Thoughts for another day
October 29, 2010
Today's verse: Acts 5:29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Do we worship God in our hearts or is our worship only lip service? Do we know Him the way we should know or do we feel we know Him and then live a life based on that feeling without really participating in it? And there are such questions that confront us day by day in our relationship with God. For many of us, they don't matter because our devotion to God is only surfacial and not deep. Our relationship is not experiential but peripheral and it really doesn't eat us when we come to realize how little we know God.
You may wonder how this matters particular in our day to day living. It does for this stand of us will determine whether we will do things pleasing to Him or to us. Whether everyone else is more important and we mollycoddle them rather than be obedient to God as Jesus said, they preferred human praise to the glory of God; Jn. 12:43.
We have as our Scripture today, men wholeheartedly devoted to God. They had given up everything and were ready to lay down their lives too for God and for His glory. That is why when confronted by the council, they simply said; we must obey God, than men! My friend it's difficult to be on God's side when trying circumstances come upon us or when we are persecuted for the sake of our faith. You know there are some of us who are scared even before we are questioned and we imitate people from the other religions without them even threatening us. Leave alone others, it's happened with me too. We rationalize our actions by saying; we must meld into the society first and adopt customs and traditions that they follow. Yeah we do that but next… we never get going about God's business because it was never a part of our palette! Today let's stand up for our Savior. His sacrifice and love for us is too big that we can ignore them. Then let us move to do His work, whatever the cost.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 28, 2010
Today's verse: Is. 26:4. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Amplified Bible – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
George was a charismatic. He was in the fore in prayer sessions and praise meetings and had communion with believers, day in and day out. When he met people facing difficult times, he told them to trust God and always depend on Him, never losing focus. Life continued well for him and his small family of a wife and two beautiful kids. He had plenty of reason to be grateful to God for the many blessings He had showered on him and being in the shadow of God's hand, he felt almost invincible and even thought that nothing would ever happen to him.
But for all people, I say 'all' deliberately, who think this way, there's an awakening. And so it did with George. One day he discovered his elder daughter had cancer of the liver. The tumor was as large as a man's closed fist and doctors shuddered at the thought of surgically removing the tumor as the liver would burst and the child would die. No way, they said. She didn't have much time to live and would die they said. Within no time the girl from being healthy and playful was reduced to skin and bones vomiting blood each time she coughed. George couldn't bear seeing her wasting away right in front of his eyes. He and his wife prayed constantly but to no avail.
Then George remembered the many verses in the Word about trusting God. They came one after another to his distraught mind, yet he just couldn't trust God. Why me Lord was his constant refrain; but from heaven there wasn't any answer. Deep within, George somehow felt he would trust God to heal his daughter. Suddenly one day, he told his wife that he would go to a prayer center to pray day and night for the girl. He went and this time, although he hoped against hope, he prayed his daughter be healed. Before his eyes, George had seen his faith crumble and he remembered the healing of the boy with the demon after the transfiguration. The boy's father had a similar problem of no faith, yet he told Jesus, 'Lord pls. help my unbelief!' This became George's prayer. He realized how he had counseled many people to keep faith and he got a lesson in faith himself. He persisted and trusted God, holding Him, the Rock of Ages as His daughter's healer. Then God worked. The tumor started shrinking and shrank and shrank to the size of a pea!!! The exact opposite of what should have happened!
The girl started feeling better and there was no vomiting blood either. The doctors did an examination and discovered the tumor had shrunk and though the surgery was complicated they would be able to safely remove the small pea sized malignant tumor. They did and the girl lives today. Ask George and with tears streaming down his eyes, he will tell you that you can safely trust God and hope confidently in Him. He the Rock of Ages is true and He will deliver all His people who cry out to Him in their sorrow.
October 28, 2010
Today's verse: Is. 26:4. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Amplified Bible – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
George was a charismatic. He was in the fore in prayer sessions and praise meetings and had communion with believers, day in and day out. When he met people facing difficult times, he told them to trust God and always depend on Him, never losing focus. Life continued well for him and his small family of a wife and two beautiful kids. He had plenty of reason to be grateful to God for the many blessings He had showered on him and being in the shadow of God's hand, he felt almost invincible and even thought that nothing would ever happen to him.
But for all people, I say 'all' deliberately, who think this way, there's an awakening. And so it did with George. One day he discovered his elder daughter had cancer of the liver. The tumor was as large as a man's closed fist and doctors shuddered at the thought of surgically removing the tumor as the liver would burst and the child would die. No way, they said. She didn't have much time to live and would die they said. Within no time the girl from being healthy and playful was reduced to skin and bones vomiting blood each time she coughed. George couldn't bear seeing her wasting away right in front of his eyes. He and his wife prayed constantly but to no avail.
Then George remembered the many verses in the Word about trusting God. They came one after another to his distraught mind, yet he just couldn't trust God. Why me Lord was his constant refrain; but from heaven there wasn't any answer. Deep within, George somehow felt he would trust God to heal his daughter. Suddenly one day, he told his wife that he would go to a prayer center to pray day and night for the girl. He went and this time, although he hoped against hope, he prayed his daughter be healed. Before his eyes, George had seen his faith crumble and he remembered the healing of the boy with the demon after the transfiguration. The boy's father had a similar problem of no faith, yet he told Jesus, 'Lord pls. help my unbelief!' This became George's prayer. He realized how he had counseled many people to keep faith and he got a lesson in faith himself. He persisted and trusted God, holding Him, the Rock of Ages as His daughter's healer. Then God worked. The tumor started shrinking and shrank and shrank to the size of a pea!!! The exact opposite of what should have happened!
The girl started feeling better and there was no vomiting blood either. The doctors did an examination and discovered the tumor had shrunk and though the surgery was complicated they would be able to safely remove the small pea sized malignant tumor. They did and the girl lives today. Ask George and with tears streaming down his eyes, he will tell you that you can safely trust God and hope confidently in Him. He the Rock of Ages is true and He will deliver all His people who cry out to Him in their sorrow.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 26, 2010
Today's verse: Job 9:10. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. (NIV - copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Sometimes in prayer I ask the Lord, 'Just who are You Lord'; and in my mind comes the thought, He is an awesome God. Even the word awesome, get's solidity from God for He is greater than awesome. Then I think further, if He is awesome then what can He do. At this, myriad pictures of creation flood my mind and I realize that everything that's created is created by Him. You see a small leaf on the path you tread and you would not even be bother about the fact that you just trod on it, yea, that leaf is created by God and no man can create a similar leaf.
In the monsoon we take it for granted that the rain will come. But do you know how it happens? Evaporation, clouds, winds blowing, a cool settling on the clouds and finally the water trickling down on earth as rain! Imagine, were God not there to oversee this process, would you get the rains the way you do right now? Even the alternating day and night by the rotating earth, how accurate it is, not a day goes by without it missing and it continues. See the appointed seasons; we're so sure they come one after the other, so regularly and in the same pattern… just because He is there and He decides how it goes and so we can be sure. Imagine if like the atheists say there is no God, then how could this happen. Why can't the earth slip from its axis in rotation one day? After all, without someone's control anything can happen, isn't it?
God is simply marvelous in His works and coming to you, know that He can create wonders in your life provided you surrender all things to Him. It's very difficult to do that because our mind always says, what we should do, we should do. But God doesn't need help from us. Just our surrender is enough for Him to work. Yes, He tries us, but He gives us Grace during that period so we don't go down. The trial may be difficult, but remember the greater the trial the greater the wonder of His hand. So lay it up to Him and see the wonders and miracles that He will do in your life. You'll be simply delighted and like David say, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows…'
October 26, 2010
Today's verse: Job 9:10. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. (NIV - copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Sometimes in prayer I ask the Lord, 'Just who are You Lord'; and in my mind comes the thought, He is an awesome God. Even the word awesome, get's solidity from God for He is greater than awesome. Then I think further, if He is awesome then what can He do. At this, myriad pictures of creation flood my mind and I realize that everything that's created is created by Him. You see a small leaf on the path you tread and you would not even be bother about the fact that you just trod on it, yea, that leaf is created by God and no man can create a similar leaf.
