Thoughts for another day

Mar. 31, 2014.

Today's verse:  Ps. 118:14. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. (KJV)

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

Journeying through this life can indeed be tiring and confusing at some times and having lived for fifty years in this world, I can say, there’re situations when you really want to hang your head and call it a day.  The pressures press so hard that the infliction of pain becomes unbearable and there’s no solace anywhere.  But like David, I always look up to the sky for thence will come my help.  I look up to my God who though in heaven, isn’t too far that, I cry out and He cannot hear.  He isn’t so unseen that I cannot feel Him and in each day’s moments there’re those times when I stoop to worship Him and I find solace.

I remember all the great things He has done in my life.  There were times I was so weary and I recall Him giving me strength…then again I must confess I hadn’t recognized this strength having come from Him.  When I in sorrow, I remember His soothing aura over me for I realise He had covered me under the span of His wings and assured me of joy in the long run.  I’ve lost so much in life yet, He reminds me of the gain in the future which will be so much that it will be impossible for me to keep track of, on account of its sheer size; and this because He is there.  The end, He tells me will be so great and that’s what matters…for we know that what happens at the end is what matters more in life than what happened in its course.

Truly my heart leaps when I say, My God, my LORD, my friend is my strength and my song.  You see there’s a song in my heart despite experiencing jadedness and a wearing out.  I can’t explain the origin of the light-heartedness when I know I should be having a heavy heart.  But I know one thing and that He my God, is at my side; He lifts me up when I’m down, He motivates me when despair hits and He presses me to move when the trouble weighs down like rocks upon me.  And He releases me from my agony and I can truly say He is my salvation.  Yea, this much faith He has given me that I know He my God will show me better days and He will keep me and of course you too, my friend  safe, for remember He has our names etched on the palms of His hands.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 28, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jn. 11:40. Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (RSV – copy. ack)

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

Having said this before, I shall repeat: BELIEF in GOD, is the key to a power filled life.  God is not visible and that’s for reasons we know well; basic of which is the fact that He is so holy and brilliant that were He visible for even a fraction of a second, we would be destroyed by the brilliance of His being.  By virtue of the way we were created, we were equipped to see God and Adam did see Him and converse with Him.  But by our sin, we lost the ability to see Him for the sin in us created the barrier which we aren’t able to cross. 

So until we traverse through the river we must be content to feel His Presence which His Holy Spirit provides to each of us who’s conscious to His Presence.  But the wonderful thing about God is: He is pleased when we believe in Him and the greater thing is when we believe in Him and come into His Presence, He shows us His glory, no matter if we actually don’t see it, but we feel this awesomeness around us which shouts of His glory and His splendidness and instantly we know He is all around us.

Jesus knew what God the Father will do for us when we believe in Him and that’s why He uttered the statement of our Word today.  Jesus is God and He knows that any soul that believes in God also believes in His Majesty and accepts God’s way and is content with the fact that if God does not want that soul to see Him, then it must be that way as God knows best.  Belief in God is not just something that happens with us, but a conscious effort on our part to believe He is there.  There’re times when it becomes extremely difficult to believe, but when we believe despite all visibly negative signs, then God will work marvelously in our lives bringing about tremendous supernatural blessings that will simply floor us.  Belief my friend is key and again I say, belief is the only way to God.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 27, 2014.

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

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God Himself fills us with joy and peace even as we believe because He is the God of hope, the Eternal One who is with power and might that can undo anything that’s been done or do anything impossible to do; simply because He is the God of the impossible.  When we enter the realm of God it is He who makes it possible to be filled with hope by His Holy Spirit.  It’s then that hope kindled within brings life in the dry twigs of a tree in a barren land, filling it with green leaves; or makes the heart beat which a few minutes earlier had stopped, surprising everyone who had given up hope.

