Thoughts for another day

August 31, 2012.

Today's verse: Job 28:28. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (KJV)

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

Life's good when a man lives in the fear of the LORD; but goodness requires wisdom and wisdom comes not because one is born intelligent or is well-educated or whatever, but chiefly because of the fear of the Lord.  God made man to be wise and many who don't know the Lord too, are wise but wisdom that can save a man, not only in this world but also the next, is true wisdom and it can come only from the Lord.  Many find this difficult to understand and some even to believe, for they say, how can mere fear in God bring forth wisdom?  But God puts wisdom in the hearts of those who fear and lean on Him.  And James says, wisdom of the world is earthly, sensual, devilish but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (Jas 3:15, 17).

The imbibing of wisdom isn't man's initiative but of God.  When we fear God, I'm not talking of fear as being scared, but healthy respect and reverential awe leading to the keeping of His commands and living the way He wants us to live, then as you can imagine, he is bound to be blessed by God for God approves of his ways and the mode of his life.  God sees the blemishless life he is leading and blesses his house and all he possess so they multiply and grow. 

There's no limit to God blessing a man who fears Him and His Word, for a man to be thus, takes a lot. It means forsaking many things we love like alcohol, cigarettes, rumor mongering, etc.  It requires inner discipline to shun the dark things we hold on to and a fortitude, ready to weather any storm that may arise because of our holding on to the right, in the midst of a crooked world.  God understands our minds and is pleased with us. He knows of our sacrifices; here's an example: A lady works in a large company; she can easily take a stapler home from her office for her personal use, but she rather goes to the shop and buys one.   Look at the sacrifice she makes in not taking the thing right in front of her but rather going to the trouble to go buy one!  Thus she shuns evil and so is not prone to fear; and that in a small way is the work of wisdom.

Thoughts for another day

August 30, 2012.

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

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

God our beloved Father puts trials in our paths and we don't understand why.  Life is going on pretty smoothly and then suddenly one loses one's job or meets with an accident or is diagnosed with a fatal disease.  The patent cry at that time is, 'Why Lord?'  And this, even among believing Christians, for we simply don't understand that a trial is God's way of putting His mark on us and showing us His love; apart from blessing us abundantly, even beyond our belief or imagination. 

There're many examples in the Bible that show God produced devotion toward Him, in His people by testing them.  The Israelites coming out of Egypt were constantly tried; and punished severely when they failed.  In His people, God wants to see fidelity above all and total reliance on Him. When you accept Him as God, you must rely on Him for it irks Him when you rely on others particularly when He has saved you from the muck, the forest and the wilderness in the past.  Remember when David took the census of the people thinking he must know the number of fighting men (2 Sam. 24:1 ff), God was angry and brought plague on the people of Israel and 70,000 men died. 

Our response to our test has to be the word of Habakkuk in our Scripture, exhibiting total trust in God in any situation.  James (1:2) says, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds' and I will add from personal experience that it seems difficult to hold on to the meat of God's Word when our trial is difficult, but be that as it may, we must lean on God even if our carnal selves have latched on to some stupid human solution.  You will see even in your weakness, God will help and keep His Word.  Don't we know that despite Abraham using Hagar to produce his child in a human solution, didn't God yet give Him Isaac?  So if you recognize your trouble today as sent by God, yield to it in good spirit and completely trust God.  Believe no other solution and soon He will rescue you after you've proved yourself true to Him. 

Thoughts for another day

August 29, 2012.

Today's verse: Daniel 9:9. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;  (KJV)

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

At this stage in my life, I know I've rebelled against God for a long time.  In the early days of my life I remember I was pretty close to Him, not so much in communion with Him, for as a kid I didn't know a thing about relationship with God, leave alone communing with Him.  But as I grew up, I started ignoring His whispers in my ears when I was to doing wrong, but the pseudo pleasure in little acts of sin, deadened His voice in my ears and I went ahead to commit offense after offense. 

To the world, little offenses mean nothing unless of course someone murders or defrauds or one of those big ones; but to God every sin, be it as we call, 'white-lie' or even casually speaking wrong of some person, is serious.  If you think I'm wrong, recall the reason God banished Adam from Eden…it was as we may say, a little 'disobedience' ain't it? And many sagacious people may say, oh, for God's sake, you've not really sinned so big, so why do you wear a heavy heart.  But I do and so do you I'd reckon for our hearts are heavy for our many sins against our beloved Father and sometimes I hang my head in shame as I remember how I shamelessly denied Him, betrayed Him or even sullied His holy Name. For what? Just a wee bit of pleasure or sordid gain.  And then when I look up at His face with tears in my eyes, I see Him and; I see mercy in His eyes.  I hear Him say, I FORGIVE. 

