Thoughts for another day

Sept. 30, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:14. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  (KJV)

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In the Christian brothers and sisters we interact with, we clearly see two kinds: those who’re Spiritually solid and those who aren’t.  It means there’re those who’re conscious of the Holy Spirit of God and the others usually feign ‘spirituality’ which is a sham and doesn’t stand the test of time. 

Now the Holy Spirit, if we have recourse to Him, constantly speaks to us; maybe not in words, or even in gestures or advice but the birth of thoughts at the right moment, like let us say, I’m about to buy something but I want to check with God whether I should do that; now, because I’ve treasured God’s advice, suddenly a thought comes to check the credentials of the seller to be sure of my purchase. On doing it, I discover he’s a highly reputed seller and very honest.  I go ahead and buy and over time I gauge the importance of that product to me which probably I didn’t realise even when I decided to buy it.  So it is with the person who is conscious of God’s Spirit and tuned into His frequency to know what He has to say.  Sometimes, God’s Spirit may even tell us to do something which seems a little foolish to us but it’s better to trust God and go ahead.  For years nothing may come out of our action, but in God’s view our action is progressing toward its intended destination and will bear fruit in time.

As to our lives, God’s Spirit constantly advises us how to move forward; what to do at a particular juncture or an event or whatever and we must know that He speaks knowing the past, the present and the future.  I know if we’re willing to accept it, He will bring about the right atmosphere enabling us to do what He asks us to.  All this happens without a word, for God works silently; affirmatively; and its best to trust Him and do what He tells us, even if we don’t want to as it seems wrong to our understanding.  At these times, the man without the Spirit, will do what he thinks is best because he is unable to discern what God’s Spirit is telling him and eventually lands in a mess.  Not so, the man with the Spirit, who obeys even if every sense in him speaks to the contrary and eventually, he goes on to reap great rewards, for he obeyed God in an adverse climate.  God honors him for discerning the prompting of His Spirit and we know every obedience results in a great reward.  God is to be praised in His Spirit.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 27, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 16:11. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (KJV)

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Every day in the morning, I watch a Christian broadcasting channel and yesterday as I was watching, expecting the regular program to air, I noticed the programming had changed and a new program aired.   The new program was titled ‘ancient paths,’ having got the inspiration for the name from Jeremiah, Jer. 6:16, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’’  As I watched I learnt that God has set ways for His people to walk in.  Ways that move toward Him; ways that were given to them by the Law and the prophets – ref. Lk. 16:19,But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’

I found this pretty intriguing and even as I was reading Ps. 16, I again chanced upon the term, ‘path of life’ and it took me immediately to ‘the ancient paths.’  Here the Psalmist, David, is asking God to show him the path of life!  Perhaps an even clearer picture of walking with God, toward the destiny He created for him.  David says, as we move into the Presence of God, there’s fullness of joy, inexplicable yet real and wholesome.  David even experiences God’s counsel and instructions as he walks in God’s paths and he knows that he will rest secure in them. 

What a beautiful desire and what a beautiful picture to see God’s ancient paths isn’t it?  Today as Christians we too are given a clear picture of God’s path by Jesus Christ in the Gospels, particularly Mathew’s Sermon on the Mount.  Take a good look my friend at what Christ tells us to do, for in it we can behold our future destiny in God, moving toward Him, cajoled and counseled by Him even as we traverse toward restful water and green, green grass where being in communion with Him, we shall never fear even if we’re to walk in the valley of the shadow of death for there before us is He who said, ‘I AM with you always,’ with His crook and His staff; to thwart all danger our souls face.

 

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 26, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Tim. 4:4,5. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (RSV)

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The Word of God is a reference manual, so to say, to understand the way we should live for in it we find the answers of what to do and how to do things etc. All these of course, are in a spiritual sense and believe me the Bible is complete with all answers and never shies away from approaching even difficult issues.  Today, our Word tells us that whatever God created is good and it’s not to be rejected but received with thanksgiving and consecrated by the Word of God and prayer.

A clarification I’ve been most often asked is: can you eat food offered by idol worshippers to their idols and then distributed.  Now Paul has a detailed say on this in 1 Cor. 8 and we know from it that if by my eating, I disturb the conscience of a weak brother and bring him to destruction, then I shouldn’t eat it because he’s disturbed; else, as our Word directs, we receive it with thanksgiving and consecrate it to God and it becomes fit to eat.  Jesus even said, Mk. 7:18,19, “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.”) This must be ingrained in us who’re mature Christians, living in countries such as mine (India), where it’s highly probable these questions would arise.

