Thoughts for another day

April 29, 2009.

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

This world in which we are is but a place where God checks whether we’re fit to be with Him in the eternal kingdom and rightly do many say, our life on earth is but a drop in the ocean of time. In this context, I’d like to talk about a man called David Livingstone, a great explorer, but a profound man of God. His heart was full of glory for the Lord so much so that when he died, he was found on his knees praying for the "the open sore of the Lord." His is a life which echoes the clarion call of the Lord to go and preach the good news to the uttermost parts of the earth. Qualified as a doctor, his was a medical mission doubling up as God’s mission, where he spread God’s love amongst the most down-trodden in Africa. Although, he could be practicing anywhere, he chose Africa and that too it’s interiors, refusing to take the pulpit at Cape Town, because someone said to him that smoke rose from thousands of villages which had never seen a missionary.

Amid the grit and the determination that we see of David Livingstone, in that he dared to go, where death and disease were rampant, facilities non-existent and where distrust ruled the day. Yet David Livingstone never flinched from his core job of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His prayer was, "Lord, send me anywhere, but do go with me. Lay any burden on me, but sustain me in all things. Break all ties except those that bind me to Thy service and to Thine heart." Because of such determination, he was referred as the ‘Apostle of Africa’ and he even died there in the service of the Lord.

My friend, our life on earth is short. We must understand that the situation in the world is not to God’s liking and there’s but one thing to know and that is, God’s is the work we need to do and His command to obey. We have to do our bit for the Gospel and God doesn’t request us to do it; He commands us to do it. So take the reins of your life, no matter what your situation. Look up for Divine help and move. Do something and if you don’t know anything, pray. Pray that the world be won for Christ. And echo the words of St. Paul in our above verse, for someday on high, when you meet Him, He will say, ‘Well done faithful servant…enter the abode of My Father.’ What a day that will be!

Thoughts for another day

April 28, 2009.

Today's verse: Rev. 21:5-6. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

This morning while googling, I happened to read a testimony of a man, David MacDonald here: http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/personal_testimony.htm. There’s something about his testimony that moves you. It seems very ordinary and not starry as some others are, but it has the hand of God on it. The stamp of Jesus Christ on a man, used to the worldly life, reduced to nothing and then changed into a servant of God. When I read this testimony, I was moved by the Spirit of God into telling myself to do a few things for God, the way David did, which I intend doing in His time.

My friend, Jesus Christ has a similar story for each one of us who most probably don’t have much of a qualification to even mouth His blessed and Holy Name, but for the fact that our hearts are open to Him; and this He has seen even before the foundation of the world. God knows our hearts well. When God saw the entire creation all at once and each person individually, even before He said the Word to create the world, He saw our hearts and knew who were for Him and who weren’t. That is why even before David, just a shepherd boy, could become what God had planned for him, God who had seen his heart said about him: ‘A man after My own heart’ (1 Sm. 13:14).

No matter what you do in life now, remember one thing: Jesus Christ is the beginning and end of all things, the Alpha and the Omega. The One who knows us well and looks upon us to do great things for Him. You may be a broken person or wrecked (finished) in every way; you could even be rejected and thrown out and may be reading this through someone who tells you what’s written here, but it doesn’t matter for Christ can build a man out of a caricature. That’s what He says, ‘Behold I make all things new!’ Imagine the luxury of a God so great that of a pauper, He makes a king! And don’t forget His promise where He says, I will give him who thirsts, water from the fountain of life freely. So come on, come to the fount and drink. You’ll change.

Thoughts for another day

April 27, 2009.

Today's verse: Is. 25:9. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Very soon a day is going to come when there will be tremendous tribulation. Christians are going to be put into the wine-press of suffering. They will be wrung about with force and will wilt. A lot of pain will be experienced in the process. The enemy of the followers of Jesus Christ will drown them in such misery so as to cause many of them to renounce Jesus. But even then there will be many who will remain with the Lord steadfastly and refuse to deny or renounce Him.

But the tribulation will take a heavy toll. People will beg to be released from their miseries and want to be free and then shall they remember the verse above. They will wait upon the Lord and be confident that the LORD will save them. They will know that the Lord, the God of heaven and earth will rescue them from their misery. Their belief being firm, surely God will turn aside the curtains of heaven; look down and pardon their guilt and will save them with a mighty hand.

