Thoughts for another day

September 30, 2008.

Today's verse: Judgs. 2:22. In order to test Israel, whether or not they would take care to walk in the way of the LORD as their ancestors did, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

As God’s man or woman, you’ll often be taken to the crossroads. There, you’ll have to decide if you bear fidelity to God, or not. Sometimes, this bringing to the Crossroads can be traumatic with a good deal of pain. Some might lose their jobs. Some may be on the verge of a divorce/separation; a major ailment may strike, etc. Be that as it may, you will be led to the crossroads where God awaits your decision, not that He doesn’t know what it is, but that you yourself may behold the state of your heart.

Reading this, would you take God as a cruel God? See, God seeks devotion from us. We are made to praise and worship Him and seek His glory. He sends all good things toward us so that we are enabled to do it. Why, you may ask, does God need devotion from us? That’s because, He created us with much love and he loves us so much that it is but right the object of His love – us - love Him in return and be devoted to Him. Don’t we behave the same way? When we bring up a child (although we have not created it), love it and dote over it; don’t we expect its love in return?

God expected devotion from an errant Israel as we read in the verse above. Yet, they sinned and vexed God. Therefore, He promised He wouldn’t come to their aid though He was pained by it. But, He knew it was necessary. How else would they come to be with Him? He did it to test them…whether they would walk in the way He set out for them or do what they willed. Years after this, God is still doing the same thing with us. He sends affliction with no seeming sense of redemption and He sends us trouble with no way out. But like He told me recently, He’s still on the Throne. He still is ready with a patient ear to hear you out and to grant you relief. The rest is up to you.

Thoughts for another day

September 29, 2008.

Today's verse: Is. 29:16. Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When I was led to write this verse for today’s reflection, I was quickly going to go to another but the Lord kind of stopped me and made me write on it. And the reason why I was thinking of another verse is that, I too have done that which the Lord mentions of in the verse and I still do. In another version, the beginning of the verse is read as, ‘Your perversity is as though the potter were taken to be the clay…’

Without realising it, there are so many times we indulge in this sin. I try to remind myself that though the Lord is my friend, He is still God. Because He is God, I need to accord the glory that’s due Him; yet so basely do I treat Him. For our own earthly and mortal leaders, we show so much respect and accord them so much esteem, but the greatest leader of all, who loves us so much, we pay scant attention to. Isn’t it strange? Then again in our prayers, don’t we say so many times, ‘Lord, You don’t understand…’ Ah, puny creature, with such impunity! Dare we tell Him He knows not what is happening, when He is attentive to even the croaking of the frog submerged in the mud!

Our sin is, very often we take God as One who is there to listen to us and change our situations according to our convenience. Can that be so? I daresay, in very rare situations, it can; when we are tuned to Him completely, when we are in communion with Him and when we rely on Him for everything and every fiber of our being wants to do His will. That too, I’d say has to be done with much discretion because we aren’t talking to anyone but the Most High. He is not a man and not fallible or weak. The glory He has is far beyond what we can ever conceive. None can take away His glory or none can add to it. With our lips we just give Him the glory already existing for Him and when we do that we fall in line to receive the works of His hand as a blessing. Let’s understand that God is not a man that we treat Him basely. Rather that He knows all about you and me and He cares for us. Therefore, living in such understanding, let us strive to bring Him more and more glory, we the vessels of mud!

Thoughts for another day

September 25, 2008.

Today's verse: Zech. 2:5. For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Let me begin with a question, a shade irregular, but nevertheless one on which we could ponder. When you leave your home in the morning to go wherever you have to, do you ever get the thought, ‘am I going to return?’ Rather frightening no, this question? But really think about it. There are many such situations where we are confronted with questions that seem to shake us and make us think. The way we think embellishes our alignment with God.

There is a lady I know who seems perpetually disoriented and scared about what next. If I were to pose the above question to her, she would certainly be very scared and probably even scold me for asking. Now, if I further ask her about her relationship with Christ, she’d say, ‘oh I have a fantastic relationship with Him!’ Remember, the storm in the sea of Galilee? I gave this example because that’s how we are. But even though we are like that, God isn’t about to do the same i.e. good relationship but out of reach when in need. Rather, He always has a good plan for us, which by our own actions, we foil to our own frustration.

