Thoughts for another day

August 31, 2010

Today's verse: Mt. 9:29. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God’s awesome power operates on the fuel of faith. In today’s Scripture, there’s an interesting episode involving two blind men. I’d say, it’s a perfect example for a reflection because, we hear Paul saying: ‘We walk by faith, not by sight’ 2 Cor. 5:7. Perfect for the blind for they do not use sight to walk and hence have to sustain themselves on faith. Now, these blind men in our referred Scripture, follow Jesus, crying out aloud, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on us.’

Look at the situation: These men were blind, but they would have learnt of the great prophet from Galilee who brought healing in the lives of many and taught of the Kingdom of God. Deep in their hearts though they couldn’t see, their faith would have been kindled. They would have thought to themselves, on the day He comes here, we will not allow His visit go past us without getting our sight. Their faith was strong in Him. Then one day, they would have heard excited commotion among the people and told that Jesus Himself was passing by. Imagine their own excitement as they groped through the air to reach some point where they could stand and shout so He would hear them, despite the crowd. Their whole being would be filled with expectation and their shouts would have screamed this expectation into the ears of the Master.

Jesus turned toward them seeing their expectant faith. To confirm this faith as well as reveal it to others, He asked them a simple question, ‘Do you believe I can do this?’ And out came the words from their mouth, words powered with faith, ‘Yes Lord!’ And it was enough for Jesus to work a mighty miracle; He turned to them and said, ‘Let it be done to you according to your faith!’

My friend as I said earlier, God’s awesome power runs on the fuel of faith. If you hold faith in your heart and stand steadfast, you can rest assured that God will grant what you hold in your heart. For there will be nothing impossible for you if you hold to faith; because faith in God releases such power as to stun the eyes of the beholder and bring glory to God.

Thoughts for another day

August 30, 2010

Today's verse: 1 Jn. 2:17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The world has many wonderful things for man; but they are diagonally opposite to what God has for him. Everything the world offers stands opposed to God because the world and all its objects are under the control of the one who has been given it for a while. But within the same world is also the dominion of God in the hearts of men, which is what we call the kingdom of God, not a physical place but the space reserved for God within man, more particularly in his heart.

The packaging of things in the world and the world itself is so attractive that man is prone to fall in love with them. There’re so many delightful things - beautiful people we may be attracted to, beautiful paintings, beautiful homes, serene surroundings, manmade attractions like parks, theme parks, huge aquaria housing the loveliest fish from around the world, and so on. Yet, they are fading and temporary things. Then there’s the mind of man which at one time is so brilliant making such discoveries as to stun human senses in a grand wow, but later this same mind goes and does such stupid things such as destroying life and degrading creation for money.

When we’re attached to these worldly things, God isn’t with us for God isn’t in the attractions of the world. Not that God isn’t bothered with us in the world, for sure He is concerned but He isn’t with us when we shift the fulcrum of our love from being centered on Him to worldly things! God gives us a long rope and doesn’t interfere. But someday, He yanks the carpet from under our feet so to say when we stay indulged in the world. But for those devoted to Him, God is their all. He reaches out and comforts; He knows that they don’t wish to live in the world but with Him as they understand the transitory nature of things in the world and the permanency of His things. So choosing permanency, they live eternal lives with their God who loves them and invites them into His home because they chose Him, whom they couldn’t see rather than the delightful things which they could see.

Thoughts for another day

August 27, 2010

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)

This psalm by Korah is an ode to the King of all generations – Jesus Christ Himself, the LORD of all creation and through whom all things were created. He is the One who was sent by the Father as a sacrificial lamb so that men, though cursed to die will yet live. That they who live in darkness will find light and rejoice in the Kingdom of the Holy One.

Jesus came to earth in the poorest manner as it were, yet He never complained. In the annals of living history, Jesus was the only One who could choose where to be born and He chose to be born in a trough used to feed cattle, dirty as it was. And in the midst of cattle and hay, whose smell of course is something I’d run away from, but I can never forget that my LORD; my God was born there. That is why today, all people can go to Him, no matter how poor they are. When He lived on earth, He mingled with the sinners and the poor. For in them He saw the abandoned children of Eve.

