Thoughts for another day

February 27, 2009.

Today's verse: Jer. 6:20b. your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

While I was considering this verse for publication, I checked with the Lord whether it’s appropriate, as I know that most of us won’t be comfortable with it. Yet, the Lord allowed me to retain it. So I must talk about it and I must say that stinging though it be, it still tells us about the way God is sick of our sins. And in this context, I must talk about myself saying I probably am the worst kind of sinner there is, because on the one hand I talk about God and on the other, indulge in the most stupid sins that humans commit. My excuse before God is, I don’t possess the will to go against sin and I regularly, pray for Grace to overcome my desire to sin.

The question is why do I sin? I know I sin because the desire to do a certain act which leads to sin is strong in me. I have come to realise that the devil is very clever in using the route of gentle persuasion and in that, attacking us in our areas of indulgence; for example, if I like the color pink, then he provides me so much of the stuff that I’ll over indulge in it. As an example, let’s say I like a pink shirt but don’t have the money to buy it. So the devil will tell me to borrow and I’ll do it knowing well that I may not be able to repay. Then the devil will say, repay slowly. That’s the point I’ll grab and then fail to repay…of course he’ll give me many reasons why I shouldn’t repay. So you see, our own internal sinful nature acts as a stimulus to sin.

God understands our human nature, but He wants that we stand up and stand against sin. Merely talking about it or writing it isn’t sufficient. What will please Him is our taking concrete steps to actually face sin in the face and reject it. In this season of lent, let us learn to do that so that God will not tell us that our actions are not acceptable to Him. Rather, someday, He’ll testify on our behalf and say, ‘look at this child, who is after My own heart!’

Thoughts for another day

February 26, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 63:2,3. To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

People of God in the Bible have seen the glory of God and were awed. Some even said, ‘Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’ People have therefore struggled in the ‘after vision’, if I may call it. And none had come face to face with God. Only when Jesus came did they perceive Him, though He had left His glory behind.

Very briefly, did Peter, James and John get to see His glory at the Transfiguration and they fell on their faces and were afraid. The glory of God is amazing and awesome. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon made a prayer from the heart and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple so much so that the priests could not enter the house of the Lord because His glory had occupied the place. Men cannot usually behold or know His glory, except by the blood of the Lamb.

Yet, men yearn to behold God’s glory now as they would in the age to come when the only thing they will be doing because of the redemptive blood of Jesus, is praise and worship Him in glorious atmosphere. My heart, just as yours desires the vision of the glory of the Lord. I consider how that single vision will help me fill my life with His immensity and sufficiency. I pray, God our Father will behold us some day when He looks down and seeing our seeking hearts will enable us to perceive His glory deep within us. We have this in Christ because in Him, the glory of the Father has been revealed and we shall behold it with our eyes and recognise the Master of the Universe, the One and only true God; then shall we all know who He is, our Father and how great He is. As to His loving kindness, well, we know it’s better than this life therefore, our beings are filled with praise for Him our Lord and Creator. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

February 25, 2009.

Today's verse: Gen. 3:19. for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

You know, when I read the particular section in Genesis which shows how God deals with Adam after he sins, I feel a great sense of agony. You will too when you read it carefully. The redeeming factor is that the serpent, the devil, is severely reprimanded and it’s here that God gives the promise of the Savior of the world when He says, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.’

The other things that follow from God make clear how abominable sin is to God. Because of sin, God threw out Adam from Paradise where if he were, he’d never have to slave to have his meal. But Adam sinned and because he sinned upon the woman’s suggestion, God cursed the woman and brought about pain in her childbearing. Then God cursed the ground due to which it lost the ability to bring forth vegetation of its own and also produced thistles and thorns (weeds). God burdened Adam with the concept of hard work through which alone he’d be able to bring forth crops for food until he went back into the ground from where he came in the first place.

