Thoughts for another day

Jan. 31, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 6:6, 9. I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. (KJV)

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

When you read Scripture, it amazes you how men of God trusted Him and were comforted of their affliction, even as prayer left their lips unto God’s throne.  Our Word today is an excellent example of a man praying to God one moment and in the next, expressing confidence that God heard him and was set to deliver him. 

For me, it’s a great expression of faith when a man is in utter distress and with tears in his eyes cries out confidently to God for help.  God hears and He answers: I’ll quote the example of Bartimaeus in the Bible, which it would be nice if you read before you go ahead with this reflection; it’s in Mk. 10:46-52.  In the space of just seven verses there’s so much we learn of God it’s amazing; but I’ll stick to how God hears us despite the din and answers our prayer.  Now when Bartimaeus, the blind beggar became aware that Jesus was passing that way, he realised that was his moment and he seized it.  He made sure his voice could be heard even as he shouted for mercy from the Lord.  Now we must remember there was a large crowd and obviously the crowd was engaged in talking with each other and as a result, there would be a lot of din in the place, so it would be difficult to hear anyone who was saying something from a distance.

But yet, Jesus heard Him and our Savior could not move ahead without answering Bartimaeus…He stopped, called him and gave him his cure.  Such is our God and those who know Him know this and therefore they’re confident that if they pray from the heart, God will hear them for God is like that only, He answers prayer, in fact, He is quick to answer prayer though we may think He isn’t.  so, if there’s an unanswered prayer in your heart today, shout to Him.  He will hear and come, rescue you.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 30, 2013.

Today's verse: Is. 54:7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. (KJV)

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

While waiting on God for something, there’s at times a real sense of futility and frustration.  The question that arises at these times is; is God really listening?  Is He about to answer my prayer?  While the heart wants to believe God is aware of our situation, believe me times are when the situation is rather severe and hurting, and He will answer soon; but the mind, because of the severe situation, isn’t willing to believe God is seized of the matter and will come to deliver us. 

If right now you’re in this dilemma and don’t know what to do, today’s Scripture comes as a balm of relief, for we realise that God for a tiny moment may allow us to suffer, to not feel His Presence, but still, He is there.  Know that He is Sovereign and Almighty.  So, let the darkness of the situation not engulf your mind, for at these times the mind is inclined to believe everything the devil says against God, yet, turn not his way for remember, he is the father of lies and there’s no truth in him.  All he tries to do is to clog your mind with fear and make you distrust God, so that you’ll give up and forsake God, thus bringing disappointment in your life.

But hang on, do not despair.  Set your face like flint on the assurance God gives.  The winds may buffet and billow you; the ground may open up around you, but don’t lose hope.  Just trust His Word for His Word is that power that can in a flash shunt all the darkness away and make your fear flee.  My friend, what’s the harm if we’re asked by God to hang on a little while; He does this so He can strengthen your faith in Him which then in turn, becomes a beacon of hope for not only you, but others too who you’ll narrate your story of God’s goodness to, later.  Then will you like David say, ‘Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I shall not fear for … YOU ARE THERE.’

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 29, 2013.

Today's verse: Mark 11:24. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (KJV)

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

Reading our Scripture today raises an important question in my mind:  How much of what I pray for do I believe?  This question makes me stop and think and ask myself if I really believe what I pray for, particularly if it will be granted.  Really, this is a question that shakes you from inside.  Were I to ask it to you, you might be a little miffed and retort, ‘are you suggesting that I don’t believe what I pray for?’  And you would be right because if one sincerely prays then every word of prayer would be with meaning and of a belief that it will be heard but do we pray like that?

Knowing what really happens when we pray, particularly with me, I realise that at most times, I pray with hardly any conviction that what I pray for, will be granted.  But, notwithstanding how I pray, I will yet blame God for not having received what I had asked for and it makes me think, what do we take God for?  Someone who is at our beck and call and Who must answer when we ask; even if we’ve asked without any belief?   Now it may also be possible that you’ve prayed with all belief but the prayer is not answered, well, in that case it’s best we wait on Him but in most other cases it can be safely taken that our heart wasn’t where our mouth was when we prayed.  And it is this bland prayer life which leads to an absence of miracles in our lives.

