Thoughts for another day

March 31, 2009.

Today's verse: Job 5:22. At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Trust in the LORD alone and again I say, trust only in Him for He alone will come to your aid, when you’ve hit the bottom. Man can’t be considered trustworthy and will not share in your dark moments because he has a heart that refuses to forgive and forget; as well as a vindictive nature. But God is wonderful. He will quickly forget the insults of the past and look to the future with promise. God doesn’t wait for you to rise from the morass you’ve sunk into, rather He will arrive and settle with you in that dirt, giving you the strength to rise and return to normalcy. God will cajole you and tell you, ‘Let’s discuss, man to man and see what you have to say!’ You’ll see this trait of God in the prophetical books of the Old Testament, isn’t He wonderful. And God will always side with you if you are a sinner - Jesus did in the house of Simon when the sinner lady anointed His feet with perfume.

In our own way of thinking and working in life, we court various troubles and useless situations. We don’t think if it’s right to indulge in them or not, but use our wisdom to plunge into them, later realising it was a grave mistake. Let’s take Tony, a person who for heck’s sake, took to liquor initially to show he was a man. Then increased his quota, to show who could stand with maximum pegs in. His marriage was a disaster, his kids, a bunch of crummy urchins and he was a bundle of dirt, fetched and dispatched each night on the verandah of his house by people in the neighborhood. He was a disgrace and none liked to talk to him for even to be seen with him was a slur on the character! But to Nonie, a young nun, Tony was a challenge and she promised to bring his life back on track. It took her a lot of time, but she won and God entered Tony’s repentant life.

Today, Tony is a changed man and he teaches people the above verse. How could he forget what he first learnt, ‘Happy is the man whom God corrects…’ Job 5:17. And he knows that a man who is with God fears none else. The winds may howl and the earth may scream, but calm prevails in the heart tuned to God. And Tony has one thing to say to anyone is distress, ‘If God can change Tony Cirilo, then God is able to do anything. He will change you lot. Just allow Him.’ Care to take his advice?

Thoughts for another day

March 30, 2009.

Today's verse: Ezek. 20:7. Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Yesterday, while on the topic of prayer it occurred to me that world changing prayers are rarely answered thesedays. Is it that God is not answering those prayers or turning a deaf ear to us now? That’s not possible because God is the same yesterday, today and forever and if He answered such prayer before (as we see in the answers sent for such prayers in the Bible), then He should answer them even today. So where’s the problem? I reckon it lies in us and a clue can be found in our verse today.

I believe when we ask for something, it needs to be asked in faith. Let’s further say, we exhibit some amount of faith and ask but do we fulfill conditions required for an answer? And I know the condition of our hearts, is important for an answer. God tells us in our verse above to cast away the abominations of our eyes because they make our hearts unclean and also that we don’t defile ourselves, meaning, engage in amorous deeds with idols so that we aren’t then seduced into immorality and wrong things challenging His supremacy. You see, either of these put us in an orbit away from God’s dwelling, which means we may pray, but our hearts will be far from God.

God acts on the words of our mouths only when our hearts are fully with Him. He cannot answer superfluous, and meaningless prayer, even if much words are used, as they are, leave alone not properly addressed to Him (just like a mail packet not reaching the intended recipient because of a wrong address), but also so incoherent (as is a letter written in bad handwriting) that there is no scope for Him to act on it. Basically, what I am saying is lack of sincerity and this because of our sinfulness. So heed God’s advice and leave sinfulness and you will see His Hand working mightily in your favor.

Thoughts for another day

March 27, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 121:2. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When in trouble, where do I look? When the storms of despair hit, which anchor is my ship set on? In the darkest moments of life, where do I look for the ray of light? My friend, if I have set my sights on the countenance of God then sure enough the daylight comes to rescue the darkness and fear of my night. That is a sovereign guarantee given by Him, who is the maker of heaven and earth.

