Thoughts for another day

March 31, 2011

Today's verse: Col. 2:6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (KJV)

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It's one thing to say we've received Christ Jesus and another thing to live that way.  We say we're Christian but live other lives.  Our character would fight shy of Christ and our ways with people would need a lot more to be desirable; perhaps we're those, people walk away from rather than walk to. Our worship to God would be more words than heart and maybe we hardly spend any time sitting at His feet, dismissing anyone's suggestion that we do, for in our almighty knowledge, we know best what God wants with us (the opposite of what He actually wants from us). 

We move on in life hardly trying to change or bring about some correction in our ways for we are audacious to play God, when we don't even know Him.  We're like those of whom Jesus says, 'get away from Me for I do not know you.'  And that's why our Scripture today, comes as a timely suggestion that we walk in Him.  Mind you, the moment we do that, things start changing.  The very people whose faces we would not want to see before are not so bad after all.  Our pride takes a back seat and we are even willing to be a bit humble. 

This change takes a lot of time to happen; ask me for I'm still trying to be like Him.  It's difficult and we need tremendous Grace to transform degree by degree each day.  We may also discover that one day, something happens and we slide all the way back; then the journey begins again.  One thing I find effective is that we try to be like Him. Faced with a situation where we need make a choice, we just say, Lord, how would You react to this; and we get His answer instantly: how, maybe a thought comes that seems right in our beings!  Try this method and you'll know what I'm talking about.  We talk of walking in His footsteps and this is it.  At every juncture, remember He is there with you; just ask Him, what should I do Lord?  And He will tell you.  In course of time, it will become a habit and will lead you up the heavenly path in your walk with Him.

Thoughts for another day

March 30, 2011

Today's verse: Is. 43:2b. when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (KJV)
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In writing this reflection every day, I stress more on suffering and faith, because on earth we always encounter suffering which alone gives us firsthand knowledge of God and acquaints us with Him as nothing else can. The closer you are to God, the greater will be your trial. It should not frighten us Christians because though trials increase, the Grace sent by our Father God also increases. I can say this from personal experience and also kind of knowing God's nature.

If you read Deut. 13: 2ff you'll be surprised. Moses tells the Jews who're just about to enter the promised land, if a prophet arises who promises a sign or wonder urging you to follow other gods and if that sign comes true, you're not to pay attention to that person for God is testing you to see whether you really love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Though amazing, this shows that God tests us in weird ways and that too often. I can say a true Christian is one who's been tested in the furnace of affliction and found as pure gold. We who aspire to be greater Christians must also accept greater trials and tribulations. Promises of prosperity and joy are abundant in Scripture, but hidden among the pages of the Word are God's real jewels which lead to life eternal and they always speak of 'going the narrow way'. The greatest joy a man can have is when He has the confidence in God to smile through his trial.

Our Scripture says: 'when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned nor will the flame gain by your burning.' Remember, He is there with us and when the pain increases, Jesus is holding your hand. In accepting your trial cheerfully, you'll realize that with every trial, He has already sent you a Word so you can have victory. Personally, as I face trials, I remember what Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego told king Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 3: 17, 18, 'If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we'll not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.' A trial will be painful, but in enduring it, don't focus on your pain no matter how intense it is; rather focus on God and He will bring you out of it and even if He doesn't, He will never leave you nor forsake you. You will be victorious.

Thoughts for another day 

March 29, 2011

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)

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Life on earth granted by God is short.  No matter what we do, how much we build and make, we may still live for 70, 80 years and then have to depart.  That departure is our entry into eternal life.

God created us to be in constant fellowship with Him forever but we lost the grounds of that fellowship when Adam sinned and wrecked our relationship with God.  Yet God was merciful:  He did not altogether destroy us for that would mean the end of His finest creation.  Rather God had a plan for us even before He laid down the foundation of the world.  He knew we'd sin and fall short of His glory and therefore He prepared the entry of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, on the earth to live as one of us and then at the appointed hour, be scourged and crucified and later rise.  This was essential in God's scheme of things to give us freedom and Jesus went exactly by God's plan to win redemption for us.

Jesus had to pay a heavy price and He knew it. Yet, He did not shrug from His responsibility, not even when they mocked Him and raged against Him.  In one of the most delightful essays He gave on the Kingdom and how to be eligible, He said, 'I AM the Bread of Life' and He mandated that to gain eternal life, we need to partake of His body and blood.  This both infuriated and amused the Jews He was speaking to and they found it ridiculous and hard to accept – simply because they never knew God's way leave alone, understand it.  Many of them left, going their way, disappointed.  Jesus then asked His disciple Peter, whether He would join those who went away and in Peter's words we have, the classic – LORD, to whom shall we go?  You alone have the Words of eternal life. 