Oh to think of my God!  Oh to behold His face and be sucked into His radiance, Oh, so precious and wonderful.  To Him belong mercy and forgiveness and though we have gone against Him, reviled and scratched Him with scorn, He yet lives to be the love of our lives for His heart is soft and it melts to have us close to Him.  Each night I pray for the salvation of the whole world: them who walked the face of the earth and are no more; them who're walking the face of the earth now and them who'll come to walk the face of the earth.  And it is the Word of our Scripture above which gives me hope that someday, His mercy will rest on all for I tell you, His heart aches for us all.  Though He is God Almighty, Supreme Emperor of the universe, yet His voice quivers when I turn to Him with a crying heart and say, 'Father I've sinned against You and not worthy to be called Your child…'  And He opens His arms wide and holds me in an eternal embrace.

Thoughts for another day

August 27, 2012.

Today's verse: Joshua 9:14. And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. (KJV)

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

It's indeed amazing and a thing of concern that we who're close to God, knowing Him rather well, don't consult Him in matters of importance in our lives like if we want to be married and there's a 'nice' proposal, we go ahead; all this without asking God if the proposal is indeed nice or just sugar coated.   In our Scripture today, we see how the Israelites under Joshua fared so well in destroying their enemies, but when the Gibeonites approached them with their false story, they accepted it and believed them.  Mind you, they had no business to do that for God had commanded them to destroy everybody so they wouldn't be infected by their gods and their idolatrous ways.

It was a gross error on the part of Israel to not consult God and so they were taken in by the guile of the Gibeonites, and so deceptive were they that they hoodwinked the people of God into believing their story.  In a way they typify the 'army of satan' who go about deceiving people in the world, making them commit gross errors from which sometimes there's no escape; and these people who fall to the guile of satan, don't have recourse to God and so don't experience His salvation.

As believing Christians, we must be counseled by God and do what He wants us to; and His Spirit is there to help.  Now, God sometimes allows you to be tested.  At that time He watches you closely to see if you'll look up and seek His counsel or do your own thing which will lead you to failure.  My friend, blessed is the man who looks up to God to find an answer.  And God does provide an answer if you're keenly seeking it.  It could be in any form: He may push you into doing the right thing or maybe He will put heaviness in you when you choose the wrong thing and then direct you to choose the right one; but be sure that God will lead you if you seek Him.  In the immediate period after the test, you may feel you've done the wrong thing; but by heaven, time will tell, in and through the proof God provides, that you did right – even as He led you.  

Thoughts for another day

August 27, 2012.

Today's verse: Judith 8:14. For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man, neither can ye perceive the things that he thinketh: then how can ye search out God, that hath made all these things, and know his mind, or comprehend his purpose? (KJV)

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

Reading the Book of Judith in the Bible is so refreshing and anointing: I could actually feel God's presence with me when I read the Book and this motivated me to take the above Scripture for our reflection today, of course no Scripture is taken for reflection unless the Holy Spirit ratifies it in my spirit with either go ahead or search for another.  My non-catholic brothers and sister please bear with me and my sincere request to you would be to read the book and I'm sure the Holy Spirit will also stir you deep within by the simple narrative of how the Lord God works so powerfully and yet so simply through this woman called Judith to give a great victory to the Israelites. 

I'll not dwell on the context of the Scripture but the content which is the focus of these thoughts.  In our trying to understand and know God, we often feel we know Him well.  I, for one have at times been so close to His Majesty that I really feel I know Him.  But do I?  In the narrative in Judith, when the people make a statement to enforce God's hand within five days, it upsets Judith so much that she utters the revealing Scripture above; not from a sense of superiority, but arising out of the depth of God's knowledge within her which serves as a caution to the elders of Israel thereon. 

How can we know the mind of God in all things where He doesn't choose to reveal His plan but make us witness it as it unfolds?  What really do we know about God; how much do we understand His ways and His works?  Nothing.  He is so profound and incomprehensible, I'll say, trying to understand Him is like going towards the sun…how long can anyone do that.  We may send satellites and other machines, but they'll never reach the sun.  So are our efforts which can move toward Him but never reach Him.  We may never understand Him but we need to be subject to Him for only then will we achieve what He wants us to achieve.  For in things that're inexplicable and excruciating, God packs our blessings and only in accepting and unwrapping the box will we be able to get our blessing and not by guessing what's inside the box.

