Thoughts for another day

Mar. 31, 2008

Today's verse: James 5:15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The most powerful weapon we children of God have is, “PRAYER” because prayer can move the heart of the Almighty. It is prayer that can still the most vicious storm and bring to naught the most potent darts of the evil one. It is prayer that God seeks from us when He says, ‘standing in the gap…’ (Ezek. 22:30).

The more you move with God the more you learn of the need to pray. When I look at the world, the country I live in, the city and particularly the place where I live, I see the immense need of prayer. So many problems and difficult situations; so many sorrows and tragedies. Oh, how the god of this world has bound the denizens of the world. Created by God are we, yet bound and blinded by the enemy of our souls!

And what strikes me is what are we doing about it? Literally nothing. We want the ray of the light of God to shine upon the dark places around us? But are we doing anything at all for that to happen? When I look at it, I can see how much we fool around. We pretend to pray, but that’s hollow. We pretend to read the Word…a type of shallow reading. Oh, the hypocrites that we are, me chiefly included. But today, let us pledge to pray that the darkness around us be removed. Friends, we can’t do much but we can use the most potent weapon – prayer – that God has given us. If you remember a situation in need of prayer; pray for it right now. For e.g. if a family you know is hurting, pray for them right away.

And when you pray, let your heart do the praying. Get intensity into it. Remove everything else from your mind (believe me, you can do it) and concentrate on the task at hand. Now it is you, God and the situation. Tug, tug at the heart of God and persevere. I tell you, He will smite the problem and shut the source of it. You will rejoice and then give Him praise. And you will experience the wholesome power of prayer.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 28, 2008

Today's verse: Jn. 18:38. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

What is truth? A, simple question with great ramification. The truth from God’s point of view;

The truth is, there is a God…He is also our Father.
The truth is, He is real and He is everywhere; yet we always cry out: Are you there?
The truth is, He created the earth and made it hospitable…so that we may live in it.
The truth is, He created us to praise Him and live as His children…we soon changed the rules of the game. We went far away forgetting Him and accorded all our feats to our own prowess.
The truth is, He wants to commune with us and He waits at the door gently knocking. And funnily we don’t open the door.
The truth is He wants to always be with us and hold our hands all our lives… Surprisingly, He is an embarrassment for us and we would rather not have Him around.
The truth is we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…Our falling from Grace was not enough. We keep on repeatedly offending Him
The truth is He came down to pay for our sins and in the process died a miserable death. Yet we are unmoved and too insensitive to spread His Word.
The Truth is, He lives forever interceding for us. Yet, we feel He is doing no great favor.
The truth is because He lives, we can hope for tomorrow. But we don’t know that.
The truth is, He is always there with us. But we strive to run behind others.
The truth is He is the only Savior of the world. We behave as it there are many.
The truth is we can’t live without Him. Our attitude is, so what?

Finally, the truth is if I surrender my self to Him and ask Him to help, He, the Son of God, will start working in my life to better my lot. Yet, I always have reservations against and reasons to disbelieve Him.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 27, 2008

Today's verse: Gen. 35:5. and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the Word of God one gets acquainted with some unknown facets of God. But there is one key thing and that is, they who worship the Lord and trust Him, never need fear anything else.

Just prior to our verse above in the Bible, we see that because of the act of Simeon and Levi, Jacob falls into ill will with the people in the neighboring land. As they move on, we read that God’s terror falls on the people around so that Jacob and all that is his, are safe. You see, when God is our refuge, we have none to worry of. He guards us. He protects and sustains us. He becomes our God of shelter and a cloak of peace envelops us. Allegiance to God sets His force on our lives such that our tasks seem simple and the journey becomes a breeze. Not that there won’t be the usual hiccups or the small hurts. But overall there will be a semblance of stability and tranquility.

