Thoughts for another day

January 31, 2011

Today's verse: Lk. 18:7. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? (KJV)  

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

++This is the last part of the interview.  Perhaps some of your questions have been answered.  Even if they aren't, send them to me and we will pray and discover what God's will is regarding the matter.  We may have another edition of this later, but now, just read and understand that the God we serve and worship is an Awesome God.  He delights in us and will answer our prayer.

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Man:  Jesus, that was amazing, I never saw it that way.  We limit your power in such a miniscule way.  Now Lord, if I'm sick and pray, asking for healing, will You heal me? Your Word says You are Yahweh Raphe, the Healer.  If that is the case why are so many people not healed?

Jesus: The answer lies in what I said earlier; man has moved so far from Me, his heart isn't with Me.  You may ask to be healed but do you believe?  You doubt I can heal, I who have created your body and know every cell, every sinew in your frame…yet you doubt Me!  Don't you realize what an insult that is to Me?  Many pray for healing, but their prayer is so shallow, so empty.  That's the main reason they're not healed.   Besides, they also take medicine and when healed by Me, they praise the medicine.  You know that I hate to give My glory to anybody else.  Know this, if there be a man, who prays sincerely to Me to cure him of any illness, I repeat, any illness and his faith doesn't waver, I will be glad to heal him for it is My will that you not suffer from any disease.  In Galilee a leper came to Me and said, If You will, You can make me clean.' I stretched out My hand, touched him and healed him saying, 'I DO WILL, BE MADE CLEAN!'  Remember this always and be sincere in your prayer to Me.

Man:  Thank you so much Lord for revealing this, now Lord what about us praying and praying and the prayer is not answered?

Jesus: Son, every prayer you make sincerely is answered; not your way, but Mine.  I delight if your heart seeks fellowship with Me and I AM quick to respond.  There're times I may not give you a job or another thing you desire but something else.  But your time will show that I gave you the best.  Sometimes it may seem I AM silent to your prayer.  No, I AM not silent, but waiting to see the desire of your heart pounding at My heart so I can quickly grant your relief.  And know what; it's to My chosen people I do this more so that they can use the example to tell others to be patient and sincere in prayer and also to wait upon Me without tiring.  I have no pleasure in not granting your prayer, but I seek perseverance.  Let me tell you, if I give everything you ask for immediately, you'd only consider me as a vending machine – put in prayer and get the response out.  I train and mould you through the circumstances I give you so you could glorify Me wholly.  I AM your God, treat Me accordingly and stay with Me, you'll find the greatest reason to live and you will also declare My love to all humanity. 

Thoughts for another day


January 28, 2011

Today's verse: Ecc. 1:2. “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

++The interview with Jesus continues. Read on…
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Man: Yes Lord, I'm grateful for my sickness that's brought me close to You, but Lord, we find in Your Word above that all is meaningless. And yes, sometimes we see that there's no meaning for what we do. We get up in the morning, go to work, get back, sleep, get up. The cycle continues. We get old and die and the next generation goes through the same. What's the whole meaning of this Lord?

Jesus: I created you to live on this earth and be in joy and happiness all your life before you enter eternal bliss with Me. I created this world perfect; disease couldn't touch you or pain or sorrow and even if it did by your sin, I AM there. But though I made man straight, he's had recourse to many calculations. All human calculations apart from Me end in disaster. Look, wherever I AM not there; there's drudgery. Meaninglessness sets in the moment you take Me out of your lives. When I AM in your life, sudden meaning comes into it, for then you know what you do is eternal gain. Otherwise, it's just work, a load. Today, man has moved so much away from Me; he's moving toward the zone of futility. I approached you; you accepted Me, I've approached others they rejected Me. Son, if life exhibits in your life as futility, examine and see if I AM there. You'll see the difference. Let Me tell you, even today, I am there for you. I have said it and My Word remains. Accept Me and see your world changed.

Man: Oh Lord, I know this but what are we to do?

Jesus: Just do your bit and don't calculate the mysteries of the world, I've appointed none as the caretaker or President of the universe. Each one must do his bit and I will hold everything. Do not worry about tomorrow; let me take care of it. There are many out there who worry about what will happen to this planet with the kind of destruction that's going on. But fret not for the world is Mine. I know what to do for I created it. I keep showing man that what he thinks is not what will happen. As an example, when you spoke global warming to show you I am the owner of earth, I brought in the severest winter. Then again, I made rain fall in the driest places and you still worry. I have one advice to all mankind. Leave it to Me I will decide what happens to the earth. I rule; I AM Sovereign and it is still My world. As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand My work, I Who AM the Maker of all things.