Jesus tells us today that whatever we ask for in prayer, we must believe that we’ve received it and it will be ours.  You see our God is all-powerful and He listens to our prayer, even if it is a prayer for an impossibility – let’s say, we ask God for a financial blessing and I’m talking of something as large as a 100-million dollar benefit.  Do you think God who created life will find it difficult to grant that?  No He won’t, but He can certainly ask, did you prayer for it like as if you wanted 100 dollars?  My friend take Jesus’ Word to heart today and believe that he will grant your prayer, no matter what it is for He is able and He loves us enough to do it for us.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 28, 2013.

Today's verse: Jn. 9:2, 3. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (KJV)

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

The nature of man is always to find a reason for everything which is why we always seek an answer for things that happen in our lives and usually, our thoughts veer toward the negative; the bad reasons.  In the episode of the man born blind in ch. 9 of John’s Gospel, we see the disciples of Jesus seeking an answer to, why was the man born blind and blaming it on either him or his parents sinning.  This nature of attributing any bad happening on the evil in a man is rather carcinogenic and I reckon it’s because we love to say, this one is sinful or that one deserves it, etc.

We’re never interested in either knowing or seeing the flip side of things where there could be some other reason.  That’s what Jesus exhibits in their discussion at the beginning and in the tremendous miracle He performs on the blind man.  Jesus is so good that instead of attributing any evil reason on the man or his parents, he shows that the reason for the blindness is so that the glory of God may be manifest in the man.  This is the difference between us and God.  God always loves to see positive change whereas, we always love to see someone destroyed in the sin they crave and commit.  God provides us a life line, we close the door. 

As Christians, followers of Christ, our life is enriched by the rich thoughts we harbor toward our neighbor.  And I feel that we must often ask ourselves, ‘Am I using the gifts God has given me to help my fellow men?’  While my inner mind reminds me of this many times, I yet don’t as much as lift a finger when I see someone in need and that’s what I hate in me.  I may have many excuses for not doing so, but they’re mere excuses and don’t stand the test of God’s yardstick.  Yet, with the help of His Grace I believe I would be converted enough to at least feel the misery of a fellow human being in trouble.  I can then work toward helping him and that would please God; then, would my habit of finding fault and assigning ‘morale deflating reasons’ cease. 

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 25, 2013.

Today's verse: 2 Kings 1:12. And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. (KJV)

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

See, God is really our best friend and if a man gives himself whole-heartedly to Him, then He isn’t far behind in recognizing this man as His friend and as a friend would do, God defends him.  In Scripture above, we see how God defends Elijah from the evil designs of Ahaziah, the king who’s condemned by Elijah through the Word of God.  While God’s defense in our favor when we’re one with Him, is nothing new, God’s favor on Elijah is seen in that, Elijah challenges the men who come to arrest him to the king, in the Word above and fire comes upon the men and destroys them completely.

The challenge is ‘Is Elijah a man of God’ and the punishment, decreed by Elijah is the consumption by fire of the men; which God does, swiftly and clinically, so much so that two captains and hundred men are destroyed instantaneously.   Now you may ask, what’s so great about this that it comes as a reflection?  It’s important for as we live, there’re people who go against us, even if we have nothing against them or wish them no evil. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this at some point of time or other.  At this time, we could be vulnerable for some of them are powerful and can destroy us.  It’s precisely then, that our God whose eyes are upon us, comes to our rescue.

Remember, God does not like anything said against His man; you may recall what Aaron and Miriam in their jealousy told against Moses, Num.  12:1-10. God immediately calls them out and asks both Miriam and Aaron, v9, ‘wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’  Such is God’s beautiful companionship and defense of His people.  So today, if you face trouble and fear for your life and if you’re really in friendship with God, let your fears alone.  God will intervene for you (I’ve seen this in my life) and defend you and destroy the one who dared think evil of you.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 24, 2013.