On marriage (a few verses before our verse for today), forbidding it as to serve the Lord is no longer the way but we can marry because we know this truth from the Word of God.  Now, those who don’t wish to marry could remain like that but not indulge in anything that could be as a result of being in that state, says Paul in 1 Cor. 7:8 ff.  Even to the marrying of an unbeliever, Paul says, in the same chapter v 14 that the unbelieving husband is made holy by the believing wife and vice versa.  See, all rules for living are there in the Word and it’s essential we seek to know God’s Word for whatever difficulty we have and if we live as the Bible tells us to, we will LIVE.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 25, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Thess. 5:9, 10. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (KJV)

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Truly the meaning of salvation is lost upon us denizens of a sinful world, living in sin; in fact, I’ll say, seeped in sin for every moment our mind harbours near the shores of sin, looking to see in what way we can indulge in little pleasures ignoring the pain it causes God our Father in heaven, Who sent us His only Son, Jesus Christ, as an oblation through fierce condemnation and a miserable death, so that beholding and acting accordingly, we may escape the clutches of sin and live in a manner that is  congruent to the pleasant rules of God’s kingdom of which we are heirs in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yet, no matter the many times He picks us up, we’re ready to fall, offending His infinite goodness which He shows us, through which, He also asks us be close to Him, following His simple commands and be humble before Him.  And though the life He bids us to isn’t all that difficult to live, there’s this great desire, nay, an inner compulsion, a craving urge that makes us a slave to sin even though we know we’re freed from all slavery and also, John 8:36, Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!  But, our Word today says, God has not destined us to His wrath for our sins, but to get salvation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who died for us and opened the door to heaven which hitherto was closed because of the indiscretion of Adam, who sinned and fell.

So now, we know that God’s wrath isn’t to be on us but that God’s Grace is sent to us so we may be able to fight our urge to sin and enter into the portals of heaven victoriously.  No matter how we’re today and even if we’re under a burden of sin, God’s Grace never leaves us so long as we’re open to and attached to Him by our being with Him and doing His work.  Even if, I may say, we continuously sin and offend Him, we have Christ as our righteous Advocate who will plead with our Father on our behalf.  So turn now and implore Him, the Advocate, to help you stop sinning and then enjoy the fruit of His lovely blessings which He will shower over you in His pleasure.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 24, 2013.

Today's verse: Num. 11:23. And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. (KJV)

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I love it when I hear the Lord say such a thing like this and He has done it a few times in the Bible of which this is one.  The situation here is: the Israelites having come out of Egypt, received the bread of angels to eat: manna.  But soon like human creatures, they despised this food which was like a delicacy because they got it so easily without any labour, apart from collecting it from the ground.  They started craving for meat which they felt would be better for their taste buds.  They ignored the fact that they were no longer slaves but free people beating the very purpose of God’s salvation for them by bringing them out from the Iron furnace which was Egypt.

Rather than thank God for His marvelous work, including the giving of manna and the comfort He provided them even in the desert, they murmured against Him and Moses.  They wailed for meat and sorely vexed Moses with their request.  Moses goes and complains to the Lord and in their discussion, God tells Moses, 11:18-20, “Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, “If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days,  but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” ’ ” At this Moses was stunned and said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and You say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’” And Moses also pointed out the sheer impossibility of what God had just said!!!

But God, yea, He is God who knows nothing impossible and He posed our Scripture to him as a challenge.  And we know that God did give them meat to eat till it came out of their nostrils and ears.  My friend God isn’t One who doesn’t know His power, nor is He One who will not show it when the time comes.  We are happy people that our God Himself will come to our rescue when we are in time of need and no matter how impossible sounding it is or how difficult it may seem to be, He will give us what we need and what we have asked for.  My only thing is that we reverentially ask for what we seek and humbly accept it when He gives it to us.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 23, 2013.

Today's verse: Matt. 24:12. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  (KJV)

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Sometimes I wonder what a tragedy this world is; it was made with love and attention to detail and enshrined with Divine beauty; submerged in scintillating splendor.  Each little leaf and tiny branch, yearned to be picked and cuddled with love because it spoke of the tender hand of its Maker – God.  In its very growth it showed the flawless skill of the Master’s craftsmanship.  Every little bird and each big animal, trumpeted their skills in loads of Divine opulence, singing to their Maker – God.  Their life contained singing paeans to the hand of their Creator who had washed the canvas of the universe with paint of such magnificence; it was both awe-inspiring and a feast to the eyes. 

