Thoughts for another day

Feb. 28, 2013.

Today's verse: Zec. 9:16. And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. (KJV)

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

Among the many restoration promises of God in His Word, where the He Himself promises to save His people, this is one of the most beautiful and lovely Promises etched in His eternal Word to bring great strength to the hearts of His people for though they have sinned, they can rest assured that in their repenting He, the LORD their God, will be back with them and they shall be as the stones in a crown, lifted up as a symbol upon His land.

Since the time God created man, His finest creation, man has been an unstoppable assailant on the precious heart of God, offending His holy goodness all the time in manners new and many.  Because of His awesome and tremendous love, God has never forsaken man nor thought of destroying him totally.  Rather, He has done the best for man by giving His only begotten Son as expiation for his sins in full payment to the demands of justice rightly heaped on him; cancelling the wages of sin he had to accept.  Jesus Christ, though God, became man, shedding all His glory, and came on this earth only and only to achieve redemption for man; which He did on the Cross at Calvary and by rising from the dead, He defeated the evil forces which demanded that the souls of men be handed to them.  In this Jesus gave freedom to man from the slavery of sin and set us on course to heaven.

Yet, we continue to sin and even today, trample upon God’s goodness not concerned about His fierce anger.  But as usual God relents for when He sees the spotless blood of His Son, there is only one thing He can do: FORGIVE.  But even better, when we repent and turn to Him, He lifts us up as precious stones in His hand to place us as adornments upon His Creation; for that is what He has made us and that is something no one can take from us.  Isn’t it but right that we reflect now, on the high position God has made us for and be at peace with Him, after reconciliation?

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 27, 2013.

Today's verse: Is. 25:9. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” (NIV – copyright ack.)

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Desperate times call for desperate measures and the wise man in those desperate moments will only look to one who’s able to knock of the ‘desperate’ from his time.  Men can help but at times they aren’t able to remove the ‘desperate and so we turn to One who can do that – GOD.   In life at times, we’re up against really tough situations; some we bring upon ourselves and some are thrust upon us for no fault of ours.  But whatever be the case, they can really wring the juice out of us and give us much pain.

If you ask me, the best thing to do in such a situation is to turn your face up to the Lord.  David did that even as he prayed, ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes.  My help comes from the LORD Who made heaven and earth’ Ps. 121:1,2.  If looking up to the Lord was good enough for David, who is known as the greatest king of his time, then it should be good enough for us too.  It’s possible despite our faith, we haven’t heard from Him for a long time, nor have we felt His Presence in our lives, so much so that there’re times out of weariness, we may not even want to acknowledge His being; but that doesn’t mean He isn’t, for remember, He was even before the creation of the world and each time you look into the sky and see the sun, the stars, etc. you must know that it is His imprint on His creation. 

Armed with such reassurance of His being and knowing today of His love in which He sent His only begotten Son to die a miserable death for us, we must rush to Him when our heart is filled with pain.  Yea, even then we may not feel comforted, but take heart, He is around.  In your life you must have at some point in time or other just closed your eyes to oblivion, perhaps in some sickness or bodily pain, ready to accept whatever, so too do that now putting all your trust in Him and you will be delivered.  It is His job to deliver all who trust Him, doesn’t the Bible in many places say, ‘Those who trust in Him shall never be shamed.’  In time He will raise you; rest assured and also know, God is always true to His Word; and just look at our Scripture today:  We trusted in Him and He saved us…what more encouragement do we need.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 26, 2013.

Today's verse: Acts 15:39a. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: (KJV)

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

In our churches and other gatherings where we worship God, have retreats, or do something that is of God, we always exhort members of the church to, not have disagreements or fights or other things that could rock the boat of peace of the church.  Then we notice that hypocrisy takes hold and the church member who has a problem with another will not air his grievance to him but to others; but before him, he will behave as if nothing has happened.  And this simmers and simmers and one day it all bursts and everything goes hay-wire and entire church is left wondering what happened.  There’s the other route where one of them being a mature person may not bring things to a head, but then again, it becomes like a festering wound, destined to destroy.

I call to mind our Scripture today; initially it disturbed me to think that two of the most respected and zealous preachers of the Word were at loggerheads, so much so that they separated!  And if you look at Paul’s reason, it’s even worse because he didn’t want to take along John Mark who in their early journey had left them before they completed it.  What do you think?  Isn’t it a bit difficult to digest for a Christian?  But look at what happened; God brought about so much good from both men.  What Paul did with Silas we know and we may not know the extent of Barnabas’ work, but I’m sure he also fortified the Church of Christ in the Asian regions.

