Thoughts for another day

Feb. 28, 2014.

Today's verse:  Amos 8:11. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:   (KJV)

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

In the days before their exile and the destruction of both the Northern Kingdom and Judah), God sent the Jews a number of prophets to warn them of their sinful ways.  Yet, it went onto deaf ears and they sinned with gay abandon.  They worshipped the idols of the people they had vanquished before they settled in Canaan and they even immolated their children to molech.  They were the people of promise: of the covenants God had made with their ancestors, with Abraham and Moses, but they didn’t revere their God who had shown them His might, in bringing them out of captivity from Egypt and settling them in the land flowing with milk and honey.

Little did they bother to keep God’s covenant and His laws.  They had His Temple in their midst so they thought they could do as they wished for of course, they were the people of promise and what could possibly happen to them.  They forgot that the God who had assured of them of safety and prosperity was the very One they were offending; and scorning every one of His messengers.  They really had scant respect for God and His statutes and the ways of life He had made known to them. 

Which is why God warns them through the prophet Amos of their erroneous ways, threatening them with the most grievous of all punishments, viz. a famine, not of food or drink, but of His Word.  Now imagine this: if there’s no Word of God among us, what’re we supposed to do.  I know you, and I too, live on God’s Word.  I’m strong because He says I’m strong and He tells me wonderful things in His Word.  It’s His instruction manual for me and if His Word were not there I’d be like a fish without water and die.  To even think of such a situation is calamitous.  But has much changed in the world today?  There’re millions and millions of people out there who behave every bit like the erroneous Jews of the time of Amos and the situation is even more terrible.  Our work is to warn them and if we can’t tell the people, we, having mended our ways, must atleast pray for them so God in His mercy may spare them His wrath that is surely upon the world.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 27, 2014.

Today's verse:  1 Cor. 12:20a. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not:   (KJV)

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

One of the biggest problems we Christians face is the blatant denial of the Jesus’ principle, “let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no.”  I’ve seen many times, people say yes to a thing and when their yes has to be tested, they come out as no.  There’re many people who wear masks of such goodness and pleasantness, it’s sickening.  Not only is it a big letdown, but because of our experiences with these people we also tend to distrust genuine people until it’s too late and the damage is done.

Often I’ve wondered why people behave this way… so gracious and pleasant and all sugary and nice before you, but when it comes for us to rely on their goodness their ‘niceness’ suddenly changes into ‘not so niceness’ but of course so nicely, that you just can’t understand their action.  A friend needed help from a lady (also a friend) for a job in Dubai.  Now, this lady’s husband is well settled there with his own spacious accommodation etc.  If this lady wanted to help she could easily have helped him.  But she, who’s all sugar-coated told him to approach another guy who had relied on someone else and take his help.  I found it simply appalling because the lady is as she claims, a true ‘believer’ and I can’t fathom for myself how you can believe in Christ and do such things!  When I spoke to a common friend about this incident, the person tells me that what the lady did was to say a polite ‘no’ so as to not sour the friendship.  But what’s the point of having such a believer as a friend? 

Paul’s expresses similar fear in our Word today; and it’s the fear of every Christian seeking to live a true life before God in trying to understand Christian brothers in the context of what they seem to be and what they really are.  Therefore I believe, it’s best to forgive such people and move on.  It’s good to be what we profess to be or what we would like to be seen as.  It gives much clarity to people we deal with as to what they can expect from us so their expectations aren’t shattered and they don’t look at us in situations they know we won’t help.  So it may also be appropriate to check within ourselves and see what we are and correct our actions if we don’t measure up.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 26, 2014.

Today's verse:  Is. 57:15. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  (KJV)

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

If we’re the kind of Christians that see beyond the veneer of people and can read between the lines, then we see the agony of many people etched in places you can’t see; and I see misery even among many, many Christian people.  It’s simply because we don’t know who we’re in Christ.  For that matter, have you ever been asked by a priest or pastor or even a lay preacher who you are in Christ?  I bet not for many of these people, I dare say, don’t themselves know who they are in Christ and therefore the church of God stands stunted and powerless. 