God’s people are unique. They are the only ones who are educated by God Himself. They will face turmoil, but will suffer no harm. When they err, God will punish them for He wants that they change and reform. And when they do that, God will turn His face on them and redeem them and well, they will be glad and rejoice in their salvation.

Thoughts for another day

April 24, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 45:17. I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the Lord there is the great feeling of being happy from within. He touches our hearts and makes us glad by His goodness. All wealth we have is His and He fills us with it, so we’re even more glad. Sometimes, we are so effused with praise for Him that ringing out our song of glory is the cause that enables us to be full. So today, as we look at our verse, let us remember the greatest thing in life we can do is to ensure that we sing to our God, a song of love, a song of praise. Lifting up holy hands, looking at heaven, where our future residence is to be, let’s just glorify His Name.

And remember, apart from our own internal well being in glorifying our God, we also inherit His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. God is pleased when we lift up our voices and praise His Name. God is exalted when our beings crave to rejoice in Him and so He stretches forth His hand in solemn blessing upon us ensuring that we never lack or have need of anything we desire.

From the beginning of creation, we were created to praise God. In doing that we put our selves in line for inheriting His awesome riches and that’s perfect in His sight. Even in the portals of heaven we see we are supposed to glorify Him in eternity, prostrate ourselves before Him and worship Him. When I think of this, a joy fills my heart for you don’t know how much it means to me to worship our God. There is such joy in it, it’s unimaginable. I’m sure you feel that way too and so we tell our God, ‘Lord, I will make Thy Name to be remembered in all generations so all people shall praise Thee for ever and ever.’ Amen.

Thoughts for another day

April 23, 2009.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)
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My aunt Edna was a remarkable person. I remember once when small, she took me to a church function. What remained in my small mind of the function was the way a certain man, Thomas, insulted her not once, not twice but thrice. But believe me, not once was my aunt affected. However, the remarkable personality I mentioned earlier did not emanate from this but another occasion when she took me for a group meeting with a few women.

After they finished the work on hand they relaxed and passed around some cookies and tea. Then the gossiping began and someone started bad mouthing Thomas. It shocked when she politely asked them to stop talking ill of people, this even when someone pointed he wasn’t there so what was her problem! And because they wouldn’t stop, my aunt quietly shifted from that group. On the way back, I told my aunt the man deserved it. You know what she told me? Never to repeat what I said, as it would offend Christ. Then she gave me this little sermon: Jesus came so we could experience God’s love and share that love with others. Christ wants that we build up people and encourage them, not break them up, even if they happen to be one’s enemies because Jesus said, ‘one should love one’s enemies and pray for them.’

I couldn’t understand this and taking my aunt to be slightly ‘loco’ I left it there. Today, my aunt is no more but many times what she said rumbles in my mind. When I look at her and at myself, I see the tremendous difference in the way she lived and the way I do. I pray to the Lord to make me like her. She was a living example of the life of Christ…a Christian to the core. And I’m the exact opposite. You know, I write this reflection as God has ordained me to. But many times, I cringe within for the ideas I put forth and my lifestyle don’t match. Yet, God, Beautiful that He is, wants that I write because He tells me that all are sinners and it is through us that He works out the good.

But this is not about me. It’s about the beloved church of Jesus Christ. My friend, if we love Him, we will love the body of Christ, the church. God loves us with all our imperfections then can’t we love His church too with all its imperfections? Tell me who is perfect? Am I, are you? No, none except God Himself and if God accepts us as we are, shouldn’t we accept others as they are and learn to encourage them.

Thoughts for another day

April 22, 2009.

Today's verse: Dan. 4:32b. …until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Samson was a big man. Belonging to a very poor family and coming up the hard way, he’d realised every goal he set himself. But, his craze for wealth and power had taken him on the wrong path. Murder, plotting evil, sleaze, drugs and every dirty trait of the world was used by Samson. People hated him but envied and feared him. He loved to demonstrate his power to the detriment of his opponents and kicking them to the dust didn’t bother him one bit.

Though a Christian, Samson opposed every virtue Christ propounded, doing the exact opposite. He said Christ’s theories was for those early times; not now when ‘might was right’. An old priest often told him of the wrong he was doing asking that he mend his ways. This so irritated him that he once whisked out his gun and pointed it onto the priest’s temple threatening to shoot. The poor priest, too shocked for words, backed off. Samson continued in his ways, thinking and saying he was greater than God.