I’d request you to look at our verse very carefully. God is making an absolute promise of safety, a cordon of fire that’s to be with us all the while. And mind you, this promise holds for us also no matter who we are and what our state of sin is before Him. The reason for that is the blood of His Son. His Son’s blood has absolved us from all the dirt that’s stuck on to us and has enabled us to be clean before Him, unconditionally! But, of course, we need to believe in Him, Jesus Himself asked that we believe in Him so many times in the Gospel of John. Jesus further said, ‘if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?’ (Jn 11:40). Yeah, truly, were we to believe in God without scant trace of doubt, we would be in line to see an outpouring of His glory that would make a world of difference to our lives on earth.

Thoughts for another day

September 24, 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)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God is omniscient. He knows all and He is aware right now what is happening with you or with any member of your family or friend, be they where you are, or thousands of miles away. In fact, God knows so much about us that even we may not know that much. He knows everything about us and about this mega universe of which we are just a miniscule part.

God though so big, still chooses some of us, insignificant as we are, to reveal some of the things that He is going to be bringing about in the world. Then again there are deeper things about others or ourselves or happenings in the world, which God will reveal to us. The only criterion here is that we are well aligned to God’s words and know Him. Amos says of Him, ’For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.’ And truly God reveals to man His thoughts and keeps him in the loop so to say.

It is a great reward that God speaks to us and reveals to us His mind. In fact, He finds it out of place not to reveal take for example, ‘And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;’ which He says in Gen 18:17. See how much a place of importance God gives Abraham that He even questions His hiding His plan from Abraham! Such is our God: in communion with us all the time. It’s like the electric line; the electricity always flows and we can use it, provided we plug in.

Sitting in God’s presence, learn to plug in so that as He reveals deep and secret things abiding in the dark; you are able to grasp them. And let me say, you will gain from them for He tells them to you so that you may know and be prepared. Let the Lord God today, speak and you listen.

Thoughts for another day

September 23, 2008.

Today's verse: Ps 26:8. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In an intimate moment with the Lord, a man asked, ‘Lord, where do I begin and where do I end in You?’ For a moment, there was no answer. Then the man looked up into the sky. The clouds had shaded the sun, so that on one side it was dark and on the other, bright. But there was no real demarcation between light and darkness. They seemed to merge, yet were separate. The man got His answer. There can be no real distance between God and His creature; all that can be, is a temporary barrier.

From the beginning, man has been created to commune with God, because God is his sufficiency and all. With man’s fall, that union was lost. Yet, deep inside the heart of every man is this great pull toward God, however dormant it be. The essence of a man is what decides where he goes: into the world or into God.

The best is when a man can from His heart declare the above verse as his own. When I see the verse, I see a person so engrossed in God, that God’s habitation is his love. He takes that place as something sacred and great and at the center of his own existence. In such a person will we find the confidence of a son toward a father. Reflecting perhaps God’s filial association as ‘Abba’ to us, His children. In such a person is there, a calm not evinced elsewhere. In his tent is a peace that cannot be described. Tempests may blow and hurricanes may have their show, but they can’t dislodge a person rooted in the heart of God.

Sitting on earth, but perched on the windows of heaven is wealth beyond compare. Greatly blessed are they who live under the shadow of the almighty, because it is from here that you can see your eternal destiny as melded to the One who created you to be eternal. Not all can understand the mystery of God, being human, but someday, in the thread of time, His wisdom will shine upon the eroding gray cells of his creature: man, and then will man know the splendor of dwelling in the tenting place of the Lord – the abode of the Most High – the reservoir of His honor and glory.

Thoughts for another day

September 22, 2008.

Today's verse: Eze. 37:14. And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Dead things and dead human beings are nothing to the Lord because His power can quicken in a flash and bring them alive. This, more so if you are dead in the spirit, God can bring in revival of a sort you can never imagine. And really today, I can tell you that God works and what a way He works in! Great power is in His grasp as He fells down the barriers that block your living a full life. Imagine if He says, He will put His Spirit in you so that you live, then how much more will He remove the blocks – situations, people, no matter what.