God who is the God of hope fills us with such hope that we don’t give up even in our darkest hour when all have predicted our demise.  It’s undiminished hope, that even when the tree has shed all its leaves makes us sit under it to be protected or even look at a barren tree and expect fruit from it.  Yea, such is the hope that the Holy Spirit fills us with that every prospect that seems defeating is turned into victory.  What if I tell you about the hope that abounded when Lazarus was dead and it was four days since.  And what more if I can talk about the time when the hearts of the apostles had sunk as they thought of the events of that day when the Lord with Whom they had walked, talked and lived, was laid in a tomb, dead, and everything seemed finished. 

Ah, there’re so many things I may talk about, even of David as he stared at Goliath who sneered at him with disdain yet the Most High kindled hope in him and he rushed, taking a stone out of his bag and slung it at Goliath and felled him with just one stone!  My friend, take hold of the hope the Holy Spirit has filled you with and lean on God when tribulation leans on you for remember, no matter what the tribulation is, it leans against God for you may not even know but God has shifted you behind Him and the tribulation now leans on Him and is shattered by the power of His might.  Keep up hope in God and He will always bring you out triumphantly.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 26, 2014.

Today's verse:  Neh. 6:16c. …this work had been done with the help of our God. (NIV – copy. ack)

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Are you gloating over a matter which has brought you much success and you feel you’ve been responsible for it; then think again for it is God who has done it for you.  My friend, when you get to really (and I deliberately use the word really) get to know God, then God is mindful of all your ways and He is there to provide you His Grace by which you can accomplish far beyond what you ever thought was possible.  Our association with God, when it is unshakeable also brings in its wake the awesome power of God in our lives by which also we’re strengthened.

Therefore when at work, the work seems that much more simple and easy for God is involved in it and because you’re glued to Him, He grants success.  A few years ago, I worked for an organization but away from the head office where all strategy and action was decided and I literally contributed nothing.  Yet, the organization never had any problem with me nor with the fact that they couldn’t use me optimally; and each year I received my increments and my report cards which though I assessed in the negative, were always accepted by the management and I had no issues.  Another thing I noticed was that the organization grew and grew and became large in the few years that I was there and I simply attribute it to the fact that God was with me and He was my help.

Impossible things happen when God is there.  If we take the context of Nehemiah, we know that he realised the building of the wall could be completed by the Jews only because of God’s help.  They went through insurmountable difficulties and blocks yet they could complete it and it stood as a testament to God’s loyalty to them.  What do we need so that God will be loyal to us also? Well, not much except that we be loyal to Him, keep faith in Him and also be holy.  If we do that then we’ll see amazing things in our lives.  It may take a little while, but it will happen.  If you’re on the cusp of a great work of God in your life though your current situation belies the wonder that will be your life a little later, fret not for God works that way and just when the world thought you’re finished, you rise up like the rising sun.  How wonderful our God is and how great His care for us.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 25, 2014.

Today's verse:  1 Jn. 4:19. We love him, because he first loved us.  (KJV)

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God’s love is great – rich, pure and unconditional: Loving even to the marrow of our bones and though we’ve sinned through the utter depth of our beings; His love is still present on our entire substance – our spirit, our heart, our soul and our mind.  Such love is very difficult to understand and St John says as much in 1 Jn. 3:1, ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:’ Indeed we must know that all through the walk of life, through the muck of sin and error, the love of God still shines in our hearts.

Now with such love, which we’ve obtained by belief in Christ Jesus, His Son, how can we not do that with which He is pleased?  Such is the way we live: when we have just a piece of bread and we see the poor man on the road with nothing to eat, we give him that piece; and though he utters no gratitude, we don’t mind, because we think of our God who loved us.  When we accommodate those brothers who’ve destroyed us in sullying our reputation and character, we don’t do it because we want to, but because we believe in our Father who would want us to do that.  In moments of tribulation when pain and sorrow converge upon us, we don’t complain for we know, even through the tribulation, God is speaking to us and showing us His love.

My friend as a deep rooted sinner, I can yet feel His love covering me as a cloak day by day.  There’s a lot of dryness in my life and to a great extent I could attribute it to the kind of life God has given me, yet even in my tears I know it’s good, and because of His love, I even know that soon He will rescue me from the snares of the enemy and lead me to level ground.  I love Him despite all the difficulties I face day in and day out and however deep the sigh of my heart, I know I will always love Him because, He first loved me and then He died for me.  How can you or I ignore such great love and not be with Him?