Today's verse: Job 11:14, 15. If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: (KJV)

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

Do you know, what’s the greatest and most stubborn block in your life that prevents God’s blessings from coming to you?  It’s sin.  Sin, sin and sin is the block that prevents God’s hand from reaching your life and touching you.  Once while praying, I asked the Lord a question, ‘Lord, why don’t we see miracles these days and why’re there no healings and blessings we as your children must receive?  I then saw in my mind the world and I saw sin like fog – dense and black, and the whole world was choc-o-bloc with sin.  It flooded the atmosphere and as far as one could see, it was everywhere.  Then I knew, with this dense blog of sin, how can God’s blessings reach us.

When I tell people it’s their sin that keeps them from God’s blessings, they don’t believe for they feel their acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice has done away with the power of sin.  Yes, that’s right, for Jesus’ sacrifice has done away with the effect of sin; however, for the wanton sins we commit, there has to be a reprimand.  Jesus paid the price of our sin, whereby we’re allowed entry into heaven; He also paid the price for our well-being but if we abuse ourselves indulging in smoking, fornication, drinking, etc. then we’re blocking that special Grace of Jesus that can protect us and we run into diseases.  It may not be so in all cases but it’s certainly in most or else Jesus when healing wouldn’t say, ‘your sins are forgiven.’  And He did this for He saw sin in the lives of people blocking His Grace. Most people in positions of authority in the church will never say that its sin that causes misery for they feel that the people may be upset.  But whenever, I’ve gone to pray for healing, I’ve felt the barrier of sin preventing the healing. 

My friend, if sin is your block, why not come clean before the Lord and tell Him all.  Tell Him very humbly how much you sin and how difficult it is for you to leave it.  Believe me, God understands and He will give you the Grace by which you will lift up your face and be steadfast without any fear.  Give glory to God.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 23, 2013.

Today's verse: Gal. 6:7, 8. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (KJV)

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

God always gives us a choice and its consequences as in our Scripture above in which Paul tells us of two things we may choose to do.  One, sow to the flesh; that is to all things that’re carnal and of the desire of our bodies.  Among them being, relations between a man and woman or in the abominable case of homosexuality, even man with man or woman with woman.  We also have people doing all kinds of things on their bodies and give it the very innocent name of ‘fashion’ like tattooing the body with symbols and images that flatter the devil and many other things to gratify the flesh like gluttony, over-dressing, etc.

We cannot be naïve in thinking our acts in the areas above are without consequences for we know people who’ve doused their lives because of the evil gratification of their flesh and I’m sure they now bear the consequences of their doing for in their wanton chasing after things of the flesh, they ignored God and thus made a mess of their lives.  This is known not by any second guesses but by either their own confessions or the way they lived or live their lives which clearly show their lack of relationship with God. 

Then there’s the other choice which is sowing to the Spirit.  The people who do this have time for God and walk in His light.  They may fail miserably time and again in their endeavor to please Him, but yet they’re with God.  Their struggle against all things flesh is intense and many times they feel like giving up like I do, but yet they trudge on believing that God is faithful and He will accomplish it for them.  They know their struggle will never end in this life for the evil one never ceases to worry or strike them.  But yet, they crave to be with God despite all the troubles and the difficulties; for they know, eventually as the twilight light closes in, heavenly light will shine on them.  Learn from the above and seek God’s hand in your life.  Remember the choice you make today will determine where you are tomorrow.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 22, 2013.

Today's verse: Rev. 3:19. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)

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

The station yard was deserted as Daryl sat on the cold bench holding a half-eaten hot dog, the last train had just left.  It would be a wait of four hours before the next.  But rather than be worried about when he would reach home, Daryl was immersed in his own thoughts.  He remembered his widowed dad, shouting at him for having arrived late at night and as a punishment, wouldn’t give him anything to eat, not knowing his little Daryl had a sumptuous meal with his colleagues as they worked on their next advertising campaign. 