I take myself back to the time of David as a young shepherd boy, sent by Jesse his father to the valley of Elah where the Israelites were lined up against the Philistines.  When goliath emerged, they ran away in fear; and for David it would’ve been rather amusing to see the people of covenant run away from an un-covenanted person (cf. 1 Sam. 17).  In fact David asks, v 26, ‘who’s this uncircumcised philistine who dare defy the armies of the Living God!’ See how David recognized the covenant over the Israelites and calls them ‘armies of the Living God!’  He lifts them off the mire of the ordinary and puts them as God’s people; which each one of them had to do, but nobody did, except David.  That’s the problem with us Christians who’re so crushed, dejected and powerless.  And in many cases we’re just unwilling to wait for God’s mighty hand to work in our lives, but go back to worldly solutions…and I might say, it’s simply because our faith is too shallow to hold on.

But fear not, for today God says that ‘He, the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, He the Holy God Who dwells in the high and holy place and with us, the humble and contrite of spirit, will revive our spirits.  Yea, God Himself is here with us to heal our hearts and minds and make us strong.  He is there to revitalize us and bring us into a position of strength to win, both for our spiritual selves and our physical and material selves.  Believe what He says and now on, it’ll be a different you.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 26, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jn. 17:20, 21a. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  (KJV)

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

Oneness in Christianity is non-negotiable.  Though many we’re one in Christ Jesus and through Christ, in Whom we’re born again, we share a common DNA the Holy Spirit gives us in our new birth.  There’s neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you’re all one in Christ Jesus, says Paul (Gal. 3:28) and it’s possible only because of the shed blood of Jesus in whose participation we share in the mystery of the God-head in that we are one all in Christ, though many.

We look back at the prayer Jesus made with such passion to His Father in heaven asking for the entire community of believers to be one as He and His Father are one.  Jesus prays not only for the apostles with Him at that time, but also looking at us across the centuries, He prays for us who have come to believe in Him through the Word that went out through the mouths of the apostles and then through those who believed in the Gospel of salvation, down to our generation. 

If Jesus wants us to be one, how is the church so fragmented and in so much disarray over petty matters and other things of faith.  It’s because we’ve never been able to understand the heart of the Lord and His yearning for oneness of His followers.  I hate it when a preacher stands on the pulpit and denounces a particularly body of Christians because their beliefs and practices differ from his.  Is he doing anything to build up the body of Christ?  Rather, is he not destroying it, to which he will have to answer the Lord?  My friend, we need to avoid all things that propagate the separation of one Christian brother from the other and pray that no matter what our differences, we’ll all come and bow before Him as one.  What a joyous thing that will be.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 24, 2014.

Today's verse:  2 Cor. 2:14, 15a. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, (KJV)

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

Being a Christian puts you and I into an elite group of people who’re triumphant; and triumphant against all odds.  It is God who helps us triumph over difficulties that come our way because of our sinful nature which we must face and conquer.  God works silently within our being; He twirls the sleeping cells in us, causing us to rise.  You may never know but God kindles our sleeping spirits to revive and work to our upliftment and David experiencing it, says so sweetly, ‘He restores my soul’ Ps. 23:3.   

Then God does an amazing thing; He makes us a flavor of the knowledge of Him to those around us.  We become a heady perfume, a sweet odour and captivating essence.  Yes, to you who believe in the Living God, is given the gift of Him as a perfume Who must be made known in every chamber of the earth’s vaults.  What a wonder to learn we’re the very sight of God for a lost and tired world, if we live as true believers following the Lord our God in honesty and sincere intent of heart. 

People may have never seen Christ, or even perceived Him in their minds, but they see us and say, ‘ah, there goes a servant of the Living God!’  For we’re privileged by God Himself to be His perfume to everyone who’s being saved, to give them the comfort and luxury of salvation.  To tell them they’re free, even they who suffer behind prison bars.  To assure them help in the state they’re in – particularly the blind, the lame, the weak, the disease ravaged and those on the brink of death and oblivion.  And I consider this most important; to be a firm help to them that’re sinking even they who’re so bowed down that standing upright seems impossible.  Yes, we are God’s most delightful fragrance to the least so that in all, Christ will be seen as the beautiful and merciful God who had pity for the poor and dwelt among them giving them the undefeated message of salvation.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 21, 2014.

