Thoughts for another day

December 30, 2008.

Today's verse: Ps. 127:2. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. (NASB)
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I speak to people and what I usually hear is the amount of trouble people go through in earning their living. There are many who are so obsessed with this that their lives comprise of nothing but worrying how bread will arrive in their homes in the morrow. When you ask some wise people, they’ll say, don’t you know you need to toil to make your family sufficient in food and in all things? Well, I know we need to work, for even the book of Proverbs says, if you don’t work and are lazy, your desires will not be met. But surprisingly, the Bible doesn’t provide a correlation to work and wealth. It talks of wisdom in working and herein, we get a clue about the ways of God, which our verse today refers to.

God it is who helps fill the stomach. Trust in God is essential to earning, not only livelihood but also gaining abundant wealth. We may try all sorts of means to get rich but it is of the Lord by which wealth is gained. No human endeavor can replace that. Even the heathen, are given their riches by the Lord and He it is who takes them away. So we find that those who are rich today in their very lifetimes become poor. But those who are loyal to God will have riches rained down upon them and they will not be taken away for generations until the recipients forsake their loyalty to God.

Simply speaking, our verse says that it is vain to rise up early and sleep late being engrossed in just the matter of gaining bread, for the Lord God in His mercy can give them to us even in sleep. Trust Him today and forget about where your next meal will come from, for even the birds of the air are fed by Him, so how much more will He feed you?

Thoughts for another day

December 29, 2008.

Today's verse: Ps. 63:3. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, (KJV)
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What’s the most precious and most beautiful thing in this world? It is ‘LIFE’ isn’t it? Because, life is such a thing that no one really possesses but for a while and no one can give except give away as does a soldier for the country. For us believers too, life is the most precious and beautiful gift that God has given and we really cherish it with our hearts and of course our lives.

But there’s something far better than life itself and that is the loving kindness of the giver of life. The touch of that hand of His brings the most beautiful sensation in the human being. There is so much love and concern that its not possible to believe. Perhaps, you may wonder how this is like. Let me tell you that it is like an ocean of froth in which you float with never a fear nor a doubt. It is like a cushion wherever you go and it grabs you into its smoothness.

As to God’s kindness, what can I say, except that even when we are sinners, He extends His awesome blessings to us. He pours forth His Grace into our hearts and makes us live dignified lives. Only problem is, we don’t recognise His hand in our lives. We are not able to make out the presence of God in our lives. But even though we can’t, God never holds back but blesses us even more. What we require is to be in communion with Him to really enjoy His love and His kindness. I can say from experience, that our carnal desires cringe before our desire to worship and commune with Him. In Him alone is life and life to the full and the earlier we morph our lives into His, the better our lives will be.

Thoughts for another day

December 26, 2008.

Today's verse: Mt. 2:13. Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; (NRSV)
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Do I daresay, I ask the Lord permission, the first crisis Christ experienced came through the visit of the Magi, at which time, I guess, the doors of salvation were opened to the gentiles too. They came so that they could pay Him homage and give Him glory. Little did they realise that they would be walking into the enemy camp and in declaring their intent to the agent of satan, cause the massacre of innocent children. Even the King of glory, in that small helpless ‘baby’ form chose to escape after being advised by the angel, from the horror to befall babies born at that time.

Such is the story of the Christian. The moment God is glorified, the ruler of the world, is terribly displeased. He starts attacking and many innocent are killed and maimed. We have seen the same thing happening even today. In a particular city some time back, a group of people, praised and glorified the King unceasingly with their whole hearts. God destroyed the root of evil that day itself, but a price was to be paid. The very next day, innocent Christians were burnt, killed, tortured and thrown out of their houses and all kinds of injustice was inflicted on them.

But, are we as Christ’s followers, to be afraid? No not at all. In the coming of Christ, we have found new meaning and purpose for our lives. His life has become for us, a symbol of hope and future glory. And if He the Most High, the God of glory thought it fit to run away, so should we for a while. Then we are brought back by God to the very place we ran from to love and forgive and sow the seeds of peace in the land where the blood of our brothers and sisters was spilt. This is both our fate, our responsibility and our high privilege.

Thoughts for another day

December 24, 2008.