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 24, 2014.

Today's verse:  Ps. 32:5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.  (KJV)

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

A great error Christians commit in living the Christian life is to think they don’t need to confess their sins.  Their thinking is: I’m covered by the blood of Christ and already redeemed so what’s the need for me to confess my sins?  But any unconfessed sin is like a high power magnet which drags you into further sin, taking you far, far away from Christ.  And this is very dangerous because when you move away from Christ, you may soon lose the knowledge of God’s ways and be destroyed.

I believe any person in Christ must lead a life in accord with what He has willed for us and being sane we know the kind of life He requires of us viz. a holy life; and all rules pertaining to this kind of life are in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7).  It’s very easy for me or any other preacher/teacher to say we need to live a life based on this Sermon, but it’s very difficult to actually live according to it. Wantonly or otherwise we fall into sin and if there is the consciousness of sin within us, we’ll be filled with remorse and fall at His feet and ask for forgiveness.  I believe He who sees us this way, will forgive us for that’s His nature, besides, St John says, 1 John 1:9, ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’

We can be confident that we’ll be forgiven as even our Word today which is David’s psalm, says so.  David says, I acknowledged my sin unto Thee and mine iniquity have I not hid…and David says that God forgave His sin.  This is yet another example of man’s quite confidence in God which brings very simple, yet effective Words into the mouths of His people by which they pour out their heart’s anguish to Him and He in turn is faithful to forgive them their sin.  So no matter what, be sure to confess your sin to God, even if very grievous and He will pardon you and you’ll regain your relationship with the Most High.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 21, 2014.

Today's verse:  Rom. 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  (KJV)

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Vengeance is deep rooted in man: If anyone comes in our path and wrongs us, the first thing we want to do is to take revenge.  If someone slights us just a little bit, we’ll not rest content until we slight them back.  If a man is usurped by someone else on a flimsy pretext, then he waits until that person is in trouble and then heaps misery on him.  Sometimes I talk to people and when the talk veers to those who have hurt them, their immediate reaction is to take revenge.

Many counselors and others working with people have found one thing common among them; their desire to take revenge is very high and ingrained deeply.  In our Christian walk, revenge must not be our goal as it’s not permissible under the dispensation of love…love of neighbor I might say, even if one is seeking revenge on one’s brother or sister for whatever reason.  It’s easy my friend to be vengeful when you’re hurt but God’s divine nature, which also covers us always seeks to pardon.  Our Scripture today is quite clear on the premise that one is not to seek revenge but rather give up one’s wrath and leave vengeance to God.

Our human nature, which yields more to men than to God, is most ready to seek vengeance at the drop of a hat and destroy those who’ve hurt us.  But Jesus gives us an example in that, despite the insults and pain men inflicted on Him, He prayed to his Father to forgive them under the rationale of them not knowing what they were doing.  Can’t we forgive others their misdoings against us too and get on with life?  Paul suggests that if our enemy is hungry to feed him and if thirsty then give him a drink, so as to impact him with love.  It’s quite difficult given that the whole world craves vengeance, but under the roof of the Lord it’s possible and hence we who follow the Lord must endeavor to forego vengeance and shun wrath, leaving the Lord to deal with the evil others have done to us.  My personal experience has been that God has always solved the problem I have when I left it to Him.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 20, 2014.

Today's verse:  Ps. 84:2. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.  (KJV)

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

It’s indeed weird to know, though man always postures away from God, yet, he must find fulfillment only in God for only God can give him that peace that’s beyond any other peace at any other point on earth or in life.  Indeed the words of St. Augustine strike on the ear, ‘Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You!’  Though ages come and go, this refrain will always be that of men of discernment.