Thoughts for another day


January 27, 2011

Today's verse: Is. 11:4. but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

++The interview with Jesus continues. Read and reflect and know that all His answers are in the Word++
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Man: Lord, I see so many people poor and they become poorer and the wicked flourish. Why does it happen Lord?

Jesus: My son, when I made the world, I made it with equity and with no partiality and even today I have no partiality. Men are soaked in greed. Their wants are never satisfied; they want more and more. To satisfy their want, they take from the weak and the poor for they can't resist them. I watch all this and tell you, when the wicked spring as the grass, and when the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. Even if I give no punishment on earth, in eternity they suffer hell. Did I not mention this in the episode of Lazarus the beggar and the rich man? Don't worry, the poor are not alone; I am with them and even if they don't have material things, as long as they are pure in heart, I fill in them My Grace and peace.

Man: Lord this is a common question, why do little children suffer, they who have not sinned?

Jesus: I AM the Sovereign Lord and I know all. When little children suffer, I send a warning to those around, who repeatedly sin; repent and know that retribution for sin is near. You may see the little ones suffer but remember I love them far more than man can ever love. In My own way, they're kept by Me. Sometimes, I make them suffer who have no interest in sin, but that is so their dependence on Me is perfect. Look at you, when you suffered a heart attack, wasn't that the turning point for you? All your life you never worshipped Me sincerely, only when I made your heart sick did you turn. Now what do you say, would you not want this life, knowing well that when it's time to leave the world, you can enjoy bliss forever with Me?

Man: Yes Lord, I'm grateful for my sickness that has brought me close to You, but Lord,
To be continued…

Thoughts for another day


January 25, 2011

Today's verse: Heb. 2:10. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)


++Today's reflection is an interview between an ordinary believer in Jesus Christ and the Master Himself. As it unfolds, you'll learn of some of God's ways and understand His mind in all He has done and is doing on earth. Pls. be patient in reading. It will spread over a few days. I sincerely hope some of your queries too will be answered. God bless. ++

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A man, an ardent disciple of Christ had many questions for the Lord. Lord why this, why that, why should it be this way, what if that way, etc. In the church he often told people that when he'd meet the Lord, the first thing he'd do is ask these questions. One day as he slept, Jesus came to him in a dream, saying, 'You wanted to ask Me many things; here's your opportunity. Treat this as an interview and ask.' The man couldn't stand in the presence of the Lord for His glory was so great but the Lord just waved his hand and made him stand up. But the man again fell prostrate. Then the Lord took his hand and made him sit beside Him. For some time the man just gazed at the Lord's beauty and said: 'Ah, Lord, You are so beautiful!' Further he said, 'Lord, forgive me for having these questions but You know, I see so many things I can't understand; so I want to ask why.' The Lord said, 'Go ahead'. The interview started.

Man: Lord, why did You have to suffer and die to save us and why do we have to suffer?
Jesus: My Father created you to be perfect, but you fell. A chasm was created. Sin gained control over you. It meant you'd be tried and have trouble. You'd be tempted and wouldn't know how to face it. But I faced it when I was a Man on earth; so understanding what temptation means, I can help you out of it. I suffered so I experienced the nature of suffering and since I authored your salvation, and was perfected by My Father, you too in your suffering can expect to be perfected.

Man: Lord, my neighbor Mrs. Ruby, she's a widow and so old; she has no one to care for her. She was so good to everybody and yet, her children have deserted her, why Lord?
Jesus: Who says she has no one? She has Me and I've kept her joy intact. Meet her and see for yourself, she's an example for others that even in distress you can be happy for My Grace is sufficient for you, because when you are weak, then I AM strong. Just because you see no one with her or that she suffers, doesn't mean My Grace isn't with her. My Son, she is one among a few who're chosen to represent 'THE JOY OF THE LORD'. She's My joy and that's her strength. I've made her someone to strengthen other's even as she lies on her bed and man will never understand this. Ask that young unemployed girl Janet; just yesterday Ruby made her so happy when she visited her, saying she needs to trust Me. Seeing her faith, Janet now trusts Me for the job I've in store for her. Go meet Ruby and you'll understand what I say.'

To be continued…

Thoughts for another day


January 24, 2011

Today's verse: Col. 2:6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Each believer - by believer I mean, the one who believes in Jesus Christ and His redeeming power - has received Jesus by hearing the Word of the Gospel. Therefore, each believer has been input with the nature of Christ, no matter what his nature up to then had been. This new nature has to be nurtured and allowed to grow in sincerity of heart and diligence. It further extends that we must put on Jesus Christ. For this we need to walk in Him.