Upon being told that He was with sinners, He replied strongly saying, ‘Those who are well, don’t need a doctor; those who are sick, do!’ He added saying, ‘I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners!’ That was it, our God Himself approached sinners and this is because He knows the pain that a sinner goes through. No one sins, except he has a situation of challenge which he is not able to stamp out and his sinning acts goes on till he becomes a slave of it. But Jesus can help, no matter how far gone we are in sin. His Grace will come as a streak of light, lighting our lives and shutting out the darkness within if we but send our appeal to Him. So therefore, I laud Him, the Lamb of God and like Korah I’ll say, ‘Your Name will be remembered always through all generations and the people, Your people will praise and worship You forever, for You are worthy of all Praise, Glory and Honor and total worship…You alone and none else.

Thoughts for another day

August 26, 2010

Today's verse: Mk 9:39. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We have this thing about groups, teams, etc. And those who do not belong to the group or the team are not supposed to do the things espoused by that group or that team as their things. We will go to great lengths to ensure they’re stopped from doing such things. Why do we do this? The simple reason is, we’re jealous of these people; that they may be as recognized as us and people may go to them just the way they came to us and they might win greater fame than us.

Not so with Jesus. He didn’t mind who did what as long as they did something related to Him for He knew that anybody who would do a good work in His Name couldn’t speak of Him with malice at the same time and eventually, Jesus will teach the man the right thing to do, so that he be able to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus would even love the person and encourage him or her. But do we see that happening in our churches and our communities today?

There’s tremendous jealousy and hatred amongst us. In Catholics if a priest is seen to be better and more Spiritual, he’s quickly shunted out to a faraway parish so people have no access to him and in the new place he isn’t well known. In others, pastors are bad mouthed and transferred at will. In smaller churches, the opposing group breaks away and forms a small church elsewhere. This continues to happen day in and day out: breaking of the Body of Christ it may be called.

And if a lay person were to be held in esteem for the work he does on behalf of Christ, then the pastors or the priests out of jealousy will call the person and admonish him seriously, ordering him to do nothing; not that he did anything wrong, but so that their place of eminence wouldn’t be lost. Amazing isn’t it, Jesus Christ the founder of our faith had no problems, but we do! And that’s why our churches are so cold for they are not blessed by our Savior. But keep hope for God will provide a solution as His Word says, He who has formed you is faithful and He will accomplish it. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

August 25, 2010

Today's verse: Job 21:22. Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Who among man has wisdom greater than God shouted out a preacher to a vast congregation. There was complete silence and the preacher continued, except perhaps the government, for they do all the things that go against God’s wisdom and imagine that they know more than Him. That’s why same sex marriages are solemnized and the mention of God is removed from every object on which the founders of the nation had imprinted Him (for they knew the importance of having God as a partner in governance). Yet today, the government thinks they know better than God and delete Him from governance, much like we do in our lives.

That apart, there’s none who can teach God anything, for the Almighty is all wise and awesome in His countenance. He knows the ins and outs of everything. He is aware of every movement in creation right now: to the shaking of a leaf and the presence of every small stone in the gravel, so much as a grain of sand on the sea shore. God’s awesomeness is witnessed by His people and we rejoice because we know His awesomeness is for our good and He will help us in time of need.

God’s plans emanate from His wisdom and His awesomeness from Himself alone. He is the fount of all good things for evil doesn’t dwell in God and never will, just as light and darkness don’t go together! God is so great - even ‘greatness’ shudders at His being for it’s but a simple word - to define God is indeed heavy. None can teach God anything as His awareness covers all. Is there one thing on earth which is besides God’s comprehension, then it doesn’t exist and that too I say with trepidation for God knows even that which isn’t! Oh, such is the expanse of God’s knowledge that truly He deserves to be the Sovereign, worthy of all our worship and praise.

Thoughts for another day

August 24, 2010

Today's verse: Amos 4:13. For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When the Jews had taken Jesus into custody, they did to Him as they wanted. They spat on Him, taunted Him, derided Him and held Him in contempt. And He opened not His mouth; they even struck Him and asked Him, tell us who struck you! Yet Jesus never, said who He was nor did He do anything but as the Word says, like a sheep at the shearers, He meekly submitted to their vile behavior toward Him. Now all this would have been right were Jesus not the Son of God, yea, God Himself! The fact is, He is God incarnate!

