"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
Matthew 7: 11 (New King James Version)
Do not limit God ! This is something that the Lord has been teaching me over the past few weeks. A lot of times we look at things around us and think , "Ok so this is how things are going to work , this is what I will do ..." . We tend to limit God and give Him this tiny bit of space and say "Ok God , You can work in this space" . Sometimes we give up on seeking God and say , "if God hasnt answered my prayer till now then I guess I will not pray any more about it". Do not limit God.
When the Israelites looked at the sea in front of them they saw their doom. God saw a beautiful wonderful way to take the Israelites safely. And not only did God use that as a pathway for them , but he also used that to destroy the army of Egyptians. In fact when we read in Exodus 14 : 25 , "And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficultly; and the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel for the LORD fights for them agaisnt the Egyptians."" . FOR THE LORD FIGHTS FOR THEM ! Wow ! All the glory to God. And that is exactly what will happen in our lives when we stop limiting God and surrender completely to Him
A lot of times we look at the mess that we have turned our lives into and limit God and say "You cant work much with that". We forget how awesome it is when we give our lives to Him and see how He turns us into. He is the potter and we are the clay. All it takes is simple complete surrender to Him. Free fall into His arms and see how wonderful and amazing are His works. And you and I are created in His image. We have been ransomed by His blood. Oh how much more will He work in our lives if we let Him. Surrender.
Sometimes we mix up our definition of good with God's definition. We look at something with our physical eyes and with our limited thinking and say "This is good Lord I want it !!" . God however sees so much beyond. He is the Alpha and the Omega . He is the great I AM. We cannot even begin to comprehend His wisdom and the depths of His love.
The Bible says He will not withold any good thing ... Any what ? Good thing ! Not what we in our human nature perceive as good. But what He in His infinite wisdom says is good !
A year before I graduated from college I had in my hand an offer letter from a software firm . And I had told every one around me that no matter what I will never end up in a software firm no no no . I wanted to graduate and pursue the Biomed field. I thought that was good. I was good at it. I had done some good projects on it. I thought that was good. But God knew what was really good for me. And I thank God that my life is in His hands.All these years in the software industry I have seen the way God has led me and blessed me and used me for His glory. Its soooo amazing . It is good !! SO GOOD !
We being evil , know how to give good gifts to our children, to our family , to our friends... We being evil know how to give good gifts ! . How much MORE will our Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him !!
Surrender . Dont limit God
God Bless
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Yet ! Yet I will rejoice !
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in God of my salvation.”
Habakkuk 3: 17-18 (New King James Version)
When we look around and see nothing happening as what we would want it to be would we still rejoice in the Lord ? Its circumstances like this that make us reflect, on what have we established our lives. Do we walk every day rejoicing in the fact that we serve a living God , the God of our salvation ? Or is our rejoicing directly linked to things of this world ? Come what may , its doesn’t matter if there are no fruits that we see , if all the stalls are empty… but we will rejoice in the Lord !!
Our source of joy is the Lord and He is forever faithful . He is our Rock ! And it is on the Rock that we stand and not on circumstances of the world. If that being so , why does our rejoicing seem to fluctuate based on how things happen around us ? Its time to set our sight on things of Him . And when we do that praises will always go forth to the Most High.
OH COME LET US REJOICE IN THE LORD , LET US JOY IN THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION !
We read in verse 18, “The LORD GOD is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet. And He will make me walk on my high hills.” The joy of the Lord is our strength . As we rejoice in Him , he is our strength and He is faithful. He will make our feet like deer’s feet. He will do the needful and will strengthen us and take us where we ought to go.
But do we rejoice ? Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ, lets rejoice ! Lets not allow circumstances to dictate our faith . Let us be steadfast and rejoice in the Lord
God Bless
Habakkuk 3: 17-18 (New King James Version)
When we look around and see nothing happening as what we would want it to be would we still rejoice in the Lord ? Its circumstances like this that make us reflect, on what have we established our lives. Do we walk every day rejoicing in the fact that we serve a living God , the God of our salvation ? Or is our rejoicing directly linked to things of this world ? Come what may , its doesn’t matter if there are no fruits that we see , if all the stalls are empty… but we will rejoice in the Lord !!