Now what's walking in the Lord, and how do you walk in the Lord? Easy questions; no answers. But, let me attempt an answer on walking in the Lord. For this, I go to the Gospels and see Jesus in action. I move with Him as He goes here and there. I sit with Him by the side of the sea as He gives some principles to live life in the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:2-11). I take one I feel is easily possible: Be merciful. Am I merciful or vindictive? I realize, my walk has just begun and I need to be sincere and the first thing I know is how much I've walked away from Jesus. Tears cloud my eyes as I hear Him say, 'whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek to him as well!' Ah, but Lord, I can't do that, I'm a fighter for justice, You know.' And He says, 'I too fought for justice; but for others not self because I relied on My Father to provide justice to Me and so I turned My other cheek.' Maybe I think, I could also rely on my Father! Good, my walk is progressing

Then I hear Him tell me, 'I AM the vine, you're the branch, if you abide in Me, you'll bear much fruit for without Me you can do nothing.' So true. Gradually I try to live as He tells me. God, it's difficult to let go all the years of filth, lust, lechery, greed; you name it. But still, I say, 'OK Lord, let me try.' The evil one works hard and I feel irritated if I don't hear anything from Him. But you know, I persist and really, the journey is so difficult. I fall, every moment, I get up, I give up, I repent, I live, I'm dejected, I fall…I'm tired. Then I remember, He fell down with the Cross, so tired, so weak, so spent; and you know, He did it for me. In a corner of my mind I hear Him say, rise and see the place I have prepared for you in My Father's mansion; I see it and it's so glorious. I get up saying, 'Ok Lord, let me do it again…but hold my hand and help me.' It starts again and one day as I draw upon the shores beyond, I see Him, walking on the waters and He bids me, 'COME'.

Thoughts for another day

January 21, 2011

Today's verse: Job 38:2. Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God has His purposes, which are always accomplished. Jesus was born human; He grew up, had His ministry and then at the appointed hour, suffered and died. Gloom set in upon His followers and they thought it was the end. God's purpose was not ingrained in them yet, so their hearts sank and their souls were in misery. But was it over? No. On the dawning of the third day after Jesus had died, just as He said, He rose from the dead, destroying death and freeing man from the evil effects of sin, forever. In this He fulfilled the Father's purpose of redemption for mankind; what a glorious and great accomplishment! But did His followers know this?

In the book of Job, God teases satan over Job and challenges him. The fool that he is, satan takes up the challenge forgetting God knows the future. Suddenly Job is reduced to nothing but an obscenely smelling caricature of man and the poor fellow wonders what happened to him. His three friends instead of consoling him cause him more grief (like most of us do when we go to console someone who has just had a grief attack). They're adamant in branding him a sinner because of the sorry fate he landed in. None of them really know what's happening and think humanly. But, God is working out His purposes and as usual, He wins.

Job is angry with his friends who term him a sinner knowing he's lived uprightly, and so defends himself; but in this he accuses God of being too strict and vindictive against him. Later, as the discussions are over, God strikes job with the above question in our Scripture today, He punches him relentlessly with a barrage of questions over his lack of knowledge in the verses that follow. Yet, God is rather gentle on Job, just questioning him, not destroying him for his insolence, before God, shall we say.

In our lives also, times are when we don't know what's happening. There may be a problem we seem to have caused ourselves and we blame us. But don't forget God is in control and He has brought the situation about. In our country India, many undesirable things are happening today and there's misery for the poor, but do not even think for a moment that God isn't in control for He is. Look at the signs and you'll know He is. We just have to be patient and ready to see the massive victory He gains Himself. At the end, that's all that matters, for God can retrieve the situation and bring us back to our former glory; didn't He do that to Job?

Thoughts for another day


January 20, 2011

Today's verse: Is. 45:18 For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Out of the great chaos, God formed the earth and the universe with its vast constellations and galaxies. Out of the primordial expanse of utter swathes of matter and energy, God brought order and excellent form and in that He also formed the earth, rather He fashioned it with utmost care and love for on it, He would place His choice creation – man.

God created every kind of vegetation and flora and fauna designed to satisfy the ethereal and physical interests of man. He designed each leaf, each form of life, each tumble and weft of nature so beautifully so as to literally have His glory fill the heaven and earth! God made all things beautiful and lovely to behold and He made it, not to be an empty waste, but that His choice creation would fill it up. So He commanded man to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.' Yes God had plans for man and the plan was simply to live the good life in obedience to Him.