I’ve heard this story of a young woman in New York, who gets held up at work one evening and is late to go home. She had to pass through a park in which roamed, junkies, drug pushers, muggers and the shadiest elements among humanity. At the time she had to walk through, all these elements were out in full force and no sensible person would dare go that way. She had to because she had to go home. Being a firm believer in God, she took His name and walked past the park. Even while she was going by, she could see some of the meanest looking men there and lecherous eyes gloating at her. The next morning, when she picked up the newspaper, she read the news of a woman; gang raped and murdered in the same park a wee bit after she had crossed. The article also requested people to come forward as eyewitness. She went to the cop-house and with her description of some men they were able to round up a few suspects and eventually found the men who had committed the crime.

This woman requested the cops to allow her to meet the men. She was allowed and the moment one of them saw her, his eyes tweaked in recognition. She asked him whether he had seen her in the park that night to which he nodded. The detective then asked him why they had not touched her. The answer stumped them all. ‘How can we touch a woman surrounded by seven huge men!!!’ Seven, huge men??? There were no men with me exclaimed the woman… Later as she sat in prayer, her mind went back to that moment when all she did as she walked past the park was, clutch the hand of God and God had sent His angels to protect her! Oh, beautiful Father.

So it is with us who trust God. For truly, when we believe in the Name of the God of Jacob and trust Him, He is there for us and meets our needs. Blessed be His Name.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 26, 2008

Today's verse: Ps. 51:11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

I was reading a book that compiled teachings on the Holy Spirit of a famous evangelist. She writes and says that her life was transformed by the Holy Spirit and the power that she experienced was all the Holy Spirit’s doing. She had a kind of peace and strength by His abiding in her. When I pondered on this, it was very easy for me to realise how close the Holy Spirit is in our lives. How much He yearns to be with us. In fact, when we are surrendered to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and dwells with us, just as if we are His Temple, the location of His abode.

The Bible does not dwell much on the Holy Spirit but surprisingly we find His mention right after (v 1:2) the mention of the Father (v 1:1) in the first book i.e. Genesis. We must understand that God’s power is the Holy Spirit and only through Him is it possible to experience that power. We find men and women in the Bible empowered to work by the Spirit and in Zec. 4:6, God Himself says, ‘it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.’

Today too, we see the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of so many believers and He works so marvelously in our lives. The Holy Spirit dwells with us and we know this because Jesus has sent Him as He said He would (Jn. 15:26). Without the Spirit, we cannot as much as commune with God for it is possible only with Him, as Jesus says ‘God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.’ Jn:4:24.

Experiencing Him can be life changing and knowing Him a delight to the heart. Our conditions can hamper our lives. Sickness, danger, calamity and other unpleasant situations can weigh us down. But the presence of the Holy Spirit can change all that and make us victorious. So beautiful and pleasant is the Holy Spirit that without Him, there really is no living. Therefore, like David, I too pray to the Lord to never take His Spirit from me, will you?

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 25, 2008

Today's verse: Col. 1:3. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In raising His Son Jesus from the dead, God plucked us out of the muck we had fallen into and given us His eternal Kingdom as an inheritance. God has been gracious to us and has not allowed sin to separate us from Him; as the great apostle Paul says toward the end of ch. 8 of Romans, ‘who shall separate us from the love of God in Christ?’ None whatsoever can come in-between us and the Almighty’s great affection for us.

This can mean many things to us. As sinful human beings, it is a signal of great hope. It tells us that even in the dusk of life, there is the assurance of seamless Grace enough to take us into His bosom; not that because of His Grace we should go to Him at the last minute, but just in case our voyage takes us through shores of fancy and illusions of grandeur, the end of which is destruction, even then will His Hand reach out to us.

Our God loves us so much that even though by His decree we were to die, by the same God are we saved because He paid the price for the sin we committed. He was the one upon whom was thrust the guilt of our sin and He bore it with no grumbling. Oh the greatness of our Lord that not only did He come to give us life, but also came to give us the knowledge that with Him there is none the impossible.