You may wonder why I talk of trouble and such kind of things. But you know, when things are well, there’s hardly any scope of bringing God in the sphere of our minds. How many people remember God when they’re in a situation of happiness? And I’ve seen many believers wilt under a shred of trouble. Here come a problem and scores of Christians are down and out. But He is a real Christian who says to the problem, ‘trouble me if you will, but wait…contend with Him who keeps me.’

How great it would be if like David we could say, ‘My help comes from the LORD, who has created all.’ What delight to my soul will it be when despite my pride, I can remove the ‘Me’ and stress on God instead. Understand my friend, God is not too far from any of us. In fact He is closer to us than our own families or our dearest friends, so much so that He is within us…an integral part of us. In Him we live and move and have our being. He is the Laminin in our cells: The bond that holds us together.

Believer, stand up and face any situation today and summon the forces of the world. Tell them, ‘The LORD of heaven and earth is my help. Cast on me the sternest yoke and see, He will break it for He loves me.’ Give God my friend, a reason to be close to you and see, He will love you and keep you in His bosom because He cares for you.

Thoughts for another day

March 26, 2009.

Today's verse: 2 Kgs. 2:24. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Turning oneself to God and being devoted to Him is a great blessing. Once you do that, God puts Himself in charge of you. Then on, under the shadow of His wings, you’ll find His protection, His providence, His comfort and of course His peace. Today, I’d like to talk of an important person of whom God says, He speaks ‘face to face’. You guessed right, it’s Moses. You know, Miriam and Aaron, with no provocation spoke ill of him. And God was angry (Num. 11:1-13) and acted immediately.

As people of God, we have many adversaries. Some cause us torment and rob us of our peace. Yeah, mind you, you may say, if you are glued to God, who can take your peace? But, we’re after all human; if Elijah, after witnessing the power of God in the episode of the 450 prophets of baal (1 Kgs. 18:17-40), fled from Jezebel’s wrath, then who are we? When someone pains us, what do you think God is up to? If we but meet His requirements at that time, viz. look at Him and turn our trouble to Him then pray for the people who put us on fire (see, without God’s permission, none can do anything!), we can rest assured God’s vengeance will strike (vengeance is His alone). God will devastate him/her but just so He keeps them from complete destruction, He wants us to pray for him/her. Even Moses prayed for Miriam.

You’re probably wondering why all this? It’s so we understand, that as His children, we do not fear those who wrong us because God is behind us and He will avenge every hand raised against us. Sometimes, He does it quickly as we see in our verse today. At other times, it may take time but it sure happens. You only need completely depend on Him during the event, for if you seek human intervention, He won’t work? Believe me my friend, as sure as the morning is up after night, your redemption will be at hand if you believe in Him alone. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Thoughts for another day

March 24, 2009.

Today's verse: Heb. 12:14. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

True Christians foster peace wherever they go, for that’s what Christianity is about. Our Lord Jesus in His act of redeeming us, took our place and freed us from death and assured us of His peace. In fact, beyond the state that Jesus brought us to by undoing the breech created by Adam with God our Father, Jesus gave us the good news that we are a people of peace and are Holy. Jesus knew for us to receive the Good News, we need to be men of peace. Even the angels at His birth, sang gloriously, ‘and peace on earth to men of good will…’ Jesus said, ‘…peace I leave you, My peace I give you…’ He did it because He knew that the world in the ownership of the devil would be starved of peace. Only He can bring peace that surpasses all understanding.

Apart from peace, Jesus also asked us to be perfect as His Father in Heaven. Yeah, it’s difficult to be perfect and we know the tribulations we go through in being perfect. Yet, we need to crave to be holy, because only in the state of holiness can one see the full power of God. That’s what Joshua meant when he said (Jos. 3:5), ‘sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, the LORD will perform wonders among you.’ I have seen in my own life how God works marvelously, when I maintain purity and holiness. Therefore, I urge that when you are desperate for something and go to God, maintain holiness. Besides, holiness alone enables us to see the Lord. God is so holy that even a dot of uncleanness will not enable us to stand before Him. If we truly desire to see God, then let us be holy. And in this state when we commune with God, what else would we need for He Himself will be with us.

