Thoughts for another day

May 30, 2008

Today's verse: 1 Tim. 4:10. we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When I say God, and speak of the ‘trust’ dimension, have you ever thought: what God am I talking about? Who is this God and what does He mean to us? Where in your heart can He be found? Does He dwell deep inside or just on our lips, which means as soon as a blast of disbelief strikes, God disappears from our lives?

There are a number of questions that crop up in reference to our verse today. The prime question is one of trust. See, when Paul writes this letter to Timothy, He tells Timothy that their trust is in the ‘Living’ God, who saves all mankind, particularly those that believe. When Paul says ‘living’ he means a God who ‘is’ always. Who will always be there to take care of our woes. He is not some work of art and imagination, an idol, which humans worship and extol even when the idol is not even able to stand up. He is the Living God who reigns and because He lives, we can take courage in facing life and all its moments.

Friend, our God is a great and glorious God who wills that all be saved. He is alive and well and He is ‘The One’ who will guard and guide you. He will protect you and keep you as the apple of His eye. He lives and He cares for you. Never forget this, but on bended knee, give thanks to Him.

Thoughts for another day

May 29, 2008

Today's verse: Neh. 4:14. remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, (KJV)
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A man through sheer hard work and use of brain became very successful. He was at the pinnacle of success and he felt he owned the world and also that he could do anything and everything he desired. He would boast to people how he had accomplished so much in so little time and how he himself had done everything by his own ability and strength. He felt that there would be no end to his gaining more and more control and money. But one day, he had a stroke that paralysed him completely on his right side. He could not move his hand or leg, nor could he eat or think properly. Overnight, he became a caricature of a man. He who would boast of laying his stamp over the world, now could not even talk!

Friend, this is taken in our reflection to remind us of the power of our God in enabling us to do things. Sometimes, the wine of our success may intoxicate us so much that it may lead us to believe that it is by our own strength that we can accomplish much. That is utter erroneous and stupid. Were it not for the Lord, we would not even be able to breathe.

God sets us up for success and glory. And it is God who gives us the gift to excel. He alone it is who exalts and gives us titles, dominions, etc. In our stupidity if we come to think that God is nothing, then God leaves us to fend for ourselves and quickly we realise what our actual worth is…nothing. Today, I would request you to remember that it is the Lord in all things. He is a great and terrible God and He is our only succor. Rely only on Him casting not much credence on your strength. He will ever strengthen you.

Thoughts for another day

May 28, 2008

Today's verse: Nu. 32:23. But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. (KJV)
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Contextually, this verse is talking about a certain warning Moses is giving to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh just before the entry into Canaan. As an inference to our lives today, it is a warning to us that no matter what sin we commit against the Lord in secret, our sin will find us out and the punishment is inevitable. Yes, Jesus Christ has washed us all clean, but then what recourse do we have to Him?

In today’s times, sinning is very easy and getting into a position of not sinning is strenuous and difficult. There is the constant temptation to satiate our carnal desires and the rationale of the world is, everyone is doing it, so what’s the big deal. But the fact that everyone is into it doesn’t mean that the act ceases to be sin. Sin is a wrongdoing and there are many wrong doings that seem to be right to man and can be excused. However, before God there is no ‘rightness’ about a wrongdoing. An error is an error and committing it calls for its consequences.

If we feel that we are right in doing something wrong then it is a wrong feeling. A trip to the inner chambers of the Most High will show us how sin affects God. God finds sin to be repulsive, no matter what sin it is and how we humans see it as – big or small. Therefore it is rather apt to know our wrongdoing and go before Him in meek surrender and ask pardon; for as the Bible says, He is faithful to forgive us enabling us to begin a new life with Him.

Thoughts for another day

May 27, 2008

Today's verse: Ezra 9:13. seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; (KJV)
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The book of Ezra deals with the rebuilding of the Temple of Yahweh after King Cyrus of Persia issues a proclamation that any of the people of God who wish to go back to Israel (Jerusalem) from Babylon, where they were exiled, could do so. As they set about the task of rebuilding the Temple, they witness the power of God in first of all rebuilding it unhindered despite opposition from the Samaritans. Then again they see His power in the provision He sends toward them and also in ensuring that they face no danger. After the Temple was restored, they reflected on their life styles and discovered that they had digressed terribly from the law God had given them.

