Thoughts for another day

July 31, 2012.

Today's verse: Gen. 7:1. And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.  (KJV)

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

We see in our Scripture above, an important statement of God concerning Noah, 'for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation!'  What an honor for a man to be thus exalted by God the Most High, the KING of kings and the LORD of lords.  But surely it doesn't come easy for when Noah started building the ark, he would've been sneered at and ridiculed for building such a huge ark when the rains were nowhere to be seen.  And to build such a big structure, whose length alone was about 450 feet; think of the effort it must've taken for a man to do this and then also bear with the insults of the people scoffing at him and his family. 

To live in the ways of God my friend requires a lot of courage and faith.  Faith, that no matter what, God will give me that which I've asked.  And then it requires a kind of knowledge of God that's able to reveal His power and that He will do it for me.  To me the story of a girl, who carried an umbrella when the people in the village gathered at the square to pray for rain, is a shining example of how child-like faith delivers.  In the Bible, the episode of the lady who suffered from internal hemorrhage is a classic example of how intense faith in God can deliver the impossible.  The lady desperately wanted to be well and she thought to herself that if she but touched the hem of Jesus' garment, she would be well and she touched and became well.  And Jesus praised her. 

What is it about faith that pleases God so much that He grant even the biggest miracle to the asker is something I haven't really understood; all I know is, if I keep faith for the impossible in God even as others ridicule me saying, there must be something you must have by which God will give what you ask, He will yet, give it to me.  To the critics of this kind of faith, I ask, what was there in the lady with the bleeding? Or, for that matter, was there anything offered by the situation whereby Jesus would have been assisted in raising the Syrophoenician woman's son from the dead?  God's power doesn't depend on anything man can provide, but on what a man has in his heart, which is faith in God against all odds and God rewards that man for holding faith despite not seeing Him and believing Him to do it.  It is God's way and will never change.

Thoughts for another day

July 30, 2012.

Today's verse: Ps. 19:8. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  (KJV)

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

How many people, even among Christians view the Word of God aka, the Law or, as is there in this Scripture, 'the statutes of the LORD' as God's gift to humankind assuring their safety and happiness and delivering a multitude of blessings to them while on earth and also a wonderful life in eternity along with Him our Creator and our God?  Not many I would assume, for most of us find the Law of God, inconvenient for it includes…do this, do that or do not do this, do not do that and not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New, which is even more difficult for there're things which Jesus gives like, 'if any man sue you in a court of law and takes away your coat, give him your cloak too' and of course the un-doable, 'pray for your enemies and they who despitefully use and persecute you!'

But having said that, for those who look at the statutes as life-giving, I have news for you given by our Scripture above which says, the Statutes of God are right and rejoice the heart and enlighten the eyes.  How?  Well, in keeping them a man will never do wrong, both in the sight of God and man.  When a person obeys God in His Word, then the might of God is there with him for remember unlike a man's word, God is there in His Word; and many people have been touched by His Word and been filled with His Presence, because He is there in His Word.  His fragrance which can cool the senses, giving peace beyond comprehension and strength which is in explicable, is all around you through His Word.

What Christians need most today and particularly those who preach and teach, is to keep the Word of God.  The psalmist says, 'Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path' and so it should be showing the way of life for the man on earth to live.  A way in which he'll discover God fully and live according to His plan so that when all is over, he'll find the God he believed in; Whose law he kept.  So my friend, keep the Word of God in your heart and live by it for really when you're down, it will lift you up for just remember, God never will let a person down who keeps His Word.  Amen.

Thoughts for another day

July 27, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Chron. 7:14. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  (KJV)

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

In my country India this year the rains are very sparse and there's much talk about a drought kind of scenario.  The situation is bleak and many, many people at the bottom of the rung are going to suffer and suffer miserably because within the last three years, prices of food items and other things have doubled, if not more and now in this situation, the greed of sellers will drive them to push prices far, far higher than what could be called a proportional increase.  In these circumstances, my mind goes to the Scripture above, a clear directive from God as to how He will heal the land.  And He doesn't talk of everyone, but His Own people.

