offer Him my weakness. I know well to keep myself above board, of sin, is impossible without His assistance. I’m aware, to survive even a moment is not possible, if not for His Grace. I am not saying that telling oneself that God is watching and committing the sin is okay, but that even in the act of sinning, our eyes need to look at His and plead that He will change us into His image.
You see, before God cast the foundation of this earth, He knew us. All time is present before Him at once. Therefore, the time of my life, your life, our forefathers’ lives, etc. are before Him at once. He knows each one of us and He has ordained each to do a particular task that He wants to accomplish through us. That is the purpose we are here. Are we aware of this? If not, it’s time to realise it and work according to the broad framework of His plan so that we go along with it and do not work at cross purposes. God our Father is delighted in His children who seek to complete the purpose He has sent them for. If we but agree to go along with it, He will be the strength behind us and by His strength; we will be able to accomplish all.
Jan. 25, 2008
Today's verse: Jer. 1:5. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Many people in this world operate thinking God doesn’t know anything about them. They move around, realising little that God is watching everything. Which is why they resort to all kinds of immorality and thieving and things that are below board. But God is watching and retribution will surely come.
There are times, due to personal weakness, I do foolish things and offend God. Yet, I never let Him out of my sight; or rather, I beg of Him to remain with me. I know, He cannot bear the stain of sin in me. But I offer Him my weakness. I know well to keep myself above board, of sin, is impossible without His assistance. I’m aware, to survive even a moment is not possible, if not for His Grace. I am not saying that telling oneself that God is watching and committing the sin is okay, but that even in the act of sinning, our eyes need to look at His and plead that He will change us into His image.
You see, before God cast the foundation of this earth, He knew us. All time is present before Him at once. Therefore, the time of my life, your life, our forefathers’ lives, etc. are before Him at once. He knows each one of us and He has ordained each to do a particular task that He wants to accomplish through us. That is the purpose we are here. Are we aware of this? If not, it’s time to realise it and work according to the broad framework of His plan so that we go along with it and do not work at cross purposes. God our Father is delighted in His children who seek to complete the purpose He has sent them for. If we but agree to go along with it, He will be the strength behind us and by His strength; we will be able to accomplish all.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 24, 2008
Today's verse: Judges 2:12. And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are many sins a man may commit. But, if you were to ask me, which is the worst, I’d say, being unfaithful to God and worshipping/venerating other so called ‘gods’ made by human hands. God is very particular we do not do that for He is a ‘jealous’ God (Ex. 20:5, 34:14) and why is He jealous? Because, He alone is God. If, an inventor were to create a robot and this robot went and took somebody else as his creator, wouldn’t the creator be furious and destroy it immediately? See, God created us with much love and invested Himself into us. And what did we do? Created ‘gods’ for us that evolved from the figment of our imagination and worshipped the handiwork of our hands!
Nowhere else, except in the three monotheistic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) will you find that God seeks worship only for Himself - we know how the three are linked: The Father in Christianity is the same as Allah in Islam or ‘YHWH’ (Christians pronounce it as Yahweh) in Judaism (its an irony that though we follow the same and only God, we are three separate religions) . This is because only a genuine God would require that what is meant for Him is not to be given to others. In fact, God desires that we be more with Him then with our spouses, children, etc.
In the above verse, we find the Israelites forsaking the Lord who had done so many wonders before their forefathers; even worse was, they worshipped the ‘gods’ of the people of the land. In the sight of God, it was an abomination beyond condoning. Wouldn’t you think the same if you are on God’s side?
My friend, this is a good point for us to mull upon. Yesterday, we saw how He will deny us if we deny Him. Worshipping other ‘gods’ is gross denial. If ever you have done this unwittingly in the past, go repent. And as for the future, I pray, that death overtake us before we worship any other thing. For me, death would be more preferable than turning away from Jesus. For, I know that if I merit death because I refused worshipping anything else, Jesus, on the other side of this life, will be waiting with open arms.
Jan. 24, 2008
Today's verse: Judges 2:12. And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are many sins a man may commit. But, if you were to ask me, which is the worst, I’d say, being unfaithful to God and worshipping/venerating other so called ‘gods’ made by human hands. God is very particular we do not do that for He is a ‘jealous’ God (Ex. 20:5, 34:14) and why is He jealous? Because, He alone is God. If, an inventor were to create a robot and this robot went and took somebody else as his creator, wouldn’t the creator be furious and destroy it immediately? See, God created us with much love and invested Himself into us. And what did we do? Created ‘gods’ for us that evolved from the figment of our imagination and worshipped the handiwork of our hands!
Nowhere else, except in the three monotheistic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) will you find that God seeks worship only for Himself - we know how the three are linked: The Father in Christianity is the same as Allah in Islam or ‘YHWH’ (Christians pronounce it as Yahweh) in Judaism (its an irony that though we follow the same and only God, we are three separate religions) . This is because only a genuine God would require that what is meant for Him is not to be given to others. In fact, God desires that we be more with Him then with our spouses, children, etc.
In the above verse, we find the Israelites forsaking the Lord who had done so many wonders before their forefathers; even worse was, they worshipped the ‘gods’ of the people of the land. In the sight of God, it was an abomination beyond condoning. Wouldn’t you think the same if you are on God’s side?
My friend, this is a good point for us to mull upon. Yesterday, we saw how He will deny us if we deny Him. Worshipping other ‘gods’ is gross denial. If ever you have done this unwittingly in the past, go repent. And as for the future, I pray, that death overtake us before we worship any other thing. For me, death would be more preferable than turning away from Jesus. For, I know that if I merit death because I refused worshipping anything else, Jesus, on the other side of this life, will be waiting with open arms.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 23, 2008
Today's verse: Lk. 12:8,9. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Today’s Word is cautionary. Jesus clearly tells that those who confess Him before men will in return be known of the whole Assembly of Heaven; but those who deny Him, will in turn be denied before the Assembly of God. We need to be sensitized. It isn’t something to gloss over, but must be an eye-opener to how we treat Jesus. Do we acknowledge Him who created and saved us? Or, to look better to the world, do we refuse to recognise Him. Do we, to safeguard ourselves, refuse to acknowledge that we follow Him, the Lord of the Universe? Then, we shall reap the fruit of our actions as we move to hell because we refuse to acknowledge the One who has won us salvation.
