Thoughts for another day

January 31, 2012

Today's verse: Ps. 30:12. so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (NRSV)

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

O it is so good to praise the Lord and always give Him thanks.  It's like singing the most melodious song to the heart and when the heart it delighted, the refrains coming from it, still knowledge of anything else but that which is in its deep recesses, which is our worship to Him. When we praise and thank the Lord, He is pleased and hearkens to our call and we get mixed in Him and forget everything, but the beauty of our God which we are privileged to behold.

Praise from our lips to His Majesty, the God of heaven and earth, is but our way of acknowledging Him as God, our Father on high who is always there for us, not because we praise Him but because He has said so, and therefore deep inside, our hearts yearn to sing His praises and glorify Him.  In it we consent to His will in our lives and are keen to abide by His most precious Word.  In praising Him, we're not adding anything to His glory, but gain favor from Him as He sees us praising Him and His heart melts and He yields.  That's why great things happen when we praise Him and importantly, His Holy Spirit, who loves it when we praise the Father, comes and lives with us and makes us strong in our faith and confident in our approach to the Holy Throne, the Mercy Seat.

In thanks we tell our Father how much we appreciate Him being with us.  We need to learn to thank Him even when things aren't going our way for thanking Him shows our confidence in His Word and in His power to redeem us, come what may.  In sincere thanks that we place before Him, we bare open our inmost being which has met Him even before the world began, and we show our gratitude, perhaps with tears in our eyes, to Him the Most High, who can turn heaven and earth upside down in reaching out to us.  My friend to the normal faithless eyes, this seems like something from the realm of fiction, but with eyes of faith, it's a possibility, for God dwells in an atmosphere of faith and in that atmosphere there's nothing but possibility and love and mercy and glory; therefore the psalmist says, I will give praises to You and thank You for ever O LORD, my God.

Thoughts for another day

January 30, 2012

Today's verse: Gen. 45:7. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. (KJV)

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The ways of God are completely unpredictable and mysterious.  He works things out in a manner to stun us and till His whole plan is opened, we are in the dark and many times in pain.  And this is clear in our Scripture today in which Joseph tells his brothers that his entire journey from his father's dwelling place to Egypt was God's work.  And we see the wonderful work of the hand of our God who raised up Joseph as the second most powerful man in Egypt, just next to Pharaoh.

This is a good lesson for us who say we trust God and want to live in His ways.  What I mean by this is: There're times when God reveals His plan for us but not the time in which it's to be accomplished.  Take the case of Joseph, God gave him dreams and visions of his greatness but didn't tell him when he would become great.  Now, between the time God gave him the visions and till Joseph became great, God took him through a trial.  A trial so severe, that I'm sure it must have shaken Joseph.  He must have cried at what was happening for everything was contradictory to his dreams, first his own brothers sold him.  Then he was sold as a slave; later he was put into a jail for no fault of his!  It's literally like, from the pan into the fire; but one thing Joseph would have done is borne all his afflictions bravely, in the hope that God will deliver him and God did deliver him.

As it turned out, Joseph eventually became what was shown in his visions and we see that God took the route He did because, He wanted Joseph to be the savior of his brothers and their families so that the sons of Israel, who were to form the twelve tribes of Israel would not perish but live by the deliverance that Joseph would bring to them.  So too I tell you today, trust God for the visions He has given you.  He is a just God and very capable.  He may give you painful trials while He goes about setting you up for your destiny, but remember He will bring you out of the trial, a winner.  Just trust Him for He knows what to do.

Thoughts for another day

January 27, 2012

Today's verse: Jer. 10:10. But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (KJV)

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

Some days ago I was watching a news channel on television.  There was a debate on a recent happening in a particular state in India where a Christian pastor was accused of forcefully converting people luring them with money and other things.  On the panel were representatives of various religions and in the course of discussions, I saw that only the Christian representative was calm and collected and in the face of vitriolic spewed by representatives of a particular faith, he was unfazed but wasn't allowed to even express his view point.

In my prayer and at other times with God, I 'accusedly' point at Him and say, Lord how can you tolerate the insults that people of the world spew out on you for truly You are the One true Living God, an everlasting King, the Emperor of the universe!  How can You bear the desecration of things dear to your people and allow them to be persecuted?   It really pains me to see the way Christians are beaten and roughed up around the world because they do the work God has told them to and in many situations I really see no way they can be rescued as it's just not possible and consequently they're so vulnerable!  Yet, it surprises me that few Christians lift their hands and return the violence meted out to them even if that were possible.  God's assurance to me is in what Jesus says, 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' Jn. 16:33.