Today's verse: Lk. 2:14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV)
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In the song of the Angels heralding the birth of the Lord of the universe as man, a great truth is given to us: Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will toward men. It’s only when the God of glory, gets the highest glory on the earth from men, will there be peace.

I can tell you that when a household, a neighborhood, a church (parish) or a city or a state or a country glorifies God in the highest, no form of turbulence dare touch it for the glory that emanates from the lips of man triggers the power of God over him and all that belongs to him. Check it out. Check out the prayer group people who genuinely worship and glorify God. See the prosperity that floods them. I must say that when I see prosperity in people or groups, I instantly know their state of communion with God. Yes, there are others who are happy without much of a companionship with God, but check out their happiness…one small disaster and they break, but not the committed and ‘communion-ated’ Christian for his root is in God almighty which is akin to the roots of a tree planted near streams of water. Dryness doesn’t affect them.

This Christmas, it’s time for us to check the kind of glory we render God and correct it till it is like that which He desires. And in raising glory to God in the highest and in the best possible manner, I am sure He will rain down His favor on us in abundance.

Thoughts for another day

December 23, 2008.

Today's verse: Lk. 1:35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: (KJV)
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Jesus’ birth through Mary, whom the Catholic Church venerates as mother is probably one of the greatest mysteries belonging to heaven: because, Mary conceived Jesus without any human intervention. In fact, even as Mary delivered, she was a virgin who’d never known a man. Besides, many of us who’ve pondered about the immensity of the Lord, will always wonder, how He, being so big, made Himself so small, notwithstanding of course that He is all powerful. A great mystery no doubt.

I’ve thought about the above verse and it indeed excites me. The overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, because of which Mary, the highly favored one, becomes His spouse. Although the Bible does not expressly say, this overshadowing happened only to Mary for she, the humble virgin, betrothed of Joseph, simply said a yes when the angel Gabriel gave her the message that she would bear the Son of the Most High, without knowing what it may lead to. Ah, to be overshadowed…completely covered by the Holy Spirit, what a privilege!

By her simple ‘let it be done to me according to your word’ she reaps an eternal title of ‘Mother of God’ and in a way, is our mother too, because we consider the Father, ‘our Father’ and hence Jesus happens to be our brother in the Word. Let us remember that if we are to reap the immense Grace of God, we need to become like Mary. Not knowing what’s in store but saying ‘yes’ nevertheless to God’s will.

This Christmas, in opening our hearts to God’s love, let us also open the minds of our hearts in telling Him that we are willing to go His way, no matter what. Having said that, let us look around at those who are lesser fortunate and be their help and solace. Look at those who are lonely and give them the love of Jesus, so that He will fill your heart with His light of joy.

Thoughts for another day

December 22, 2008.

Today's verse: Mt. 1:21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (KJV)
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Over two centuries ago, an angel of the Lord told Joseph our above verse. It might have really shocked Joseph to hear this statement. He would have wondered what it all meant, but since the Bible doesn’t explain much about what went on in his mind, we shall also not dwell on it but rather the import of the message before us.

You know, the Jews were waiting for the ‘Anointed One’ the Messiah. They had read the prophets mentioning Him in Holy Scripture and in all their daily struggles with both, the Romans and their very own leaders, they anxiously waited for Him to relive them of their bondages. At the appointed hour, He, shed all His glory and came to earth, a small frail baby with the weaknesses of babies and the mannerisms of all babies of the earth – hungry, wailing and also a bundle of joy for His parents.

In time to come, He was to tell His people what the meaning of Emmanuel meant; what God’s saving meant. He wouldn’t conquer people by cutting their heads, nor would He usurp thrones of men, although He could destroy them with but a Word. Rather, He took the way of His Kingdom. Truly, His Kingdom was different and it considered the poor above the rich; the weak above the strong. It had room for the sinner and the downtrodden, but the self-righteous, were turned away. All His pomp and grandeur were seen in that Kingdom, as did the sinful woman (Lk. 7:36-50), who upon seeing it, considered it fit to anoint His feet with precious salve! He came to bring the New Kingdom to His people and all those who recognised it, belonged.

Many years later we are going to commemorate His birth, not that He was born on that day, but that this day is assigned to remember His birth. And as we are closing in on that day, are we prepared to really celebrate His Kingdom. Is my heart pure and receptive or filled with pride? Am I open to help the poor this year on Christmas, or am I going to hobnob with the rich, the poor be damned. Genuine joy for the Owner of Christmas will be when we can answer these questions to His happiness.

