Thoughts for another day

Oct. 30, 2009

Today's verse: Mk. 10:33,34. Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Listening to the above, we feel anger; how cruel and stupid the Jews in those days were that they would condemn and slay a just and God-centered man like Him. Filled with anger, we believe if we were there, we’d fight against them with all our power and kill them for they dared touch Jesus, isn’t it?

But wait, even today we do exactly what the Jews did in those days. Shocked? I’ll explain.
Jesus told us to do many things in the Sermon on the Mount. He said, we’re the light of the world and we should shine so others looking at us will glorify the Father in heaven. Question: How many of us shine in the world? Many enlightened unbelievers have loved Jesus’ teachings and they adore the ‘man’ Jesus but sadly, they hardly find Him in His followers! Then Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. Do we do it? Leave alone enemies, we hate our own relatives; brothers hate brothers, sisters hate sisters, and so on. There’re fights over property and inheritances and when someone says, let it go, he’s your brother no? We say, brother, my foot, I am only fighting for justice!

Then there’re among us, many people of stately kind - Refined to the core - When people see us they say, ‘wow, what a wonderful person’. But inside we are messed up, like white-washed graves (remember Jesus referred the same for the Pharisees and scribes?) Ah, we like to show we’re wise and humble, but at our homes, we’re the epitome of bullying and pride. I can go on and on for I know well these things as I too indulge in them even while professing to be a man of God!

In all this don’t we mock Jesus? Don’t we spit on Him. Don’t we ridicule Him to the core? What have we made of Jesus, a slave to do our bidding? Ah, we’ve heaped everything that’s anathema upon Him and unpleasant in His sight. Are we willing to reform? That only we know. Remember, that the verse above says that Jesus rose on the third day. So there’s the promise of newer things and it sure will happen. As of now I pray that first I and then all you readers will shed our fallen nature and fall in line with God’s nature. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 29, 2009

Today's verse: Ps. 42:2. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Blaise Pascal, a French Physicist and theologian, who lived in the 17th century once said, ‘If man is not made for God, why isn’t he happy except in God? If man is made for God, why is he so opposed to God?’ Now this is so true. Let’s look at our verse where a man who was after God’s own heart uttered the Words expressing his deep deep desire to be with God; and we on the other hand find the world act in complete opposition to what’s stated as man’s most inner and necessary desire.

Let’s look at ourselves. How do we weigh on the scales of the above Word of God? Do we adhere to it or shy away, finding excuses for not being close to God; and then by way of our pseudo righteousness, ascertain that tomorrow we will commune with Him? An introspection reveal’s tremendous truths about our relationship with God and proves our hypocrisy beyond doubt. We pontificate the necessity of being with God, falling prostrate before Him with our whole selves, yet we’re shocked at what we actually do, which in most cases is the opposite. Of course one of the major excuses we cite is paucity of time and my friend that by far is the devil’s most potent weapon to keep us away from God. Ah you think, it’s paucity of time and the devil’s got nothing to do with it. You may also think you can outsmart the devil by fighting him with God’s weapons, but have you been with God long enough to be trained in the usage of His armory?

Be that as it may, we proudly go about hinting by our preaching that we’re above reproach and that the people we preach to, fall so short in their devotion to God! Alas, what Blaise Pascal said is so true in our lives: we’re so opposed to God. For proof on this, we just need to look at our actions and we’ll notice that what we say and what we do are on opposite planes. God by His mercy forgives us this our contradiction. Today, if somewhere deep in your heart you can’t help but feel a deeper conviction toward God, rise and pray unto Him, confessing your contra nature and ask Him for the Grace to find happiness only in Him. And soon you too will be encouraged to say as the psalmist did, ‘my soul is thirsty for the Living God, oh, when shall I come before Him?’

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 28, 2009

Today's verse: Ps. 145:8-10. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

This verse contains marrow to the troubled soul. Driven by the Spirit of God, David penned it to the joy of his and our souls. David’s experiences with God came to the fore as he thought of the presence of the Lord in his life and what God meant to him through the years.

The Awesome One, the God of the world, the Supreme Commander of the universe, says He is close to those who call upon Him in truth. It’s so true because men and women on this earth have experienced that when they reached out to God in their pain and they searched for Him in the dark, God yielded and met them. People in dark places have cried out their souls, praying to the LORD that He visit them and He did, in a ray of light. In the desert places, where death and despair reign, people have fallen on the hot earth and cried out and God met and rescued them.

In the market place we go not having anything to feed ourselves with and He meets us there in the form of somebody and fulfils our needs. Children cry out and, He meets their needs too however frivolous they be. Every soul that sincerely cries out to Him is visited by Him and I tell you, God meets us all the time. Be it on the streets, or our work places or in the isolation our despair throws us in, or in the harsh places our enemies have cast us into. Even in a brothel or in a liquor bar or in prison and in the hospital He advances and comes to us. He takes the first step; as Jesus narrates to us about the father in the story of the prodigal son. It is the father who spots the son afar and runs to embrace the miserable wretch who deserted him for his own selfish end.