Today, you may be at your wit’s end with a problem plaguing your depth. The pressure may be telling on you. You may be in the dumps. Perhaps, your sins are choking and draining you. But fret not for He is with you and our Father in Heaven has already snatched you from the power of darkness and has lovingly given you the Kingdom of His dear Son. Just stand on the ramparts of faith and move forward. He will fight for you and restore you. You will hear the bugle of triumph eventually.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 24, 2008

Today's verse: Gal. 6:9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God tells us we need to do good. It means have compassion on the poor, pray for enemies, bring in love where there’s hatred, sacrifice where there is need, intercede for believers, always rejoice, etc. At this glorious season of Easter I believe it’s time we aim to do good. Brothers and sisters, life takes us through a glut of emotions offering us good and the not so good things and when we run through this paradox, it isn’t easy to always do good. I have seen times when I do good, when everything is fine with me. However, one small insult from an associate and I am immediately up in arms giving it – fair and square! The harder I get, the harder I give and the world encourages me to do it. In this process, my nature becomes crude and brusque and often times, I do not even consider that someone may need a little charity. Rather I get wrapped with my own ego and do not do the good I can. Haven’t you experienced it yourself?

The devil is constantly behind us to exact revenge leaving no room to do good. But the Word of God tells us to do good. I have found in doing good, our spirits are hale and hearty. I know people, always ready to help others exhibiting seamless energy. If I ask what gives them so much strength, they say it is God. An assertion of Jesus’ saying, ‘whatever you do unto others, that you do unto Me.’

Our Word today, asks us not to tire doing good; because we shall reap the same if we weary not in the process. There is so much truth in it. A lady who used to help her neighbors was always in good health. Then a friend told her how ungrateful people are and that she shouldn’t help them. She continued helping but the thought got stuck in her mind, she felt people ungrateful so she started getting weary helping others and eventually stopped. By some inexplicable reason, she felt sick everyday but didn’t bring herself to re-starting her earlier work. One day, she thought to go see Mr Louis, the elderly gent saying four blocks away, after his wife expired. As she set out, she thought she must take that fresh pickle she had made and give that to him.

When she went and met him, he cried before her and even more when she gave him the pickle. What he told her shocked her; he said: his wife had become so lonely because she had stopped visiting them and even on her deathbed she was taking her name! That’s the time she decided she would continue as before and soon got back in her old ways. Surprisingly, her own sickness vanished and her energy revived. Such is the reward God has reserved for those who do good. Surely you shall reap the same all your life.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 20, 2008

Today's verse: Lament. 5:21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

For most Christians, the last few days have been days of remembrance and remorse. Each year the Church sets apart days (called Lent) to remember the passion and death of Jesus Christ, which culminate into the joyous event of Resurrection; because if resurrection weren’t there, our faith would be in vain St Paul says.

And so, many of us do things that tell the Lord we are touched by the great sacrifice He made of laying down His own life in order that we may secure our own. Some deny the things they love, like meat, chocolates, etc. Some even engage in prayer and refrain from food. All this is good. But there is another good we must strive to do: that is to renew our spirit. To turn a new leaf and be different, in the sense, if we were known to be rough, we change and become gentle and so on. This is very difficult to accomplish and it is only with the power of the Holy Spirit that we can do it.

Reading the verse above, we find the author of the Book of Lamentations, praying the Lord to turn them unto Him and renew their days as it was in the days of old. It is a cry escaping lips that are weary with the retribution God has sent. You see, the Israelites, were severely punished for all the sins they committed. The Temple was destroyed - that Temple they held as a guarantee of safety, and they were exiled from their own land, reduced to the state of slaves. They, who once esteemed themselves as people of the Most High, were now biting the dust.

The cry made here is one of sincere remorse, coming from a wounded spirit, which one anguished in the heart alone, could make. Today, on the threshold of Good Friday, I believe it’s time for us to cry out and pray the Lord to turn us to Him and renew our relationship. We have to let bygones be bygones, turn a new leaf and re-engage with the Lord. It is possible now as the stream of Grace comes down upon us even as our hearts are rend with the sorrow we feel at what the Lord did for us juxtaposed to the miserable lives we lead! Let’s for the Lord’s sake do it today. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 19, 2008

Today's verse: Ps. 61:1,2. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Here is a psalm of David, a great example of prayer. Carefully peruse the words chosen by David in this verse and the rest of the psalm. You will understand why he was the only man of whom God said, ‘he is a man after My Own heart.’ For me David is an enigma because he was a man of war and sinful too. Even then, why was God so much toward him? Why was the hand of God mightily on him? Why did God choose to rest His favor on him? Perhaps, ‘a man after My Own heart’ has in it a clue.