Who is Jesus: He is the One who has formed the mountains and created the wind. He declares to man what is His thought and makes the morning darkness. He walks on the circle of the earth, yes, even the highest points in the universe. He is the King of heaven and the Lord, the Awesome God of hosts – the creatures who are known for their brilliance and their power. They obey Him and are there at His beck and call and amazing, yes stupidly amazing is that we mortals, mere vessels of mud are known to deride Him. We cause Him untold misery and wound His heart with our persistence in sinning and going against His commands. What is our standing that we dare to do that?

You know, were God like us, we would not be alive or would be suffering terrible punishment. When our children or our pets offend us, don’t we punish them hard? So also God would do with us, but God isn’t like us and He loves us and that is what gives us the hope that no matter what, when we repent and turn back to Him, no matter how far gone we are, this, our God of mercy welcomes us back with open arms. He forgets what we did to Him in the past and invites us to begin a new chapter in our relationship with Him. Will we do that?

Thoughts for another day

August 23, 2010

Today's verse: Ezek. 38:23. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God generally introduces Himself as gentle and kind, merciful to the core and that’s the image man is most comfortable with. Were God to even for a moment show His magnificence in His appearance to us, we’d be terrified. You read what happened when God spoke to the Israelites as they came out of Egypt to Mount Sinai. As He spoke to them there was thunder and lightning, trumpet blast and the mountain was smoking and they trembled to their marrows! They took a position far away and told Moses, ‘You speak to us, but let not God speak to us or we shall die.’

That was a preview of God speaking, shall I say gently, to the Israelites in His magnificence and His power. How would it be if God were to speak in His wrath? They’d be destroyed in no time. God’s power is so awesome and His presence so magnificent, it’s difficult to describe it; among men not many have seen it but the Bible gives us a glimpse in various sections. I particularly remember ‘the mountains melt at His approach!’ Mic. 1:4 and there’re various things happening at God’s approach. Even that the earth trembles with fear at His wrath. But God doesn’t joy in showing His awesomeness rather He delights in showing His gentleness. How much it pleased the Father to send us the Son, the Lamb of God, meek and humble, though all power and might was upon Him. Jesus only showed us the positive use of His power and that is His nature.

Yet, when God wants to introduce Himself, He may choose to make the nations tremble. He may do unbelievable things to let the nations know Who He is. Today, you, a Christian, may be a defeated person down on your knees. But that’s the best position to be in before Him, the Lord of the universe. For those who get into that position He works marvelously and He will raise you up before your enemies and put you on a pedestal and give you authority and power to frighten them all. Mind you, He is still the same God and He will do this if you put all your faith in Him.

Thoughts for another day

August 20, 2010

Today's verse: Ps. 17:1, 2. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When praying, pray as if everything depended upon your prayer. Rend your hearts before God and fall down before Him. Cry unto the Lord, for your life depends on it. Be filled with remorse at what you have done and spoken for they are witness against you and they will testify against you on the day you are called to stand before the throne, where you will be all alone, shorn of all the protective facades you had built before you while on earth.

God sees everything and it will be you standing without anything to hide yourself with and you will be able to see yourself and know what you were while you sojourned on earth. It may even shock you to know what you really were for you always felt you were right; yet how wrong you were. And then you may cry out to Him, but judgment time is judgment time and nothing can be condoned. No, it is too late to do that. So, therefore my friend this is the time to come before the Lord and break your heart before Him. This is the time to learn from Him and know how merciful a God He is and how He loves to forgive.

Yes, like the Scripture says today, beseech Him to attend unto your cry and listen to your prayer that comes out in genuine gasps. He will do you justice. He will give you what you deserve and even more. Keep your confidence in Him so that in all ways, God will show you the right and listen to the cry of your lips. Remember He is a merciful God and He loves when we humble ourselves before His mighty Hand and seek His refuge. He will turn your way and cause you to smile.

Thoughts for another day

August 19, 2010

Today's verse: Ez. 22:30. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When you ask anyone who has just discovered Jesus Christ what he/she would like to do forHim, they will immediately answer and say, Preach the Gospel. While it is right that we preach the Gospel, not all men are gifted with the charism of preaching. Only those who have been gifted are able to make any headway in getting people to the Lord. But many still harbor the wish to preach and the real reason could be that you are right there up-front and seen by everybody so you like to preach.