My friend, He is close to you when you call Him in truth. He said, ‘When you call upon Me, when you go pray unto Me, I will listen to you. When you seek Me, you shall find Me, yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you and I will change your lot.’ God never goes back on His Word for His Word is firmer than heaven or earth and eternal and yes, cry out to Him today, in sincerity and He will be there.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 27, 2009

Today's verse: Hab. 3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Blessed are those who make God their strength in their lives. For God will strengthen and build. God will make our weaknesses our strengths and He will make us rise like eagles, jeering at our stumbling blocks as we soar in the skies.

We are all weak human beings and many times, our strength fails us. Many contemplate suicide in these situations, preferring the icy hold of death than to the miseries facing them. Haven’t you gone through the same thing? Yes, we who are nursed by God, do not contemplate suicide, but just wish death to us. How weak we are in those moments that crush our spirits and drain every shred of energy in our sinews. The same is also felt by those who are brought down due to some disease or other because of which life becomes a burden too heavy to bear.

It’s for these moments in life that God has given His Word to us. When we ‘know’ the Word, what I said in the opening of this reflection happens. We are able to rise above our problems and focus on what we’ll be after the current problem, strong as ever. When God sends His strength our way, our strength gets multiplied geometrically and deep within our sinews comes the strength to overcome any hurdle we face. God’s power works in us to transform our weakness into great power which will not only help us but also help those who’re suffering and need support. In knowing this you’ll truly respond saying, ‘The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like that of a swift deer, enabling me to gambol even on high places with no sense of fear at all.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 26, 2009

Today's verse: Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

People of God, do you know, you are created to achieve His purposes? Now when I say this, I mean, God is so awesome and great. Imagine One with all power, all glory, all wisdom and whose dominion stretches from universe to universe and Who at a Word can bring into existence that which doesn’t exist. When I say, we’re created to achieve His purposes, what a great appointment that can be. How honored we’d consider ourselves to be if we were but employed to achieve the purposes of an earthly king; we’d probably go everywhere and tell everyone we’re employed with a king no? Yet, we under esteem God so much that leave alone the joy in discovering that we’re created to bring about His work on earth, we don’t even declare that we’re such.

One reason could be fear; that people may do something to us because we are Christian and involved in Christian work. This fear comes by of our lack of understanding our God. God is invisible, but don’t even for a moment think He cannot save us. Yes, people are killed because they carry the name ‘Christian’ but then that’s only for a while and as long as God allows it; even in that, God achieves some purposes. We read in Acts that when Stephen was martyred, the devout spread abroad and thus the marvelous proclamation spread abroad! Perhaps another reason could be that we are ashamed; that’s funny because when you know that our God is an awesome God, what is the need to be ashamed? We can be ashamed only when we do not know God.

My friend, never let this get out of your sight that God is our Father forever and He created us so that we could work in His vineyard. He created us in His Son to do His work here on earth which He ordained much before He even laid the foundations of the earth and He is also depending on us. Remember, God can create servants to proclaim, of the stones of the earth, but He has given that task to us because He loves us. Let’s now reach out to Him and go with Him to do what He wants us to do and that sure will mean our eternal union with Him.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 23, 2009

Today's verse: Ps. 145:15. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We humans have reached such scale of development and innovation that it is but natural we think we can do it all. Just read the newspapers and you’ll understand what I mean. Bold statements made by presidents, state leaders, bureaucrats, technocrats, businessmen, etc. And looking at their statements, we feel so strong and solid no? But then comes along a hurricane and not only does it rip apart the foundations of mega cities but a whole lot of our confidence too.

Look at the growth forecasts in burgeoning economies and huge organizations. They are projected at will as if all factors governing this growth can be controlled by man. They don’t provide for the ‘God’ factor because in today’s world ‘what can God do?’ is the cliché. Why do we need God and who is God anyway are the avowed questions of the big ones. If we can do it, why do we need God, is their assertion. But then comes drought and there’s famine, no seed, no crop and no food. This brings us to our knees, but the event passes away and we are back to our bragging selves.