Take it today as if Jesus is asking you too, 'Do you want to trudge along with Me?' For the way is narrow and the going is difficult.  What would be your answer?  Remember, it would embellish whether you live or die in eternity and mind you, death is a terrifying ordeal in the company of the enemy of souls.

Thoughts for another day

March 28, 2011

Today's verse: Hos. 4:1. Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. (KJV)

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Who is like unto our God, Almighty and God of splendor and mercy, Giver of all goodness to His creation?  God who puts up with all we give Him, usually our hatred and our contempt of Him.  He holds the breath of our life yet we don't even have charity to thank Him nor do we appreciate His great arm to safeguard and keep us in this world.  He is so concerned that He gave His only begotten Son, the Apple of His eye to redeem us from sin and death.  Day after day, His constant gaze is over us to keep us from ruin and harm, yet we don't have the courtesy to even spend some time with Him.

Just as it's now with us, it was at the time of Hosea with the people of Israel, a people He had gained for Himself; who had witnessed the might of His hand and been rescued and kept in the Land flowing with milk and honey.  He was their God and King, yet they gave no respect due to a God, a King forgetting how He had battled for them in their difficult times.  His heart broke when He saw how hard-hearted they had become.  He would have cried when He saw how their ears had become hard of hearing when He spoke to them.  Yet, He did them no harm.

God bore it all along and He loved being called God by them and through Hosea, He made known the ache of His heart which told them that they - the people who He called His own, had no knowledge of Him.  Even today, God's heart is torn and His eyes have tears.  He waits for us to repent and come back to Him just like the Father in the 'Lost Son' parable.  Today, if you're conscious of His calling, get up and go to Him.  Your life will never be the same.

Thoughts for another day

March 25, 2011

Today's verse: Is. 41:10. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (KJV)
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God is like the mother bear that's furious when her cubs are threatened. When the predator comes, the cubs are afraid and they cower in fright and lose heart for the fear of the enemy is too heavy. The whole atmosphere at that time smacks of death and despair. They're too fragile to do anything leave alone defeat it. In their fear all they do is squeal in loud cries to their mother; and their mother, though she hear nothing else, hears their cries and rushes to their help. In anger she smashes the intruder and banishes him from near her cubs!

God our Father is like that. Count how many times in your life you've forgotten His power and cowered in fright against the enemy. Haven't you been suffocated by your own agony and bent down in defeat? But, let me tell you: when you get on your knees and cry out, the sound is a unique siren, reaching the ears of the Lord who immediately bends down, looks at you and says, 'Fear not for I AM with you. Don't be dismayed for I AM the LORD. I will strengthen and help you; yes, I'll hold you with the right hand of My righteousness and you'll sail though in comfort.'

However difficult it be, after you've cried out to the LORD, strain your ear to hear His voice of comfort and know this, He will rescue you. The danger may even seem to have engulfed you and is about to tear you to pieces, but then He will raise His standard upon you and stand between you and your enemy and crush it before your eyes. Your heart will then exult in joy.

Thoughts for another day

March 24, 2011

Today's verse: Lk. 10:21. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (KJV)

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What are the characteristics of children:

1. they believe instantly when you tell them something

2. they're innocent and happy with even the small things you give them

3. they never keep anger nor hatred

4. their minds are like sponge, absorbing things quickly

5. they are humble with no sign of pride, no matter even if they belong to the elite of society

6. they know the language of love far better than adults and youth

And many others too, defining a child in such manner that Jesus thanked His Father for revealing heavenly things to them while keeping the wise and prudent in ignorance.  Why do you think so?  It's because human wisdom and knowledge are always opposed to God's wisdom and knowledge.  Hark back to Adam's time - God told him not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  God even told him that if he did, he'd surely die; here death doesn't mean physical death, but death of the soul and total obliteration from the book of God!  Yet what did Adam do!

In reflecting you'll realize that our knowledge of good and evil has brought awareness of sin in the world as we've learnt what's evil and derive pleasure in doing the evil.  After getting this knowledge, Adam saw a wrong in something which never was a wrong – that's in not wearing clothing!  This knowledge gives us bad vibes and makes us tend to see everything in bad light.  If two women are talking and if one points a finger in my direction, I'm sure they're talking about me.  If the boss is discussing something with a colleague, I'm sure he's discussing against me and so on.  Every situation is negative besides, in Adam succumbing to the devil's wiles, this trait got deeply etched on our souls.   But in the case of a child, she's still immune to the devil's wiles for she may do something, but isn't aware of the evil associated with it and that's why Jesus praises the Father for revealing things to children and not the grown up, wise of the world.