Today's verse:  2 Thess. 3:3. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (KJV)

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

In our walk with Christ, it’s important we maintain a faithful relationship else our walk falter and suddenly we realise we aren’t with Him.  In these end times it's even more important we’re with Him because He could come at any time and at that time it shouldn’t be that we’re caught on the wrong track, having steered away. 

The truth of eternal life is abundantly clear and every individual, if he gives a few minutes of silence to listen to his soul, will realise deep within that the body he has is but a shell which houses the soul for a while and the undying soul, when it leaves the body has to move somewhere else – either heaven, to be with God or hell, to rot with the devil forever.  Every walk of ours on earth has to be a process of moving towards our heavenly calling and all our actions must be commensurate to this process and God has given us Grace to keep abreast with the heavenly calling for God knows that the evil one will always lure us with his basket of lies and allurements.

But God is faithful.  He was faithful with when He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die, to redeem and justify us and He is faithful even today when we turn from our evil ways, gazing into His eyes, to sustain the momentum of our walk with Him.  He will establish us in the solid way and be with us to ensure we don’t stray from the path.  Once we’re committed to Him, He will be committed to us and His protection will become a mantle of surety by which we’re protected from the lies of the devil and able to keep off his hook; thus the Lord will help us shun evil to eventually come and rejoice with Him in His Kingdom.  Commit yourself to Him today; He is waiting to accept you.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 20, 2014.

Today's verse:  Col. 2:6, 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (KJV)

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

In the last few reflections, I’ve been stressing on the knowledge we must have in our identity in Christ; the knowledge which opens to us the doors of God’s blessings, particularly in our relationship with Him, and the ability to lead pure, tranquil lives in His Presence.   See, if we’re to lead victorious lives in this world then after we’ve received Christ Jesus in us, we must walk in Him.  It pre-supposes that we’re walking with Him and goes a step further, in that, He is in us and He is guiding our walk leading us on, so that we can like David truly say, ‘even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I shall not fear for You are there…with Your crook and Your staff…they comfort me.

It’s very important to not lose focus from Christ.  The entire army of the evil one is engaged in the destruction of the Christian, yes, I mean it and anyone who comes to Christ leaving behind his old self will be tormented by the devil, because his fury is launched the moment a soul hands over control to God.  That soul has to face the brunt of his ire and only God’s Grace can be an effective weapon against all the darts he can throw.  God’s Grace is freely available to everyone who confesses Jesus Christ as the Master of his soul and is obtained by walking in Christ. 

Our walk in Him must be established in faith in Him and must also be rooted and built upon Him.  And every aspect of Christ must form the heartbeat of our hearts so that every ounce of blood in us is inundated with the protective power of His blood and His Grace.   Then we will see the awesomeness of Christ’s Presence in us, even as obstacles are scattered and every argument against us is destroyed.  We are filled with joy as we are filled with His Holy Spirit and then we can go to the world and declare that our God is God…of the universe and the King of kings and Lord of lords.  None will be able to refute that nor will anyone be able to put us down.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 19, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jer. 5:31. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (KJV)

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

Today the world and all its charms have gripped the imagination of Christians all over.  There’s a chase for luxuries and comforts the world has to offer.  So rampant and fashionable is the chase that many Christians actually forget the whole purpose of their being on earth, which is as Paul says, Eph. 1:12 ‘That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.’

And so infused is this madness in us that today in churches and other places where preachers are, the preaching is on amassing prosperity and all things that spell wealth.  I must clarify that I believe the child of God must live an abundant life and wealth and other things like luxury cars, homes, etc. are also for us Christians and we may aspire them, but not to the point that we get obsessed with them.  I don’t in any way suggest we should live staid lives or like paupers, but just that we must live to do God’s work and in the process, whatever we get from Him is our reward.  Therefore to all them who preach I ask what about the good commandment to each person to preach the God’s Word?  What about the instruction to share our blessings with others?  What about the good decree to love God first and then neighbor?  Believe me, in this I’m not judging anybody for it’s not my business to judge but I echo what I see in today’s Christian circles which overflow with talk of prosperity and blessings sans corresponding work which our Blessed Savior has asked us to do.