Our source of joy is the Lord and He is forever faithful . He is our Rock ! And it is on the Rock that we stand and not on circumstances of the world. If that being so , why does our rejoicing seem to fluctuate based on how things happen around us ? Its time to set our sight on things of Him . And when we do that praises will always go forth to the Most High.
OH COME LET US REJOICE IN THE LORD , LET US JOY IN THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION !
We read in verse 18, “The LORD GOD is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet. And He will make me walk on my high hills.” The joy of the Lord is our strength . As we rejoice in Him , he is our strength and He is faithful. He will make our feet like deer’s feet. He will do the needful and will strengthen us and take us where we ought to go.
But do we rejoice ? Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ, lets rejoice ! Lets not allow circumstances to dictate our faith . Let us be steadfast and rejoice in the Lord
God Bless
Dont be the crowd, Reach out .
“Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of his garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.”
Luke 8 : 43-44 (New King James Version)
There was a woman having a flow of blood for twelve years !! She had spent all her livelihood on physicians but could not be healed .
We read in verse 45 , “And Jesus said,” Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’””
We also read in the latter half of verse 42 that as He went , the multitudes thronged Him. There wasn’t just a small group of people, there was a multitude of people that thronged Him. However in that multitude there was this woman who came with all brokenness looking for healing with such faith that she knew all she had to do was just touch the border … just the border of His garment and she would be healed. She reached out , touched the hem of His garment and she was healed. Now Jesus perceived power going out of from Him. This wasn’t just the touch of people who because of the crowd ended up touching Him.
When Jesus said , ‘Who touched Me?’ Peter found this a little strange. He said , “Master , the multitudes throng and press You and You say ‘Who touched Me?” . There will be a multitude around Jesus wanting to hear what He has to say. Some out of curiosity , some out of a true desire to know Him , some like Jairus looking for Christ to come and work a miracle in the life of His daughter . And then there are those who will reach out with faith and know He is able !
Verse 48 , “And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.””
When we find ourselves in church on a Sunday morning or even when we pray, we really ought to ask ourselves ‘why are we here?’ .. are we just the crowd of people ?
If are we like this woman reaching out in faith and are like Jairus interceding for a loved one , we will see His glory revealed !
God Bless
Luke 8 : 43-44 (New King James Version)
There was a woman having a flow of blood for twelve years !! She had spent all her livelihood on physicians but could not be healed .
We read in verse 45 , “And Jesus said,” Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’””
We also read in the latter half of verse 42 that as He went , the multitudes thronged Him. There wasn’t just a small group of people, there was a multitude of people that thronged Him. However in that multitude there was this woman who came with all brokenness looking for healing with such faith that she knew all she had to do was just touch the border … just the border of His garment and she would be healed. She reached out , touched the hem of His garment and she was healed. Now Jesus perceived power going out of from Him. This wasn’t just the touch of people who because of the crowd ended up touching Him.
When Jesus said , ‘Who touched Me?’ Peter found this a little strange. He said , “Master , the multitudes throng and press You and You say ‘Who touched Me?” . There will be a multitude around Jesus wanting to hear what He has to say. Some out of curiosity , some out of a true desire to know Him , some like Jairus looking for Christ to come and work a miracle in the life of His daughter . And then there are those who will reach out with faith and know He is able !
Verse 48 , “And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.””
When we find ourselves in church on a Sunday morning or even when we pray, we really ought to ask ourselves ‘why are we here?’ .. are we just the crowd of people ?
If are we like this woman reaching out in faith and are like Jairus interceding for a loved one , we will see His glory revealed !