Thoughts for another day

March 23, 2011

Today's verse: Nu. 10:9. And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies. (KJV)

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Reading your Bible, have you noticed God telling His people to establish a certain 'form' so that when they use it, He will remember His promise based on that form and save them?  Take the institution of the Passover, God wanted them to spray the blood of the unblemished lamb on the doorposts so that He would pass over that house without killing the first-born.  Did He really need to see the blood to do that?

Take our Scripture, it says, when they blow an alarm with the trumpets, then He will remember them and protect them from their enemies.  I find it strange that a God so powerful and Omniscient would need us to do anything to remind Him!  The Bible in many places talks of the Lord remembering His covenant with Abraham; remembering other persons, etc.  Why does this happen?  I'm sure God is aware of all situations and all circumstances that we are beset with even things beyond our reach, both in the material and non-material world.  Then why does the Word say that God remembered?  

I know and believe that it's for us God speaks such language in His Word.  When I pray, I put my prayer in the context of a powerful and promise fulfilling God by calling Him – God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob.  God loves when we use symbols He gives us and instantly grants our prayer.  One among the many things we can use today is Jesus' promise, 'And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.'  I know at times, it's difficult to first believe and then see, but it's God's established way and in interpretation, it means He wants it to be done that way.  When things are done His way, He relents and works His mighty hand in our favor.  Just trust Him at His Word and in prayer, rely on symbols He's given by which we will be able to realize and appropriate His marvelous wonders in our lives.

Thoughts for another day

March 22, 2011

Today's verse: Job 9:10. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.  (KJV)

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Beyond the imagination is a world that's ensconced with absolute surprises which the human brain can't conceive, let alone work with and it's in this world that God operates.  God's ways are mysterious; He is the author of wonders.  He treads between the earth and this world with ease and to those dear to Him, mind you each one of us qualifies for this, He also gives a glimpse of that world.  That's the world Jesus talked about when He spoke of faith or love or forgiveness.  Simply because when you belong to that world, then love is generic and forgiveness is automatic.  This world is called 'the Kingdom of God'. 

We can easily bring God's Kingdom in our own world here by merely remembering to keep His commands, particularly love, forgiveness; and holding to faith as our guiding light to walk.  When we're born to be His messengers and His lovers, we discover that though we're sinful, His Kingdom attracts us.  Slowly, we move toward His Kingdom and we like what we see.  At times, it becomes difficult to keep the pre-requisite precepts of the Kingdom, but gradually, God works in us so that we come to be permanent citizens of the Kingdom. 

Thereon in our lives we see the mighty Hand of God work.  Recall Moses moving away from Pharaoh and then the plague comes which stings the Egyptians but doesn't even harm a ewe lamb in Goshen where the Jews lived.  Imagine before your very eyes, people across the world falling down on street corners, market places, etc. and worshipping the Lord of the Universe.  Paralytics are healed, cancer becomes the cause for jubilation, accident victims stand up and shouting Hallelujah even in their casts and bandages!  Such mighty work will be wrought by God for us His children.  We may struggle a while, but certainly His glorious frame will lock us into Him and we'll see Him do all these mighty wonders – wonders beyond our imagination and things incapable of finding out.

Thoughts for another day

March 21, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 57:5. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. (KJV)
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Whom shall I exalt but Thee Lord, Who shall be the object of my glory and my praise, but You my God. Whom shall I wait for, at the crack of dawn but Thee O Lord and Who shall my soul encounter on that day, but only You my Lord and my God, who reigns forever and ever; to Whom belong all glory and honor and power on earth and heaven.

You are mighty o God whose knowledge encompasses the state of the tiniest of plants and creatures in the farthest expanse of the universe. You know when that little rock detaches itself from the surface of the vast planet and hurtles into space. Your eye never misses the little baby crying in pain because someone left her in a pram outside the church, not wanting to be her mother anymore. Your heart has seen each one of us O LORD God of heaven and earth and You know our every striving and our every pain; even now as I suffer in my body, You are aware of it and You behold the trust I put in You to make me whole for won't You work Your hand in my favor when I look at Your awesome countenance with pleading in my eyes? Yeah, Lord, I know You cannot escape when my heart cries out to You, tears of pain and grief. I know not how to hold myself when I see my own troubles and yet, I feel that confidence in me when I realize that 'I know Whom I believe in.'