But because of the freewill that God gave him, man had other ideas; so he played into the hand of the devil and sinned and fell out of favor with God. The worst was yet to come: man forsook God and made 'other' gods for himself, creations of his own fancy, stupidly carved with things that God had made, and worshipped them! God said, 'IAM the LORD…there is no other.' Yet, man persisted in demeaning this beautiful and wonderful God; whose patience knows no bounds so much so that later He gave us redemption through His Own Son. But now, let us remember Him as our God and look upon Him as our Creator and give Him the honor due Him. Let's get down on our knees and sing Him a song of worship which will bestow to Him our gratitude in making and keeping us; and giving us the privilege of calling Him – our FATHER.

Thoughts for another day


January 19, 2011

Today's verse: 1 Ch. 11:9 David became more and more powerful, for the LORD of hosts was with him. (NAB – copyright acknowledged)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When God is on your side, the world looks brighter. All things are possible; there's sunshine even though the rain clouds swarm the sky looking like dark marauders on the rampage. As the dawn sets in and the early rays of the sun hit the little drops of dew on the lush green vegetation and you know there's no food on your table fret not for if you have God on your side, like manna that fell from the top without any effort on their part, so too food will fall on your table. Neither you nor your children will go hungry for with God on your side, there's nothing to worry.

Though the enemy build-up is broad and big and their threat looms large on your horizon and your mind, they'll not be able to so much as even brush you, leave alone destroy you for the LORD of hosts is your defender. I recall, He neither slumbers nor sleeps and neither does His eye blink even for the littlest part of a second. His eyes are upon you as you nest under the shadow of His wings and His great sinews will protect you from every snare your enemies spread around you.

David said, 'even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for You are beside me, Your crook and Your staff they comfort me.' And I know what it means to be comforted by the Lord and I know His crook gently guides us on the path which is right and His staff is set to discipline us to remain His; even as His face gently shines on us bestowing confidence and power in our soul. God alone is and should be our portion and cup and the stronghold of our lives. Because then, every battle of ours will be His as He pulls us behind Him and faces our tormentor Himself. He glides His fingers on our manes and we see ourselves waxing more and more powerful even though our foes rant and rave… and let me tell you a secret, God loves to show off His devoted people teasing the enemy like He did of Job, particularly when He has one like David of whom He can say, 'this one is after My Own heart!'

Thoughts for another day

January 18, 2011

Today's verse: Gen. 35:5 And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

We're God's children and we live in His light. We must always remember we're His children and also behave like how children of God would behave. You may turn around and tell me 'well we live like God's children so we're eligible for all the favors that God accords His children.' But do we live a life which speaks of our allegiance as children to our God?

Let's now look at our Scripture above. It says that Jacob and His household journeyed and the fear of God was upon the cities that were around them. Jacob was vulnerable as he traveled with his family as his sons by guile had slaughtered the family of Shechem in the land of Canaan and they would be up against the rage of the inhabitants of the city. With so few men in his band he was a worried man. But Jacob revered God and therefore God's eyes were on him and the dread of God fell on the people around so that they did not purse Jacob and his sons.

Coming back to the point we began, we may say that we are God's children but what does our life exhibit when it comes to making decisions and facing turning points? How much have we allowed God to work in them? Many times, we do our own thing and then explain it away saying God will understand. But, was what we did, pleasing to God? This can be particularly seen in distribution of family wealth among the children. If by any chance I feel I've been given less, I grumble. God tells me to be happy but I move the courts. Then when we're treated a bit unfairly we grumble. God again asks to keep quiet but we want to fight against the injustice. Yes, when it comes to receiving favors we claim to be God's children, but when it comes to living a life He wants us to live, we fall short and do otherwise. But I'd like to say when we live a life pleasing to God, we're placed in His circle of protection and then shall I say, dare anybody, look at us with evil? God's eyes will destroy them in their blazing anger.

Thoughts for another day


January 17, 2011

Today's verse: Heb. 2:8c, 9a. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God's ways are not the ways of man. God sees opportunity where we see defeat. A lady came to me asking to speak to me about a problem. It was just a simple situation and I told her to act in a particular way so that her problem is turned on its head and the opportunity is seen. And it happened exactly like that. What was a problem was also the opening of an opportunity. Usually a problem is like the palm of our hand; if we have conviction in God, we just turn the palm and see the other side and that's the opportunity.

Belief is key in this and without belief, we'll see like the defeated man – no hope. Remember, God can bring water in the desert because to Him all things are possible. When Jesus was on the cross what do you think His disciples saw? They saw defeat; they beheld destruction and thought it was all over! But Jesus never for a moment doubted the power of God to redeem and do that which He had purposed to do before the foundation of the world. Jesus saw victory and that was it. He rose again and brought salvation for mankind. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews says that we don't see all things subject to Him as yet; but of course we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor even He who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer great affliction and die.

