Thoughts for another day

Sept. 30, 2011

Today's verse: Mt. 11:28. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (KJV)

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

This morning when talking to someone I know, I was reminded of the purpose of this reflection that God has inspired me to write daily.  The single most purpose is to announce to the nations the verse above, which Jesus so clearly tell us: to go to Him when weary and burdened to find rest.   You know when I began to write this many years ago, after I'd finished a month of writing, I felt that I'd not be able to write more than a few more months as there're only so many Scripture verses I found meaningful.  Yet now it is almost five years since I first began. 

To me, and I'm sure to you too, each day with Scripture and the touch of the Holy Spirit, opens up the vistas of God's Word.  Each time I read the Word, it's like fresh manna loaded with a tasty new condiment that's far different from what was yesterday and our verse today is one such.  It's so fresh in my mind and it is also so relevant to us.  Really, check it out.  Times are so difficult for mankind today; there's so much anxiety, so much nonsense happening; you wonder, is man so stupid that he is heading toward disaster and yet not taking corrective measures?  I'm not talking of the pillage he has caused to earth for even if he wants he can do nothing (only God can and He does).  I'm talking about the abyss he has created between what he has and what he feels he should have, to be content!

Consumerism, modernism or what have you have taken a heavy toll on the psyche of humans all over.  Inside the veneer of plastic happiness and gaiety, there's anxiety – of what? None knows.  Yet it's there and it's disturbing.  Some days back, I advised a friend to ask his daughter who's studying psychology to take up psychiatry as a few years from now, it will be the most lucrative career, born not out of necessity but sheer indulgence.  Take people living near you, outside they're so great but their insides are rotten and they could fall any time.  It could even be the most successful person you always envied!  Honestly, people like these just don't know what to do; how to get out of the rat race; but we know and we'll tell them to come to Jesus for only He can give a rest which will refresh both our beings and our bodies.  We'll tell them to rise and learn there is a God and His Name is Jesus and He is the greatest healer; and the best is that:  He is waiting for us to call out to Him, so He can come and be with us as our balm; our refuge.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 29, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 19:1. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. (KJV)

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

A fresh breeze blows gently over the land and I'm refreshed.  I look up at the deep blue sky and am filled with awe at its awesomeness.  It's so stunning with soft fluffy white clouds positioned in wonderful patterns of harmony in the sky.   I behold the birds, crisscrossing the vast expanse which my eye is blessed to see and it looks so beautiful.  I see the gorgeous tulips and marigolds fluttering in the breeze as the bees go about doing their job of manufacturing delightful honey in their combs.  I'm aware of the soft grass I sit on, and as I sit, I see it lilting to the gentle sway of the breeze as if the two are doing a waltz to please their Creator.

Did I say Creator?  Well the world in its wisdom opposes me saying this wonderful creation spread right before my eyes is all a thing of 'chance' and that it came to be evolved. I wonder, are the forces of earth capable of creating something so fascinating and beautiful?  What I've described as my vision of the little space I occupy is nothing compared to the vast canvas of the universe and I can write volumes on its beauty and grandeur.  I'm sure Someone, who is the zenith of wisdom, brilliance and splendor created it with much love…Someone with immense and infinite capabilities, to create a piece of art so awesome. And every painter knows that no paint or brush by themselves can, even with trillions of strokes make one single painting and yet, I'm told this most glorious canvas is produced by chance!!!

Daft and foolish are they who ignore the hand of the Master in creation for truly the heavens declare His glory and both earth and sky display the array of His strokes.  Take a good look at all you see around (which isn't made by man) and you'll see dazzling beauty in it.  There's so much loveliness, it can floor you.  It provides proof of the existence of a God so marvelous, you can't help but exclaim, 'You are brilliant my God and wonderful for You also came to save me.'

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 28, 2011

Today's verse: Ro. 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)

A little earlier we discussed, faith in God requires a particular kind of insanity, which means that when you have faith in God, you're lined up to do insane things.  Take Noah for example; when asked to build an ark it must have been a ridiculous thought to him because he had to build one on land and it had to be large to accommodate all living creatures apart from him.  He probably baulked at what people would think?  They would've thought he was off his rockers!  But he built it and when the floods came, Noah used the ark and was saved with many.