Thoughts for another day

March 23, 2009.

Today's verse: Is. 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

They literally dragged Timothy Sullivan and shoved his body into the dark and dinghy cell. Soon the inmates gathered around him. His body was completely bruised, there were welts and cuts all over his back and smudges of blood everywhere. Soon someone brought a piece of cloth and put it on him. They were all thinking how he came to be alive after such whipping. They sat and said a prayer.

The Nazis had worked hard on their victim, rather proxy victim because Timothy had volunteered to be whipped according to the rule, instead of Diego Tadun, an old man who would, after just one swish of the whip, have gone under. After a long time, he got up slowly wincing with every little action. His fuzzy mind remembered how the old man had pleaded with his eyes to them, yet none came forward. Then something inside told him: go Timothy, step forward; and he did.

He yelled when the whip made of solid leather thongs cut thru his skin. After the fifth lash, he was knocked out. He didn’t even know when the 20th was given to signal the end. Brute force coupled with the rough thongs had done their work and every inch of his back was tattered flesh. But inside Timothy was happy. He knew his Lord and Master would be happy. Diego came over with a little napkin and wiped his back with smuggled wine to provide a little relief. His tears, fell on Timothy’s body and Timothy held his withered hand.

His mind went back to the day when Jesus lay helpless at the whipping pole. 39 ghastly lashes by the Roman brutes. Jesus had done it for Him and the rest of mankind. If Jesus though innocent could do it, thought Timothy, certainly I can and that’s what he had done. Timothy now knew how love transformed men. How his love for God & Diego had made him accept the punishment. Now he knew how much God loved him, because of which He gave His only Son to redeem him and mankind with the only condition that they believe in Him for eternal life. But Timothy thought, Lord, how many believe? How many bend their knee. And he felt as if God were telling him, you did your bit Timothy, so will others for I am counting on them. And someday, the world will be transformed and I will reign over it.

Thoughts for another day

March 20, 2009.

Today's verse: Pro. 18:10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The wisdom of the wise allows one great thing, that is ‘In the LORD, let your refuge be and not in humans.’ In situations of distress and stress, there’s none better than him to run to and get refreshment. The Lord’s Name is a strong tower: Mighty and powerful, not subject to the lashing of the winds and rains or the ravages of time. And in it is the sure assurance that those who run unto Him are safe. No matter what the trouble, no matter who the enemy; invoking His Name means destroying the power of the greatest adversary rendering him toothless, as it were and ineffective.

To those that face life with uncertainty each day, there is no reassurance anyone can give, except that which is given by the Lord. For no one can summon power at a Word like He can do. In the glorious realm of the Lord, all we can feel is an immensity and invincibility; no fear is felt or any shame, no matter how big a sinner one is. His welcome is for all and no one who seeks Him sincerely can escape His embrace.

To us too today, the Lord has one single advice, ‘Come to Me…’ We can write beside that, ‘when you are tired’ or ‘when you are in danger’ or when your enemy is out to devour you’ or ‘when you see no path in your predicament’ and so on. The source of all life, strength, power, joy, contentment etc. is the Lord. And He alone reaches out in our muddled states holding the hope for our lives. Take Him at His Word and run to Him.

Thoughts for another day

March 18, 2009.

Today's verse: Ex. 14:13. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today: (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The owners of the house had come to evict the Jones’. They hadn’t paid their rent for a long time. Johnny was suspended from his job 5 months back because of a mishap he was held responsible for though he wasn’t involved at all. His pleading had been in vain. Managing just food for his family of 8 with two old parents was next to impossible. The only income was that of his wife doing some menial labor at a small factory. Paying rent was not even on his mind at the moment. Each month pleading and begging with the owner was the norm. But he was given a deadline which had passed. The owner had now come with his men, bent on throwing all their stuff on the street outside.