You know it reminds me of that great sermon Jesus gave on the mount. He lived that sermon and He wants us to live it too.  Persecution for every true follower of the Lord is not just a probability, but sure and death could also be a reward.  But then Jesus led the way when He died a miserable death.  Now we're to emulate Him, even though we are aware that at the wrath of the Lord, the earth shall tremble and none will be able to withstand His burning anger.  Our enemies can be turned to cinder at His wrath but at that time, we'll shout for mercy for them, even though they hurt us for Jesus did the same to His killers.  In that we shall show the world how different we are and how different our God is, who though the only God, the giver of life, is yet so patient and forbearing.   And we're proud to be called His children, even if He hands over the cup of sorrows to us.

Thoughts for another day

January 26, 2012

Today's verse: Mt. 15:13. He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. (KJV)

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

The Ministry Jesus gave us is a universal Ministry and we're all commissioned to work in it, no matter who we are.  This is a sacred office and a divine responsibility and none should ignore the job given us by the Supreme Commander of the universe, His Majesty, Jesus Christ.   

Many Christians trudge into it perhaps after a retreat or a crusade or an encounter with God.  They understand the mission Jesus entrusted and start working in it.  One key post in Ministry all vie for, including me, is that of preaching.  It's because, by it we get into the limelight and become known and famous and it pleases us to be famous for we love the adulation people give us.  But, was that why Jesus called us to Minister?  He didn't and we know, yet, don't desist from our own agendas in Gospel proclamation, other than that which Jesus gave us.  Sadly, few want a role in the Ministry as an intercessor or a care-giver or a menial worker; they may be seen but not known.  However, these posts in the Ministry are equally potent and able to get souls saved for to serve in this Ministry, one needs humility and God exalts the humble and helps them bear abundant fruit. Besides, much is done at the hands of God because of such silent people and I daresay, mankind is saved from many disasters because of them and their silent service to God.

As to those who aspire recognition and fame, well although these are the byproducts of the Proclamation Ministry, not all in such Ministries are genuinely touched and ordained by God and our Scripture starkly reminds us that they will be plucked by the roots.  I know many, who lack the basic ingredients of being Ministers of the Gospel, preaching and I've also seen how people adore them.  They talk about systems and practices and everything else, except Christ. Sadly their messages are like salt without saltiness as they lack knowledge of the Savior and His affirmation of making you a child of God.   Anyone who's a little mature spiritually quickly understands the lack of God in them, but the irony is, these preachers get the opportunity to preach before the people often.  Like our Scripture reveals they will be brought down and forgotten.  Therefore, when we vie to do His work, let us vie to be in the backside Ministries, where none may see us, yet, the Kingdom work is done and God will reward us on that day.

Thoughts for another day

January 25, 2012

Today's verse: Jn. 14:26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)

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

When you read the Word of God you sense a power that's palpable.  Like I and many others say, a mere verse is enough to change a life forever.  Knowing God's Word and using it daily, is important and therefore it's pertinent and proper that we read His Word fully and thoroughly.  It's not enough that we go through it once so we can say we've read it fully, rather, it's necessary we read the Word well and imbibe it, not by ourselves, but by the Spirit of God who will instill in us, both, knowledge of the Word and the ability to live by it, day by day.

I feel pity for those who haven't read God's Word; and let me tell you, there're people at age 60+ who haven't read the Word fully even once and I'm sure it doesn't shock you for it may be your own relative.  Often, the convoluted excuse people give is that they have a wonderful relationship with God and they're happy that way, so where's the need to read the Bible?  The question is, how do they know they have a relationship with God, when they don't even know Him?  Lack of knowledge of Scripture is lack of knowledge of God! For, He reveals Himself clearly in His Word.  The question then is, which is the god they claim to have a relationship with? God may also reveal Himself directly but that would be rare and rather unlikely in many people, else why would He give us His Word.  When I confront people with this, well, they're uncomfortable and ask to change the subject!

For those who read and respect God's Word, the Holy Spirit is their Comforter.  He teaches all things and not only that, in every situation, He brings alive the Word for that moment.   I know firsthand the way He reminds me of Jesus' teachings on a particular topic, when I talk about it and I can feel His 'live' teaching.  It's like the Word coming alive and He allays all my fears, reminding me how God helped His people in Bible times.  He tells me He is the same yesterday, today and forever and He will help me too.  Yes, the Holy Spirit is full of life and a real Presence and He is there to take care of us, this Beautiful Holy Spirit – most gentle and kind.   So, grab the Word and lay it in your spirit.  Remember, at the time of trial in life or even at the point of death, the Holy Spirit will quell the turbulence in you with Jesus' Words and bring great peace to your heart.