Ezra recalled with fondness the mercy of God and reflected on how Gracious He had been to them; giving context to our above verse. As you read this reflection, peruse the verse and see the loveliness of our God and the amazing mercy that He has spread before us. Look to His kindness for us, in that He chose to punish us far less than our trespasses demanded.

Friend, God is a great Father. He is so endearing and so beautiful. He weeps when we offend Him (you can feel His ache when you sit and commune with Him and you will know that He is saddened to the point of tears). Yet, He never desires to inflict us with pain for the offense we have given Him. He is very very patient with us and allows us no tears at all, just as He died for us but did not allow us to die. He yearns for you even as you turn your face from Him. You are very important to Him and He seeks the same level of importance for Himself from us and is saddened by the fact that we have other things far more important than He is. But don’t fret, being the forgiving God that He is, He intends us to just go to Him and seek His forgiveness so that His blessings will flood our lives. Isn’t it amazing?

Thoughts for another day

May 26, 2008

Today's verse: Ps. 24:8. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. (KJV)
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In living our lives, we discover it to be a constant battle. We are either fighting this or that. Sometimes, our fight is with those outside of us but most of the time, it is within us. The battle we fight at times is not really easy and it makes us tired easily. Moments are when we give up; for the situation makes us so weary that we have no strength left. Many at this point in time also start wondering what life is all about and its purpose. Even after intense soul searching, hardly any answer presents itself.

This reflection is also not going to present any answer vis-à-vis your purpose in life for in reading the Word of God you will find it yourself. This reflection is rather going to help you focus on the One who can fight your battles – with no vested interest but because He loves you and cares for you. And this Someone is God Almighty. The Lord God is strong and a mighty warrior. He is forever ready to do battle – not wantonly but only when you cry out to Him for help.

See, God is not anyone but a fierce fighter who has always conquered. The devil might frighten you into saying that God will not fight for you, but if He died for you, then He will fight for you. God has invited us all to go to Him when tired and He will set us at rest and having said that, He is not the One to back out. He will stick to His Word and will give you rest from your tribulations or your tiredness. God comes down as in a cloud and destroys strong fortresses. Even when we are not aware, God is working out there, casting asunder every power that is poised to destroy you. Your cry to Him is enough to make Him come to you and defend you.

Like Peter, I’d say, Cast your burden onto Jesus – yes He cares for you and mind you, He will never leave you alone, rather fight alongside you, any power that intends to enslave you. Look up to Him.

Thoughts for another day

May 23, 2008

Today's verse: 2 Ch. 33:13. And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; (KJV)
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In today’s reflection, we will know something awesome about our beautiful God. If you read the chapter till this verse, you will learn about a man called Manasseh. He became king of Judah after the death of his father king Hezekiah. But rather unfortunately, unlike his father, He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He was the fount of abomination and re-enkindled the worship of baal. He even immolated his sons by fire, which was an evil thing to do. Even worse, he placed an idol he had carved in the house of God which God had told David would be the abode of His presence.

Now when Manasseh’s enemies the Assryians came and took him as prisoner, bound in chains, he entreated the Lord in his distress; and you know what, God heard him. I love what it says in the New American Bible, ‘God let Himself be won over.’ Now just think about it, despite all the evil that Manasseh had done, God would not turn his face from him but rather, was moved by his prayer and came to his help.

My friend, so it is between God and us today. We commit so many sins, yet when we cry out to the Lord in our sorrow, He stoops down and picks us up. Rightly has it been mentioned in the Bible, He will cast all our sins into the depths of the oceans. I always tell people that God is terribly moved at the tears of His holy ones, which is, you and I.

So today, no matter what wrong has been committed by you, leave it behind and tug at His garment. He will let Himself be won over and move with you, when you will fear no evil and bear no defeat.

Thoughts for another day

May 22, 2008

Today's verse: Eccl. 5:19,20. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. (KJV)
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To each one of us human beings, the God of Heaven has given some wealth, which we are to use to the fullest extent. I mean it when I say wealth to every one, because it is something, no one else has. It could be beauty, a particular talent or a distinct ability or unusual gifts or something that makes sure that we may eat our bread. The riches are given not so we store them, but that we use them and be content.