Today’s verse affirms the presence of a good and kind God. The psalmist says that the eyes of all wait upon the Lord! So it should be. He further affirms that in due season, God gives them meat (food). My friend, the world talks big, but who cares for the world. One act of God and it can be finished. It’s for the sake of those who are right before God like you, that the world isn’t destroyed, that year after year the rains are abundant and crops grow giving food. All this is possible only with God. I tell you the supremacy of the devil’s agents: the technocrats, the big ones, is soon going to end and the treasures of the world will be transferred into the hands of the children of God. It’s then that man will again look upon God’s mercy to provide and then glory to His Name alone will ring from one corner of the earth to the other.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 22, 2009

Today's verse: Mi 6:3. O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The Father looks down upon us, His awesomeness notwithstanding. For we know, the brightness of the glory of the LORD is indeed across the universe. He walks upon the circle of the earth and mountains melt before Him and the valleys break asunder on His approach. The awesomeness of the seas is but as a little cup of water, its froth quelled by itself and huge rocks split in fearsome awe. The winds curl away in fright and the tempest swishes at His bidding; dark ominous clouds are but an instrument to be done with as He pleases. So awesome is our God that none dare stand before Him; none dare confront Him. And because He is a just God, the devil takes a stand by His Word and is allowed to reign upon the earth for a time.

But we human beings? What about us, His choice creation. What have we done or shall I say what have we not done? We have involved in every kind of sinful act. Immorality, injustice, murder, adultery, licentiousness, sodomy, lesbianism; you name it we have done it, not just harming our souls but offending His infinite goodness. In every way we have hurt Him so much so that when we retreat to commune and be with Him, we can literally feel His tears. You know, approaching Jerusalem Jesus said, ‘how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!’

My friend, we human beings have hurt God the most. He loved us with an everlasting love and He carved us with skill and patience to be very good in His sight. But we took all the mud possible and sullied ourselves with it and then flung it at Him, trying as it were to sully Him. Which is why His heart is crying out today as it was in Micah’s time, ‘O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me.’ Yeah go right ahead and answer Him.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 21, 2009

Today's verse: Mt. 13:11. He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There’re many individuals in the world and many Christians among them, yet few have been given the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. Why? Before answering this, let’s check our own backyards to see if we have been given them? What answer would I get if I asked? A no in the majority I guess, because I know most of us don’t spend enough time with the Lord and that includes me.

From the time of creation, God has always wanted a relationship with us. A deep, intimate and very passionate relationship with him and I’d add, a relationship deeper than that between a man and wife! The Book, Song of Songs in the Bible is there so we know how deep a relationship He seeks. He wants us immersed in Him and love Him intimately. God has given enough signs about this passion between Him and us and we always choose to ignore His passions. Know ye my friend God has no one with whom to consume His passions except us. He created you and I so we be in relationship with Him but since He understands our humanness, He allowed another relationship between man and woman, termed, husband and wife. But he wanted that second.

The book of Hosea tells us of the betrothal between God and us and also our betraying the same and although in the book, He talks about Israel. God says Israel is an adulteress, yet He loves her. In the poignant expressions in Hosea, we learn much of God’s love us and His tenderly calling us back, each time we prostitute around with wanton desires that move us away from Him.

When we come and commune with Him, in a way consuming our relationship, He opens up and tells the inner deeper things - which is what He says in Jer. 33:3, ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Ah, He wants to reveal and tell us. He wants to behold our eyes and intimately reaching out, explain the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven while holding us in passionate embrace. Do we have the inclination to accept His invite?

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 20, 2009

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

Fear is the key, right? Yes. If you wish to bring someone under your command, instill fear in that person and he is under your thumb. Fear, is the first trait the devil brought into man the moment he succeeded in deceiving him and depriving him of bliss in Paradise. It was that fear which made Adam hide from God, when God called out and they heard His voice. Unfortunately, this fear is founded on the wrong premise of fearing God for the wrong we do, rather than for who He is.

We are born into a world which thrives on fear. Parents put fear into the hearts of children so that they obey. If they are mischievous, they say, I’ll call the police and he will come and gobble you up! In school, the teachers put the fear of the principal in the student and so on. Parents of teenagers put the fear of the negative personalities of their friends to dissuade them from such friends. People endure harsh treatment in their offices, at home, in the community, etc. because they’re fearful of something. Life, I may add, is a continual bondage to fear and people hardly realize it.

Healthy fear is good as it moulds an individual and puts him at the threshold of success. Be that as it may, the Bible makes a profound statement: Fear the Lord…and He shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies. The promises given if you fear the Lord are many. Fearing the Lord, is not the usual fear we have, but a holy fear which sets us free. It’s empowering and does immense good, both to soul and body. The Bible also says, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and it’s true. For when you fear God, worshipping and adoring Him and keeping yourself without blemish, God enters your life and controls it. Then you’ll see all problems vanish as our verse for today comes alive: He will always be there for us even carrying us all the days of our lives.

Undoubtedly, God’s fear shunts out all other fear and sets you free. It helps you cope with the vagaries of the world and brings about a bravery, you never knew existed. So go ahead and make fear your key that is have fear of God and live a full life. You will always be protected by Him no matter what!