Then God struck. He was shot in the head by his opponents. Though alive, he was reduced to a vegetable on the bed, completely helpless. His friends deserted him and his close aides fled. He had money but no love. As for the money, the taxmen raided his businesses and piled heaps of cases upon him. Almost every government dept. jumped into the melee to get a pound of their flesh from the helpless guy.

The only one who came by his bedside was the same old priest. Samson felt alone and frightened. He realised now what he was. Our above verse had become reality. His defiance of God had led him to death. His condition was so bad, he couldn’t speak nor do anything to make amends. Soon Samson passed away. Of his ill gotten wealth, someone had faked papers and drawn up a false will and finally inherited it.

My friend, I’m reminded of Ps. 24:1 that to God belongs everything. The devil can imagine he’s in control and his tribe on earth may think similarly. But a day comes when God yanks them off their dirty thrones and throws them into the dirt where they belong. Today, if the pleasures of the world seem pleasant to your senses, shirk them away. God in His mercy will give you riches if you but ask and be patient. Remember, you can move God’s heart by prayer and get all you need and desire in the right manner and that will also bring peace to your being.

Thoughts for another day

April 21, 2009.

Today's verse: Is. 55:8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Helen was God fearing. She was comfortable in every way but her family was totally separated from each other because of a property feud. This troubled her. She had three brothers and two sisters and they didn’t see eye to eye except with her. Only she talked with them all and however much she tried, she couldn’t make them talk to each other. She prayed and prayed but nothing happened. Then one day, she fell ill, really ill. Fear of death filled her mind but her only thought was if she died, then she’d never see her brothers and sisters together. Therefore, amidst her tears, she fought with God, perturbed, that though she prayed, she didn’t see the answer to her prayer.

While she deteriorated, they came to visit her. Her body had given up most of its normal functions. One day, the elder brother broke down on seeing her. While he took her hand and sobbed, she gently asked how her other brothers were. He again sobbed and said he didn’t know, but he’d like to know. So she decided to call them all together at the same time. On the appointed day, they came and Helen told them, ‘I don’t think I’ve too long to live. My wish is we become the family we were, when we were children.’ Soon, it was as if a dam burst. All crying at the same time.

In her mind, Helen, though now very weak came to realise how God had answered her prayer, not in the manner she’d imagined though. Joy filled her heart. She sat up on her bed and they came and embraced her. Then she took their hands and put them into each others. They looked at each other and cried and cried. It was a marvelous sight and Helen thanked God with all her heart. After this, miraculously she began to feel well and in no time left the hospital with her brothers and sisters helping her.

A few weeks later they met at her elder brother’s and Helen recounted how she had prayed and the way God answered her prayer. Truly, she said, ‘God is wonderful. He made me sick so He could bring us together. I’d never imagined this as a solution, but God knew and He used it. His ways are so different. His thoughts are miles apart from us.’ They agreed with her even as they prayed together as one family.

My friend, this is just an illustration of God’s ways and His works. You and I can’t fathom His thoughts; they are so different from ours. When we reach a dead end and think it’s over, He can make us fly. When the sky seems gloomy with overcast clouds, He brings light unknown in the atmosphere. The greatness of God is that in each experience of ours, He brings about a remarkable story. The great heart mover that He is, He never allows unredeemable grief to His crying servants but always gives help in a manner that can change the lives of others who hear about it.

Thoughts for another day

April 20, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 27:8. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Sometimes I reflect on the nature of our God. He is so beautiful of countenance that it is amazing. And a thing that I must say of Him is that He yearns to bless us. But like most things, there is a manner in which we must gain His blessings. The easiest way in which we learn that is by sitting at His feet and gazing at His face.

Many children of God have done that and their lives have changed. They have learnt that the best thing to do in the world is to sit at His feet. There is a kind of rest that a human being can get at the LORD’s feet. You feel completely charged and a direction enters life. A direction with the help of which, one can go about confidently. Also, there is a calm in the mind which is difficult to explain because come what may, the calm doesn’t go.

Now this God of us asks us to seek Him and His face constantly. That is our privilege and to everyone who seeks His face diligently, He grants an audience and Grace unlimited. His face becomes the object of our existence and in His face we see the glory that our heart seeks. So today, let’s strive to seek His face that we may get to know Him and thus become confident.

Thoughts for another day

April 17, 2009.