Thoughts for another day

August 24, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Ki 3:17. For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. (KJV)

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

When things don't go the way you wanted or become too suffocating to live in what do you do?  As humans we may be tempted to blame God for things that don't turn to our joy but to our disgust; because we always see bad things as bad, not as opportunities for great good by a great display of God's power.  I'll speak of the death of Jesus on the Cross: His apostles would've been appalled and frustrated that He died.  Some would've even thought on the lines of what others said, 'He saved others but He can't save Himself!'  And some would even wonder whether He was the Son of God!!!   But because Jesus died, we were saved and the greatest miracle that God ever worked of saving men was accomplished – right on the Cross of Calvary and what was to be a symbol of shame was transformed into a symbol of glory.  I don't understand why God works that way: first defeat and then victory.  I believe He is that way and I reckon He does it to display His great power in our favor, for how else will we ever experience the greatness of His power?

Our Scripture holds a tremendous work of God through Elisha His prophet.  Joram's attempt to beat Moab turns sour as he moves toward Moab with his army for the water runs out. He thinks Moab will now destroy them.  But Elisha prophesies the above Word and it happens exactly as he says.  Imagine, no rain, no sign of water, yet the valley and the catch basins they dig are filled with water; a remarkable work of God, and that too for Joram, who does evil before Him.  But God did it because the king of Judah who was sincere with Him, was with Joram and Elisha clearly mentions it in v 14.  Similarly God does great things when His men seek Him in their distress.  There're myriad instances in the Bible where God does great things for His people.  Remember what God did for the Israelites when they left Egypt: The manna, the quails and of course the water from the rock.  Don't forget also that even though they were in the desert for 40 years, neither the clothes they wore nor their footwear wore out; Deut. 29:5.  Yeah, and David a Shepherd boy could kill Goliath, a giant military man with a sling and stones; and so many other examples; the wonderful, wonderful works of God.

Sometimes we too are caught up in some trouble which could even be devastating.  But before you start cursing God and blaming Him for your tragedy, remember Him.  Bring to mind the testing of Job and praise Him.  Say to Him, 'Lord I know this is a test and at the end you'll give me a great blessing.  And believe me, when I say this…God will work for you.  He loves when you remember Him as your Savior and look up to Him with a plea in your eyes.  His heart melts when you do that; and then tell me, how can He not help?

Thoughts for another day

August 23, 2012.

Today's verse: Ps. 42:8. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. (KJV)

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

Blessed are the men and women of God who're so saturated in Him that they find life itself of no consequence because of the immense love they have for God. Paul's Word rings in my ears 'My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better;' (Philip. 1:23).  And I wonder, what is it that makes them so toward God; what drives a man so much that He is willing to do anything for God, even die for His Name? 

In a way, today's Scripture, a poem of David's heart, provides an answer when understood in the right perspective.   A man, called by God, a call that resonates in the deep recesses of his heart and heard clearly by him, witnesses God's love in his life.  He understands in his being God's immense passion for His creation and that though man has fallen, God still yearns for man's heart-beat to beat with His heart! This man knows that God commands His lovingkindness toward him all the time.  His heart reacts to God's call and believe me, every cell in his body is active to God's lively touch.  At times the height of passion between God and man is so intense and profound that there's no rival to that.  Even the depth of passion a man has for a woman he loves much is but a shadow compared to the passion between God and a man completely submitted to His passionate embrace.  It's intense and powerful; and just like a woman who deep inside feels her man's seed inside her after a passionate union, so does a man feel God's seed in his being after a soulful union with Him. 

This is so difficult to explain that I've done it with just a human reference but believe me: human experience is nothing compared to the Divine.  And that's the reason why, a man who's experienced with God craves His companionship every moment.  He knows that God's song is with him ever in the night and his prayer will form a refrain in His ears and God will never refuse him whatever he asks.   Today if He has touched your heart to bask in the soft passion of His intense love go ahead and indulge in that love.  I can only caution you: you'll never want to leave and with eyes shining like twinkling stars, you'll beg God for more and He will give you more.   And all this while, this world will be shut for you and heaven is where you'll dwell.  Oh it's so beautiful and God's song will harmonize with the flow of blood in every vein inside of you...

Thoughts for another day

August 22, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Kgs. 22:28. Micaiah declared, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Mark my words, all you people!” (KJV)

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

In this episode, we see Micaiah, a prophet of God standing resolutely in the face of immense danger to his life in saying exactly what God wants him to say.  In reading the Scripture we notice that the Kings of Israel and Judah are planning to war against the king of Aram.  Before going, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah seeks to inquire from a man of God whether they should do that.  Now there're a number of prophets about 400 of them, who Ahab, the king of Israel checks with, and they say they should go and God will help them conquer.  But Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of the LORD and they speak of Micaiah. 