Mrs. Jones fell at his feet with tears in her eyes, but to no avail. The only one who was confident they wouldn’t be thrown out was little Tommy. A few days ago he’d heard his catechism teacher tell that whatever you ask of God, He gives. He’d prayed yesterday night in his child-like manner, ‘Please Lord, mommy asks, where will we go if we’re thrown out? There’s none to help us Lord but You, so please don’t delay and help right away.’ He knew his prayer would be heard. And right enough, as the owner’s men entered their home, Johnny’s ex-boss came to the door.

‘Forgive me’, he told Johnny. They had made a mistake. He handed over an envelope in which was Johnny’s re-instatement letter and salary for the last 5 months. The amount was a little over what they owed the owner! Strange thought Johnny, what luck, money just on time. But Tommy knew and he told his mom and she told Johnny and they knelt in thanks before God.

In our verse today, we see the affirmation of Moses to the Israelites to stand still and see the power that God will work in their favor and sure enough…God worked mightily. My friend, if your have read this far, know that God is around us all the time. And He knows when to intervene. One thing you can be sure of, His timing is always right and He will never let you down.

Thoughts for another day

March 18, 2009.

Today's verse: Jude 1:20. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We want many things in life and most of us don’t know how to get them. Let’s take a good home, we can call our own. In most parts of the world, that can set you back by more than half a life time’s earnings. Another thing is no one will give us anything, and by no means, a home for free. So who do we go to? Who will help us? I can only think of God and so we say, God, I want this from you. But after a little while doubts creep in. Will God really grant me a home? Will He really come to my aid?

A long time back, while teaching a catechism class, I asked the children (age around 14 years) what they’d ask of God if He came there right then. Some said chocolates and some said a good rank etc. Then I asked if that’s all they expected from God. Again I asked, would anyone ask Him for a big car say, like the Mercedes Benz. Almost all said no. When asked why, all answers were typical; God won’t give such a big thing no!

That’s the level of our faith. When Jesus said, ‘Ask and you will receive’, He didn’t determine what not to ask. But we who have strayed from God have done that. So we ask expecting the minimum and that’s exactly what we get. Even I do that most of the time. So for you and I, today’s verse is apt. To realise we serve a Mighty God who’s there for us. It’s time we build up our faith, trusting Him for everything, even vanquishing those who plot against us and decree our fall. It’s also time we knew that praying in the Spirit is essential in being with the will of God. This is so that when God opens His hand and provides all the glory will be to His Name.

Thoughts for another day

March 17, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Today when I see Christians around me and even looking at myself, I see a dryness when it concerns our spiritual lives. Why is there dryness? Why is there no spiritual bliss and why are we always in a state of misery. Yeah, many will tell me that it needn’t be termed misery, but still there’s not too much happiness I’d say.

For me as well as for many others, a life without God is a life spent in vain. Jesus said, ‘what does it gain a man if he win the whole world but lose his soul.’ Truly that saying is evident in its essence in the lives of many people. It’s only when they are on the death bed that reality sinks in and people are afraid to move into the next world. Because they have probably been very happy in the world and in a way gained the world, but had no relationship with God so lost their souls. Is that your condition (except that you aren’t on the death bed) today?

Our verse sends us a deep promise about being like a tree planted near abundant water. But that is possible only for those who mediate upon the precepts of the Lord and who have no time for the sinful ways of the world. Only such a person will have no dryness as the Lord will be continuously feeding him with choice things to help him in his life. There sure would be obstacles, but then again the Lord will provide him the way to move out of difficulties and swerve around miseries. That is the promise He gives us and His promises are true.

Thoughts for another day

March 16, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 78:19. Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Very often before I was initiated into God completely, I used to ask the question, ‘Is God able to do that?’ Then after I was initiated, I learnt, yes God is able to do every thing in a way that I couldn’t even imagine. But then God is God and a human being is human and not able to perceive His ways easily.