He says, if My people, who are called by My Name (which means us), will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  So it simply means we His people have to do four things: 1. Humble ourselves, 2. Pray, 3. Seek Him and 4. Turn from our wickedness.  For us, in India and even if you're elsewhere, is it too much, I ask, to do these things?   

When the situation gets out of control, and it’s the case in most parts of the world, it's time we went on our knees in utter humility and pray and crave for God's Face to shine on us and like always, I'll add, we must sow holiness in us even as we stand before Him.  Beloved of God, there's much power in the above before God for He Himself has given us the direction and He is not just anyone who will ignore what He says.  Rather, He looks upon our belief, primarily in Him, then in His Word and then He will work.  Do it today if you want Him to bless your land, as I'll do it for my country.  And we will expect Him to do wonders for us today for He is a wonder working God.  Amen.

Thoughts for another day

July 26, 2012.

Today's verse: Jn. 4:35. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  (KJV)

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

What do you say my dear friends about the harvest of the Lord?  Is it ready for harvesting or is it still to be ready?  And if it's ready, then what're we doing; for truly the time is nigh when the coming of the Lord may happen and then we will be called to account for our lack of doing what He has asked us to do and all of us are responsible; not pastors, priests, evangelists and teachers alone, for the command has gone to all, 'Go and proclaim the Good News'.

What Jesus told many years ago to His disciples, is also His call to us today.  'The harvest is ready, but the laborers are few' He says clearly; this also means that we aren't fulfilling our Divine duty of going out to labor in the Lord's vineyard, so to say.  This was mentioned more than 2000 years ago, so how much more urgent will be His call to us today.  How much more is the breadth of the harvest seeing that the globe is filled with men and their children?  His Good News is to be taken to a wretched and miserable world, shorn of all goodness and facing the imminent sword of His wrath.

All of us today, without vacillating, agree the time is nigh and that the harvest has already come and is ready for the reapers.  We're His reapers and if we want to rejoice in His kingdom, we're to go to His field and start reaping and gather the people unto Him, for that is His command and our mandate so that souls are added to His kingdom.  Remember God wills all to come to the knowledge of Him who is Maker and King and He has appointed us His servants to go forth into the whole world and proclaim His message and in that, do we find our ground and in it also we find rest for our souls as His Gospel also works in us to lift us up and put us on solid ground.

Thoughts for another day

July 25, 2012.

Today's verse: Deut. 29:3,4. The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. (KJV)

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

Ps. 2, begins with, 'Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?' And, I too wonder, 'why do we rebel against the Lord God, the Maker of heaven and earth?'  Why, oh why…'  Believe me, I can't figure out why for its just impossible to understand why men rebel against the One and Only Living God, the Supreme Commander of the universe.  

When you think, you realize that God shows us His signs and wonders even today:  Let's just talk of something so ordinary, called water.  Imagine, the earth's population has risen so much and there's no doubt that without water there's no life; and while there're water woes in almost every country of the world, God in His mercy sends sufficient rain to the earth; enough for every person to be satisfied.  Even the seasons are so regular, for if they wouldn't be, then disaster would hit man and his very survival would be in jeopardy.  Such is God's benevolence which we never understand; leave alone, His graciousness which He shows us in granting our every little wish which we make in faith to Him in our silent prayer. 

Yet, we rebel and anger Him.  Our Scripture says, we don't have a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear, for our hearts are not right in His sight.  We're gripped in an iron clad bond of cynicism towards God and all that are His.  It's so much rampant that today, even speaking of God loudly means you risk yourself of being called a lunatic and backward.  Yea, my friend, the followers of a Majestic and glorious God are branded lunatics and not by the heathen world, but by 'church-going' Christians who I assume have never understood God or His ways, leave alone commune with Him.  Today, if you have that heart, shun it and come obediently in His Presence, and He will remove from you the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh to love and serve Him ever. 

Thoughts for another day

July 24, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Peter 2:9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:  (KJV)

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

If we think the Lord doesn't punish the evil and that they enjoy their lives, living with utter disdain for the law, ruining the lives of the just people by their money and muscle, then this Scripture comes with the assurance that He, the God of heaven and earth, knows how to keep the godly out of trials or temptations; even trouble and to reserve the unjust for the day of judgment, to mete out to them the punishment they deserve.