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 19, 2009

Today's verse: Ps. 125:2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

To have a perfect understanding of God is literally impossible. Who or what can understand the vast labyrinthine alleys of the Mind of God? He who can conceive so much at one time concerning trillions and trillions of activities going on in His creation, who can understand His depths? None, obviously. Then there are negative incidents happening which rattle us and we imagine what purpose can they be for coming as they do from a loving and merciful God. Many things confuse us or put us in doubt or we’re unable to understand, things that are of God. The best thing to do I’d say in this situation is, just leave it to God.

One thing we need to be absolutely clear about is that God in all His glory is merciful, loving and kind. How God brings about the genre of His love in what is seemingly a difficult phase in one’s life is something only He can script. Through financial loss, God can bring about entry into another field which brings more success than ever. Through a fall, He is able to raise levels of ability previously considered not present. Even death of a loved one, etc. can build bridges which hitherto seemed impossible. My friend, understand at all times, God is working for His people.

You and I may not be serious about our purpose on earth. But God is deadly serious about His. He created and sustains the earth by the power of His Name and His Word. He yields to men and women of prayer when they bang at His heart, to open the doors as it were of His awesome love and power. He’s the protection of people who’re helpless and with no support whatsoever. The enemy may seem to triumph but for a while before God’s anger catches up with him. No matter what we think of God, His attributes of omnipotence and omniscience do not wither. He is able at all times for anything; and where He is, ‘impossibility’ doesn’t exist. And just as the mountains are round about Jerusalem protecting it in the days gone by, so is the Lord of Hosts round about His people always.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 15, 2009

Today's verse: Eccl. 3:11. He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We know that God in His time, makes all things beautiful and new. Flaws are removed, the old is changed and renewed and reverberates with energy and contentment. The earth is full of the glory of the Lord and all that He says happens in its time. God also opens His hand in His time and renews the face of the earth filling everything with life and makes all of creation, glorious.

Yes, we know the above. But what follows in our verse is a little intriguing isn’t it? In another translation it says, He has set eternity in their hearts so that none can find out the work that God does from the beginning to the end. Yes, it is intriguing and being a little curious I thought of looking at it closer, don’t we all like to unravel a mystery? On closer inspection I discover that there are many things God doesn’t reveal the purpose of, like for instance the death of that woman I prayed for to live and thought there would be so much jubilation and glory to God had she lived. Other occurrences where we pray for something and get something else! This is akin to someone having three choices in a job and fervently prays for one of her choice, yet she gets the one which is her last choice!

My friend, I’d like to tell you first, that God does things in particular because He knows what’s embedded in our future and He knows our past so He is in the best position to link our past with the present and the future. Second, I would say that God doesn’t reveal all His works because they will be too much for us to bear. The human mind has come to be limited in every sense of the word. There’s only as much as we can absorb. That is why the Lord doesn’t load it with things it cannot manage. Therefore, we don’t know so many things because it’s so much better that way and rather than be upset with God that He doesn’t reveal, we should enjoy the present particularly the fruit of our labor which is a gift of God in our lives. Thus will contentment be ours.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 15, 2009

Today's verse: Ps. 94:11. The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Philosophers across centuries and nations have always wondered what goes on in the mind of man and why he thinks in a particular way. The thing that has never ceased to amaze them is, ‘what are the thoughts of man?’ Of course, by his thoughts man is able to establish or destroy. It’s funny because one moment he establishes and next, destroys. Take for example the most potent instrument of death the gun…it was created to safeguard man, but today, is a weapon more to kill men than save. Can we say it’s a thought gone awry?

Thoughts emerge from sanity and also from insanity and we know that those that emerge from insanity can destroy. The irony is that though man is quite capable in many respects, when the insane arrives, he loses control. No matter who the man is, he is quick to lose control and damage extensively. We never know when the thoughts will change and evil can happen. Though we may praise the thoughts that build up, it would be an erroneous thing to glorify them because they are futile, worthless and possess nothing. For a while the person can be content that his thoughts are dramatic and build up but soon those very thoughts break up and destroy.

That’s why the Bible says that the Lord knows the thoughts of man are useless. God alone can establish and establish firmly and eternally. Man’s thoughts can only be an illusion and peter out and lead nowhere. Though the Lord Himself has given us the ability to think or imagine, we have sullied it with our sinning. Adam sinned and sin entered our hearts and today thoughts emerge coated with sin seeking glory for self rather than God. But yet again I’d say that all our thoughts are frivolous and lead nowhere for who knows what the morrow will bring, who knows whether one’s breath will still run through the nostrils tomorrow.Thoughts for another day

Oct. 15, 2009

Today's verse: Ps. 94:11. The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. (NIV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Philosophers across centuries and nations have always wondered what goes on in the mind of man and why he thinks in a particular way. The thing that has never ceased to amaze them is, ‘what are the thoughts of man?’ Of course, by his thoughts man is able to establish or destroy. It’s funny because one moment he establishes and next, destroys. Take for example the most potent instrument of death the gun…it was created to safeguard man, but today, is a weapon more to kill men than save. Can we say it’s a thought gone awry?