Thoughts for another day

January 24, 2012

Today's verse: Is. 30:15. For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: (KJV)

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

There's something about stillness, I believe has great power in God.  A Word I remember distinctly in the Bible is Ps. 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.  This beats me for really, we who're so used to talk and sharing of ideas, thoughts, etc. have to be still to know Him?  But that's the way it is with God and in that way itself is He manifest as He has said. Try it and you will know.

Our Word today strengthens this thought that in stillness and calm, your rest, confidence and strength lie.  This is intriguing because if you ask me what to do when one is confronted with any kind of problem, the first thing that I as a citizen of the world will tell you is, make your situation known to your friends and relatives.  Go to all you know to be helped and relieved of your situation.  In church too, when we talk of our problems, the person in charge will tell ten others and they in turn will each tell ten others and so it goes till all know and we're helped to a great degree; but when it concerns God, He says, Be still!

Why?  To understand, we must look at His nature.  For God all things are possible.  If you have a huge debt problem and don't know how to pay even your food bills, He can work this way: an unknown person, perhaps thousands of miles away from where you are, suddenly finds you out of nowhere and decides to send you a huge amount, sufficient, not only for the re-payment of your debt, but ensuring you don't ever have to earn a single penny to live!  And if you question that benefactor why he did it, he'll simply say: I don't know!   God knows He can do it and even as I write this, He knows which person in the whole world to contact and influence to give me funds!  Well that's how God works.  He wants us to be quiet so we can sense His power.  In the boat as they were lambasted by the winds, the disciples quivered like rats about to sink.  But Jesus, well Jesus was calm, in fact sleeping, midst the wind and the gale and the waves!  Yes my friend, Jesus knew God and knew that a Word was sufficient to quell the turbulence of the sea and He demonstrated that to them.  So too today, no matter how strong the tempest around you, refuse to bow down but stay calm and focused on the Lord.  I tell you, He will come to help; for a heart turned to Him in faith will never be turned down by God.

Thoughts for another day

January 23, 2012

Today's verse: Jn. 10:4. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (KJV)

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

God puts forth His sheep into the terrain where He walks.  They may be tired, famished or downright ready to fall.  They may be scandalized, disheartened or acutely guilty; perhaps totally uncoordinated between the good and the evil they harbor within; yet they hear His call.  When you're about to reel under the anguish heaped on you by the ways of the world or even your own debauched self, there's a voice you'll hear calling you.  That voice belongs to the Shepherd of your soul, the Owner and Sustainer of the universe, Jesus Christ, Supreme Commander of all that's seen and unseen.  And surprise, you hear that call!  For, even before time began, your heart, by the submission of your will, assented to the heart of God, because you saw in Him, the beauty of His love and the breadth of His awesome care for you.  Yes, you did and He noticed and imprinted your heart in His heart as one which beats with His.

You then got up from the mire you lay in for you heard His voice; just as Bartimaeus heard it when He was moving out of Jericho and he sprung up, realizing, here was his chance, his only chance and he cried out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.'  The Master stopped, His foot not being able to go one step further because of the cry of that blighted soul and He commanded he be called to Him.  Bartimaeus, shaking all over, approached His Creator for, though blind, he knew!  Jesus asked him what he willed He do for him and he simply said, 'I need my sight Lord.'  Jesus said the Word and Bartimaeus was able to see Him and fell at His feet in awe and delight.

Right now, where you are, Jesus is!  Cry out the cry of agony in your soul and He the Lord who couldn't help but weep at the death of Lazarus, will listen to your cry and He will ask, 'what do you will that I do for you?' Tell Him and He will do it for you, it's that simple.  Keep the faith.

Thoughts for another day

January 20, 2012

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 5:7. For we walk by faith, not by sight. (KJV)

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

Walking in the Lord means simply to walk by faith.  Very easy to say, but very difficult to do for it's not easy to walk by faith, particularly if you walk in the Lord for He will test you.  The test can be tough and you may want to give up; but in giving up, you've lost it.  I used to pride myself in that I used to say, 'I walk by faith' and then the test started.  It was so easy for me to give up for I knew that if I just use the ways of man and take what's in sight, it would be so much better and my mind would also tell me, 'what's the problem, everyone is doing it, so why should you not do it?'