Thoughts for another day

December 19, 2008.

Today's verse: Gal. 5:1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (KJV)
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Why is there suffering; why is there pain…who shall I ask, who will explain. This could probably be the epitaph on the hearts of most people because we see so much suffering and pain and hatred in the world and the question that’s foremost on my mind is WHY? The Word of God says, “we are more than conquers thro Him who loved us”, now what sort of conquering have we done when we live such miserable lives.

You know my friend, day in and day out, I hear dismal things from so called Christians and I wonder, are they really Christian. Superstitions, talismans, fears of the unknown, anxiety that could ‘unroot’ the strongest trees, etc. all belong to the character of strong believers. It is so unreal yet the irony is, it’s real. And I guess the reason for all this is in the latter part of the verse we have for today.

While we claim we lean on the Lord, our lives also depend on other things, particularly other people. We have many expectations and if we’re let down, we feel bad and sad. I have realised the reason for most of my woes is that I don’t focus on the life Jesus has laid out for me with its ups and downs. I’m okay with the ups but get dejected with the downs unlike Job who tells his wife, ‘We accept good things from God and shouldn’t we accept evil?’ You see, the evil per se isn’t evil if it is taken as a gift from God, because remember, God can bring good out of evil and He’ll do it for us if we accept it humbly and as something He has a purpose for us in.

This is the liberty that Christ gives, in and through His Own miserable death, that God brings out the best in us through trials and even while it’s on, our peace never dims and in the most raging storms, we’re fast asleep! We need remember our liberty comes from One who’s faced the storms just like any of us and who knows that it can be faced squarely and firmly and come out unscathed nay, victorious.

Thoughts for another day

December 18, 2008.

Today's verse: Ps. 31:19. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! (KJV)
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I can’t help but talk about the goodness of our God for truly He is good. This you will learn if you walk with Him and talk to Him daily. Indeed, He is the best friend you could have. And mind you, He’s never busy nor is there a ‘do not disturb’ sign on His door. So, you can go anytime. He is very patient and will listen to you fully even before He makes any suggestion, although He knew every word you speak, from before you were born! He will never give you any compulsion, nor will He force you into a corner. Rather, He works out a solution in and through what you are and what you can bear.

He loves if you go to Him before you go anywhere else. He quite simply drools over us when we sit at His feet and look into His eyes. When we do this, He fills us with strength all our days gives us wisdom to use in our lives. He brings opportunities toward us that we felt never existed and opens doors that were tight shut.

He knows every grain in us and is conversant with all the thoughts that float in our minds. And His Word says, that we who fear Him have an abundance of His goodness in Him particularly when we glorify His Name before people. And let me tell you from personal experience that God really cherishes it when we thank Him and give Him praise, even simple praise given in testifying about His great mercy and His love and His kindness to us.

Thoughts for another day

December 17, 2008.

Today's verse: 1 Ch. 17:16. And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? (KJV)
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Even after so many years of walking in the shadow of His wings, I can hardly say I’m familiar with the ways of the Lord. It may take me generations to even know how He operates and what His will holds. Also, like most people, I admit, I feel since He created me, He must take care of me; well actually not only take care of me, but also bless me with the best. As to the question, ‘what am I doing for the Lord?’ Well, I’d like to duck it while ignoring the fact that when humans create something, they do so it can be of some use to them; conveniently forgetting this when I look at God as my Creator?

But men of God in the Bible, are not like me and other denizens of the earth. Take David for e.g., He had the Spirit of God and when he understands that God has great plans for him, he immediately goes before the LORD and with tears in his eyes says, ‘Who and what am I O LORD God and what is the value of my household that You have raised me up so much and You will do even more?’

In all accounts, this is one of the most edifying thanksgiving in the Bible. David, a great king with all pomp and grandeur, could have justified God’s graciousness saying that since he was raised by God to be king, he’d need to be empowered and blessed abundantly by Him. But not so David, who felt completely humbled by God’s graciousness and love.