This brings us to a vital element in our relationships in Church.  I’m sure neither Paul nor Barnabas had any hatred for the other, just a minor difference of opinion.  And even if they had any serious challenges, I believe they forgot about them and continued working for the glory of God.  This leads us to what our position should be in our churches or gatherings.  We may not like somebody, but if that person is working for God, we must whole-heartedly support him.  Besides, if someone insults me without thinking, I believe I must forgive; for a while I may harbor anger toward that person, but then pray for him and also pray that God gives the Grace to forgive him.  It’s important we swallow our pride and look to what we can do to bring glory to God and that settles all issues and is pleasing before Him, Who created us all.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 25, 2013.

Today's verse: Jeremiah 15:6a. Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: (KJV)

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

When we introspect and seek an answer to how our relationship with God is, we’re struck with the realization of how we treat God each day; each moment; as if He is of no consequence; as if He is there only to listen to our prayers and grant us what we wish.  Having this skewed opinion, most of us forget in the ‘routine’ of life that we’re of God and we’re to worship Him and glorify His Name for that’s why we were created and that’s why we’re on this earth.  Rather we tend to see Him, as someone said, an ATM and when He fails to give, we’re sad and disappointed in Him!  In this event we even blame Him for our troubles and trials, ignoring the fact that, any and every tribulation is given to us by the evil one, never by God.

Never mind the so many gifts the Lord bestows on us or the protection He provides, unseen and even without our being aware, day in and day out, we yet tend to ignore God particularly when we, in our stubbornness sin wantonly against Him.  I for one, even when His Holy Spirit prompts me, don’t cease from my sinful ways, but go on sinning.  Many of us sin without even knowing that He is offended and hurt by our sins for every sin we commit, is an affront to His Holiness and is like striking His face as did the soldiers to Christ, before His crucifixion. 

In quiet moments when God affords us the occasion to be with Him in prayer and meditation, I believe it would be right to reflect on our attitudes toward Him and repent sincerely so that His face will shone on us in all His glory and we never have to hear Him say the Word of our Scripture today.  

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 22, 2013.

Today's verse: Philippians 2:4. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (NIV – Copyright ack.)

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

A few days ago, at a busy section of the road in Mumbai where I live, I stood in a corner watching the traffic move by.  At one side of the road stood an elderly man desiring to cross it, waiting for the elusive thinning of the traffic.  He was visibly scared and seemed daunted by the simple task of just crossing the road because each time he stepped out to cross, the vehicle which was a few paces away, revved up to get past before he could cross.   I thought to myself – amazing… these guys, the drivers, how crass they are.  None would stop to allow the man to cross, each wanting to move past him first!  This may not happen in other advanced countries because there they wait for a person to cross or there’re request signals but in those places but, there are other areas where people indulge in their interests first and then to that of others’

What has the world come to?  Look around and see: people everywhere are going about with their own interests at heart, which no doubt is good, but what about others?  Where’s the spirit in us which says, let me also take the other with me even as I seek my own good.  Taking Paul’s advice in our Scripture today is such a good thing, even though in today’s world with its warped values, it may seem out of sync.  But, were it practiced, the world would be a much better place; rather, today, if you look at the interests of others, they may look at you suspiciously wondering whether there’s an ulterior motive!

As Christians, we must look at our Scripture carefully and also put it into practice for it’s not a choice to be looking at the welfare of our fellow beings but a mandate from the Lord, Whose life if we see, we’ll notice that He lived for others and died for the world.  We therefore ask for that special Grace from our God to always live to be of help to others and think of our fellow sojourners as we move ahead.  God’s light will then always shine upon us.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 21, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 27:14. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (KJV)

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

Rare is the saint of God who hasn’t been in turbulent water while following the LORD and Master, Jesus Christ.   Just why the Lord tests His people, particularly because, being Omniscient, He knows everything about them and therefore, He doesn’t need to test to know whether they’ll be faithful to Him.  But then, is the test for Him to know about us or is it for something else?