Today's verse: Ps. 3:8. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

How’s life to be lead? Most, at some time or other ponder on this question because honestly, living at times becomes a drudgery or a drag; and the day to day rigmaroles of life are so tiring that they can erode your peace and give you aches. This could happen to the best of us. I have actually seen so called, ‘strong Christian people’ who have gone and done some insane things because of their disturbed frames of mind. And these very people perhaps a day earlier or a few days earlier appeared so confident and certain! The funny thing is that even when they do insane things, they seem to be in control!

The point is that human beings everywhere are faced with lows every day. Lives become miserable and living itself is painful. Now, who is there to rescue us from this life? People often suggest counselors and psychiatrists and I am sure that in the next decade, this profession is going to become the most wanted profession for many will be seeking their services to be healed and cured from their many maladies. Alas, their cure is only a mirage for real peace is very elusive.

Rightly so, because the cure for all ills is our Living God, the Lord who created us and for whom our hearts yearn; which we will understand only if we quieten ourselves and find time to retreat and know our Creator. Unfortunately, not many ‘find the time’ being involved in so many things, things which are ephemeral and temporary. But the fact of the matter, whether we accept or not, is that deliverance from the inanities and troubles of life comes only from the LORD and none else. I hope and pray that you understand this and learn so that in your moments of despair, you cling only to him and not to any self appointed human counselor, for who knows your depths as well as God, who created you?

Thoughts for another day

April 16, 2009.

Today's verse: Job 22:21. Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

With God, gaining His favor is all about acquainting oneself with Him. And, the more you know God, the stronger you become. The greater your personal experience with Him, the greater will your testimony be. Therefore, Scripture suggests you get to know Him and His ways, so you will be safe. Many people have come to know God (not by human endeavor can one get to know the Mighty and awesome Creator of the universe but by His own Grace which He provides abundantly to all who ask) and having come to know God, they’ve realised Who He is and perceived His Awesomeness.

You see, when you get to know God, the first thing you realise is that all things are possible. The best example of someone who knew God fully is Jesus Christ. Now when Jesus Christ was posed with a ‘big’ problem, let’s say a dead man, He never thought ‘big’ of it. The reason is, He knew the power of God. When the Pharisees told Him to quieten the crowd who were jubilating at His entry into Jerusalem, He simply told them that if the people kept quiet, the stones would cry out! See, we would see stones, but Jesus saw life in them! When there was the storm at sea, Jesus slept! When Jesus faced the toughest moment in His life, He never surrendered His being to fear, rather He gave His Spirit into His Father’s Hands for He knew God…His Father.

My friend if you’ve come so far reading this, I request you right now get to know Him. You’ll see how immense He is. When you’re with Him, you’re safe and all good things shall come to you. Even if you’re in the midst of tribulation, know that you’re safe with Him. If you’ve spent time with Him in personal relationship, then you’ll know that in all circumstances, you’re a conqueror, for you fight with His awesome power and can win over anything and everything. You’ll learn there’s nothing to fear when God is with you.

Thoughts for another day

April 14, 2009.

Today's verse: 1 Ps. 47:7,8. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Move back into your mind and visualize the scene above. God dressed in splendor and beauty, actually not dressed for God doesn’t wear splendor or beauty the way we do, but He is beauty and splendor. And He sits on a resplendent throne, such as is not seen on earth and His domain is Holiness and power. As He sits on the throne, people from all nations, a vast and countless crowd, throngs before Him on their knees and worships Him.

What you just visualized, the psalmist by the inspiration of the Spirit of God also did as an eventual happening, when God will take control of the earth by His awesome power and might and in the course of it, destroy the enemy of souls; and death and all evil. When this will happen, none knows, no, not even the Son of God except the Father and the Father at that time will, in the midst of tribulation, gather His children, that is you and me who have believed in His Son, under His wings and keep us safe.

When I think of this, two things happen. One, my eyes become moist for I can’t help but think of God’s mercy, Who, despite our blemishes, draws us to Himself, reclaiming us as His own; and two, I am filled with awe at the glorious and majestic splendor of our God, who reigns in such awesome grandeur that I can’t even perceive it as my mind is too small to think of such big things. Nevertheless, I can visualize it in a human way and am filled with delight that my God, my Abba, will reign in glory. And you know what, the Lamb of God, the Holy and living Son of God, will lead both you and me to our mansions on High prepared for us by Him beside His own, claiming us as His bride. Such wonder fills my heart that I yearn for His coming…Soon.

Thoughts for another day

April 14, 2009.