The cries of those who're persecuted are never hid from the Lord; their gentle, uncontrolled sobs are heard by Him even as He opens the doors of heavens to look upon the sons of men, to see them who're suffering unjustly and with heavy hearts are crying out to Him and He hears their prayers, for God is moved by broken and sorrowful hearts.  He sees the pain in them who're not able to live just lives because the situations around them are so vicious and threatening if they do.  God hears and understands; but then He is utmost patience and though we take His patience as lack of answer, God pulls up the regenerate and the evil that make things difficult for His children, in His time 

Never, never will God forget the tormentors of His people but in time will give them their just punishment.  The minute you pray against someone who's unjust and torturing you, this person is reserved for the Day of Judgment and God writes his name on His punishment roll.  Trust Him my friend when you're unjustly treated and distressed, for the God of Israel, will come to your aid in due course.  Don't give up on Him but with praise and thanks, believe and He will raise you up.

Thoughts for another day

July 23, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 John 1:9. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (NRSV)

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

Spot on is the Scripture we have today and it has many implications for us in our time and our world.  There're many things in the Bible Jesus said which are so easily side stepped as 'literal' (whatever that means) and shouldn't be taken literally.  This isn't the malaise of a particular denomination but unfortunately has crept into some of the most evangelistic Christian groups around the world and I reckon it has happened because those handling such teachings feel that such doctrine wouldn't be acceptable to most of their congregations and therefore some dilution must be made.  Of course solid thinking in the 'Spirit way' isn't involved here as then, such thoughts would just be junked.

I'll place before you some of those thoughts and let God's Spirit help you decide how you should think.  One saying of Christ, 'If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away;' is often singled out for the 'literal' bit.  If you've been reading this reflection over the years, you know Jesus said this because sin is such anathema to God and so harmful for man that it's better not to have an eye that causes you to sin!  Then Jesus said, 'Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden…' but we go to all and sundry, even the pastor's wife, except to Him.  The obnoxious part is, we rationalize by saying, 'See Jesus speaks through them too, no?'  What a horrifying statement; for really why would Jesus say come to Me, if He were to speak through someone else.  By going to Him, you acknowledge Him as the One who will help you in your problem and thereon are supplied with His Grace to overcome it.

My friend, face it, if Jesus says something, He sticks to it and nothing can change His utterance, for it is permanent.  There's no point in ducking the issue and slipping away from it through vain precepts.  It is immensely beneficial to abide by His teaching and by that I mean all His teaching, for then you have both Him and His Father with you – what more can a man need?

Thoughts for another day

July 20, 2012.

Today's verse: Jos. 1:9. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (KJV)

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

God saw something good for His people, viz. strength and courage all their lives.  But for this to be real, God expected them to know Him, not just in passing, but intimately.  Can you imagine what this world would be if all on earth knew the Lord intimately?  How it would be so heavenly; and every person would be in peace, like 'each man under his own vine and fig tree', the way the Word of God refers to it.  How wonderful if the fear of the Lord would be engraved in everyone's heart and they lived by His commands; particularly me – a person who dares write such reflections must also live by what he writes.

In our Scripture, Joshua whose heart was close to God, saw Him as the oasis of courage, strength and confidence, even as he went about the task of vanquishing his enemies, who came against him and his people, the Israelites from all sides just to fall miserably under the awesome power of God working through them, giving them victory in all their outings.  This, provided of course, they lived by His commandments.  Joshua was so much with the Lord that he also declared, 'But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.' He harbored no choice when it came to accepting 'One' as God for He knew there was only 'ONE GOD' and He was the GREAT "I AM THAT I AM".  

Knowing God so well, gave him the insight to understand His will: that he and his people must put all their confidence in Him, else He wouldn't work for them.  Joshua reckoned, 'why shouldn't they trust Him, seeing as it were His awesome and mighty hand all through the years when they ambled about in the desert.'  For, He gave them food to eat; water to drink; and even the clothes and the shoes they wore, didn't get old!  Joshua's heart yielded to God's heart and in His moment of rejoicing in God, He uttered the Scripture above.  Even today, I exhort you to do the same for know that God is the same, He doesn't change.  Therefore, no matter what, extol Him.  You may feel low and weak but remember God's power doesn't depend on your feelings and He is also strong when you're weak.  Trusting, look up to Him and He will change your lot.