Abraham was also like that: when God asked him to move out of his country, far away from his family and his kindred to a land God would show him, Abraham needed a lot of lunacy to do that.  Imagine, you listen to a voice who you call God, asking you to move away?  Why should God ask you to do that?  Why can He not do what He wants to do wherever you are?  But God is Sovereign and He works in His own ways and funnily, I say funnily deliberately, Abraham moves away.  What would he have told his father on being asked, 'son where are you going?'; 'I don't know father!'  Mind you in those days traveling wasn't easy and there was the fear of wild animals, brigands, and so on.  Yet he moved, yeah, he was insane with faith in God!

Today, Scripture tells us about another insane belief Abraham had in God: When he was past his prime and Sarah had gone well beyond the age of childbearing with even her womanly periods ceasing (Gen. 18:11), he yet believed he would have the child God had promised!  This is what I call revolutionary faith; a faith refusing to acknowledge anything else, but the awesome power of God over all circumstances.  For God is the Creator and can overturn circumstances.   To be greatly blessed you need to have this insane faith.  Believe me, it's difficult, for people around will tell you how foolish you are and how it's impossible for you to achieve that!  Yet, God gives the Grace for you to continue in it and soon brings into birth the very thing you stood for in faith.  Remember, God loves those who have faith in Him and rewards them according to the measure of their faith.  So hold on, no matter if it sounds absurd…it will happen.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 27, 2011

Today's verse: Rev. 3:20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (KJV)

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

Jesus is wonderful and one just needs a single experience with Him to relish His wonderful nature.   The best I love about our Lord and Master is His way of going to us rather than wait for us to approach Him, like earthly people who want that others come to them. Jesus has no such inhibitions and He reaches out, willingly and lovingly. 

When Zacchaeus was hiding in the branches of the sycamore tree, Jesus reached out, called him and went to stay with him.  Zacchaeus was a changed man.  Because of His immense love for us, He took risks to cure people, like the bent woman whom he cured (Lk. 13:11, 12), despite being spited by the Pharisees and Scribes, the self appointed custodians of religious mores at that time.  He also cured many from their ailments at the cost of bringing the scathing anger of the religious authorities upon Himself.  He never dithered or vacillated when it came to helping people in need and He is an example of servitude and friendliness to all mankind.

Today, Jesus has come close to you. He is knocking at the door of your heart and He is waiting to know your answer; whether you'll hear His voice and open the door or make yourself deaf.  He is looking for the answer in your heart, not your mouth.  Will you open the door?  If you do well, the bells in heaven will toll and His Majesty, Lord Jesus Christ will enter and will stay with you, dine with you and you with Him.  Trust this; it's worth it to be your ticket to eternal life.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 26, 2011

Today's verse: Hab. 3:17, 18. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (KJV)

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

Faith in God asks for a particular brand of insanity (don't get me wrong, it's not the insanity that we're exposed to among men who seem to forget what they are, except 'whatever' they think they are at that moment).  This brand of insanity which is faith, is also forgetting what one is and remembering Who God is!  This requires a clear focus on what God means to us:  Is He the awesome God of the Bible who did so many things that are impossible to do?  Who raised the dead to life and healed diseases; Who brought into existence what did not exist and so on.

It's not a marvel in our eyes to see God for what He really is, for His creation declares His glory and man has not seen even a fraction of what He really is and His awesome ability for He is greater and far more capable.  Imagine the God who can call a grain of sand from the centre of the sea bed and be moved up to a particular place and it will do it.  Or make the huge cloud, pregnant with tons of water to just float in the canopy of the sky till He claps the thunder and opens it up (frankly with what was it closed; for even an airplane could go through it) and sprays down the rain, not bringing it down in a sharp thud of water all at once!  Yea, now you see the immensity of our God? 

Therefore, as Scripture today says, I too will believe in Him and rejoice in Him, no matter if my limbs are too weak to support me; if I've not a morsel of food in me and if insults and jeers are all I get from my friends and others.  Yes, I will still joy in the God of my salvation even if I hear of disasters and accidents all over; or when despondency is supreme in the atmosphere all around.  Yea, I will delight in Him for I know, He is there and surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all my life just because He is there.  For as the clouds cover the sky and block the sun, I look up and know that it is there just behind the clouds, even if for a moment, not visible; so I know my God, my Father will always be there for me, even in pitch darkness.  Amen.