But coming back to the pulpits and the preaching of many, it seems to me, our only concern in life is to amass wealth and then more and even more and of course give to them who’re preaching these things.  Sadly, the people love to hear these kinds of messages and if someone preaches on ‘repent for the kingdom of God is near’  and ‘hell is real’ well, they’re upset and many church leaders avoid such topics so as not to shoo their parishioners away.  Sad, for I say, what will the person who has never heard of repentance do when the last hour comes?  Think about it.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 18, 2014.

Today's verse:  Rom. 12:2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)

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

If we’re to live a life in accordance with the will of God and pleasing to Him, we can’t, for with the nature we have in us, it’s just not possible to please Him, as our nature is sin.  When we were born again, we came to God with our whole baggage of sin, dirt, impossibilities and a lot of worries and anxieties.  On that day we were changed and translated into God’s Kingdom.  Our dead spirits were quickened by the new life infused in us by the Holy Spirit. 

But our old selves remained in us, this old self is the crucified ‘old man’ as Paul says, Rom. 6:6, ‘our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.’  Though we’re dead to sin, we’re yet subject to its power however, not enslaved to it because we’re children of light.  Even so, the flesh being weak sometimes succumbs to sin and causes much despair.  Hence we need to be renewed in the mind, for the battlefield is the mind. 

We need put on the new man, created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness, coming from the truth of knowing who we are in Christ (ref. Eph. 4:23, 24).  As God’s children we’re perfect in Christ and have the responsibility of living lives, holy and pleasing to God.  Temptations galore may come, but God’s Grace is within us to help resist the evil one until he flees from us.  By renewing the mind as commanded by Scripture, we hold on to the things of God and die to the things of the world so that God is our all in all and we, just His vessels here, till gathered into His Kingdom.  We may not understand the process of renewal in our minds, but we have to trust that God is causing the renewal and in time He will transform us from one step of glory to another until we get to the place where we can see Him face to face.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 17, 2014.

Today's verse:  Rom. 5:16. The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. (NIV – copyright acknowledged)

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

Following Adam’s sin all men who were his seed, died.  It was a sad time for mankind because Adam caused the downfall and death for everyone who was born through him, as the consequence of his sin was death, for God clearly told him that on the day he would eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he would surely die.  He did and he died and so did all that followed of his seed.  This was the spiritual death which was to affect the soul in its eternal state.

But thanks be to God that He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ as the sacrifice – a blemishless Lamb as it were, Who was to take away the sin of man.  Christ fulfilled God’s plan, prepared even before time began; and every sinner who looks at Christ’s benign face can hear the whisper of God say, ‘let US (the holy Trinity) then for man, be a sacrifice to wipe away his sin, be a sinless Lamb in the stead of man to stand in the breach and thus do away with the gulf between US and him to bring him back to US. So We decree You (Jesus Christ) the Word, to take the role of Savior.  To this, the sinner can again hear the whisper of the Son of Man, ‘Thy will be done My Father!’

So all those who died by the sin of one man now received the Grace of God – freely and without limit to be reconciled to God – The Grace of the one Man Jesus Christ, overflowing to many so that all men might see the salvation of God.  Blessed is our God forever who worked out such a great salvation in His Son Jesus Christ, by which we’re free and without stain, not merely washed but adopted as His child, so we can even dare to say, ‘I am holy’ and inherit the Kingdom of God which is our appointed place forever.  He did this by portioning a faith into all who chose to believe in Him, so we may not boast of our own merits but receive it in simple belief. He did it not because we’re good, but because He is good and by His goodness, we receive Him in our lives and we live.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 14, 2014.