In the monsoon we take it for granted that the rain will come. But do you know how it happens? Evaporation, clouds, winds blowing, a cool settling on the clouds and finally the water trickling down on earth as rain! Imagine, were God not there to oversee this process, would you get the rains the way you do right now? Even the alternating day and night by the rotating earth, how accurate it is, not a day goes by without it missing and it continues. See the appointed seasons; we're so sure they come one after the other, so regularly and in the same pattern… just because He is there and He decides how it goes and so we can be sure. Imagine if like the atheists say there is no God, then how could this happen. Why can't the earth slip from its axis in rotation one day? After all, without someone's control anything can happen, isn't it?
God is simply marvelous in His works and coming to you, know that He can create wonders in your life provided you surrender all things to Him. It's very difficult to do that because our mind always says, what we should do, we should do. But God doesn't need help from us. Just our surrender is enough for Him to work. Yes, He tries us, but He gives us Grace during that period so we don't go down. The trial may be difficult, but remember the greater the trial the greater the wonder of His hand. So lay it up to Him and see the wonders and miracles that He will do in your life. You'll be simply delighted and like David say, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows…'
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 26, 2010
Today's verse: Judges 3:4. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD'S commands, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
As I live, this verse is magnified in my life like never before. God's people are often put to the test to see if they're faithful to Him or they'll move from Him. The connection between sin and failure is so much that it is really amazing. Were I to preach or teach this to people, it's scarcely possible they'd believe. But it is so real, it's enough to scare us into submission to Him.
If this sounds a little implausible to your ears, then look at my experience. You're probably aware I've started a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I started it more than a year ago and my mandate is to take the pilgrims only to Israel and take them because they really want to worship God in His land rather than go because some famous person or such like is going with the group. These are honest intentions before the Lord and note-worthy too. But that's the problem; for I quickly discovered that my competition did both and they had droves of people flocking to them! It is difficult for me to stick to my mandate and many friends and well wishers counseled me to accept the law of the business, saying, what's the harm anyway? To me, taking to places other than Israel means dilution of the Pilgrimage and taking along a famous person means people go first because of that person and second because the Holy Land beckons.
Because of this stand my testing began. I had no business whatsoever for a whole year except a couple of people I sent thru somebody else. But I had expenses and honestly I wondered many times, what I am doing in this business. Many told me it's not for me, but I know it is as there are people out there with genuine intentions and they will go with me. But where are they?
Now finally, I managed a small group and to get it going, I've increased my prayer time and am on a path of holiness. But believe me, the testing is terrible. Each day something happens which depresses me and then somehow by God's Grace I come through. Only I know my experience and I also know I must bear it just as Joseph bore his trials before becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. And I'm reminded of our verse today; how true it is. Children of God are tested continuously by Him and those who come forth as true are rewarded immensely. Believe this.
October 26, 2010
Today's verse: Judges 3:4. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD'S commands, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
As I live, this verse is magnified in my life like never before. God's people are often put to the test to see if they're faithful to Him or they'll move from Him. The connection between sin and failure is so much that it is really amazing. Were I to preach or teach this to people, it's scarcely possible they'd believe. But it is so real, it's enough to scare us into submission to Him.
If this sounds a little implausible to your ears, then look at my experience. You're probably aware I've started a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I started it more than a year ago and my mandate is to take the pilgrims only to Israel and take them because they really want to worship God in His land rather than go because some famous person or such like is going with the group. These are honest intentions before the Lord and note-worthy too. But that's the problem; for I quickly discovered that my competition did both and they had droves of people flocking to them! It is difficult for me to stick to my mandate and many friends and well wishers counseled me to accept the law of the business, saying, what's the harm anyway? To me, taking to places other than Israel means dilution of the Pilgrimage and taking along a famous person means people go first because of that person and second because the Holy Land beckons.
Because of this stand my testing began. I had no business whatsoever for a whole year except a couple of people I sent thru somebody else. But I had expenses and honestly I wondered many times, what I am doing in this business. Many told me it's not for me, but I know it is as there are people out there with genuine intentions and they will go with me. But where are they?
Now finally, I managed a small group and to get it going, I've increased my prayer time and am on a path of holiness. But believe me, the testing is terrible. Each day something happens which depresses me and then somehow by God's Grace I come through. Only I know my experience and I also know I must bear it just as Joseph bore his trials before becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. And I'm reminded of our verse today; how true it is. Children of God are tested continuously by Him and those who come forth as true are rewarded immensely. Believe this.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thoughts for another day
Today's verse: Jn. 6:68. Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
These Words in the mouth of Simon Peter are probably the most profound Words in the Bible. Profound when understood in the depth of the sentence, forgoing a surface understanding of the Scripture; which is what we do most of the time and tend to follow what we understand and therefore lead erroneous lives before God.
Jesus talks about Him being the Bread from heaven and says that unless we eat His body and drink His blood we do not have life within us. At this saying, many people are scandalized and leave Him saying, this saying is hard who can accept it, thinking probably, who wants to be a cannibal! Because they understand what Jesus says at the surface level, which is the human level and therefore lower than the level of God. They look at eating Jesus body and drinking His blood thinking of how difficult it would be for them to do that and hence leave Him. Whereas for Peter this saying of Jesus sparks a new enlightenment which proclaims loudly that Jesus is the One in whom is eternal life and there is nothing else apart from that which can signify life.
Christian living is fraught with dangers of misunderstanding and wrong interpretation whereby many Christians are at the threshold of leaving the faith or in ignorance (which is not bliss). I've heard about many so called individuals who have left the faith to follow other 'gods' and I reckon it's simply because of their inability to understand God. On the contrary most people who understand Christianity well ,will always join the band of Christ not move away from it because it is the only way which suggests that man be completely dependent on God whereas the others do not even by far suggest this simply because they do not have the nature of God as they aren't God. This reflection is too small a forum to explain this, but it would be sufficient for me to say that sitting in the presence of God and asking His Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds would enable us also to echo Peter's saying, "Lord You alone have the Words of eternal life."
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thoughts for another day
Today's verse: Is. 30:15b. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, (NIV – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In the stillness of the heart I have felt a power that's inexplicable. I can never feel this when I am on the move or when agitated. The feeling of being on top of the world is literally when you are right on the floor before God, in quiet. And I believe that it is the way of God. Because only God can do things such as these when there is no planning or any kind of move on our part and yet, the most dramatic and good things happen for us.
Today's Scripture sets the foundation on this premise; asking us to repent and rest for in it is our redemption and in simple trusting and steadfast faith, demonstrated by our quietness in these times, is the power to catapult our beings to triumph; not by our own power but by the power of God which comes to the fore when we in the silence of our hearts give Him room and He takes center-stage and defends us from all kinds of danger and puts us on top, giving us victory. Today, if there is some turmoil in life, answer back with stillness and calm. Difficult I know to do, but try it and believe me within no time, your turmoil will be silenced, not by any natural means but by the awesome and supernatural power of our God, Who works best in the silence we maintain, which exudes absolute faith in Him.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 21, 2010
Today's verse: Lk. 17:15. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God does many things for us and He is such a Supreme Authority that He does extraordinary things too which gratify our beings. But are we thankful to Him. Think about it, He takes care of us each moment. There are so many evil forces arrayed against us, this we can see if we would have had the eyes to see the invisible, things that are strong enough to riddle our bodies with sicknesses and disease. Yet, God's protective covering around us stalls the move of these evil things and makes they run away in fear from us.