When I look at today’s Word, I can understand the deep craving of the psalmist for the finger of God to touch Him.  He puts forth all his faculties, mind, body and soul into a tryst with God, by which alone he is to find his dwelling place, his ‘rest’ as it were, and it’s a great thing for any man to echo the sentiments of the psalmist in his own life for then would enlightenment have come to him as he would have realised how much God means to man.  And I must say that finding God in a situation of humility and a seeking attitude isn’t very difficult for even men who don’t know God, may fall on their knees and look even into their depths and cry out for God and He will be found, for He has said He will be found by them who seek Him with all their heart, and we have His Word telling us, Acts. 17:28, ‘In Him we live and move and have our being.’ 

Truly amazing is our God who is so deeply involved with us even though we’re involved in sin.  He seeks a deep relationship with us, such as we can never find anywhere else on earth even in a couple who love each other dearly.  Only when we reach the portals of heaven will we realise how great and intense is the desire of our God to commune with us and then only silence will be enough to savor the profound intimacy with Him.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 19, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jer. 23:24. Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.  (KJV)

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

Going into the mysteries of life, I’ve found there’re various reactions of people to God.  A reaction that amazes me is man’s attempt to hide from God what he is to do or has done.  Ah, man, don’t you know that the Omniscient God is aware of all things pertaining to you.  Doesn’t He know the motion of the smallest grain of sand at the bottom of the ocean?  Isn’t He aware of the little ant desperately struggling to stay afloat on a twig it grabbed as it fell into the pond from the tree above? 

God is so awesome that He fills heaven and earth.  His Spirit spans the entire universe and has it in His grip.  He created it and He is aware of every movement, be it of a stone the size of a football, hurtling through space, or the heaving of a little child’s chest, breathing as it sleeps.   God’s immensity and creativity form the refrain of those who were blessed to go up in space ships as they stood in awe, floored by the hand of the Creator who created such a vast and beautiful universe; and amazed they were into silent rapture at the sights they saw.

People across ages have been stunned by the praise for the Mighty One echoing across the expanse of the empty cosmos, raging on and on, timeless and infinite; without a sound, as it were and see how beautifully David brings it out in Ps 19:1-4, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.  Such is the God we worship and then, where is the question of hiding from Him?  It is better to fall at His feet in humble repentance and learn the ways of life from Him.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 18, 2014.

Today's verse:  Col. 2:8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  (KJV)

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

If you’re a real believer in Jesus Christ, you’d have realised how the world tries to pull you away from absolute faith in Him to trusting vain human remedies.  I’ve often heard, ‘God helps those who help themselves’ and I’ve always asked them who say this, ‘Why does God need to help those who can help themselves?’  And there’s no further debate!  But really it’s so difficult out there to be fully ingrained in God for at every step there’s the ‘human’ alternative and it’s visible, seemingly real and atleast as they say, you can talk to someone and be a little lightened from the burden on your soul.

What’s worse is how God is driven out from every area of our lives as we give in to human precepts and logic even in the unknown, for example if someone is disturbed mentally, then full trust is placed on medicines and other human methods rather than falling at God’s feet and imploring His help for it is He who made the human mind and He has the power to work on it. Sadly, falling at God’s feet happens when humans declare nothing is further possible; but not before.  Separation of God from the human self is also seen to be proclaimed from church pulpits as the men who’re supposed to induce increased dependence on God, willfully try to reduce dependence on Him.

It’s depressing and tragic to see many among Christians, give seductive philosophies and active advice on seeking happiness.  They suggest man-made things and beliefs to ameliorate difficulties and pains of living and that is why we see such little happiness in the world.  On the other hand, I boast in God for I lean wholly on Him and though I currently swim in unsure waters, I can truly say that the happiness I possess in my heart and also in my family, is remarkable.  There’s a peace which I fail to understand that just sticks.  The evil one does torment with fear, but peace just refuses to leave.  My friend, leave aside all vain thinking and deceitful ideas and cling to God.  Refuse to accept anyone other than Christ and hold on to Him firmly.  Just trust Him and He will do it for you, no matter how difficult the situation and impossible the event.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 17, 2014.

Today's verse:  Is. 12:2. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. (RSV – copyright ack.)