God Bless
Reach forward .. Press on
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3: 13-14 (New King James Version)
I had a dream of a man crying that his wife and son had drowned and he could not save them from drowing and they were lost right before his very eyes. The man had a strained relationship with his family. He had backslidden , while his wife and son were not saved/backslidden. And now he sheds tears which cannot change anything though. Two souls of loved ones lost in enternal death and torment.
Being believers in Christ our Lord we need to remember a very important principle .. ‘forget those things which are behind and reach forward to the goal’. There are some us who hold on to past hurts and bitter experiences and hence don’t reach forward. There are some who hold on to past glory and hence don’t reach forward. And there are also some of us who are so caught up with current things of the world that we don’t even try to go forward and press on.
Christ has made us His own. And we are to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
How are we going to run ? Run and press on towards eternal life ? Or let sin snare us and be lost in eternal death ?
There are people all around who are right now very close to spending eternity in hell. What are we going to do ?
God Bless
Philippians 3: 13-14 (New King James Version)
I had a dream of a man crying that his wife and son had drowned and he could not save them from drowing and they were lost right before his very eyes. The man had a strained relationship with his family. He had backslidden , while his wife and son were not saved/backslidden. And now he sheds tears which cannot change anything though. Two souls of loved ones lost in enternal death and torment.
Being believers in Christ our Lord we need to remember a very important principle .. ‘forget those things which are behind and reach forward to the goal’. There are some us who hold on to past hurts and bitter experiences and hence don’t reach forward. There are some who hold on to past glory and hence don’t reach forward. And there are also some of us who are so caught up with current things of the world that we don’t even try to go forward and press on.
Christ has made us His own. And we are to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
How are we going to run ? Run and press on towards eternal life ? Or let sin snare us and be lost in eternal death ?
There are people all around who are right now very close to spending eternity in hell. What are we going to do ?
God Bless
Sunday, March 21, 2010
If we obey and surrender completely , The Lord Will Provide!
“And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
Genesis 22: 14 (New King James Version)
A little background to this verse. God tested Abraham and asked him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. And Abraham obeyed. Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the altar. And as Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife , the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. And we read in verse 12 -14 , “And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not witheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns.So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
The Hebrew translation of the ‘The-LORD-Will-Provide’ is YHWH Yireh. A lot of us sing songs and in our times of prayer we proclaim ‘Jehovah Jireh , God is my provider’. An important thing to remember is this… The Lord provided for Abraham when he was willing to even give up his only son Isaac. Abraham was willing to give God all he had, for what matter most to him was obedience to God.
When we lift up all that we are and come before him and say, ‘Lord I’m giving you all I’ve got, I’m not holding on to anything but You.’ When we come to Him in such complete surrender then The Lord will provide in His ways. When we surrender completely in obedience to His words and His will , we give God the freedom to work as He chooses in our lives.
However if we choose to hold on to the things of this world , to the relationships of this world and then try to offer something else to God then it is disobedience to His word and His will . And God will not be able to provide what He would have wanted to , because we chose to hold on to things of this world rather than holding on to Him.
When we say the Lord will provide, its not about just materialistic things. Its about complete surrender and submission to Him saying , “Lord I am all Yours , all that I have, all that I am, I give it to You.” And with such obedience and surrender comes totally leaning upon God alone and faith that The Lord Will Provide.
God Bless
Genesis 22: 14 (New King James Version)
A little background to this verse. God tested Abraham and asked him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. And Abraham obeyed. Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the altar. And as Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife , the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. And we read in verse 12 -14 , “And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not witheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns.So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
The Hebrew translation of the ‘The-LORD-Will-Provide’ is YHWH Yireh. A lot of us sing songs and in our times of prayer we proclaim ‘Jehovah Jireh , God is my provider’. An important thing to remember is this… The Lord provided for Abraham when he was willing to even give up his only son Isaac. Abraham was willing to give God all he had, for what matter most to him was obedience to God.