Our verse today, reminds us of our frailty. This verse is ‘key’ for us to remember as we enter the season of Lent today being Ash Wednesday (Many mainline churches follow Ash Wednesday) and realise we don’t come to earth with permanency. It’s only this realization which will help us get a right perspective of our birth here and the purpose for which we are born. It’s important for me to know that I am as the dust of the earth. This gives rise to a whole new revelation of what I need to be and do. From this, if I can glean that I’m wonderfully made to serve God and man, then my path toward eternal Paradise becomes clear; on which I need walk and reach my God.

Thoughts for another day

February 24, 2009.

Today's verse: Col. 2:17. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

I’ve a question for both you and me. How much of our time is spent in living with God? Better still, how much of our mindsets are occupied by God? If we were to honestly do an assessment, then we will realise that anything related to God has miniscule space with us. Moreover, things of God do not interest us as much as they should isn’t it?

Why, one might ask. The reason’s simple. There’s much happening in the world; important events begging for our attention. Things like a function in our office; or an anniversary, birthday party at home perhaps or small events in our parishes, schools, communities or cities in which we’re involved. We don’t then even want to look at anything. When my daughter had her annual day in school, you should have seen her and other children, they had time for nothing; leave alone the teachers and the principal!

We’re so caught up with the world and the unnecessary and what really matters is eclipsed by these mundane things. When Martha complained to Jesus about Mary doing nothing but sitting at His feet, Jesus reprimanded her saying there’s need of only one thing which Mary possessed! That’s God’s view concerning our business. Even prayer time is eliminated to make extra time for studies when our children have their exams! Reflecting our warped thinking: Who is the One who can control our brain or for that matter the things asked in the paper? Yet, we don’t understand and have no time for Him.

Today, our verse reminds us that all these things mean nothing. Rather the reality and the certainty is Jesus Christ. Anything associated with His glorification is important and has consequences over eternity. There’s nothing as important. Remember, tomorrow when you close your eyes one last time, you’ll come before the judgment throne. I’d shudder thinking what answer I’ll give if I’ve never made space for Him who sits on the throne! You can rest assured; He will not have time for you if you’ve not had time for Him.

Thoughts for another day

February 23, 2009.

Today's verse: Jos. 23:10. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Genuine loyalty to God brings alive all His promises in your life. One major promise He makes is to protect you from the snare of the enemy. There are times in life that we stare at the razor of the enemy, too stunned to do anything about it. It’s at this time the hand of the Lord, your faithful Creator to whom you’ve been loyal and close, will stand between you and the danger. He will rescue you from the evil act of your enemy.

Enemies needn’t necessarily be humans as we take them. They could be circumstances too that push you toward pain. An example could be the current recession. I’m sure many dread going to office as they don’t know if they’ll be sacked from their jobs. And they work in the very sectors which were so buoyant a year ago and everyone termed them ‘sunrise industries’ (industries that have just begun shining brightly and would continue to shine for a few more years). Yet, today there’s the dread of being fired and lose the means to a livelihood looms large. But even here the promise of God stands. For, it is He who can shape the life or the future of a man. He it is who can stand as a block to all the bad things the evil one has devised for you and destroy them. He is able to doom the situation poised to doom you!

Even mountainous problems shall look at you as the dragon that slays them, even as they flee from you. That’s because El Shaddai, the God of the universe and our God is behind us and a shield against these problems. My friend, take His Word seriously. He is about to do a great thing in your life and He will do it if you are steadfast in your integrity and faith in Him and in His Word. And let me tell you, He is a God who never fails and is eager to hold you up in His arms.

Thoughts for another day

February 20, 2009.

Today's verse: Eph. 5:10. find out what pleases the Lord. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

What are you doing right now? Have you asked yourself whether it is pleasing to the Lord? Has it struck you that it may not be in line with what He has planned for you and is vital to your destiny?

As Christians, we are bound to consider this seriously. I know it’s difficult to inject God into every area of our lives because we’re so unaccustomed to it. But, when we go further into God we realise that all our lives and our purposes need to be aligned to God for in Him we live and move and have our being. Consequently, there is nothing outside of God. He has given us and ransomed our lives by fully paying the price by His sacrifice on the Cross. Thorough this, eternal life has been made possible by Jesus Christ, a man who was like us in all respects, yet without sin. He delivered us out of the trap of death satan had put us into, through Adam.