Ahab orders that he be brought at once.  The messenger who goes to summon Micaiah, tells him to prophesy as the others but Micaiah promises by the LORD that he can say only what the LORD wants him to say; and he does that facing Ahab boldly in the presence of the other prophets.  They're enraged at Micaiah to the extent that one of them even slaps him on the face when he prophesies the defeat of Israel.  Ahab however, heeds the prophecy of the false prophets and prepares for battle.  As he goes, he orders that Micaiah be held in custody until he returns and Micaiah in response utters our Scripture above.

Micaiah is a great model of God's agent who trusts Him implicitly and despite immense opposition, sticks to his word because he trusts God and is confident that what God has said, He will accomplish.  We see that God protects his word: Israel is defeated and Ahab is killed.  With this as the backdrop, let's look at what God tells us and how much we listen to Him.  You know sometimes, God asks very difficult things of us; we believe and start to do that but as time passes and things start getting difficult, we doubt and are jittery and subsequently fail because we don't keep faith, just as Peter starts sinking as his faith diminishes.  My friend, today, if there's something God has asked you to do, rely on Him and do it.  You may face various tribulations and dangers, but remember He will rescue you from them all.  You may also think it's easy for me to advise such things, but I also come from a similar situation and have faced various difficulties, so much so that at times, (God pardon me for this) I even question His existence.  But grab hold of His Grace and continue in prayer and leave it to God.  He will save you and you will accomplish what He has ordained you to accomplish; and this even if every man on earth is against you!  Amen.

Thoughts for another day

August 21, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 2:11. Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (KJV)

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

In Scripture today, Paul, in the context of forgiving, as seen in the earlier verse, says we forgive so that the devil may not take advantage of us because we're aware of his machinations and his sly ways.  Forgiveness is difficult not because we don't want to forgive but because the he puts specious arguments in our minds as to why we shouldn't forgive in saying that the person will only think that he has won the argument because you are weak and will boss over you even more.  And thus we don't forgive and like a festering wound, continue toward even further damage.

There are two key lessons here; one is of forgiveness which we must do for if we don't forgive others God will not forgive us.  The other is that we know the ways of the devil.  We're aware of things he does and how he spreads venom between brothers and people.  The devil is a master deceiver and he knows that people harbor pride and he must just prick their pride with his bogus arguments and they're off to argue and fight.  If later you ask them why they fought, they don't know and are apologetic; and it happens with all of us isn't it?

It's not only in the area of forgiveness we must realise the devil works to keep an unforgiving spirit in us, but he also has many other weapons in his arsenal which he uses against God's children.   Hatred is one such and we see how the world is suffering because of it.  Greed is another which has made the world so pathetic, so much so, the greed of just 1 percent of the people starves 99 percent!  The spirit of dominion is another that keeps man bound into a 'superiority' race where there's constant endeavor to prove who is superior.  There're so many of these sinful traits that the devil implants in us and he also constantly urges us to do according to the dictates of these.  But thanks to the Spirit of God who is with us constantly and who gives us the mind of Christ so we're able to discern between the right and the wrong and defeat the purposes of the enemy of souls. 

Thoughts for another day

August 20, 2012.

Today's verse: Eph. 5:6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (KJV)

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

As far as God and our lives are concerned, there are new types of deceptions the world has spawned upon man and that's to be too busy for God or change His ways given in Scripture which we assume to be difficult and follow those that are convenient for us. 

So we believe in God but are too busy for Him, giving Him minimum time for obeisance and of the world says, 'after all God has given you family and responsibilities and all those things; and you are duty bound to spend time on them, taking care of them; after all you see God Himself gave you a family and all those things so we must be with them no?   Then greed drives us in our jobs.  We work and slave hard to make money, then more money and then even more money.  We do this and are shielded by the world which says, 'After all, work is worship isn't it?'  We even do insensible and mean things in our jobs to just rise and get promoted not bothering to see the evil we've done to our colleagues in our tryst to put them down or work vengeance on those who cross our paths.

Drunkards drink and say, wine is meant to be enjoyed and some even have the gall to quote Paul saying, 'Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your infirmities' 1 Tim. 5:23; how easily a lie is adhered to, to make our ways look right!  And twisting of the Word is done so easily like for instance, when we read Mt. 18:9, 'And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee' they say, 'Aww, come one, Jesus didn't mean that literally…But we know He did.  Everywhere human solutions are sought rather than reliance or faith in God.  If we have a problem, we go to man for the world says, God works in and through man, no?  Yes, He does, but He sends those men to help us.  We don't go to them.  My friend, the devil has gotten the world to be warped and twisted and among them are those gullible enough to be taken in by him.  But as for us, let us take to heart what Scripture says today, that we be not deceived with vain words for they come from the evil one and the wrath of God will burst asunder on the deceivers and destroy them. 