Let me tell you, there is something better than preaching! It is praying. When you fall on your knees and pray, God moves His hand. There is destruction of wickedness and evil. Fortresses of sin and disease collapse and God’s kingdom is introduced in dark places. Above all, there is greater revelation of God and His ways in your heart when you pray, as He opens your mind to know things about Him which otherwise you would not know. Prayer is a powerful tool to spread the Kingdom of God, yet used very sparingly by us Christians; and it is so easy to use, cause you can pray anywhere, in packed buses, while walking or even in office, etc. Look what God Almighty is saying above in today’s Scripture: He is looking for a man to make up the hedge, standing in the gap before Him, yet He finds none!

That my friend is the tragedy. No one wants to pray. All want to preach and be known to others as big men or women of God; but who wants to pray silently in their homes or their churches and be unknown? Those who pray for others know how it is to pray and many times when praying for others and the world for redemption, it is as if God speaks and tells us that since you are praying for My purposes, I shall grant you yours! Certainly God is pleased with those who stand in the gap and pray and sooner or later you will realise that having done that, you are blessed abundantly. God will reward you for the spreading of His Kingdom and bless you in your house and wherever you go. Mould your heart to kneel before Him and pray for His Kingdom.

Thoughts for another day

August 18, 2010

Today's verse: Jer. 29:12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Ah, the beauty of our LORD God, the God of Israel. He gives us the punishment due us because of the sins we commit but then He relents of His anger, which should actually burn and destroy us but does nothing of that sort, rather it only results in a punishment and when we repent, He once again bends down and picks us up.

God my friend is like that. Picture Him, being angry with you and not looking at you for a while, just the way we human beings do. But He doesn’t remain in His anger. Rather the Sovereign God, the Lord of the Universe, whose throne is Heaven and footstool the earth, forgives. He forgets the grief we caused Him because of our wanton sin. He overlooks our faults which have hurt Him so badly and He looks at us with love and He gently caresses our faces with His hands, just the way an earthly father, does his little child. And then God hearkens to our call.

He remembers that we are but the straw in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. He notes our frailty and our gullibility to satan’s constant urging to indulge in that which is displeasing to Him our God. Rather He recalls His great covenant to us. He remembers on the Cross His Son, precious precious Jesus, looked up at Him and said, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do!’ and His heart melts at our condition. Say my friend, which earthly father will not forgive that mischievous child of his; how much more our Heavenly Father who has loved us with an everlasting love. He yields to our cries for help and like our Scripture says, then when you call upon Him and go pray unto Him, He shall turn the canopy of the sky and tilt His blessed ear to our plea and know what, He will send His answer, gift wrapped with His tender kisses. Love Him.

Thoughts for another day

August 17, 2010

Today's verse: 1 Tim. 4:4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many times I am queried on the Christian life: What about this; what about that; should I do this, should I avoid this, etc. Two frequent questions I constantly come across – because we’re living in a hindu nation and there’re so many idols and the rituals that adorn them. These also make their way into offices and certain times of the year all the employees are required to participate in – should I participate in their rituals and importantly indulge in the food served after being offered to the idols.

Now as to participation, Paul has much to say in his letters to the Corinthians and a careful read while seeking the Spirit’s direction will clarify, provided of course you are a mature Christian. As to participation in the food that’s served, there are many thoughts of Paul on the subject and our Scripture today is such a one.

It calls for maturity in the Christian life that we learn to be able to do that which Paul will tell us because if we do anything of which we query having no firmness of knowledge, then we could be spiritually harmed. For instance, we get from our Scripture that all things are created by God and it is good for us and we can eat it. That is what we need to keep in mind and move forward. It is definitely worth knowing that God is Supreme and He has created all and He it is who will help us in any thorny situation we put ourselves in and let us remember that He will help us when we call out to Him for He is faithful and loves us.

Thoughts for another day

August 16, 2010

Today's verse: Heb. 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Recently I read in the papers, a man murdered his wife. He went and reported to the police that some robbers entered his house and murdered his wife, never thinking they’d be able to nail him. For a long time the police believed his story, but later by innovative thinking, they were able to crack the case and nail this man as the murderer of his wife. So, even man by some evidence and clues is able to discern the picture as it was without even being there at that time.