It’s only with faith that one is able to, not speak as the Israelites did when they were in the wilderness. Not only that, one won’t bother about the happenings around when there’s faith in God because that faith says that God will shield and provide. There cannot be a greater thing than faith in a man that can move God’s hand. We also know that God is able to do anything and that too with a Word so faith in Him means realizing what we’ve asked Him as we ask.

My friend, you may run into adverse situations in life, but make sure you are aligned to God for only He can take care of you thoroughly. Running to man is worthless. God is not seen but He is there; just like air which though unseen is there and we can feel it. God is there like a Father to nurture and care for us. But we need to go to Him, for unless we do, He cannot answer as then we are unprepared to accept His blessing.

Thoughts for another day

March 13, 2009.

Today's verse: Mt. 10:33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Sometimes the ways of the world are so intoxicating, we want to walk on them. I’ve discovered that the moment you walk on them, the rationale and recognition for everything you do is attributed to human effort. The glory goes to the man.

We are so caught up with the world that we tend to ignore God. I was once shocked at my own behavior, when I quickly pulled away from the home screen of my cell phone in front of an unbeliever because it had a picture of Jesus on it! Later, I wondered how I could do it, particularly because my life revolves around the Lord and, it should have been a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk about the Lord, beginning with His picture perhaps. I delved a inside of me and discovered that I did it because a little earlier I was nasty with this man and did not display Jesus in my actions.

So there you are; because we sin, there are those of us who do not want to display Jesus because in that sin we cannot identify with Him. Of course, the ways of the world are sin and in the world we cannot identify with the Lord and so deny Him. It happens with almost everyone except those who have with His help overcome this mindset. It’s not that we should sin and then display Jesus for that would be wrong; but if we sin we beg forgiveness and in it display Jesus!

Jesus is clear in our verse today about what He will do to them who deny Him; He will deny them before His Father. And then no matter what one has achieved in this life it will all be useless as in eternal life, one will be lost.

Thoughts for another day

March 12, 2009.

Today's verse: Is. 52:10. The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

You know the Bible has a wonderful saying from the Lord, ‘I have come down from Heaven seeing the misery of My people and I have come to rescue them from their pain.’ If you’ve read the book of Exodus, that’s what God tells Moses concerning His people who are like slaves in Egypt. When the Lord says this, you can be sure, there are going to be wonders happening all around and the Lord has His muscles flexed and ready to roll so to say.

If you call yourself a man or woman of God and you want to see this happen, there’s a way. For instance, if you are troubled or in difficult circumstances, then you need to do something so the Lord bares His arm. You’ve got to kneel down. There is no other way I know by which the Lord can be moved except by, ‘bruising’ your knees. I’ve seen the countless no of times the Lord has worked wonderfully when I’ve gone on my knees.

Through the tears I’ve seen the Lord breaking bonds, casting fear in the eyes of my enemies. Particularly in those who have aligned against me to harm me. Yes, my friend if you go on your knees, I assure you all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of your God brings for you. He’ll give you reason to rejoice and well, its not always that the Lord takes you through trial and also when He sends a trial, see though the fog of your heart and know it’s a trial and He shall rescue you out of it and bring you to glory. Trust Him.

Thoughts for another day

March 11, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 84:11. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

For those of us who are troubled and in some state of despair, this verse is God’s promise of help. Yes, if you believe, God is a sun and a shield, who gives us Grace and makes us His glorious beings.

My friend, if you believe, God is that army coming to your rescue when attacked as we saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha? (2 Kgs. 6:17). God is that sufficiency coming into your need as in the case of the widow of Zarephath through Elijah (1 Kgs. 17:9ff). He comes as the balm of Gilead when you are hurt, providing comfort.

And my friend God is that sound of marching that David heard on the mulberry trees (2 Sm. 5:24), signaling his victory. For the man who trusts, God is solid ground which you can walk on in the midst of the raging sea as Peter experienced when Jesus commanded, ‘Come’. God is many things to us in our difficult situations. He’s the friend who says He’s with us, as Paul experienced (Acts. 18:10) moreover His Name is a strong tower (Pro. 18:10) and we who run to Him need not worry; no matter what.