Snares are around me Lord, but yet, You send Your illumination and make me walk safely around the pits of danger. Lord, You love me and make me Your own and I know You are always with me, for Lord that's Your Word, not mine and I know You to be honoring Your Word, come what may for what 'comes' is also in Your control and Your one look can chill and freeze the heart of any opponent who dares challenge me. So therefore Lord, on bended knee, I exclaim Your greatness and I pray Lord, 'Be exalted above the heavens O God and let Thy everlasting glory be over all the earth as Your imprint of Sovereignty, so all men will know You – the One True, Living God of the universe!

Thoughts for another day

March 18, 2011

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

Thinking about power in the world, my mind races to the various countries which are powerful - US, Germany, China, Japan. The last country now seems a little jarring and we know why. Today, it's struggling; it's involved in a massive test of time – on the one hand relief and rehabilitation is going on and on the other the nuclear plants are proving catastrophic because, there's no understanding what will happen next as the reactors are exploding and radiation is pervading even little children.

My heart goes out to those people. They're essentially non-interfering, seeped in a culture of humility and servitude. But after what has happened, gloom seems to be the hallmark of the day. There's no saying how many people have died, how many are dying and how many will also die because of intense radiation, that too painfully and hideously. People from countries around the world are scampering away from Japan like rats trying to desert a sinking ship. That's the story and desperation is the sign.

But to all of us who're really concerned about Japan and get down on our knees to pray for them and also to the people of Japan, I want to give a message of courage from God. He says, I will deliver you in that day and you shall not be stricken by the sword nor will your life be prey for your trust in Me. Now of course mainline Japanese don't believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so we stand in the gap for them and take God's promise and prevail in prayer with tears and supplication. God will deliver them from the situation for He will listen to our prayer and not only their needs, but ours too. If we have something that's a nuisance, let's stand in prayer and tell God who will act and bring relief.

Thoughts for another day

March 17, 2011

Today's verse: Pro. 16:3. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)
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I had a dream one night. As I walked the portals of heaven, God allowed me to walk by the various vistas of my life gone by. I began my walk from the time when I was small and I could see bubbling joy in my heart as I gently called His Name the first time and saw how thrilled He was when I did that; how tight He held me when I jumped into His arms. As I moved forward, more visuals of my life emerged and I could see myself growing and also growing in the faith.

Reflecting on the poverty I grew up in, I realize how God had associated Himself inextricably with me. In my poverty, God blessed me. I remembered the day, I had no shirt to wear for a party in the school – I had cried. And you know I saw God holding me firmly then and I also saw Him give me the courage to bear the insults my friends heaped on me because I wore a torn shirt. I saw His tight embrace at the time I had fallen sick with typhoid and how He poured His heart out to me that time so much so that being a Catholic, I decided that one day I would become a priest. As I moved further, I saw visuals of my rebellion against God. I remember those days as I sinned and sinned asking God to move away from me as He was but a hindrance! I made plans and I sinned. I drank liquor and partied and sinned. I planned my career; I planned how life should be and you know I did not have God in it. On this canvas I was traversing through, I noticed God standing at the fringe of my ego and literally pleading to be asked in. I turned the other way telling Him, I don't want You in my plans for You will mess them up and I won't enjoy life because of You.

Years went by and one day, I saw visuals of the time when I was down and out and I noticed God suddenly spring into the picture. He stooped down and lifted me up from the ghetto of my life saying, 'commit your life and your plans to Me and I will realize them for you!' My friend, I've done just that. The road seems lonely and dreadful; the sky is overcast; frustration looms at the corner; but yet I know, My God will never leave me nor forsake me…because He has carved me in the palm of His hand and I am precious to Him. He will prove that He is Almighty and sweep into my life in His own awesome way. I stand poised to welcome the rain of His glory and Grace upon me. Perhaps, in some way, you too are, isn't it?

Thoughts for another day

March 16, 2011

Today's verse: Romans 4:19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Rooted in God and having faith in Him, throws up many possibilities. Doors open which we think never existed. Light filters in even when we're enclosed in dark canopies of great thickness. Water becomes ice and vice versa when stability or thirst quenching are needed. Yes, faith in our awesome God, throws up many possibilities in life which when seen by the eyes of the world are non-existent and not possible. And God works the impossible when He brings into existence the things that don't exist.