As far as God is concerned, He is there. When we do a particular thing in secret, doing it quietly, He is seeing it. He will certainly be displeased, but He doesn’t do anything as He has left earthly judgment to man and his courts and the final judgment when he dies. God the ‘Awesome God’ knows and understands everything. When we quietly do things which we feel are completely hidden, He is seeing and though disapproving, He doesn’t say anything.

David conveys this thought well when he says, ‘where shall I go from Thy Spirit and where shall I flee from Thy Presence?’ (Ps. 139:7) and how true it is. I may note here what David says further, if I ascend to the heavens, Thou are there, if I go down to the pit, Thou art there!’ And truly God is Omnipresent - He is always there and it’s best that I do not look at that negatively rather look at it positively for I know that if He is there always and everywhere then what shall I fear; who shall I be afraid of? For I know He will protect me from the snare of the enemy and lead me by a cool brook and give rest to my body and soul.

Thoughts for another day

August 13, 2010

Today's verse: Is. 13:14b. By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There’s something about this Scripture that’s worth mulling over, again and again. What’s the meaning of hearing you shall hear and not understand and seeing you shall look and not see! What did Jesus mean by that? It’s really an intricate part of the human psychology that if one were to delve in, one might find an answer to.

A parallel that comes to my mind is this: ‘Cigarette smoking is injurious to health’. This is written prominently on cigarette packs across the world; the smoker looks at it, reads it and then opens the pack and smokes the weed within. Why does he do it, one doesn’t know yet the fact is, he does and that’s that. Jesus understands this aspect of man so clearly and He knows we’re so prone to evil and stubbornness that we’re bound to do the very opposite of what is good. The Jews during the time of Moses did the same thing and that’s why they perished. They had seen the work of God before their own eyes, yet when they faced another obstacle, they refused to believe. By this they feared and insulted the Awesomeness of God, His love and His Presence which went with them. That’s why He was angry and destroyed them.

What about us in our age. We know the right thing to do for the Bible tells us, yet do we follow the Bible diligently? Take me for example, I often do that one small thing that gives momentary pleasure, but which offends God so much. I tell myself not to do that again, but after another sundown, I do it again and I offend God and my own senses. This tells me that I’m so prone to sin and disobedience to God that I am doomed to die and were it not for the Grace of God, I would not be able to write a word that I have written here. So it’s time I and you, looked up to God and asked Him for His Special Grace in time of need so we remain pure in His sight and then in seeing we will see and in hearing we will hear. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

August 12, 2010

Today's verse: Ps. 23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Zarif was now bent and full of age, he could hardly see anything beyond a couple of feet, but he was otherwise healthy and could speak well. Living in a village in eastern Iran, he thought of the good old days and loved to talk about them. His faith in Jesus was steadfast and he always said it was Jesus who gave him the strength, protection and courage to live, without which he would be dead long ago, either killed by the dacoits roaming the rural terrain then or zealous muslims who killed Christians at the drop of a hat. Yet, he had survived and his family today was more than a hundred persons strong, him being the eldest and great grandfather to the younger brood of fine girls and boys. He was a father figure to the muslims in his village and they looked up to him for everything, making him arbitrator in many cases and what he said, was a rule – nobody dared go against it. Because of him, many believed in Jesus though not overtly.

He loves to talk about God and if you listen, he’d have one thing to say: Trust Jesus! Ps 23 is his favorite prayer. He needed it desperately, particularly our Scripture today, as he understood what David meant well - to go to the closest town, he had to pass dangerous roads infested with dacoits. Even if they banded together, the marauders with their weapons would come and slay them and rob their goods and money. But they had to go to buy their necessities and each time they left home they didn’t know whether they’d return. He would gently pray this psalm meaning every word he said. Though his friends were slain, some before his own eyes, he always escaped and the best part was, he was never robbed. Today, his village was at the frontier of trade and the dacoits had vanished, yet he recited the psalm like he did so many years ago, looking up to heaven with tears in his eyes at the graciousness of God and the love of Jesus. Oh, he says, even if I walk in the midst of the dreaded dacoits, I’ll not be harmed for my God, the Living God is there with His crook and His staff. Yes, Jesus who has rescued me so many times is there even today. Zarif is always with this psalm and with good reason too.