Today's verse:  John 13:34, 35. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV)

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

Love it was that made us, by which I mean, God loved us even before the earth was formed and the wonderful universe came to be.  God loves us so incredibly that He didn’t spare His only begotten Son but let Him go and die for us.  Ah, so we can now truly say, God proved His love for us and Jesus came even when we were seeped in sin knowing not the mess we were in.  We weren’t worthy to be saved yet, He came and saved us.  He says He did it for love and He means it for there was no other reason for Jesus to come and die miserably weren’t it for the fact that the Father loved us so much and He would have it no other way even when He saw Jesus struggling, asking the cup be taken away in the Garden of Gethsemane.

When we stand in love we stand in the wholeness of God for love is essentially God’s and can never ever have any evil in it.  If there’s any kind of love which doesn’t adhere to the tenets like forgiving, selflessness, sacrifice, giving, etc. then it’s no love for love exists for the other and so God showed us a path on which we need to walk when we say we love.

Because love is important, God commands us to love each other as He loved us.  It will be difficult for how can you love someone who’s constantly against you waiting to entrap you and thinking all evil toward you.  Yet we’re to love.  I don’t say I love this way for only God can love this way but we’re to try and perhaps, we may someday have genuine love like Him. And even when we desire in our hearts to love, we put a smile on His face and He will lead us on to be like Him, for whom there’s nothing like hatred and who bears no malice to anyone.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 13, 2014.

Today's verse:  Gal. 3:29. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)

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

Many times I wonder if we Christians who believe in Christ, really know what our inheritance in Him is.  I recall God saying, ‘My people die for lack of knowledge’ Hosea 4:6 and I see so many Christians wither away by the road in utter despair, poverty, sickness, defeat and frustration,  and yet here’s our Word saying, ‘If we be Christ’s then we’re Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise made to him by God (Gen. 17:19) because Abraham obeyed God, keeping His requirements, commands, decrees and laws (Gen. 26:5).

As we have accepted Christ, His Spirit dwells in us and we’re led by His Spirit, by which also we’re called children of God (see Rom. 8:1 – 17) and if we’re children, then we’re heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, Rom. 8:17.  If we’re heirs then we’re entitled to all of God’s promises beginning with the ability to be pure and right before Him, seeing that we who’re unrighteous by ourselves are now enveloped with the righteousness of Christ and acceptable to God.  Every promise in the Word of God, made to God’s people are applicable to us because we’re now, not just redeemed sinners, but His Own children…yes, we belong to God’s family in and through Jesus Christ.

Now then if God is our Father, is it not pertinent for us to have a share in everything that belongs to Him?  Riches, wealth, good health, a clean conscience are all ours by His decree in His Word.  Every power is ours to invoke and get, for it is available to us.  This is the knowledge God wants us to have and He is pleased to give everything to us, if we but believe, even the power to do as Jesus did for example, calm the sea!  I will say this that there will be a time when someone from God and of God, will stand before this world and slam it and work great wonders so men who don’t have Christ in them will shudder and cringe before him and ask Him, who is your God and He will say, Jesus Christ the Son of God, is my God and He it is Who sustains me.  What a glorious day that will be when hearing this, they will decide to follow Christ and give glory only to Him.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 12, 2014.

Today's verse: Isaiah 60:1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (KJV)

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

This Word of God is for all of us on the face of the earth…we, who’ve seen great tribulation in life, hiding in the ghettos of darkness to avoid the blade of suffering; emerging from the forces that pummeled us; escaping, even if by the skin of our teeth and in pieces.  Hoping to live a good life, a life of victory, a victory that ‘Someone’ else alone can give – just like the Jews experienced in that terrible time of their exile, waiting for rescue and restoration; which God gave them.  This ‘Someone’ is God who will rejuvenate our spirit and lift us up in triumph.

Today in our Word, we have God’s confirmation and directive asking that those who’ve gone through much in life must now arise, for the dark tunnel of their distress is over.  God will give them the victory and all they need to do is accept it.  God never relies on anyone, least of which are we men, to help Him give victory, for none can even conceive the victory that He alone can give.  For tell me who but God alone could give us salvation from our sins and life eternal?  Had God not done it for us, we would languish in suffering in the eternal infernos of hell.