Someone once said, ‘when you reach the point of nothing, God is up to something.’ God really listens to His people and brings life in them. How and in what measure is completely depending on His Sovereign will, but the fact of the matter is that He is immersed in the process of bringing life and that too fullness of life. Being affiliated and married to God in the real sense, means His power will come to you and you will be lead to live fully. In this you will notice that you don’t have to scrounge for every thing because, He will fully supply your needs no matter what they be. Importantly, you will feel His strength in your own body for He and you will be one.

There are times, His Spirit, so grips me that in that moment, I feel a surge of power so strong that it’s enough to blow the daylights in me and be aware that I am full with His power and I have the strength to do anything. It’s important to note that it’s because my ‘consciousness’ is aware of Him that I am aware of His power, which in a state of not being with Him, I would not be aware. I also read somewhere that the earth is effused with the presence of God and all the trees are in flame with Him…He who beholds this, removes his sandals, the rest keep gathering blackberries!

My friend, are you standing with your sandals still on? Are you in the know that God is yet out there waiting to quicken you with His Own Spirit? If you do not know, tell Him you don’t and He will make a way to enter you in a manner you are aware of for He comes to you, where you are and in what you are. Besides, the union cannot be established by you, but only by Him…He chose you not you Him and He will empower you, in His way – mysterious and unfailing. Hallelujah.

Thoughts for another day

September 19, 2008.

Today's verse: James 1:6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Almost all human beings have really frustrating and painful situations of despair leave alone the irritation bit. Sometimes you suffer for no fault of yours except that the one who is putting you under turmoil has his own ego to be satiated and you are unnecessarily subjected to harassment. Besides, you may have some need that could be unfulfilled and you can do nothing about it. Again, there may be a disease making you uneasy and try as the doctor might, he is not able to remove this disease and so on.

What do you do in these circumstances? Turn to God to pray? I’m amazed that many do not know how to pray and if at all the idea of going to God comes in the mind, it’s because there’s no alternative. So, they turn to their friends, relatives, pastors, priests, gurus, etc. asking them to pray that their need may be fulfilled. This is one of the most ridiculous type of ‘faith’ I see. I also notice many proclaiming the need to do things themselves, then rationalize saying ‘we must do our bit and God will help us no?’ Ah, the wile ways of satan who leads us to believe that we must help ourselves so that God may help us! An example: let me muse on what’s happening among Christians concerning Orissa. Everyday I get about 5 to 10 mails in my box asking me to sign this petition or that; forward this mail so that everyone will know what’s happening, etc. etc. When I see such mails, I am saddened; not because of the mail itself but because I know that the person sending such mails is taking the easy way out. A question I’d like to ask is, what if the whole world knows about the horrendous things happening to Christians in India? What can they do? Not much to a bunch of hapless Christians in a remote place like Khandamal in Orissa, India where they’ve got to deal with maniacs out to butcher them!

Situations like this need God’s intervention, not table top emailing or mundane protests and black badge wearing. Doing that is okay but we need to get on our knees and pray. Yes, on our knees. If you are pained enough…I dare you to get on your knees for an hour, yes an hour. And while at it, believe that God is going to work, repeat, God is going to work. He’s done that in the past during Bible times and He’ll do it now. Just believe. In fact not only for Orissa and persecuted Christians, but also for your needs. Great power flows when a man is on his knees before God. Know that and more importantly, get to know God. Within no time, your needs will be fulfilled.

Thoughts for another day

September 18, 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)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

John who wrote this letter says a fabulous thing just before this verse (v 2) and that is, ‘Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see him as He is.’ What a fabulous promise of God over here, which tells us that we shall be like Him when He appears!

But there is a condition, mentioned in our verse for today: Whoever has this hope in Him… See, the being like Him happens when we hope in Him for only when we hope in Him, are we purified. Not as with our own effort or with our own talent/skill, etc. but with His power and His Grace which flows into us, making us His children.

In God’s territory, nothing is impossible. There is no vain glory either. All is done so that we are equipped to give Him the glory and raise His banner in this world. In this process, He works in us tremendously. Actually, in every process in life, He works with us. Do you think in the current atrocities on Christians in India, He is not aware of things or He is not interested? No, rather He is waiting for them who will make Him move His mighty hand. Lest, someone say that He is partial.