When we lift up all that we are and come before him and say, ‘Lord I’m giving you all I’ve got, I’m not holding on to anything but You.’ When we come to Him in such complete surrender then The Lord will provide in His ways. When we surrender completely in obedience to His words and His will , we give God the freedom to work as He chooses in our lives.
However if we choose to hold on to the things of this world , to the relationships of this world and then try to offer something else to God then it is disobedience to His word and His will . And God will not be able to provide what He would have wanted to , because we chose to hold on to things of this world rather than holding on to Him.
When we say the Lord will provide, its not about just materialistic things. Its about complete surrender and submission to Him saying , “Lord I am all Yours , all that I have, all that I am, I give it to You.” And with such obedience and surrender comes totally leaning upon God alone and faith that The Lord Will Provide.
God Bless
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Do all to the glory of God
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me , but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well being.”
I Corinthians 10 : 23-24 (New King James Version)
A lot of us struggle with various issues in our lives. We ponder if what we are doing is ok … Some lines are not as clear cut as what we would have wanted them to be. We seem to think its ok , while some people frown upon it.
For whatever be the question we need to ensure that we seek answers not in opinions but in the word of God ! Whatever be the aspect of our life , it needs to be established completely as per the word of God.
We see verse 23 in two parts. The first being : All things are lawful but not all things are helpful . So is what we are doing helpful or not ? And again helpful in accordance with the word of God.
The second part is : All things are lawful , but not all things edify. To edify is to instruct , to improve, to enlighten again in accordance with the word of God. Now if what we are doing is neither helpful nor edifies , we need to questions ourselves and figure why we are hooked and drawn towards what we are doing. We need to spend time in prayer and ensure that God is the center of our lives , that He gets top priority.
We read in verse 31 , “Therefore, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse sums up everything. Whatever it is we do , we are to do all to the glory of God !
I pray , the Lord will open our eyes to see the places in our lives that needs cleaning up. And I pray that by His grace that every aspect of our lives will be for the glory of God.
God Bless
I Corinthians 10 : 23-24 (New King James Version)
A lot of us struggle with various issues in our lives. We ponder if what we are doing is ok … Some lines are not as clear cut as what we would have wanted them to be. We seem to think its ok , while some people frown upon it.
For whatever be the question we need to ensure that we seek answers not in opinions but in the word of God ! Whatever be the aspect of our life , it needs to be established completely as per the word of God.
We see verse 23 in two parts. The first being : All things are lawful but not all things are helpful . So is what we are doing helpful or not ? And again helpful in accordance with the word of God.
The second part is : All things are lawful , but not all things edify. To edify is to instruct , to improve, to enlighten again in accordance with the word of God. Now if what we are doing is neither helpful nor edifies , we need to questions ourselves and figure why we are hooked and drawn towards what we are doing. We need to spend time in prayer and ensure that God is the center of our lives , that He gets top priority.
We read in verse 31 , “Therefore, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse sums up everything. Whatever it is we do , we are to do all to the glory of God !
I pray , the Lord will open our eyes to see the places in our lives that needs cleaning up. And I pray that by His grace that every aspect of our lives will be for the glory of God.
God Bless
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Stretch out and Take it
“Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.”
II Kings 6 : 7 (New King James Version)
We read in verses 1-2 , “And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. “Please let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So he answered, “Go.””
The one of them requested Elisha to come with them and Elisha consented. They all reached Jordan and began to cut trees. But as one was cutting down a tree the iron ax head fell into the water. And he cried out saying “Alas, master ! For it was borrowed.” We read in verses 6-7 , “So the man of God said, ”Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.”
A solid piece of iron fell into the water. A stick was thrown into the water . The iron came up and floated. Logical ? No ! How did it happen ? That’s God. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours.
We see in verse 7 that Elisha said to the man ‘Pick it up for yourself’ and so the man reached out his hand and took it.
Our God is a miracle working God. No doubts there. What stops us from getting it ? We don’t reach out and take it !