Go back to the time when you were a child. Weren't there many incidences that you can think of when the protective hand of God was around you? Yet, did you turn around and as much as say a little thank you? In our Scripture, Jesus talks about the need for us to thank God for what He does for us. Jesus healed the lepers and leprosy was a dreadful disease in those days and Jesus' cure meant like new lives for those people; yet only one person returned to thank Jesus when he realized he was healed and that too Jesus observed him to be a Samaritan.
Amazing the kind of ungratefulness we exhibit when it concerns God's gifts for us. How we take them so much for granted and ignore God completely after He has given it to us. If we find ourselves strikingly similar to the ungrateful lepers of that day, let us repent the ungratefulness we harbor and come to Him and say sorry and thank Him profusely for the things He has done since the time we were small, till now. Maybe you'll realize the immense deficit of thanks that there is and now onwards thank Him each moment.
October 21, 2010
Today's verse: Lk. 17:15. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God does many things for us and He is such a Supreme Authority that He does extraordinary things too which gratify our beings. But are we thankful to Him. Think about it, He takes care of us each moment. There are so many evil forces arrayed against us, this we can see if we would have had the eyes to see the invisible, things that are strong enough to riddle our bodies with sicknesses and disease. Yet, God's protective covering around us stalls the move of these evil things and makes they run away in fear from us.
Go back to the time when you were a child. Weren't there many incidences that you can think of when the protective hand of God was around you? Yet, did you turn around and as much as say a little thank you? In our Scripture, Jesus talks about the need for us to thank God for what He does for us. Jesus healed the lepers and leprosy was a dreadful disease in those days and Jesus' cure meant like new lives for those people; yet only one person returned to thank Jesus when he realized he was healed and that too Jesus observed him to be a Samaritan.
Amazing the kind of ungratefulness we exhibit when it concerns God's gifts for us. How we take them so much for granted and ignore God completely after He has given it to us. If we find ourselves strikingly similar to the ungrateful lepers of that day, let us repent the ungratefulness we harbor and come to Him and say sorry and thank Him profusely for the things He has done since the time we were small, till now. Maybe you'll realize the immense deficit of thanks that there is and now onwards thank Him each moment.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 20, 2010
Today's verse: Job 22:23-25. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Being away from God is the worst thing to happen to any creature who dwells on earth, for without Him, there can't be any supernatural support to ensure that when needed, supernatural strength is available. And this supernatural power of God is available to us for even dangerous things that we don't know are happening like for e.g. while walking, there is a hole in the road and for some reason, we just side step and avoid it not knowing the reason and escape the harm it could have caused.
But even if we have been away from God, then we should turn back and seek Him. In that there is great merit and reward for us. Our Scripture says then we shall become rich and prosperous and gain fame and renown. It is so true that when we are right with God, there's an element of surety in our whole approach to life. Our steps are confident and our demeanor is solid and sure. Our body language suggests there is power in us and that power is from God. Slowly but surely this causes people to trust us and be joined together with us toward success.
Besides, oneness with God is good for our soul which simply means that within us there is gladness and joy. We can then become the reason for happiness in our own families and others we are in contact with. And finally, submission to Him also delivers the choicest gift of all, eternal life in and through His Son, Jesus Christ. What more could one want?
October 20, 2010
Today's verse: Job 22:23-25. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Being away from God is the worst thing to happen to any creature who dwells on earth, for without Him, there can't be any supernatural support to ensure that when needed, supernatural strength is available. And this supernatural power of God is available to us for even dangerous things that we don't know are happening like for e.g. while walking, there is a hole in the road and for some reason, we just side step and avoid it not knowing the reason and escape the harm it could have caused.
But even if we have been away from God, then we should turn back and seek Him. In that there is great merit and reward for us. Our Scripture says then we shall become rich and prosperous and gain fame and renown. It is so true that when we are right with God, there's an element of surety in our whole approach to life. Our steps are confident and our demeanor is solid and sure. Our body language suggests there is power in us and that power is from God. Slowly but surely this causes people to trust us and be joined together with us toward success.
Besides, oneness with God is good for our soul which simply means that within us there is gladness and joy. We can then become the reason for happiness in our own families and others we are in contact with. And finally, submission to Him also delivers the choicest gift of all, eternal life in and through His Son, Jesus Christ. What more could one want?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 19, 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)
A little boy was looking out the window. Across the road that edged his home, he saw a huge ground with green grass, fringed with coconut trees; and beyond them he saw the mountains which stretched from one end to the other. Now this boy didn't much like the color green and the mountains frightened him because his mother used to scare him to behave by telling him often that men would come from the mountains and kidnap him if he were up to mischief.
So he prayed to God saying, 'God I think the grass shouldn't be green, but yellow. The mountains in front of my house are so dull, You should make them smaller and add bright lights over them so they glisten during the day and also shine during the night!' This may amuse you: what with yellow grass and small, glistening mountains! Do you know that our prayers too are at times like the boy's prayer? We make suggestions to the Lord without thinking that He is so awesome, and our suggestions are so childish.
In our prayers we tell the Lord what's to be done for us, thinking that's the best way. Let me talk about myself: I've begun this business of taking Pilgrims to the Holy Land. Accordingly I feel my first group should be huge. But as the Lord has willed, I have a small group. Now that's enough to rattle me for I can see; forget making money out of this, I am spending my own fare to go with the people. So is that sensible? Apparently not. But that's what God knows to be good for me. I've come to realise it will also give me the leeway and experience to give my group a good soaking in the Word of God. Besides, I can spend adequate time with them and work them up with zeal for God and His Word. I've come around to see it that way. I also think, is it difficult for God to give me a thousand people in the next year? Not at all. My acceptance of His small favor this year will pave the way for large things the next year. That's the way it needs to be for who can teach God?
Today's Scripture clearly tells us that God isn't awed by our knowledge. How can He when He has run through our every sinew and knows our every breath? Who are we to give Him knowledge who is the very fount of it and He judges those considered highly knowledgeable and finds them inadequate. Yes, indeed we must refrain from telling God what to do. If at all we should do anything, then it is but pray for what we need and leave it to His Majesty to grant as His knowledge would act.
October 19, 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)
A little boy was looking out the window. Across the road that edged his home, he saw a huge ground with green grass, fringed with coconut trees; and beyond them he saw the mountains which stretched from one end to the other. Now this boy didn't much like the color green and the mountains frightened him because his mother used to scare him to behave by telling him often that men would come from the mountains and kidnap him if he were up to mischief.
So he prayed to God saying, 'God I think the grass shouldn't be green, but yellow. The mountains in front of my house are so dull, You should make them smaller and add bright lights over them so they glisten during the day and also shine during the night!' This may amuse you: what with yellow grass and small, glistening mountains! Do you know that our prayers too are at times like the boy's prayer? We make suggestions to the Lord without thinking that He is so awesome, and our suggestions are so childish.
In our prayers we tell the Lord what's to be done for us, thinking that's the best way. Let me talk about myself: I've begun this business of taking Pilgrims to the Holy Land. Accordingly I feel my first group should be huge. But as the Lord has willed, I have a small group. Now that's enough to rattle me for I can see; forget making money out of this, I am spending my own fare to go with the people. So is that sensible? Apparently not. But that's what God knows to be good for me. I've come to realise it will also give me the leeway and experience to give my group a good soaking in the Word of God. Besides, I can spend adequate time with them and work them up with zeal for God and His Word. I've come around to see it that way. I also think, is it difficult for God to give me a thousand people in the next year? Not at all. My acceptance of His small favor this year will pave the way for large things the next year. That's the way it needs to be for who can teach God?