The price Jesus paid for our redemption was great. Such suffering was not witnessed before, where the flesh of every portion of the body was torn. Then again the ignominy of the Cross - yes, Jesus paid a heavy price. Are we conscious of this? See, we are here on this earth for but a while but we will forever be in our destined place after this journey is over. Jesus came so all might be with Him. Even before coming to earth, He, the God of the Universe, knew what was in store. Yet, for the love of the Father and us, He chose not to shy away from the task before Him.
How then can we ignore or deny Him? Yet, I must say, we do. I have done it myself and I regret that. Not anymore will I deny Him for really His love overflows in my heart. His call rings in my ear and His face is ever before me and all I can see on it is love and a yearning I can’t describe. I am sure, in your deeper moments, you too feel the same, for He calls all irrespective of who we are, as He is no respecter of persons, nor does He play favorites. Will you dare deny Him?
Jan. 23, 2008
Today's verse: Lk. 12:8,9. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Today’s Word is cautionary. Jesus clearly tells that those who confess Him before men will in return be known of the whole Assembly of Heaven; but those who deny Him, will in turn be denied before the Assembly of God. We need to be sensitized. It isn’t something to gloss over, but must be an eye-opener to how we treat Jesus. Do we acknowledge Him who created and saved us? Or, to look better to the world, do we refuse to recognise Him. Do we, to safeguard ourselves, refuse to acknowledge that we follow Him, the Lord of the Universe? Then, we shall reap the fruit of our actions as we move to hell because we refuse to acknowledge the One who has won us salvation.
The price Jesus paid for our redemption was great. Such suffering was not witnessed before, where the flesh of every portion of the body was torn. Then again the ignominy of the Cross - yes, Jesus paid a heavy price. Are we conscious of this? See, we are here on this earth for but a while but we will forever be in our destined place after this journey is over. Jesus came so all might be with Him. Even before coming to earth, He, the God of the Universe, knew what was in store. Yet, for the love of the Father and us, He chose not to shy away from the task before Him.
How then can we ignore or deny Him? Yet, I must say, we do. I have done it myself and I regret that. Not anymore will I deny Him for really His love overflows in my heart. His call rings in my ear and His face is ever before me and all I can see on it is love and a yearning I can’t describe. I am sure, in your deeper moments, you too feel the same, for He calls all irrespective of who we are, as He is no respecter of persons, nor does He play favorites. Will you dare deny Him?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 22, 2008
Today's verse: Mt. 4:4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Man’s conflict with God occurs when he refuses to hearken to what God says. This conflict is bad and puts him away from God’s presence. We see this in Genesis when Adam disobeyed God. Later, when God called out to him, he hid. His disobedience caused his fall, which required someone to save him. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ did the redemptive work on the cross.
Man usually refuses to hearken to God because he thinks there is something better God hasn’t told him about. It is the yearning for that ‘something’ that consumes his mind and makes him seek it out to satiate himself with. Take the case of a child whose mother forbade him to eat the cookies she had made and kept in the glass bottle. Every time the child looked at the bottle, greed gripped him and ultimately, tricking mom, he took the bottle and ate the cookie. But, the cookie was bitter. Before long, his stomach quivered and he had a miserable time; because he didn’t know that mom had put in some medicinal powder to cure a stomach ailment the neighbor suffered from. To douse the bitterness of the medicine, she had put it in a cookie!
My friend, you see, the above verse says that listening to God’s Word is food. Food for our souls and when needed, food for our bodies. Countless are the examples in the Bible and also in today’s time when the mere presence of God, satisfied the body. Take Moses who stayed in God’s presence for 40 days and nights without eating or drinking, a single thing. People have fasted for long durations trusting God and have remained healthy with glowing skin. Of course there are people from other communities who also fast for long periods but they do not necessarily do it with the hope of living.
God’s Word is precious and life sustaining. We have to hearken to it, for in His Word, we find the strength to live a good life. I would urge you today to imbibe each Word that has proceeded from our God and let this Word make you live a life worthy of your Savior’s praise.
Jan. 22, 2008
Today's verse: Mt. 4:4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Man’s conflict with God occurs when he refuses to hearken to what God says. This conflict is bad and puts him away from God’s presence. We see this in Genesis when Adam disobeyed God. Later, when God called out to him, he hid. His disobedience caused his fall, which required someone to save him. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ did the redemptive work on the cross.
Man usually refuses to hearken to God because he thinks there is something better God hasn’t told him about. It is the yearning for that ‘something’ that consumes his mind and makes him seek it out to satiate himself with. Take the case of a child whose mother forbade him to eat the cookies she had made and kept in the glass bottle. Every time the child looked at the bottle, greed gripped him and ultimately, tricking mom, he took the bottle and ate the cookie. But, the cookie was bitter. Before long, his stomach quivered and he had a miserable time; because he didn’t know that mom had put in some medicinal powder to cure a stomach ailment the neighbor suffered from. To douse the bitterness of the medicine, she had put it in a cookie!
My friend, you see, the above verse says that listening to God’s Word is food. Food for our souls and when needed, food for our bodies. Countless are the examples in the Bible and also in today’s time when the mere presence of God, satisfied the body. Take Moses who stayed in God’s presence for 40 days and nights without eating or drinking, a single thing. People have fasted for long durations trusting God and have remained healthy with glowing skin. Of course there are people from other communities who also fast for long periods but they do not necessarily do it with the hope of living.
God’s Word is precious and life sustaining. We have to hearken to it, for in His Word, we find the strength to live a good life. I would urge you today to imbibe each Word that has proceeded from our God and let this Word make you live a life worthy of your Savior’s praise.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 21, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I’ve noticed one thing when I counsel people. If I tell them to wait upon God and depend on Him solely, they aren’t too happy. On the other hand if I tell them to contact a human being who might be able to help, they are so happy and I am suffused with ‘thank you’. Why? Quite difficult to answer particularly because, the very same people in the past were even dramatically helped by God. What makes these and others believe in the power of men rather than God’s power. Is God smaller than man? Is He not working today, or does God only work for some and not for others?
When I see the weakness of Jesus, particularly Christ on the cross, I behold God’s power. What seemed weakness and stupidity, was in fact God’s greatest miracle. The chief priests and the scribes reviled Jesus saying, ‘He saved others, He cannot save Himself!’ Oh well, if God were to have it their way, He who parted the Red Sea could have created a sea right where they stood and drowned them there itself. But God didn’t do that; rather, He served death on the cross to His Son… And in that, He saved man, who otherwise was doomed to die.