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 15:20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, was set before human beings, the means to rise from the dead. Not, physical death but spiritual death in which the soul died. It went into the abyss in a way, far away from its Creator into the dark eternal oblivion and nothingness.

Adam sinned and through him death entered the world. But Jesus the sinless One, the Holy and Righteous Son of man gave up His life for us and died. But it did not end there. His death took new meaning; it assumed an importance for us men, far greater than any other at anytime before; neither was it within the grasp of the evil one, for had he known the effect of Jesus’ rising again, he would not have destroyed Him in the first place. But all that is passé and Christ is risen. Our beloved God is risen, yes, He who suffered and died a cruel and shameful death has risen and with Him we have the promise that we too shall rise.

Forget your sorrow, do away with your mourning and come. Now is the time to look at the glorious face of our Lord and tell Him, ‘Jesus, thank You for dying for me. Because by Your death, You took away my death and I have received new life now. I can forget about what’s going to happen in eternity and I can look at a brilliant future in confidence. Thank You Jesus for You made the impossible happen. All because You loved me and cherished me and held me as the apple of Your eye.

Thoughts for another day

April 13, 2009.

Today's verse: Jn. 20:29. blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

To each one of us, Jesus has granted a benediction affirmed by the above verse. Do you understand the high status that He, our beloved Savior has given us in calling us blessed? Remember the beatitudes where He granted a benediction to people with a particular trait or bent of mind and we know it is so difficult to live that kind of life isn’t it? But as for us believers, we are blessed if we but believe that Jesus died and rose again. And it is so wonderful to be termed 'blessed' by our God. Even if one were to just ponder upon it, it is delightful and pleasing.

Coming out of the Easter season and remembering the tremendous sacrifice our Master made for us fallen mankind in itself provides marvelous joy. And this joy is greater when we think of our blessing because it confounds me as to how much worthy our God considers us to be that not only does He redeem us from our sins, He also gives us a place on high. We know that before Him, we are sinners and just as trash. Yet, He chooses to ignore our faults and comes to dwell with us.

Our God is wonderful. He exalts us to a high status and gives us all we need to live this high status. By the way, this high status is not what is proper in the eyes of the world but according to the Kingdom of God, which is our ultimate goal. In being with God and in living day by day remembering the blessing He has given us and moving towards our high goal is fitting and right and needs to be adopted as our path in life.

Thoughts for another day

April 8, 2009.

Today's verse: Lk. 18:32,33. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Sometimes you know that death is close by. And perhaps you also know that you’ll die miserably. What do you do? Probably, you’ll reveal it to your close confidantes and tell them about it, so they will share in your sorrow or the impending pain of the event.

Jesus mentioned of His death as a forecast, but not as it were, to elicit the pity of His apostles and others who followed Him. It was an affirmation of the purpose for which He came to earth - the pain and shame of it. It was to reveal to, the different view God took of everything. For e.g. Jesus had immense power and with a Word, He could orchestrate/create anything. But He never used it to destroy theories and arguments. It was for the good of humans that He used His power; to build not destroy. Yet, we see that even this was not tolerated. The arguments against His Sabbath day healings are not for spiritual reasons. He healed on a Sabbath to provide the feeling of freedom He wanted to give the common Jew. The hatred and jealousy the authorities and men in positions of power had for Jesus was not because they were inclined to do good for the majority, but because He undermined their authority. They would willingly join with Jesus and make Him their leader, were He to but, twist a little of the law of God. But Jesus being Jesus, did not compromise, even at the cost of His life. For us it’s a lesson: how many times will we live the way God wants us to?

I wonder what might have gone on in Jesus’ mind as He made the above prediction. Perhaps, there was a slight fear or maybe, hesitation. He knew He’d come on earth to suffer and die for men; but to stare death in the face! That was something. But all along Jesus knew for whom He was suffering and dying. And He also knew that the only way to redeem fallen man was to snatch them from death by dying Himself. He’s done that for us. Are we prepared to take His message of freedom and good news to others. Or has He suffered in vain. Would you care to answer?

Thoughts for another day

April 3, 2009.