Though we anger the Lord to the limits of tolerance, God yet looks at us with mercy.  Truly, there’s always another chance with God and being a sinner supreme I know this for I’ve sensed His hand of love on me even if I sinned and reviled Him.  Take not my word on it but ask any sinner who has experienced the redemption of God; there’ll be that bubbling joy in that sinner because God has accepted Him in the Beloved.  God does not leave us at that alone, He does even more: He covers us with His glory, so we can shine among the children of men and the heavenly host.  He raises us up and keeps us close to Him.  I’ll always hold on to Him, no matter I sin for I know His light will always shine on me, no matter what.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 11, 2014.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 10:4, 5. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (KJV)

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

A fine lesson for every Christian desiring to follow Jesus with all his heart is to be reliant completely on the Holy Spirit so as to walk the narrow road.  Peter said, ‘your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion waiting to devour’ 1 Pet. 5:8, and it’s so true.  When I hear preachers and teachers say, things like, he is a roaring lion but lacks teeth or attach some weakness to the devil I feel like laughing; of course they say it with good intent because Jesus has won the victory; but be warned, he has no weakness only his subtlety makes us think he is weak.  Behind that subtlety he’s gnashing his teeth and employing all power at his disposal, which indeed is tremendous, to destroy you.

The devil mind you, is ferocious and tenacious at the same time, he’ll not ever, ever tolerate your allegiance to the Lord and he uses lies to defeat you and bring your purposes to ruin.  But you need to trudge on praying to the Holy Spirit to give you His awesome power to counter whatever the devil throws at us.  Paul who knew this well always relied on the Holy Spirit, Whom God grants us freely and abundantly to ward off the dangers that, that scum, the evil one may hurl at us. 

The weapons available to us, granted by the Holy Spirit are simply great and can break strongholds and powerful bastions.  They can demolish all arguments that men, used by the devil, hurl at us with wisdom like that which Christ displayed when accosted by the Pharisees and other detractors of His day.  So too we can fight with the devil superiorly with the weapons God gives us even to the destroying of arguments that go against God and the knowledge we have of Him.  Every untruth can be demolished when we take all evil thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.  When we don’t know how to react in a particular situation, the Holy Spirit gives us the mind of Christ which clears the cobwebs of our minds and gives us discernment.  My friend, be not afraid of what the devil has in store for you, but be aware of what God has already given you and look up to the Holy Spirit…victory will be yours in Christ.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 10, 2014.

Today's verse: Acts. 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)

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

At a recent teaching session, I dealt with the subject of salvation and made it pretty clear that there’s salvation through no one else but Jesus Christ.  On this, a woman asked me the most oft asked question of Christian teachers and preachers ‘Are then those who either don’t know Christ or don’t accept Him, going to be eternally damned?’  Now, the people in the session were a rather critical lot and I know that at the least provocation they opt out of these sessions or report to some Priest they may know from my Church. 

Now, many people are prone to disregard the teaching of the Word of God, rather sticking to vague and inane worldly attitudes, sneering and laughing off the revelation that only in Christ is salvation found.  And people try to put you down, particularly the intelligentsia querying, ‘are you then saying that all the others are damned?’ the same question I faced.  What could my answer be?  I’d be done either way, for, if I said yes to the question of the lady, then the reaction would be rather harsh and if I said no, then someone else would say, ‘you’re negating  God’s Word!’   The Holy Spirit came to my rescue, even as my mind was furiously groping for an answer, leading me to the Word we have today. I made her read it and read it loudly saying, this will clear your doubt. 

That my friend, is the answer to anyone who poses this question, particularly atheists or non-Christians and we must have the guts to stand up as Christians and give them this Scripture for its God’s answer to their question.  It’s the truth and it still stands no matter if you or I have some dear friends among non-believers.  From the ascension of the Lord till today, the answer is the same and it will always be for only Christ died for us men so we wouldn’t suffer eternal death.   Believers in Christ are hence commanded by God, to preach the Gospel even to the uttermost parts of the earth.  God is indeed patient and He wants all men come to know Christ (cf 2 Pet. 3:9) and that’s why Jesus’ second coming hasn’t happened yet.  But it will, soon, and then the world will realise what we told them was true but then it will be too late and the consequences will be terrible. Our mandate is to give the world starved of salvation, the pure Word of God, ‘Salvation is only in Jesus Christ!’