Thoughts for another day

July 19, 2012.

Today's verse: Is. 1:2. Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the LORD speaks, “Sons I have reared and brought up, But they have revolted against Me.  (KJV)

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

Aside from the promises God makes to us His Children, He also, in certain places, opens up the weariness of His heart, caused solely by His degenerate and unruly children; and you know what?  They deeply hurt Him and cause Him much ache. 

Our Scripture today is one such peek into the beautiful but agonized heart of God, which though in a strict prose form, can yet narrate to us His deep pain; the veritable scar on His heart which shouts out to us in grief, giving forth His plea, 'sons I have reared and brought up, but they've revolted against Me!!!'  You know, when you sit with Him and you think of this Word, your flesh will cringe with shame for all the wrongs that we His children do against Him.  Over the ages and even through the years gone by since Isaiah, put forth His prophetic Word, people have treated the LORD God with utter disdain.  Even today, they do the same.  Every short moment of time, someone, somewhere, grievously hurts the Lord and stings His sorrowing heart. 

After He gave His Son Jesus to us, He asks, 'What more can I do for you?  I have assured you the comfort of heaven as your eternal abode and only need your acceptance of my redemption.'  Yet, we do not do that.  We use Him as an ATM, as someone once said and also a gift bag to withdraw gifts when we want and after we're done with, we cast Him away till the next time when we need a gift again.  How we hurt Him and reduce Him to the stature of worthless man, even though He is Awesome, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Sovereign who rules heaven and earth.  Look now and listen to His plea and offer Him your heart; He will love to come in and dwell there and your earth will become heavenly.

Thoughts for another day

July 18, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Jn. 2:27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.   (KJV)

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

Accepting Christ and making Him the Lord of your life also means being anointed by Him unto His work, primarily, the spreading of His message of salvation, the Gospel.   If you're immersed in Him by spending time daily with Him, you'll learn a lot about Him.  A human example will elucidate:  if a person spends a lot of time with another, they both get to know each other well, even things that are deep and which no one else might know of the other.

So too, you get to know Christ in spending time with Him and I urge people to spend time with the Lord even if it's hard to find time. Remember, if you plan to spend time with the Lord, you'll never have time unless you decide 'from this hour to that' and stick to your decision.  Now, assuming you spend time with Him; your nature will change gradually and you'll understand the deeper things of God and even things that concern your life; and at this stage, you'll know the Truth, and you'll also know yourself better for the Lord opens the lids of your eyes to see yourself in depth. 

The anointing slowly opens the labyrinths of your mind, leading you to know that you can't be by yourself in this world and need a companion; not as you would imagine, a spouse, but Jesus Himself for remember, human beings are susceptible of abandoning you, but not Christ for He loves to abide with you. This knowledge is enough I guess, to spur you to, first of all, accept Christ in a renewed commitment, and then be ready for His pruning you from the world and grafting you into Him, so that sustained by the sap of the 'Real Vine' you'll one day be welcomed into eternal glory.

Thoughts for another day

July 17, 2012.

Today's verse: Eccl. 2:24. There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. (KJV)

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

The influence of God is so all-pervasive that even to enjoy the fruit of our labor is upon Him to grant.  You know, God created us and placed us in this world to live and primarily, give praises unto Him.  That's what He wants from us essentially, though most of the world doesn't see it that way and the chief reason for their existence they reckon, is to go and build great things and be famous etc. which they believe will last unto posterity. 

Unfortunately, these thoughts of man are short sighted and don't last.  Only in the history books do we see mention of names of some who dwelt on earth and were great.  Once you take your eyes off these books, they're nowhere and neither do they enthuse us, for they're virtually not there.  God knows all this and also that all things are meant to pass and so He encourages us to work for the things that don't decay or last unto eternity; and one thing that will certainly last is, our relationship with Him which most of us will carry to eternal life.