Then God made man and set him over all His creation.  He made him the principal creature to which every other creation had to be subject.  God wanted man to imprint the stamp of his authority on every shell and bark of creation and He also enabled him in this direction.  But man found another direction with the help of the devil and his diabolical coterie, who misled him to aspire to be like God, just as he had aspired to the heavenly throne in his pride and was thrown down, for though extremely powerful, he was just a creation!  Man also fell and forfeited the right to live as God’s sons until the Son of God came down and by His death and resurrection, once again made it possible for him to live as God’s child.  But satan’s jealousy has grown intensely so has his viciousness; and he is actively engaged in destroying God’s choice creation, man, by hook or by crook. 

What we see now is tremendous success in the dark world which is what our Scripture today talks of.  The conjugation of man and sin is so complete that love in him has grown cold.  He no longer bothers about his brethren but only of himself and has become a rather efficient tool of the devil in fomenting evil upon the earth; raking up death, disease and misery upon his own people.  And as for us, Christians, are we different?  We know the answer but we need to confess it and change so that we may become agents of God’s love in a world starved of love and compassion and in this, we have the Lover of souls with us and with Him, we cannot fail, no matter if the tempest of evil rails against us – it will not succeed. 

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 20, 2013.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! (NRSV – copy. ack.)

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A clear examination of our faith is required regularly, to ascertain whether we’re living in the Lord: for when we hold and live in proper faith, Jesus Christ lives in us.  I will touch upon basic faith which comes to us as we live our faith because we need to aspire and crave for that faith which will please the Lord to come and abide in us, as even the faith which Jesus knew in Zacchaeus which made Him say, Lk. 19:5b, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.’

So my friend what’s the color of our faith; and does it only stay upon our outer coats or is it deeply embedded within the nuclei of each cell of our bodies?  Is our faith comprised of the solidity of the Word of God, or does it vanish like the morning vapor as soon as the rays of the sun strike?  Is our faith the instrument of consolidation and strength of our lives by which we live or is it merely the sound of a few words ricocheting off our lips to probably satiate the mundane smugness of a lukewarm prayer group?

Test yourself my friend and determine where your faith is taking you to, or whether you even have it; by which the Lord can come, abide in you and declare, ‘you have believed, so you shall receive.’  And it’s not about receiving per se, rather, being able to fend off the darts of the evil one and live rich, fruitful lives pleasing to the Lord; which in eventuality will lead you onto the portals of the mansions on high, even as it creates an oasis of heaven on earth for you and your loved ones in the midst of turmoil and corruption, keeping you in good stead even as you see the pall of gloom everywhere.  And know just this much: FAITH prevails when even great enthusiasm dies.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 19, 2013.

Today's verse: Mt. 21:22. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (KJV)

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There’re a series of questions we need to ask ourselves about the way we pray: I begin with the most pertinent: Do I really pray; which means, am I into my prayer, spirit, mind and body or are my lips just forming the words and my mind has strayed?  I find myself doing this so often, it displeases me, but yet it happens again and again.  Then, when I pray, do I consider that the Lord God before Whom I sit and pray is a real God and everything I tell Him is heard by Him?  Then again, do I believe that I’m praying in accordance with His will and in response to His promises?

Further having taken my prayer past God’s will, reckoning He will give it to me, do I really believe He can do it for me; and here I’d like to bring forth what Jesus told His disciples just before He spoke today’s Scripture, in verse 21, ‘If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.’ Take note of the underlined and for a moment pause to think; why did Jesus speak of moving a mountain?  Was it just a way of speaking or a statement of fact?  I tell you, it was a statement of fact for remember, God doesn’t speak unnecessary Words neither does He do inane things.  We know this when He doesn’t give the Pharisees and Scribes any sign saying, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: Mt. 12:9. Think for a moment, wouldn’t it have been easy for Jesus to show them a sign? And consider, the very act of cursing the fig tree for not bearing fruit when it wasn’t the season for it…isn’t that a demonstration of power, even if one doesn’t know the precise reason for it? 

Finally, when I pray and all the above ingredients are there, does my heart rest content that He will answer in just a matter of time?  My friend, know that God has tremendous power in Him and loves you and me tremendously.  I tell Him, ‘Lord you are a God who knows no impossibility so You can give what I ask, for nothing short of a massive miracle can deliver what I ask; and then I know You love me for when I see the Cross, I see You looking down at me with eyes full of love; so how can I not get from Your hand what I’ve asked; for can God love and yet not give what You have promised?’  And I’m assured He will do it for me because if He doesn’t, then His Word is shallow and that can never be because He said, ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away but My Word will remain.’  And I rest content for I know He is my God, my Lover and my Giver.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 18, 2013.