This is power: the working of the improbable in a situation that screams defeat. Even in your own life, God will demonstrate that when you cling to Him, what seems impossible can be made possible. It isn’t the raising of the dead, which is a great miracle. Rather, the coarse heart of man changed into a heart of flesh, is. Consider this my friend, with God is peace and satisfaction. No one in the world can give us peace, rather people will point out difficulties all round, well they say, you should be aware of the pitfalls! But God in the midst of difficulties will give peace. When everything is arrayed against us, God arrays Himself against everything, shielding us. Every morning our Maker casts a benevolent look on us assuring us of His love and protection, but what do we do? We turn our faces away and look toward man for help. Paul exhorts us today to step out of the foolishness of our mind and put faith in the power of God rather than the wisdom of man. In that only will we behold great things, in it only will we meet God.
Jan. 21, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
I’ve noticed one thing when I counsel people. If I tell them to wait upon God and depend on Him solely, they aren’t too happy. On the other hand if I tell them to contact a human being who might be able to help, they are so happy and I am suffused with ‘thank you’. Why? Quite difficult to answer particularly because, the very same people in the past were even dramatically helped by God. What makes these and others believe in the power of men rather than God’s power. Is God smaller than man? Is He not working today, or does God only work for some and not for others?
When I see the weakness of Jesus, particularly Christ on the cross, I behold God’s power. What seemed weakness and stupidity, was in fact God’s greatest miracle. The chief priests and the scribes reviled Jesus saying, ‘He saved others, He cannot save Himself!’ Oh well, if God were to have it their way, He who parted the Red Sea could have created a sea right where they stood and drowned them there itself. But God didn’t do that; rather, He served death on the cross to His Son… And in that, He saved man, who otherwise was doomed to die.
This is power: the working of the improbable in a situation that screams defeat. Even in your own life, God will demonstrate that when you cling to Him, what seems impossible can be made possible. It isn’t the raising of the dead, which is a great miracle. Rather, the coarse heart of man changed into a heart of flesh, is. Consider this my friend, with God is peace and satisfaction. No one in the world can give us peace, rather people will point out difficulties all round, well they say, you should be aware of the pitfalls! But God in the midst of difficulties will give peace. When everything is arrayed against us, God arrays Himself against everything, shielding us. Every morning our Maker casts a benevolent look on us assuring us of His love and protection, but what do we do? We turn our faces away and look toward man for help. Paul exhorts us today to step out of the foolishness of our mind and put faith in the power of God rather than the wisdom of man. In that only will we behold great things, in it only will we meet God.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 18, 2008
Today's verse: Eph. 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Do you know that even before the foundation of the world as God looked at you, He designed a purpose for your life? He sent you to the earth to accomplish it. Not only you but, the whole creation of God has a purpose – a flower, a shrub, the wind, a blade of grass, etc. are all created by God to serve a purpose. However, difficult it may seem to digest, this fact will not change but hold forever.
But though this is indelible many in this world, and I am talking of Christians, do not know why they are here! For that matter, I too not long ago, didn’t know the purpose I’m here for. But for the Grace of God, I’d still doodle with the ways of the world. Now it is by His Grace I understand what I am here for and sometimes it worries me that for so many years, I was working at cross-purposes; then again I smile and reflect: God will achieve what He had deigned for me long before a grain of sand settled at the bottom of the sea. And whereas time for me is limited, for His Majesty, it isn’t.
Coming back to the ‘purpose’ Rick Warren, the author of the best selling book, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’, says that to begin to understand your purpose in life, it’s necessary we look to God. He says, ‘we are made by God and for God and till we understand this, life will not make sense.’
My friend, that’s the key in leading a fulfilling life and preparing to move to eternal realms thereafter. Paul tells us in today’s verse of our having obtained an inheritance, being pre-destined according to His purpose. It is this purpose we need to seek while sitting at His feet. The heart of man aches today because though it beats, it is not able to find that ‘critical connect’. He is like a traveler, wandering about without a destination. And that connect will never happen until we realise we aren’t here to do what we feel like but what He wants us to. So today, I appeal to you to re-wire your life to move to that light, which will last unto eternity; and in the Holy Spirit, draw that power that flows through the Divine wire to which, you need to be connected.
Jan. 18, 2008
Today's verse: Eph. 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Do you know that even before the foundation of the world as God looked at you, He designed a purpose for your life? He sent you to the earth to accomplish it. Not only you but, the whole creation of God has a purpose – a flower, a shrub, the wind, a blade of grass, etc. are all created by God to serve a purpose. However, difficult it may seem to digest, this fact will not change but hold forever.
But though this is indelible many in this world, and I am talking of Christians, do not know why they are here! For that matter, I too not long ago, didn’t know the purpose I’m here for. But for the Grace of God, I’d still doodle with the ways of the world. Now it is by His Grace I understand what I am here for and sometimes it worries me that for so many years, I was working at cross-purposes; then again I smile and reflect: God will achieve what He had deigned for me long before a grain of sand settled at the bottom of the sea. And whereas time for me is limited, for His Majesty, it isn’t.
Coming back to the ‘purpose’ Rick Warren, the author of the best selling book, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’, says that to begin to understand your purpose in life, it’s necessary we look to God. He says, ‘we are made by God and for God and till we understand this, life will not make sense.’
My friend, that’s the key in leading a fulfilling life and preparing to move to eternal realms thereafter. Paul tells us in today’s verse of our having obtained an inheritance, being pre-destined according to His purpose. It is this purpose we need to seek while sitting at His feet. The heart of man aches today because though it beats, it is not able to find that ‘critical connect’. He is like a traveler, wandering about without a destination. And that connect will never happen until we realise we aren’t here to do what we feel like but what He wants us to. So today, I appeal to you to re-wire your life to move to that light, which will last unto eternity; and in the Holy Spirit, draw that power that flows through the Divine wire to which, you need to be connected.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 17, 2008
Today's verse: Ro 8:14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
If I were to ask you, what the privileges of being a child of God are, what would you say? You would be right in saying some of the most superlative things like, the world belongs to me or I can do anything because I am God’s child, etc. There are these and there is one more which I am sure most of you will be aware of and that is, ‘As His child, I have access to Him at any time and can sit and commune with Him without any hindrance’.