This much I can say, when I yearn to do what is pleasing to my God, I turn the steering of my life into His hands and then I just have to sit back and relax as He veers me on and off course. In my job, I’ve realised how tough it is to give the kind of results that I plan for at the beginning of the year by myself. But then I thrust the wheel into God’s hands and just sit back and see the amazing ways in which He helps me deliver. I tell Him, ‘Lord, if it has found pleasure in Your sight, let it be…’ And He makes it ‘BE’.

Beloved in Christ, you know we’re made for the Lord and He’s able to make us what He wants us to be. Jesus said He wants us to live full lives; which is why He came down. Besides, victorious living is aligned to Kingdom living. So obviously, when you walk in His ways, success, prosperity, etc. are part of your bundle. What’s more vital is that you also have Him who is all in all. So yearn to please Him, not just today, but all your life.

Thoughts for another day

February 19, 2009.

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Who has known the Father of Lights, does know about the love He holds for us human beings that though we have unceasingly harassed and worried Him, He still comes to us. See, it’s not us who get up when cast down and go to Him, but He it is who comes and picks us up for He loves us and cares for us. It’s His great desire that we live like kings and crave for nothing for in Him is everything. There is none amiss in His kingdom and all needs cease because He is everything. He’s the source of all that’s really required. Life flows from Him and of course every requirement of life is in Him.

This Father, from the beginning has loved us beyond measure and is always available to us. Only, we have distanced ourselves from Him and don’t want Him to be a part of our lives. It is us who have orphaned ourselves and it is a sad thing because what has our He done that we move away from Him?

But yes, those who love Him are kept as the apple of His eye. Though trials come to them, He moves swiftly and surely to ensure they are comforted. See, Azariah, Mishael and Hananiah went into the furnace and they went in saying that if God desired then He would save them, but even if He didn’t they’d not question Him. God allowed them to go into the furnace but then He sent His angel and in the midst of the heat, blew a cool breeze as only He can do and not a hair of the three was singed.

Our Word today says that we have never known the beauty He has prepared for us who love Him and I know that He’s waiting for us to come and enjoy this beauty. He wants to give it to us and He will but He also requires in His justice that we love Him and obey Him. To do that, His Grace is sufficient for us. So let’s trudge on in the knowledge that God waits at the other end of our lives with things so beautiful, we can spend eternity in its comfort.

Thoughts for another day

February 18, 2009.

Today's verse: Dan. 3:68. (Az. 1:42) Bless the Lord, all rain and dew; sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever. (RSV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

I read v 33:3 of Jeremiah which is said to be the tel. No. of God for it says, ‘Call to me and I will answer.’ But when I read further, it revealed an important aspect of God in terms of God revealing things which are magnificent and beyond our reach. One thing I got revelation of was, ‘the earth is filled with the glory of the Lord as water covers the sea.’ I thought of this and wondered, ‘Lord is the glory due to You really given, even as the water covers the sea? And water covering the sea… isn’t the sea itself water.

Then a revelation comes… the sea is an abstract vessel created by God when He made the land and sea and the waters above and below the sky were commanded by God to cover this vessel. As to the earth being filled with the glory of the Lord… well, human senses are so with things of the world that this benign order in the divine context is just not seen.

You know, for God all things are animate, i.e. live; take what Jesus said when the Pharisees asked Him to rebuke His disciples for shouting joyously, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!’ (Lk. 19:40) From the mud till the borders of the atmosphere and even beyond, everything is aware of God and between the morning and the evening as day yells to a new one, they all praise and give Him glory! An example: look at the sunrise it’s so beautiful and in it, the sun praises God for covering it with magnificence. The rainbow, colorfully utters His glory as it stretches across the sky; the fishes sing to the dance of the gentle rays that penetrate thru the water and birds twitter and flit lilting to the gentle rhythm of the breeze and so on… But the creature who God loves most, gives Him no adoration.