In probably the pinnacle of testing in the Bible, when God tests Job, He already knew the outcome but satan didn’t.  For satan to know, God imposed the test on Jacob.  Looking at this, one is inclined to say then that God is unfair.  But is He?  The Bible says in Job 1:1, ‘There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and he was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.’  Now the question, if Job was perfect and upright, how can it be found that he was so?  It can be done only by testing him and in that test, not only satan learnt this, but Job also learnt something about himself, which he never would had he not been tested.  You see, it’s only under severe testing that the character of a man is both, determined and shaped.  And when we say we have faith in God, how can it be verified unless that faith is tested.  Remember, the more severe the test, the greater is the extent of faith and also the blessing.  God gives us the test so we may know our mettle.

But what to do when one is under a severe trial?  Our Scripture today has the clue: ‘Wait on the LORD.’  My friend, no matter what the test is, if you have faith, you’ll wait on the Lord.  Believe me, it’s difficult and there may be times when your faith looks like shreds of paper and you want to give up, but fret not for God is able to deliver.  He will work when you trust Him and have laid yourself on the line in trusting Him.  Believe that He will do it for you and eventually, the whole trial will be just an occasion for you to testify of His goodness; and strengthen those who are also being tried.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 20, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 26:8. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.  (KJV)

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

Having pondered on the beauty of the Lord, I move on to His dwelling place or as it is also called the tenting place of His glory.  Oh, how beautiful are the portals of the place where the Glory of the Lord chooses to establish its tent.  How stately the mansion where the throne of God is and by the way, Jesus has told us that He goes to prepare a place for us in His mansion; isn’t that wonderful?  How lovely will the smell of His fragrance be, that will occupy the atmosphere of His dwelling?  How brilliant the visuals that will meet the eye, titillating it beyond that which is unimaginable?

When I think of this, I can see how the most wonderful, the most brilliant or the most precious things on earth pale into insignificance before the Lord and His dwelling place and the nature of His surroundings.  I remember clearly Paul saying in 1 Cor. 2:9, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ and my soul delights in this promise for I now know what it means to be called His child and to reside in the most brilliant place in eternal life, what I can never visualize over here. 

Then I think of Him who has made this possible, despite our sinning and offending His lovely glory.  How, He came to this dirty earth to take a lowly position and live among mortals with their limitations and dirt; and then die for them who weren’t worthy of Him.  Yet He considered not our unworthiness; rather He considered the love with which He created us.  He considered the plan He had envisaged for us before He created us: which is to have us with Him, to commune and enjoy with Him.  Therefore he set His face like flint and going to the Cross, wrought salvation for us and saved us from the ignominy of hell, an ignominy we had brought upon ourselves.  To such a God be all glory across all ages, all worlds, all creatures and all wisdom.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 19, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 34:8. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  (KJV)

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

Sometimes in the thick of prayer, I ponder upon the goodness of God; His beauty and His splendor and the tremendous power He has, which are all visible as characteristics imprinted in creation.  I look upon the tenderness of His beautiful hands and I know the immense love with which He created everything, particularly us, human beings, fashioning us from the mud of the earth and investing His breath in us to make us ‘living and effective.’

As I think upon His beauty, I go back into my mind and grab pictures from various stations in the walk of my life and I try to find a commonality.  But I quickly realise that even the best picture that I can think of, which has given me so much emotional charge and which always makes my heart feel warm within, is nothing compared to the beauty of the Lord for see, when you look up and observe the deep blue sky, then, the wide expanse of nature spread across the land with flora and fauna that are so distinct yet possessing a life of their own, you can’t help but ask Him, ‘Oh, Lord, You who have created such a marvelous feast for the eyes in nature, how much more would I be able to feast upon Your beauty, O Master of creation!’

Just trying to imagine His beauty gives me such a lift in my spirit and so much confidence both in Him and myself for can I ever forget that I am His child and if He is so beautiful, am I far behind in beauty considering that I am His son and in some way, because He formed me in His image, at least to some extent I must be beautiful.  Then I realise my worth…priceless; for He made me such.  All this I can infer when I taste the essence of the LORD.  I realise, He is good and then it also dawns on me that I can trust Him, for even if the mountains fall and the hills turn to dust, His love will yet stand as a refuge into which I can rush.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 18, 2013.