I urge you today to rid of yourself of fears and seek refuge in the Lord. See, He is there with you. Even before you were born, He knew you would come to this. He also knew He’d take care, poised to do that, just waiting for you to ask Him to; of course believing that He is, rather than superfluously praying. For He delights in every child who comes to Him in belief - Hebrews 11:6 and He rewards those who seriously seek Him. I can confidently say I have sought Him and found Him and His reward has been wonderful. Truly, He’ll hold back no good thing from them who walk uprightly and believe in Him.

Thoughts for another day

March 10, 2009.

Today's verse: Ne. 6:16. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many times our enemies, people more powerful, lie in wait to destroy and finish us off. They are happy to see us in the dust and feel triumphant. We don’t understand this kind of enmity and ask ourselves, what we have done to deserve it.

To all those who have faced/face such situations, here’s a word of advice. Get up and go to the Lord. A long time back, before dinner, we got a phone call. I took the call. The person on the other side gave me such a choice of bad words, I was shocked. The guy also threatened me saying, he will destroy me. I had never done anything wrong to deserve this and not knowing who it was, I kept asking for his name and no, which didn’t appear on my caller ID and he’d mention none. I kept the phone down; it rang again; the same thing. I again kept the phone down. Then it rang again. This time my wife picks up the phone and the person tells her of all the wrong I’d done which he said she wouldn’t be aware of, etc. She told him it was a case of mistaken identity which he refused to listen, so she kept the phone down. The phone then kept ringing but we didn’t pick it up. We were shaken but somehow managed to have our dinner. We called the cops but they said, they could do nothing unless we had the number of the caller.

I was very disturbed. I took the problem to the Lord. In fact, I knelt and cried and prayed. The Lord’s peace entered me. After that incident, I’ve never got a call like that which, I won’t dismiss as a prank because the caller was dead serious. Now I can really believe the words of our verse today. I believe the moment I prayed, the Lord, put fear in the heart of the man. I believe he must have become so fearful that he never called me again.

Just as the Lord did for me in that situation, He will do for you in any situation where you are scared. As long as you have the fear for the Lord, He is there with you to deliver you and knock off your fear which the devil uses to subdue you and the Lord breaks this fear to put love in your heart. So I face fear and say, ‘who are you before my God’. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Thoughts for another day

March 9, 2009.

Today's verse: Mt. 26:26. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

One day, I was thinking of the Lord and His great sacrifice. My mind went to the time He had the last supper with His disciples. I visualized the picture in my mind. A large furnished and prepared upper room and a table set therein where gathered thirteen men. A spirit of grief hung over the place as if something very awful was to happen. There was sadness in the eyes of the Lord and a bit of hurt too. Then it was as if I was really transported into that room, the fourteenth man, and I quietly took my place and listened to the soft Words which came very graciously from the mouth of the Lord. He spoke very haltingly as He lifted up the dry crusty unleavened bread up and spoke the words as in our above verse.

My mind couldn’t take it in. What was happening? Imagine the Lord, The righteous One Himself, who with a word had made quiet the Sea of Galilee and with a yell had called Lazarus out of the tomb was as it were, in a state of panic and deep anguish.

My soul called out to Him. ‘What is it Lord, will you not tell me?’ He replied. ‘You know, I came down to earth to tell you how much I love you and introduce My Father’s Kingdom to you.’ I listened as He continued, ‘My child I love you so much and very soon you’ll see Me die a miserable death at the hands of evil people who think they are doing a favor to My Father. They know they are wrong and may realise it someday, but many of them will be remorseless.’ I was all ears now and He bent low as if to whisper, ‘The whole world will know the love I have for man when I will stretch My arms and gather them into the Kingdom, because I will rise from the grave. Yes, I am here to die for you, but I will rise. You will not understand this now, but later you will.’ My eyes filled and He said, ‘Come and be with me and I will grant rest for your soul. Feed yourself My Body, so you’ll never hunger and drink My blood so you’ll never thirst. Precious one, I love you and I will always love you.’