Yesterday, I heard a preacher, preaching on sin, making a point of fleeing from any occasion of sin. He glorified Joseph who fled from Potiphar’s wife as against David who lingered and then sinned with Bathsheba. Further, this guy added, saying Joseph got all the blessings and David lost his. But I think, David in consequence, was great before God. His was the scepter and through his line arose the Owner of the world, Jesus Christ. God blessed David so much that he had no way to hold all his blessings which is why he says, ‘And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come’, 2 Sam. 7:19.

I believe it was the basic nature of David toward God. In David’s psalms, we see the depth of his understanding of God. Oh, David knew God was merciful (Ps. 51, proves it eloquently) and David also knew the beauty of God in perhaps the way no man did except maybe Moses (see Exodus, chap. 33). When David prayed, there was such intensity in his prayer that could shake the heavens. David was so much for God that he constantly longed for His companionship (refer Ps. 27:4 ff). Oh, the understanding of God that David had and the depth of companionship he shared with the Almighty!

Strive, my friend today to seek the heart of God like David did. Learn to pray by the Holy Spirit’s help, with the same intensity. That, you may move the heavens and shake the earth by your prayer. Is it possible? You may wonder. And I say, yes it is. For prayer has the power to move the heart of God and intense prayer has the power to make His hand move. Don’t believe me? Try it today. Ensure that you are in complete harmony with God and drowned in His Grace. Then you will know the meaning of…’Ask and you shall receive.’

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 18, 2008

Today's verse: 2 Chr. 20:12. for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Among examples of prayer in the Bible, the above verse in my opinion, takes top place in humility as well as crying out for the impossible under great distress. Jehoshaphat, who makes this prayer, degrades himself to nothing before mighty Yahweh, in becoming humble to the core, while at the same time believing the Lord will bring about victory, despite all odds. And talking of the odds, well it certainly looked that they were finished. Imagine if you can, the king of Judah, standing distraught and making this prayer. The whole of the land was standing before the Lord with their little ones and their families crying out to Him, who alone could save them.

The Lord God Almighty answered their prayer. What seemed impossible became reality. The Bible says that when Judah mustered itself for battle and came to where the enemy was, they only saw their corpses!!! All then Judah did was, to take the plunder and it was so much that they were unable to carry it. It took them three days to carry the spoils! What a mighty way God delivered them in! Reflect: what power was there in that prayer.

Oh beloved Christian, seek to pray with power. I have been telling people when they pray, they need to directly communicate with God. Yet, sadly, people go on with the same old prayer style they had before – nothing but mumbling. My intention here is not to castigate your prayers but really, think, what does God think of that which you accommodate in what you say, is prayer.

My friend, pray as if it’s the last opportunity you have. When Elijah prayed, though the rain clouds were nowhere in the bright sky, the Mighty Hand of God moved them across the sky and it poured, ending the season of draught. Beloved, pray…pray hard. Pray in community. Don’t be ashamed of what people say of your praying. Let your focus on God in desperately seeking Him; weigh far more heavily than on what man thinks of your posture. Believe me, if you can travail in prayer, Almighty God will reach down and crush that problem of yours for sure. He has done it before. Personally, I have witnessed His hand in my life as answer to prayer and He will do it for you.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 17, 2008

Today's verse: Gal. 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Being believers, that is, believing in the Son of God for eternal life, we’ve obtained a few principles God gives in His Word to provide direction in any situation in life. Direction on how we should react to or face a situation, or overcome the odds a particular situation may afford.

The above verse is one of many that God gives, so that we streamline our lives. It talks of sowing and reaping; not of crops, rather that which we offer to Him (sowing) and what we then inherit as His blessing (reaping). If we look around, we discover that people are creatures of what they put into God’s box. If a person has sown jealousy, he/she will beget jealousy. If a person has sown goodness, he/she will inherit goodness. We also find when we give to God; He gives the same blessing back to us, multiplied!