Our verse today is taken from the same deep understanding of the fact that God calls into existence, that which is not (Rom. 4:17). Therefore, we can ask the rain and the dew and everything else to praise the Lord for to Him they have life too and obey the His order without deviation. As to us humans, we turn and pray, ‘Lord give us the great wisdom that there is no other greater or glorious than you and let all men put aside their unnecessary things and stand up and praise You. Amen.’

Thoughts for another day

February 16, 2009.

Today's verse: Rev. 7:17. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When I ponder upon it, I feel there’s just One who is interested in the well being of each one of us. It is the Lamb of God, the Just One, the Son of God, Jesus Himself. He’s done so much for us. Of Himself he gave us so freely. I can still see Him lifting up the break at the last Supper, saying, ‘this is My Body, take and eat.’ Of His blood too He’s given us, so our sins like as scarlet may be washed white as snow.

The Spirit of God tells me, listen the work of the Lamb of God in redeeming us is over, but there is one thing which yet remains and that His presenting us to His Father, as a groom presents his bride to his parents. The Lord is a proud bridegroom, He’ll watch over us to see there’s no blemish in us, giving us robes of splendor. He’ll feed us till we show no sign of want and give us waters from un-drying fountains. He’ll lead us into the royal courtyard of His mansion and look over us, nay gloat over us.

You know He’s so pleased with us, He’ll tell His Father, ‘Father, see the ones You love and I love. See how beautiful they look; spotless in resplendence and gorgeous. Then He’ll bend down and wipe every tear in our eyes telling us, He can’t bear to see our tears. For you know, He has loved us with an everlasting love and yearns for us.

Remember, my friend, such is His love that when He had asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, He stopped Abraham the moment he picked up the knife. But when it came to His own Son, He did not stop; He just turned the other way. This, because He loves us beyond our comprehension. He is such, our God and His Son, His Lamb is equally delightful for He has won us over as His own bride and sure, He’s proud of us and will put His stamp of love on us. Give glory to His Name.

Thoughts for another day

February 13, 2009.

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

Thinking of the Holy Spirit, I see two dimensions of His operating in us. One, in God’s life in us in the form of His Spirit which He breathed into us, see Gen. 6:3. This is the Spirit by which we live and move and have our being in Him. The second dimension is the Spirit guiding us, helping us live fully. Jesus said, ‘I have come so you may have life to the fullest’ (Jn. 10:10). In the coming of Jesus, the Spirit was available to anyone who asked. There are examples of men and women who were clothed with the Holy Spirit of God, even before Jesus came; but it was the decree of God that brought the presence of His Spirit upon men, according to His choice.

After Jesus the coming of the Holy Spirit is just a matter of time for those who are born again and yearn to live good Christian lives. All we need to do is ask Him for His Spirit because, without His Spirit, it is impossible to live the life Jesus wants us to live. How can you forgive someone who has wronged you, but with His Spirit? How can you remain pure in a world otherwise littered with filth and lust, without the guidance and the strength of the gentle Holy Spirit?

An example of this is in the life of David. David lived by the Spirit of God and did all that God wanted him to do. He was so devoted to God that we all know he is referred to by God as a ‘man after My Own heart’. And we read of all his wonderful exploits which were possible only by God’s Spirit being with him. Yet, one day, as men do, David sinned grievously. Later when the sin was pointed out to him, David felt like a punctured tire. He realised the going away of God’s Spirit from his life. That’s when he penned Ps. 51 asking God to forgive him. The above verse is part of that psalm which came from a heart filled with remorse. David had realised that without the Spirit of God it would be impossible to live and he pleads that God restores Him.

This should serve as a reminder to us that we cannot live a full life unless His Spirit abides in us. So today, let us lift ourselves from the morass we are in and plead God for His abiding Spirit, so that we are ready to face any challenge before us.

Thoughts for another day

February 12, 2009.