Thoughts for another day 

Sept. 23, 2011

Today's verse: Jer 10:2. Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. (KJV)

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

We have many exciting things …imagine the gadgets floating around.  Think of the freedom of moving around here and there, of being friendly with people, particularly those of the opposite sex and then doing all kinds of things with them which is of course not wrong by the wisdom of the world.  Think of the entertainment we have, right from sleaze laden movies to dirty dancing in dinghy and smoke filled disks.  There're the bars or watering holes as they are called where you can load yourself with exotic spirits that 'lift up the spirit!'  Then there're the sleaze parlors, game parlors, massage decks, hookah parlors, coke joints, and what have you.  All designed to entertain and enthrall.

All you need is money to enjoy them and they say 'what's wrong in enjoying things, after all you have just one life, what's the point if you don't live it up?'  Very close to these are temples of gods and goddesses whose images are laden with silver and gold or made of gold itself.  You're told, if you worship the deity you'll have prosperity and happiness; yes, by deities so funny that if they weren't considered gods, even a child would laugh at the weird imagination of man that he made such a funny looking god (at least design something sensible and better they'd say).  You're told, 'come on there's only one God and these are the various 'channels' to Him.  A whole truck load of bunkum and nonsense is what I say to these for it shows the hollow wisdom of man, making gods out of wood and metal and what have you.  Our Scripture says that we mustn't go the ways of the gentiles for they lead to destruction.

Our God is the only true God and everything else is utter folly.  Even common sense would say there can be only one Creator and He will have only one form, not different forms for different sets of people; sadly the pagans don't know this simple thing.  Belief in their deities cause them to obey the signs of the universe pertaining to some saga of their deity which is also taken as a sign for them; and so they go and look at these signs that set them in panic sometimes. Against such is our Scripture today.  Our God in heaven is displeased and dismayed at the stupidity of men for they despise Him, the only God of the universe and go prostituting with every sundry figment of human imagination and term it god.  But we who worship the True God are not hapless. He is there for us and in His way He makes us prosper on earth, living full lives.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 22, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 75:3. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)

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

When you think of all the earthquakes and the terrible things that happen in the earth about which man is unable to do anything, you wonder, what will happen next.  Take heart for you have God's awesome assurance in our Scripture today. 

He tells us He holds firm the pillars of the earth!  Pillars of the earth, never heard of it right, yes but God has plunged the pillars of the earth deep in His massive hands that the earth cannot move even a bit!  Imagine this, there're so many things hurtling through space at great speeds and they can be very lethal, yet nothing happens to the earth.  Then again, the earth moves in its orbit, even while rotating, day in and day out and still it doesn't budge from its designated path, no not even an inch because THE COMMANDER OF THE UNIVERSE, GOD ALMIGHTY, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, is in charge and everything is in His control.  With Him in charge, nothing can happen for He commands and things can stop in their tracks and not move further; just as He has commanded the oceans and they don't go beyond the line He has set for them.

Understand the awesomeness of God in that everything, I mean everything on earth is subject to His great and glorious power.  He is Sovereign and His Majesty the ETERNAL GREAT I AM and all things are in His grasp.  Nothing escapes His attention and He holds the pillars of the earth as well as our feet firm so that we do not fall.  Just trust Him to do your work today, He will not fail.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 21, 2011

Today's verse: Rev. 7:10. “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (NIV – copyright acknowledged)

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

Many are the thoughts that arise in the mind of man when it concerns afterlife.  With the kind of pollution that has happened in man's mind since the time of Jesus Christ, there're many theories of salvation floating around and the one most loved by millions of people is that you can work out your own salvation, which at the least can be laughed at because man doesn't know of things in this world, yet he can work out his own salvation! This surely belongs to the big bang group who dare to suggest that the orderly earth was created from chaos by a big bang!!!

Our Word today is clear: Salvation belongs to our God who is the eternal Ruler of the universe and to the Lamb who by sacrificing Himself, earned it for us; therefore we can't earn it but only lean unto Him to receive it freely.  Peter emphasizes this in Acts 4:12, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”   Salvation isn't found any other way and if you're one of those who think we can deal with this at our death, remember we can't take it lightly for there's a soul that's ours (we can feel its presence within us at times when we're alone) and this soul is released from the body at death and then goes to its final destination when God wills and where we are to be.