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

Even before the world was created and the huge cosmos was a blur, formless and completely dark, the Lord God had deigned to make me at an appointed time and I’m grateful that He put me on earth at a time after His Son had come down so I would be acquainted with Him and be assured of His special salvation that He wrought personally for me.  No matter how grievously I sin, I know I can always rely on the Name of Yeshua Masiach and be saved.  No one can, try as they might, keep me away from my eternal home in heaven for my God is with me and it is He Who defends me.

He has put into you and me His Spirit by which we boldly call out to Him Abba Father; which is truly awesome for imagine the Most High, Almighty God Himself is our Father and we can call Him that.  We can trust in Him and we trust Him not being afraid, for He has given us a spirit, not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).  Having had such a great infilling of His Holy Spirit I know that He, the LORD God, has also become my strength and by waiting on Him, I can take the wings of the eagle; I’ll run and not be weary; walk but not be faint.  I’ve witnessed this in my life and I can testify how in my darkest moments, when one is supposed to be drained of all strength, I’ve stood up and reveled in the strength that He gave me. 

Truly the psalmist’s song is mine too and I cry out, Ps. 73:26, ‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’  Who on earth do I have but Him and Who in heaven but Him alone.  Who can I turn to when the smooth gets rough and I’m brought to my knees and the sorrow within me is too deep to either cry or give vent to.  When in pain I shed tears on my pillow in the darkest hours of the night He gently touches me and His touch comforts me.  Suddenly I see the light and there He says to me, ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Having such a beautiful Companion, who is my God and my Lord, how then can life be any the less beautiful.  I declare I am His and will always be His.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 14, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jer. 14:7. O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. (KJV)

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

Prayer to God is the only lifeline we have in times of great distress; and those of us who’ve travelled many summers will know that there’re times when it seems best to be in oblivion than on earth and still breathing; I mean the kind of sentiment that Job echoes when he says, 3:11, Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?’  Believe me the best of us have these times and only God knows why they come.

From our Word today, we glean the fact that there’re distressing times which the Israelites must go through because of their iniquities.  My friend, no matter which school of thought you come from, you must remember that sin is a big burden and it causes huge problems.  There’re many who say, but Jesus was sinless and yet suffered so much; so how do you say sin causes distress?  Well it’s in the Word of God, Nu. 32:23 b, ‘be sure your sin will find you out’ and Jesus suffered for our sins and it was our sins that put Him through such cruel punishment. 

So sin has its repercussions and they’re hard at times.  Our prayer line to God must be connected at these times and it would be disastrous to go hide before God in guilt because of our sin.  The devil would want us believe that God isn’t going to be listening to us when we sin.  On the contrary, God is waiting for our repentance and when there’s genuine repentance in our hearts, God is pleased and He removes the burden of the problem from over us.  I’ve seen this happen in so many cases and therefore I hold that if there’s any deep troubling thing in our lives it would be good to go confess that sin and wait for God’s mercy because our God is merciful and when He hears the Word in our Scripture today from our penitent hearts, He relents and grants pardon; and cleanses us.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 13, 2014.

Today's verse:  1 Sam. 2:2. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. (KJV)

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

Truly there is none like our God.  He is Holy, reigning on high.  Most awesome is He and His love and mercy extend over us all.  He is our Creator and we are the work of His hands.  He made us for His Own pleasure so that we might exist to sing His praises from eternity into eternity.  In Adam’s transgression, we hurt Him bad and to our own distress; but His overwhelming love took over and He planned a way of salvation for us and it cost Him everything to give us this salvation. 

How must He have held His heart when His only begotten Son’s voice tore into the sky saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, Lema Sabachthani.’  Imagine the pain and intense grief of our heavenly Father turning His face away from His beautiful, precious and sinless Son, Jesus Christ, so that we His sin-laden creation would not perish.  Think my friend of the deep rooted mercy that’s in His heart and His Word tells us that it is fresh and unburdened of yesterday’s grievous insults we heaped on Him.  Each day with the Lord is but an experience of His deep love and His passionate desire for you.

There is none like Him and there is no stronghold we have apart from Him.  The temporary setbacks we face are to show that without Him we can do nothing.  But when we’re with Him, suddenly the sky seems bright and blue, the road is smooth and safe; our hearts feel light with a new song on our lips and our senses move to the beat of the rhythm of His heart.  Heaven is on earth my friend and like David I shall dance and rejoice in my God who is also my Savior and the delight of my heart.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 12, 2014.