Thoughts for another day

August 17, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 1:8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (KJV)

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

In this cold and brutal world filled with idolatry and insane beliefs, we stand to give testimony about our Lord.  Jesus commanded us to go and proclaim His Good News to all the earth even unto the uttermost parts of the earth.  But, many times we're ashamed to talk about our faith in Christ; why? Even I don't know for there are times I too do not talk of Christ.  And each time I feel very bad, as if I have denied the Lord and truly I can feel what Peter felt after he denied his Master.

Paul exhorts us in our Scripture today, to not be ashamed to give testimony to our God for that's our job on earth.  Paul also urges us to be partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power God gives us for that is our reasonable service to God who loved us and gave Himself up for us.  My friend what I write here is pretty tough to do.  But remember, so it was very tough for Jesus to face the humungous sacrifice He had to make of Himself.  Which is why He shed the pain of His heart on His Father's shoulder in the Garden of Gethsemane; but He wasn't removed from the path He needed to tread on.  Rather, He was given strength to bear the utmost cruelty that could be thrust on an innocent Man like Him.

It is a great privilege to be counted worthy of being servants in the Master's vineyard.  The job may be tough and we may even have to give up our lives in our work of spreading the Gospel for the salvation of man, but rejoice for the end of this is not corrupt flesh but a new body in which we will be with the Lord in His mansion on high and we will forever worship Him and be with Him, reigning forever and ever; where pain will not exist and a reward that no eye has seen nor ear heard, God will give us and we will be called His children and he will be our Father.  Amen. 

Thoughts for another day

August 16, 2012.

Today's verse: Ezek. 12:28. “Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ ” (KJV)

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

There was a lot of evil in the house of Israel in the days when Ezekiel grew up and attained Ministry as the prophet of Israel.  The Jews were exiled and Ezekiel was exiled along with them and the Word of God here comes to Ezekiel then.  Through Him God spoke of the imminent calamity upon Judah, the bastion of the Temple of God, in which God also foretold through him the Temple's destruction and great devastation on the land, which was in contrast to the false prophets' messages that Babylon would lose its power and they would be saved.

Ezekiel's prophecies were rejected and scoffed at by the people and King Zedekiah, subsequent to which God speaks the above.  And, there's immediacy to what God says in that, His Words will not be delayed any longer and will be fulfilled immediately: A strong indictment on the people who had forsaken Him and depended on weak human kings like the king of Egypt to rescue them.  Both the king and the people had forsaken the God of Moses who had given them the Covenant.  They had disobeyed the precepts of the Law and held all that was of God to utter scorn and ridicule.  Then the hand of God moved over Judah as God destroyed it completely along with the Temple where God had, with love, chosen to dwell and be forever at its dedication by Solomon.  Yet, the absolute decay of His children, Israel had made Him turn His face on them and bring them to the sword.

Today, the situation is even worse for the canvas of earth is flush with the paint of sin and acrimony all around.  Humanity has lost humanness and there's every attempt to discard God off the book in the sight of all men.  Look around and see my friend, the extreme rot that has set in man so much so that God has turned His face away and the hearts of men close to God are heavy with sorrow.  God is not sitting back and enjoying the show, if I might say, but being a Consuming Fire, He is about to unleash such untold disaster on man that it will be terrible.  Many men will find it hard to believe that God can thrust such terror on earth, but who can question Him as His sword of annihilation of mankind, strikes.  Many may take this lightly, but you my friend I appeal, to take this very, very seriously.  Lest you be blown away in the tremendous tide of God's fury as He shatters the earth right from its foundations and wreaks havoc with the elements.  Be prepared and pray.  You could atleast save your family from the impending wrath of the Most High.

Thoughts for another day

August 15, 2012.

Today's verse: Ps. 36:9. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. (KJV)

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

God is the fullness man can ever need, whether he knows it or not.  That's why in many places in the Bible we have real human needs dwarfed before the sufficiency and fullness of God; an example coming immediately to mind is, 'Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD' Deut 8:3, Matt. 4:4. These statements astound many learned scholars of the Word of God and some even allude that God is saying that His Word is required in addition to the food (which is a must) we take.  But somehow, when you know God, you know that it's not right because deep inside, you know it isn't. If it is, then it’s a dilution of God's Word and that can never be for every Word in the Bible is true.  There may be small errors in numbers or language, but the essence of what God says is true and always will be.