Today's verse: Job 9:10. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. (KJV)

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I ask myself, do I really know God?  Yea, do I know Him…and the power of His might which He works in us and for us because He loves and has mercy on us.  I’m forced to answer, I don’t really know Him the way I should, for believe me, even at this level of relationship with Him, I don’t trust Him.  I don’t trust Him because I don’t know Him for had I known Him, then I would trust Him and for two specific reasons that’re important for any man to know, particularly those who follow His Son, Jesus Christ.

One, that He is powerful…yea, He can do all things; He can do things past finding out, for who knows what’s happening out there; in this vast universe, the earth is but a small and fragile unit and within the atmosphere of earth are we who’re frail and easily broken for what’s our staying power if we’re to fend for ourselves?  He performs wonders without number – remember, each morning we see is but by His amazing wonder because I know that at any time the rotation of the earth could change and night could well, move into night again or maybe, just maybe, night could remain night and day could remain, day forever, if the earth suddenly froze and stood stationery!  Think about it: it is He who controls every motion of the earth, every swish of the breeze and every flow of the water on earth.  There isn’t anything impossible to Him, not to the moving of huge planets or gigantic stars in the constellation; and His mighty Word speeds forth to accomplish that for which It is spoken to accomplish; thundering into the cosmos, casting asunder the asteroids or dark components that threaten earth and rejuvenating life here, making it safe for us.

Two, that He will do it for you and me.  See, having known He is powerful a doubt might creep in: will He do it for me. And I say yes particularly if you hold on to His promises in faith.  God speaks of the certainty of His promise in Jer. 31:35-37. Read it and you’ll know what He says about the ‘unshakeableness’ of His promise to keep you for He is the eternal God who loved us, even if we have sinned; and remember your Name is carved on the palm of His hand and that He loves you is evinced as soon as you look up at the Cross into His eyes looking at you.  So where’s the worry, and gone is the anxiety, dispatched into oblivion, for who can swipe the blessings of the child of God!

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 17, 2013.

Today's verse: Gen. 50:20. But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.  (KJV)

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Similar to the evil we see in our time today, was the evil at the time of Joseph, the son of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham.  His brothers hated him and they first thought of killing him, but then by the plan of God, they sold him to Midianite merchants as a slave.  They probably thought that was the last they’d seen of him, but wait; God had an incredible plan by which, they not only saw him again, but also had to pay obeisance to him for he was the great governor of Egypt, whose word was endorsed by the ruler of Egypt and all the populace were in awe of him for God was with him.

When the man, the governor was revealed, through a series of events to be none other than Joseph their brother, they were sore afraid and as soon as their father Jacob died, they were terror stricken that he would now have his revenge for what they had done to him.  But Joseph who sailed on God’s plank, understood that what had happened to him was not coincidence or the work of ‘fluke’ but simply the unfolding of the Omnipotent’s writing on the scroll of destiny.  Which is what He said to His brothers in our Word of today; and it truly was the truth that by the incredible plan that God had unfolded in his life, he was literally the savior of many people. 

Jesus Christ our Lord was also similarly destroyed by His enemies and they thought that they had got rid of Him and that would be that, yet, through the very act of vengeance that they wrought on Him, salvation became real in the lives of billions of people around the world across tens of generations of mankind.  Were Jesus not killed in a shameful and wicked way, would we have had salvation today?  So my friend, treat not the pain that comes your way as something God has ordained to punish you; rather take it as an unfolding of the Most High’s plan in your life by which He is bringing out the best for you as soon as you are out of the tunnel of tribulation and take heart and believe in Him and He will even see you through in this tunnel for remember you’re not just anybody, but His child and being a child of the Most High means a lot.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 16, 2013.

Today's verse: Mt. 16:23. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV)

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Anyone reading this Word will be a little startled at what Jesus tells Peter, who a few minutes earlier, had confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  Jesus had said it was revealed to Peter by His Father in heaven and then Jesus even made Peter the foundation on which He would build His church granting him even further authority saying, ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ 

It could easily confuse and rattle someone naïve in the ways of God, particularly if you’re thinking like Peter; and wondering, what wrong did Peter do?  You may ask yourself, why did Jesus have to be so harsh on Peter and call him satan?  After all, Peter had only expressed a ‘God forbid’ to that which Jesus had told would happen with Him.  And since Jesus for Peter was a Rabbi, a Teacher, a Friend and God, obviously Peter would not want any harm to befall Him isn’t it?  Don’t we also do the same with someone we love and respect?