Today's verse: 2 Sam. 16:10b. If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, 'Curse David,' who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?’ (NRSV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When I read this verse, I am reminded of David’s greatness and why God chose him out of many to rule His people, Israel. I’m also reminded of various situations in my life when those who I felt were, not that they really were, smaller than me in stature insulted me and how in my fury, I retaliated to their detriment if I could, or cursed them if I couldn’t. I realise the importance we give to self when we are really nothing, as the Bible says, man is but a mist that appears for a while and then vanishes. Yet, see how we ourselves to be invincible!

In the above verse and in David’s life, is a clear example of taking insults. From anybody and not just those who’re more powerful than us. In the context of the story, David is insulted by Shimei in full view of the army men and others. David’s mind would be pretty disturbed because he had to flee Jerusalem; and the cause was the son he loved, Absalom. Hence, it would be very easy for David to order Shimei to be killed to stop further disturbance. But David allowed it because even in that disturbed mind, he thought the insults could easily be of God! How great was the man that he was able to understand even insult as something God could be sending him, that too a God who so loved him so much to make him king!

It may surprise us the kind of insults we may be asked to bear if we intend working with Jesus Christ. You know how Jesus Himself bore tremendous insult and scorn. Imagine, He being Almighty God Himself, bore the insults that mere mists were heaping on Him. Imagine them laying their dirty hands on His pure body! When I think of this and then think of all that I do, I can’t but feel ashamed for my nature. Indeed, I need to pray that God gives me the courage to wipe off the pride in me and wear on the garment of humility so that He can indeed use me as His instrument.

Thoughts for another day

February 11, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 119:71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

I notice many people are in some kind of situation of difficulty, and some of my friends too. This situation of difficulty is what the Bible terms affliction. Affliction of mind, body, soul, etc. which, can rob peace of mind and whole-heartedness.

OK. So one must pray for them and one will pray for them because the church of God, the Body of Christ must come together when one part has a problem. Moreover, the church becomes greatly unified at times of stress than times of blessing, although there should be no difference at both times. And at this time we notice how our Christian-ness comes through. Brother cares for brother and neighbor becomes more concerned for neighbor. This is my observation and therefore, I can say aloud the thought in my mind, which is, ‘it is good that I am afflicted O Lord, for then feel I the warmth of your chest, for I know at such times, you are closest to me!’

That’s what our verse is all about. It’s in affliction that I learn the ways of the Lord. It’s in trouble that I seek His face; and when adversity comes my way, I seek to move in the way He dwells. There are times I have prayed that some form of affliction and trouble always be with me so that I may not move away from Him. A sickness be with me, so that when I stray, He may use that very affliction as a lever to bring me back! You may be surprised at this, but, without chastisement in a situation where an individual does not listen to the Spirit of God, how else will God bring a person closer to Himself. Besides, prosperity also causes a person to drift from God. This is reflected in the Bible when Moses tells the people about the prosperity they will have and when that happens, he warns them against abandoning their God who has given them that prosperity!

Therefore, affliction is essential to get to know God better and yes, He does come into our lives very strongly when we in our affliction plead to Him. Pray that your affliction takes you closer to Yahweh God and makes you dwell with Him.

Thoughts for another day

February 10, 2009.

Today's verse: Pro. 16:25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Most of us, so called progressive people have a plan of action. And those of us who are conscientious and driven with the notion of progressiveness, usually work according to that plan and try to realise the fruits generated by that plan. Many times we see that the plan and our work towards it reap no rewards. Our work we discover, gives us a lot of pain and trouble and even the rewards are not enough to think back and say, it was worth it.

One of the main reason we find these things happening is because we do not assign our plans on God’s table. We do not seek His view on our plans. This happens with the people who are close to Him too. Somehow because of something inside, we tend to forget that He is the best One to take our plans to and seek His approval. Whereby we can rest assured that He will ensure its approval and its proper execution leading us to the fruits we desired at the beginning because of which we created the plans.