Thoughts emerge from sanity and also from insanity and we know that those that emerge from insanity can destroy. The irony is that though man is quite capable in many respects, when the insane arrives, he loses control. No matter who the man is, he is quick to lose control and damage extensively. We never know when the thoughts will change and evil can happen. Though we may praise the thoughts that build up, it would be an erroneous thing to glorify them because they are futile, worthless and possess nothing. For a while the person can be content that his thoughts are dramatic and build up but soon those very thoughts break up and destroy.

That’s why the Bible says that the Lord knows the thoughts of man are useless. God alone can establish and establish firmly and eternally. Man’s thoughts can only be an illusion and peter out and lead nowhere. Though the Lord Himself has given us the ability to think or imagine, we have sullied it with our sinning. Adam sinned and sin entered our hearts and today thoughts emerge coated with sin seeking glory for self rather than God. But yet again I’d say that all our thoughts are frivolous and lead nowhere for who knows what the morrow will bring, who knows whether one’s breath will still run through the nostrils tomorrow.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 14, 2009

Today's verse: Pro. 27:1. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We are all with limited wisdom and intelligence and we are here because of the mercy of our God for God runs the world and He sustains us, and He knows how weak we are so He sustains us with no effort of our own. Over a period of time we start achieving and then we boast of our accomplishments.

In today’s times, we have moved far away from God. We believe that all is possible without Him and we virtually don’t need God to run our daily affairs. This can be confirmed by news, both in print and on television, of our prosperity levels and our ability to do great things and even discover the hidden secrets of the universe. Sometimes, the way we behave as if we were god and we really do not need a God to be with us for we are self sufficient and self able.

Our verse comes precisely to counter this mind-set that we not boast in ourselves about tomorrow. God’s Word tells us that we do not know a thing about tomorrow and what it may bring and it is so true. We may make many plans to make our tomorrows rosier, but they don’t fructify and we fall flat. Consider this, with the dawn of a new day, we may expect all things to be normal and then suddenly our world crashes. Therefore Jesus said, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself- Mt. 6:34. And because of our limitedness, we must have recourse to someone who knows what tomorrow may bring forth; which means we must have recourse to God who knows our every morrow and knows how to tackle the stumbling blocks that come our way in the new morrow.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 14, 2009

Today's verse: Pro. 27:1. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We are all with limited wisdom and intelligence and we are here because of the mercy of our God for God runs the world and He sustains us, and He knows how weak we are so He sustains us with no effort of our own. Over a period of time we start achieving and then we boast of our accomplishments.

In today’s times, we have moved far away from God. We believe that all is possible without Him and we virtually don’t need God to run our daily affairs. This can be confirmed by news, both in print and on television, of our prosperity levels and our ability to do great things and even discover the hidden secrets of the universe. Sometimes, the way we behave as if we were god and we really do not need a God to be with us for we are self sufficient and self able.

Our verse comes precisely to counter this mind-set that we not boast in ourselves about tomorrow. God’s Word tells us that we do not know a thing about tomorrow and what it may bring and it is so true. We may make many plans to make our tomorrows rosier, but they don’t fructify and we fall flat. Consider this, with the dawn of a new day, we may expect all things to be normal and then suddenly our world crashes. Therefore Jesus said, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself- Mt. 6:34. And because of our limitedness, we must have recourse to someone who knows what tomorrow may bring forth; which means we must have recourse to God who knows our every morrow and knows how to tackle the stumbling blocks that come our way in the new morrow.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 14, 2009

Today's verse: Pro. 27:1. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We are all with limited wisdom and intelligence and we are here because of the mercy of our God for God runs the world and He sustains us, and He knows how weak we are so He sustains us with no effort of our own. Over a period of time we start achieving and then we boast of our accomplishments.

In today’s times, we have moved far away from God. We believe that all is possible without Him and we virtually don’t need God to run our daily affairs. This can be confirmed by news, both in print and on television, of our prosperity levels and our ability to do great things and even discover the hidden secrets of the universe. Sometimes, the way we behave as if we were god and we really do not need a God to be with us for we are self sufficient and self able.

Our verse comes precisely to counter this mind-set that we not boast in ourselves about tomorrow. God’s Word tells us that we do not know a thing about tomorrow and what it may bring and it is so true. We may make many plans to make our tomorrows rosier, but they don’t fructify and we fall flat. Consider this, with the dawn of a new day, we may expect all things to be normal and then suddenly our world crashes. Therefore Jesus said, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself- Mt. 6:34. And because of our limitedness, we must have recourse to someone who knows what tomorrow may bring forth; which means we must have recourse to God who knows our every morrow and knows how to tackle the stumbling blocks that come our way in the new morrow.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 14, 2009

Today's verse: Pro. 27:1. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We are all with limited wisdom and intelligence and we are here because of the mercy of our God for God runs the world and He sustains us, and He knows how weak we are so He sustains us with no effort of our own. Over a period of time we start achieving and then we boast of our accomplishments.