In His resurrection Jesus proved that even death is subject to Him for He is Sovereign and above all. Today we see through the eyes of faith a salvation for us because for our sake Jesus died and rose again to give us too, resurrection from the dead, even we who have believed in Him. If we extend this, we could hold on to our hope that no matter what our problem is, with Jesus on our side, we just put aside our problem and turn it into an opportunity. People of God, that's the way it works with God and in time no matter what your difficult situation, in the material world or in your spiritual lives, God will turn the tide and make it alright. Trust Him.

Thoughts for another day


January 14, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 56:9b. this I know; for God is for me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Sometimes my mind churns this: I know my God lives. I know He is all powerful and He exhibits His power in the universe. His Omniscience is quite amazing for I know that He listens to the cry of the little ant in the Amazon forest who's just landed on water and is about to drown. Yeah, He is aware of all things in creation and every warp and every weft on the canvas of the vast cosmos.

So as we reflected yesterday, I'm confident about God and His magnificence. But the question that haunts me is, will He work for me? Will He answer my prayer? The winds of doubt whisper quietly, 'eh you sinner, He won't work for you for you are a sinner; you are unworthy and He is angry on you.' And then I shudder and feel what I've asked He will not answer, for He is angry on me. This is our reasoning and this reasoning can only be by the world for God's way of thinking is quite different. In His way, you only need to be concerned about how you approach Him. I've seen scores of people in prayer rooms as if they're at home sitting on their rocking chairs. Do you sit before the Almighty like that? If you do, then you need to be worried. If your heart is not honest with Him, you need to be worried. If you just babble things although you don't feel them internally, then you need to be worried. But otherwise, God is on your side.

Today's Scripture is the foundation on which I deduce what I've said. For of a truth if I've prayed to God sincerely and have approached His throne in utter humility, God will listen. God always turned His wrath away from His people when they approached Him in sincerity. Each individual is precious in God's sight as He has carved each one of us in the palm of His hand, besides; there's no partiality with God. God knows each one of us and everything about us, even the inner deep secrets. Nothing is hid from God and because I know this much about God, I acknowledge in my spirit that He knows me. And so taking today's Scripture I say, 'This I know; God is for me.' Truly, this is enough of a declaration because of which God will answer your prayer; Didn't Bartimaeus the blind beggar know this too, when He cried, 'Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me.'

Thoughts for another day


January 13, 2011

Today's verse: Mi. 7:7. Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the last few days, we've reflected on the power of prayer before God. A crying heart is like incense rising unto the Lord and is bound to fetch an answer from His Majesty, for incense offered by tear filled eyes is pleasing to Him. Today, we're led by our Scripture above to exhibit confidence in the LORD. A kind of confidence like, if you have the key to a lock, you know you can open the lock don't you?

Quiet assurance in the Lord which doesn't waver though adverse situations may come as the days go by even when each day you are expecting your prayer to be answered, is sweet and pleasing to the Most High. Expression of utter confidence in Him is like sweet perfume to His nostrils. We who've learnt to trust Him also utter words of confidence in God. At times even though we utter absolute words of confidence in His providence, we may have a little tremor on our lips or a shard of anxiety may be tugging at our hearts. Though we put on a brave face yet full of fright, we still obey and proclaim His greatness in the matter of our prayer we've put at His feet, being granted. We may question our faith itself, but believe me, God isn't looking at you with a bit of distaste saying, 'Look, he doesn't even have faith in Me.' Rather God is just looking to work at the right moment in our lives. In fact He has already provided and if you put on the glasses of faith, you can see it right before your eyes, for remember, faith is the evidence of our expectation before Almighty God.

I can think of an example in the Bible: Imagine Elijah and that great slaughter of the prophets of baal. Yet, when Jezebel vows to finish him, in fright he runs away wanting to die! But God is already working in his favor and answers him on Mount Horeb. Truly you will see our God never putting us down because of our lack of faith in Him, but rather lifting us up into His sweet realm. Just trust Him and say, 'I will wait for the God of my salvation for He will hear and answer me."