God’s ways are glorious and mysterious. In every event He brings about perfection even through corrupt ways. He has the might to break asunder the root cause of the kernel of rot and bring a sheen on anything. For him who hopes in God, can be purified by Him or molded by Him for greater things eventually, despite the scum he holds on to now.

Thoughts for another day

September 12, 2008.

Today's verse: Job 5:12. He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

A few days ago, I was listening to the story of a person talking about how his colleagues were behind his back plotting his downfall in the office. The things he told me were incredible and really, very demeaning for this individual. Knowing him, I could only say that he isn’t the ‘dislikeable’ type or one who yearns for a fight, so I couldn’t just dismiss the thought and tell him all is well etc. hinting that he needs to change, just a little bit, eh! Besides, I gauged that he was pretty traumatized and in anxiety. His fault? Well he always points out the mistakes the management makes and suggests ways that could do away with them, which they hate although upfront, they show they are delighted with his suggestions. After speaking to him, I concluded, his was ‘office rivalry’ of a greater degree. I know that we often face these situations in life and our only solution, is God.

To him and to those who are in similar situations comes today’s verse as a fresh breath of air. You know, we need to realize that our loyalty to God has umpteen benefits (I am not suggesting we be loyal for the benefits alone but that we be loyal to Him for who He is and what He’s done for us). Among them is the safeguarding of our interests. I know of someone who though not able, because of a partial stroke, to absolutely dismiss her tasks in the office to the extent that her colleagues taunt her and try to drive her to the point of resigning. She isn’t doing it and strangely, the management is in no mood to dismiss her. Since this lady is close to me, I must say that I am seeing a great power of God in this situation.

I am also sure that what God is doing with this lady and many of us, He will do in your situation too. I can understand the anxious clamor of people who are in difficult situations because of the craftiness of their associates or colleagues or what have you for I am undergoing it too. But my assurance to all those in similar situations, with faith in my Lord is, there is nothing to worry. Yes, the usual prick of fear may arise, but let it not strike you with depression, for God will act in your favor in due time and ensure you are safe at all costs.

Thoughts for another day

September 9, 2008.

Today's verse: Lk. 5:8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many times I feel the need to say the same thing as above that Peter uttered to the Lord. Why? Because, in introspection I feel so much lacking of the virtue of Jesus’ life in me that if sketched in the record book of heaven I would be the poorest of the caricatures there; also primarily there only by the blood of the Lamb. For me, as well as for many others, the sin that we keep committing is the greater because we know that what we do, is tantamount to sin, just as Jesus told the Pharisees in John Chap. 9, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’

As a Christian, the war with sin begins at the time we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Master. Because thence from, His life needs to be reflected in our lives. His virtue has to be noticed in us and no matter how demeaning, His humility has to be ours too. Sometimes, it is difficult to encompass the qualities that Christ possessed when He walked upon the earth but we must imbibe them. There is no option. Remember, God will only ask us one question on that day, ‘how much did you resemble My Son?’ It is for us to be prepared for this question. Now, how do we prepare. I am no authority on it but I guess the best would be to ask self at every juncture in life, ‘How would Christ relate to this situation?’

I feel that the best way is to cry before Him about our sins. When we approach Him to pray, one key point is to bear a burden in pain for our sins. That’s because, He too bore a burden when He died on the cross for us. This burden was laid upon Him by our Father in Heaven and it was the sin of mankind. Since He bore our burden, can’t we also bear our burden? It is all good for us to proclaim and cry out His goodness, His grace, His love, His promises, all assuring us of good lives, peace, prosperity, etc. But it is also necessary to proclaim His Cross and pray for the same in our lives. And even as we do that, we tell others, how unworthy we are.

Thoughts for another day

September 9, 2008.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 13:5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When we were small, we went to school. At the end of a particular term, we had what we call, test/exams. We studied/worked hard to make sure we passed the exam and when we did with flying colors, boy, weren’t we absolutely delighted!