Today's verse: Heb. 12:28, 29. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.  (KJV)

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

Ever wonder what a consuming fire is?  It’s one which has the ability to, in the blink of an eye, turn something into ash, completely destroying and leaving no signs of what was.  Our God we know is a Consuming Fire and our God destroys.  He is able to destroy everything that comes against His plan and against His people.  Moses saw God as a Consuming Fire, brilliant and glorious yet, God proved that He has the Power to either consume or save.  That’s why, though the burning bush burnt, it was not destroyed for God had His Sovereign Authority over it and it made Moses wonder and move closer to have a look.

That God is a Consuming Fire, is known to us and this nature of God is because He is Holy.  His holiness gives rise to His magnificent, awesome and glorious power of being able to Consume.  His glorious cloak consumes and destroys those who are anti-Him and rebel against Him.   This should inspire awe in us for, in the Word of God we also see how Uzzah was consumed in a flash when he attempted to steady the Ark of God, 2 Sam. 6:7.  While we may say that Uzzah only did that which He thought to be right else, maybe the Ark would have fallen, yet in God’s sight, it was a sign of disobedience as only the Levites could touch or carry it but no one else  could even look into it as discovered the men of Beth-shemesh to their deaths as in 1 Sam. 6:19.

For us, this knowledge should suffice to know that when God is for us, who can be against us and when we are in the right with Him, no power on earth can do anything to us which is not allowed by Him.  He not only saves us but He keeps us too.  Besides, when we see God as a Consuming Fire, we must also understand that He can consume and destroy all our weaknesses by which we sin and help us to live lives pleasing to Him.  Isn’t our God, good, they He be a Consuming Fire?  

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 15, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 86:6, 7. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.  (KJV)

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

When sorrow burdens the heart and there isn’t anyone left to look up to, there’s only that much a man can do and that is to look up toward heaven and cry out to the Lord.  Men of old in the Bible, chief of them I’d say, David, looked up to the Lord for there was none else to save them.  No one to turn to; no one to depend on for all had gone away and they were left alone to fend for themselves.  Life looked bleak and the sun, even if out there, seemed to have already set. 

But, heaviness of the heart need not dull the senses nor quench the spirit of man for there is yet One to turn to, One who has the final say in all things upon earth and heaven, Who is the Lord God Almighty, Whose Name is supreme and He reigns forever.  Jesus said, ‘Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest’ Mt. 11:28.  No matter how far gone we may be from Him, His Word still prevails.  His Word has stood the test of time and it will remain forever and He says, heaven and earth will pass away but My Word will not pass away.  Such is the force, the character, the immensity and eternity of His Word that no matter what – His Word stands; and it is not for a privileged few but for all men, sinners especially, for whom He reserves utmost love.

Therefore, we kneel before the Father of Lights and in the agony in our hearts, in the great despair within our souls, appeal to Him, crying out saying, ‘Give ear O LORD, unto my pray and attend to my supplications, for here is the day of my trouble; here is the moment of trial and now is the time I call upon You for I am convinced that You will answer me.  Show me the power of Your love today; for my being withers inside of me.  In Your greatness, release me from the cords the evil one has bound me in.  I know You will answer me LORD and so with my mouth I praise You O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob… and I shall testify to Your greatness, among the nations so that all glory will be Yours forever and ever.  AMEN.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 14, 2013.

Today's verse: Heb. 10:39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV)

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

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a friend who had traveled a long distance and come to town. In our discussions we talked a lot of things concerning ourselves.  When I was talking to him about myself and the trial the Lord has sent me, he noticed a tinge of loss of faith and even as we discussed further, he reminded me of the verse before that in our above Scripture which is, ‘Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, Heb. 10:38.’  This is a worrying Word and I immediately assured him that in my case there’s no question of drawing back from the faith I have in God for if faith in God is my only destination in life, then how can I withdraw from it.

Many of you my friends may be beset with problems that affect you in the physical realm leading to negativity in the spiritual and since like me you too have made the Lord Sovereign in your life, you would immediately think about blaming the distress on God…why Lord have you allowed this to happen to me; why are you allowing me to wallow in this wilderness when look, everyone else seems to be enjoying in the lush greenness you have provided. 