Thoughts for another day


January 12, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 88:1, 2. O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Life is not a bed of roses, a saying quite common among us and we see how it's not a bed of roses for as soon as a good thing comes, a not so good thing will be delivered within no time, and take away all the joy that the good thing had brought. That's the way it's meant to be. God Himself has designed things in a way that those who follow Him whole-heartedly have to put up with the not so good things for they discipline His people. This is called a trial and Peter calls it the trial of your faith in 1 Pet. 1:7, saying it's more precious than gold, though it be tried with fire and will be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Imagine the courage of the man of faith, who though facing a severe trial has only praise and honor and glory to God in his spirit. But people, let me say that the trial being spoken of is a very difficult phase. We can sit and surmise and be happy when we talk about this trial when it's not happening and also about our faith in God; but it's quite another thing to be under a severe trial for the heart wilts and the soul is gloomy. There are times when no matter how much one may try, it is difficult to paste a smile on one's face for the heart is heavyily burdened.

That's the time when our prayer to God is most sincere. The heart rends when it cries, 'God where are You? Sometimes you may sit before Him in His awesome Presence and say, O LORD God of my salvation, I've cried day and night before You: Let my prayer come before You and please Lord, bend the heavens and incline Your ear to my cry. And there's only silence. But I'd like to tell you: GOD IS WORKING!!! In the Book of Esther, we know that Haman had decreed destruction of the Jews and in great sorrow Mordecai comes to the palace depending on Esther to do something and when Esther expresses her own difficulty, Mordecai says,'… who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' But we know; for we know God's ways and the way in which He brings about things. God works in strange ways and if so far you've not heard the Word from God by which the storm in your life is to be calmed, knock at His door and knock unceasingly. HE WILL ANSWER. THAT'S HIS WORD. And a word of caution: NEVER GIVE UP.

Thoughts for another day


January 11, 2011

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 4:20. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many people, mostly non Christian, who behold Jesus hanging helpless on the Cross, believe that Christianity is a religion bereft of power. On the other hand, religions birthed via mythological folk lore display their 'gods' in great grandeur and form. Even tribal religions present their 'deities' in splendor and have realms written on barks of trees and stone and every available writing surface of their munificent and fantastic deeds telling how they defeated their enemies in great style. Funny this, knowing Jesus Christ as the One True God of the universe!

But then, if there is One God who is jealous if we worship anything else, it is our God, for only He can be jealous Who is the real God. And only He can command that we are to adore and serve no other except Him for He knows there's none else; notwithstanding the fact that they spite Him thinking they know better! As to His Majesty and Power, well, Jesus on earth was shorn or shall I say, chose to shed all His glory, so that we'd have the courage to face Him and talk to Him - else how could we do that. Think for example, can you sit in the presence of the sun? If not, how can you sit in front of the One who created the sun except if He had made Himself like us?

When the Jews saw Jesus hanging on the Cross, they shouted saying, 'let Him come down from the Cross and we'll believe in Him!' But Jesus knowing the purpose for which He was on the Cross kept mum - they thought He was weak. Jesus always displayed His power appropriately and never flaunted it without reason. But what power He had! Remember the time when He shouted, 'Lazarus come forth.' And Lazarus came out, tied hand and foot and the crowd watched in amazement their eyeballs popping out for he had been buried four days and perhaps stinking. Then when the storm hit the little boat in which they were crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus uttered, 'Peace, be still' and in a trice, there was a quiet in which you could hear them breathe!

Amazing power this; but the best is when sinners fall down before our beautiful God, rescued by His power. Just look at Zacchaeus, an ugly fellow, barely 4'9", stocky filled with voracity and greed, turning around and saying, 'Behold half of my goods I give to the poor!' And in our times among the many, John Newton comes to mind (who penned the song, "Amazing Grace") giving up all the wealth he had for the sake of the Kingdom, when struck by God's power. Truly my friend, trust God. His power is brilliant to say the least and though you be sinking up to your ears in quicksand, He will rescue you. Hold fast to your faith in Him. His power will work, for HIS KINGDOM IS NOT MERE WORD BUT POWER.

Thoughts for another day


January 9, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 141:1, 2. Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Lord this day I pray unto Thee. Look upon me on my bended knee. I know that as I stand before You, I am not clean as You would want me to be. I am not even worth a single glance from Your Majesty for I have sinned and offended You grievously. But treat me as You would the least of the work of Your hands and look upon me my God for I am in great distress before You.

This life has taken a great toll on me Father and I know today how priceless is Your constant vigil over me. I remember Your Word which says, 'He shall not allow your foot to be moved; You who keep me shall neither slumber nor sleep.' Father I am comforted by Your Word for it is in Your Word that I find the confidence to live. As far as my stay with You for eternal life is concerned, I am reassured by the blood of Jesus which is upon me and my entire family. As for this world, I live to do Your will for I am saved from the pit to do Your bidding and bring glory to Your Name. Yet, as I wait to do this, I drift away from Your glorious Presence as to displease You in my sin; but I know Father that You are too merciful and too loving to allow me to drift. I pray to You Father, today take total control of my life for in it I will find the joy of being led by a God so beautiful and true and Heaven's choicest blessings will be upon me.