Today's verse:  Ps. 144:3. LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! (KJV)

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A look at this verse and it reminds you of how much God is in love with you and this after we realise the fact that we’re so fragile and weak.  Our knowledge and our strength are so little.  Looking at the various inventions and the marvels of science we have been able to create, including space ships and robots, we may easily be swayed by thinking we’re powerful.  But in reality, we’re so weak.  Yet God loves us and cares for us.

When we compare the greatness of God and His infiniteness, what is the power and the strength that we have.  It may be like comparing a little sardine and a big monster whale and even that would be wrong for who can measure the infinite One?  It takes me to a Word in Job, 40: 9, 10, ‘Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.’  This is what God asks Job when he contends with his friends that he has been slighted by God.  Upon hearing God, Job understands how small he is and how limited his domain as against that of God.

So must we my friend, understand that God is far, far above us.  His greatness is so vast that greatness itself fails to accommodate the Majesty of God.  Everything about God is so awesome that it takes us years to understand the least of it and His Dignity is so vast that getting a grasp of a minuscule part of it will take us ages.  But despite that God is so great that He considers us.  He yearns for us and loves us even more than we can think of or imagine.  How wonderful our God can be who considers not our little-ness but keeps us close to His bosom in an eternal embrace.  Now isn’t that just wonderful?

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 11, 2014.

Today's verse:  1 Cor. 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  (KJV)

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When you begin your day, is God Omniscient in your life.  When you think of all things you are to do today, is God a part of everything you are to do and will He be the beginning and the end of whatever it is that you are doing or will be doing today.  If you have Him with you, then you’re in safe hands for none can match what God can accomplish through you if you’re submitted to Him.

In all of life’s activities, we have to grapple with the unknown and the difficult.  Everything we want cannot be served on a platter for life consists of both the easy and the difficult.  We may notice and see how someone else is having a good time and we’re having a bad time with all the problems having landed at our doorsteps and it’s only natural to feel God has been a little unfair.  But is God unfair?  Not at all, because with every trial He allows us, He also sends Grace to manage the trial.  And after the trial is over, He sends blessings to match or even exceed the difficulty level of the trial. 

Opt therefore to be with God for though for a while it may seem to be a little difficult, for that’s what the devil lies to us saying God says, don’t do this, or that or not this, not that, etc. over the long stretch we see how good the precepts of God are and He clears the path on which we walk so there’re no rough edges that may make us tumble.  You see, He goes before us and makes us secure with His Presence.  Therefore, like Paul, I also say, whatever you do, wherever you are, do everything for the glory of our beloved God.  It will be worth it.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 10, 2014.

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

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

Sometimes we’re angry with the Lord, although we have no basis to be angry on Him for whoever heard of the pot questioning the potter; yet, we’re displeased that our fate isn’t exactly what we expected or desired or are happy with.  In that fleeting moment of time, we even tell the Lord, ‘If you have such an awful destiny for me, it’s better You take me away from this earth!’  Yea, every one of us who believes in God intensely has those moments when dryness of the soul is yearning to spew out the unhappiness within the being; and the one scapegoat we often find to spew it out on is God because we believe so much in Him and expect better because of our belief.

Reflecting back on my life I think…So many times God has shown His Majesty to me.  Many are the times He has placed me at the top, not the bottom.  He has cared for me and lifted me up in many instances and I haven’t even thanked Him for it. Amazing but true that I’ve taken Him for granted and failed to understand that the good I have in my life is because He worked it out for me.  Did I earn it, no?  Was I worth it, again no.  But yet, He did it for me.  But, when I have a little trial, I yell and cry and blame Him.  Ain’t I a hypocrite to blame Him for all the ills in my life and not thank Him for all the good things?