At these distressing times, we must remember that if we have something good in our lives, it is the precious faith that they who came before us have handed down to us in its pure form, which God has strengthened into a belief more solid than stone.  Faith is of God and cannot be treated lightly for if it is repulsed, then faith is cancelled and will lead to disaster.  But like many of the saints of God it’s right for us to say, ‘We’re not of them who draw back unto perdition but we belong to them who believe to the saving of the soul.’  That is appreciable and I can tell you, the minor rumblings and disturbances in our faith are overlooked by God for what he can see in us is the same pain He has seen in His saints of yore and then He looks into our hearts and finds our souls ready for any umbrage the devil might accuse us of for we deflect that accusation with the faith we have in Him and the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 13, 2013.

Today's verse: Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)

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

Today, many Christians around the world are observing what’s called, ‘Ash Wednesday’ which marks the beginning of the solemn observation of Lent, a period of forty days preceding Good Friday - on which day is commemorated the Crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It’s indeed good that the Church gives us this period of observation, in a way, to purge our inner dirt over these days by pondering upon the kind of lives we lead and repent for the things we’ve done which puts us against the Lord and diminishes His Grace unto us.

Therefore, in this respect, our Scripture today is like important advice Jesus gives us, just as He gave His apostles in the garden of Gethsemane.  Watching and praying has to be a constant activity for any Christian because the enemy of souls is always ready to pounce at an unknown hour and wreck havoc in our spiritual lives.  The only way we can withstand and overcome him is by being on the watch and praying.

Prayer is so important that in the Christian life I believe, there can be no activity that can take the numero uno position apart from prayer.  There’re so many souls out there that need to see the light of the Savior and it’s our prayer which will grant them the light of the Gospel of Christ.  In our own lives as we struggle with sin and other corrosive activities we indulge in, it’s our prayer which will keep our boats firm on the sea, no matter what the intensity of the storm.  Pray today my friend and every day that the Lord of life will be with you and lead you unto shores eternal in time.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 12, 2013.

Today's verse: Jn. 4:41. And many more believed because of his own word; (KJV)

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

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of conducting a Bible quiz in one sector of my Parish.  This is an annual feature and quite a few people are interested in participating in this quiz.  The effort is made to conduct the quiz, as the Bible Cell believes that through the quiz and other activities, apart from the regular Bible classes will encourage people to read the Bible and the quiz would also encourage many to go for the Bible classes, seeing the riches that are there in the Word.

But like every year, I am rather shocked and disappointed at the total lack of knowledge of the Word in the people.  It shames me to hear them say they’re conversant with the Bible, but have never read it from one end to the other.  I wonder, how long it will take the people to realise that the Word of God is very important in life.  How long before they start reading their Bibles which are carefully kept in show-cases or cupboards; how long? As Christians we must endeavor to know our God and know Him thoroughly for we’re to be spending our life in eternity with Him and it beats me to understand, how can I conceive to spend life with Him, Whom I don’t know and who is the Owner of the Kingdom I’m going to be spending eternal life in.

See my friend, knowledge of God isn’t a choice we may make, but a necessity.  If we call ourselves Christian and want to remain Christian, then we must know His Word for then we will believe, not because someone told us about Him, but because we heard His Word and His Word was so strong that belief emerged in our hearts, just it did in the Samaritans, as referred to our Scripture today. And this much we must know that belief emerging from His Word is real belief and will open the doors of heaven for us in time to come.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 11, 2013.

Today's verse: Jonah 2:8. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)

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The LORD God alone is God and there’s no other God besides Him.  The world churns a plethora of gods which demand from them, obeisance and worship.  The world also declares them as their gods, which care for them and sustain them and will answer every prayer and their saying is so tantalizing so as to sway even the people of God into believing them and run after these worthless gods which if, their idols lie fallen, don’t have the strength to pick themselves up, until a human hand doth lift them and put them in their places. 

Many are the outward shows of these gods and the rituals the world has enveloped them in.  Some rituals are so awesome and awe inspiring, as to chill the marrow in your bones and make you think they’re truly gods and so to our own doom we follow them, taking them as gods and worship them with the worship that is due to our God.  Funny thing is that even after you worship all these pseudo gods, you’re never told not to worship other gods.  And this is simply because they aren’t genuine and therefore these ‘idols’ can have no say in anything and the perpetrators of these idols who worship creations of stone, mud, metal, etc. which descend straight from their imaginations, do not have anything against anyone if they bow and bend before even trees, mountains and monkeys.