My tears were flowing. I was all shaken up. What love He has for me that He sent His only begotten Son to die for me. His voice rang in my ears and I suddenly came back. Now, I look at myself and realise His promise still stands: ‘Take this and eat My body and drink My blood.’ Yes, redemption is still available for a very small price: belief. Belief that He came, He died and He rose again. Across ages, this maxim will run and He will be raised among men and women all over. But for now, I just need to go on my knees and worship Him and be grateful that He is my God.

Thoughts for another day

March 6, 2009.

Today's verse: Mt. 11:28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When I look around and see the trouble people are in, I feel sad about this world. What do the common people face? What’re their problems? I won’t note them here as the list would be too long and we’re all acquainted with them as we too have our problems. Another thing, when I read this verse, I always felt that it was for others, not for me as we believe we are always invincible till the moment something strikes us.

But first, to talk of problems people have: It is so tough to live these days, everything is expensive and people have reconciled to the fact that they need to have very simple meals every day and no frills whatsoever. Children in slums don’t even know what a good quality chocolate means. The elderly have their money taken away and left with nothing and none to care for them. Youth are involved with drugs, immorality and the like with not even a sense of what’s right or wrong. Parents of these youth have their own sets of problems which when they share, you realise the worthlessness of their lives…It all amounts to nothing.

Then I think of my problems. At home. At work. In the community and elsewhere. I spend money on an object and it turns out to be fake and so on. Where O Lord will Your people and I find solace is my cry to the Lord. I’m even aghast to notice the scant respect people have for God when I see them talking inside the church even as others are praying. What has it all come to? I think they are signs of what’s in store for us unless we urgently heed Jesus’ message asking us to go to Him.

See, He alone has our comfort. He alone knows our distress and our trouble and He can provide comfort that lasts. Truly in today’s context it’s essential we go to Him. I for one, sit with Him every day. Maybe, I don’t pray that much but merely sitting at His feet gives me the confidence of having Him with me every moment. And honestly, His burden is far lighter than any other; and mind you, He’ll even carry your baggage if you but, ask.

Thoughts for another day

March 4, 2009.

Today's verse: Ez. 28:25. When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God has a way of doing things. Men are hardly able to understand and God being Sovereign, doesn’t tell what His next move is, except to those humble ones who sit at His feet day and night meditating upon His Word, praying for a lost and sick world. In isolation this may seem a little difficult in the context that God brings about evil upon the world. But that’s not the case; rather, the benevolence of God is what keeps man’s actions from destroying our world; and God will see that nothing happens to it by what we do, as He created it in the first place.

Over the ages we see men seeking dominance over God’s work, not to beautify it and give Him glory, but to degrade and destroy it to prove themselves superior. Pride is ingrained so deep into man that its effects play on around the globe. Therefore, God scatters asunder the strengths of man, something like what we see in the tower of Babel (Gen. 11). Over time man discovers it’s not possible to build the imposing thing as the requisite elements are scattered and bringing them together is next to impossible.

Such was also the case of the Israelites. They thought themselves invincible as they had a Real God who worked for them and they also had the Holy Temple by which they thought they’d never be destroyed. God called their bluff because they never obeyed Him or singularly worshiped Him. He allowed all kinds of atrocities on them and they were destroyed and exiled and cast around the world.

Our verse says that when God brings them together from where they’re scattered, He will show Himself holy among them before the nations. And that’s a promise of God. When the Jews are finally all in Israel, God will work the great thing of showing Himself holy among them, which means His power will be seen to the fullest. And that is what we wish to see too for then we shall know of His power and live with Him.

Thoughts for another day

March 4, 2009.