To understand why Jesus says what He said, and we know that Jesus is always right, we must go into the unsaid and silent message that Jesus is giving: never try to frustrate the plans of God.  What God has ordained for anyone, it must happen.  The process has to be gone through because God has destined it and whatever God does, we must remember that God knows what He is doing and even if we don’t understand it and also means a lot of pain must be endured, we must, in faith, accept it for having trusted God we must realise that God meant it for our good and eventually, we will come out of it unscathed and victorious.  The essential thing is that we should never interfere with God’s work, no matter if it doesn’t sound sensible to us, but we must hand over the reins of our lives to Him and trust Him to do that which will, having purified us, make us shine like brilliant stars in God’s firmament.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 13, 2013.

Today's verse: Heb. 9:13, 14. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (KJV)

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Sometimes I wonder: Is there any way one can measure the extent of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us.  Is there any way to measure the love God has for us, which is why in the first place Jesus came to save us.  Will we ever be able to thank Him enough for having saved us from the wrath that was to have otherwise fallen upon us?  I know it’s impossible for us to get close to a even hair’s breadth in our understanding of God’s plan for us, His most pleasant creation.  You know in our own eyes too, we don’t find ourselves worthy and we’re not, to have God do such a wonderful work for us.  And it’s such a great work.

In the Old Testament period, atonement of sins was by shedding the blood of bulls and goats; and purification was by ritually sprinkling water in which the ashes of an heifer were mingled.  But it never was a sacrifice that annulled sin completely the way the Blood of the Precious Savior did.  The author’s (of this letter) question in our Scripture states: how much more potent is the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without spot to God.  Yea, Paul isn’t really asking a question but making a statement that defines the power of the Blood of the Son of God, blemishless as He was, and shed in obedience to the Father’s will; how much more power, nay, infinite power it has to cleanse our conscience from dead works and accord ourselves to God’s service.

On this day, when Jews around the world are set to observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we must remember how the Precious Lamb of God, shed His glory for us and died a shameful death taking our place on the cross; and seek atonement for our sins while rejoicing in the fact that we’re heirs to salvation, not by shedding blood of bulls and goats and what have you, but by accepting in faith, the shed blood of Christ, which was shed once and for all for the total remission of sins of the entire human race.  Look at the beauty and compassion of our God, who has done it for us, because He loved us.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 12, 2013.

Today's verse: Ex. 15:2. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. (KJV)

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Who’s the strength in your life?  Who’s your hiding place and who has gained salvation for you?  Will you stand up and say who he is and who has sustained you all your life?  As for me and for all that I am and all that’re mine, The Lord is my strength and today, He has put a beautiful song to His Name in my heart.  He is the reservoir of joy and fullness in my life and He also at the Cross, earned my salvation, because of His delectable mercy for me.  He stands by me even when He allows me to be subject to His fair judgment and though it may require me to undergo some pain, He is yet beside me to lift me up when the going gets too tough.

He is attuned to my every pain, my every sorrow when I in tears tell Him how much I suffer because of pain that comes my way.  Yet, He allows it because He knows that if it doesn’t, then, how can I wear the clean garments He made for me, with which I’m to attend the Lamb’s wedding feast.  The best is, I share all my joys and wonder times with Him and He loves it because I never fail to thank Him for the glorious spread He always has for me, even though it may be nothing compared to what is to come to me and is just around the bend.

So, I look at it all; I comprehend in my heart the wonder my God is and how precious to me is His Person; then I look at the stars in the sky as it were, to make Him out, Who has made them and strung them in the sky, to waft to His celestial music and I decide to make Him a habitation.  Shhh… I hear a voice ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.’  Ah, I decide, I will open the door and then we have supper, right here on earth.  This pleases me and I get up in solemn Grace; the praises flow, not because of the wonder He has spread for me here on earth, but because He made me a citizen of heaven, wiping every tear off my eyes and He clasped me and held me and led me up the celestial stairs into a mansion, glorious to the eye: I live.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 11, 2013.

Today's verse: Pro. 2:6. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (KJV)

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Wisdom: that attribute which enables a man to do what’s inconceivable and what’s perceived by others to be difficult.  When wisdom in a man talks, others pause and listen; when wisdom ratifies a man, then there’s nothing that can undo it and the man who possesses wisdom is rooted firmly to the ground and he becomes the model others wish to follow.  Haven’t we seen that when a man talks with wisdom, we really wish we could be like him.