A tear filled his eye as he remembered a day before, his hand had held the coffin in which his dad lay, motionless and quiet.  Daryl could hardly believe; it had happened so suddenly – a heart attack and…  He could still feel his dad’s voice telling him, ‘go safely and come safely’ even as he left home for work.  In the years after his mom expired, his dad and he had developed a special bond between them; a bond of trust and love.  He remembered the concern his dad exhibited for him; his hand of embrace and ‘super’ look at every little thing Daryl achieved; though he himself hardly thought anything of it, well, what great achievement was it if he got employed at the biggest advertising agency as junior copywriter?  How he wished as he sat on the cold bench that his dad were there to scold him as he walked into his home.  But he knew that would never happen for the voice that had disciplined him was stilled forever; the hands that caned him when he went off the path, were right now being eaten by worms; yet Daryl knew that today what he had become had been the fruit of the tree of discipline his dad had planted in him.

This is just a little story of many people who sit back and remember the discipline that parents and elders gave them even as they grew up and in hind sight it seemed so good.  So too is the discipline of our Lord and Master, our Father in heaven.  He loves us so much that it pains Him to see us suffering, but for our sake He allows it so that we, through that, may remain close to Him.  See, our God, who didn’t even hold back His Own Son but let Him die a brutal death to see us with Him in eternity, and then think… will He ever punish us so much that we wilt under it?  Think and do as He says, earnestly repent and come back on the narrow path.  He will guide your way and lead you home.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 21, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 26:2. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; test my heart and my mind. (Amplified Bible – copyright acknowledged)

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

In the Bible there’re places we see people asking God for justice.  I wonder, if I’m in a troublesome situation, would I ask God for justice.  Would I be qualified to receive His justice?   In fact, because of being rooted in sin, I’d rather seek His mercy than justice lest I be subject to worse calamity were God to be just, for such is the state of my soul that every fiber of my being is at cross purposes with the purpose of God and yet, I marvel to think that God is with me and He yet loves me, for this I know because He yet answers my prayer.

But like I said, there’re people asking God for justice and one such person we see often pleading before God is David out of whose mouth are the Words of our Scripture.  But for his misadventure with Bathsheba and his conducting the census without God’s approval, we only see David having a great relationship with God and God testifies to David’s faithfulness in calling him, ‘a man after Mine own heart’ Acts. 13:22. It makes me think, would I be ever able to ask God to examine me and prove me; to test my heart and my mind?  Would I ever be able to do that?

The answer is no; and I even shudder to read this psalm, because I always appropriate each psalm as my own prayer before the Lord and therefore, I very hesitatingly utter these words for were God to examine me as I ask, I would be found wanting and would be subject to His justice and I’ve said before that I dread his justice for it might bring His wrath over me.  Then again, I look to the heavens and I see my God – brilliant in splendor and magnificent in countenance and I see mercy flowing from Him toward me, seeking me as it were, as were the eyes of the father seeking his prodigal son.  I can only bow before His Majesty and say, ‘Thank You my God for You are so good.’

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 18, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 10:20. No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. (KJV)

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

There’re many Christians in countries not worshipping Christ; who compromise with their faith and include symbols and other things that’re against Jesus’ teachings in their system of worship.  In seeing some old family photographs recently, I came across one of a priest, who’s in my extended family, and I was shocked to see Him keep the Cross on top of a framed photograph of the word ‘Om’ in the hindu script; and this structure was his worship place.  Dazed, I wondered how this Catholic priest could’ve his understanding so warped that he considered as acceptable the word that hindus integrated into their ‘worship’.  Similarly, some time ago, I’d gone to a book shop and bought some music cds of a Catholic priest where again he had used the same word in his songs! 

This comes as a shock to many but it’s a fact; a sad one at that, that even the shepherds of the flock have become corrupt and compromised their faith to probably please the people they live among to gain their acceptance and respect!  While this isn’t a judgment on these people, the fact that they do this is self-inflicting judgment.  I write this only to make you realize the extent of contamination of our faith.  Besides, I see so many ‘practicing’ Christians seeing nothing wrong in people worshiping idols or even participating in their worship.  The question is: how much do they know God?