We must understand that this principle is etched in eternity and comes to pass, no matter what and there is no escaping its diktat. Which means, if you sow jealousy or greed or hatred, you will sooner or later reap them. On the other hand, if you sow kindness, love or such, you will reap the same. If you’ve offered the fruit of your labor unto the Lord, you will reap the same but it will be thirty, or sixty or hundred-fold!

Make no mistake; if your life has been drab of any offering to the Lord, His blessing will be rather scarce toward you. But if you have been a cheerful sower, your life will be filled with abundance just as His word says, ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.’ Believe God’s principles and practice them and you will experience the truth that comes forth from them.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 14, 2008

Today's verse: Lk. 6:5. That the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When Jesus walked the streets of what was old Israel there was no pomp and show. No security men or escort wagons, etc. Ironically, His coterie consisted of uneducated, ill-mannered/behaved, societal discards and plebeians. Not a group to be too proud of anyway. So, as He walked, but for the awe the people held for His miracles and the Words He spoke, very few accorded to Him the glory He possessed as the Owner of the universe, which of course in coming down to earth, He had shed.

The Pharisees, Scribes, priests and others even remotely connected with Jewish spiritual matters, who were used to being respected and given places of honor, thought He was just another miracle worker and disdained His every move. They got the opportunity to chastise(!) Him, when Jesus did something that seemingly contravened the smallest capillaries of the law, which were created as an extension to those given by God to Moses, not to bring God glory, but to enhance their own position.

Nevertheless, as I say often, Jesus didn’t need to prove His credentials. Why would He, when with a Word, He could subject even the winds and the storms! But, just so that His opponents realise His persona, He did make statements like the above verse. Glory be to Him for these statements because for us believing Christians, they mean so much. It’s like, you know, when my sins come to haunt me and tighten the noose around my neck, I reflect on, ‘If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.’ When I think of all the storms in my life, I remember, Jesus’ order to the storm at the Sea, ‘Quiet, be still’.

When I am tired and fed up, I remember Him saying, ‘come to Me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.’ There isn’t any space, which Jesus cannot take control of when I give Him the reins of my life and there isn’t any problem bothering me, when He is in control. Nor is there a cloud too dark that He can’t let His light through because, He is LORD. Lord of my life, Lord of the Sabbath, Lord of all breath and matter. Yes, truly, the Lord of the Sabbath is the Lord of the universe and I am grateful He is my LORD.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 13, 2008

Today's verse: 1 Sam. 1:13-15. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

With no intent at criticism, I must say, looking at people pray, we can immediately make out if the prayer is sincere. Some mumble prayers as a legal requirement; then there are some who sit through prayers barely able to contain sleep while at times we pray like an express train speeding to reach on time. Unfortunately, none of these prayers are able to move the heart of God.

When you think, it is so easy to sit before God just telling Him things. Sharing your secrets or the days’ happenings, etc. Of course, we must first praise and thank Him for all He has done. What surprises me is, most people don’t understand that God wants us to sit with Him, just relaxing while narrating our affairs and our needs. In-between, He will also talk and tell us a few things. He doesn’t talk like another human but gently puts ideas in our minds which over time, we come to learn is His way of talking to us. In it we also find comfort and a peace, which can be only from Him.

People tell me they don’t know to pray. These aren’t kids but grown-ups who all their life, have read ‘prayer books’ and asked others to pray for them; ultimately they aren’t able to pray. Then there are others who mumble without making any sense. I’d advise them to look at the way Hannah prayed and moved the heart of God in giving her a son, Samuel, who was close to God’s heart.

My friend, understand that praying isn’t labor. All you need to do is set aside a few mins. each day to spend in prayer. In beginning, just pour out your heart. Say anything but say something. Your sincerity in this will ensure God’s presence and soon you will feel His anointing even as the troubles of life just melt before you. I’d urge you to bring intensity in your prayer that will move the heart of God. Don’t be bothered of what others say if praying in a common place; rather think how much God is going to be pleased. Pretty soon, you will see what He does with your life. He says in His Word, ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ Sooner or later, you will witness the power of God in your life, brought about by prayer.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 12, 2008

Today's verse: Eccl 5:18. Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God gives us gifts, including the fruit of our labor. Not for us to stack them in some corner or stash them away for another day. It is so, that we will enjoy those gifts and partake in His goodness because He wants all His creatures to enjoy the gifts of His Hand. God made the earth to be hospitable that we not have any problem. He made it very fertile to yield crops in abundance and keep us fed and sustain our lives. Actually if you look at it, only what come from the hand of God are what sustain life, viz. food, water and air. Surprising no? Nothing that man has made or can make has the ability to sustain life!