Wisdom comes only from God.  Though all men are born alike in almost every physical and mental attribute, what differentiates the men who succeed and those who don’t, is simply wisdom.  In the Bible we have Solomon who was endowed with wisdom from God and his reign was the high point in Jewish history which was never again paralleled by anyone else.  Such a glorious period was it that at that time, even silver was made by him to be as stone cf. 1 Kgs. 10:27.  Such can be the power of wisdom.

Although men may choose money or gold or things that seem to be of value, wisdom is priceless.  Money, gold, etc. have their limited value, but there can never be a value attached to wisdom.  Now, as I said, it’s a gift that comes from God and out of His mouth flow knowledge and understanding and we know that both knowledge and understanding make the difference between the ordinary and the special.  So crave today for wisdom my friend for God gives it to all who ask; so that in asking for it, you may be pleasing to Him who knows that if you’re a man seeking wisdom, then surely you would keep yourself far from wrong and consequently sin and then be found walking in His path.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 10, 2013.

Today's verse: Rev. 2:23. And all the assemblies (churches) shall recognize and understand that I am He Who searches minds (the thoughts, feelings, and purposes) and the [inmost] hearts, and I will give to each of you [the reward for what you have done] as your work deserves. (Amplified Bible – copy. ack.)

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

God is the Omniscient One the Great and Mighty God of Israel, before whom nothing is hid.  To Him is open, every thought of ours even before it’s generated in our minds; look at this for instance, a thought from a man after God’s Own heart, Ps. 139:2 ‘Thou knows my down sitting and my rising, thou understands my thought afar off.’  Such is God’s sheer knowledge that I know right at this moment as you’re reading this, He is seeing that grasshopper merrily swinging its way atop the corn stalk in the plateau of a farm in Holland, or the injured eagle, battling cold and fatigue on a cold rocky crag of Mount Everest, India.

He is the Omnipresent God Who is there everywhere, every time.  Even thinking about it can make my head dizzy; and sometimes in silly childishness I ask, ‘My God, how can You know everything about everything and everywhere?’  This is too much for me to grasp, leave alone understand.  But you know, it gives me great delight because, of the stirrings of my littlest trouble, I know He is aware.  Ah, He has an account of every hair on my head and you know what, ‘He is seized of every matter of anguish I grapple with!’  There’re some in which He helps me out, but some He leaves me to struggle with so that I may become strong, not in the worldly and pompous way of show-off strength, but in His own way, a way similar to that shown by our bodies where they grapple with viruses and bacteria and become stronger - which we call ‘enhanced immunity.’  God’s way for men, is always victory; first the struggle and then the victory for how else would you know the sweetness of victory if you never knew how it is earned? 

A day will come when every church, everywhere shall know Jesus Christ as the Omniscient, the Omnipotent and Omnipresent God; and they will understand that He searches even the innermost, micro bits of energy that later evolve into a thought, something that no one else other than Him can do.  And on that day, he will open the book of each man’s work and efforts, and reward each one as his work seeks reward.  Be aware and be tuned to Jesus world. You will profit by it.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 9, 2013.

Today's verse: Ps. 68:34. Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. (KJV)

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

Proclaim the Majesty of God we must, that our God is glorified in all the earth.  I must tell you my brothers and sisters that living in India, I’ve seen the idol worshippers whipping up great frenzy in what they call the worship of their deity.  There’s so much ardor and boisterousness in their demeanor and much shouting and chanting; and I think to myself, ‘why do these people never tire of singing paeans of their deity; surging in their emotions with extra zeal and zest with each verse of their songs.  And we Christians, we do our soft motions; and it seems so weird to me as if we’re trying not to disturb our ‘sleeping’ God lest He get up and rebuke us!

Look around and you’ll notice that Christians are probably the only people rather shallow in their praise of the Almighty…the God of the universe.  All others have sumptuous themes of praise and acknowledgement of their gods.  It’s time we rise and ascribe to Him the glory He is worthy of.  Let us not forget Paul and Silas in the prison of Philippi, singing with their whole heart, praising Him at midnight; and well were they positioned to praise…in an atmosphere that stank because of the dung that flew by in the gutters just below.  And to make it easier, their feet were cast in stocks and their bodies tinged with pain because of the scourging they had received. But, their act of praise made the earth, quake, the doors to fly open and their bands to break, ending with the jailor accepting Jesus Christ as Savior.

Come on beloved of God: let Him be the fruit of every praise that comes from your mouth for truly the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, Who is the supreme commander of the universe, Who is also the God of Israel is adorned with unceasing glory and honor in the universe for His strength is in the clouds and also unto us men, who reach out to touch Him.  And He is pleased when we flash a light through our hearts, seeking Him despite the acute darkness in our lives, not bothered about the taunts of the enemy, but craving Him.  Then He will cast His eyes upon us and in His mercy will He hold us up and make us drink of the river of His pleasures, even to eternal bliss.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 6, 2013.