I pray for myself and for you my dear reader that God gives us similar Grace. A humility that is so enamored of God that everything that comes our way, unleashes a gushing of praise to His holy Name. Let us be such that at the mention of our God, rise and glorify His Name with our lips and let our hearts weep at the thought of His loving Hand caressing us, despite the fact that a moment ago, we offended and sinned against Him!

Thoughts for another day

December 16, 2008.

Today's verse: Mi. 1:3. For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. (KJV)
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Some of the best scripture in the Bible displays the awesome Majesty of the LORD of Hosts, the King of Kings, the Omnipotent Master of the Universe. And beautiful is the presentation which says, the LORD comes forth out of His place and will walk upon the highest places on the earth, which is but His footstool.

Behold O man, the LORD walking upon the surface of the earth in all His Majesty and splendor. What thing can stand before Him, as mountains melt upon His approach and the valleys, break out as wax before the fire. Awesome is the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For there is nothing that dare confront Him or stand in His path. There’s nothing that can hinder His plans or raise a stain upon His grandeur. None can diminish His glory or His magnificence or question His dignity.

And what a wonderful privilege we have in that He Himself has deigned that we be His sons and daughters and call Him, ABBA. What a blessing to sit at His feet and talk to Him, man-to-man. Oh what joy shall fill my heart when I shall meet the Lord in His Holy Temple, my very own heart which He has made an abode of His and ruled that He shall dwell with man forever and ever. Really what an amazing God we serve.

Thoughts for another day

December 15, 2008.

Today's verse: 1 Jn. 3:1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: (KJV)
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In a kingdom, the king had an extremely truant son. He’d do that which his mind told him without bothering to check if it hurt others or not. The people most hurt were the king and his queen. But they loved him much so wouldn’t do anything to him. It happened that one day, a rival king met the boy. He instigated him to revolt against his father and rule the kingdom. So in a bloodless coup, the son threw out his father and mother, banishing them both.

Time passed and the whole kingdom started agitating against the prince. The people couldn’t understand why the king who was such a kind hearted but brave man, did not even raise a finger against the son, even when the army chief was ready to kill the boy even when he was in exile. Being disgusted, a mass movement soon began asking for the earlier king. It reached such a situation that the people overthrew the prince and put him in jail. They brought back the father and re-instated him as king. To their surprise, the first thing the king did was to go to jail and see his son. Then he asked that his son be freed! When the king was questioned why he was doing this, he simply said, ‘because, I love him more than myself.’

When our heavenly Father looked at us, I’m sure he said the same thing to Himself on being questioned, why did you send your Son to die for worthless man? Remember, that day on Calvary, He chose us over His own precious Son and sent Him to die a miserable death. He made us His sons and embraced us. Sure, what kind of love does the Father have for us that He could do this…amazing love, all encompassing love, undying love, and really, sacrificial love. Greater love than this, who can have? Imagine the love God has for us. He may give us trouble but that is for a while and then eternal bliss. What is there which the Father will keep away from us, except danger to our lives? What love He has for us that even when we were smothered in dirt, He sent His Son without our calling to let us live a full life. Frankly I cannot understand His love and His care. I’m only glad that He is my Father.

Thoughts for another day

December 12, 2008.

Today's verse: Mt.21:22. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (KJV)
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In the past few days, I have been constantly affirmed on the power of prayer. When I read something, I read about how prayer was answered. Personally too, I’ve witnessed how God is answering my prayer. When speaking to people, they tell me how God answered their prayer and so on and so forth.

Therefore I maintain, if we have a massive weapon to encounter and win over all the evils the devil sends our way, it is PRAYER. Look at the verse above and see…pray and believe and receive! How true it is. It has manifested itself in so many peoples’ lives that one can with great certainty say its true. God’s Word never changes and He works to ensure His Word remains the same. Therefore, when we pray and believe that we have received, we do receive.

Today, it’s possible you have a great need. Put it in the crucible of prayer. Pray fervently and lean on the staff of God. Put some intensity in your prayer, because God wants to see us really pray from our hearts. Finally believe that you will receive what you have asked for. Then be sure that you will receive an answer to your need from God.

Thoughts for another day

December 11, 2008.