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 7, 2014.

Today's verse: Rev. 3:20.  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. (KJV)

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

I’ve seen this Scripture in many places apart from the Bible.  I’ve seen it on doors of Christian homes; on little and big light panels that glow from inside to reveal a picture of Jesus standing and knocking at the door; on paintings and what have you; oh, I’ve seen this Scripture in many places.  Each time I see it, I check whether the door of my heart has been open to Jesus and He is dining with me and there’re times when I realise I have shunted Him out for I pained Him in my thoughts or words or actions and closed the door on Him.

Sometimes the Lord in His mercy and love rebukes and disciplines us.  He causes us to lose ground and fall.  In that fall, we must realise that it’s because of His love that the discomfiting thing has happened so that we realise what we were up to and return.  Returning is important and I can say this much, as seen in my life, that each time I fall, there’s a returning point with the Lord and with each return He accepts and loves me even more, unlike me who after a few times am sick of the person who offends me and close the door on him.

God today is standing at the door of our lives.  He seeks, nay, yearns to come in because He is drawn to us and why should He not, for we’re His bride, He is also our lover and He desires to spend time with us in courtship and passion.  He is knocking, ever so gently, beckoning that He is there to come in.  Eternity will determine where we are by our response.  Truly happy are they who open the door and allow Him to come in; He will hold us gently and take our face in His hands and love us even more and then He will provide the greatest supper we ever had.  Try it today and you’ll know what it means to have the Lord as the Master of your life.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 6, 2014.

Today's verse: Acts. 16:30.  Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (KJV)

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

In Philippi, Paul and Silas were unfairly imprisoned and at midnight as they praised and prayed to God, there was an earthquake and the foundations of the prison shook; and all the bonds of the prisoners were loosened.  The gentile jailor, thinking they would escape, set to kill himself as in any case the Roman magistrate would have ordered his killing.  But Paul yelled and told him that no one had escaped and so, he fell down before them and asked the question in our Word today.  Paul simply asked him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and he and his family would be saved.

Today even more than ever, there’re so many signs of the return of the Lord.  Every day, I come to know something which strengthens my belief that the day of the Lord is very near and it’s going to be terrible for those who don’t know Jesus and believe in Him.  So what’re we to do to be saved?  Paul’s answer is relevant even today: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and in Him alone. 

Salvation comes from God not because we’re worthy but because Jesus Christ is.  Salvation comes, not because, after we believe we’re supposed to do good works but just that we believe; Jesus has done it all for us and that’s all we need.   Later we realise that our belief in Jesus also sets us to do things for our fellow humans. Other religions advocate a set of rules and norms to do, but it’s not necessary.  Even limited human wisdom will suggest that once the soul is scarred, there’s nothing it can do to wash itself clean as the scars will remain no matter how clean it may be.  By the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who was perfect and holy, and His shed blood, we can be washed clean…completely clean.  If there’s a sin and if there’s the application of Jesus’ blood, the sin vanishes with no trace whatsoever and all this can be appropriated with the faith that Jesus alone is the Savior and He alone has the power to save.  It is imperative my friend at this point when Jesus’ coming is so close that we give this message to the masses, even if they’re agnostic, so that atleast some may come to the saving Grace of God’s mercy and join us in our eternal home.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 5, 2014.

Today's verse: Micah 7:7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. (KJV)

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

The immensity of our God and knowing Him is etched well on my heart therefore there’s no worry or sickness or trial or tribulation that has come or will ever come that can seize the nerves of my heart and create panic, because I know the God I serve and it is He Who loves me. 