Today's verse: 2 Chron. 27:6. Thus Jotham continued to grow strong because he lived resolutely in the Presence of the LORD, his God (NAB  – copy. ack)

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

There is a rule in the natural realm: Everything that’s there faces decay, gradually.  Take for example humans, they’re born, they grow up and each moment they live their bodies decay.  Eventually they die and then the process of decay is that much faster.  What I’m saying is that we’re constantly becoming weaker and weaker.   Though when young, we may never sense that we’re becoming weak, because the very act of growth screens the decay aspect since it’s rather over-powering. 

Similarly, that which becomes strong starts becoming weak as the years go by and we see this even in great powers like the Greek, the Romans, and close to our times, the Imperial British and wither.  But our Scripture says that Jotham continued to grow strong because he was steadfastly in the Presence of God.  Therefore, if by His Grace which flows to us freely, we can be in God’s Presence all the time, then supernatural strength comes to us.

This strength is not only physical, but also touches various aspects of our lives like our finances, our children, our properties, etc.  No decay can touch any of our things so long as we’re in God’s Presence for out of His Presence flows His awesome Power which safeguards everything that’s ours, so nothing can touch it.  And another thing, if you’re in His Presence, even if you’ve some kind of problem with which you’re grappling, then the problem is no longer your problem but of the Almighty God in whose Presence you remain.  Today, try the Jotham way, get into His Presence and remain there.  There will be much good that will come your way.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 5, 2013.

Today's verse: Isaiah 7:9. If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all. (NRSV – copy. ack)

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

Faith is your ambassador before the Lord God; your representative at His hand to build goodwill for you because the Lord loves ‘faith’ and His ears are tuned to whatever faith says. You know, Abraham was put into the book of the righteous because He believed; in other words, he had faith.  Countless are the times in Scripture when men have uttered the word of faith in the Name of God and have been victorious.  See, I can hear David, 1 Sam. 17:26, ‘who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he (Goliath) should defy the armies of the living God?’  Can you hear the roar of faith in his statement which empowered him to slay Goliath with a sling and a stone!  It’s laughable how Goliath was slain: not by a man-mountain like him, but a boy; not a hardened warrior, but a shepherd, not with worthy weapons but a stone.  Oh how David and the Israelites must have laughed at this and then cried as they fell on their knees to thank the God of the Jacob who had wrought this.

Faith, only faith, is your guarantee to whatever you want the Lord to do for you.  Hear now the faith of blind Bartimaeus, Mk. 10:47, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ and then in v 52, we see: And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way. Your faith has healed you.’ And instantly the blind man could see!  Oh, the matter of faith is so exciting and invigorating and powerful; remember, God’s awesome power is released when you combine faith with your prayer.  It may be months or even years since you prayed for something and it hasn’t come to you, but keep on plowing in the rich field of belief, ignoring the moss that sneers at you by the wayside taunting and saying, ha, what have you gained by your prayer, nothing; and you will gain nothing.  Rather, keep looking at the hills from where your help comes for He is looking to see whether you believe or not, even as He tells His angels, ‘I know this poor fellow believes in Me.’

And then you will stand firm as He shakes His fist at your problem and pulverizes it into pieces and from them He carves out the blessing you so needed, with His awesome might.  He gives it to you on a platter coated with warmth and love saying, ‘Take this blessing for you believed even when I hid from you!’  And because you held on to your faith, He gives you even more rewards that kindles your heart, so you can go and broadcast the love God has for you and what He did for you.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 4, 2013.

Today's verse: Zech. 8:6. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the LORD of hosts? (NRSV – copy. ack)

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

The very words, ‘Thus says the Lord’ is enough to make us stand to attention to what the Lord is saying for it’s an authoritative saying and a saying that the LORD of hosts will bring to fruition at the time when He commends it to be.  For He is all power, splendor and grandeur and no Word of His can wither or be impotent and when His Word is uttered, all elements in the universe assemble to do His bidding…didn’t we see how each molecule of the water of the sea of Galilee, that raged up in audacious frolic, immediately settled in calm at the command of the Son of Man, ‘Be still!’

Here, after the exile of the Jews, the Lord says that even if it seems impossible for those remaining in Jerusalem that it should be peopled again with boys and girls playing in its streets and the joy and laughter heard again therein; it’s not impossible to Him, the Lord God of host, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for His hand reigns with power and might; unbelievable might and He can work out a solution even when every sense in human beings roars that there is none.  The might of the Lord will do it, is what the Lord is telling the people through Zechariah and He will do it.