Today's Scripture clearly tells us that God isn't awed by our knowledge. How can He when He has run through our every sinew and knows our every breath? Who are we to give Him knowledge who is the very fount of it and He judges those considered highly knowledgeable and finds them inadequate. Yes, indeed we must refrain from telling God what to do. If at all we should do anything, then it is but pray for what we need and leave it to His Majesty to grant as His knowledge would act.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 18, 2010
Today's verse: Deut. 4:29. But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is really a mystery for all of us and even after many years we find we cannot understand His ways. Yes, we know what He intends us to do for His Word is amply clear on that aspect and we also know that He abides by His Word, meaning He does what He says He will. Be that as it may with utmost humility I must say that God many times doesn't work in the way I pray to Him and sometimes it can be really frustrating and dismal. Then I realize that what I ask God to do is erroneous in His sight and the perfect way is something else. This I know is right because God sees all at the same time and He is able to see the future of what we do and so therefore He doesn't grant us things that are harmful to us in the future.
But beyond asking for things or reasoning out to God to perfect a situation for us, is the condition of being immersed in God. Today's Scripture is about the soul seeking the awesome Presence of the Almighty. And He is found in the earnest seeking of our souls. He sees when our knees are bent and our lips are silent and our hearts are yearning to meet Him.
He knows our spirit when we seek Him in Spirit and Truth. He knows the craving we have for Him in which we cry out, 'set me as a seal on Your heart; as a seal on Your arm.' He understands the decay of our lives and the wanton follies we commit against Him, which though we do not want to, we still do. He is sincere in this: that those who seek Him with diligence through the inmost crevices of their hearts, falling before Him in worship day and night, get to see His countenance for He treasures the blood of His Son which they have poured on themselves and gives them the desires of their hearts. In this we have confidence and rejoice in our hearts at the knowledge of our God and Savior.
October 18, 2010
Today's verse: Deut. 4:29. But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is really a mystery for all of us and even after many years we find we cannot understand His ways. Yes, we know what He intends us to do for His Word is amply clear on that aspect and we also know that He abides by His Word, meaning He does what He says He will. Be that as it may with utmost humility I must say that God many times doesn't work in the way I pray to Him and sometimes it can be really frustrating and dismal. Then I realize that what I ask God to do is erroneous in His sight and the perfect way is something else. This I know is right because God sees all at the same time and He is able to see the future of what we do and so therefore He doesn't grant us things that are harmful to us in the future.
But beyond asking for things or reasoning out to God to perfect a situation for us, is the condition of being immersed in God. Today's Scripture is about the soul seeking the awesome Presence of the Almighty. And He is found in the earnest seeking of our souls. He sees when our knees are bent and our lips are silent and our hearts are yearning to meet Him.
He knows our spirit when we seek Him in Spirit and Truth. He knows the craving we have for Him in which we cry out, 'set me as a seal on Your heart; as a seal on Your arm.' He understands the decay of our lives and the wanton follies we commit against Him, which though we do not want to, we still do. He is sincere in this: that those who seek Him with diligence through the inmost crevices of their hearts, falling before Him in worship day and night, get to see His countenance for He treasures the blood of His Son which they have poured on themselves and gives them the desires of their hearts. In this we have confidence and rejoice in our hearts at the knowledge of our God and Savior.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 15, 2010
Today's verse: Sirach 10:4. The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is the Creator and Master over all. In His hand is the destiny of the world and the life of every creature who moves on earth for He created them. We see many things happening and sometimes wonder whether God is seeing the things that are happening because we see all kinds of non-sense and wickedness beyond limits. What at that time is God doing?
In Bible times, some of the Jews, when the kings ruled particularly in the latter half when the kingdom was prostituted by them, would have wondered what God was doing and why He was allowing such abominations at their hands. Idol worship, sexual immorality, extortion, cheating… you name it, the sin was being committed. Yet there wasn't as much as a minor sound from God in retribution! Yes, when the king suffered defeat at the hands of a marauding enemy and wept and rent his clothes before God, God relented and caused the defeat of the enemy. But till Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Judah, there was apparently nothing God did to stop the debauchery that both the king and the people were involved in. Was God helpless? Was He doing nothing because He couldn't? Far from it, God was giving them time. He sent His prophets again and again and they didn't listen. They abused the prophets and did what they pleased to them and so God finally cracked the whip. They were destroyed and put in chains and dragged to another land to face ignominy and insult. We know that all along God was in control and it was He who raised Nebuchadnezzar and sent him to destroy the Israelites. But, if the Israelites would have obeyed Him would any nation as much as lay a hand on them… never; for God would destroy them.
You know we may feel that God isn't concerned and doing anything. But the opposite is true. It is His world and He is concerned, rather very concerned. He can and will remedy the situation but in His time, not ours. And then He will put His world in the charge of someone He feels appropriate and give Him the command. You can be sure of it for He is God and there's nothing impossible for Him.
October 15, 2010
Today's verse: Sirach 10:4. The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
God is the Creator and Master over all. In His hand is the destiny of the world and the life of every creature who moves on earth for He created them. We see many things happening and sometimes wonder whether God is seeing the things that are happening because we see all kinds of non-sense and wickedness beyond limits. What at that time is God doing?
In Bible times, some of the Jews, when the kings ruled particularly in the latter half when the kingdom was prostituted by them, would have wondered what God was doing and why He was allowing such abominations at their hands. Idol worship, sexual immorality, extortion, cheating… you name it, the sin was being committed. Yet there wasn't as much as a minor sound from God in retribution! Yes, when the king suffered defeat at the hands of a marauding enemy and wept and rent his clothes before God, God relented and caused the defeat of the enemy. But till Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Judah, there was apparently nothing God did to stop the debauchery that both the king and the people were involved in. Was God helpless? Was He doing nothing because He couldn't? Far from it, God was giving them time. He sent His prophets again and again and they didn't listen. They abused the prophets and did what they pleased to them and so God finally cracked the whip. They were destroyed and put in chains and dragged to another land to face ignominy and insult. We know that all along God was in control and it was He who raised Nebuchadnezzar and sent him to destroy the Israelites. But, if the Israelites would have obeyed Him would any nation as much as lay a hand on them… never; for God would destroy them.
You know we may feel that God isn't concerned and doing anything. But the opposite is true. It is His world and He is concerned, rather very concerned. He can and will remedy the situation but in His time, not ours. And then He will put His world in the charge of someone He feels appropriate and give Him the command. You can be sure of it for He is God and there's nothing impossible for Him.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 14, 2010
Today's verse: Acts 5:41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
What would you say is the best reward for being a faithful servant of God? Is it the power to perform miracles or the power to bring people to God or the power to pray for hours on end or even learn the Word end to end? Maybe all four you might say and most of us would not even consider the above Scripture to delve in its depth and discover the power of the statement in the Word.
The best guarantee of the Lord's approving our Ministry is when He allows us to suffer. Believe me the suffering we have is the power of God to enable us to come closer to Him. We want to eschew this suffering because any suffering is painful and causes much sorrow to the person bearing it. But in God's sight suffering is but a renewing of the filial ties we have with Him and the walking on pathway to be joined unto Him. I won't say you should pray that you suffer, for God knows what's best for each one of us. But I'll definitely say that were suffering to knock at the door, look above and welcome it as God's refining power, coming to heal you.