Today's verse: Nu. 14:14b. for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Listen to this all people of God: When the Jews came out of Egypt, carried by the Lord, they arrived at various places safe and sound despite their with women and children among them; for the LORD God was with them. He had placed His cover of protection upon them and no one dare lift their eyes upon them. But they did not reckon it as too much, ungrateful as they were, demanding things of the Lord as if they were worthy.

Now when a report came from the spies who had gone ahead to spy the land they were to enter, about how the people in those lands were very strong and could overcome them, the Jews started mumbling and grumbling against Moses and against God so much so that it kindled the wrath of God and He told Moses He would destroy them all; which is when this wonderful verse comes as we have it for today.

What I like about it is, the way Moses, a mere human, talks with God reminding Him how He had rescued them from the Egyptians and now if He destroyed them, how they the Egyptians would hear about it and would tell the people of those lands and they would ridicule the Lord saying, He couldn’t bring them to the Land He promised them so destroyed them! Read it to see how Moses talks to the Lord…A Powerful and Mighty God! Yet, God accepts Moses’ saying and relents.

However, what’s good about this verse is, ‘the LORD being among His people’. Read the Words and see; it’s so beautiful. When I read them I wonder how good our God is and how He comes down to be with us and among us, revealing Himself to us. Honestly, you and I are privileged to have a God Who is so good.

Thoughts for another day

March 3, 2009.

Today's verse: Gal. 3:26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Suppose someday, the emissary of an extremely influential and rich man comes and tells you: ‘If you believe, you are the rich man’s child.’ What would your response be? You’d be incredulous and say, it’s not possible but think, it just may be. You start imagining about that man and his riches and how you could partake of them for if you’re his child you could use his riches. Perhaps, you’d rush to that man, but to your dismay, discover that he doesn’t know you and doesn’t wish to see you. Later you’ll find there was an identity error and that ends your dream of being called that man’s child.

Long ago Jesus came and gave the same message to us like that of the emissary. He told us that if we believe, we are children of THE FATHER. There are many of us who don’t even know the Father, but the amazing thing is that He knows us well. You know there are billions of people on the planet right now. And there’d have been billions from the time the world began. Yet the Father knows each one and that too, by name.

He desires to be called “FATHER”. He waits for us to come to the belief that we are His children through His Son, Jesus Christ. Then when we come in belief, He opens Himself to us and asks us to indulge in whatever is His. In eternal life, He opens up treasures that are just beyond the dimensions of our imaginations as Paul says, ‘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.’ And truly, He can do that because He is a great God.

A noble and rich man of the world has finite belongings but our Father in heaven has no concept of ‘finiteness’. He is infinite and everything He has is infinite. He creates what He wishes and is the Master of beauty and splendor. So imagine, what our inheritance will be, for in Christ Jesus, we are His children and being thus, we inherit all that He has. The only sad thing would be if we don’t accept His offer!

Thoughts for another day

March 2, 2009.

Today's verse: Rom. 6:11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the death of Jesus, we too have died to sin, for by His death He destroyed the citadel of the evil one and swept away the retribution our sins had in store for us. In that He brought us out of the grave and into His marvelous kingdom, so we may be His bride and reign unto eternal life with Him.

In our living here we may encounter many shades of life. We may not find ourselves in our best spiritual attire always. But, one thing we remember is that sin is taken and cast away from us by our God Himself, who loved us and gave Himself up for us. In this we learn of a love so pure that without any expectation He washes us and cleans us and makes us free. Therefore, though we may have these blind areas of sin and guilt, we must remember that we are dead unto sin. But greater than this is what’s granted by the Holy One, the Son of God whose righteousness we are adorned with by which we’re alive unto God in and thorough our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is a wonderful thing. Imagine, being alive though condemned to die! Imagine what Barabbas’ felt; though deserving death, he lived because Someone else took his place. And that very Someone, our precious Savior took our place. He ridiculed death by rising from the dead, thereby abolishing the demands of death by the evil one and leading us victorious to the Father. We have this promise with us and we yearn to live this promise in our lives by His blood and His Grace which flows so freely for us.