Besides, though invisible, God is completely involved with us in everything.  The minute we get up from bed until we lie down on it again, we're in a constant interaction with things and events that God brings to us and in all this, blessed are those who see the hand of God; those who perceive and acknowledge His Presence.  There's nothing that isn't of God and even being able to enjoy the fruit of our hands is also due to His mercy and love for were it not for Him, we wouldn't be able to do that.  Don't even for a moment think this is a fallacy for let me tell you, if He were to withdraw His hand from upon you, you'll be unable to even enjoy the taste of water (which we take for granted as our right to have).  Don't forget that today if things work out well for you, it's because of His hand of Grace upon you.  And even if they don't, remember, His hand of Grace is still there and by it too, you will conquer, for aren't we more than conquerors through Him Who loves us?

Thoughts for another day

July 16, 2012.

Today's verse: Ps. 9:10. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (KJV)

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

The Most Holy Name of the LORD God is the Lighthouse of our lives.   Never has it been known that anyone who trusted the Lord was let down by Him, of course what you asked for, He may not have given for what do you know o mortal man, vessel of clay that you ask something of the Lord and demand that He give it?  But He gives you what is apt for you and He may take time doing it, yet He does give and He makes you good enough to enjoy it, no matter how old you are for He has the power to give you strength in your limbs when you're old and everyone of your age is six feet under.  Consider Abraham, wasn't it strange that God gave him Isaac, who would be the apple of his eye, at the age of 100?  An age where a man's remains could be possibly found in the pit? 

God knows no barrier He can't traverse when His eye is over you and He desires to fill you with His blessing.  His Word says, 'He parted the heavens and came down, dark clouds under His feet…' Ps. 18:9.  Truly picture the Lord God Almighty, soaring with power infinite in the earth and the heavens, His arm is like that of iron, strong iron and His girt is that of the earth and even beyond and when He stands, the heavens and earth shiver for they know His power and they understand His might.

Yet, when man, mortal man, cries out to Him, He melts.  God's infinite power lies at rest when we rest at His feet and when we put our trust in Him, He never forsakes us for he loves us too much to forsake or abandon us.  He raises us up before the heavenlies, and fills us with manna from heaven.  This isn't some dream but reality for those who trust the LORD.  He will reach out and touch them and redeem them for they are His forever.

Thoughts for another day

July 13, 2012.

Today's verse: Mk. 14:38 b. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)

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

You know, the world has a term, 'mind over matter' which is a phrase to say that if you 'decide' in your mind, your body will be subject to your decision and you'll achieve what you set out to.  But, is that really so, for once in a while when I check worldly maxims that're common parlance in society, I'm astounded at the lack of inherent wisdom in them, particularly when they're juxtaposed to God and His things.  Our Scripture above when seen in this light, will make you note the correctness of it with respect to the persons it was spoken to viz. the disciples. 

How true it is that the drag of the flesh can come in the way of decisions made by man's spirit or 'the mind.'  We decide to do many things and are hardly able to achieve anything.  An alcoholic decides to shun the bottle, but the next week, the bottle beckons and he's back to his drinking ways.  A smoker decides to quit the stub and for a while he's smoke-free but come a month later and he's picked up where he left.  Now if these pertain to things in the physical realm and are harmful to you, how much more is the power of the flesh over things in the spiritual realm? 

Jesus' observation is truly a reminder that no matter what we say about our self-control, it is many times, not within our control to do or say something which either we do not want to do and do; or not say and say.  I've seen that when I want to spend time for God in prayer, I'll be inundated with countless reasons telling me I've so many urgent things to do and they're all important!   It's only by the Spirit of God that we're able to do the things of God and keep our vows made to Him.  To wit I must say that many may be the exigencies that go against us when we're poised to go God's way, yet His power steadfastly moves us toward our goal and keeps us focused on our Lord and Master Jesus Christ; by which also we're rewarded by Him in time to come. 

Thoughts for another day

July 12, 2012.

Today's verse: Is. 54:17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. (KJV)

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

As I keep saying, today's world is shorn of the purity of yesterday and it's all there in front of us to see.  When we open the newspapers and read what's in there, our ears are filled with the filth spewed out by the agents of satan and his followers.  Innocent children and men are killed, tortured and subjected to all kinds of atrocities both by ordinary people as well as the authorities.  People having nothing to do with a crime are dragged by the cops and subjected to interrogations and the like, which can bend even the most straight among them so as to even make them confess to a crime they didn't commit. 