Today's verse: Pro. 26:20. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

I spoke to a lady yesterday who calls me regularly to consult on spiritual matters. I encourage this because it’s better to clarify things than form notions that could be dangerous and lead you away from the Lord. It’s happened to many people. I would encourage you also to consult a church elder and a person with the fear of the Lord in case you have a problem, no matter how high your spiritual maturity is; and though I maintain that the best teacher is the Holy Spirit, there are many of us who still need to learn to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

In the midst of our conversation on sin, she mentioned that she hardly commits any but a bit of gossiping and rumor mongering. The flow of our conversation wasn’t on sin, so I didn’t say anything. But in selecting this as our verse for the day, I thought I’ll reflect on what she said. If you read carefully, it equals rumor mongering and gossiping as leading to a fire. Do you know that many lives have been destroyed because of gossip? Do you realise that other than the evil in the heart of a person, it’s his or her nature to malign and assassinate the character of another person that does the largest damage? Do you know that many people involved in this are not even aware of the damage they are doing and do you know that you could be doing this damage without realising the bad consequences that accrue to the person you gossip about?

The organisation I work with is a Christian organisation; but honestly the amount of garbage that spews from within is amazing. Even before a person can defend himself or herself, the damage to that person’s character is already done. I’ve witnessed how a dear friend of mine, a firm believer with great passion for the gospel was recently slurred and hurt so badly despite being completely innocent. So much so, that he quit the organisation in great pain. My friend, such is the dirt of gossip and tale bearing. It is dangerous and let me tell you, if you indulge in it, it will come back to you. Be careful and get out of the circuit. You will then see peace.

Thoughts for another day

April 2, 2009.

Today's verse: Judges 2:22. That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Some days back, I met a gentleman and we started talking about God. He was a little upset with Abba Father. I tried to understand what upset him. He said he had prayed to God for patience but he noticed he became more impatient because all of a sudden, his work load increased leading him to lose his temper very often. Hence, he felt sometimes God does the exact opposite of what we ask! So saying, he moved away.

I started thinking and it dawned on me that God was answering his prayer though not in a manner he expected. To increase his patience, God was providing situations where he could exercise restraint and be patient. Unfortunately, the man didn’t understand and failed to see God’s work. This is the case with most of us; and Israel too. God seems harsh and speaks in a manner of punishment to the errant Israelites, but nevertheless, He was telling them He’d be there with His might provided they did things His way. And God left the nations, they were to dislodge, remain among them to pester them as a thorn in their flesh. But their obedience would grant them relief. And God does rescue them often as we see in the Book of Judges.

Many times, God gives us problems; if we discern, we can see them as opportunities our beloved Father provides to get back to Him. But what do we do? We curse God that He gave us the problem. Most of our lives, we are trying to move away from God and He in His mercy sends us a situation wherein we can come back. In your life, see if this has happened. Perhaps, it could be some form of illness or a job loss or some ordeal or family problem, etc. See through the situation and identify God’s hand in it. Pray for wisdom in your actions and surely God will arrive and take care of you.

Thoughts for another day

April 1, 2009.

Today's verse: 2 Sam. 6:22. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Pls. read this verse carefully. David says something stunning. You know, Michal held David in disdain because she saw him dancing before the Ark of the Lord in gay abandon among the common people, dancing and singing with them. It was spiteful to her who was dressed in finery and would never endeavor to do anything so ‘disgraceful’.

Here we find two kinds of persons. The ‘person of David’ who did not bother about who he was with but danced and sang content fully because he knew he was dancing before: The Eternal and Powerful Lord of Hosts; the Most High King of Heaven and Earth. For him it didn’t matter who was there cause he didn’t do it for them and hence, he could go ahead and freely worship the Lord without a shred of shame.

Then there is the other, the ‘person of Michal’ who really didn’t know God, nor inclined to know Him. Therefore, her actions weren’t for God but for men and since her position was lofty, how could she dance among the common people, and be like them? She and the people like her have this dilemma: they may want to worship, but it has to be ‘dignified’ to be God-like! They forget that Jesus came as a carpenter, not a king.

Remember, before God all men are equal. There is no greater or smaller. He created them equal. He may have blessed one with a little more wealth and power, but that’s His not theirs. So there’s no question of loftiness in a person. How does this reflection speak to you? What kind of a person are you? David-like or Michal-like? When I meet a David-like person, I find so much joy. He is so pleasant and positive and you can see the image of God on him. On the other side, a Michal-like person is so full of ill-will and gloom. This reflection probably showed what type you are. If like David, good; go praise God even more. If like Michal, turn and realise that there is no greater than God and before Him, you can shout and even behave crazy for He is pleased and in pleasing Him lies the blessing one desires.