Now the closer we get to Christ, I can assure you suffering is guaranteed. We may have everything we need, unlike people who suffer for want, but our suffering may be because of some disease or people maligning us or even persecuting us unwittingly and the like. Yet, with certainty I can say that the closer we come to Christ, the more sure we are to suffer and in this suffering we meld ourselves to Christ as no other thing. Glad indeed were the Apostles when they were beaten because they professed the Name of Jesus and indeed glad will we be when we suffer for we stood for the Name of the Beloved. Somewhere in the annals of God, He will take a big marker and write against our names, 'I love this child of mine and wait for His coming home to Me here in heaven.'
October 14, 2010
Today's verse: Acts 5:41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
What would you say is the best reward for being a faithful servant of God? Is it the power to perform miracles or the power to bring people to God or the power to pray for hours on end or even learn the Word end to end? Maybe all four you might say and most of us would not even consider the above Scripture to delve in its depth and discover the power of the statement in the Word.
The best guarantee of the Lord's approving our Ministry is when He allows us to suffer. Believe me the suffering we have is the power of God to enable us to come closer to Him. We want to eschew this suffering because any suffering is painful and causes much sorrow to the person bearing it. But in God's sight suffering is but a renewing of the filial ties we have with Him and the walking on pathway to be joined unto Him. I won't say you should pray that you suffer, for God knows what's best for each one of us. But I'll definitely say that were suffering to knock at the door, look above and welcome it as God's refining power, coming to heal you.
Now the closer we get to Christ, I can assure you suffering is guaranteed. We may have everything we need, unlike people who suffer for want, but our suffering may be because of some disease or people maligning us or even persecuting us unwittingly and the like. Yet, with certainty I can say that the closer we come to Christ, the more sure we are to suffer and in this suffering we meld ourselves to Christ as no other thing. Glad indeed were the Apostles when they were beaten because they professed the Name of Jesus and indeed glad will we be when we suffer for we stood for the Name of the Beloved. Somewhere in the annals of God, He will take a big marker and write against our names, 'I love this child of mine and wait for His coming home to Me here in heaven.'
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 13, 2010
Today's verse: 2 Pet. 2:9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Are you in diverse temptations, trials or some process of difficulty that seemingly is too much for you to bear? Are you tired and out of steam with not an iota of energy to step forward. Are you too exhausted and down to the dregs with pain and sorrow and don't know how to survive the next day; or, is life so burdensome that you want to live no more? Then there is good news for you: Your God will deliver you out of the situation you are in and bring you out to the green land of promise and He will set you on seats so comfortable, you'll cherish His touch all your lives.
You know if you fear Him and are devoted to Him, He cares for you. In every situation He will bring you out when you cry out to Him. He says 'when you walk through the fire, the flames will not touch you nor will they scorch you to your harm.' He also says 'when you walk through the waters, they'll not overwhelm you nor will you drown in them'; for He never sleeps nor slumbers and His eye is always on those devoted to Him, to encourage them. Countless are the times, when His people have escaped severe accidents and other catastrophes because of His hand on them. Oh, God yea, He works in ways we cannot see or comprehend. His ways may seem shaky to us, yet in time, we see the firmness of His Hand and through it His awesome love for us.
God is calling you today to just trust Him in His Word and look up to Him. See His work around you to get that feeling of His greatness and abundant creative power. Look at the sky He has spread before you, adorned with the great twinklers at night and the fearsome light during day. Look at the ocean and the huge mountains, so imposingly large and full of energy and remember that they are as mere toys in His hand for we know the oceans roar at His sound shifting quickly at His approach; and the mountains, they just melt before Him. Ah, then you'll know the God you serve and you will join with me in glorifying and praising Him; falling before Him in worship.
October 13, 2010
Today's verse: 2 Pet. 2:9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Are you in diverse temptations, trials or some process of difficulty that seemingly is too much for you to bear? Are you tired and out of steam with not an iota of energy to step forward. Are you too exhausted and down to the dregs with pain and sorrow and don't know how to survive the next day; or, is life so burdensome that you want to live no more? Then there is good news for you: Your God will deliver you out of the situation you are in and bring you out to the green land of promise and He will set you on seats so comfortable, you'll cherish His touch all your lives.
You know if you fear Him and are devoted to Him, He cares for you. In every situation He will bring you out when you cry out to Him. He says 'when you walk through the fire, the flames will not touch you nor will they scorch you to your harm.' He also says 'when you walk through the waters, they'll not overwhelm you nor will you drown in them'; for He never sleeps nor slumbers and His eye is always on those devoted to Him, to encourage them. Countless are the times, when His people have escaped severe accidents and other catastrophes because of His hand on them. Oh, God yea, He works in ways we cannot see or comprehend. His ways may seem shaky to us, yet in time, we see the firmness of His Hand and through it His awesome love for us.
God is calling you today to just trust Him in His Word and look up to Him. See His work around you to get that feeling of His greatness and abundant creative power. Look at the sky He has spread before you, adorned with the great twinklers at night and the fearsome light during day. Look at the ocean and the huge mountains, so imposingly large and full of energy and remember that they are as mere toys in His hand for we know the oceans roar at His sound shifting quickly at His approach; and the mountains, they just melt before Him. Ah, then you'll know the God you serve and you will join with me in glorifying and praising Him; falling before Him in worship.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 12, 2010
Today's verse: Ps. 33:15. For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
What should I do when I am in need or in pain or being suffocated with something that either life has served an innocent me, or I've brought it upon myself? There could be many things that I could do, many paths I could walk in. But the path that emerges after prayer to God, listening to His voice and keeping silent, is the best path to take for it will give you peace, a peace beyond all understanding, and eventually lead to getting rid of the unsavory situation.
Prophet Isaiah says in 30:15, 'in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength' and then quickly adds, but you would not… that means, you would not believe nor pay heed. Imagine the number of times we go round in circles wishing the problem to go away, but it doesn't. Our minds tell us that after we have petitioned God to get rid of it, we should just relax and let God do the work, but we will agitate, run to people, do this, do that and thus thwart the Hand of God and by our lack of faith, make it difficult for Him to work in our favor because we know that God's power works best in the fertile field of faith.
Really, how stupid we are. And I've experienced this same thing recently in a situation not too good in my life and I know I need to summon all the faith He has given me to believe Him steadfastly, yet, I sometimes feel dejected and low. Rather than being quiet and listening to Him and believing Him to do something marvelous, I thrust my hands here and there and simply trouble myself. I call this period the 'Faith in progress stage'. A stage, which is very tough but surmountable, not by self, but by His Power and Grace. Today, I've come to learn how important it is for us to keep quiet and wait for God (just as He told David… wait till you hear the sound of marching on the balsam trees) to do the impossible and give you a victory you never imagined. So then like the psalmist, we too can say, 'O Lord, I hope in You, and I trust Lord that You will listen to my prayer!'
October 12, 2010
Today's verse: Ps. 33:15. For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
What should I do when I am in need or in pain or being suffocated with something that either life has served an innocent me, or I've brought it upon myself? There could be many things that I could do, many paths I could walk in. But the path that emerges after prayer to God, listening to His voice and keeping silent, is the best path to take for it will give you peace, a peace beyond all understanding, and eventually lead to getting rid of the unsavory situation.
Prophet Isaiah says in 30:15, 'in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength' and then quickly adds, but you would not… that means, you would not believe nor pay heed. Imagine the number of times we go round in circles wishing the problem to go away, but it doesn't. Our minds tell us that after we have petitioned God to get rid of it, we should just relax and let God do the work, but we will agitate, run to people, do this, do that and thus thwart the Hand of God and by our lack of faith, make it difficult for Him to work in our favor because we know that God's power works best in the fertile field of faith.