But now over a long period of time being with Him, I’ve learnt to trust Him and my trust runs even over the dry grounds where pain and strife abide. When fear clutches at my heart and keeps me tied to its wings, I still hear His voice calling out.  That’s why I intone, Habakkuk’s Word in my life, ‘yea, when there shall be no harvest or growth and all around there’s famine and dryness, I’ll still rejoice in my LORD.  I’ll find delight in God, my Savior.  There’s nothing in my life apart from the Lord and I have learnt to trust Him despite all going wrong.  Deep within I know, He will never leave me nor forsake me but build me to be great, for that’s His plan for me; and so is His plan for you. Amen.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 7, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jer. 13:17. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.  (KJV)

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

Many Christians around the world are observing Lent, the season to come closer to our wonderful God who gave Himself for us. I wonder what more He could have done for men so they realise how much He loves and cares for them; I guess not much for He has given us His most precious Son.  Besides, these are the last days and accounting time is nigh.  It’s incumbent upon the entire race of mankind on the face of the earth, Christian or other wise to accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as remission for their sins and thus be secure for eternal life, for otherwise eternal damnation is for sure and the excruciating pain it carries is bound to come.

I speak to you my friend, a follower of Christ, to be aware that anytime now, it could be the last day.  Be not numbed by the lies of the devil thinking, well, many people have talked about the end of the world and it has never happened; but I tell you we’re that much closer and it’ll happen in the wink of an eye.  Repent and believe in the Gospel of the Holy God who has given us a way for salvation.  Be not like the Jews at the time of Jeremiah, cozy in their comfort zones thinking nothing could happen to them for weren’t they the chosen ones, the people ofthe living God.  And we know how terrible a time they went through.  Jeremiah wept in his soul for them feeling their pain and his own helplessness at their pride and stubbornness.

Today, I look at the swarm of humanity on the face of the earth, each busy doing this doing that, and I hear Christ say, Mt.24:38, 39, ‘For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.’ My heart is heavy to see the imminent destruction about to be wrought on earth and the intense tribulation to come as I hear Jesus say, Mt. 24:21, ‘For there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.’  Of course I am nowhere near the caliber of Jeremiah, yet, as a Christian endowed with the Great Commission, I’m bound to mourn for them who have not known Christ or not accepted Him.  Let us rise to the occasion and give it our best shot, both at personal repentance and also giving the Gospel to others.  Perhaps, many will change and join us in the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 6, 2014.

Today's verse:  Micah 7:18. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. (KJV)

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

When I think of God, there’s one character of His that comes to my mind immediately – His mercy.  You see, He is a holy God and as He is holy, He cannot, yes He cannot retain anger forever for it’s against the very grain of holiness to retain anger and therefore, His mercy takes over and His love flows through in oodles of bundling joy.  Although I must say that His holiness demands justice and His justice demands punishment.  But He has switched the object of punishment by offering His only Son Jesus Christ as the object in lieu of us and in that is His mercy fully known.

His mercy is so pure and unalloyed that the person who experiences it is simply led to unabashed tears at the thought of His mercy.  It takes my mind to the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with precious ointment (Lk. &:36-50); imagine the joy in her heart which made her weep before Him and drench His feet with her tears and then since His love so overwhelmed her, she also wiped His feet with her hair.  So awesome is God’s mercy that it seizes the repentant sinner and makes Him cry tears of joy for the sheer experience of having encountered His mercy.

Therefore, Micah brings his inner thoughts to the fore with our Word for today – ‘Who is a God like you, Who pardons sin and forgives transgressions.  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.’  Think upon your soul my friend and look into its deep recesses and see how He has covered your inner parts with His mercy; for your soul needed to go to hell, yet, He, having walked through the darkest valley of terror and torment and death, has readied the soft path for your soul to tread into heaven.  That’s how great He is and never forget: HE DELIGHTS IN MERCY.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 5, 2014.

Today's verse:  1 Jn. 3:3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV)

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

In these days when signs in the world point to the imminent return of Christ the Lord, there’re many of us who aren’t afraid for we have set our hope in the Lord our God.  There’s within each one who has set his hope on Jesus Christ, the King of kings, an intense belief in the reality of His being God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who came down as Man to die for us and redeem us from the grave to which our sins had tied us. 