To mention my own stupidity, once while talking to a colleague, I asked her to pray for me. The Lord in His mercy, pointed out the error in my way for this woman was an idol worshipper and so she’d pray to her idol and in this, I would’ve inadvertently accept her idol as ‘god’, the way she did.  My friends there’re many such instances in our lives particularly us who live among non-Christians which lead us to dilute our faith and compromise.  Some may think, what’s the harm if you do a small thing like that, but be warned – it’s not acceptable to our God.  A thorough reading of the Bible will show you this fact and that’s why I can understand Paul writing our above Scripture.  My caution to you is: be aware of these things and don’t take anything that even in a little way seeks acceptance as a thing of God, for that’s how the devil works in finally making us forsake our God.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 17, 2013.

Today's verse: Dan. 6:28a. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders the heavens and on the earth. (KJV)

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

What an awesome God we serve, Who is renowned for His signs and wonders across the earth and even though the earth is filled with the smog of sin, His hand yet reaches out to His people who look up to Him for their sustenance and He fills them with the choicest things.  His arm is open wide to them and the brightness of His countenance shines upon them, bringing hope and courage in their lives.

Many times we have situations where we’re just unable to cope with what they bring or their after-effects, like what happens after the death of the bread winner of the family or such like thing which in the first place weakens the will and then forces one to look at a bleak and intimidating future.  At this point, there’s darkness all around and even the least of things become scary enough to have dread working up a sweat in you.

But, then God comes to our rescue when we call upon Him incessantly in faith.  He is able to do all things for us and He does all things provided we do not interfere with His work and accept His doing in our lives as beneficial to us.  God is there as the silent One with us and though we do not see or hear Him, He is around, just as He is now when you’re reading this and He lives to keep us happy for we’re His children, the work of His hand in whom He has invested a part, however small it be, of Himself and we’re dear to Him.  Trust Him and just move on with your life and He will show His great power in your favor. 

Jan. 16, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 84:11. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (KJV)

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

In pain, in distress, in grief, in intense frustration and in everything that causes misery and difficulty, the LORD God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is around and just a shout away.  Many are the times, if you recall, you’ll know He heard your call and answered your prayer.  You must know this even if you’ve never felt His Presence near you for remember, God loves you and is with you always, even to the end of age.  How do I know?  Well, He said it Himself and His Word is ever true for He is God and not man that He can change His given promise as the winds alter course.

I feel so good to breathe the Word of Scripture above, and my friend the psalmist has declared my emotions for when I lack the words or right utterance of my feelings for my Creator, then he reminds me, ‘The Lord is a sun and a shield and He will give Grace and glory; He will never withhold any good thing from them who call upon Him and live righteously.’  So confident am I of this that I even told someone close to me that if the Lord does not give what I ask, and if I die in the state I am, then do not believe Him for then He ceases to be God for He has gone back from His Word, which is so simple, ‘Ask and it shall be given to you.’  Yea, my friend, this is no rebuff to God for who can rebuff Him who has created us, as Paul says, can the thing created ask of its Maker, ‘Why have You made me thus?’ Rather it’s kind of an extreme confidence in a God so Awesome and Wonderful, that even life seems a drudgery compared to death which takes one to Him straightaway.

Take heart my friend if you or any of your people are suffering and know that He has revealed to you that He is a sun and shield and He will come with His Grace in your hour of need.  Just trust Him even if He takes time, for perhaps He is just looking to see if you will trust and when He finds you fit, He will unleash His shower of blessing upon you such that you will even forget you were ever in trouble.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 15, 2013.

Today's verse: Is.54:10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. (KJV)

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

What a promise of God this is:  Though all things wither and pass away, His kindness will stay and the covenant of His peace will never be removed from us.  God who is merciful makes this promise to us His people and it shows the extent of love and hope He has in us, hope because, though every living moment, we sin against Him, yet He has hope in us.   