If you ask me, there are many times when I too do not wait on the Lord to figure out what to do with a particular plan or situation in life that happens. And I usually see that there is much grief because of the same. But by His Grace, when I realise that I have acted on something without His clearance, I ask for His forgiveness and then wait for His mercy to move my plan forward and being the Gracious God He is I find success in what I have done. Not that I would ever like to venture doing the same without taking the situation to Him.

And as I reflect on today’s verse, I must say that it is right that the above happens and that is because we hardly know what’s going to happen next. But He does and He will share the perils of the morrow with you and ensure you change your plan to one which will lead you to success. Why not try Him on this and move away from every plan that doesn’t have Divine clearance.

Thoughts for another day

February 9, 2009.

Today's verse: Jer. 29:13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Tommy was a boy of 8. At his catechism class, the teacher told him that God speaks to those who had time to listen and those who sought him. One day, Tommy decided to listen to God. So he went to his room and closed the door, sat down and spoke to the Lord saying, ‘Lord I want to listen to you, so speak to me.’ Just as he said these words, his eyes fell on the bright red fire truck, his mother had bought him. The more he looked at the truck, the more he felt drawn to it. But he had to wait for the Lord to speak to him, so he withheld his desire to go, play with the truck. As he tried to listen, his mind went back to the truck. He could see the ladder at the side and the small tubes which served as miniature water pipes.

His desire for the truck was so intense that he completely forgot what he was doing, yet something in his mind prevented him from going to the truck and he remembered he was waiting to hear the Lord speak. Again he said the small prayer and closed his eyes. But, he sought to sneak a peek at the truck once more, his mind completely focused on the truck and what he’d do with it. After a while, he thought, God isn’t talking to me, so might as well play with the truck and off he went to play with it.

This is pretty reflective about our lives isn’t it? I am reminded of what I do when I sit before the Lord, craving to listen to His gentle voice. While I’m physically sitting before Him, my mind is roving around, flitting from thought to thought, with no semblance of quiet in it. Our verse says, ‘you shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.’ That means our entire being has to crave for him, not just our bodies. If even one element is missing, we shall miss the bus; it’s like, the Lord would have passed our way, but we never saw Him.

My friend, sitting in the presence of the Lord, let’s make it our desire to intensely be with Him and forget all the rest. I know its easy saying than doing it as even I struggle with it. Yet, I know if I sincerely try, He’ll make it possible for He looks at the heart and He knows our desire. From there on He makes it possible. So put yourself into His hands and plead with Him, He will speak to you and help you on the way.

Thoughts for another day

February 6, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 27:3. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

A man or a woman of God knows that no matter what the tribulation or the storm, in God you are safe. Jesus was rather irritated when He was in the boat and the storm came, the disciples were so scared. For Him there was nothing impossible. The storms didn’t mean anything neither did the lashing of the waves. For He knew His Father was in control and for His Father, nothing is impossible. The other greater thing is that He has given the power to us, though we can partake of this power only when ‘we are perfect like He is perfect.’

I have seen many children of God, quite and calm in the midst of tribulation. Take for instance the current recession and the job losses as a result. There are children of God out there who are pretty confident. They are even ready to face the little hardships that may come their way, because they know that God is out to test them to see how much they trust Him. But one thing they are confident, ‘God is there and He is able.’

David in Ps. 27 displays absolute confidence in God. David had seen the God’s hand in his life and therefore he is able to say what he says in the verse above. But, God didn’t work in David’s life just like that. When God, who knows each one’s heart, looked at David’s, He knew David’s heart was after His own! Therefore, God could do all the wonderful things He did in David’s life. And David’s trust moved up and up in Him.

Reflect today and see where your heart lies. If it has moved away from His beautiful aura, come back in repentance. And in quiet and stillness, will be your strength (Is. 30:15). Truly like David you should say, though they come against me in an army, I shall not be afraid, and though war should envelop me, I shall be calm. For He who is my God is my strength.

Thoughts for another day

February 5, 2009.