As a further example, let me say: a woman in her young days, say around 24 years of age, in faith, tells herself she would depend only on the Lord to provide a husband for her.  Many proposals come and she somehow didn't feel confident it was the Lord's choice for her, so she rejects them all.  Years pass and she has reached 35 years and still no marriage.  Now what will this woman do?  Live in the faith that Jesus has put in her heart or go and do that which the world tells her?  It's a very traumatic time for her and unless she's rooted in the Lord, her faith can be completely shattered as it doesn't see God's hand at all and consequently to escape ridicule, seeks to abandon His ways.  Have you too experienced this in your life?

But if you can endure and let faith in Him rule you which means, you tell yourself: 'God is Sovereign and He is in control and if I've been put in a spot because I've kept faith in Him, however weak it be, then I'll overcome'; then God will work for you.  Yes, He will, for that is His way.  Once you remain steadfast in your faith and don't give up, He works.  I've known of it in so many lives that for me it's not an option but the answer.  So truly I believe that we as His children, His witnesses, His little ones, needn't be worried but walk by faith and not by sight for sight can only see this much, but faith can deliver an avalanche of Graces with the help of which, that which we have seen and perceived by faith, will be ours.

Thoughts for another day

January 19, 2012

Today's verse: Pro. 18:10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (KJV)

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

God is a Mighty Stronghold able to safeguard against anything.  There's no force or power superior to God's power.  All energy, force, power, etc. emanate from the One Source of it all – God.  For His people who walk in His ways and are pleasing to Him as His children, righteous and holy before Him, He is their Protector and Guard.  When God is your Protector, who can do anything to you and as the psalmist says, 'The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?' Ps. 27:1.

He will protect you against the elements; He will bend the arrow that's aimed at you and the bullet that flies at you will be struck off its track so it can't reach you and I remember, 'No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; Is. 54:17. Hurricane winds will stop right before you, powerless to even touch you, wild beasts will scamper away even before your sound.  Mighty winds and hail and the great tempest will fall at your feet for they do not want to incur the wrath of Him who is your Shield and Guardian.  All of nature will not even dare to look at you when you are in the refuge of your Strong Tower.  You may meet with an accident, but get away with a few scratches for He who watches over you, never slumbers nor sleeps.

As to the devil, well, he'll gnash his teeth and hiss and howl, but he dare not go near you for one swipe at him and he'll be flung into the unending abyss of annihilation.  None of your enemies will be able to do anything and the evil they plan for you will like a boomerang, hit them.  Yes, my friend in Christ, His Name is a Mighty Strong Tower and if you're in Him, no power on earth will even contend with you.  But yes, you need to acknowledge His Name and remain in Him to discover His love for you and participate in His unfailing protection.  The security He offers is like an ever-present insurance, with no premium of course except fidelity to His Name.

Thoughts for another day

January 18, 2012

Today's verse: Lk. 2:52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (KJV)

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

Living a life that's pleasing before God is a great honor to Him who created us and has consistently kept faith in us.  Why He keeps faith in us, the scum of the earth, is a mystery that's simply beyond our reach but one can only aver and say that His love and mercy are supreme and thus comes His faith in us and this faith, when He knows, even if we desire to be right before Him and before His creation, man, the evil in the world is potent and literally forces us to do otherwise.

Quite honestly, God knows the predicament we're in even before we come on earth.  He knows the kind of slime pit we're entering.  But He doesn't expect us to be fighting the dirt and grime by ourselves. He wants to re-assure us of His Presence and His ever present Grace which He floods us with, if we but approach Him.  Our Word today, talks about how Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man and this Jesus could do because of His connectedness with God. 

In prayer to God, Jesus found great solace and strength to live.  A prayer less life is a rudderless ship, driven by the winds as they're pleased to drive it.  An hour on your knees before the Almighty is a great tonic for missions.  It's said that praying for sinful souls on your knees delivers far more souls into the Kingdom of God than even going and preaching and I would agree because praying is communing with God whereas preaching is talking to people.  While I'm in no way taking out the merits of reaching out and preaching, all I'm saying is simple prayer is very powerful and can melt the heart of God to give us souls that are perishing.   So pray that you would increase in wisdom, stature and in favor before man and God and thus establish His kingdom here on earth.

Thoughts for another day

January 17, 2012

Today's verse: Jer. 31:3. The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (KJV)

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

The Ancient of Days, the LORD God Almighty, from of old, even before time could begin on earth saw each one of us and declared, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.'  He has continued that love upon us, even though we have ignored and cast Him away.  Some of us have even insulted Him and made Him unwelcome so much so that He stands at the door of our heart, knocking in great expectation and waiting for us to open the door so He can come in and dine with that one.