I too am enamored with our Scripture. Behold, how powerful is the Word that proceeds from God and how it hits my heart as I think: with the cloud of danger above me, I am yet safe for He my Lord and Master is there, smiling and waving me on and with Him around, I dare any danger to approach me and I ridicule ‘trouble and devastation’ for He with whom the Owner of Creation is, what shall he fear; of whom shall he be afraid?

Thoughts for another day

August 11, 2010

Today's verse: 2 kgs. 6:17. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

If you can, right now read this wonderful passage in the Book of Kings which talks about Elisha’s confidence in God and His wonderful lesson for all of us in regard to being conscious of God all the time and keeping our Spiritual eyes open.

The world deadens our senses to God and makes us ignore His call. Over a period of time, we become completely oblivious to God and His Presence, so much so that if we just escaped a minor accident, we would tell our friends how lucky we were that we escaped. In fact, I’ll say that the world has coined the term ‘luck’ to transfer God’s handiwork to mere co-incidences by which we’re helped! We’d rather believe in ‘luck’ than in God who created our destiny and who can change it too. That’s the way we are and that’s why we’re not able to see the things of God!

You know God is always present with us. Hasn’t Jesus said, ‘I will be with you always.’ And Jesus is true to His Word. But can we see Him? We can’t for we aren’t tuned to see Him. Nor do we believe in His Word for it seems irrelevant in today’s times, particularly because we aren’t in a position to accept it, what with the junk that’s filled our minds; how will His Word make room in it. Elisha’s prayer is also my prayer for most of my friends who disbelieve the omnipresence of God not believing that He is everywhere. One needs only to be conscious and then one will see His awesome Presence with His angels and realise that God has not left us alone to fend for ourselves; rather He the Lord of Hosts is with us to help us; ALWAYS.

Thoughts for another day

August 10, 2010

Today's verse: Pro. 3:25, 26. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In India recently, there was a cloud burst in the northern part of the country and bang’ there were landslides and unbelievable destruction everywhere. People were swept away with their houses and many did not survive. Even today as I write, there are many people missing and each day, as they dig through the mud, they find dead bodies buried in them. When I look at the pictures on television, I consider myself ‘fortunate’ for it never happened to me. Then I am reminded of the above verse and also of Ps. 91.

I go back to Bible times when people who paid homage to the Living God had difficulties, He pulled them out of them. See, David says in Ps. 40, ‘I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.’ David, the greatest king Israel had, knew the benefit of being God-centered. And so I will say, God is there in every aspect of our lives to cajole us and draw us out of the pit as it were.

I entirely lay my trust in our Scripture today for I know the marvelous works of the Lord and how He yearns to be with us and guard and guide us. Oh, He is so beautiful. One may not want to believe this and say when He gives calamities, what’s the big deal if He saves a few. But my friend calamities are a result of the evil we spew out and even if there is no evident reason for a particular calamity, the Sovereign of the universe knows what He is doing and one thing is for sure: If we have recourse to Him, He is sure to help us out of any difficulty we may have. Place your trust in Him.

Thoughts for another day

August 9, 2010

Today's verse: Job. 33:14. For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God speaks and we don’t hear; the reason being, we’re too caught up either with the voices of the world or our own voice. Therefore, we do not hear God. God speaks, and it is a soft gentle voice. That was the way Elijah heard Him speak when he ran away from Jezebel who was after his blood and being much afraid, he fled for his life. But while, he journeyed in his desperation, he had the greatest encounter with God, prior to which he walked for forty days and nights to Horeb (meaning desert of drought).

In a cave, shivering probably with fear and cold, he explained to God the great things he did in being zealous for Him, the LORD God of hosts. After being advised by God, He went and stood at the entrance to the cave. There was a mighty wind, earthquake and fire but the Bible says the LORD was not in them. After these there was a tiny whispering sound and immediately Elijah sensed His Presence in that sound and hid his face in his cloak. Thereupon, God just gave him a few instructions, never explaining anything to Elijah – because God is Supreme Sovereign and never needs explain anything. But Elijah got his instruction from God and this is what God does, He instructs and directs our ways and leads us on the path. It is He who puts us on the right track when things seem to go wrong and we don’t find our feet on solid ground.