In the cloak of negativity and doubt we are usually clothed with, we do not recognise the gifts that God has given us but always crave for something more which we deign to be more beneficial. Man’s greed has always made him crave for more, perhaps also that which he does not need. When God in His mercy satisfies that, then another need arises. It goes on right from the time we learnt to be aware till the time we die. Seldom is a man satisfied with what he has for he always feels that he could have more. Silly as it sounds, it is a fact and we see people not realising it but foolish enough to put their whole life in seeking and getting that which they see to be important yet honestly, hardly serving any purpose.

Today’s verse speaks about God giving riches and wealth, so that men may enjoy them, even while taking joy in the hard work he has put in, all the time realising that even the hard work is a gift of God, for were it not God who enabled, it is impossible for man to do much. The lesson here is in the latter part of our verse: God answers us in the joy of our hearts. I would add to it saying that it is the joy of knowing how good our God is and how nicely He meets all our needs. But what He needs from us is the nature of being content in whatever we have and in it, giving praises to Him.

Thoughts for another day

May 21, 2008
Today's verse: 1 Cor. 12:10. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV)
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Here’s an amazing statement Paul makes: I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in lack, in persecutions and sorrow…for when I am weak, then I am strong! When you read it for a moment, if you were to apply human and worldly logic, you will be amazed at the stupidity of the statement. But the moment you bring God into the picture, the statement turns on its head and now there is a divine interpretation that shouts from the inside saying that when you have been positive in all the negatives that have happened to you, you are pleasing God and in pleasing Him, you stand to benefit by His awesome Grace and might.

See, when you are empty, then alone God will fill you. In ch. 4 of 2nd Kings, we read of a widow of a guild prophet who has debt to pay. Elisha tells her to borrow vessels and fill them with oil from a jug of oil that she had in order that she sell it and repay her debts. Even while she fills in whatever vessels she could borrow from neighbors, the oil does not run out. It is only when she runs out of empty vessels that the oil runs out. Only when we cease to be empty will the Grace of God cease to hold us. Paul gives us an important lesson in what He says, ‘when I am weak, then I am strong’ for in his weakness, the strength of God is at the highest.

God will allow His strength into us, only when we stand weak before Him. Check it out for yourself in your life. If you are well in every way, would you remember God, leave alone needing Him, I know of people who say, ‘why disturb God?’ The unfortunate thing with us human beings is that God for us is just a figurehead far away; in whom we have no complete belief. It is the case with the best of us. Sadly when we most need Him, we are most away from Him. This despite the fact that Jesus says, ‘Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy burdened…’

Friend, wherever you are and whoever you are, pay attention to God’s Word and learn to lean on Him. Make yourself weak before Him so that He will make you strong. You will then discover that God it is, Who will be all sufficient for you.

Thoughts for another day

May 20, 2008

Today's verse: Dan. 2:22. He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. (KJV)
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There are many complex things in us, which we have not understood properly due to which, we suffer. Lives are destroyed because of anger, lust and other ills of the moral kind. Why are these things pertinent to us? When I look at people all at peace with themselves, I am envious because in me dwell the traits of sin bearing seed whereas, those people are so holy and so content. Then I try to look inside and I discover in me a spirit leaning toward sin – not because I enjoy sinning rather I loathe it, but because this spirit seems to force me to it.

Today’s scripture, will help us understand the power of God who being omniscient and knowing all the deep and secret things, can help us in conquering our own selves and moving onto the path of victory. Whatever it is we do not know and are troubled because of it, we can rest assured that when we approach God in the matter, He will provide clarification; the only condition being that our approach needs to be sincere and marked with repentance.

My friend in Christ, seldom does life allow us the luxury of being in a state of bliss. This is because of our fall. Many times we struggle with our inability to do the good we know we need to do, or we struggle with a companion – a sibling, a spouse or a child, who is on the path of moral decay and we watch helplessly knowing not what to do. There is a solution I want to talk about and that is Jesus Christ. Go to Him with all your warts and accompanying welts. Talk to Him and tell Him about your problem and He will intervene in your life with His Spirit who will refresh you and take away the problem from its root. Trust Him to do it for He has done it for others and He’ll do it for you.