So should it be with our faith, our religion (a misnomer for we are not a part of religion but of a way of life, yet I use it to better understand what I am talking about). So in the testing of self, what do I find in me? Can I look at myself asking the question, ‘do I resemble Christ?’ Definitely no, I’d say for myself because there are more spots in me all over than sparkle. As a human being and a follower of Christ, I have failed miserably in reflecting Him. I can remember what Peter wrote in his letter, 1 Pet. 2:12, ‘Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ Alas, I have done just the opposite and pleasing mammon has been my forte. Where then is my desire to glorify my God?

Sure, in our lives being a part of this world, we have been led to shores of disunity with God. We were encouraged in eating the forbidden fruit and succumbed. We probably were part of the troupe performing with finesse the dance that thrills the denizens of the evil kingdom. Oh, there might have been scores of seductions ruling over us, yet today, the Lord of Heaven beckons us: COME HOME. For the Kingdom of God is here!

See, my friend, there is the little wick of His life inside of us and this little wick is waiting to be lit into a flame. Waiting for you and me to embellish it in our lives and even as we stand on mountaintops, this flame begs to be seen of the world. Asking us to reflect the majesty of Christ to men who may never get to know Him but through us. This flame is urging us to be patient, for our God is long suffering. It’s telling us to love, even when every fabric of our being, is advising the opposite. It’s asking us to forgive as He did, even as we burn. It’s pleading us to give till it hurts. It’s imploring that we remain steadfast in love to our spouse of heaven, the Lamb of God, even as we are threatened that if we do, we die. In the face of such great love beckoning us, are we to reflect anything else other than Jesus?

Thoughts for another day

September 9, 2008.

Today's verse: Lam. 3:41. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Is there a thing of worry we have? Then let us lift up our hands and our hearts to the God of the Heavens and leave the worrying into His hands. If there are thorns in our paths, again let us lift our hands and pray to our God. In any kind of situation that seems to stump our abilities, let us lift our hands and our hearts to God.

You may be wondering what this thing is, of lifting up of hands isn’t it. Besides, many of us hardly pray, so lifting up of hands may not be the right dose; nevertheless, we all need to know that lifting up of hands and hearts in prayer is a posture appropriate before the Almighty. In Ex. 17:8 ff, we see the Amalekites coming to war with the Israelites. We read that as long as Moses’ hands were raised the Israelites had the upper hand in the battle, but when he put them down, the Amalekites won! Why would this be? The answer can be found perhaps in the fact that God notices our body language and He answers accordingly.

They say, the strongest prayer is when the lips hardly move. Because at this time, only the being, the deepest self of man, prays. Similarly, when we lift our hands and our hearts up to the Lord in prayer, we are telling Him that all we have is He and that without Him we are nothing and we are lifting them to Him as a mark of our absolute surrender. God beholds this situation as most beautiful and comes to our aid.

In prayer, a posture of surrender is apt. Many will say, it doesn’t matter how you pray but remember, the posture greatly contributes to how you pray. Can you imagine a man sitting comfortably on a chair, one leg on the other, really being humble before God? But, picture a person kneeling with hands raised and face contorted. Wouldn’t you say this man is praying? Friends, in my prayer life, I am most at prayer when I am prostrate before God. Yes, it’s a great thing to be prostrate before God and lifting hands and heart to Him. That’s what I say is delight in the Lord. And as you know His Word says, ‘Delight in the Lord and He will grant you your heart’s desires.’

Thoughts for another day

September 8, 2008.

Today's verse: Ro. 14:8. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Being a Christian, and I mean a real Christian (not someone masquerading as one) and living the Christian life is hard. Even the most committed person will have moments of distress, where the question: is it worth it, will arise in the mind. There are so many points of interjection where you have to lay down your old, and let’s say, profitable lives for e.g. if you’re writing a voucher, you have to write the right figure and not an inflated one. Is that easy? Certainly not because all your life, you wrote that way. Then again, when you look at your enemy right in front of you, you may notice that he just turns his face away in a sneer. Can you do that? Of course not; in fact you are supposed to pray for him. And the list goes on. Remember the Sermon on the Mount?