Today's verse: Rev. 3:19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (KJV)
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God loves us tremendously. Therefore, many of us expect only good things. First of all, good health, so we can move about and do our own things without being dependent on others. Then, to able to eat whatever we want. Then again, sound minds, because of which we can work and earn our bread and buy good things, etc. And so on…

But have you known that God’s love can also extend in us having troubles? Yes, God’s love does allow trials to come our way when we need to be fine-tuned to His tune so we can be in harmony. If you ask me personally, I was led to God because of a stomach ailment which I still have and I am grateful for it because I remain close to Him because of that. Yeah you may tell me, ‘you can be fit and be close to Him’ and I’ll agree with you. But years of living outside of the Kingdom have taken their toll on me and the thick skin of sin is too difficult to shed except when the ailment ravages me and I cry out to God and He heals me; thereby allowing me to remain close to Him. I thank God for the ailment for without that, I’d have strayed and gone away.

In our verse today, God emphasizes this when He says that as many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens. God wants us to be zealous toward Him, not only when in a group of believers but also when among the heathen. God wants that we repent because He knows sin is a demon lurking near us and we will succumb. Therefore, He gave us the weapon of the Word and repentance. The moment we repent, God engulfs us with His Grace and cools our hearts. He is a Holy God and He expects us to be holy. That doesn’t mean we will not sin. But with every sin, He will lead us to repentance with the trial He sends our way and we will come back into the fold.

Thoughts for another day

December 10, 2008.

Today's verse: Hos. 6:6. For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

As different as individuals are, so are their views of God and His ways. Take me for e.g. I believe with my entire heart that every Christian should know His Word and live by it. I also believe the mercy of God is so great that it can easily encapsulate and eradicate the sins of the worst sinner, of even them who have killed thousands of people having scant respect for love and life. My belief, which is sincere, comes from a good reading of His Word and also from what I perceive to be the Goodness of God.

On knowledge of the Word, I once came into direct confrontation with a Christian who lives an excellent life and is so blessed with happiness, it’s amazing. He simply told me he’s happy with His life and He has hardly read the Word! To be honest, I am a little envious of the guy because of the excellent rapport he strikes with people and what people say about him. But I still cannot understand how he can live without the Word and profess he doesn’t need it. For it is the only way one can get to know God!

There are others with conflicting and confusing opinions and honestly it’d disturb me, but for the Grace of God. In today’s verse, God says He desires mercy and knowledge of Himself. By this I know He Himself is merciful and knows me well. I believe a critical element of Christian living is harboring mercy in our hearts. Forgiveness has to be the grain of the Christian, no matter what one has suffered from the ‘needer’ of my forgiveness. Jesus eloquently brought this out in Matt. 18:23 ff. I must not forget that if I consider someone as beyond my ability to forgive, then there is someone out there who considers me to be beyond his ability to forgive.

Then I know that we need to know God. In my earlier writings too I have dwelt on the acute need for man to know God to lead better lives and I stress that now. Without this knowledge, there is an inexplicable aridness. How I can live without knowing the One who created me? Jesus warns of it in Matt. 7:21 ff. Here now, is God’s will. It’s up to us to choose and beware the devil will give you many powerful thoughts. We need to know they are a mirage and lean upon His Word.

Thoughts for another day

December 8, 2008.

Today's verse: Jn. 12:24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (KJV)
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The life of our Lord Jesus Christ is punctuated among other things, with His great love for mankind and His Spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation. Throughout His life, we see unfold, a new dimension of love and reconciliation among people particularly tax collectors, prostitutes and the outcaste of society at that time. The film ‘End of the spear’ based on a real story, comes to mind where a group of five missionaries go into the jungles of Ecuador to evangelise to the Waodani, a primitive tribe known to shed blood at the least provocation. Because of the lies of one of their tribesmen, they slaughter the missionaries.

Nate Saint was one of the five men brutally killed by Mincaye, one of the tribesmen in 1956. His son Steve Saint goes back to Waodani village along with some others to witness the love of Christ. Eventually, through this witnessing, much of the tribe is converted and brought to the Lord, but not before many poignant and moving scenes are shown of the killer of Nate Saint, Mincaye. His remorse at what he did is so much that he atones to the point where he becomes intimate with Steve that the two now become like grandfather and son! Today they even move around the world together, witnessing to what the love of Christ can do to even the most embittered and evil soul.