That my friend is the greatest privilege one can have. Some great men and women who held the banner of God knew that the greatest thing God has enabled us is in being in His house and worshipping Him. David said, ‘One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek after, to dwell in the house of the Lord, and to seek His face.' Now, David a king with all the splendor the world could afford, with no human comfort lacking by God’s decree, seeks what? To be with the Lord!
Being with Him is everything. In His shadow are a million worlds and a billion comforts. At His feet comes a joy so dense that the heart yearns to fly apart were it possible and the lips seek to kiss His wonderful countenance. In His presence, every sorrow wanes, every ache disappears and all dirt is cleansed. He allows not the devil to touch nor torment you as He envelops you with His shield of protection. Darkness itself becomes light and trouble presents an opportunity.
All this is enabled by His Spirit. Oh, that Blessed Spirit of God, Father most sublime, He it is who leads us into the glorious presence of the Great I AM. Blessed be our Holy Spirit who leads us into the Holy of holies because of the shed blood of the Lamb. And you know what, our Father sublime gladly gives us the spirit of adoption by which we are enabled to cry out, ‘Abba Father…’ O, the privileges of being a child of God; A disciple of the Most High. A chosen vessel of God!
Jan. 17, 2008
Today's verse: Ro 8:14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
If I were to ask you, what the privileges of being a child of God are, what would you say? You would be right in saying some of the most superlative things like, the world belongs to me or I can do anything because I am God’s child, etc. There are these and there is one more which I am sure most of you will be aware of and that is, ‘As His child, I have access to Him at any time and can sit and commune with Him without any hindrance’.
That my friend is the greatest privilege one can have. Some great men and women who held the banner of God knew that the greatest thing God has enabled us is in being in His house and worshipping Him. David said, ‘One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek after, to dwell in the house of the Lord, and to seek His face.' Now, David a king with all the splendor the world could afford, with no human comfort lacking by God’s decree, seeks what? To be with the Lord!
Being with Him is everything. In His shadow are a million worlds and a billion comforts. At His feet comes a joy so dense that the heart yearns to fly apart were it possible and the lips seek to kiss His wonderful countenance. In His presence, every sorrow wanes, every ache disappears and all dirt is cleansed. He allows not the devil to touch nor torment you as He envelops you with His shield of protection. Darkness itself becomes light and trouble presents an opportunity.
All this is enabled by His Spirit. Oh, that Blessed Spirit of God, Father most sublime, He it is who leads us into the glorious presence of the Great I AM. Blessed be our Holy Spirit who leads us into the Holy of holies because of the shed blood of the Lamb. And you know what, our Father sublime gladly gives us the spirit of adoption by which we are enabled to cry out, ‘Abba Father…’ O, the privileges of being a child of God; A disciple of the Most High. A chosen vessel of God!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 16, 2008
Today's verse: Is 49:13. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
When I relate to God, the first thing that strikes me is His love. The next is His mercy. You know, I cannot tell enough of His mercy and His love for me and for His people. Every time I go to Him with some situation of discomfort, I appeal to His mercy and His love and through them invoke His help and praised be His Name, help arrives.
In the last fifteen days I have seen so much love and so much of His care for me that when I think of it, my eyes water. In the midst of the turmoil, comes peace and an assurance of His presence, even as He tells me that He will sort out the problem. Just yesterday, my sister who is having a health issue and by her attitude is completely submerged by it, called me. She has become very weak and can hardly see. And on the phone she tells me that she called me to tell me that she is alive! What she meant was, she could die anytime. No amount of assurance from me would help, nor recalling how God had mightily worked in her life in the past could cut through because the barrier the devil had put was very strong. I then realized that as usual, I would have to hold faith for her as I did many times. For her, and for others too.
I then had an urgent session with God. Last night my sleep was a little distressed and I got up and prayed for her. Somewhere around 5 in the morning, the theme came to my mind, ‘I will nurture her back to health’. I was wondering, is it my own opinion? Or, is it the Lord? It couldn’t be me for I could hardly do such a thing and then I realized it has to be the Lord.
See my friend, don’t I need to be joyful and praise His Name? Look at the love He has for me and of course for you too. Isn’t He, Jesus the good Shepherd, wonderful? Lifting us on His shoulder, oh, how He comforts us and has mercy on us. And let me tell you, just as He will nurture my sister back to health, He will nurture you too. No matter what it is, surrender it to Him and He will do it for you. Amen in Jesus’ Name.
Jan. 16, 2008
Today's verse: Is 49:13. Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
When I relate to God, the first thing that strikes me is His love. The next is His mercy. You know, I cannot tell enough of His mercy and His love for me and for His people. Every time I go to Him with some situation of discomfort, I appeal to His mercy and His love and through them invoke His help and praised be His Name, help arrives.
In the last fifteen days I have seen so much love and so much of His care for me that when I think of it, my eyes water. In the midst of the turmoil, comes peace and an assurance of His presence, even as He tells me that He will sort out the problem. Just yesterday, my sister who is having a health issue and by her attitude is completely submerged by it, called me. She has become very weak and can hardly see. And on the phone she tells me that she called me to tell me that she is alive! What she meant was, she could die anytime. No amount of assurance from me would help, nor recalling how God had mightily worked in her life in the past could cut through because the barrier the devil had put was very strong. I then realized that as usual, I would have to hold faith for her as I did many times. For her, and for others too.
I then had an urgent session with God. Last night my sleep was a little distressed and I got up and prayed for her. Somewhere around 5 in the morning, the theme came to my mind, ‘I will nurture her back to health’. I was wondering, is it my own opinion? Or, is it the Lord? It couldn’t be me for I could hardly do such a thing and then I realized it has to be the Lord.
See my friend, don’t I need to be joyful and praise His Name? Look at the love He has for me and of course for you too. Isn’t He, Jesus the good Shepherd, wonderful? Lifting us on His shoulder, oh, how He comforts us and has mercy on us. And let me tell you, just as He will nurture my sister back to health, He will nurture you too. No matter what it is, surrender it to Him and He will do it for you. Amen in Jesus’ Name.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 15, 2008
Today's verse: Ex. 14:4. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is an amazing verse in Romans 9:17 which is, ‘For scripture says to Pharaoh, for this same purpose have I raised you, that I might show My power in you, and that My Name might be declared throughout all the earth.’ Why is it amazing? Because, it shows the sovereignty of God. It tells clearly that everything in the world is God’s and He may do as He pleases. There is none who can ask Him why, for He isn’t answerable to anyone. Besides, who can even stand up and look at His awesome, blazing Majesty?