A true Christian has to live for the Lord and the self ceases in walking with Him. Even death - our death has to be unto the Lord! Hope you read that right. It will be a death that brings glory to God. You know, Paul who wrote this, also lived by it and died by it, so we can truly say, his life was a bouquet of love for the Lord: and with such is the Lord pleased.

I can’t help but come to Orissa, India and the recent happenings there. Looking at it, I can see how those brothers and sisters have had the opportunity to be persecuted for Christ. They have been subjected to a rage beyond comprehension and inflicted with misery. Therefore, the promise of Christ, ‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake’, is real for them. Yet, I loved it when I heard some priests, who were attacked and rescued, when questioned whether they would go back to the place they worked and where they were attacked said, ‘Yes, of course, the people there need us and they need to see the love of Christ.’ What a marvelous thing. Imagine, you are attacked black and blue and you still want to go there! Only the Grace of God can help you say and do that!

That’s true Christianity. No matter what the cost, I am willing to stake my life for Jesus Christ. In this is God’s love manifest when a man stands up and says, in all I do, I do it for you. To live, is to me, a life led in honor of Christ and to die is to glorify His Name to the utmost. Amen. Is there one among us, who can unswervingly echo this?

Thoughts for another day

September 5, 2008.

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 3:12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We know what’s happening in Orissa, India and the severe persecution our brothers and sisters are undergoing for the sake of His Name. To hear what’s happening and know how they are suffering, is really soul wrenching. I believe there are devout men and women and children out there, who are interceding for them and fasting from food and that includes you too.

Today, the Lord tells us of an essential requirement for our walk with Him: Our need to suffer. There’s no resurrection without the Cross and death. In our solidarity with these brothers and sisters, we must also understand that the dimension of Grace we operate in, is available only when we are pained for the sake of the Name of Jesus Christ. If we want to live with Him, we must also learn to live like Him - to this there is no escape.

For a Christian, life may be completely normal, until that day, when everything turns topsy turvy. When the flesh is torn for the sake of the One we have believed in and when the hair is pulled out from the scalp because of Jesus’ Name. Maybe at this time of hurting, we may be inclined to deny that Name, but remember, He said, ‘If anyone denies Me before men, him shall I deny before the Father in heaven.’ The price for denial has to be paid forever, but the price for agreement, though painful, is just temporary and leads to eternal reward. I would urge each one of you to think about it because it could just be that you are in a similar situation; for none of us is too far from the agents of the god of the world.

I understand the pain and grief of our brothers and sisters. Just yesterday, I got to know from a brother that a boy from the boys’ home lost his father in the brutality of the recent attacks on Christians. What would the boy’s feelings be? Step into his little shoes to understand his tears. Gaze deep into his trauma and reflect if you can on ‘His love.’ You will know that the love we are called to is of the higher kind, where the other is greater than I am. In this love I pray let us be and for now, let’s just feel the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters, even as God’s heart is rent for them, but He cannot move till we pray. INTENSELY.

Thoughts for another day

September 3, 2008.

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 1:12. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God is speaking to us today with this verse reassuring us of one thing. If you know Him, in Whom is your belief, it is enough. There is an opportunity for us to learn of this wonderful God today. There is the opening up of His character and His might.
Know first of all that He is a God who knows all things. Know again that He is the One who runs the world, not the people we see masquerading as rulers, kings, bosses et al, but He alone. What’s happening with us is nothing that has not been intentioned by Him. Sometimes, the things that happen or the trials we undergo may weary us. It could be spiritual battles or just human tangles. But whatever they be, know well that He is ruling the writ of the universe.

Right now even as you are in despair, facing some problem just as I am in a bit of a crunch, God is speaking to us and telling us that He reigns. How dare the agents of the devil perturb us, the armies of the Living God? David said the same thing at the time of Saul to the Israelites facing the crisis called Goliath. David, a man after God’s own heart called the bluff of the devil and stood in the path of the ‘so called’ mighty Goliath with a stick and five stones, so much so that Goliath asked him, ‘am I a dog that you come against me with a stick?’ We know what happened to the dog. And we will see what happens to the dogs that dare trouble us, the children of the Most High.