God has drawn us with lovingkindness and shed on us His cloak of mercy by which we're guarded of His searing wrath.   His love forms the protective canopy over our lives though we never see or experience it.  It even forms a protective cover over all our things; for example, I want to testify, however small it be, that last Saturday, my pen-drive with important business data got washed, yes washed along with my shirt for it was in my shirt pocket, and dried.  Since God watched over it, there was absolutely no scratch nor did any data get corrupted or erased!!!  See His Word is so true, for those who are faithful to Him, He is faithful to them and even if we sacrifice a little time to be with Him, He rewards us amply.

Being washed in His love is one of the most exciting things to happen to us and then, we see Him for who He really is, just as Peter, James and John saw Jesus at the transfiguration.  In that, we also see how much He yearns for us and know this, it wasn't for the fearsome, loyal and magnificent angels that He left His throne to come and die a miserable death, but for us, mere vessels of flesh and blood.  Look up to heaven today and try to envisage Him, your God and see how much He loves you and also know that He has drawn you with utmost lovingkindness.  Kneel before Him in gratitude and let Him hug your soul.

Thoughts for another day

January 16, 2012

Today's verse: Jn. 3:31. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (KJV)

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

Jesus didn't belong to the world.  He came into the world like any of us but He didn't belong to the world.  He came from above and so He was and is above all.  He didn't find greatness in what is of the earth, for He knew the greatness of earth is nothing but fading or rotting.  He spoke things that belong above.  His Own listened and though they too didn't understand, they realized that to gain eternity, which is a surety by the very fact that we're alive; and that there's something within us that 'is' and will always remain and that 'something' will have to give an account of everything it did when God clothed it in a vessel of earth.

When Jesus came to the earth, the peddlers of divinity, the rabbis of those days, the Pharisees and the other custodians of the Jewish faith, peddled their own stuff which took that which came from Jesus Himself and twisted it to suit their ways of subjugation and coercion.  They peddled the truth coated in the sugar of their pride and avarice.  They did this so that they could lord it over the poor people who, before their hegemony, didn't dare to even question them, leave alone not follow their edicts.

Jesus was blunt with them for He came from above and He knew the above well, for it was created through Him.  But few understood the reality of the above; that's why when He tells Nicodemus 'you cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless you're born from above', Nicodemus didn't understand Him because Nicodemus, was schooled in things of the earth.  Therefore, Jesus tells him, 'if you don't believe earthly things, how will you believe heavenly ones?'  Now we who're thoroughly schooled in earthly things also don't believe in heavenly things although when the roll call of believers is listed, we're recorded as self-proclaimed believers.  We therefore need to bow before the Holy Spirit pleading for Grace to understand and believe with our hearts the things from above for if we're going to our eternal Kingdom which is above, we must be schooled in those things and not those of the earth.

Thoughts for another day

January 13, 2012

Today's verse: Jas. 1:26. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (KJV)

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

Among some of the sins I harbor and am struggling to avoid, is the above.  A sin I don't really know how I fall into nor do many who commit it.  Let's face it, most of us are mature Christians (or at least we call ourselves mature) and this sin doesn't benefit us a bit, and I've realized that my impulse to talk, whether needed or not, whether it fits the conversation or not or whether I should even talk about the subject or not, forces me to talk and that's the wrong I do.  Checking one's impulses is vital if we're not to commit this sin, even if we think with all our being that we must say our two bits.

Sometimes I wonder why I talk unnecessarily, particularly because I consider myself religious and many people know me as a man who lives within the bounds of God, yet, this sin.  It's embarrassing indeed for when I stand before God with this kind of sin, I'm at a loss at what to say.  The only thing I can say is that it satisfies my desire to put my imprint on the group or individual I'm in discussion  with and this even when I realize that the Bible says, When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise, Pro. 10:19, NIV and Jesus says very clearly, 'But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.' Mt. 12:26,27, NIV.  So, it's frightening to have futile talk and we must learn to rein in our tongues as James says.

With the Grace God sends us, I believe our words will become few and I've decided that the words that come out of my mouth must be to bless or exalt God; and with men it must be to administer good and therefore like the psalmist I must pray, 'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (NIV)  I pray that like me, you too, if you're guilty of this sin, will realize the wrong you do and correct yourself before it's too late.

Thoughts for another day

January 12, 2012

Today's verse: 1 Pet. 2:11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (KJV)

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

In our communion with God, the most essential thing we need to have is, holiness. I've been talking about this often and I'll talk about it again, for really if the Church of God is weak today, it's because she lacks holiness.  God doesn't abide in an unholy place and any blessing of His, is difficult to obtain when one is in a sinful condition.  Therefore, it becomes pertinent for us to imbibe the purity God wants us to have.   