Father as I am on bended knee and am downcast in my soul though I know I shouldn't be for with You there can be joy alone, I pray Father please look at the heaviness of my heart burdened by my sin and my circumstances. And I pray my God, as I cry to You, please my God, make haste to come to me. Oh, Lord my God, I beseech You to give ear to my voice, an echo of my heart my God. Lord do not look at my sins but rather the blood of Your Son upon me which is my strength and my hope. Father let my prayer be set forth before You as fragrant incense and the lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice and say Your Word my God which is my guarantee of relief and restoration. I pray this my God in Jesus Christ's Name. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

January 7, 2011

Today's verse: Joel 3:16. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.   (KJV)  

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Awesome and Mighty is the LORD God, the ruler of heaven and earth.  His creation, but for man because of the ability to exercise his free-will, obeys Him and our Scripture says, the heavens and the earth shall shake when He roars for He is simply tremendous.

God dwells in unapproachable light and His domain is filled with magnificence and splendor that for us is quite impossible to behold and His might is witnessed in every little bit of creation, right from the littlest leaf to the gigantic mountains and the humongous oceans.  Take a good look around and you will discover His fantastic power and as for His wrath, we know what happened to the Israelites when they continuously disobeyed and ridiculed Him.  They were dispatched to Babylon rather unceremoniously.  They who thought His anger would not touch them as His temple was in their midst.  But when His wrath hit, even the temple was destroyed and they were left literally in tatters.  This happens when the LORD God roars and stuns His creation for their misdemeanor. 

At the same time He is our hope and our strength.  Quite honestly, I must say, there is nothing anyone can do without Him.  With Him all things are possible but a certain dryness comes without Him and huge weakness.  Whatever we think we can do without Him is like things done but nothing gained.  Let's come before Him in obedience to His will and prostrate before Him in humility and surely our hope will realize as we gain His strength and live in might all our lives.

Thoughts for another day


January 5, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 40:17. But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The God we worship is a beautiful Father. He is a great Judge and impartial with His children. Whoever reveres and obeys Him gets His choicest blessings and leads a fulfilling life because the power of His hand is upon them who're loyal to Him, and who keep Him as the focus of their lives. Now look at the poor man out there in the world. Who's there to fend for him? Who'll take note of him? He's but a caricature and unnecessary. Don't we feel like that when a beggar comes to us as we stand at a street corner or a bus-stop? Isn't the beggar an inconvenience? How many think in their hearts, 'ah, here's a person I can help?' I'll easily wager, hardly any. For that's our nature, we don't want to be inconvenienced by the plight of the poor.

Long ago, I was working in a top advertising agency in India and handling a multinational bank. They asked us to make them a calendar with a different theme. I sat with the creative people and examined all aspects of the bank which we could portray and one by one eliminated our options as we felt that competition would also be working on them. Finally one aspect attracted us and that was philanthropy. The bank was into philanthropy so we took that as the theme. My CEO was also into it and when I told him about the theme, he patted my back and told me to work hard on it and get an outstanding calendar for the Bank.

We went to NGOs: took smiling pictures of lepers, children, physically and visually handicapped people. Our theme was hope for the poor and marginalized and their smiles really caught you the right way. We even initiated a mechanism by which the recipients of the calendar would be able to donate to that charity. Yes, we had a masterpiece. All excited, we went to the MD of the bank to make the presentation expecting it to be a cake-walk. But we couldn't sell the product. My CEO even went to the Chairman of the bank who was supposed to be in philanthropy a lot, but he too didn't buy it. Later we learnt that they didn't want the calendar because they felt it could bring down the spirits of the recipients each morning they saw the calendar on their wall sitting at the breakfast table! What sordid logic. The smiles of all those people made them think the calendar to be disturbing!!!

But what does God do about the poor? You know Scripture says, even though I'm poor and needy the Lord thinks about me. How marvelous that I though poor, am still on the canvas of the Master like anybody else. Yes my friend that is how our God is. Praise His Name.

Thoughts for another day


January 5, 2011

Today's verse: jn. 8:45. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Jesus was and is Truth. He knows only one thing and that's the truth. He never spoke nor will speak a lie for He has no lies in Him. He is holy and pure beyond comprehension. The angels and the heavenly host bow and prostrate before Him for He is a holy and awesome God. None other can ever be as holy as Jesus Christ. When He was on earth, He spoke the truth but they never understood Him for human beings don't understand truth, leave alone accept it. That's why the elders and the priests condemned Him to death, for in Truth, He was like a mirror reflecting their filth or untruth.