But this same God came down to us in the form of mortal man. You see, He loved us so much that He cast off His glory and descended upon earth as one, as weak as us and He knew what was in store for Him – rejection, insults and crucifixion. Ponder for a moment upon His face and see His countenance. See how much He loves you. For your sake, He can play sport with your enemies.
In our verse above, to demonstrate His Power and the love He had for His Israel, He hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that Pharaoh would trigger some of the greatest wonders from His hand. God’s hand never stopped in teaching Pharaoh a lesson that the others looked at in awe. What is even more stunning is that God, since He is King of time, had raised Pharaoh up to create that moment when through him, God could show His mighty work. Lest Pharaoh stop the flow of God’s power and accede to Moses’ demands, God hardened his heart so that all could experience the full dose of His immense power.
Remember my friend God is still the same. Even today, there are difficult people, situations, etc in our lives. They are not meant to harm us if we trust God, but only that God may through them give us the opportunity to witness His greatness and His power first hand and in our favor. Praised is His Name.
Jan. 15, 2008
Today's verse: Ex. 14:4. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There is an amazing verse in Romans 9:17 which is, ‘For scripture says to Pharaoh, for this same purpose have I raised you, that I might show My power in you, and that My Name might be declared throughout all the earth.’ Why is it amazing? Because, it shows the sovereignty of God. It tells clearly that everything in the world is God’s and He may do as He pleases. There is none who can ask Him why, for He isn’t answerable to anyone. Besides, who can even stand up and look at His awesome, blazing Majesty?
But this same God came down to us in the form of mortal man. You see, He loved us so much that He cast off His glory and descended upon earth as one, as weak as us and He knew what was in store for Him – rejection, insults and crucifixion. Ponder for a moment upon His face and see His countenance. See how much He loves you. For your sake, He can play sport with your enemies.
In our verse above, to demonstrate His Power and the love He had for His Israel, He hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that Pharaoh would trigger some of the greatest wonders from His hand. God’s hand never stopped in teaching Pharaoh a lesson that the others looked at in awe. What is even more stunning is that God, since He is King of time, had raised Pharaoh up to create that moment when through him, God could show His mighty work. Lest Pharaoh stop the flow of God’s power and accede to Moses’ demands, God hardened his heart so that all could experience the full dose of His immense power.
Remember my friend God is still the same. Even today, there are difficult people, situations, etc in our lives. They are not meant to harm us if we trust God, but only that God may through them give us the opportunity to witness His greatness and His power first hand and in our favor. Praised is His Name.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 14, 2008
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)
When my eyes fell on this verse, I couldn’t but stop and say, ah, this is the Word of God we need reflect on today; and there is also God’s peace in its choice. A close look tells of the immense love God has for us and toward those who love Him. Consider the promise: Eye has not seen nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for His beautiful thoughts them who love Him. Our inheritance is so wonderful and marvelous that our eyes have never seen such a thing nor have our ears heard anything like it, what’s more, we’ve never been able to even imagine a thing so glorious.
My friend, what God has prepared for us is just stunning. Imagine the first rays of the sun filtering across the moisture in the sky, falling on the snow-laden mountains on a cold winter morning. Isn’t it beautiful? Or, for that matter, the rainbow arching across the sky in its splendor…what a sight to behold. Yet heaven’s inheritance is far more wonderful, so much so, we cannot even imagine how wonderful.
I remember Jesus saying, ‘In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’ I can feel the excitement run through me when these words of our Lord fall on my ears. Indeed God is so gracious. He is set to give us the best; befitting only a child of God.
When I think of it, I see my selfishness. Of my time and possessions I give so grudgingly. When God asks me to spend some time with Him, I say I am busy. When He asks me to support that beggar shivering on the street, I tell Him its wrong to support beggars because then the person makes it a habit of begging and there are begging syndicates, etc. Anyway, I muse, the man is shivering not from cold but because he is drunk! And so my excuses go. It is again by His mercy that I still get to enjoy His blessings that flow to me inexhaustibly. My lips can only utter…How Great Thou Art.
Jan. 14, 2008
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)
When my eyes fell on this verse, I couldn’t but stop and say, ah, this is the Word of God we need reflect on today; and there is also God’s peace in its choice. A close look tells of the immense love God has for us and toward those who love Him. Consider the promise: Eye has not seen nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for His beautiful thoughts them who love Him. Our inheritance is so wonderful and marvelous that our eyes have never seen such a thing nor have our ears heard anything like it, what’s more, we’ve never been able to even imagine a thing so glorious.
My friend, what God has prepared for us is just stunning. Imagine the first rays of the sun filtering across the moisture in the sky, falling on the snow-laden mountains on a cold winter morning. Isn’t it beautiful? Or, for that matter, the rainbow arching across the sky in its splendor…what a sight to behold. Yet heaven’s inheritance is far more wonderful, so much so, we cannot even imagine how wonderful.
I remember Jesus saying, ‘In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’ I can feel the excitement run through me when these words of our Lord fall on my ears. Indeed God is so gracious. He is set to give us the best; befitting only a child of God.
When I think of it, I see my selfishness. Of my time and possessions I give so grudgingly. When God asks me to spend some time with Him, I say I am busy. When He asks me to support that beggar shivering on the street, I tell Him its wrong to support beggars because then the person makes it a habit of begging and there are begging syndicates, etc. Anyway, I muse, the man is shivering not from cold but because he is drunk! And so my excuses go. It is again by His mercy that I still get to enjoy His blessings that flow to me inexhaustibly. My lips can only utter…How Great Thou Art.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 10, 2008
Today's verse: Job 42:3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Would that every Christian, every believer around the globe utter the words that Job uttered long ago in that unique tryst with God.