The stealer of souls in his perverse manner will lay before us the goodness of the world like riches, fame, sex and what have you and you start feeling 'oh it is so easy to get all those things?'  Then you do wrong – first small things, then big ones and then, even bigger ones; and even before you realize, you've sold your soul to the devil for a lowly price!  Among the wrongs that satan likes to forward as being right is indulging in fleshly lusts; providing the right stimulants like the most beautiful woman in your opinion if you're a man and the most yielding man if you're a woman and before long, you've fallen into an unchaste relationship and breaking from it is just impossible. 

A few years ago, a friend of mine was so beguiled by the devil that she 'apparently fell in love' with a married man and he told her that he would divorce his wife (and separate from her and their little child, just two yrs. of age) and marry her!  This led to them doing wrong. Eventually their relationship was discovered and she was even sacked from her job.  Since I'm a good friend, I asked what led her to do such foolishness and even today she says, she just doesn't know.  But we know don't we? By God's Grace, she has been able to forget the man and has come back from the brink of disaster and lives clean now.  It's therefore essential that we learn what the devil is up to and draw a line when these things are concerned and not fall into his trap.  By thus doing, we will not only save ourselves from unnecessary trouble here but also be found right in His sight to gain eternal life.

Thoughts for another day

January 11, 2012

Today's verse: Sirach 28:3. Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the Lord?  (NAB – copyright acknowledged)

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

I recently had an interaction with a friend, who lives in Dubai, with whom I re-connected with just before Christmas last year, after many years.  In the course of our conversation, I discovered that he wasn't on talking terms with his sister, who too was a dear friend of mine, and he tells me that he considers her 'dead'!  Being in the Lord for some time now and shocked at what I heard, I asked him how he could celebrate the commemoration of the birth of the Lord, which was to come soon, if he didn't talk to his real sister?  He had no answer.  Then he started giving me lame excuses as to how she had treated his family badly etc.  I told him that everybody once in a while does it, but it doesn't mean they consider the other sibling dead.

Then he told me was that there was no starting point or rather he would be too embarrassed to first start talking to her.  I told him that I'd initiate the thing and then arrange a meeting with her and so on, but he vehemently objected to that, so much so, that he visited Mumbai, India, where I live a few days after Christmas but didn't bother to call me up, etc. which, before the topic of his sister had come, he had said he would.  I mention this episode to explain how foolish we are in our living and how noxious we are with our own people.   Mind you this is the scenario with not only this friend but with a large number of Christians.

Now what do you think happens when these people go to God and ask pardon for their sins?  Do you think He will forgive?  I'd like to quote what Jesus said about this in His parable of the unforgiving servant when He mentioned that the master of the unforgiving servant would punish him severely: 'This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart' Mt. 18:35, NIV.  Imagine, we're unable to forgive, then what healing can we expect of the Lord?  How can we even stand before Him, with the anger, bitterness and animosity we bear in our hearts?  This is a big burden and we cannot stand before Him with it for He will not want to see us at all.  Its best we forgive and forget.  It may be difficult but we must.  In that we will find the Lord of heaven and earth with us and expect His healing too.

Thoughts for another day

January 10, 2012

Today's verse: Philip. 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  (KJV)

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

As we live and move on this earth, we discover there're many things just not possible for us to do.  I'm not talking about big things like just being able to fly without gliding or an airplane, or even conjure up things out of nothing or for that matter even manage to convey something to another person without the person being anywhere near us or even without speaking to him.  I'm just talking about being able to do the best with what God has given us and more importantly, managing day by day not to sin.

Being in a human body, we have limited abilities and yet, when the imagination takes flight, we can see so many things we should be doing and which dwell in our flights of fantasy; they may not be necessary for us to indulge in but often times there're situations like, we see somebody die of a terminal disease and aren't able to do anything about it.  In an accident situation, there're times when we see someone struggling for some relief but can scarcely do much.  It's then we remember if we're united with the Lord, even when on earth, that there is One who is able to do all things.  When they were on the sea and the tempest was bludgeoning the boat they were in, Jesus rose and said, 'Peace be still!' and the tempest waned and in a few seconds, it was as if it wasn't there at all!  Jesus our Lord, is there at all times to take care of us; He said it Himself, I AM with you always, even to the end of the age and if He is with us, there's no impossibility; He cannot make possible.