The psalmist in our Word today speaks to God and says that with Him is the fountain of life.  This refers to things that we need to live like food, etc. and also to things that fulfill our beings in every way like joy, contentment, etc.  No matter what it means to different people, the essence of it is that God is the fountain of life, in other words, without God there's no life.  God chooses to be with us to give life, we don't choose Him.  So, even the atheist is alive because though he doesn't acknowledge God, God is with him for it is God's choice to be with him; why we don't know and we dare not ask.  And when God is the fountain of life, life must essentially be wonderful for it is involved with God.  But this 'wonder-fullness' if one may call it that, is only when we acknowledge and accept God and mix our lives in Him and our lives become pockets of wonder and beauty; akin to sugar in tea which makes it sweet, but sugar though sweet, if not mixed with tea, results in the tea remaining bland.

So today we acknowledge that with God is the fountain of life and in His light we will see light.  God's presence in our lives and our embracing Him, makes us alive to His way.  In Him we see the light of our lives for He shines forth to make us live.  So we pray, 'LORD, make Your light shine upon us and let us see the truth of it all in Your light so our lives are raised as perfumed vessels before You for Your use as You deem right for Your glory. Amen'  

Thoughts for another day

August 14, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Sam. 2:7. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. (KJV)

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

Humans face many trials in life and they also face a number of blessings; that is God's way.  And no matter if there's a trial in our lives, we also know that God will remove the trial and set us on high if we remain faithful to Him through the trial. 

Our Scripture says, Yahweh sends poverty and wealth.  He also humbles and He exalts.  God's ways are unique and unlike man's ways, in that if you're at the height of your relationship with Him, you may have to go through a fiery trial.  Take Abraham:  his relationship with God was really at a zenith for God had blessed him with everything, even a son who would be his descendent through whom Abraham would become the father of countless children as the Lord had told him whilst showing him the stars in the sky.   Then suddenly, God commanded him to take Isaac and sacrifice him!  To you and me, when we read this in retrospect, it seems Abraham was ready at once to obey God.  But what would've been going on in his mind. It would've been the most trying time of his life.  Abraham probably was around 120-125 years at that time; old and tired as well.  But yet he didn't vacillate but went as God told him, to sacrifice Isaac –with a heavy heart and an anguish laden countenance.  What a trial – but then God exalted him.  He stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac and confirmed His promise of making Abraham a great man with many descendents, swearing by Himself!!!  

We too who're close to God are tried by Him and let me tell you; it would be a gross understatement to say that the trial is tough…it is very, very painful and sometimes you wonder when it will all end and some even consider death to be the sweet exit from it.  But remember God knows and He then remembers and if you've borne the trial of both humiliation and poverty with grit and confidence in Him, He will deliver you and raise you.  He will send untold wealth toward you and He will exalt you so that you may go through the world bringing glory to His Name, who alone is God and who alone is to be worshipped and glorified.  As for me, I know my Redeemer lives and He will redeem me and I will glorify Him in all the earth for the trial I face is not to be the end of me, but one through which I will find the opportunity to bless and worship and glorify His Name.  Amen.

Thoughts for another day

August 13, 2012.

Today's verse: Rom. 15:13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

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

The one major thing that differentiates a Christian in his association with God as against any other is that he has hope.  Paul here refers to another character of God which is, 'God of hope'.  That's why no matter what the situation a person may be in, it can be safely said that there is hope.  Because of the nature of our God, we can always have hope for He is the God of hope. 

To go further in this premise, let me take the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead.  It was four days since his death after which Jesus reached his hometown.  Was there any hope that Lazarus would live?  Well, even His followers such as Martha and Mary found it hard to believe he would, but they hadn't known the power of the King of the universe, the Omnipotent God for whom all things are possible.  They didn't realise that Jesus was God, the same who had caused the beginning of the earth and created all things.  And then Jesus caused the impossible to happen, an impossibility that should make hope arise in the hearts of all the weary, abandoned, harassed and lowly people. 

To you all I would say, that even though the situation is completely hopeless in your sight, look at the God of hope.  If He caused a hopeless situation to turn into a joyous situation then, He can do the same with your hopeless situation, today.  Just trust Him.  I know how difficult it's to trust Him as I know how a hopeless situation can eat you inside, driving all faith in Him away; as I too fight it in my own life.  But let's cast aside any talk that defeats us, rather focus on the God of hope who fills us with all joy and peace in believing in Him so that we abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and when the time comes, He will work mightily and all will know that we believe in a God who is the God of hope.

Thoughts for another day

August 10, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 1:11. With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)

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

St. Paul's, prayer as it were, strikes a deep chord in those who understand their calling because the lives, we the called lead, is far from the life we need to lead; so when Paul prays that God may count us worthy of His calling, he's praying with a purpose having everlasting ramifications, not only for the one who's called but also for those who, because of our calling, are touched and blessed.