The Book of Job is a fine treatise on God’s sovereignty and power. It’s interesting that God sometimes brings His people to a situation of discomfort, not to punish or subdue but through it, project the person’s faithfulness. We may not understand the rationale for the dialog at the beginning between God and satan, nor Job’s malady; and we are in no position to question God, yet we can, in the book, learn a lesson; that of God seeking love from us, both selfless and unbridled; a reaction of unalloyed fidelity, no matter what He subjects us to.
What could be the reason for this? While this subject is in the realm of God’s infinite wisdom, the fact that this Book is an important entrée in the Bible means God is telling us something important. That, if I may allow my limited intelligence to elicit an explanation, would be: to see how much love we have for Him. Is our love only seen in good times or does it extend to bad times also? Can God by the love you show to Him talk to the evil one about it with pride? Could He say, ‘Have you seen the love that Jane has for me?’ Really, think about it.
It is easy to read about the test, both from Job’s perspective for we know that it was God’s test; but for Job it was devastating because he did not know this and his suffering, both physical and spiritual, was terrible which is why were his responses to his three friends were to declare his innocence and uselessness of his life. While in the perspective of God, Job’s negative reaction could give satan an upper hand. But God, tough He has given us freewill knows us well and if we claim to be His, there is yet a test that’s going to come our way that will determine the way we are tilted! A test, where we will be called to declare, our allegiance to Him, despite our being in sinking sand. My friend, it is difficult, for in that moment of truth we are prone to crumble. And quite honestly, I am concerned about this in my life and I pray to the Holy Spirit that He provide the strength to declare my fidelity to God in any circumstance, at any time. The same prayer I make for you too.
Jan. 10, 2008
Today's verse: Job 42:3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Would that every Christian, every believer around the globe utter the words that Job uttered long ago in that unique tryst with God.
The Book of Job is a fine treatise on God’s sovereignty and power. It’s interesting that God sometimes brings His people to a situation of discomfort, not to punish or subdue but through it, project the person’s faithfulness. We may not understand the rationale for the dialog at the beginning between God and satan, nor Job’s malady; and we are in no position to question God, yet we can, in the book, learn a lesson; that of God seeking love from us, both selfless and unbridled; a reaction of unalloyed fidelity, no matter what He subjects us to.
What could be the reason for this? While this subject is in the realm of God’s infinite wisdom, the fact that this Book is an important entrée in the Bible means God is telling us something important. That, if I may allow my limited intelligence to elicit an explanation, would be: to see how much love we have for Him. Is our love only seen in good times or does it extend to bad times also? Can God by the love you show to Him talk to the evil one about it with pride? Could He say, ‘Have you seen the love that Jane has for me?’ Really, think about it.
It is easy to read about the test, both from Job’s perspective for we know that it was God’s test; but for Job it was devastating because he did not know this and his suffering, both physical and spiritual, was terrible which is why were his responses to his three friends were to declare his innocence and uselessness of his life. While in the perspective of God, Job’s negative reaction could give satan an upper hand. But God, tough He has given us freewill knows us well and if we claim to be His, there is yet a test that’s going to come our way that will determine the way we are tilted! A test, where we will be called to declare, our allegiance to Him, despite our being in sinking sand. My friend, it is difficult, for in that moment of truth we are prone to crumble. And quite honestly, I am concerned about this in my life and I pray to the Holy Spirit that He provide the strength to declare my fidelity to God in any circumstance, at any time. The same prayer I make for you too.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 9, 2008
Today's verse: Heb. 7:25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Fret not Christian for you have the Lord God with you, would be the refrain of the author of the letter to the Hebrews, to us the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ in this age and time. And why not; because we know of the love the Lord has for each one of us. It is simply marvelous and without limits.
You know when in those moments you completely keep yourselves off worldly pursuits and only reflect on the Lord, you will feel His tenderness toward you. It will amaze you to know of His concern for you. It is not concern as shown by the world but genuine ‘help-rendering’ concern.
When I look at the above verse, what touches my heart is the greatness of our Lord. You know, even now as I write, I can visualize Him at the right Hand of our Father, sitting there in His glory but ever thinking about us and what’s more, interceding for us with the Father. I may be filled with sin, but there He is interceding and telling the Father to ignore my sin. I may be in trouble and my relationship with the Lord will be such that in the demands of justice, it would be fitting for God to ignore my plea of help; but there is Jesus my amazing Savior who pleads at the Father’s right hand for me. And then I know that the Father will answer my plea for His beloved Son has advocated on my behalf.
When I fathom this, I can but feel joy in the Lord and be assured that my Redeemer is for me and He cares for me. So why don’t I just rejoice; for I know, my Redeemer lives, ever to plead for me with my Father.
Jan. 9, 2008
Today's verse: Heb. 7:25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Fret not Christian for you have the Lord God with you, would be the refrain of the author of the letter to the Hebrews, to us the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ in this age and time. And why not; because we know of the love the Lord has for each one of us. It is simply marvelous and without limits.
You know when in those moments you completely keep yourselves off worldly pursuits and only reflect on the Lord, you will feel His tenderness toward you. It will amaze you to know of His concern for you. It is not concern as shown by the world but genuine ‘help-rendering’ concern.
When I look at the above verse, what touches my heart is the greatness of our Lord. You know, even now as I write, I can visualize Him at the right Hand of our Father, sitting there in His glory but ever thinking about us and what’s more, interceding for us with the Father. I may be filled with sin, but there He is interceding and telling the Father to ignore my sin. I may be in trouble and my relationship with the Lord will be such that in the demands of justice, it would be fitting for God to ignore my plea of help; but there is Jesus my amazing Savior who pleads at the Father’s right hand for me. And then I know that the Father will answer my plea for His beloved Son has advocated on my behalf.
When I fathom this, I can but feel joy in the Lord and be assured that my Redeemer is for me and He cares for me. So why don’t I just rejoice; for I know, my Redeemer lives, ever to plead for me with my Father.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 8, 2008
Today's verse: Heb. 3:1,2a. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him… (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God has given each one of us, a task meant only for us even before we came on the earth. Unfortunately, a majority of people do not know what it is. Many do not know because they do not know our God or they have not bothered to know about Him. Then there are others who have heard of Him but give Him scant recognition. Whatever that be, it is a fact that God has given each one of us a sacred responsibility.
When Jesus came to this earth, He came with a responsibility: to save fallen mankind. He was steadfast to His responsibility and He fulfilled it even though He knew it to be dreadful and needed a huge reservoir of strength and personal fortitude. This in itself should be a lesson to us His disciples, to also bear our heavenly responsibility and acknowledge our calling.