Really, how stupid we are. And I've experienced this same thing recently in a situation not too good in my life and I know I need to summon all the faith He has given me to believe Him steadfastly, yet, I sometimes feel dejected and low. Rather than being quiet and listening to Him and believing Him to do something marvelous, I thrust my hands here and there and simply trouble myself. I call this period the 'Faith in progress stage'. A stage, which is very tough but surmountable, not by self, but by His Power and Grace. Today, I've come to learn how important it is for us to keep quiet and wait for God (just as He told David… wait till you hear the sound of marching on the balsam trees) to do the impossible and give you a victory you never imagined. So then like the psalmist, we too can say, 'O Lord, I hope in You, and I trust Lord that You will listen to my prayer!'
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 11, 2010
Today's verse: Ez. 13:9. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In our churches, gatherings and other places, we find 'men and women of God' who're what I may say, a caricature of what God's men and women should be. (To be honest, I'll put myself also in that category, simply because I fail to live the life Jesus has commanded I live). For most it is a wrong understanding of God's calling in their lives, by which they think they've been called to preach, lay hands on people and give messages so much so that even a 'small-time' preacher, will have some message for you. When you go for counseling they'll ask you this and that and then pretend and pray over you and with deep words of wisdom give you messages you eagerly grab assuming it to come from God, whereas all the time, this stupid person has been giving you what he/she thinks is what he/she has got from God. I'm saying stupid because that's what they are: people whom God has never spoken to, yet dare to give 'messages'.
I once went for a retreat in a very established retreat center near Mumbai. In the course of the retreat we were supposed to go for counseling and so I too went for it. Most love this because this is where you get messages! My turn came to go to a lady who was a regular counselor at the place. But strangely, in the course of discussion, I ended up counseling her rather than being counseled myself! I couldn't understand this for this lady has counseled many people and yet the tables turned when she spoke to me. So what message do you think I get of this Retreat Center? As for me, I have stopped giving messages. I only tell people that I will pray that God grants them what I pray for with the certainty that my prayer will be answered for Jesus Himself says so. It's better for people of God to commune with Him and pray rather than do foolish things by which thy deceive people and gain God's wrath. God's calling to preach and do other things is His calling; you cannot tell Him to call you.
Genuine messengers of God who under the Holy Spirit's prompting can tell you things about your life (they too can't tell you much for God puts but a few things about others in their head) are very few and therefore I urge you to be careful of the many men and women who masquerade as God's messengers. Be careful else you'll be disappointed, deceived and shattered. Our reflection is a strong word by God against these people who claim to be His messengers and yet have only their words and you'll see they always give you positive messages. God's prophets give any message – good or bad. And that's the way it should be for God is not a liar and His Word will prevail. As for going about seeking messages, shun the thought for when needed, God will put His message into your heart no matter whether it's a counselor who gives the message or just an ordinary man who does it; for if God used Caiaphas to prophesy that 'it is better that One Man die that the whole nation perishes, Jn. 11:50 then He may use anybody to give you your message. Question is, will you understand it as God's message?
October 11, 2010
Today's verse: Ez. 13:9. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
In our churches, gatherings and other places, we find 'men and women of God' who're what I may say, a caricature of what God's men and women should be. (To be honest, I'll put myself also in that category, simply because I fail to live the life Jesus has commanded I live). For most it is a wrong understanding of God's calling in their lives, by which they think they've been called to preach, lay hands on people and give messages so much so that even a 'small-time' preacher, will have some message for you. When you go for counseling they'll ask you this and that and then pretend and pray over you and with deep words of wisdom give you messages you eagerly grab assuming it to come from God, whereas all the time, this stupid person has been giving you what he/she thinks is what he/she has got from God. I'm saying stupid because that's what they are: people whom God has never spoken to, yet dare to give 'messages'.
I once went for a retreat in a very established retreat center near Mumbai. In the course of the retreat we were supposed to go for counseling and so I too went for it. Most love this because this is where you get messages! My turn came to go to a lady who was a regular counselor at the place. But strangely, in the course of discussion, I ended up counseling her rather than being counseled myself! I couldn't understand this for this lady has counseled many people and yet the tables turned when she spoke to me. So what message do you think I get of this Retreat Center? As for me, I have stopped giving messages. I only tell people that I will pray that God grants them what I pray for with the certainty that my prayer will be answered for Jesus Himself says so. It's better for people of God to commune with Him and pray rather than do foolish things by which thy deceive people and gain God's wrath. God's calling to preach and do other things is His calling; you cannot tell Him to call you.
Genuine messengers of God who under the Holy Spirit's prompting can tell you things about your life (they too can't tell you much for God puts but a few things about others in their head) are very few and therefore I urge you to be careful of the many men and women who masquerade as God's messengers. Be careful else you'll be disappointed, deceived and shattered. Our reflection is a strong word by God against these people who claim to be His messengers and yet have only their words and you'll see they always give you positive messages. God's prophets give any message – good or bad. And that's the way it should be for God is not a liar and His Word will prevail. As for going about seeking messages, shun the thought for when needed, God will put His message into your heart no matter whether it's a counselor who gives the message or just an ordinary man who does it; for if God used Caiaphas to prophesy that 'it is better that One Man die that the whole nation perishes, Jn. 11:50 then He may use anybody to give you your message. Question is, will you understand it as God's message?
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 8, 2010
Today's verse: Jn. 12:44. Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The Kingdom of God operates on the word 'belief'. There's nothing else as powerful as belief in the dictionary of God for it is with belief that God's power comes into operation.
If I were to analyze it, here's how it would seem: God is not visible and hence most people are tuned not to believe Him; that's the way the world fashions belief with the maxim, 'seeing is believing'. Why is God not seen? No one has the answer and in any way, that's His prerogative - He is answerable to none and He wants it that way. I feel He isn't seen for our sake for were we to behold Him for even a split second, we would perish instantly because His brilliance is too much for us to behold. But He wants that we believe Him. Why? Because, if we don't believe in Him, He ceases to exist for us and if He ceases to exist, then how can He show us His massive love? How can He hold us up and joy in us? How can we receive the gift of eternal life? When we don't believe, we deny Him as it were, causing God a lot of grief. Believing, particularly in hard times is difficult but not impossible and it touches God's heart when we believe even as the odds are against us (for when things are alright believing Him is quite easy).
When we believe God even when we face absolutely rough weather, it's like telling the elements, 'you wait, I have my God who is far greater than you; He will come to save me and destroy you!' What a wonderful confession and look at the glory it accords the Lord. God is pleased when we hold Him in such high esteem and trust Him so implicitly. Jesus pleads as it were to believe Him, if not for anything else, at least for the works He did because Jesus knew that without belief even God finds it difficult to exercise His massive power. Jesus says that when we believe in Him, our standing in belief is not only in Him but also in the One who sent Him: viz. the Maker of Heaven and earth, the LORD God Almighty, Yahweh God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. And that my friend is the guarantee of safety for any human being.
October 8, 2010
Today's verse: Jn. 12:44. Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
The Kingdom of God operates on the word 'belief'. There's nothing else as powerful as belief in the dictionary of God for it is with belief that God's power comes into operation.
If I were to analyze it, here's how it would seem: God is not visible and hence most people are tuned not to believe Him; that's the way the world fashions belief with the maxim, 'seeing is believing'. Why is God not seen? No one has the answer and in any way, that's His prerogative - He is answerable to none and He wants it that way. I feel He isn't seen for our sake for were we to behold Him for even a split second, we would perish instantly because His brilliance is too much for us to behold. But He wants that we believe Him. Why? Because, if we don't believe in Him, He ceases to exist for us and if He ceases to exist, then how can He show us His massive love? How can He hold us up and joy in us? How can we receive the gift of eternal life? When we don't believe, we deny Him as it were, causing God a lot of grief. Believing, particularly in hard times is difficult but not impossible and it touches God's heart when we believe even as the odds are against us (for when things are alright believing Him is quite easy).