Further Paul prays that God, by His power may fulfill our every good purpose and every act of our precious faith we keep in Him, seeking to strengthen our calling, for many are called but few are found worthy. They who ignore are doomed for ruin as they didn't heed their call.  Some don't understand the dimension of their calling and remain stunted in their faith as they aren't willing to let go and embrace what our Father in heaven gives in His great pleasure, having counted us worthy to call us to Himself.  And every calling of God has an eternal purpose, not one by which we may make merry on earth to the exclusion of building up our souls to be eligible for eternal dwellings.

My friend if you've received God's calling in your life, don't doubt it for even a moment.  How do you know if He has called you?  Well, if your heart is stirred to faith in Him, realise that you're called and when you ascertain this, be aware that your calling is also to serve and then no matter what, be ready to go forth as He sends you to achieve His purpose on earth, for His purpose is noble and eternal.  It's indeed a privilege to be called by God for you're then, a chosen vessel of His for great work that will pour out onto eternal life and though you may have thorns on earth because of His calling, know that the petals of His love will also cover you as you fulfill His will on earth.

Thoughts for another day

August 9, 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)

One of the most striking and deeply touching images I have of the Lord and the story around it, as someone says it is, " 'Then Jesus said, this is how much I love you.'  He opened His arms on the cross and He died for you."  How deeply the Lord loves us, how passionate His yearning that when it came to die a repulsive and ignominious death on the Cross, He didn't hesitate even a moment.   It was as if He willed to die this death which He had reserved for Himself and at no time did He ever back out although He had the opportunity.  This is the proof of His everlasting love for us which angels never understand and man rarely comprehends.

Therefore, when I look at our above Scripture where our Father makes this wonderful statement, I can't help but think of the immensity of His love which He bestows on us of which He also says, 'therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you to Myself…'  We're so worthless, despicable and so gross before our dear Father.  We offend His goodness so much that His heart is torn by our wanton sin; yet His love stays with us and St John says, 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:' Think of this my friend, what manner of love is this that our God gives us Himself as, our Father.

I note when I read the episode where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.  Abraham obeys and then God stays His hand; but when it came to His only begotten Son, the co-Owner of heaven and earth, He never stepped back but gave Jesus up so we could be with Him to enjoy eternal bliss.  Through this we know how much His heart aches for us and His voice beckons to us to 'Come and be with Him.'  Today, if in some corner of our hearts if His voice rings a chord, let us rise and go to Him our God and Father and say sorry.  He will lift us up and keep us in the palm of His hand and with great love He will joy over us and make us His own.

Thoughts for another day

August 8, 2012.

Today's verse: Mt. 8:27. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (KJV)

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

God's power isn't something to be used exclusively by Him and although it emanates only from Him, He also gives us men, the apple of His eye, the ability to use it when we're in need of seeing His supernatural power to fulfill our need.  Before Jesus, there were many miracles wrought by men on earth.  These men were wholly dedicated to God: men like Moses, Elijah, Elisha and others too.  In certain cases, men prayed and God did something wonderful and awesome to help them.  But men quickly forgot the hand of God and today, even forget that miracles are possible.

If you talk to the average believer, you'll notice they accept little things from God.  And though on their lips they say God can work big miracles, inside they're completely disbelieving; even among priests, pastors, etc.   During Jesus' time the situation was the same, there was disbelief in miracles.  But Jesus came shattering their notions of miracles, performing all kinds; right from healings to curing paralytics, exorcising demons and raising the dead.  But even that didn't prepare the men to witness the calming of the sea.  They never thought a Man could ever calm the sea.  In a way they even doubted God could do it.  But when Jesus calmed the sea with His Word, they were amazed.  How could anyone do that they asked in their feeble minds.  Wonder bloated their hearts and disbelief at what they'd seen loomed in their minds; yet, they couldn't disagree that they'd seen a mighty miracle.  That's why they were amazed says our Scripture above. 

Today too the scenario isn't different; in fact it's worse.  If you speak of a miracle, you're the butt of jokes and an object of laughter.  But, let me remind all the skeptics of God's power that God is still the same and He yet works where He finds fertile ground that can soak in His rain of miracles.  My friend, if you have an idea that's impossible in the realm of man and if you're holding on to God, blessed are you for the faith you put in Him will cause the work of His hand to happen and wonders and wonders will take hold of your life for you believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Whose nature it is to work miracles.  Just believe and don't dilute your faith or your actions, not even a bit even if there's an idea of man in your favor that seems marvelous but excludes His hand.  Just hold on and you'll see His hand work in a manner more wonderful than what you thought God would do, for remember again, that it is His nature to reward a believer in Him and his work.