To add an insight as to why God assigns us a responsibility, well it is so that we are made to take ownership of God’s Kingdom. You see, God is One who seeks involvement from us. He wants us to be participative and own the thing, so to say. For He also knows that there is more joy in participation and doing something than in being a mute spectator. But don’t forget, He is always there to guide and help in whatever way we require. For He knows that our steps may not always be trodding smooth ground. All He needs is a keen faithfulness to Him and our sincere devotion; in the knowledge that He has appointed us to an assigned task.
Jan. 8, 2008
Today's verse: Heb. 3:1,2a. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him… (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God has given each one of us, a task meant only for us even before we came on the earth. Unfortunately, a majority of people do not know what it is. Many do not know because they do not know our God or they have not bothered to know about Him. Then there are others who have heard of Him but give Him scant recognition. Whatever that be, it is a fact that God has given each one of us a sacred responsibility.
When Jesus came to this earth, He came with a responsibility: to save fallen mankind. He was steadfast to His responsibility and He fulfilled it even though He knew it to be dreadful and needed a huge reservoir of strength and personal fortitude. This in itself should be a lesson to us His disciples, to also bear our heavenly responsibility and acknowledge our calling.
To add an insight as to why God assigns us a responsibility, well it is so that we are made to take ownership of God’s Kingdom. You see, God is One who seeks involvement from us. He wants us to be participative and own the thing, so to say. For He also knows that there is more joy in participation and doing something than in being a mute spectator. But don’t forget, He is always there to guide and help in whatever way we require. For He knows that our steps may not always be trodding smooth ground. All He needs is a keen faithfulness to Him and our sincere devotion; in the knowledge that He has appointed us to an assigned task.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 7, 2008
Today's verse: Ps. 37:23, 24. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
One may reflect and think much and after great introspection and reasoning arrive at the decision that God exists. And there are men out there who have great reverence for God, as reverence should be to Him. These are among the few of God’s marvelous creation who hold Him in much awe and always depend on Him for their sustenance and guidance.
Today’s verse talks of the way God feels about them. These people are close to the heart of God and He guides their every step. He is the One who moves them along in life. He delights in these people and holds them in His hand so that even if they fall, they don’t remain fallen but by His strength get up and move forward.
What the Bible says on this is very pleasing to my heart. We are all children of God and we are called to the good that is there in Him itself so that we can wear the goodness through His Son Jesus Christ. Thus we become good in His sight and He is pleased with us. Therefore, we must assure ourselves that God will be with us no matter what happens in and with the world. It becomes necessary here to understand that with Him around there is no power in the world that can put us down. There may be momentary slips, failures and dejections. Eventually, light shines through as the God of the universe makes our feet firm and blesses us abundantly because He delights in our ways.
Jan. 7, 2008
Today's verse: Ps. 37:23, 24. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
One may reflect and think much and after great introspection and reasoning arrive at the decision that God exists. And there are men out there who have great reverence for God, as reverence should be to Him. These are among the few of God’s marvelous creation who hold Him in much awe and always depend on Him for their sustenance and guidance.
Today’s verse talks of the way God feels about them. These people are close to the heart of God and He guides their every step. He is the One who moves them along in life. He delights in these people and holds them in His hand so that even if they fall, they don’t remain fallen but by His strength get up and move forward.
What the Bible says on this is very pleasing to my heart. We are all children of God and we are called to the good that is there in Him itself so that we can wear the goodness through His Son Jesus Christ. Thus we become good in His sight and He is pleased with us. Therefore, we must assure ourselves that God will be with us no matter what happens in and with the world. It becomes necessary here to understand that with Him around there is no power in the world that can put us down. There may be momentary slips, failures and dejections. Eventually, light shines through as the God of the universe makes our feet firm and blesses us abundantly because He delights in our ways.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 3, 2008
Today's verse: Gal. 5:7,8. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
We go for a retreat or a festival of Praise and come back refreshed with new thoughts of the way God looks at us and what He requires of us. We are changed and we now start being God centered. Slowly, time creeps in; our minds begin to waver. We no longer are filled with the fire that came into us and we begin seeping into the world. Over a period of time, almost every trace of us being ‘born again’ vanishes!
Has this happened with you? Have you moved away from your Father?
Paul is seeing a similar situation in the Galatians, when he utters the above statement. My friend, to remain in God’s shadow isn’t easy if we assign the battle to ourselves. We will fall. Paul says, ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ We need His power to combat the decay that sets in. The evil one knows human nature well. He will take your one weakness and attack it till you succumb. He finds great pleasure when a child of God falls. And he revels when his plan succeeds. Through that one weakness, he will rule you; so subtly you will not even know it. Which is why Paul says, I do that which I do not want to and not that which I want to…’
Ponder on this with respect to your own life. What is your story? Have you also, after running well, stopped obeying the truth? Have you fallen? If you have, I say to you, rejoice for help is round the corner. You are God’s child and a precious one at that. Remember He has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father; and this is an acceptable declaration in His sight. Now, it is He who will straighten your life if you but give room to His Spirit in your heart. More importantly, will you just listen to that gentle voice speaking deep within your heart? It is His call, rise and obey.
Jan. 3, 2008
Today's verse: Gal. 5:7,8. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
We go for a retreat or a festival of Praise and come back refreshed with new thoughts of the way God looks at us and what He requires of us. We are changed and we now start being God centered. Slowly, time creeps in; our minds begin to waver. We no longer are filled with the fire that came into us and we begin seeping into the world. Over a period of time, almost every trace of us being ‘born again’ vanishes!
Has this happened with you? Have you moved away from your Father?