In the area of sin, in which we all struggle, He is there in the best manner for He understands us so well.  He gives Grace that helps us in curbing sin.  It works gradually and refines us, so to say, to make us worthy instruments for His work on earth.   It gets us ready for our eternal dwelling and helps us unite with Him in communion as we worship Him with all our hearts and lie prostrate before Him.   Yes, with Jesus in my boat, I can do all things and this isn't just flirting with fantasy, it is as real as it can get.  After all, Jesus is Lord, isn't it?

Thoughts for another day

January 9, 2012

Today's verse: 2 Chron. 20:20b. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. (KJV)

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

Across all ages the God of all, the One True and Living God has had only one advice in Him and that is to: Believe in Him.  There is no other way a man can be successful in his ventures, to the success of his soul too, except that be in the Lord God of Jacob.  Our Scripture above came forth from the mouth of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, when they were in a major crisis.   Their enemies had come in droves to fight and vanquish them and were very close.  There was no way Judah could survive their attack.

So, they turned to the only One who could save them and wept before Him.  With the confidence one gains from having wept and praying before the Lord, Jehoshaphat counseled his people and asked them to believe in the LORD, their God.  They did trust Him and God gave them a stunning victory without even one of them having to lift his weapon.  They only came to take the plunder and it was so much that it took them three days taking it!

So also with us today, in our spiritual or any other battle we may be hurt and bruised and lack the strength to face a new and most powerful onslaught from the evil one.  Then we must remember to lift our eyes to heaven and cry out to the Lord.  For the Lord God Himself will deliver us from all defeat and sorrow and lift us up to Himself.  Just remember that He never fails nor disowns us and He will bring us victory and comfort us in Him.  Believe, yes just believe and it will be done for you in Jesus' Name.

Thoughts for another day

January 6, 2012

Today's verse: Rom. 1:20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; (KJV)

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

One of the ways we must imbibe in our tryst to be in the circle of God's favor and remain holy is to see Him in every situation, thing or place.   In fact all of nature and the heavens speak of His glory and his imprint is palpable in every consciousness there is among living beings.  So much is His life seen in His creation that even for a moment to ponder and say he doesn't exist is like standing before a waterfall and denying its existence! 

Human beings are bestowed with the eye and ear to see and perceive and the minute he moves outside, he sees and hears.  The first thing any being will see are the trees and the birds and the vast sky and when you see them, they speak less of themselves and more of the hand of their Creator, God.  Their beauty impinges on our senses and fills us with a sense of awe.  Just look and see that little flower, lily of the road, one might say, and see how beautiful it is and mind you, no human being can ever duplicate a flower like that. 

As you're about to do something today, just look in any direction…even if you're in a closed room you will have at least one object which God has made and no human has a part in it; and you'll see the dignity God has afforded the work of His creation and you'll also notice how uneasy you really are if you're without the things God made.  That's why we feel so happy if we're outside, in a garden perhaps, absorbing the beauty spread before us.  My friend, recognize God in everything He has made and establish the habit of giving Him glory every time you see His imprint.  Continue doing it in your soul and truly some day, you'll praise Him with each breath realizing then that you're in heaven even while on earth.

Thoughts for another day

January 5, 2012

Today's verse: Colossians 3:16. Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, (Amp. Bible – copyright acknowledged)

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

We saw yesterday in our meditation how the Word of God is awesome in keeping our souls on the path of righteousness that God wants us to walk on.  Perhaps, you would have agreed with me and even if you don't, I could, if you ask me, prove to you, even through holy Scripture that it is massively potent and the soul's best weapon against the devil. 

Nevertheless, what must then happen is that the Word of God must abide in us as our Scripture tells us today.  Yes, we must make room for the Word of God, spoken by the Christ, both, in our hearts and minds and it must dwell in all its richness.  Only then will you be able to withstand the barbs of the evil one.  If this doesn't happen, you know that the devil has it in his power to capture your soul and make you his slave, just the way Jesus beheld the Jews who listened to Him, but never heard; or saw Him but never made out His form, Jn. 8:42ff.  When Jesus looked at them, He perceived them under the bondage of the devil, but they never knew, for they were under his deception and boy, can he deceive; so much can he that Jesus called Him 'the father of lies!'  Yeah, when the devil deceives you, it's like you're so intoxicated that nothing else can penetrate your mind.

So I exhort you my dear friend, look to the Word of God as your route to salvation and as a path to your freedom.   Read it, ponder on it ever so slowly and with great attention for its every Word is a thunder ball to the enemy of your soul.  It will give you tremendous vigor and zest for all things God and in time will lead you to know Him, the Lover of your soul, who is your Creator and Lord.