Thoughts for another day

August 7, 2012.

Today's verse: Gen. 17:1. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. (KJV)

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

One of the great and notable episodes in the Bible is the account of Abraham and his dealings with God.  First we know how Abraham hearkened to God's calling and moved away from Ur of the land of the Chaldeans to Canaan, without knowing where or how he was going.  He simply trusted in God and went forth and the Bible also says that God credited this as an act of righteousness for Abraham.  Then again, Abraham always walked in the statutes of the Lord and we also learn of his willingness when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac whom he begot at the age of 100. 

God really blessed Abraham and made a covenant with him to give him descendents as many as the stars in the sky and that He would give them the land of Canaan as a possession and as we read the Bible, we see that happening in the course of time.  In all this, God remained faithful to Abraham and his progeny and God loved Abraham and also his progeny very much and He always remembered His covenant with him. 

What we have today is God's instruction which we must read carefully and observe which is, Walk before Him and be blameless'.  All that God wants from us His people is to be pure and holy before Him, in all ways acknowledging and following Him.  What God told Abraham many, many centuries ago is something that He still tells us and will always tell us for He is a holy God and He cannot tolerate sin and wrong-doing in any way.  Though He loves us, He hates sin for it is anathema to Him and brings about His wrath.  Let us learn from Abraham to keep ourselves guiltless and pure before Him so that on that day, we can also receive His reward which He has prepared for those who follow Him and walk right in His Presence.

Thoughts for another day

August 6, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Kings 9:3. And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. (KJV)

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

Whatever God says, He does and if He speaks, He also honors every Word that comes forth from His mouth.  What does that have to do with our Scripture is what I'd wonder if I were to read this.  Let me tell you an experience I had on a visit to the Holy Land.  Now, the Temple that Solomon built isn't there nor is there any sign of it ever being constructed.  In its place is the al-aqsa mosque that the arabs built.  The only object that is a remnant of the Solomon time and in Old Jerusalem, is the Western wall, built at the foot of the western side of the mount on which the Temple was built, which has survived the passage of time and today is a hallowed place for Jewish prayer.

Going to this place, I too went like the Jews and leaned on the wall with my hands up, remembering the glory of God at the place when Solomon had built it and dedicated it; and what it had come to mean to the average Jew.  As I was praying, my eyes filled with tears and I could sense His Spirit, strong and alive, over there and consequently over me and I couldn't help but worship Him.  And I remembered the above Scripture, the Word of God which He told Solomon particularly, 'Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually.'  Oh God I cried out, reign O Lord God, in the hearts of men just as You are in this place.  The entire experience was both serene and comforting and filling.

God is everywhere my friend, but there're places where He has said He will be and He is; even in the poor and the down-trodden.  It's up to us to engage in these people or in the places or whatever it be, so we can experience His peace and love and be renewed in our spirits that we worship Him even better.  And then reach out to His people, spreading His Word and bringing them His comfort.

Thoughts for another day

August 3, 2012.

Today's verse: Is. 64:8. But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (KJV)

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

All said and done, the above Scripture is to be the perpetual refrain when we are before God for truly He is our Father; our Potter and we are the clay, the work of His hand.  He moulds us according to His special pattern He has conceived for us in the heavenlies, beautiful and amazing; to stun the hosts of heaven, reason why envy lurked in lucifer's heart by which also, he fell and was banished.

Dear friend know for sure that God who is our Father will never dump us, no, not even if we never acknowledge Him as our Father.  He is yet, with us and coaxing us ever so gently to move from the erroneous ways that we have made our own and get on to a delightful meadow where we can graze on His Word and experience the splendor of His being.  Where silent waters will soothe our souls with their heavenly sheen and where the paths of righteousness will be the stretch on which our feet will trod.  All this is possible and real for He has made us to partake of Him.

The earth is a place where we only sojourn for a while; a few years and we're gone.  In these years unlike what man thinks and does to amass wealth for himself and his family, God seeks to transform us from glory to glory so that we can eventually reflect the nature and character of His Son.  We're put here for a purpose which is higher than any other purpose and is to make praise unto Him the fruit of our lips and make our beings entirely conscious of His Presence and goodness all the time.  Trouble and sorrow we may have, but we must remember that Jesus faced them too and overcame them all.  We too will overcome for we also are the work of His hands.  This day as we move about our business on earth, let us become aware of His work that we need to do and strive to do it with all that we are and Grace will fill our hearts even to its over-pouring.