Paul is seeing a similar situation in the Galatians, when he utters the above statement. My friend, to remain in God’s shadow isn’t easy if we assign the battle to ourselves. We will fall. Paul says, ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ We need His power to combat the decay that sets in. The evil one knows human nature well. He will take your one weakness and attack it till you succumb. He finds great pleasure when a child of God falls. And he revels when his plan succeeds. Through that one weakness, he will rule you; so subtly you will not even know it. Which is why Paul says, I do that which I do not want to and not that which I want to…’
Ponder on this with respect to your own life. What is your story? Have you also, after running well, stopped obeying the truth? Have you fallen? If you have, I say to you, rejoice for help is round the corner. You are God’s child and a precious one at that. Remember He has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father; and this is an acceptable declaration in His sight. Now, it is He who will straighten your life if you but give room to His Spirit in your heart. More importantly, will you just listen to that gentle voice speaking deep within your heart? It is His call, rise and obey.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 2, 2008
Today's verse: Is. 40:28. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are times when one needs to take stock of one’s situation and know self. In the process the most important thing I’d consider is, one, my relationship with God and two, understand who is my God. Why this thing about God when taking stock of oneself? Because, not even an iota of breath would be in me if it were not because of Him. So therefore, when I take stock, it has to be primarily me and my God and Him before me because He was before me and He created me, and He props me up.
Today’s verse is in a way, stopping by and taking stock. Giving a fresh insight into who this wonderful God is. He is everlasting…the LORD and Creator of the ends of the earth…He is never weary and His knowledge is beyond scrutiny. Which means that He is far above everything and His immensity is beyond compare.
Now, why do we have to bear the learning of the scripture in mind? That’s because Jesus has called Him Father and Jesus has also asked us to call Him Father. And if He is our Father, then with His greatness, do we need worry or be anxious? He is our Father and we know He is our Father because His Son who came down on earth has told us this. As His child, we need not worry about anything because He is our provider and our Guardian.
As life goes by, we may have a number of thorns coming our way. But at the same time, we must remember that He is watching over us closely. We who believe in His Son are very precious to Him and He is our defence against our enemy. Having learnt this, we must move ahead in life confidently, and giving Him room at every opportunity to work in us His work and bring glory unto His Name.
Jan. 2, 2008
Today's verse: Is. 40:28. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
There are times when one needs to take stock of one’s situation and know self. In the process the most important thing I’d consider is, one, my relationship with God and two, understand who is my God. Why this thing about God when taking stock of oneself? Because, not even an iota of breath would be in me if it were not because of Him. So therefore, when I take stock, it has to be primarily me and my God and Him before me because He was before me and He created me, and He props me up.
Today’s verse is in a way, stopping by and taking stock. Giving a fresh insight into who this wonderful God is. He is everlasting…the LORD and Creator of the ends of the earth…He is never weary and His knowledge is beyond scrutiny. Which means that He is far above everything and His immensity is beyond compare.
Now, why do we have to bear the learning of the scripture in mind? That’s because Jesus has called Him Father and Jesus has also asked us to call Him Father. And if He is our Father, then with His greatness, do we need worry or be anxious? He is our Father and we know He is our Father because His Son who came down on earth has told us this. As His child, we need not worry about anything because He is our provider and our Guardian.
As life goes by, we may have a number of thorns coming our way. But at the same time, we must remember that He is watching over us closely. We who believe in His Son are very precious to Him and He is our defence against our enemy. Having learnt this, we must move ahead in life confidently, and giving Him room at every opportunity to work in us His work and bring glory unto His Name.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Thoughts for another day
Jan. 1, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 9:10. he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Two years ago Sais Daga, a poor farmer had moved from his obscure village to the city to work, so he could fend for his small family of wife and four children. While leaving, he told the youngest that the year she would begin to go to school, he would be home for Christmas with toys and gifts for all of them. Time went by pretty fast and all the family got from Sais, were two letters written in the briefest manner. Only once did they receive some money sent by Sais for his family at the hands of a villager who had come on holiday from the city.
Christmas was nearly round the corner and Sais’ children were waiting for their father. The countdown had begun and now it was now just two days to go but no sign of Sais. That evening, Renu the eldest told her mother, ‘Ma, I think daddy will come tomorrow because he had said he would when Asha would start going to school and this year Asha has started. The mother could see the hope glowing in the eyes of the daughter (while she herself had lost all hope), she agreed quickly just to please her eldest. Inside she was sad for the money, had all been spent. The children had no new clothes for the last three years and every day was just like the other for her.
Toward the afternoon the next day, they heard the sound of a bus stopping on the road about a hundred meters away from their home. At the sound, the children ran and they ran straight into the arms of their father who had made it just in time and they were delighted to be in his arms and they also noticed the bags with him. Finally, Christmas this year would not be just a date!
My friend, this message is especially for you this year. Whatever your situation at the moment, remember, our God is the God of hope. Last year might have been a disaster but keep hope. Your health might be hanging on a thread, but keep hope. Your finances might be negative, yet keep hope. This year all is going to change. Trust in God. Even if everything is going to fail, He will never fail. He is yet the same God, delighting in His people and giving gifts to His children. This year, seek of Him the highest gift of communing with His Son in His kingdom. He will grant it and many others.
Jan. 1, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 9:10. he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Two years ago Sais Daga, a poor farmer had moved from his obscure village to the city to work, so he could fend for his small family of wife and four children. While leaving, he told the youngest that the year she would begin to go to school, he would be home for Christmas with toys and gifts for all of them. Time went by pretty fast and all the family got from Sais, were two letters written in the briefest manner. Only once did they receive some money sent by Sais for his family at the hands of a villager who had come on holiday from the city.
Christmas was nearly round the corner and Sais’ children were waiting for their father. The countdown had begun and now it was now just two days to go but no sign of Sais. That evening, Renu the eldest told her mother, ‘Ma, I think daddy will come tomorrow because he had said he would when Asha would start going to school and this year Asha has started. The mother could see the hope glowing in the eyes of the daughter (while she herself had lost all hope), she agreed quickly just to please her eldest. Inside she was sad for the money, had all been spent. The children had no new clothes for the last three years and every day was just like the other for her.
Toward the afternoon the next day, they heard the sound of a bus stopping on the road about a hundred meters away from their home. At the sound, the children ran and they ran straight into the arms of their father who had made it just in time and they were delighted to be in his arms and they also noticed the bags with him. Finally, Christmas this year would not be just a date!
My friend, this message is especially for you this year. Whatever your situation at the moment, remember, our God is the God of hope. Last year might have been a disaster but keep hope. Your health might be hanging on a thread, but keep hope. Your finances might be negative, yet keep hope. This year all is going to change. Trust in God. Even if everything is going to fail, He will never fail. He is yet the same God, delighting in His people and giving gifts to His children. This year, seek of Him the highest gift of communing with His Son in His kingdom. He will grant it and many others.
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