When we believe God even when we face absolutely rough weather, it's like telling the elements, 'you wait, I have my God who is far greater than you; He will come to save me and destroy you!' What a wonderful confession and look at the glory it accords the Lord. God is pleased when we hold Him in such high esteem and trust Him so implicitly. Jesus pleads as it were to believe Him, if not for anything else, at least for the works He did because Jesus knew that without belief even God finds it difficult to exercise His massive power. Jesus says that when we believe in Him, our standing in belief is not only in Him but also in the One who sent Him: viz. the Maker of Heaven and earth, the LORD God Almighty, Yahweh God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. And that my friend is the guarantee of safety for any human being.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 7, 2010
Today's verse: Rev. 4:11. “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Every cell in my being at times says the above to my God who is not only all-powerful, but an Awesome God beyond description. To mention His greatness, I struggle to find the words that that aptly describe Him, not an iota of man's vocabulary can describe the glory of God to its fullest for who can even get close to His glory which fills heaven and earth.
He is so awesome and brilliant, it impels Paul to say, "He dwells in unapproachable light!" 1 Tim. 6:16. None can behold His countenance or converse with Him unless He has drawn the man. When Jesus arrived on earth, He had shed His brilliance and did not grasp the Divinity that was His and they did all they could in insulting and tormenting Him and finally put Him to death; but that was Jesus' love for us which again He showed in all fullness. But mind you, Jesus Himself is brilliant and He did give a glimpse of His brilliance when He was transfigured on Mount Tabor. He will one day again come in all brilliance and the earth will witness the Awesome Majesty of the beloved Son, the Awesome Lamb of God.
God's power is, yeah well, what can I say except that it's possible for God to do anything, even to the extent of giving life to dead bones which suddenly can amass flesh and live! Indeed, God's power is spread over the entire universe. The non-human elements of the earth obey Him explicitly which is why the earth rotates unfailingly on its foundations as the Bible says it has and the solar system is in a constant state of energy and movement but without error. Imagine if the earth were to move just an inch closer to the sun that it is fixed to do; what a catastrophe that would prove to be. All these huge things are well within God's power and He can turn them upside down if He wills. So He our Awesome God is all worthy to receive glory and honor and power and might and all things that His being holds for He created all things by His singular will and they have taken shape. He is the One to be worshipped forever and ever. Amen.
October 7, 2010
Today's verse: Rev. 4:11. “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Every cell in my being at times says the above to my God who is not only all-powerful, but an Awesome God beyond description. To mention His greatness, I struggle to find the words that that aptly describe Him, not an iota of man's vocabulary can describe the glory of God to its fullest for who can even get close to His glory which fills heaven and earth.
He is so awesome and brilliant, it impels Paul to say, "He dwells in unapproachable light!" 1 Tim. 6:16. None can behold His countenance or converse with Him unless He has drawn the man. When Jesus arrived on earth, He had shed His brilliance and did not grasp the Divinity that was His and they did all they could in insulting and tormenting Him and finally put Him to death; but that was Jesus' love for us which again He showed in all fullness. But mind you, Jesus Himself is brilliant and He did give a glimpse of His brilliance when He was transfigured on Mount Tabor. He will one day again come in all brilliance and the earth will witness the Awesome Majesty of the beloved Son, the Awesome Lamb of God.
God's power is, yeah well, what can I say except that it's possible for God to do anything, even to the extent of giving life to dead bones which suddenly can amass flesh and live! Indeed, God's power is spread over the entire universe. The non-human elements of the earth obey Him explicitly which is why the earth rotates unfailingly on its foundations as the Bible says it has and the solar system is in a constant state of energy and movement but without error. Imagine if the earth were to move just an inch closer to the sun that it is fixed to do; what a catastrophe that would prove to be. All these huge things are well within God's power and He can turn them upside down if He wills. So He our Awesome God is all worthy to receive glory and honor and power and might and all things that His being holds for He created all things by His singular will and they have taken shape. He is the One to be worshipped forever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 6, 2010
Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:12. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
What is it that ails your mind, you who have placed your trust in God? This is the constant refrain in my mind urging me to remove the streaks of doubt that plague it when I'm in a spot and the future looks bleak and hard to comprehend. Life seems to be lost in a swamp leading to unbelief even as the manifold winds of fright and depression encompass me bringing in its wake, frustration and dismay.
And this Scripture immediately comes to taunt me as it were: 'who have you believed in?' Yes, it teases me and it has all the right to tease me for look at the essence of the message that's in it – it's simply amazing! Why amazing one might ask and in answer I'll say, who is the God I believe in? Is He Someone who created the world? Is He the One Who with a Word creates and brings into existence the things that don't exist? Is He the Awesome God whose throne is heaven and footstool the earth? Is He all in all and the God who existed all along; who is and who is to come? Did He come down to earth and die for my sake so I could spend eternal life with Him? Yes, is this the God I believe in or is it a piece of stone, or a blob of wood that's fashioned by hand?
If I have believed in the One God who can bring about all things by the power of His Word and for whom there's nothing impossible, then what am I worried about. He asks me, 'can you by worrying add a moment to your life?' Then, why do I worry, particularly because He said, 'I am with you always even to the end of the age' and before that He told me, 'See, I've carved you in the palm of My hand.' This, so that I'll always be before Him, never out of His sight. You know another beautiful thing is that our God is the One who forgives sins and looks upon us with mercy and love. And truly my friend if I've believed in Him, then I will say, 'even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil…for You my God are there!'
October 6, 2010
Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:12. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
What is it that ails your mind, you who have placed your trust in God? This is the constant refrain in my mind urging me to remove the streaks of doubt that plague it when I'm in a spot and the future looks bleak and hard to comprehend. Life seems to be lost in a swamp leading to unbelief even as the manifold winds of fright and depression encompass me bringing in its wake, frustration and dismay.
And this Scripture immediately comes to taunt me as it were: 'who have you believed in?' Yes, it teases me and it has all the right to tease me for look at the essence of the message that's in it – it's simply amazing! Why amazing one might ask and in answer I'll say, who is the God I believe in? Is He Someone who created the world? Is He the One Who with a Word creates and brings into existence the things that don't exist? Is He the Awesome God whose throne is heaven and footstool the earth? Is He all in all and the God who existed all along; who is and who is to come? Did He come down to earth and die for my sake so I could spend eternal life with Him? Yes, is this the God I believe in or is it a piece of stone, or a blob of wood that's fashioned by hand?
If I have believed in the One God who can bring about all things by the power of His Word and for whom there's nothing impossible, then what am I worried about. He asks me, 'can you by worrying add a moment to your life?' Then, why do I worry, particularly because He said, 'I am with you always even to the end of the age' and before that He told me, 'See, I've carved you in the palm of My hand.' This, so that I'll always be before Him, never out of His sight. You know another beautiful thing is that our God is the One who forgives sins and looks upon us with mercy and love. And truly my friend if I've believed in Him, then I will say, 'even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil…for You my God are there!'
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 5, 2010
Today's verse: 1 Sam. 2:9. He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
A friend in a recent conversation re-iterated something I've always held as the truth rather much greater than truth itself – just God and I are greater than the majority. And it is so true for if all the forces of the universe align against me and I have God with me, then surely there can be none superior to beat this combination because God is That abundance that cannot be contained in finiteness but craves infinity all over.
When He is with us His people, He guards our very feet but those who're against Him will be punished accordingly. His strength is awesome and reaches out at our moment of weakness. His Grace is so tremendous and so deep that we can be swept in it. I've noticed that things which are just expressions of our heart are transformed by His power to be potent in the material world. For instance if His joy is our strength and we rejoice in His Name; getting our goodness from His greatness and glorify Him, He sends strength to us; and from a mere feeling it moves to reality, equipped to face the strongest storm hitting our shores. From weak creatures, we're changed to stand unmoved in its path. This is the strength that God gives us.