But like I always say, the process of faith isn't very easy. Poor Abraham, how difficult it would've been to believe what God told him of descendents as numerous as stars in the night sky that too at a time when he was way beyond the hill as far as siring children was concerned. And Sarah too had gone well past the age of bearing children and would perhaps, if she had had children, attained even great-grand motherhood! But then, speaking of God's promises: they're rock-solid even if all around it's wobbly! So therefore, Abraham took God's Word for what it was worth and considered his literally impotent body as no hindrance as also Sarah's inability to menstruate and he dreamed of the day when he would be what God wanted him to be.

Faced with a dead end, many of us sink to the floor of despair and frustration. But those of us who stand at the wall in front of us, solid in faith, having the gumption to declare the wall as nothing can see the mighty hand of God in its full glory for remember, when faith is expectant, and God works in our lives, then He gets the glory. Thus are the walls shattered that dare impinge us and the paths straightened that lead us wayward. God works marvelously in our lives when we have nothing else to offer Him but faith, for let me tell you, there isn't a fragrance so enamoring before God as the essence of unflinching and unalloyed faith.

Thoughts for another day

March 15, 2011

Today's verse: Nahum 1:7. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (KJV)
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When trouble chooses to arrive at our doorstep and there's no place to run, then trust in God is the only thing we have to face the trouble and scorn it to its face. Ah now, this is easier said than done because when faced with trouble, leave alone displaying confidence in God, we're wracked to the marrow in pain and hope the night doesn't end and the new dawn doesn't come.

But today we have assurance in the Word of God, our guarantee in times of distress, that God is good and a Stronghold in the day of trouble; not only that He also is aware of those who trust Him, whose eyes are focused on Him and whose knees are bent to the earth. He is aware of the hope in their hearts however, weak and beaten it be. When the lady with the issue of blood bent down to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, He knew the pain in her heart. He only announced 'who touched Me' because He wanted to make her an example of faith to the others and reward the faith she exhibited against all odds. Thus the woman became a symbol of faith to both those who sympathized with her and to those who despised her. Imagine her joy when she went home that day, delighted to the innards with Jesus' Words. She would have gone to all her neighbors and proudly declared what our beautiful Lord did for her. We can rest assured that Jesus is also doing something right now which we will proudly declare tomorrow!

It may not surprise you to know that the woman's healing was decreed even before the world was formed. Only at the appropriate moment did that woman go through the faith exercise and get the healing from our LORD and Master. In our hearts too, a measure of faith and hope has been put even before the foundation of the world. If I am in any situation of discomfort, it has been decreed before there was anything and God's solution to that too has been written down and I know that He, the Lover of souls, knows my anguish and will redeem me soon. Yes, soon for that is His Word and I can depend on it.

Thoughts for another day

March 14, 2011

Today's verse: Ex. 34:24. For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In our Scripture today, I noticed something which tantamounts to a great promise of God to His people. He says that when they go to offer sacrifice to Him thrice a year, no man would desire their land nor even go to ransack it. God had instituted many festivals for the Jews in a year, but for three of them they were needed to move out of their homes and go to wherever the Tent of God was placed. Finally, the temple was built and from everywhere in Israel, they had to go to Jerusalem to partake in the festivities and the solemn rituals associated with the feast.

We live in a small apartment and whenever we go out or go to sleep my wife ensures all locks are in place, the latches are affixed, etc. When I question her she says it is for our own safety and that everybody does it and there's nothing wrong in it; besides, there're advertisements declaring how safe and good security systems are. I tell my wife about robbers who robbed even when the family was at home and had installed high security systems in their homes. So how many locks should you fix on your doors – 5, 6, 10… All they will do is cause inconvenience to you but to a man who wants to rob, they're minor hurdles which he crosses in no time.

Therefore, I tell my wife, that I rely on the security in heaven of which our Scripture talks today. I don't want to deter you if you say that locking your door or taking precautions to ensure you're not robbed is but natural. All I'm saying is that no lock can guarantee your security like God's security. This is an important aspect of God which Scripture reveals among His various promises and I know for sure that God honors this promise of His if we trust Him on it.

Thoughts for another day

March 11, 2011

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 13:5a. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; (KJV)
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Right now, yes even as you are reading this, ask yourself, 'Am I living in faith in God?' Not the simplest of questions for remember, the border of living in faith and without, is very blurred in most cases and what can be termed living in faith, can also be a rationalized human way of actually relying on man, but incorrectly calling it as living in faith. Sadly, most Christians will tell you they have faith, when they don't have even an iota of it.