Thoughts for another day

May 14, 2008

Today's verse: Ps. 4:3 Know that the Lord works wonders for the faithful; the Lord hears when I call out. (NAB)
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Having witnessed of the goodness of the Lord, it is but right for me to declare that for those who are with the Lord continually in faithfulness, His hand works such wonders that it amazes the nations. Set apart is the man who is for the Lord and whose heart is centered onto Him.

If there is one thing the Lord loves most in us, it is our faithfulness toward Him. In the ups and downs of life, it is very easy to forget the Lord when we are down and exhausted. Besides there are those of us who would blame the Lord for the misfortunes that have befallen us and then be cross with Him and move away from Him saying, ‘What is the use of following You?’ In many such situations, we move away from God and forget Him; which then would lead us to the question, where then is my faith?

On the other hand there are people who are completely focused on God come rain or shine. Even when they are down in the dumps, they are happy for they say that if God has put them in some misfortune, He will also release them from the same.

As for me I will hold all things from God as something He gives me to be happy with or to strengthen my faith and in all things I will give Him glory. I remember when Job meets with misfortune, his wife asks him to curse God and die. His reply to her is amazing: We accept good things from God; can’t we accept the bad? And we see what God does for him later. So too with us who will hold on to Him in our moment of despair. He is a faithful God and He will hear when we call out and rescue us from our tormenters.

Thoughts for another day

May 13, 2008

Today's verse: 1 Tim. 4:4. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (NIV)
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In living Christian lives, often we are called to prove the faith that we follow in many simple facets of life. One aspect is ‘the eating of certain foods’, or accepting things we don’t like or choose to dislike.

As to foods, my question would be, which food is there which God has not created? Is there anything available on the surface of the earth that hasn’t been fashioned by the eternal Maker? And Paul in this letter is making a point that since God has created it, every food is to be accepted and relished, for it will provide necessary nourishment and we need to thank God for it. That way we will ensure that our Creator is not offended. Further, there could be times that we find some food on the verge of becoming putrid; we can also eat this food saying a blessing on it. Our belief has to be that God has created the food and God has created us too and He will ensure that we are well despite the fact that the food is not 100% good. I have myself gone through this often. We also need to be careful that the food we accept at the hands of God be not wasted for there are millions out there who perish for lack of food and even a few grains of it will help them live.

Then there are other things God has created which we do not find in good taste. Take for example, parents to whom is born a deformed child. One can understand the pain of such parents, but at the end of the day, the child is equally beautiful and will prove to be a joy even with its defects. The sooner the parents accept this the better their lives will become.

As a principle, I have learned to accept everything that God hands over to me – whether good or bad for anything and everything that happens in the world is known to God and God allows it to happen for our good. We may not see any good in it, but suffice it for me to say, what do we know.

Thoughts for another day

May 12, 2008

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 13:4. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. (KJV)
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As a human being, Jesus was weak. He felt the same bodily things we do. He was not free from fatigue or hunger, neither was He free from the emotions we have, which are anger or love and respect. Yet there was one thing about Jesus that was remarkable. It was His complete dependence on God, His Father. Jesus trusted His Father amply and knew His Father would never fail Him. He never began His day without praying as we so often see in the Bible. For that matter, He began His Ministry, by fasting and praying for forty days and nights in the desert. This act of Jesus was nothing, but going to the Father for strength without which He knew He could never succeed. His Father seeing this confidence always answered His prayer, whether it was the multiplication of bread or the raising of the dead. Even in the end, Jesus trusted His Father as He commended His Spirit into the Father’s hand. And the Father did not let Him down, for on the third day, with power unlimited, Jesus was raised from the dead, a marvelous thing, for no man had ever been able to raise himself from the dead, except Jesus and after this no one has been able to do that.

The power we see in the life of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ is from His Father and our Father too. If Jesus lived by the power of God, how much more we need to do. We have no alternative but depend on Him the Owner of the Universe to guide our way and to move our steps in life. We need to forsake our old ways of depending on man and the things of man but move up to a level of dependence on God for fulfilling every aspect in our lives and for sustaining us. Only then will we do that which is pleasing to Him and we will witness how His power works in us. There will no longer be any stumbling block for our God will take care of it, neither will there be any tears for He will wipe them off our faces.