Unfortunately, we’ve developed the concept of saving. First save - then spend. Before I go further, I must say that I’m not against saving. But, excessive saving for tomorrow while hurting self today! The world harps on this and there are savings products galore including insurance policies in plenty. All set to take complete care of you in the future. The point the Word of God makes is that, you need to live well today with what God sends your way. When you save excessively you do it only when you are unsure of the future. Now, no one knows the future and a believer in God must not be too bothered about it because, God is there to provide for it. That must be our assertion.

I have seen people save and save to lead comfortable lives later. Unfortunately, the comfort never comes because their minds are so conditioned for irrational frugality that even more worry creeps in edging any thought of comfort out. I have seen people strive to save so that a ‘decent’ amount is accumulated for the future. But, what is the ‘decent’ amount? Can anyone specify? I have also seen people having saved and saved and later spend it on hospital bills and medicine and unnecessary things.

God’s Word tells that we must partake of that which He gives us as gifts; as our portion. He made it so that we may lead full lives and thank and praise Him as we move along. Let’s honor Him by doing that.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 11, 2008

Today's verse: Deut. 14:1. Ye are the children of the LORD your God: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

If I needed any re-assuring statement today that God is my Shepherd and Guide, I’ve got it – solid and clear in His Word, which says, you are the child of the Lord your God! See, God has always wished us to be His children. You know, God fashioned us out of the soil of the earth. But that was just the vessel which could carry the real me which He created out of His breath. In His own unique way, His breath brought alive, the entire band of humanity across all generations including the generations to come.

Therefore, we know that God has invested Himself into us. For we are all formed of portions of His own breath. His very special breath drew us forth even as we attained life by that act of His and this life we live in our earthly vessels of mud. Our distinct identity is in, what our life makes us to be. Our nature etc. is seen in this life and not in our bodies, for mere mud does not possess nature or character.

God’s Word is very reassuring today because although the whole world will pass away, His Word never does and He is still holding us in His hands and nourishing us. For me His Word is a far greater reality than things that the world has to offer. And I know that when I take His Word and understand that I am His child, super joy fills my heart. It is a tremendous thing to understand and know that God is your Father. Because, in that He bestows upon His child all that a father has to bestow. Praise Him the Father of us all.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 10, 2008

Today's verse: Jn. 12:32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Reading Genesis ch. 3, my attention riveted on vvs. 1 - 7. I wondered: in just 7 verses, the entire God given status to humans was lost; because Eve saw that the forbidden tree was good for food, she took some of its fruit, ate it and gave some to her husband Adam. Then were we driven away from Paradise. Then did we die, for in that act, we abrogated the glory that shone upon us, the glory that emanated from the face of the only God, Yahweh and brought about the consequence that He had foretold…death (2:16,17).

Some of us might say, ‘If only I were there instead of Adam or Eve…’ But my friend, the deception of the deceiver is so strong that succumbing to it is bound to happen. But, you may ask, did God not know about it and couldn’t He do something about it? Well, God did know yet allowed it to happen because He wanted to demonstrate the extent of His love for us. In His scheme, the failure of man was ordained that His love might be poured forth on us. This process, God knew, entailed that He take the form of a mere mortal, come down to earth; live as us and then die for us, a death so miserable and crass that it would send a shudder down the spine of men witnessing it!