I'll give you an example, 'Say, you're out on your last limb on your finances: you've two choices – one, trust God to do something and two, go to a friend, relative or someone you know well and ask for money. The latter seems easy as humanly it's possible and besides, one may argue saying, God works though men also isn't it? Human rationalization says it's the right thing to do and I term it, actually relying on man but incorrectly calling it as living in faith. Many Christians do that and over a period of time, they fail to see God's power in their lives because they never relied on it! The simple reason is they never had faith in God. At times when you have faith in God and work according to His plan, He will burn even the last source of help you may have plunging you in utmost despair and believe me, this stage 'faith in progress' as I call it, is extremely difficult. It's like you are desperate for rain and you have prayed and prayed to God…but you look up and there's not even a hint of a cloud in the sky! Remember Elijah when he tells Ahab that there's the sound of heavy rain, when in the countryside there was drought? And it rains, because God has told him, "I will send rain on the earth" and Elijah believed despite the scorching sun!

My friend, God's Word never fails; if there's one thing I'm sure of more than the reality of the sun in the sky this morning even as I write, it's that God's Word never fails. If you've taken His Word and based your life on it, days and days may go by, but wait, His Word will not fail. It will come to pass as you have envisioned it for you did it based on his Word and heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word will never pass away…it will come to pass.

Thoughts for another day

March 10, 2011

Today's verse: Ro. 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

A priest, an ardent disciple of Jesus Christ with fierce zeal to preach the Gospel, was by some weird wisdom, placed in a village parish with a congregation of about eighty families. What was worse, the church was inside a hilly thicket away from the main roads of the countryside and from the villages where the people lived. To go to church meant walking a large distance so nobody even volunteered to work in the parish house! The poor priest, lonely most of the time, was perplexed by God's plan and cried every day thinking he was being punished. One day, the above Scripture hit him: he decided that if this was God's plan for him, he'd better go with it.

He soon started visiting families in his parsonage and since he had good knowledge of many things he helped them whether in official matters or practices in growing crops or even tending to their medical needs; he advised them and also directed them to the right places. People termed him as God's gift to them and word spread of this young man of God. People from the neighboring villages too came to him for help even waiting their turn to meet him. A small school was started by them near the church and children often dropped in to seek his blessings. In just a couple of years there was so much change, it was unbelievable. Even when he celebrated mass, the little church was bursting to the seams and when he held crusades under tents, people came the previous night to ensure they were inside. God worked marvelously through his hands as a mini revival began and people felt a greater desire to know God.


When time came for him to move on, he didn't want to and God reminded him how he was when he began. He also remembered the above promise of God which was so true. All things had worked out so well for him and he marveled at God's ways. Who would've thought that a little forsaken church would one day, be the center of revival in the countryside! Just so with you: if you're wondering what God's up to when you know you aren't in the right place, think about the above priest. And remember, God has His ways. Just as we can't figure out things in the dark, so we can't figure out what God brings about while His plan is in motion; but when the curtains are drawn, you'll be found giving a majestic performance, powered by the Highest Majesty of heaven and earth.

Thoughts for another day 

March 9, 2011

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

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

For Christians around the world, today begins the season of Lent.  A period of re-thinking the lost opportunities to hold God's hand which He provides us in His mercy despite our reluctance. It's amazing how God waits for us; yet we, in our earthly pride shun His call, refusing to acknowledge Him thinking we're the masters of our fate with the ability to decide what's to happen with our lives even in the next; some also thinking there's no next and all there's to life is here and now.

But the Bible clearly points to the next where we who've held on to God's promises, even with great struggle, bowed under the nefarious designs and attractions of the devil, will go on to reign with God in His kingdom for we're a royal priesthood, a people chosen and kept by God to be His children in His kingdom.   Lent is that period for us to be silent, to repent and wait on the Lord.  Yeah, our Scripture connects the thought of waiting on and with God to provide us gladness in our hearts and His salvation.

On the day of contention we'll say, 'Yes, this is our God, our Father:  In times of stress and duress, we waited for Him and He saved us.  He is the Lord, and we rejoice in His salvation!'  On that day when the massive throng trots toward the Mighty Throne of the One who reigns on high, and to whom belong all glory and power and honor and worship, the Lamb will come to escort us and He will say to His Father and our Father, 'This is 'so and so' whom I know, My bride whom I will marry.' And the Father will say, 'Welcome, rejoice and come in.' And then on we'll fall before the Father in abundance of joy and worship Him.  'Oh, the joy that sweeps my heart when I think of the eternal bliss awaiting us.' But, here and now is the time to strive to cleanse our hearts from the filth of the world and filling it with the purity of the Kingdom.