God’s love and mercy are the essential ingredients in our life and He never deprives us of them. He is ever loving and merciful for were He not, we would be consumed by His consuming glory.  It is His love and mercy that makes our lives live-able for He works in every area of our lives and brings sense and strength in them.  He removes the blemishes and adds the positives so that we live victorious lives and since He is the God of victory, He wants us to be victorious like Him.

Each day we must look at the example of Christ when He came to this world.  His humility, His unshakeable confidence in His Father and His way of living – straightforward and simple, and we must imitate it to bring power into our lives.  It may not be power as we see power in the world, but it will be power to be pure and holy in His sight, giving the tempter not even an iota of space in our lives but keeping him at bay; rather banishing him from our lives.   We must hold in our minds God’s promise of being with us and move with strength and power even as He leads us to live.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 14, 2013.

Today's verse: Mt.15:8,9. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV)

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

In the Gospels, you’re in a number of situations where Jesus tells how to act in particular situations, which hit you like a sledge-hammer because you suddenly realize what you had learnt for years and held in your heart as truth, isn’t so.  For example, let’s take ‘If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out…’  When you read this you wonder, should I pluck my eye out, how can that be for every time I sin with my eye…and then someone, maybe a pastor or priest or preacher, tells you, forget it, don’t take it literally (exactly as the words mean), Jesus didn’t mean that.  And they offer an advice, when you read the bible, you must learn what is to be taken literally and what is not.  But really, is there any scope for not taking things literally?  I don’t think so and I believe Jesus meant what He said, for sin is so distasteful to God, its better we lose our physical attributes than sin with them. 

But do you ever find a preacher preaching this?  No.  Simply because they have aligned to what may please people as they think that if they preach thus, they’ll not have many in their churches and then where will the funds come from? Fallacious thinking because it is God who provides, not men.  And sadly there’s another face to this, which is, there’re many who don’t even know the distinction and the implications of the Bible text.   Some also use such texts to develop their own standards for living as they find it beneficial to them and therefore thump it upon their congregations; which is why we have Jesus saying the above Word of Scripture.  Look at it carefully my friend for in it you’ll find the truth to the things you hear about God from those who are supposed to be telling you.

My caution to you will be: Do not be swayed by the oft repeated message of blessing and blessing which we receive from every source today, which though important isn’t as important as the well-being of your soul, for that is why Jesus came to earth and that should be our concern.  Take note and seek that which is right before God and you will be safe on the Day of Judgment.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 11, 2013.

Today's verse: Eph.1:12. So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory! (Amplified Bible – copyright ack.)

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

If one were to take an audit of one’s life concerning the amount of time spent in doing various things, one is bound to note, at least in most people, is the amount of time spent in worship of God or in praising Him, would be minimal.  There’re very few human beings on earth who worship the Living and True God who really spend time with Him for we never have time for God and that includes me too.

But, our Scripture has something very significant to say about our purpose in life: that we live for the praise of His glory.  How many people know this or even those who’ve heard of it really live it.  Not many because usually we don’t have time for God.   In the early days of my life, everything was so choc-o-bloc that really there was no time for God to fit in and if anyone told me that one had to give God glory and praise, then my repartee would be automatic: If God wanted us to spend time with Him, why did He give us imagination by which we could imagine things and then work to achieve them?  Then of course the world teaches us that there’re so many reasons why one should go about one’s work not worrying about God for He is for us and He will take care of us!

Today, I understand that the primary reason Christ came and died for us was so that we would rise up and worship His Father God and praise Him continually.  That’s the reason He created us in the first place, but how wrong we’ve got everything, isn’t it?  Rather than giving Him the most fruitful time we have, we give Him what remains of it and sometimes nothing for we’ve exhausted our time and have none left for Him!  We need to seriously examine how much time we spend with God and correct our practice if we don’t live to give praise and glory to Him.  For that is our reason to live and in doing that will we live.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 10, 2013.

Today's verse: Rom. 4:19, 20.And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV)

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

Some days back, while walking to the Prayer Room of our Parish, I saw a woman handing a paper with some prayer written on it to another woman and I heard her tell that woman, ‘say this prayer; it’s very powerful.’  I kept walking and thinking – what’s so powerful about what was written on that paper that that woman said, this is a powerful prayer; and I also thought, what if I read out what was written when I’m dead tired, not giving a shred of attention to what I was reading, does it still make it powerful?