When Jesus descended down the heights of heaven, as a little babe, He was enrobed with the same weaknesses as in us. Jesus made Himself so vulnerable in assuming birth in a stable that He suffered the fate of the poorest of the poor. His taking on the mantle of the lowest in Israel ensured that the smallest of men could approach Him with no fear nor awe! In the Gospels, we see that the least of people approached Him - right from the outcasts like beggars, to sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes even to the extent of Samaritans (one of the ten lepers). None were hindered because they were comfortable in His presence. Though He was a Man of authority (not the ruling types, of course) He endeared Himself to all and made everybody welcome.

When He uttered the Words of our verse above, Jesus spoke of the truth of His being crucified and raised up on the wood of the cross. As a symbol of salvation, an icon of hope in the hearts of the hopeless and the ultimate proof of God’s love for us! It is for us to savor His being raised up, for in it, is the guarantee of salvation. In the cross lies the force of His immense and eternal love, which acts as a magnet drawing all humans to Him…across ages, across boundaries and across nations.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 7, 2008

Today's verse: Deut. 8:16. Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Times are when we doubt whether God is really there and whether He will help us. Our minds are besotted with questions like this, particularly when the chips are down and we are wondering what will happen.

It is at these times that we need to recall the favor of God on our lives. You see, the very fact that we are born, signifies the existence of God because, how if God weren’t there, would so many people on the surface of the earth exist? How is it that the water never ends although the population has increased so much? In the city I live, millions of people are added to the population each year, yet, there never is any shortage of water or a situation of drought. I remember when I was small, there used to be much less rainfall. Now, the rains have increased so much, even as I believe our water needs have ballooned to unimaginable amounts.

My friend, take today’s verse. When the Israelites were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, they could not see any vegetation along the desert road they traversed. Yet, God with His might nourished them with manna – a type of food that came from heaven. In the process God humbled them and literally brought them to their knees. In that God wanted that they be faithful to Him. God never wanted them to suffer or bear pain. All He wanted from them was total allegiance and even while they suffered, He charted out a way for them to prosper at the end. This is the desire of God that, His children are always kept well.

In our lives too, we need to realise that God is our provider and that He will provide for us in every way. It is He who will take care of our every need and be with us. Remember, even when things seem impossible and difficult, He is able. He makes a way, where there seems to be no way. He will reach you no matter what the hindrance, if you but leave the reins of your life in His hands.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 6, 2008

Today's verse: Lk. 4:36. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The works of Jesus are marvelous to behold and in their wake, we are taken aback at the demonstration of power and majesty. Well might we exclaim and say, ‘What is there about His Word…’ the way the people of His time did. They were taken with surprise at a Man so endowed with power that with just a Word, He worked the impossible. It was just unbelievable.

Truly, can we fathom that with just a Word, someone can cast out a demon or heal the sick or give sight to the blind or raise the dead to life… In the human dimension, it is literally impossible to do any of the afore said, for humans dwell in ‘impossibility’. But with Jesus, everything is different. We say how, and He says, like this. We say impossible and He says, All is possible. We hate, He loves, and so on…This is an echo of the Word in Isaiah 55:8. And even today, God’s preciousness and might find resonance in the heart of the sinner, or the wretched or the diseased, when His Word finds the bounce in their hearts.

So awesome and mighty is God’s Word that it can do anything. Today, we can meld our words among His and He can generate the power needed to bring about His will on earth. Cancers can be cured, HIV positive can be made negative. Ill and deformed bodies can be renewed and weary hearts can be refreshed. But the most important thing is that the flow of Grace can mend broken hearts and remove the callousness and fill it, making it a heart of flesh from that of stone.

My friend, God can transform us and really in the times we live, we need it not only for our own survival but the survival of the many. Yesterday, a brother was talking about youth into drugs and immorality and what have you and the sad consequences. What a time of upheaval for those who belong to their families. What tension and difficulty. Let’s pray the Lord that His Word finds a way through the thicket of foolishness and rebelliousness in their hearts and transforms them into something beautiful.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 5, 2008

Today's verse: Ps 73:26. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Here is scripture that one can take and live a whole life forever on just this promise that God is the strength of the heart. The psalmist confesses that his flesh and heart have failed which means; both his body and mind have succumbed to weakness. Don’t we at times feel spent and completely tired? Don’t we yearn for that strength in our bones, which will make us rise up and move forward in confidence? Yes, there are occasions when what we really long for, is a freedom from our very own lives, because life becomes too much of a burden to live!