In such a scenario, our Scripture comes to reassure us that no matter what the situation, there's a God in heaven Who is our stronghold and there is nothing that can happen to us when He reigns.  The Word says, no weapon fashioned against us shall be of any effect for it can't harm the one who has the trust of the LORD God.  There's no danger that can come toward us as we possess the shield of the God of Israel; there's not a single destructive element that can take hold of us and even aim to destroy us when God is at our side and this makes for amazing peace, for always and always we know that God reigns and He is our Protector and our Guide.

Now the Word also says that all accusations against us which are for our evil will be expunged from our midst.  No tongue going against us will prevail.  Nothing that can slur our image or our innocence will be allowed to hold, for God guards and sets us as His people of integrity upon the earth and who can dare go against God?  God says this is the heritage of His servants and their righteousness too comes from Him.  Yes, He says it Himself to warm our hearts, for He knows we love Him, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and are willing to do and will as he wills.  Blessed be our God who is for us for then, who can be against us?

Thoughts for another day

July 11, 2012.

Today's verse: Jas. 1:27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (KJV)

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

The lesson on what's pure and totally right before the Lord God Almighty is what we get through St James in our Scripture today and it essentially dwells on two very important acts of the human being before God and before man.

One is to, as the King James Version says, visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.   It seems something most of us do, for we help people (God have mercy on you if you don't) at some time or other.  But that isn't what the depth of the text is about, which is to put yourself in their shoes and experience their situation first hand and then do what you would expect others to do to you, if you were in their situation.  My friend, to be in the shoes of these helpless and downtrodden people is a terrible thing.  All kinds of atrocities are committed against them for they have no one to defend them and no voice to protest either.  Everybody takes advantage of and steals their rights from them and at times they only have their own tears that flow incessantly, eventually comforting them when they have all rolled down and dried up.  Look around you and see if you can, the plight of these people and try in some way to lift them up, for God, yes, The Master of the Sea will look on you kindly for remember He never forgets them and will not forget what you did for them.

Two and I consider this very very important, that is to keep oneself unstained from the stains of the world.  As Christians, we know clearly that from the time we start believing in Christ, we're at war!  At war, with the principalities and powers in the air, and the prince of darkness; make no mistake, you're at war and close to being defeated, or shall I say annihilated, by the evil storming the span of the earth.  It's a great fight to steer clear from this evil and it's only God's Grace that can help you avoid it.  You'll be assailed from many directions and at times it may seem right to just accept that bribe and get rid of the person; but mind you, that's exactly what the God of heaven wants you to avoid.  Be calm, be unafraid and just wait on the Lord and eventually you'll emerge a winner, scars and wounds in tow, but you'll be victorious and He will give you the crown of victory.

Thoughts for another day

July 10, 2012.

Today's verse: Gen. 4:7. If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. (NIV- copyright ackd.)

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

On the subject of holiness, the state in which every Christian must be, which God wants him to be in, the above Scripture stores a message of vital significance to us who're grappling with demonic forces of evil, day in and day out, to be holy for we know God says, 'Be holy as I AM holy.' 

A key message God gives us in His dialog with Cain is, 'If you do what is right, won't you be accepted?'  Looking at it carefully, we realize that the matter of significance is doing what is right!  Every man on earth inherently has the knowledge of whether doing a certain thing, is right or wrong.  The work of doing it, whether right or wrong, is something he does and is solely in his hands to do.  He can at any time determine whether he should do it or refrain from it.  And I can vouch for this for every time I go to do a right or wrong, this gentle voice within either encourages or cautions me and then according to what I feel I should do, based on my own pre-conceived notions or the tendons of my character, I go and do the thing.