Thoughts for another day

May 9, 2008

Today's verse: Song of Songs 2:14. let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. (KJV)
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In Jesus we have beauty untold. His face, if you can but behold in your inner vision, is a sheer delight to behold. It is not so the handsomeness but the softness. It provides the allure to the hurting soul. Jesus’ face speaks many things: for those in distress, it speaks the confidence of victory. For those without hope, Jesus’ face springs up anticipation of a good expectation. For us who trudge and work day in and day out, Jesus’ faith holds the promise of a better life, a fuller life; a life that though lived in turmoil, is at wholesome peace.

You know, there are people who talk of the dark night that they needed to cross in their lives. Having now lived beyond it they say that they beheld the face of Jesus, which gave them the strength to go past the dark valley of shadow and death with the confidence that though a thousand fall at their side or ten thousand at their right side, yet none could harm them.

My friend, take time off today to retreat aiming to behold that gentle face of Jesus. It is just that which you want to see and should see in your moment of heaviness. And then wait to hear His voice. His voice is enough to quicken the sinews and bones and souls of the dead, just as it did Lazarus over 2000 years ago. His voice still and always will cut across the storm and reach out to you and quicken you. When His voice comes, the sea under your feet will cease to be a hindrance as it solidifies and you will trample on it, the way Peter did when Jesus beckoned, ‘come’ Mt. 14:29.

We can go on and on about the awesome nature of Jesus‘ countenance and His voice, but for the moment, let’s just break free and look up and with our entire hearts tell Him, ‘Lord, let me see thy face and hear Thy voice…’ See, if He doesn’t come quick and fast to you.

Thoughts for another day

May 8, 2008

Today's verse: 1 Jn 3:3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV)
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When I think about Abraham and the great verse, which says, ‘And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness’ (Gen. 15:6), I can’t help but think of the gravity of the statement. Righteousness is wrought by mere belief! Yes, but the belief is not in anyone, not least a mortal but rather in the Lord God Almighty, who always existed, now is and will forever be.

A man is purified when he starts believing in the Son of God. To make it easier for us, Jesus came down in physical form. That He could tell us how much He loved us, for in coming down our Lord had to shed His glory and leave all His divinity behind. He came like any of us and He was subject to the same difficulties and trials that we face. Jesus’ coming down made it easy to grasp the idea of a loving God, who is there everywhere, but we cannot see Him, just as we cannot see the wind, for we are in a state of sin. As we move along in life, He manifests His hand in myriad ways and makes Himself real in our lives; more real than ourselves too.

For this to happen, we need to be pure and holy in His sight. Even that Jesus’ coming down has made easy. For we now know that we have a Father in heaven, as told to us by the Son. Jesus has also told us to trust His Father in everything and really when we do that, we will see God our Father guiding us in life. He may put us to the trial, but then it is so that our souls will be carved and polished even as we are made eligible to accept and absorb the sacrifice of His Son and move up to where He is.

All these thoughts are so blessed and joyous that we just need to ponder on them and in pondering on them we will realise how good our God is. Because, anyone who believes in Him, He purifies and exalts and grants citizenship in Heaven.

Thoughts for another day

May 7, 2008

Today's verse: Dan. 9:4. And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many ask – what is that thing which can please the Lord? How would you answer this? If you ask me, well, there are many things that please the Lord and one of them is making a humble submission to Him. See, before the Lord humility stands tall.

If you read a little before this verse at Daniel, who mouths the Words of the above verse, we see him pleading earnestly coupled with fasting and wearing of sackcloth. These signs are signs of a beaten soul, humbled by the circumstances. Therefore, Daniel makes this prayer in humility and he sees the fruit of it, when Gabriel, the angel makes a visitation to him.