We're so used to manipulating truth that its reality comes as a shock to us. Many people smoke and use tobacco. The truth is, tobacco causes cancer; yet they gloss over and side-step it to do their own thing. One fine day the truth strikes home: they're afflicted with cancer; and surprise! They're shocked. They ask, 'why me?' Yeah, but they never stopped shy of consuming tobacco even when they knew the truth.

What's there about truth that it's so difficult to believe? Elisha told Naaman the Syrian to go dip in the Jordan seven times; that was the truth. But Naaman found it ridiculous and only did it when someone told him, what will you lose any way! So also we see so many people who ridicule truth and don't believe. Jesus told Pilate, 'everyone who belongs to the truth listens to Me', Pilate in disbelief queried Him, 'what is truth'. You know why He asked this, because He never knew truth and so He permitted the very Truth itself to be crucified. He tried to muffle the Truth for His own selfish desire to not anger the Jews so that He not lose His gubernatorial position. Later we find Felix the governor at Caesarea not releasing Paul although he knew the truth as he wanted to ingratiate the Jews. So many people have for so long ignored the truth that stared them in the face and much is lost. There's something about truth that's anathema to men and that's why the world is in such a mess. But if we someday, tune our hearts to know the truth, God's power will come to rest with us and our lives will change.

Thoughts for another day

January 4, 2011

Today's verse: Neh. 8:10c. for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Scripture today tells us that the joy of the LORD is our strength. 'What is then my strength' is for us the right question to ask. To this end we must do some soul searching even as we arrive at the answer that must satisfy us as to what is the meaning of joy of the LORD, which is my strength.

From the beginning God wanted us to do His bidding which wasn't all that difficult except that we curtail some of our instinctive doings and then gain the benefit of God's hand. These things or laws if one might say, were set into motion to be obeyed by us and they were not that difficult to do. But the evil desire for things that aren't ours and not needed that the devil puts in our path makes it seem they're things which we must possess. What reason did Eve had to be like God? None, for she had all that was required to live a good life but yet she succumbed to the wiles of the devil. Similarly there're many who succumb to the guile of the devil who makes us believe that what's bad for us is actually good and that wanting them is nothing bad - what else can the father of lies say?

And so, we do everything else but that which God wants us to do and hence He doesn't joy in us whereby we don't have the strength to live a fulfilling life. Nehemiah and the others in rebuilding the temple did what was pleasing to God and so He utters the Scripture. One man in the Bible who really delighted in the joy of the Lord although it's not mentioned of him anywhere, is David. He mostly did that which pleased God and was blessed abundantly right from the time he slew Goliath till the time, he thought of building God a temple. Because of the joy of God in Him, David was a man of strength and in his time there was peace and prosperity in the Kingdom. When the joy of the Lord becomes part of a man's nature, He experiences peace and justice and grows rich and prosperous. God's blessings fall upon Him richly and He is able to live a life that is both enriching and at the same time, an example for others.

Thoughts for another day

January 3, 2011

Today's verse: Acts 22:14b. and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Working for God is a different thing altogether than working for man; for God according to the Ministry He has given can make you slave it out. That doesn't mean God is a slave master but that God desires great things out of you. So if you see that the trials and tribulations in your life increase by your devoting yourself to the Lord, be sure that there is a great thing to happen in your life and if you have really surrendered everything to the Lord, then He will bring it about in His way and that will gain great glory to Him.

Men and women of God cannot expect to be safe from persecutions and troubles. In fact, day to day, they're face-to-face with them. Many have experienced some sort of persecution or other and they're in line for more difficult things once their ministry increases. Therefore when I see and hear someone say that a particular person is a great man or woman of God and is resting easy then I know that his or her ministry is limited and what he or she claims is actually nothing.

In Scripture today, Paul says as much very clearly when he says through much pain and trouble, we may enter the Kingdom of God. It is very true in the Kingdom of God. See most genuine men and women of God, they've actually been through hell in a way and then succeeded. A name that comes to mind immediately is Mother Teresa. All of us know her as the saint of the gutters and know nice things about her. But her life was a constant fight with the elements of the devil. There were many allegations made against her and she was persecuted with much intensity and also hated by a good number of people. But God provided special Grace to her because of which she was able to bear all the humiliation rather well. We too if we are to be doing His work have to mentally prepare ourselves to be persecuted and have trouble. The gates of heaven will seem sweeter and its portals will welcome us in due course.