While this story can illustrate many points, it emphasizes the life of Nate Saint, who offers himself as the wheat in the fertile soil of Ecuador to be sacrificed so that much fruit is borne for God’s Kingdom. Christ Himself became the first wheat among the others who were to follow, thus winning for Himself much fruit.

My friend through this verse the Lord teaches us that sometimes, sacrifice, even of oneself is important to get out of stagnancy and bear fruit for God’s Kingdom. Today, if we don’t see much growth in the Kingdom of God, it is because His people lack the spirit to go out and lay down their lives as that little grain of wheat, so that though their blood the gospel is preached. For when the Word of God moves abroad with shed blood, then God moves His Hand to touch the hearts of sinners and bring them back into His fold.

Thoughts for another day

December 5, 2008.

Today's verse: Phlm. 1:11. Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Among all the letters of Paul in the Bible, this stands out for its difference in content and its length. It’s not so much the length, but the difference we’ll dwell on - of which Paul is writing to Philemon about his slave Onesimus, who had run away, probably having robbed him too. Paul urges Philemon to take him back even if he’d caused him distress because Paul says Onesimus had transformed after his conversion. The important aspect is that Paul expects Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back, that too as a beloved brother. Paul’s argument is the redeeming work of Christ in Onesimus which had transformed him and made him precious to Paul.

There are two aspects of Christian life that Paul touches upon here. One is the need to forgive, even if painful. Onesimus had caused Philemon much hurt yet, Paul through whom speaks our Lord and Master, urges Philemon to forgive and forget despite the hurt. See, for a Christian, anger, hate, revenge and such like things are not to be harbored in the heart for they tend to poison the mind and destroy inner peace.

The second and more important aspect is Onesimus’ transformation. So much was he transformed by the touch of Jesus on his life that Paul calls him his own heart (1:12) and we can deduce that Onesimus now had the heart of Christ and he could be trusted to even carry Paul’s message to the Colossians in Colossae (Col. 4:9), which would be a great responsibility. It is this aspect, i.e. positive change, which is the hallmark of a Christian. In accepting Christ, transformation must happen in us. This transformation can then bring about change in the world and spread the love of God everywhere. It is this more than anything else, which will cause men to come to Christ.

Thoughts for another day

December 4, 2008.

Today's verse: Eccl. 12:1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Here is a piece of wisdom from the Word of God to us. It simply says we need to remember our Creator when young and when the evil days are not nigh and neither are we left with any joy in the increased life we’re assigned in our old age. Because falling at God’s feet when things become difficult to face, is no credit to us.

It’s sad but true how many people are like that. When young they hardly have any time for God. We need to check this in our lives too. How much time do we really give Him. How much of His life do we imbibe in our own? Are we inclined to sacrifice things for God? But, even as we will say no to them, when a calamity strikes, then we remember God and have all the time to lie at His feet. An apt question would be, will God help you at that point?

I’d say, any time is the right time to remember our Creator. See, God does so much for us. He has invested Himself in us and is beside us at all times. Isn’t it but fitting that we give Him some time and also give of our selves because of all His favors? Our excuses of being busy do not stand even a flicker because all our excuses can be removed when God is honored and given praise.

In my personal life too, when I had a difficulty in spending time with God, He brought my office closer to my home so the time spent on commuting was less. God will go all out to make things easier if we but show our loyalty to Him. Try Him on this.

Thoughts for another day

December 3, 2008.

Today's verse: Mal. 2:17. Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Have you had this experience where a person has made you tired with his foolish talk and meaningless actions? When it happens, I’m sure you want to get just away and hide so that person can’t find you again. And mind you, this is the attitude of even the most genial persons when faced with a person who wearies others.

A key habit of these people is they say and do things which aren’t right in normal human behavior. If you’re one of them please reform using God’s Grace because if you don’t you will also weary God with your redundant talk and actions and be like those we find the prophet talking about, here. You see, God was vexed with the Jews for what they did. They constantly blew their trumpets on the noble state that God had bestowed them of being His people, yet without giving Him any glory or credit for their blessings.

Then they suffered miserably and still didn’t learn. That’s why God says about them, ‘You weary me’. The amazing thing is, even after doing such a thing, they do not realize they have done God harm which is even worse for its like a person committing a wrong and not knowing it’s a wrong!