In today’s times, we have moved far away from God. We believe that all is possible without Him and we virtually don’t need God to run our daily affairs. This can be confirmed by news, both in print and on television, of our prosperity levels and our ability to do great things and even discover the hidden secrets of the universe. Sometimes, the way we behave as if we were god and we really do not need a God to be with us for we are self sufficient and self able.

Our verse comes precisely to counter this mind-set that we not boast in ourselves about tomorrow. God’s Word tells us that we do not know a thing about tomorrow and what it may bring and it is so true. We may make many plans to make our tomorrows rosier, but they don’t fructify and we fall flat. Consider this, with the dawn of a new day, we may expect all things to be normal and then suddenly our world crashes. Therefore Jesus said, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself- Mt. 6:34. And because of our limitedness, we must have recourse to someone who knows what tomorrow may bring forth; which means we must have recourse to God who knows our every morrow and knows how to tackle the stumbling blocks that come our way in the new morrow.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 13, 2009

Today's verse: Is. 30:18. And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Sometimes when the chips are down and there’s not much you understand, remember this verse. It says that God waits to be gracious to us. Besides, it emphasizes that in having mercy upon us, He is exalted.

Though the pain in our hearts is quite deep at times and our anguish seems not to fade, we must realize that God is a just God and mind you, He is not answerable to anybody. He is the Potter, we are the clay, the work of His hands. We cannot turn back and accuse Him of any wrongdoing for who are we to question Him? However, I still believe that when in sorrow and anger boils within, even if we question Him He will not mind but answer the question to our satisfaction.

My friend, after all that I’ve gone through in the last few days, keeping faith in God is difficult. The worst is I don’t hear His voice constantly, but yet, I believe that in His magnanimity, He will turn His face to me and will give me that which satisfies me and brings me relief. I trust in the Lord for at such times, we do just the opposite of what the world tells us to do so that in His mercy, He will restore our joy and make us sing a song to His praise. I will wait until I see that He answers me. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 12, 2009

Today's verse: Job 19:25. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Times are in the life of a person who prays to God, when it just doesn’t seem right to pray. Last week I wrote of a woman seriously ill and I prayed to God that she get well and walk back home. I prayed thus because she was young and had been married only a little while and even the Bible attests to 70 years as being the age of man on earth. And so my argument was that she not die, for she had a lot of life left and I also asked God to heal her as her husband vowed that both he and she would serve God. Besides, we also planned a celebration party where we would proclaim the love of God and His power and safety for those who believe.

But that was not to be. On Friday, I learnt she expired! This, after so much prayer and holding on to faith. In fact whenever her husband called me up feeling a little low after doctors gave a not so good report, I just told him to hang out there and she would live. But as I look back, my promises seemed empty for she never walked out of the hospital. I am saddened by this. Very saddened and you my reader will not understand how sad I am for the husband. I remember whatever I told him or any other brother or sister told him to do so that then God’s power could flow through her, he did. At the funeral my question to God was, ‘what did he not do that you took her away?’ But no sound only silence and it is then that you wonder, about this thing called silence. Do the blessings of God emerge after the silence? For the Bible also says, ‘be still and know I am God.’

I feel helpless. I even told God that a part of my faith died with the woman! And such was my anguish that I was even ready to fight with Him. Now many hours after the incident my mind has reconciled to it, I believe somehow, it will all end well; I don’t know how, but that it will is my belief. Of course the angst in me toward God is still there. I could liken my situation to that of Job in a small way and honestly I can understand his dilemma. Did he deserve what happened to him? The ignominy of facing the worst catastrophe even when one doesn’t deserve it is the pinnacle of injustice one would say. However, God knows the reason and I trust He gives the strength to bear besides we know He is not an unjust God. Therefore, like Job I’ll say, ‘My Redeemer lives. And as He stands striding earth and heaven someday, He shall look at us and have mercy.’

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 9, 2009

Today's verse: Ps 95:6. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There is a clarion call from the Maker of us all that today, we worship and bow down before Him. So as the psalmist suggests, let us kneel before the LORD God Almighty because He is our God and we are the work of His hands and let us hold fast to the faith He has put in us by the which we shall be redeemed from the mess the world has put itself in or the own mess we’ve put ourselves in.

My friend, if we look at our lives, there are so many grey areas and numerous cob-webs which need cleaning up and fumigating, like they say in pest controlling because the pest who wants to control us is always up to some tricks by which we fall prey to his deviousness and move away from God and His protection. That is why we hear God’s call today asking us to come as His little children and bow before Him and worship Him. So that He may then cancel the debt the evil one has us reeling under.