Thoughts for another day

March 8, 2011

Today's verse: Pro. 18:21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

You would've noticed one thing about most people (this could even be you or me) – they love to talk. When we meet people, we talk and talk. When we say bye, we talk and talk. What do we talk about? Is it to encourage or discourage? Check it out… most of the time we end up talking discouraging things about people and even ourselves. Even when we talk to our children, we say discouraging things like, you are hopeless, you are a fool and some very demeaning things.

Many talk so fast that invariably the mind isn't thinking and therefore a lot of gibberish is spewed out. Our Scripture reveals that in our tongue lies the power of death and life. God has deemed that our words be measured for they can give life or bring death. Jesus is a good example of the use of Words of the mouth. When Jesus spoke to the people, their spirits were lifted and healing flowed into them. But one time Jesus cursed too – the fig tree and it withered away.

We raise fruit to ourselves by the labor of our tongues and the hue of the fruit is largely impacted by our words. We can provide either life or death through our words and every word of ours is in God's record for Jesus said, 'every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof on the day of judgment!' Mt. 12:36. Since Jesus has said this, let's not be frivolous with our words – we can be straightforward, but not irresponsible. And since we can provide life with our words, why not do that rather than put people down destroying them with what we speak.

Thoughts for another day

March 7, 2011

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:13. if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the journey of life, many things happen to us and not all are always wonderful. Strangely, when good things happen, we don't absorb ourselves so much that we can carry them along when the not so good things come. But when we are faced with failure, we are so absorbed in it that even when some good happens, we remain drowned in sadness. Lifting ourselves from the morass of sadness can be a herculean task at times and it makes most of us wilt.

In a state of being bent, we often curse, or to use a milder word, blame God for all the ills that have taken place in our lives. And as more and more of this happens, our faith in Him melts away, so much so that over a period of time, we aren't ready to believe Him for some minor things too. In this scenario what happens to the transaction that God has for this person as regards blessings connected with faith? Does God withhold blessings from the one who has broken faith; who believes in God no more?

No, God is so beautiful and loving that even when we deny His very existence, He gently puts His hand over our heads. My friend, it's at that time that the touch of His hand is more pronounced than at any other time, although we cannot see it. It's at this time that God blesses us more than at any other time. This may seem strange to us who always react opposite to the way God does. But He is God who is always for us and today, we have the confidence that even if we are unfaithful to Him, He is faithful. His faithfulness is His identity and He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself. All glory be to God.

Thoughts for another day

March 4, 2011

Today's verse: Ez. 43:31. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In our Scripture today, God our Father uses a possessive noun for us; He says, you are My flock, and I AM your God. When I read this, my heart is kindled with joy for it's a great privilege to be declared as a choice possession, a part of wealth, by none other than God. What a great thing it is for God to declare us as His own! We too declare people as our own, but that's usually if the people are useful to us or we want something done from them.

You'll proudly declare ownership of a child who's a prodigy or talented because there's pride of ownership; will you do that to a child who's in any manner negatively challenged? You'll declare and say, this is my servant but you don't love your servant and use him or her only for your work. Not so with God, when God calls you child, He doesn't want anything from you (nor can we enhance His glory or status) rather He wants us to possess His Kingdom and reign with Him. He calls us His servants, so that He can do great things through our hands and by the way, he can use anyone as His servant for He chooses and He equips. You needn't be brilliant or highly capable to be His servant.

That's the difference between God and us; when God calls and tells us we're precious to Him, it’s a great honor. Sure, we aren't worthy but when He considers us worthy, who am I to not say I'm not? Think about it, reflect and live in the confidence that God will prove His every promise in your life.

Thoughts for another day

March 3, 2011

Today's verse: Mk. 11:24. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In today's time when we scarcely see God's hand in our lives, do we pray in a heart-rending manner? The answer is usually no. Observations made in the church reveal most Christians, no matter the denomination they belong to, just pray by rote. Like Jesus said, these people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me! And that's the absolute truth from which we can't get away and it's also the case with most of us who teach and preach. Wondering why God doesn’t answer prayer, I've realised our prayer is so bland - even we don't believe in it.

Some say the moment we pray, the prayer is answered but there's a block in the way. However, we serve a God who though a Just God, is moved by the pounding upon His heart and is prone to answer such prayer and nothing can block God's hand. If I check my prayer life to see which prayer isn't answered, I notice it's that prayer which I've not prayed in sincerity and every prayer I submit into God's hands with sincerity and intensity, is answered. Sometimes our prayer may not be answered immediately, God has His reasons and if you sit beside Him at His feet, He tells you. However, all prayer is answered for I know that God does not eschew prayer – no not even that of a grave sinner: who humbly falls prostrate before Him and prays.