Quit looking at other avenues that also talk about a way to heaven for there's no other way.  Do not listen to man when you hear him say that all will be saved even if they don't follow Christ.  If it were so, then why would our Scripture be so clear about it?  And firmly hold this that if you believe in Jesus Christ and take Him as your personal Savior, you are saved.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 20, 2011

Today's verse: Mark 6:50b. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (KJV)

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

Half our lives or perhaps even more are filled with fear.  Sometimes even when we have nothing to fear, we're filled with the fear of having fear!  Such is our nature and we love, in a negative way, fear; with someone coining the term, 'fear is the key'.

Early dawn one day, Jesus was walking upon the ocean towards the boat in which His disciples were, intending to pass by when they spotted Him and thinking they had seen a spirit, they cried out.  They were simply terrified and Jesus sensing their utter fear, moved toward them and said, 'Take courage, it is I, don't be afraid.'  Now there was nothing wrong in them being fearful you might say for anyone would be scared isn't it?  But then these men were not anyone.  They were His chosen disciples, retained by Him and instructed by Him to go and preach the Gospel and you will find in Mk. 6:13 that they even drove out many demons!  Then what happened when they saw Jesus walking on the sea?

The answer is relatively deep, but to simplify it, I would just say that they were not fully with Jesus; for a man fully with Jesus cannot be afraid.  In the Gospels we get many glimpses where the apostles weren't fully with Him because of which they acted like other ordinary men with Peter even denying Jesus.  In our times we see people doing all kinds of things that betray their lack of companionship with God; they may look to be strong but are weak and can be written off for they make things other than God their priority.  Yet, God understands and just as Jesus at that time encouraged them, He will encourage us today, when He sees our deathly fright…But yes, He will ask, 'Why are you scared, you of little faith?'

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 19, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 51:3, 4. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (KJV)

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

Sin is transgression against God.  When we sin, we go against Him; our hearts are against Him and His kingdom.  This, no matter what our sin, whether a simple thing like telling a lie or a major one like murdering someone.  Of course, the latter is far more serious taken from a human being's context. 

Just as sin hurts God, it hurt us too.  It deprives us His Grace that's so essential to life itself.  It blurs the line between what's good and what's bad, making us choose wrong things and slowly, but surely we go down and down eventually leading to death. A man's heart should and must be such that is must weary of sin.  In our Scripture today, we have David a man who was weary of sin and who wrote such a beautiful psalm, straight from his heart. 

He crawls before God with great remorse and acknowledges his sin, saying it is always before him.  And so sin is always before us so much so, it eats us on the inside and doesn't allow peace to come in.   David knows he sinned against God which he conveys to God, also telling Him that God is justified in speaking and judging him in the way He wants for he deserves that.  If you are like David, you realize how anathema sin is to God and how heavy it can be on the heart before God.  Truly, it's amazing how much it can trouble you when you care enough for God because you feel so bad; so worthless and dirty.  Imagine, for a few mins. of pleasure or life, we disobey God and even deny His Spirit!  How crass and heartless we can be that we shun the Presence of the One who gave us life and sustains us and rather do our own stupid thing instead.  Time to know this and repent is now.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 16, 2011

Today's verse: Ps. 62:8. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. (KJV)

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

I believe the Lord is a Rock and a Refuge to all who trust in Him.  To those, who don't waver when the storms of adverse situations are furious and smarting; who believe that He is there in any and every situation and holds the ability to quell any storm at any time, as He pleases because He is Sovereign and awesome.  And we know that those who wait upon Him, are redeemed by Him and in due time exalted for their faith in Him.

Despite what a troubled man might say from the midst of sorrow in His heart, lamenting that God isn't good to him, I will still say that God is the kindest and most generous being we will ever know in our lives although He is not seen or heard sometimes.  And if you're suffering terribly, there must be something He is working out in you of which you'll know only when you enter the portals of heaven.  Therefore I love our Scripture today which exhorts us to pour our hearts out to Him for He is a place of refuge.  Yes my friend in good times and bad, pour your heart out to Him, just as you did when you were small to the person you loved and trusted, knowing that that person also loved you and always meant good for you; and besides you knew the person would surely help you.

In Him you'll find comfort for He is the Only one Who knows the weight of each heart which tries to move Him with its load!  Yes, He understands us and our every agony.  He doesn't allow you to bend more than you're capable of bending and with each load He also allows you a vent to ease your pressure.  So cling on and whisper into His ears your burdens for then He will give you rest and lead you ashore.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 15, 2011

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 4:17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (KJV)

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

Jesus, before ascending into heaven commanded His disciples to go to the nations and make disciples of them, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; a command which His Apostles took seriously and set about doing.  They lived to proclaim the Lord to all the people and despite trials that came their way, they preached the Word and made the people know the Name of the Lord.  God in turn kept them safe even as the tribe of worshippers of the Lord increased.