Wait now; it’s your turn to trust the Lord to work on the impossible situation in your life.  The winds of destruction and desperation have blown the top of your head and you’re now weak in your life.  Your bones creak with anguish and your heart is shriveled with dismay.  But look up and see your God, the LORD of hosts, Yahweh Sabaoth is with you.  He has raised His hand and His power is picking you up right now.  Give glory to Him with a loud voice and shout for He is here to deliver you and He will not fail.  Glory to God in the highest. 

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 3, 2013.

Today's verse: Is. 49:23. and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. (KJV)

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

You may be having some problem causing a lot of discomfort and pain.  You’ve prayed to God yet there’s no sign of relief.  If anything, your problem is only increasing.  You don’t take man’s help for you know it is limited and costly.  You trust God and you know He alone can give you a solution, a holistic solution, at that.  How far are you willing to trust God?

Maybe you’re out of a job. Even when you had one, you could barely manage the house expenses.  Now the prices have soared through the roof.  You’re clinging to your little savings; but know for certain that soon it will be over and then, then you don’t know what to do.  Your family shames you, your relatives and neighbors scorn you.  You feel worthless and it grieves you.  You’re desperately trying to touch God; your hope is firmly engraved on Him.  One day goes into another yet, nothing happens.  You’re struggling yet you hang at the threshold of God’s door… expecting, yes, you know there’s something coming your way for you refuse to believe anything else.

Perhaps, you’re suffering from some dreadful disease and the diagnoses only crush your spirit.  Is there a way out, you ask.  Doctors assure saying ‘don’t worry’ but damn, when will you be out of the hospital bed for the whole day you stare at the ceiling, anxious, despondent, fearful and frustrated.  You pray; knowing God can help and you have desperately kept your faith in Him despite your body wasting by the hour. 

There’re many in similar crushing situations: Desperate, dejected and miserable.  It could be anything that has put them down and maybe you’re affected too and tears are in your eyes as you read this.  But if you’ve put your hope in the Sovereign LORD God, the One True Living God, then listen to what He says: You shall not be ashamed who waits on Me.  My friend, the sun may not rise, the earth may turn upside down, yet His Word prevails.  Just trust Him and you’ll see how He works so marvelously.  Then your trial, your problem will only be an instrument by which you’ll know God better and then testify to His goodness.

Thoughts for another day

Sept. 2, 2013.

Today's verse: Rev. 12:11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV)

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

As I was about to write this reflection, I suddenly cast my eyes on the previous verse, ‘for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night’ and I am led to write how strong the blood of the Lamb is, and even if we don’t have a testimony to the goodness of God, let me tell you, the blood of the Lamb is enough to create many testimonies in our lives.  

The work of the accuser is to unceasingly accuse us before God, as we see in the Book of Job, to our detriment, so His blessings are withheld from us.  Imagine the kind of lives we would lead if we were constantly accused before God and our blessings were withheld.   But thank God for the blood of the Lamb which when we cover ourselves with, is like a shield of purity before our God, our Judge. He then sees us just like His Son, Jesus Christ, pure as He is, for His blood covers all aspects of our sinful lives and jerks away the dirt transforming us into shining jewels in God’s firmament.  Then when the accuser accuses, where’s the basis for accusation, seeing that everything is washed clean.  There’s no way his accusation can hold!  Hence, there’s no condemnation and we’re a new creation birthed by water and the Spirit, unto God; His Own possession, His inheritance.

There’s power in the blood of Jesus Christ and I urge you my friend as soon as you read this to cover yourself with His blood, from the tip of your head to the bottom of your heel.  There’s no shield as mighty as His blood which He so lovingly shed for us on the Cross at Calvary.   Besides, He works so many things in our lives so we can testify.  Even simple things like: I was desperately searching for a folder on my computer and couldn’t find it.  As I went to sleep last night, He gave me a thought to check the recycle bin, something I’d never think of doing.  But when I did, lo and behold, I found the folder, praise God!!!  What a wonderful God we serve no?  It’s like He gives everything on a platter, we just have to take it.  This day, if there’s something in your life that you’ve asked for and still not received, take heart and persevere.  Use the blood of Jesus and tell the Lord how He helped you earlier and stand steadfast.  The accuser will have no grounds then to win for you stand justified and therefore, God will grant your petition.  Try it, even to proclaim the Gospel; you’ll conquer by the blood of the Lamb and your testimony.  Amen.