If there is one thing of attitude the Lord loves most in us His children, it is the spirit of humility. It doesn’t mean you grovel and crouch before everyone. It only means you accept all that comes to you in a spirit of submission to the will of the Lord, for nothing comes to you apart from His will. Besides, before men, you do not criticize or think yourself to be ‘big’ but adopt a spirit of ‘smallness’, if I may use the word, and learn to go with humans. You see, when God watches you, He sees your spirit of submission and lack of pride and He exalts you, just the way Jesus recommends that when we go for a wedding, we take a lower place to be then upgraded by the host to a higher one.

The above doesn’t mean you don’t question the wrong that’s happening to you. Take Jesus for instance, He did question things and He was pretty blunt at times too but that was not to display His superior powers or wisdom, it was so that the situation could be a right situation, where the wrong was indicted and condemned. This kind of attitude will be difficult for most of us to adopt, but then slowly but surely with His Grace it is possible to change and only then we will see the Hand of our merciful and covenant keeping God in our lives.

Thoughts for another day

May 6, 2008

Today's verse: 1 Ch. 5:22. Many had fallen in battle, for victory is from God; and they took over their dwelling place until the time of the exile. (NAB)
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When your vision is focused on the Lord, no matter what the situation, the victory is yours. Many may be your difficulties and your trials. Many may be the situations of discomfort and intense pain. But surely, even as the sun peeks through the rough edges of the cloud on a rain day, so will the hope of restoration shine through the gloom of your adversity.

I have seen and heard countless people tell me of how they tasted God’s goodness right through the darkness and bitterness of their situations. People love to talk about the way God’s Grace poured out on them in retrospect. They love to testify of His mercy they met, when they were seeped in the dirty grease of life and He lifted them up and washed them clean. My friend, God’s hand never dithers when it comes to lifting up the worst from the worst. Our confidence has to be in Him. If you read two verses before our verse for today, you will see how the Reubenites , Gadites and part Manassehites were helped by Him in their wars of conquest. They were helped because the Bible says, ‘they put their trust in Him their God and Savior.’ And then their enemies fell in battling them because victory gushed from the Hand of God the Almighty.

Today too, the Hand of the Lord God is stretched forth in benediction towards His children. To everyone who believes in the Name of His Son, He gives power to be called His children and to His child, His Grace flows ceaselessly: sufficient for the battles of the day or the adversity of the soul. No matter what, believe in this my friend that if God is for you, who can be against you. And there is nothing that can come between you and God for His Grace and His Hand of protection can reach you even in the thickest smoke of despondency and decay.

Arise, today and call out to Him for He says, ‘I am with you to deliver you.’ Oh sure, He also says, ‘I will chastise you as you deserve, I will not let you go unpunished’; this because of the grievousness of our sins, but then I would say, far better it is that I be punished by the Lord; be put down by His hand, rather than stay away from Him for even a moment.

Thoughts for another day

May 2, 2008

Today's verse: Lev. 10:20. And when Moses heard that, he was content. (KJV)
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There are certain men in the Bible, whose relationship with the Lord was such that God considered them as His own and in case these men did or said something, then God vigorously defended them. One such man was Moses. Prior to our verse for today, the incident was that Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, had committed a grievous offence by offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. They were instantly struck dead and Moses warned Aaron and his other sons not to mourn as they did when someone of their families died.

In verse 16, Moses refers to the goat of the sin offering, which they had burnt. The episode got Moses angry because although, it was decreed that they eat the offering in a sacred place as it was a sacred offering and it was to be eaten by Aaron and his sons so they could bear the guilt of the community and make atonement for them, they had not done it and had rather burned it. Aaron replies saying that the misfortune of the death of his two sons had fallen upon him and although forbidden to mourn, they could not bring about themselves to eat. It wasn’t in rebellion to what was decreed but reflected the sincere condition of his and his sons’ hearts at what had befallen them. This answer satisfied Moses and nothing further from God happened to them.

What we need to look at is that, Moses being satisfied with the answer Aaron gave ensured that God held His peace and did not punish Aaron further. What is to be noted is that Moses; a mere man was empowered by God to do His things. God gave Moses the power to become a ‘God’ to Pharaoh and to his brother Aaron. How wonderful it is to know that mere mortals are exalted to such high office by God. God indeed loves us so much that of those He chooses, He provides the means to be exalted and in this whatever the person does becomes acceptable to the Lord.