And when you come before Him, come in all sincerity; expecting His touch and joy. Believe that from age to age He alone is God and He alone has the power to revive us and to free us from all kinds of bondages. He alone knows us well enough to pull us out of the debris we’ve landed in of lies, lust, slander, adultery, fornication, greed, envy, arrogance, and what have you. The Spirit of the Lord is on His way to visit you powerfully today and my friend, come before Him humbly and ask Him to not pass by until He touch you and turn your life upside down. Remember in Him alone is the complete solution to all problems in your life.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 8, 2009

Today's verse: Job 5:17,18. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

May I begin with a question? Are you seriously devoted to God, if you are then you do want all His blessings right? I’m sure you’ve answered a ‘yes’ to that. Now another question…Would you also like to be corrected by God?

There are many of us Christians, who like to be called, devoted to God. We praise Him, adore Him, honor Him and even proclaim Him. We like to tell people of all the good things He has done in our lives and we also tell people that God will do good in their lives too. We ask many to live on the promises of God and that no harm or evil will ever come our way. ‘Brother, they tell me, just live on the promises of God and God will do all good things for you.’

The above is fine and we should live on God’s promises. Yet there’s one more thing we need be prepared to do: To suffer for His sake. In this world we’re contaminated by the dirt that prevails and we need to be cleansed and so God corrects us. At times the correction process is painful. He puts a lot of suffering our way and it seems unbearable. We wonder why God is doing this to us and our whole being cries out to Him, why Lord, why? Yet remember it’s best to understand God’s ways. He makes things go wrong but corrects them; He wounds but also makes whole. God puts us in the fire but then He makes us a wholesome vessel, to be kept in a honorable position in His mansion.

My friend, the Bible says, do not disdain the correction of the Lord for in it and through it, God refines us to be ready for His work, for His mission. And when He finds us up to the mark, He sends us with confidence and we do His work and bring glory to His Name.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 7, 2009

Today's verse: Is. 62:6,7. ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

As I write, I’m reminded to pray for a person very serious and shall I say, not knowing whether to battle or not for the person is in a semi-comatose situation. Her situation seems desperate (note I am not saying ‘is’ but ‘seems’) and doctors give a semblance of what is happening and most of it in the negative. So what do I make of it being a man of prayer?

I’m praying for this woman for some time now and that too ‘hard’ prayer. I had also prophesied that she’ll be out in 3 days on her own two legs and today being the third day, I asked the Lord, ‘now what Lord? Leave alone leaving on her legs, there’s no sign of anyone carrying her out too.’ This much I know that she’ll live cause the signs are there and in all my years of Ministry, when I’ve prayed like I did, God has never let me down and He always fulfils the expectation of our hope. But here the pain is obvious among the relatives and therefore, I asked the Lord what I did. Today as I was watching a program on Jerusalem I was reminded of a verse I love, which is today’s verse!

My friend, as I write, His anointing is fast on me and a brief hint of tears are in my eyes as I recount the faithfulness of my Lord and the way, He led me to this verse. I never watch the program in question but today just watched it and there, the Lord reminded me…take no break and give Me no break till I heal her.’ I just feel like bursting out and saying, ‘O Lord how good You are.’ Because the secret of knowledge of God and the way He works lies in incessant prayer. There’s nothing, I repeat nothing, the Lord will not do when you pray incessantly! Also, I remember Jesus speaking about the widow and the unjust judge and where He advocates we pray day in and day out. And I am going to do that. I urge you my friend if you’re reading this to also pray for this woman, her name is Adelaide, that God in His mercy and love quickens her and let’s here live for the sake of His glory which she is to proclaim to the world. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 6, 2009

Today's verse: 1 Sm. 3:1, 19. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision… and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Today, we’ll look at two verses of truth the Lord is giving. In the days of Samuel, none received the Word of God. Those were days of great rebellion to God and full of sin. There was no king in Israel and the people did what they felt like. They had gone away from the commandments Moses had enjoined on them and none spoke about God. The customs were there, but they were merely rituals and observations of practices and the hearts of the people were far away from God. It is at this time the Word of the Lord came to Samuel. Don’t you find a great similarity in today’s times with Samuel’s? Today also, there is no reverence to God except for a handful of people all over the earth worshipping Him sincerely. The voice of God seems to be lost. Many claim to be giving the Word of God and in sincerity, but rarely does what they say, happen.

In the second verse, we learn when God gave His Word to Samuel He was with him and fulfilled his Words. That’s the criterion to use to sift a true man/woman of God from the masqueraders of God’s servants. Of course, we are none to judge who is and who isn’t a servant, but we need to be cautious about who we see as genuine because remember, we’ll take and heed the advice of these men and women and this message is to let you know what you need to follow. Then there are others ordained as ministers of God by human rituals; they do nothing and ask you to do nothing. forgetting the great commission; yet we have to proclaim the Word in sincerity.