God’s voice is very faint. To many it comes as a thought in the mind: a sharp but clearly distinct thought, which races in our minds and shows direction. A lot of training is needed to listen and it consists of sitting at His feet and being silent. Yes, not even move our mouths for prayer for when you talk, He doesn’t! The big block in hearing God is our own voice which speaks good things to us and many times it’s deceptive to seem to be God speaking, when it is us all the time. At times, though we distinguish clearly, God’s voice seems to be scary, as God may be telling us of the destruction we face as a result of our wrong-doing and we don’t want to listen to it, so we don’t and therefore don’t repent. We will recognize God’s voice when we train ourselves to listen and do Him homage; then not only will we listen, we will also obey.

Thoughts for another day

August 6, 2010

Today's verse: 2 Chr. 15:2b. The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

A sincere yearning heart will always find God, no matter what. When one seeks Him, one finds Him, for that is God’s way. We find people telling us they’ve prayed for years, but never encountered God or His goodness and so they forget God as time goes by and do their own things. We’re very impatient in that sense and God is very patient. God looks at the right time and then sends the answer immediately. In fact, we find redemption so soon, we’re surprised; however rarely do we thank God for we don’t attribute His goodness doing the work for us.

There was this woman who for twelve years suffered internal hemorrhage and bled. Imagine her condition because of constant blood loss day in and day out for twelve years! The Bible doesn’t say much but merely that she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and she was cured. She must have prayed and prayed but found no cure over all those years and she would have become a destitute spending money time and again for her cure, but without help. Then one day, God to answer her prayers and sure enough, Jesus walked that way. I’m sure He knew her condition, both physical and mental - that she was so weak yet, she got up and went through the crowd and touched His blessed garment! She showed her yearning for God and Jesus recognized that yearning; and when she touched Him, He cured her immediately. Calling her despite the crowd, He also looked kindly upon her.

My friend, don’t ever entertain the thought that God isn’t there. He is around you and above you. He is watching you with love and if you seek Him, He will be found of you. He is with you when you are with Him. Never ever forsake Him, no matter what difficulty you have in your life because, He will forsake you as you’ve expressed you don’t need Him. Rather just accept His ways and learn to reconcile to them. He will be with you always for that’s what He said. Just feel His hand on you today and respond to His love.

Thoughts for another day

August 5, 2010

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:11-13. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We have this guarantee in Jesus Christ that He is always with us for He said it Himself. And Jesus will stick to what He said and since God’s Words never change, we take them as promises and even Jesus wanted that our words remain unalterable, when He said, ‘Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’. So since we have the Promises of God shall I say that whatever we have in His Word is rock solid and even heaven and earth may pass away; yet His Word will remain. Believe this for it is good unto eternal life.

As Christians, followers of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, we also believe in His faithfulness for we have this assurance that Paul talks about in today’s Scripture that if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him. Were He to send us suffering to test us that we be found pure as gold, and if we bear that suffering and pass the test, then we shall also be crowned as kings along with Him in His Kingdom. Now, there may be a few who deny Him. Yes there are those like that and if that denial comes on the spur of the moment like it did with Peter, we can rest assured that our repentance will again bring us close to Him; but if our denial is from the heart although our lips will say something else, then He will deny us.

If life, we may undergo many trials and they may be quite heavy to bear despite our good relationship with Him and they may lead us to unbelief. Even then He, The Faithful One, The Only Lord God of the universe, will show Himself faithful in our situation and eventually bring us out of the trial for we know that He allows no trial to us but that which is humanly possible to bear and even with that He gives us the Grace so we do not succumb to it. Yes, God is our guarantee in attaining the goals we have set for His Kingdom and He is faithful in all His Word.

Thoughts for another day

August 4, 2010

Today's verse: Jer. 39:17, 18. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God is amazing in His rewarding of people. Our Scripture today is a word of comfort for Ebed-melech a Cushite and a courtier in king Zedekiah’s palace. He pleads for Jeremiah when the people against Jeremiah cast him in the cistern. Ebed-melech eventually draws him out, thus saving him. God saw this act of Ebed-melech and found it worthy of rewarding him, despite the fact that he wasn’t an Israelite. Just goes to show that whenever a man chooses to do a little thing for either Yahweh God or His servants, God rewards the man. Here’s a bit of irony in this assurance: God provides Ebed-melech, a Cushite, the word of safety and protection though He is set upon destroying His Own people, the Israelites at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar!