Only our God is genuine and the Only God of the universe.  He alone therefore is offended when we share our worship with others because you see being the Only God, He cannot tolerate the honor due to Him because of His creation and sustenance of the universe, given to others.  Therefore His anger is upon everyone who has learnt He is the God of the universe and yet follow other gods.  Gone from them is the Grace they would get and their steps take them toward eternal destruction.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 8, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 2:4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (KJV)

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

Strange as it may seem, we find this Scripture in the Bible and I’m speaking with particular reference to the latter part where Paul says that his, is to please God, not men.  Why is it important and given to us as a reflection today; it’s because of the unashamed misuse of the Ministry God gives us by His Own Authority, a Ministry intended to bring Him glory.  I also recall what Paul tells the Corinthians in his first letter to them, where he points out the divisions that their meetings cause to their church.

Now let’s look at our own situation in our churches.  I’ve noticed that men with money are found favored by the shepherds that’re meant to be pasturing the sheep.  I’ve seen the blatant partiality the rich get when they approach the parish office.  The pastor/priest is ready to bend backwards to accommodate them, even on trivial issues.  I remember once a priest was committed to go to bless a person’s new home in the slum area; subsequently, a rich person invited him to bless his workshop.  The priest sent a message to the poor person expressing his inability to come because of a sudden development and then attended the rich man’s opening ceremony.  Who did he please God or man?  Andy why did he do that?  Because, I suppose, he would’ve benefitted monetarily and also that the priest felt the rich man would keep supporting the church in the future!

So crass and brazen are the acts of the clergy that today it’s no longer shocking or surprising; simply because it is, shall I say, not unexpected.  And it’s so different from the approach Paul and his ilk had, when they were in the field.  Never did they see the office of the person they ministered to but all were treated equally and impartially.  I sincerely wish to see the same spirit operating in our people leading the flock and that includes you and me so that once again the people see the leaders of the flock and remember through them the Chief Shepherd, Whose qualities they emulate.  Is this too much to ask of us who’re supposed to be followers of Christ?

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 7, 2013.

Today's verse: Eccl. 11:5. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. (KJV)

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

I see the little girl in all her finery in the bungalow, dressed and ready to cut her birthday cake, a huge chunk of cream and chocolate, created by deft hands; amidst friends and family and then she bawls loudly…coz her dad forgot to buy her the big teddy in the grand store; rather he bought her a toy car.  Then I see a little girl in the small home, next to the bungalow with a simple dress, standing in front of a platter of four plain cakes, placed together to look as one big one.  No candle nor any glitter; no people, just her dad, mum and brother.  She looks so happy and as soon as they sing the song, she picks up the cakes and gives it to them and then and eats hers quietly. 

Then again I see the men in the restaurant reveling, drinking their liquor, gorging on scrumptious food, the aroma of which wafts across the street to the beggar sitting with his staff ready to have his meal placed on the ground; a piece of stale bread, a few green chilies and some  onion.  The aroma has no effect and he looks up at the sky to thank the Almighty for the food he managed to get.  I too look up, a silent thought in my mind: You made them all and in the womb there was no difference to the way you made them, but now see…what a difference; WHY?  Some are bloated with gorged up food, some are emaciated with, as it were, just mud on bones.  Oh what a difference, the same human being, but so much difference.  How do I understand Your work O Lord…is there a rationale, really it skips me if there is.

The story of Lazarus and the rich man shakes my mind.  Lazarus could’ve done with the crumbs that fell from the table of the rich man says Jesus, but he didn’t get any.  Why?  Perhaps the answer lies in the fall of Adam from Grace.  But Jesus has re-started the flow of Grace and we who’re Christian have access to it, yet, there’s so much inequality, so much bias, even in our churches.  Perhaps in that I get my answer, but I yet know that He is able to make all things well.  I know our kingdom is not this world, but the one which we’ll leave this earth for and in that I rejoice.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 6, 2013.

Today's verse: 2 Chron. 26:16. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, (KJV)

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

What we see in our Word today is the oft-repeated story of man in his behavior with God.  In the Bible, we see God cautioning His people against this, particularly when Moses makes his final address to the Israelites, ‘When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, Deut.6:10-12a.  

Why is man so short-sighted and so ungrateful?  Why does he forget the One who gave him birth and sustains him?  Why, why, why?  There isn’t any plain answer to this and I’m the least to answer for I too like many who forget the Lord and His provisioning, have turned against Him at times in my life; and what made it happen were the blessings He poured on me, which I told Him were nothing great for they’re also theirs who don’t believe in Him.  What ingratitude and what a destructive attitude before God, but yet He smiles.  In His mercy, He forgives and in His love, He carries me through. 