You and I need to check if we are in any way doing the things that which vex and trouble God. Because though merciful and loving, God will not tolerate our telling Him blatantly wrong things for e.g. when we harbor sin, do we say we are pure? We probably can do that but only after acknowledging the blood of Jesus upon us and claiming His righteousness which is gift. Again, when we just mutter prayers and adopt a prayerful stance before others while making ourselves look good when we are not and openly confessing that we are God’s servants when we hardly know Him. God will view us with anathema if we do it and He will be wearied by our actions.

Thoughts for another day

December 2, 2008.

Today's verse: Eze. 37:27. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Due to the current situation in the world, having and maintaining faith in God can be difficult, simply because, we’re not in the frame of mind to accept God as essential in our lives. Come on, they will say if I were to tell them that God is still on the throne, how come there is so much misery and strife in the world and look at what’s happening: hunger, death, calamities and what have you. Where then is God?

For many, that’s enough to set their minds thinking, ‘maybe God isn’t there’ Maybe, He’s just a myth created by people with vested interests. Be that as it may, we can’t refute the fact that as long as there’s breath in us, God IS. The thought that could occur is, ‘will God listen to our call, when in distress?’ That too has an answer: God will listen provided you have a relationship with Him. Remember, God isn’t about to let go of those who’re close to Him just like that; putting them in the pot of misery to handle their woes themselves. NO, NEVER; and this is a challenge. Besides, if God allows that misery in our lives and we are tuned to Him, relating each problem to Him, He’ll let us know the reason for our afflictions while giving strength to bear them. Then we’ll be confident to handle the situation with peace in our hearts. Now, the devil will come to provide fodder to make us angry with God. But let me also say that this will not last and a kick on the devil’s back powered by God’s Grace will end his lies.

In our verse today, we see how God even makes a promise to those who were hardly worthy to receive such a promise. Of course, in no generation has man been worthy to receive God’s promises. But we need to thank Him that He gives them for the sake of His Holy Name. Today too, God is saying that he will abide among us and be our God and He adds, that we will be His people – not some scavengers or scum but the people of a royal and magnificent God. What a privilege!

Thoughts for another day

December 1, 2008.

Today's verse: Is. 46:4. And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Someone once asked me, ‘why don’t we see miracles these days, as in the days of Jesus and the apostles.’ Pertinent question in today’s times when I know, people desperately need God’s hand in their lives to fulfill their needs supernaturally and to consolidate their shaky faith. It made me wonder and even ask God why we don’t see miracles! I realised we don’t see miracles, because our dependence and belief on God is minimal. If I have a disease, I immediately go to the doctor; in case I need a job, I speak to people and someone fixes me up somewhere; if there is need for money, I go to relatives and friends and they prop me up financially and so on and so forth. So where do I feel the need to go to God for all these things? I was aghast when once, a physically challenged lady when asked whether she’d want God to make her whole, very bluntly told me that it was God’s will for her to be like that. Think; is it God’s will that you are physically handicapped? Did He not heal the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda?

As for the future and its needs, man has devised something called ‘insurance’. This insurance I’m told guards the future and is a contingency plan; for we know not what the future holds! So we see God becomes unnecessary in our lives for our needs except in situations where they cannot be fulfilled by humans and are desperate e.g. cure in the case of cancer - only then do we turn our eyes up to heaven. Some of you may say what I wrote in the earlier paragraph also is God way of fulfilling our needs no? They say doctors give medicine, God gives the cure. Fine, but how many people put God in the picture? Does the doctor who prescribes credits God for the cure? Would the friend who recommends you for the job you get, say that God made it possible for him to recommend?

Our base nature treats God shabbily and doesn’t acknowledge His work in our lives. God says we need to go to Him first; we go last. To justify our actions we say God is and acts in every situation and He knows that our trust is in Him. What hypocrisy! As a matter of fact, this is the reason why we don’t see miracles. See, what God says in our verse today but how many of us will believe that? For those of us who will believe, God is the guarantee. No matter what, He will come to our rescue if we believe in Him absolutely. I am sure that the miracles Jesus created will happen again and soon; for there are some of us who like Bartimaeus will cry out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us’ and Jesus the ever merciful, will turn and say, ‘for the sake of your faith, let it be done unto you as you believe.’