Today, across the world, there're millions and millions of people who're perhaps not aware of Jesus or who've 'transcended' above to know things which aren't right, like new age teachers who say, each human being is god, etc. etc.  I am shocked as I learn more of what's happening in the depraved world where people forge idols and other things, worshipping them as god.  Look around and you'll see, anything and everything can be god.  Even humans are held as god and sometimes even before they die.  Sporting heroes and actors are called 'gods' and people are ready to fall at their feet and worship them.  The question is what's making them do that?  Why can't they understand that there's only one God and His Name is Jesus? 

The answer lies in two facts: 1. the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which do not believe in Jesus and 2. we Christians have not taken Jesus' command seriously. We're willing to compromise God and His Word.  Even some pastors/priests permit keeping of idols in the homes of Christians.  Besides, many Christians are under the impression that parts of the Bible are stories and not reality and they're there to illustrate something, which can complement and blend into man's weird theories; for example creation of the world, which they believe evolved (evolution theory).  I wonder what we'll answer God when we reach up there but the fact remains that we have to proclaim the Word of God.  And for those who do, as Paul experienced, God will be with them and deliver them from all trouble, no matter what it be.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 14, 2011

Today's verse: Rom. 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (KJV)

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

Faith comes, as our Scripture says, in hearing the Word of God.  What is the Word of God, and most will know it is the Bible.  Do the people read the Word of God.  Many don't.  In fact I have met and still meet men and women over 60 years of age who have not read the full Word of God even once.  Then there are others who began 20 years ago and are still around Amos.  In a lighter vein maybe, they'll go over to Revelation in another 20 years.  And this sadly is the state with all Christians, no matter which denomination they belong to.

Now in getting to having faith, it's not only in reading God's Word but in also imbibing it within us deeply.  There are so many truths in His Word that even if you live a life-time you may not know them all.  There's such depth and beauty that you may just be soaked into it and cherish it all your life.  God is alive in His Word and His fragrance lingers for all of us to partake of it and then get to know His nature.

A deepness in the Word can bring about the faith that can work wonders in our lives.  Just check them who have but little faith and you will see a scarceness in their lives of the Word of God.  Great dynamite is the Word and great are its effects and lasting too.  God's Word can deliver you from any pit you're in and raise you up.  It can demolish such strongholds that you thought earlier were eternal strangleholds.  God's Word can put the fear of God in the hearts of your enemies.  All this because when you move in His Word, He the mighty and awesome God is with you and in His Word, you also know Him and He knows you and when you call, He answers.; just as His Word says He will.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 13, 2011

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:23. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  (NIV – copyright ack.)

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

Who doesn't argue?  Everyone does and if it's for a right cause, it's okay.  But our Scripture today says that if it's a stupid argument then its best not to be involved in it for vain discussions bring benefit to none.

Many times we see that simple arguments lead to bigger arguments and then to bitter quarrels and fights.  The man on an ego trip always has a point, even if it is no point; and can go on endlessly quarrelling without even thinking about the rightness in the argument, all else be damned.  In the heat of the moment, sometimes we lose our sense of judgment and come out with crass and bitter statements that hurt both us and those involved in the thing with us.  God is never there in a stupid and vain argument because He is a God of justice and truth and God's ideas are always rational and beneficial.

God gives us wisdom to glean the useful from the non-useful and He also gives us good sense to understand the difference.  Hence when we discuss with God's intelligence in us, there can be no inane discussion as it doesn't hold any weight in the mind of a Christian for He has the mind of Christ.  Besides, for the One who is Christ-like, winning an argument doesn't matter, what matters more is that he is able to not harm a fellow brother or sister in Christ, even with harsh words, and even when sometimes he knows he is right.  I pray for the Grace of God today, to help us keep our egos away and recognize when we are falling in the trap of the evil one in discussing unnecessary stuff which will lead nowhere.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 12, 2011

Today's verse: Mk 4: 27,28. And the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. (KJV)

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

A little time, a little Grace; a little patience and faith; and eventually things work out. 

If you've lost your job or met with an accident with only your brain intact; or you're to the last dime in your finance: read the Word above carefully for it's when the dark of the night has swept you on the floor and has you shaking and when the beat of your heart is fast melting, then God will say to the destroyer, 'stay your hand.' 