I want you today my brothers and sisters to stare the enemy in the face saying the same thing. Sure as the rays of the sun that reach us to give warmth and light, God will lift His right Hand and pulverize the enemy, smashing them to little bits, to be scattered by the wind. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

September 2, 2008.

Today's verse: 2 Kgs. 3:17. For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In difficulty, facing turbulence in life, when hardly a ray of light is seen and all around are clouds of gloom, I wonder what is, our reaction; particularly with respect to God and our own situation. Invariably I believe, our first option in such situations isn’t God. Wonder why! I’ve seen people rush here, there to every nook and corner they can to find relief, except to the Living God. Look what today’s verse tells us. Read and understand and you will know my angst.

Our God is powerful. We like to say that. But, how many times have we taken Him at His Word and allowed His power to work in us. I’ve seen people crumble at the least calamity. I’ve witnessed the panic among them and I know their minds are far away from God because, God never found space in their hearts. No matter how much I may shout from the rooftops that I am fully devoted to God, it’s a lie and He will call my bluff. We may do great things in His Name and even prophesy, but it will be to no avail. That’s why, Jesus says, ‘I never knew you, Depart from Me you evil doers’ Mt. 7:23. A very dangerous diktat indeed to those who fool around with God.

The first response from us Christians in the face of difficulty is to be calm and look up to God. Having done that personally, I’ve seen how God worked - He simply did the impossible. Jesus said, ‘Just believe’ and truly for those who do, His Hand immediately reaches down to help. But do we do that? Another thing I’ve seen Christians completely ignorant about is their mission given by Jesus Christ. This ignorance is not bliss because its repercussions are on eternal life. But are we concerned?

So I see a double tragedy. No belief in God for everyday living and no doing the work, He has commissioned us to do. Sadly, in all things ritualistic, we are at right in front to show how much we are concerned for our God. But, God who knows our hearts is bound to say, these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Now knowing that our God is powerful and Majesty enrobed, isn’t it better to fall into His hands rather than trust the devil. Wouldn’t it be better that we took the cross and followed Him and He endorsed us saying, ‘Come faithful servant into My Father’s glory.’

Thoughts for another day

September 1, 2008.

Today's verse: Jer. 31:3. The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Whenever my eyes fall on this verse, I am moved. Moved to tears. There on the one hand I see the Cross of my Blessed Savior and His bleeding face looking at me. And on the other hand, proof of what the Lord God, Creator of Heaven and earth has said: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love!’ Proof that He really loved me!

Jesus said, ‘Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.’ And then He laid down His life for us, who are but writhing worms, the scum of the earth. Imagine, as Paul says, He left His glory behind, a glory that encompassed the pomp and grandeur of the One who owns everything. Whose power is such that He calls into existence, things that do not exist. At whose command, the thunder hurls itself and lightning is nothing but a shaft in His awesome hands. And He came and died for us.

How wretched I feel when I behold that face because of the zillions of times, I’ve not trusted Him. I haven’t believed He will deliver, in my moment of trial; yet, overlooking my stupidity, He granted an answer to my prayer. I reflect and know, my heart was not zealous toward Him. I have lost out on so many blessings because of lack of zeal. What words did I use when I needed help, were they speaking confidence in Him or defeat inspite of Him. Yeah, He says, ‘ He who gives the sun to light the day, moon and stars to light the night; Who stirs up the sea till its waves roar, Whose name is Lord of hosts: If ever these natural laws give way inspite of Me, says the LORD, then shall the race of Israel cease as a nation before Me forever.’ And hasn’t He made me the new Israel? He says, ‘If the heavens on high can be measured or the foundations below the earth be sounded, then will I cast off the whole race of Israel.’

Ah, my soul, disdain not the Lord’s ways. For my lips may yet cease praising Him, but there is a moment waiting in His hand, when the answer to my prayer will be sent. He never sleeps nor slumbers you see, and even if it were possible for a woman to forget the little one suckling her, He should never forget. Through the earthquake, wind or rain or fire, He will see me through. Yet may I feel weak, but He is my strength, my Rock, my firm refuge. So why do I worry, for he’s said, ‘Everything works out for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.’ The only thing, I need to consider is, ‘Do I love Him?’