Thoughts for another day

January 4, 2012

Today's verse: 1 Pet. 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  (KJV)

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

The Word of God, that precious and living God Himself, is the soul's most potent weapon against any force of evil that it can ever face.  And our Scripture tells us that we're being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of the incorruptible, by the Word of God which lives forever.  In my life I've learnt the truth that none can change the heart of man, but the Word of God.  And none can bring about potent and lively faith, other than His Word and Paul says, 'So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.' Romans: 10:17.  If today I've embarked upon the path of holiness, it is because of His Word and it will also be by His Word that I'll succeed.

Christian life, if lived in sincerity, involves lots of struggles; not of the worldly type for they're but a struggle to prosper and live well no matter the rung of the society one is placed at, whether rich or poor; for all the world yearns for is, more of wealth and even more of it.  The Christian struggle is against the principalities, the powers of darkness, and such types which attack souls destined for heaven with massive doses of evil, day in and day out, 24X7 as they say.  And what's our defense against these evil forces: nothing other than God's Word. 

The Word of God is such a powerful weapon that it can tear into shards any weapon of the enemy of souls.  It can rend the fortresses of the evil one and put him to flight at the mere utterance of the Word.  When Jesus was tempted, Jesus didn't order the devil to get lost, rather He quoted the Word of God which He Himself had dictated to Moses His servant.  The devil has no answer for God's Word.  It is eternal and an awesome fire that burns to cinders anything that doesn't possess its quality which means, it safeguards anything holy but destroys evil.  Let's look at this, the Word of God, not merely to read and fulfill our obligation for the day, but rather to see how God's power emanates from it.  Read it carefully and see how its power is there for you to combat the fieriest of darts of the devil for before the Word of God, every dart that satan throws at you, God's child is but a damp squib.

Thoughts for another day

January 3, 2012

Today's verse: Ro. 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (KJV)

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

As we look back at the year gone by we remember many things of that year: both good and bad.  What will definitely stand out in our memories are the people we interacted with.   With many our interactions might have been good but yet, there would've been some with whom we've developed such negative feelings that we don't want to see them again; maybe with no reason, they fought with us, defrauded us, and lied against us or whatever, by which they hurt us badly. 

Our Scripture refers to such people in our lives.  Because of the bad they did, we must be seething inside and trying to look up ways by which we could destroy them or humiliate them before others, isn't it?  The Word of God says that we must not avenge ourselves, but eschew wrath and leave it to God for He knows the whole of it.  God knows the reason why the person behaved in that way and what he gained from it.  We usually don't know why people behave in a manner to hurt others but God knows.  Jesus knew the real reason why the Jews were baying for His blood before Pilate and therefore, He didn't condemn them.  Rather He asked His Father to forgive them. 

So also we must go before our God, our Father and seek to forgive our enemies for what they did.  God is pleased in this and at times He works something marvelous both in us and those who caused us grief and brings about a change of heart in both so we become inseparable friends and if that doesn't happen, His vengeance catches up with them and destroys them because in surrendering to God their wrong doing to us, His vengeance corners them and punishes them for the what they did.

Thoughts for another day

January 2, 2012

Today's verse: Col. 1:16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (KJV)

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

Having seen the embers of day one of this year go by and the jubilation accompanying the day that scarcely gave glory to God for giving us another year to be enriched by Him and another opportunity to renew our lives in Him, we now look forward to doing things that will change the world:  this is the motto of many human beings of which you and I are, a part.

But, even before we consider getting about our grandiose tasks, here's a reminder in our Scripture above: To Him belongs all glory for He created everything and they're only for Him.  In our stupor, resulting from drinking the corrupt wine of the world, we believe we're kings and responsible to none, God included.  And many of us, including me, go about doing our things having no recourse to Him and seeking His nod for we feel it's not necessary.  As to the other denizens of this planet, well, they have their own views of God which seek to do nothing, except delete Him from everything and demean Him in all ways.   We deify things of the world, blowing our trumpets regarding the great happenings on planet earth; a vain foolish elevation endowed on something so temporal like smoke in the wind – a swift blow and its gone!

Rather than wrapped in glory, a simple, cursory look, however speaks only of the decadence of this beautiful place God created for us and put here to live in.  But, my loved one in Christ, there's hope; for He will set all things right.  On our part we must adhere to His will and believe that when we attribute all creation to be His and created for Him, then He will enhance our status both here and in the world to come, where He will rule with love and glory; even as we worship Him with the heavenly hosts and where our Hallelujahs will take on a new meaning before Him, Yahweh, the Lord of our souls.