Maybe you can answer and I know you know the answer well; and let me also say, although we know the answer well, we still take recourse to the same thing: blindly blurting out something written on a paper which someone says is powerful prayer without even pausing to think that it’s not skillful words that make a prayer powerful, but it’s your own heart in the words you utter that make your prayer ‘powerful’ and mind you, prayer can never be ‘powerful’ but ‘effective’ for mere words from humans aren’t able to appropriate from God His power in His choice blessings but rather your faith in the words you utter that move His heart. 

Abraham’s faith in God is a classic example of the depth and intensity of man’s faith in God.   Our Scripture today gives sufficient insight into the faith that Abraham had which is what moved God’s hand so powerfully in his life and I can envision how God’s heart was moved when Abraham spoke to Him, even when he sadly said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”  Imagine how God would’ve been touched by this prayer. My friend, it’s not some given words that moves God, rather it’s that deep inner voice of the soul, even without the use of the mouth, that reaches out to God, darting through the darkest clouds into the heavens that can lay bare the mighty arm of God for you.  Crave this and you will live.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 9, 2013.

Today's verse: Is. 2:22. Stop relying on man, in whose nostrils is a mere breath — after all, he doesn’t count for much, does he? (KJV)

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

Foolish is the man whose reliance is based on the world; on mortal men like him; for what can mere smoke, wafting in the wind give?  They’re but illusions for they offer not much and how much stupid is he who thinks he can lean on them, yea though he knows he is leaning on a pole made of paper!  That is our message today from God, Whose Word outlasts even the strongest substance on earth for didn’t He say, ‘Let there be…’ and it was.  He also said, ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away!’ 

Judge for yourself my friend, what we are to make of this for remember, your life will hinge on what your judgment is; not that we can ever judge what God has said, for who are we that we take God to task, we who’re not more than the mud under His feet, not worthy to even cast a side glance at Him, lest we be consumed by His fiery countenance.  But, we judge His Word as it is applicable in our lives and can do great things by the Power that’s set free with His Word.  And know that men may promise much but deliver nothing, just as the second son did in the parable of Jesus, who saying he will obey and go, never went!

It’s important that at every stage in our lives, we look up to Him and allow Him to chart out our path so that at every stage, we’re able to walk on solid ground.  For, He is our Sure Foundation, the Rock of our lives as in ages past so too today: ‘Rock of Ages’.   He will hold us firm, just as He did Peter when Peter was about to sink, doubting His command to come (walk on the water as He was doing).  Just lean on Him and He will guide you through, no matter what your situation for He can work in any situation and it’s never a bore or a hindrance to Him.  Unlike man, He is always available and whatever we need or desire, He is able to fulfill for He is God and all things are in His grasp and when He works no power on heaven or earth can do anything against you.  Then why would anyone trust in mere men, who’re but grass in the field – here today, gone tomorrow.   

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 8, 2013.

Today's verse: Matt. 19:26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (KJV)

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

I heard this marvelous story sometime back and it comes back to mind to reassure me that God is on my side:  A widow inherited property from her dead husband but though it was a beautiful house, within a few meters from the house, there was a huge hill and what could have been a fantastic view was otherwise marred by the hill.  This was deliberately given to her by her in-laws to vex her.  But this widow had nowhere to go and decided to stay in the house and with great belief in God, prayed daily that the hill be removed!  For a long time, nothing happened and whoever visited her made a remark on the blocked view and every time rather than feeling sad, she intensified her prayers to the One she knew would answer her prayer, even if it meant a little wait.