What Uzziah did, as in our Word today, is typical of man for when he’s prosperous and firm, he forgets the God who made him so and turns his face from Him.  Haughtiness and pride take hold of him and he refuses to acknowledge that it was God who put him on the path to success; rather he claims it to be his own strength that made it possible.  To be honest, I don’t understand why God tolerates this, but I can envision the tearful countenance of His Majesty and I’m driven to look at the picture of the father of the prodigal son, who, though is heartbroken, yet, strains His eyes onto the lonely road, waiting for his lost son to return.  And when he does, there’s much joy in the father…So it is with our heavenly Father; didn’t Jesus say as much?

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 5, 2013.

Today's verse: Matt 26:75. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (KJV)

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

Sometimes when I’ve fallen before Jesus having sinned against Him, I think, how is it that I sin?  Why is the urge in me to sin so strong?  Will I ever get over sinning and be able to lead a right life before God; the kind of life Jesus lead.  My entire being tells me no!  No?  I’m flummoxed because how can it be no?  How can I ever serve Jesus with the weight of sin over me?  Degenerate and sinful that I am, I can’t for the life of me conceive ever being free of sin; I wonder, is there any hope for me?

Then I look at the Bible and I see the great men of God who figure in it.  Today, I see Peter, a man who was most vocal, but at the same time, a sincere believer and follower of Jesus.  I see him as a complex human, who really, really wants to be with Jesus; to follow and serve Him and all the time he wishes Him well (!) so much so that when Jesus predicts His passion and death, he says, ‘God forbid.’   Then again, He was so sure of always being with Jesus, it didn’t deter him from promising that he will always be there even if everyone left Jesus!  But this very Peter, denies Him, not once, but thrice proving all his bravado of being with the Lord, completely hollow.

When I read this, hope rises in me.  Imagine, Peter: he walked, talked and lived with the Lord, seeing those mighty signs and wonders, but when it came to the crunch, he denied Him.  I ponder, Peter denied Him to save his life, but I deny Him for little things; small pleasures and it makes me feel terrible.  Yet, somewhere far away as far as my mind’s eye can see, I see Him standing on the waters with His arms open wide, inviting me, ‘Come’ and all I can do is forget my melancholic spirit and run to Him.  

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 4, 2013.

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)

Many times I say a certain thing as from the Lord and, it doesn’t come to pass.  My belief is so strong that it is from the Lord that I got the message, I feel unless I declare it as His Word, I cannot be in peace.  Even then what’s said by me doesn’t happen.  My family and friends don’t remind me of what I had said: that it didn’t happen; because they love and respect me and don’t want to hurt my feelings.  Now you as the reader of this reflection may have something as given by God like me and you hold it firm as well and declare it, yet it doesn’t happen and it can be quite frustrating isn’t it?  You wonder, is it God speaking or, is it my spirit which I’m construing as God’s voice?  Then again, you’re so sure it is of God for you know you can’t make it up besides, there’re signs that show it must of God also, like me, you’re probably spending time with God and hold that everything in the world is either permitted by God or an act of God.

Because of this there’s much inner turmoil as it happened with me a few years ago when I went to pray for a young pregnant woman who was in a coma and rather serious for no one knew what her ailment was.  I prayed and fasted for her and then was comforted by God that she would be healed.  But first came the news that her child in the womb died and then, she expired!!!  It was the biggest blow I received after being with the Lord for many years and even today I don’t know the reason why the Lord worked out what has happened.  I was much disturbed by this incident and I kept asking the Lord, why.  You see, when you aren’t connected and you ask why, you probably aren’t entitled to an answer, but when you are and it comes in your being that your prayer is answered and it doesn’t happen, it’s like having a candy in your hand which even as you take to eat, it vanishes! 

We’re too small before God to ask why, for can a pot ask the potter why?  And God’s glory is so awesome that, leave alone question Him, we cannot even stand before Him.  Now as to the question why; well you may never know, but suffice it for you to know that He is seized of the matter and that there’s something good going to come out of it; what good, we don’t know but faith in Him declares there’s something good coming out of it for sure.  Just trust Him and you’ll find out soon even as I hold my peace and seek His revelation in my life.