My friend, it's marvelous to know that no matter what happens in life, when you sit in the presence of God, despite your anxiety and difficulty, you can still sit in peace for the God of peace will instill such peace in you that peace itself will become your ally and His Grace will become the canopy on your head.  Then slowly the blessing comes…first the blade, then the ear and then, the full measure and not in trickles, it will be a shower.  That's His style, His way of work and remember you know not how it happens, all you see is; it's happening.

If you've kept the faith, even to declaring that the unbelievable is about to happen in your life and they who heard it have laughed at your expense, then they're about to know something new; my, my didn't they laugh at Noah when in the bright sunshine he set about building an ark miles away from the sea?  Oh what a fool they might have said of him; but God, my God, made Noah have the last laugh, so to say.  Now faith isn't about something you know you can do, for instance if you have a good job, then buying a good car isn't a matter of faith in God.  But if you're struggling and still hope to buy that car, that's a matter of faith.  If you say you have faith, don't try to do things as if telling God, let me help you Lord, so you can help me!  Wait instead and see how from your trying circumstances he brings forth the awesome miracle, first a little, then a little more and then, till you can hold no more.  BELIEVE…It will happen.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 9, 2011

Today's verse: Jonah 2:8. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. (New Living Translation)

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

Man's ability to sing along with pagans in worship to their gods, is amazing.  In Mumbai, where I live, there's currently a frenzied celebration of one of their idols.  They believe this idol is the harbinger of good and invoke its name before doing anything.  The other day, traveling by bus and moving along the road where they set up the biggest idol close to the place I used to live in my childhood, I was surprised to note the frenzy in the people in the bus to have a glimpse of the idol.  The bus moved at snail's pace because of the vast throng of humanity and can you believe, I heard myself singing one of the songs being belted out?  This because I was so used to it as I used to sing it when small.  But it shocked me that I was humming it now. 

I remember the clear command God gave Moses when He brought out the Israelites from Egypt: Destroy everybody in the land I AM bringing you into, men, women, everything.  This so they wouldn't be able to lead them into worship of idols.  Believe me it's so easy to be swayed by the rituals and other things that are so intimidating that your mind starts thinking, this must be a god!  But it's all rubbish; I've seen it and know it.  In fact I'd say, even today if there's something or someone trying to incite you into worship of these abominations to the Lord, run from there.

While reading Scripture yesterday, I was on Baruch ch. 6 (also called The Epistle of Jeremiah).  I saw how the whole thing began; and it would be good for you too to read it. Everything that's mentioned there, you see being done in idol worship currently and it's amazing it's in the Bible!  God doesn't forgive them who worship idols even if they, 'graciously' worship Him too.  He hates it because He doesn't share His glory with anyone else which He so clearly demonstrated among His people. Our Scripture today says that they who do this also lose the right to God's mercy.  For obviously, if you worship anything else apart from God, you cannot expect Him to work in your favor and I would even say, why don't you go to that idol you worship?

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 8, 2011

Today's verse: Lam. 3:26. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. (KJV)

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

In being quiet alone does a man realize his inner potential and the immense strength he has within himself.  I feel somehow, that stillness is mechanism to connect with God that has no parallel.  For its only when you quieten yourself and think deep inside, are you able to connect with God.    

God knows it best which is why He asks us to be still and get to know Him (we touched upon this thought about a week ago).  When a man is still, he is able to think clearly and meditate effectively on God.  In that moment of stillness, he is able to see the immense capabilities of God.  It's only in that state that we're truly able to say, 'There's nothing impossible with God' for in that time, we're able to understand the manner in which we are made – so awesome is our being.  David knew this and wrote about it, 'I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made' Ps. 139:14. And then we wonder, how will He be, the One who created us and realize how great He is who has made not only us but also the whole of creation; of which not a single element can be made by man, yes, not even a small leaf which we trample under our feet and don't even bother about.

Our Scripture today advises that it is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for God's salvation.  'Hope' we see is essential for we know our God and we can hope in Him.  Were it not the hope that we have, what else could we have; and we need to be quiet in this hope and wait for Him.  Eventually, as we sit in this state, God bends forth and picks us up.  Reflect in your own life, how many times God has pulled you out of a particularly difficult situation because you chose to wait upon Him in silence.  So He will do whenever we show belief in His Word and sit in silence, expecting Him to once again show us His mercy and His power.