One day, about to get her lunch ready, she heard a rumble across the road and saw a number of machines and equipment rolling toward the hill.  Concerned they’d create much noise and spoil her rest, she hobbled across and inquired of the men with the equipment what they were up to.  To her amazement, she was told that they were from the roads department and in the process of building a new road across, hold-your-breath…, exactly the same location as the hill. Since the hill was an obstruction, they were there to blow it away.  There itself, before the men, this widow knelt down and thanked God with tears in her eyes for His great work and His love for her.  The surprised men inquired what she was doing and she told them everything.  What they said further shocked her beyond her imagination.  They said, when the road was being planned, it was nowhere across the hill, but one day, the governor came to the site to see the plan and noting the presence of the hill, asked that the road be constructed across it. They were rather bewildered when they heard this but the governor offered no explanation and it meant they had to do as he said.

My friend, look at the simple faith of the widow and the marvel of our God Who heard her prayer and answered it incredulously, as only He can.  To you and me, this is a sign to reassure our faith in Him, wherein He also tells us that He is about to answer our prayer and rest assured, no matter what you need or desire, He will answer it if you have asked; for He loves to answer prayer, particularly that prayer which seeks to glorify His Name.  And He can grant any prayer for there is nothing impossible to Him.  Just Believe.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 4, 2013.

Today's verse: Matt. 6:34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV)

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

There're times when the fire in the belly is never out, for there's never a full morsel.  The head of the family strives hard but can never make ends meet and there's always the dearth of something or other.  There're times when, if you are in this situation, one may take one's head in one's hands and quietly wonder where the next meal will come from, with worry creasing your forehead.

What I'm saying is not something I have imagined in my mind, but something which I see people involved with, day in and day out and it may surprise you that among these people are some who you may never have thought would have that problem because they seemed so much prosperous!   Now if one's in such a situation, what's one to do?  How do you bring a little solace to your worrying mind particularly as this worry is not because one is fond of worrying but because there really is a situation that's worrisome.  But will worry bring any relief, will it provide a solution to the situation?  Worry seldom brings peace for it's meant to destroy peace, so how can it bring peace? 

That's why we have our Word today helping us with solace even in the most trying situations!  Jesus, God Himself asks us to not worry by taking no thought for the morrow and by the way, it's very different from the viewpoint of the world which always asks us to plan for this, plan for that so you can take care of your tomorrows, today; which in my experience is just a lot of nonsense for if a man has to fail, no matter how much planning he does, he will fail.  The better thing to do is to trust Him who is the BOSS of our tomorrows and surrender all our situations to Him.  He will take care and make our tomorrows memorable.

Thoughts for another day

Jan. 1, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 5:17. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (KJV)

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

When I went to church in the morning for the New Year service, I could see many people joyful and wishing each other ‘happy new year’ and hugging each other and the like.  I thought, looking at what’s happening in the world, what’s there to be happy about or what kind of happiness will I get in my life by the empty wishes of people known to me for how many people when they say happy new year even mean it; of course I’m not suggesting that while wishing you they mean the opposite for that wouldn’t be their intent nor am I being a pessimist, it’s just that the world has plunged into such emptiness even we are sucked into this emptiness, so much so, that we’ve lost our real selves.

The thing I gleaned from last year was the uncertainly of things and the craziness people display in various facets of life.  The end of the world is an incident that sparked much debate and elicited great interest and what was funny was there were a few people who prepared themselves for the physical effects of a tearing earth which was according to the proponents of the end of the world theory but no one prepared to meet the Lord.  No one even bothered to right himself before the Lord, not because someone had predicted the end of the world for no one knows when it will be, but because day in and day out we must prepare to be ready to meet our God for the hour of the Lord comes suddenly. 

I thought of Scripture and the solace it offers in our dark world and our above Scripture gives us the assurance that no matter what uncertainty we face, no matter what the difficulty, no matter what happens, we must pray unceasingly and thank Him.  Many things might go wrong; many stumbling blocks may cut across our paths, but give God the glory and praise Him always for that is His will in Christ concerning us for when we do it, He will take the reins of our lives and lead us on, come high weather or bright sun.  He will bring us to the Promised Land of our refuge where He will be our God and we will be His children and as for this world and its troubles, He will remove every trouble and make us soar so that we intensify our praying and glorying in Him.  Truly, a blessed and Spirit Filled New Year in His Name.