Today's verse: Lk. 5:4. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The Word of God says, ‘unless the Lord build the house, its builders labor in vain.’ This is so true. We find many going about their ways and doing their own things. We ourselves set targets and move in frenzy to achieve them – but… In our verse above, Simon and his companions worked hard all night with no success. So obviously, the thought must have run past his mind, ‘what’s the point in putting out into deep water…’ Yet, Peter trusted in what the Lord said and got a huge catch of fish, so much so, that their nets began to break and they had to call others to help them.

To you and others, I always maintain that God is the God of the impossible. In Ro. 4:17 Paul says, God gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist! I know deep within no matter what, God is able and willing to do whatever we ask Him. To His children who’ve made Him their refuge and bend their knees before Him day and night, He will do anything; I mean anything. There is nothing impossible to God and He will do it for you if your heart can cry out and touch His.

In the context of our verse above, Jesus demonstrated the ability that with God, nothing is impossible. Now Peter did not even expect the catch nor did he desire it. But the Lord knew he needed it. His will and power, created fish where there were none. So too abundance will be there where there is lack and the poor will wear the garments of the rich. It is all possible. But yearn not for the riches rather that He’s there in your boat. His very presence makes life full and worth living and He will bring you the wealth of the nations, not that you may spend it on your passions but that you will use it to glorify Him, just the way Jesus received glory that day from Peter and the multitude.

Thoughts for another day

February 4, 2009.

Today's verse: Daniel 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)

A voice whispers in your ear and tells you something. Or perhaps, a feeling creeps in; strong enough to set you thinking and helping you make a crucial decision which at that time you didn’t know how crucial. Later you tend to think, ‘ah, well, thank God I did what I did, else I’d suffer such a big loss!’ But look at the ‘thank God’, it’s said in such a casual manner as to have no meaning at all isn’t it? It’s happened with you and me and we are so callous. But really, ‘thank God’ with your heart for it was He who revealed the secret because of which a disaster was averted.And so I wanted to say that in many situations in life, our wonderful Father, who’s perpetually interested in our well-being, wants to inform us so many things. Particularly to us who’re devoted and faithful to Him. He wants to inform how we are to move ahead in a given situation. He wants to reveal the plan for us so that we start preparing for it. He wants to unveil something by the use of which we are extolled by Him.God is always looking to communicate with us. It is we who are so engrossed that we pay scant attention to His faint voice echoing at the bottom of our hearts. Therefore, it’s necessary we learn to discern. It’s necessary we understand who wants to make conversation with us and be very attentive to His Words for in them He stores the wisdom we need. Mind you, He speaks to us just the way He spoke to Daniel for His Word says, He has no favorites and He looks at anyone desiring to commune with Him. Only by giving Him time and being attentive to His Word can we learn of the deep secrets, in the darkness as it were, through Him who sees all things and can unravel the darkness of ignorance to shine His light of knowledge.

Thoughts for another day

February 3, 2009.

Today's verse: Mt. 23:12. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There are some truths one can never run away from even if they seem to strike a blow in our faces. The above verse is one of those. Jesus tells the people who are with Him that those who exalt themselves will be abased and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Taken in the human context, this seems so incongruent. If you watch people going about their way, you will notice the kind of self importance they assign to themselves; and we are not necessarily alien to this behavior but are guilty of doing the same ourselves, isn’t it? In the world it’s but natural to behave far bigger than what we are because that is the way the world will recognise you. That is the way, you need to go about things for only then can you get your work done; is what is often told us.

But like most things of God, this too is opposite of His way. God wants that we be humble, to receive His blessings. Now having been ingrained in the ways of the world, it is a difficult thing to do for behaving big is like a second skin to us and getting it off can be very difficult. How do you behave with some of them who act big…like a small person or a bigger person? I have had this problem and I know how difficult, grappling with it can be. For a while I may be humble but soon after, I regain the pride I have. It is only by God’s great Grace that we can atleast partially begin to be humble and I am sure God will give us the Grace to accept things without throwing in the pride card. We need to learn from Him who though the biggest of them all, stripped Himself of all glory and became meek and humble of heart.