Small acts of kindness are adequate for the Lord to extend His blessings. Even a little prayer in humility is enough to make Him turn His face toward you. Just a cup of water you give a thirsty man or a small coin you give in compassion to the hand stretched before you, without the desire to be admired by others, is reason enough for God to bless you. And I guess that’s sufficient motivation to open our eyes and look at that forlorn person sitting on the pavement shivering in the cold, or maybe the widow staying in the same building, starving for want of food; and though nothing is told, you understand and give something… all these acts of charity will stand you in good stead when you’re called to stand before the ‘Throne’ and He who occupies it will say, ‘come in faithful one, for you helped Me when I was in need.’

Thoughts for another day

August 3, 2010

Today's verse: Heb. 5:13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Haven’t you heard of armchair preachers and teachers? There’re many around us, particularly in churches where we gather for worship or prayer meetings. They’ll tell you, oh, brother, you must believe in God and you must learn to trust Him and give Him your all; etc. etc. Like scholars in Scripture, they’ll tell you things that are wonderful, example: ‘Call to Me and I will answer you…’ Jer. 33:3, but fail to tell you weightier things like the latter part of the verse – ‘and tell you things great beyond reach of your knowledge.’ For mature people these revelations must matter for they reveal the inner things of God, which are awesome!

An amazing thing about these people is they’ll tell you to read Ps. 91 for protection. Yes indeed it is a wonderful psalm filled with God’s promises, but do they ever mention the first verse which says, ‘You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,’ They’ll fail to tell you the eligibility of this Ps. is for those who dwell with the Lord; abide with Him and are with Him! Not for those who visit Him once in a while. These advisors are the most vocal in prayer meetings and you may feel they’re so strong in the Lord, but are they? It’s possible you are stronger because you may recall the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Lk. 18:9-14). And I’ve seen many of them crumble at the smallest sign of tribulation!

Be aware of these people and learn to discern them, for their advice will make you immature in the Lord, always. They are the ones who seek the outer fringes of the Lord’s dwellings and never enter within. They are like the Scribes of whom Jesus says, ‘They will lay heavy burdens on men’s shoulders, but not lift a finger to help them.’ Today, when you see such kinds, let the Holy Spirit show you their real selves so you don’t do as they say and turn away from their advice to become strong in the Lord by His Spirit, using the Word to guide you; for only then will you become skilful in the Word of righteousness, with the ability to discern the good and the evil.

Thoughts for another day

August 2, 2010

Today's verse: Lk. 12:20. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Today’s reflection on our Scripture isn’t so much about being prepared in worldly wealth to face the vagaries of the future but a blatant statement of the greed and the lack of trust in God as a result of untold success and gain. Often I’ve mentioned God wants us to rely on Him always, after all He created us for communing with Him. But those who aren’t rooted in His principles slowly veer away from Him and ultimately forget Him totally. These examples are many in our day. But there’re examples too of God filled people, who seek God at every juncture. These though are very few and even in Bible times, there were few; prime examples being, Abraham, David and Job, who though God had given much, still held that without God all is futile.

For many of God’s children, the world is a major distraction. Worldly values are opposed to God and His Kingdom. That’s why God’s children find it tough to abide in this world; Jesus made a statement on this when He said, ‘The children of this world in their generation are wiser than the children of light!’ Lk. 16:8. It doesn’t mean they aren’t able to survive, because God helps them even as they draw upon His Grace every moment. A prime example of this is a friend of mine in Orissa who runs a children’s home, has no job but ample Grace of God!

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus says that merely running behind wealth and making it our all isn’t sensible, for tomorrow God may cause the icy hand of death to grab us; then what happens to the wealth we’ve created. Whose shall it be to squander? The lesson is: one’s focus on wealth isn’t going to stand in good stead in one’s goal of living eternal life. Rather we must leave all our things in God’s hands and depend on Him to sustain us in life.