There's no man who can prevail by his own strength. Jesus said, 'Without Me you can do nothing' and when you look at it, you discover the reality in His saying. Without God there's nothing that can be done; nothing that can be built that will withstand the ravages of time. We may think there're edifices which man has created that have stood the test of time, yet I can say that it is the will of God that they stay and they do. That which isn't in the will of God, withers and mind you God is not obliged to tell us if a thing stands or not, whether it was His will that made it stand or fall! We can only be sure of this that with God by our side, our strength is magnified manifold and we conquer. And I want to remind you, if you're grappling with something that's impossible, invite the Lord immediately and joy in Him, and then see how He makes the impossible, possible!
October 5, 2010
Today's verse: 1 Sam. 2:9. He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
A friend in a recent conversation re-iterated something I've always held as the truth rather much greater than truth itself – just God and I are greater than the majority. And it is so true for if all the forces of the universe align against me and I have God with me, then surely there can be none superior to beat this combination because God is That abundance that cannot be contained in finiteness but craves infinity all over.
When He is with us His people, He guards our very feet but those who're against Him will be punished accordingly. His strength is awesome and reaches out at our moment of weakness. His Grace is so tremendous and so deep that we can be swept in it. I've noticed that things which are just expressions of our heart are transformed by His power to be potent in the material world. For instance if His joy is our strength and we rejoice in His Name; getting our goodness from His greatness and glorify Him, He sends strength to us; and from a mere feeling it moves to reality, equipped to face the strongest storm hitting our shores. From weak creatures, we're changed to stand unmoved in its path. This is the strength that God gives us.
There's no man who can prevail by his own strength. Jesus said, 'Without Me you can do nothing' and when you look at it, you discover the reality in His saying. Without God there's nothing that can be done; nothing that can be built that will withstand the ravages of time. We may think there're edifices which man has created that have stood the test of time, yet I can say that it is the will of God that they stay and they do. That which isn't in the will of God, withers and mind you God is not obliged to tell us if a thing stands or not, whether it was His will that made it stand or fall! We can only be sure of this that with God by our side, our strength is magnified manifold and we conquer. And I want to remind you, if you're grappling with something that's impossible, invite the Lord immediately and joy in Him, and then see how He makes the impossible, possible!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 4, 2010
Today's verse: Ps. 31:19. How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Oh Lord God, how wonderful are You and how great is Your goodness which You spread over us who are but worms and not worthy to even look up into Your face. How marvelous are Your ways which You reserve for those who do Your bidding and are devoted to You and live under the shadow of Your wings.
There are many O Lord who crave to be called gods, who are but idols that the earth worships in their lack of wisdom. These idols appeal much to men Lord for the elaborate rituals their worshippers have created for them and when men partake in them, their worshippers who are in majority, take a liking to these men and are willing to help them, otherwise their worshippers are hostile and intend harm. We too are subject to the charms that their worshippers throw at us Lord and therefore at these times, help us not to lose faith in You, but remain solidly as a rock in fidelity to You even if the cost is high for we know Lord that soon You will turn Your awesome face toward us and rescue us.
Lord we know that when we stand in the strength that joy in You gives and take You as our refuge, you will bestow Your favor and lift us up from the dangers that the world is poised to throw upon us. You will help us stand solid and will fawn over us in the sight of all those who are dear to You and exalt us in the eyes of all. And Lord, come what may, let us be renewed in our fervor to You, living always to serve You. Of Your goodness Lord, we shall forever testify to the world for we have experienced it and truly it is so wonderful that the bubbling joy in us, yearns to tell the world, 'See what my God has done!'
October 4, 2010
Today's verse: Ps. 31:19. How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Oh Lord God, how wonderful are You and how great is Your goodness which You spread over us who are but worms and not worthy to even look up into Your face. How marvelous are Your ways which You reserve for those who do Your bidding and are devoted to You and live under the shadow of Your wings.
There are many O Lord who crave to be called gods, who are but idols that the earth worships in their lack of wisdom. These idols appeal much to men Lord for the elaborate rituals their worshippers have created for them and when men partake in them, their worshippers who are in majority, take a liking to these men and are willing to help them, otherwise their worshippers are hostile and intend harm. We too are subject to the charms that their worshippers throw at us Lord and therefore at these times, help us not to lose faith in You, but remain solidly as a rock in fidelity to You even if the cost is high for we know Lord that soon You will turn Your awesome face toward us and rescue us.
Lord we know that when we stand in the strength that joy in You gives and take You as our refuge, you will bestow Your favor and lift us up from the dangers that the world is poised to throw upon us. You will help us stand solid and will fawn over us in the sight of all those who are dear to You and exalt us in the eyes of all. And Lord, come what may, let us be renewed in our fervor to You, living always to serve You. Of Your goodness Lord, we shall forever testify to the world for we have experienced it and truly it is so wonderful that the bubbling joy in us, yearns to tell the world, 'See what my God has done!'
Friday, October 01, 2010
Thoughts for another day
October 1, 2010
Today's verse: Dn. 5:23c. and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
How very casual and careless we are with God. And if you look at the larger context, the abomination of man vis-à-vis God is just amazing. Each day we find new things to challenge and insult Him.
Imagine, God, the Almighty God is dealt with such impunity by man. Imagine the crassness by which we look at Him and the insults we heap upon Him. In Malachi 1:6 He says, 'A son honors his father and a servant his master. If then I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is the [reverent] fear due Me?' How sad I feel at the way we treat our God. Why do we do this and what makes us do it? I feel it's misplaced pride in us which leads us to take a stand which is anti-God. We feel we are superior and we do not care what He thinks. Little do we reflect on this fact that God can create havoc in our lives if He wants yet, He stays His hand so no harm comes to us.
In our Scripture today, a similar thing happens and when Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, gives scant respect to God and desecrates and abuses the things that were in His house and even insults Him by giving honor to idols of wood and silver, etc. not praising Him the God of heaven and earth. God grants retribution and destroys Belshazzar. Today if despite, our insulting Him again and again He stays His hand, it's because the blood of His beloved Son stops Him from destroying us completely. Isn't it time, we set our houses in order and re-check our priorities; throw out those excuses that we don't have time for prayer, etc. and give God the honor due Him first and then set about other things?
October 1, 2010
Today's verse: Dn. 5:23c. and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
How very casual and careless we are with God. And if you look at the larger context, the abomination of man vis-à-vis God is just amazing. Each day we find new things to challenge and insult Him.
Imagine, God, the Almighty God is dealt with such impunity by man. Imagine the crassness by which we look at Him and the insults we heap upon Him. In Malachi 1:6 He says, 'A son honors his father and a servant his master. If then I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is the [reverent] fear due Me?' How sad I feel at the way we treat our God. Why do we do this and what makes us do it? I feel it's misplaced pride in us which leads us to take a stand which is anti-God. We feel we are superior and we do not care what He thinks. Little do we reflect on this fact that God can create havoc in our lives if He wants yet, He stays His hand so no harm comes to us.
In our Scripture today, a similar thing happens and when Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, gives scant respect to God and desecrates and abuses the things that were in His house and even insults Him by giving honor to idols of wood and silver, etc. not praising Him the God of heaven and earth. God grants retribution and destroys Belshazzar. Today if despite, our insulting Him again and again He stays His hand, it's because the blood of His beloved Son stops Him from destroying us completely. Isn't it time, we set our houses in order and re-check our priorities; throw out those excuses that we don't have time for prayer, etc. and give God the honor due Him first and then set about other things?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)