There are times we sit back and reflect on the days gone by when we were younger and in a position to bear the assault on both body and mind. These were sort of challenges and we faced them fair and square. But then they continued, so much so that the bed became our constant companion and terror reigned on the mind as to what will happen now. In this situation Jesus says, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ Mt 11:28-30.

My friend, recall this verse today when you are spent and finished. Remember, when God is the strength of your heart and your forever portion, there is no tiredness that can make its home in you. There is no hurt that can embed itself inside you. Life will be changed by the Risen Lord and you will find enabling strength when you bear His yoke by which you will soar like an eagle, for His wind will be the force that keeps you going and it will never cease.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 4, 2008

Today's verse: Pr. 13:13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many of us have read the Word of God. We marvel at the promises God makes in it and we have also tasted of the deliciousness of His Word in our own lives, which sweetens and nourishes us. God’s Word is not only manna for the soul but meat for the body too which we may never understand. God’s love is manifested in His Word and it envelops us as a cloak, which can be used in times of distress or joy. For me personally, the Word of God has been a Rock and a place of refuge.

God’s Word is a multifaceted, Friend who enters our atmosphere strongly when we attempt to know it well and gives us the ability to move confidently in our lives. You see most of the problems we face are actually speaking, very small. But the worry and the tension around them are big and this is what kills. We always dwell on what is to be and face it, that what is to be, is usually bad. God’s Word shows us things in the right perspective. First of all, it tells us to reverence Him who is all; because, He is able to control anything and everything. Next, it tells us everything is transitory, whether it be our gains, or losses, or whatever concerns us. Then, it teaches us that what is permanent is our soul and it is destined to dwell in a dwelling prepared for us by the Son of Man within the Mansions of His Father and our Father.

The Word of God reveals that we need to depend on it for sustenance and richly participate in its flesh so that eternal bliss is ours. And I must say, how poor they are who lack His Word. Oh blessed ones, despite the whole world being encapsulated in His Word, there are many out there who despise it because they are blinded by the angel of darkness. They invite tragedy to the soul by defying or blocking ‘Eternal Goodness’ and we see what God tells us about them in our verse today. But those of us who depend on His Word for our life itself, will be amply rewarded. We will be fed and nourished in His mansions and He will wipe our ever tear and we shall behold His glory.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 3, 2008

Today's verse: Mt. 15:18. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

You know, for the last few days I have been preparing a session on sin, (not the best of subjects to talk about though) and more than talk about sin, I have been thinking of how the Grace of God has cut through the sin and wiped us clean. It’s wonderful the way God approaches us and changes us and assures us of our cleanliness…He even says, ‘come let us reason together, if your sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they will be as wool.’

What’s this got to do with our verse today? Well, a lot. I have been thinking about man’s tendency to sin. And I find that it is high in some and low in others, mostly high anyway! But if I were to look at certain traits of sin, let’s say envy and bitterness, why are some people not that way at all while some are inside out bitter and envious? To arrive at the answer, I thought it best to look at what our Lord says in the verse above.

Jesus speaks of those things with which our heart is full. When there is an external stimulus, the full heart pours out what’s in it which is: evil thoughts, murder, adultery, unchastity, theft, false witness, blasphemy…v. 19. So, how do our hearts get filled with such trash? See, by nature, we are sinful. Just as gravity drags objects to the surface of the earth, so our natures drag us to things against God because the world in which we live is sinful and sadly the whole world is in the control of the ruler of the world who is constantly at war with ‘niceness’ and negates it with ‘badness’. By our evil desires, sin takes birth and the devil knows how to exploit our desires, playing upon our basic instincts, producing sin and evil to disastrous effect.

That is why Jesus says, come to me the source of living water, because He understands us and He knows that only in Him will we find the strength needed to repel the devil’s attacks and keep our basic instincts under control apart from washing ourselves clean. So today, I pray that each one of us becomes eager by His Grace to gain control over our emotions and stand firm in our quest to serve God and be His, fully.