We have accepted Him as our Savior and have thus gained the right to be called His child a right he gives to all who receive Him in faith (see John 1:12).  John in his letter from which we have our Word today, also says before this verse that since we’re sons of God, it doesn’t appear what we’re at the moment, but when He shall appear, we will be like Him and we’ll see Him as He is…God in all His glory; just the way Adam saw God and talked to Him before he sinned.

The barrier existing between God and us is broken and removed by Christ.  We’re justified by His blood fully and there isn’t anything we need to do, for Jesus by His Passion, Cross and Resurrection, did it all for us.  Now there’s total remission of our sins and we’re changed into people, holy unto the Lord, possessing the righteousness of Christ, in Him.  Further, since Jesus has paid the price in full, we need no longer scrounge and live like beggars for having been raised to the status of sons of God, can we be expected to live like paupers?  Living full lives is our right in Christ Jesus our Lord and all things are ours in Him.  This hope we have in Christ must rejuvenate and lead us to purify ourselves just as he is pure and lead lives pleasing to Him.  Take this as a challenge in your life and Jesus will surely make it happen in you and you will see Him on that day.

Thoughts for another day 

Mar. 4, 2014.

Today's verse:  Jer. 10:23. I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. (RSV)

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

The more I think of God and the more I get immersed in Him, the more I believe He has made us to be completely dependent on Him.  That I would imagine to be the exact relationship between a creator and his creation for example, only the maker of the automobile knows exactly where what is and only he can find faults which may not even be apparent to the most trained eye. 

How do we know that man has to be dependent on God alone; it’s because he has absolutely no control on the environment he lives in, even on himself and not even on those who’re dependent on him for various things like his family.  He may plan but that plan may end in his death as Pro. 14:12 says, ‘There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death’ for man does not know the dangers that beset his path.  Only being pegged to God can illumine his ways and he’ll be able to understand whether his chosen path is right or not.

Vain are any attempts made by man to direct his paths, leave alone the course of his life for who can say what may happen at any moment?  There’re many examples before us of the unimaginable things that happen to those who least expected it.  Things happen: good, bad, who knows and how things will shape up, no one can understand, except God.  It makes eminent sense to surrender all our affairs to God because my friend God is so close to us that we know He is there and He will also handle all our dealings to our success.  That’s the frame of mind we work with and that’s how we meet with success because when God directs our steps, it is unto great things.

Thoughts for another day

Mar. 3, 2014.

Today's verse:  Pro. 30:5. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.   (RSV)

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

God’s Word is One which you can hold on to even in the face of extreme danger, provided of course you know Him, and it’s true for all who believe in Him.  I say you need to know Him because unless you know Him, how can you believe in anything He says; and if it’s only by chance and, due to an extremely difficult situation you believe in His Word as it came to your mind and there was no other option, then how can His Word benefit you for you never knew Him nor believed in Him.

But for those who believe in God and in all His work without twisting His Word or turning His ways, then you’re eligible for all that His Word says because now the door of God’s house is open to you. You’re welcome in His ramparts for you are known by Him and also by those accorded the responsibility of His domain.  You then become a chosen person, draped in royalty and holy to do His work and believe this: whatever you ask according to His Word is yours.  His Word is True for it bears His Son for His Son is His Word and in acknowledging His Son, there is His Sovereign guarantee of the fulfillment of His Word – now this isn’t any Sovereign’s guarantee but that of Almighty God, the Eternal One who neither sleeps nor slumbers and Who owns the universe.

Therefore, for us who know Him, He is a Shield and a Buckler.  He is our Safe Domain, a Strong Tower into which we can run and find refuge.   We can hide beneath the shelter of His wings which span the entire universe for what can be outside the span of it’s Creator?  Come to God O people and be His; surely He will notice you when you stand before Him with contrite hearts and look up to His face to seek your heart’s need.  He will not forsake you nor deny you that which you need and ask.  He is our Father and we must believe that He will give; for remember He loves us and has proven His love for us in giving His only Son Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins.  In Him alone we shall find rest for our souls and perfect contentment.