Day by day as the minutes unfold, the anxiety of the world, and know that it has tremendous anxiety, tug at the edges of my mind and attempt to engulf me in their frivolous and inane web. But then I look unto the LORD God who is my refuge and my shield, the God I love, the strength of the marrow in my bones; and He has a Word of comfort – I AM always with you.  When I think of this, my mind moves to the little boat on the Sea of Galilee, caught in the midst of buffeting winds and marauding waves.  I can feel the panic and the trepidation among those who walked with Christ and then I see my Lord sleeping in the stern on a cushion, calm and serene and they couldn’t understand how He could sleep like that.  They woke Him up in their desperation and then He showed His might, even as He was fully man, as He looked at the situation and said, ‘Quiet, Be still.’ And they stilled!  They were filled with awe and a particular dread…who is this Man they queried, who has the power to even still the mighty sea?  At their incredulous looks, my mind smiles, secure in the knowledge of Him who is the Alpha and Omega and El Shaddai.

For all my needs I wait upon Him.  I believe in every promise He has made and I know that every promise He makes is the one which He keeps and He never changes.  If He has said it, He will do it.  He only requires us to trust Him and keep that trust going.  He may not answer me at times, but I know it doesn’t mean He won’t answer, but that He is testing me.  So be it, for I know that after the test and as I’ve cleared it, His blessings will flow in awesome measure.  He therefore is my God of salvation, even to the salvation of my soul.  I am sure he is the same to you too.  O praise Him all earth and heaven for He is worthy of our praise.

Thoughts for another day 

Feb. 4, 2014.

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:12.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV)

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

God has freely given us a number of things which we’re in the process of receiving as they come to us.  Now a number of Christians are incapable of knowing what’s in store for them and so they’re unable to receive them because, many of the gifts that nurture us in our lives and build us up for Ministry are things which are received in the belief and knowledge of their being sent to us by God.  Of course, many things in the natural are also received freely by us like air to breathe, water, intelligence, human instinct, etc. 

The things set aside for God’s own people are like the ability to avoid sin, knowledge of what could happen in the next few days which the Lord gives so we can be prepared for the fallout thereof, Grace to bear the trials of life, etc.  Hence, it’s essential we’re aware that God has given us His Spirit, so we’ll be able to discern the things that’re freely available to us.  You see, God has not let us be orphans on this earth and Jesus mentioned this to His apostles, Jn. 14:18, ‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you’ and He is there in His Spirit with us and we must endeavor to know this.

God never meant us to live like the world does with its evil spirit, but He always wanted us to be with Him and live in His sphere of influence.  With His Spirit, we’re able to do that and then no matter what happens, we’ll never be defeated because His Spirit is powerful to pull us out of all trouble and distress.  There will be palpable joy in our lives if we live according to the leading of His Spirit and that’s the effect of following Christ for even if trouble piles on us, we know we have a God who has conquered the world and we move on as if nothing happened, putting the darts of the evil one to no effect.  Give to God all glory that He makes us understand this through His Holy Spirit.

Thoughts for another day

Feb. 1, 2014.

Today's verse: Ps. 73:26.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. (KJV)

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

No matter where I’ll be the next moment, no the matter the problem I face, my being has only one refrain…God is the strength of my heart; my portion forever.  That’s the truth of my life and the lives of many of my Christian friends and other Christians around the world for we know that Yahweh Shammah is always there.   He is for us, a Refuge; a strong Tower into which we run and are safe.

How sweet are the Words of our Scripture today to a soul fed on the body and blood of the Savior, expecting nothing else but, a room in the Father’s mansion to live in eternally; to gaze at His countenance day and night in awesome awe and reverence having been given the ability to worship at His throne as His Holy Spirit gave the utterance ‘Abba Father’ signifying that you and I are His child, heir of His throne…yeah, throne for what else will the child of a King inherit, but His Father’s throne. 

In living this life, I know there’re perils galore, for the enemy of souls, doesn’t look with joy at those whose hearts are tuned to heaven and he sends barbs, both painful and intense, for in his lies he somehow feels I’ll be unhappy with God and leave Him.  But, He doesn’t realise the fortitude of God’s chosen ones who’re His from even before the foundation of the world.  Between sobs and tears in my heart I look up to the heavens and see His face just like Stephen did when they stoned him to death, and I see God’s glory and the Precious Son of Man at his right hand and I know that though my heart fail, and my flesh collapse, I’ll yet sing a song for I know that God is the strength of my heart and my all forever.  Who or what can be against me then?