My friend, today in this message I wish to tell you that one of these days, there’s going to be another Samuel who’ll hear the voice of God clearly and God will use him to fulfill whatever He wants to fulfill. The world will witness the power of God through him and miracles and wonders with powerful life changing messages, straight from the Holy Spirit will come from this man. He will turn the world upside down for God and in great power turn kingdoms toward God…Truly then will happen what He has said in His Word, ‘Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.’ It is a wonder the Lord proclaims this to us in our season and I believe it will happen in our life time. Amen?

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 5, 2009

Today's verse: Eph. 5:17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There’s an amazing thing that happens when you are devoted to God: you understand His will immediately. You learn what He needs of you or what you are expected to do every moment of your life. Something happened even as I write the above and I felt God’s displeasure on something or someone and realized His burning fury was on. I immediately went and falling on my face begged His mercy and I believe that wherever His wrath was going to fall, it will not, for His mercy has held it back and that is because I, knowing His will, begged His mercy. This is probably the first time in my life He demonstrated clearly that we people who sit in prayer daily before Him, get to know His will. It’s another matter that we do not always follow His will nor do we heart-fully say, ‘Thy will be done.’ And we may not do what He wants us to do.

The first step in being wise, is to be with God and learn to take His Name with reverence and awe. The Word of God declares, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’, it is not the kind of fear as we know in worldly terms, but a healthy respect and awe for One who is so great that He can do anything in our lives. Those who have understood this, will understand that God is not One before whom we cringe but come fearlessly; the way the children came to Jesus as well as the sick and disabled. Jesus never chided them nor asked them to go away. He attended to their needs.

When in communion with Him we learn all these things, we understand what He is seeking from us and the best is, we realize that God never demands anything of us which we are unable to do nor does He need anything that will make us unhappy. His will brings His joy into our lives, which fills us with strength and purpose. When we turn to God and keep His commands, He works things out for us which lift us up and help us to move onward positively and clearly. So day by day sit at His feet and understand His will, it’s the only panacea we know which works unto eternity.

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 2, 2009

Today's verse: Jn. 8:29. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Sometimes I wish all Christian brothers and sisters could always say, ‘He that birthed us is with us, for the Father has not left us alone as we always do those things that please Him.’ Alas, it’s just a wish and may always remain a wish because leave alone others, I too do not always do the things that please my God.

One of the reasons for our not doing the things that please Him is because, we live in this world and are caught up with it. Rarely do we depend on God for leading us in life day by day and even more rarely do we call Him at all times to remain in our lives. Therefore, the god of this world, the evil one, the enemy of souls, takes control of us and makes us do those things that’re completely against the will of our Father in Heaven. The innocent looking things we do deceive us to believe that they really are not all that serious a sin, taken individually; for e.g. when stealing little things from our offices, we hardly think twice, returning extra money given by the grocer of course is a no-no because we have already moved away from the spot by the time we discovered the extra money and then again, we didn’t rob no? Rumor mongering is one sin we are experts at and hardly consider it a sin as well as telling lies which often hurt others.

Today, I think the only ones we try to please are us and because of this, over a period of time, God moves away from us. With further passage of time, even that little bit of conscience (the prompting of the Holy Spirit) we had within us, ceases and we indeed become delusional masters of our lives eventually resulting in failure and tragedy. My brothers and sisters, it is today more pertinent than ever before that we had God present with us. And God is so good that a wee bit of turning from our side and our remorse brings Him immediately into our camp. A little of our trying to please Him and setting ourselves below His majesty is enough for God to be an ever present help. In this, we too like Jesus can say, ‘He who begot me is with me.’

Thoughts for another day

Oct. 1, 2009

Today's verse: Eph 2: 4,5. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Yesterday, when I was in prayer, the love of God hit me so hard that in tears, I asked Him, what kind of God are You…we are so sinful, yet you reach out. We offend You so much, but You still linger near us. We’re anathema to You because of our sins, yet, You don’t move away or abandon us! ‘Look’, I told Him, ‘I am in direct rebellion with You. Sometimes it’s as if I am opposed to all You say or ask me to do; still You don’t forsake me nor leave me to my so called fate.’ It was quiet for a while and then I felt as if Someone was smiling at me! ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you!’

What manner of love is this, asks John in His 1st letter and quite honestly the question still remains. For so much does He love us…oh so much and my soul is delighted. He is so rich in mercy and His love is so awesome. I recall, when Jesus died for us, the people before standing before His cross hardly had any inkling of what He was doing and even worse, they didn’t deserve it for they were seeped in sin just as we are.

Sometimes I’m weighed down by my sins but He whispers saying, ‘what sin? Don’t you know I’ve washed you clean?’ I put down my head in disgust and then raise it again. The time for remorse is over for Jesus lives and it’s time to rejoice. If right now you feel deep within that He has loved you much and you have felt it in person, shout, Hallelujah.