That's the crux of our Scripture today. Jesus says, whatever you 'desire' – not 'need' as some may have us believe, is granted to you when you pray if you believe you've received it. Think of the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. Didn't she immediately receive her healing? Take the Greek woman whose daughter was possessed – Jesus marveled at her prayer and said, 'for saying this you may go, your daughter is healed.' Or the centurion who displayed such confidence in Jesus when he said, 'I'm not worthy that You come under my roof, but speak the word and my servant will be healed.' What's common in them – they believed her/his need was met! And that made Jesus grant the desire immediately. My friend Jesus today is the same He was at that time with the same healing power. The question is, are we displaying the same confidence as any of those above, that our prayer will be granted?

Thoughts for another day

March 2, 2011

Today's verse: Ex. 4:11. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Man is an instrument of pride. He thinks what he is, is what he has made by himself. So his pride continues. Let's look at some of the things that make a man successful:

1. Intellect: Who gives man intelligence? Does he get it by himself? Who makes his mind in a manner that he can think fast and right? - Funny, he had no role in making his mind the way it is by which he is able to get fame and wealth.


2. Talent: Who imbibes in man his talents? Did he have the knack of being able to do a thing particularly well, like let's say Roger Federer in tennis? Did Roger in anyway contribute to his being able to play so well?


3. Opportunities: Is he able to bring himself opportunities by which he can make huge gains? Was he able to tell at the beginning when he dabbled in a particular field that it would be the best opportunity he ever had and because of which he gained untold wealth for himself?


4. Luck/destiny: Were ever a man able to write his own destiny? Was he ever able to carve a niche for himself among the fortunate ones? Why was he the one who won the $ 10 million lottery and overnight became rich while the others did not?


5. Beauty: Has anyone been able to carve with delicate contours the lines of the face so that beauty and grace are etched on them, by which one is able to gain great fortune? Has anyone ever been able to add color to the eyes and hair which adorn man and make him look beautiful or handsome?

In all these you'll notice he has no hand for he's never able to differentiate between right and wrong most times and he isn't even able to say whether he'll get up the next morning. Yet, we have and own pride as if we're able to do everything! But remember, God has made all by His own might and power. He gives to one the power to do and to another, He doesn't. He writes the destinies of the citizens of earth and ensures it happens as He wrote. You may say man can do many things himself, and I used to believe that he can be his own master. Now I realize how far from the truth I was and how feeble we're really. The truth is God does everything and man is but a vessel in His hand; blessed if he obeys God. And that's not like a 'slave- owner' relationship we see among humans, because God is love and He knows well how to lead the lives of those who obey Him and serve Him in truth.

Thoughts for another day

March 1, 2011

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

God is good, God is kind, if you are with Him, you'll never be left behind: a simple prayer known to most of us. But what if God left you behind and took His time to answer? At this time, those who're devoted to God will tell you to wait. Many preachers preach brimstone and fire to show how the Lord answers prayers and they tell you to plant a 'seed'. Of course, the seed is money and it has to be planted into their coffers. Assume you do that and your prayer isn't answered then what? They'll tell you, keep the faith; but will never say how to do that and let me tell you, keeping the faith is one tough exercise; very painful and many wilt in this period.

I'm speaking this today moved by the Spirit of God to clear the air on prayer and our expectation. To understand it, the first and foremost thing is to get into a relationship with God. Do that and our Scripture will seem so clear in your mind. You know God waits for us to go to Him – Jesus gives a hint of this in the story of the prodigal son, when He says, the father saw his son returning from a distance: how did he see him? Because he was waiting for him! So does our Heavenly Father wait to see us return to Him so that He may be gracious to us. Mind you, the Word of God also says that in exalting Him we find His mercy for He is a God of judgment and He always relents. All this we know only if we have a relationship with Him.

But the best is that you ask and wait – with expectation. You may have prayed for some urgent need and received no answer. Still wait. In waiting you'll discover the best of God even as quiet and confidence become your strength. Just remember, if you're waiting on God and the answer doesn't come, WAIT; it will come. God operates in strange and perplexing ways, but yet hold on. He will answer. Don't wilt or bend or give up. He will answer. Just let time go by sitting at His feet and He will answer. Keep reading this reflection and soon I will give you a personal example of how waiting on Him has helped me – a testimony to give you confidence in Him and in His Word.