On the other hand, God tells Cain, 'If you do not do what is right, sin crouches at your door and seeks to overwhelm you.'  However, what is very comforting and nice is, God also says, 'You must master it!!!'  This means that God knows we can master it, for He would never ask us to master anything we couldn't.  Besides, when God asks us to be holy as He is holy, it also means that He will empower us to be like He is or like Christ.  This is the hope we have in Him who remained holy and obedient unto death that He will also make us like Him, even as those most dear to His Father.  So no matter how entrenched in sin I am, I live with the hope that I will become holy for He who calls me is Himself holy and faithful and He will ensure that 'my will craves to be in His will.'

Thoughts for another day

July 9, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 2:15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (KJV)

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

As he lived and worked, St Paul always exhibited a great zeal for God's work, assigned to him by the Lord Jesus Christ, after converting him while enroute to Damascus.  I can envisage that Paul lived and breathed the Good News of Christ, in which he proclaimed the resurrection of the dead and living a better life on earth which reflected our heavenly one. Paul also knew that those who were zealous like him for God's work would not have their work done without also being persecuted and he considered it a privilege to be ill-treated for God's work. 

In our Scripture today, he talks a 'great thing', that he considers himself and all other brothers in the Lord who proclaim the Gospel - a sweet aroma of Christ; a pleasant perfume of 'life' to gladden them that're saved by their belief; and of death to the unbelievers.  I'm sure Paul considered this perfume of life important for that's what he set out to be - both a sweet and fragrant smell for those who accepted the Gospel of Christ unto life and an ether of great perfume to the God of heaven, pleasing to Him, and making His hand move, bringing salvation to the world.

In today's times, we're to look at ourselves and ponder on whether we're the aroma of Christ for those around us and also whether we're of pleasant smell in the nostrils of our God who reigns and can deliver us and others through our being a sweet smell of incense to those in need of salvation and succor.  If I were to talk of myself, there's a lot to be desired in me that will make me delectable in the eyes of man and God and so I'm sure are most of us.  But it's also comforting to know that if we've begun our journey toward this goal, we will accomplish this ingredient in our character as He the Lord of our lives will certainly help us and bring about that fragrance in us, by which both, His wayward children on earth will be saved and He will be delighted with us.

Thoughts for another day

July 6, 2012.

Today's verse: Jn. 4:14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (KJV)

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

Water present on earth, created by God is an enigma.  It takes the shape of the container it is in and it flows finding a way of its own accord.  It's able to quench the thirst of every living being and gives refreshment, nothing else can.  But then, water isn't able to quench thirst for ever and a lot of it is needed every span of time for man to quench his thirst; its insufficiency makes living unbearable and to show that we must be dependent on God for it, the largest reservoir of water, the sea, doesn't provide water for drinking or any human purpose because God made it salty. 

Our reflection isn't about this water, rather Living Water and the above is stated for us to know that if water is important for living, how much more important is the 'Living Water' that Jesus gives us men on earth and how ignorant are we in knowing this little fact of life.  Now the Living Water Jesus is talking about is the Holy Spirit, the One who is able to sustain us in our lives.  Once we receive of the Living Water, we have no need for anything else for this Water we receive, wells up within us into a spring and leads us to eternal life.

The work of the Holy Spirit is continuous; cleansing and purifying, fully sanctifying by soaking us in Grace unlimited which is in itself non exhaustive as it proceeds from the Father who is the Source and Fount of all Grace.  With the overwhelming canopy of Grace, man is able to forget every difficult or parched situation and able to rise up with the Spirit's help and climb mountains and do wonderful things which his own strength would never permit.  The Holy Spirit fills us with unlimited power by which we're able to live stainless lives, pleasing to our Father and good in the sight of our Savior Jesus Christ.  That is what Jesus is talking about when He talks of Living Water and we must pray to our Lord that He grant us this Living Water so that soaked in it, we'll find eternal rest for our souls. 

Thoughts for another day

July 5, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 2:9. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," (NRSV)

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

You may be maligned by the world or bent in debt and the injustice of others but if you have a relationship with the Lord, you're standing on His firm foundation for He knows you as His.  No matter who you are, where you're from, where you're going, whether alone or otherwise, the Lord knows you if you're His.

Our Scripture today is so reassuring, particularly because of the times we live in: They're so unsure and unsafe.  A man traveling by train to go to his office, falls down, is injured and lies near the tracks for a long while because no one is bothered, yet the Lord knows him and provides safety until help comes.  A woman goes to work and gets out a little late in the evening, forgetting she has to cross a dark patch on her way back home, a patch infested with vermin and the scum of the earth; she is mugged, robbed, stabbed and left for dead.  He places His angels near her till help comes, sending it in a very strange way – a dog barking incessantly till its owner senses there's something wrong and sets out following it till they come upon this woman!  There're many incidents like this, astounding us but they're true and they happen and demonstrate that God is with you for He knows you!

A big comfort I have because of my communion with Him is in what He said, 'I AM with you always' and therefore I never worry; not only for me but also for my family.  The other day I got a phone call asking my daughter had met with an accident while going to school.  I didn't bother, (though it did make me a little anxious), because I know in whom I have believed and also because I qualify in the category that receives the promises mentioned in Psalm 91 of which is also, 'A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.'   I don't boast as being worthy to qualify but in His mercy He has made me able to follow Him despite the odds.  And when I think of the life beyond this, again I know that He knows me and therefore I can envision the beauty of Paradise, a beauty beyond all compare, prepared by Him for all of us who're devoted to Him and who look to living together, Him and us in eternal union.

Thoughts for another day

July 4, 2012.

Today's verse: Zech. 10:1. Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to everyone grass in the field. (KJV)

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

In my country India, the time for the monsoon has already come yet there's no rain in most parts of the country.  With the lack of scientific means of harvesting water and abysmal preparedness for a situation of drought, we're faced with a humungous problem.  On the one side there's a lot of gloom in every aspect of the economy and on the other the people, particularly the poor, are stung by the increasing prices, which are galloping upwards, un-reined, trying as it were, to find new heights.

It's a terrible situation, although on the face of it, it doesn't seem so as the authorities have succeeded in camouflaging the real situation as do traders, coloring apples to make them seem red and healthy, while inside they're rotten.  Being a country largely depending on abundant rains to move forward any economic agenda, they're absolutely necessary and people are desperately looking to the skies for God to move the clouds and send respite but for the last few weeks. But,  there's been none and it's in the wake of this, that our Scripture today makes comfortable reading for we know that our God has the power to send the rains and also that we can please Him to move His hand and bring down showers of rain to sustain us.

To God belongs the entire universe and He works things out according to the pleasure of His will in that He works the seasons accordingly in order to complete their designated tasks and if He were to but hold back on any of them, it would be disastrous for man.  But hope streams forth in our Word which says, 'ask ye off the LORD rain in the time of spring and He shall make it possible' for He is the God of all possibility and He will give us the showers of rain and to all the fill of his belly so that none shall perish, of them He has created on earth, particularly them who believe on His Name and who seek Him day and night.

Thoughts for another day

July 3, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 5:23. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

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

The call to holiness or blamelessness is all over the Bible, because at some point in the existence of the soul, it has to face the Lord God, the Judge of all mankind and give an answer to every wrong doing and as the Bible says, 'It is a dreadful thing to fall in the hands of the Living God' Heb. 10:31. It is not an option for any man to be judged but an eventuality which he must and will have to face. 

The Word of God repeatedly asks us to be holy, just as He is holy.  God says to the Israelites, 'Be holy as I AM holy' and this not only means be separated but be sanctified; to be separated as His people living in His ways and walking on His paths, while holding on to a purity beyond the ordinary, which is good for the soul.  Paul says in Eph. 1:4, He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.  The message to each Christian is clear in that He has chosen us in Christ to be holy and blameless; mind you nothing short of it will do for God is the God of exactness and He will keep an account of every stain of sin on us.

We need to go to Him in humility and confess our sins and flaws and be forgiven. He loves a repentant heart and He forgives.  Then we appeal to His Grace to keep us in the narrow path, from the blot of sin.  Believe me my friend, I know it's possible to be holy for though I often fall and sin, I can still be holy at times when the Spirit of God keeps me.  We're at war with worldly elemental powers and our flesh is carnal, but in our constant fight against sin, for which God is both witness and help, we can try keep the evil one at bay and keep ourselves within the umbrella of Christ, chosen by Him, to be exactly in the nature that pleases Him, for which we strive and look forward to.