The greatest gift of all – Salvation , His joy , His peace , His victory … Its all there waiting for us. He has already worked the miracle. He died on the cross for our sins and he rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
We are sons and daughters of the most High ransomed by His blood. Everything is right there waiting for us. Its time to stretch out and take it.
God Bless
II Kings 6 : 7 (New King James Version)
We read in verses 1-2 , “And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. “Please let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So he answered, “Go.””
The one of them requested Elisha to come with them and Elisha consented. They all reached Jordan and began to cut trees. But as one was cutting down a tree the iron ax head fell into the water. And he cried out saying “Alas, master ! For it was borrowed.” We read in verses 6-7 , “So the man of God said, ”Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.”
A solid piece of iron fell into the water. A stick was thrown into the water . The iron came up and floated. Logical ? No ! How did it happen ? That’s God. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours.
We see in verse 7 that Elisha said to the man ‘Pick it up for yourself’ and so the man reached out his hand and took it.
Our God is a miracle working God. No doubts there. What stops us from getting it ? We don’t reach out and take it !
The greatest gift of all – Salvation , His joy , His peace , His victory … Its all there waiting for us. He has already worked the miracle. He died on the cross for our sins and he rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
We are sons and daughters of the most High ransomed by His blood. Everything is right there waiting for us. Its time to stretch out and take it.
God Bless
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Cowardly & Liars
“”He who overcomes shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be My son. “But the cowardly, unbelievers, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Revelation 21: 7-8 (New King James Version)
He who ? Overcomes ! We read in 1 Corinthians 10 : 13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” . Going back to the book of Genesis, we read in Genesis 4:7 , “”If you do well, will you not be accepted ? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.””. We see Cain allowed other things to influence his heart and his decisions thereafter causing his offering to not be respected by God. And God warned him. See , sin is just waiting at the door…looking for that tiny crack to seep through. Sin’s very desire is toward you and I. And God has commanded that we should rule over sin ! There is no temptation that can overtake us , for God is faithful. He makes a way of escape and He gives us the strength to overcome. All it takes is submission to Him.
And he who overcomes shall inherit all things ! Wow ! Imagine spending eternity with our God and we being His children.
Two things that I would like to share regarding the second verse this morning is the cowardly and all liars.
When we stand for our God , we will not bow down before any idol of any form. An idol can be the so called gods of this world , it can be whatever has taken priority in your life over God. No idol worship in any form. When we stand for our God we will never deny His name. We read in Matthew 10 :32-33 , “”Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before MY father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My father who is in heaven.”. There will come circumstances that will cause you to stand up and say , “ Sorry I cannot do this because I serve Jesus Christ my God and Savior” . I pray that we do so and do not become cowardly and deny Him.
When we say that we are Christians , when we say that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, then people around us know it. Now when we carry the banner of Christ , then we ought to live lives that are testimonial.
If we say , “Yes I believe in Christ” and then go about taking bribes , indulging in sexual immorality , living lives that are displeasing in His sight … we are liars. We carry the word of God in our hands and if we allow those very same hands to be part of the sinful ways of the world we are liars. When we say we believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior then everything about us needs to show that. We cannot say one thing and then live a life that’s a total contradiction to it. I pray that we may not be found liars. Verse 8, “ But the cowardly, unbelievers, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. “
We read in Revelation 22 : 7 , “”Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.””. The time is near. He is coming quickly . We see the angel telling John in Revelation 22: 10 , “And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.”
The time is at hand.
God Bless
Revelation 21: 7-8 (New King James Version)
He who ? Overcomes ! We read in 1 Corinthians 10 : 13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” . Going back to the book of Genesis, we read in Genesis 4:7 , “”If you do well, will you not be accepted ? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.””. We see Cain allowed other things to influence his heart and his decisions thereafter causing his offering to not be respected by God. And God warned him. See , sin is just waiting at the door…looking for that tiny crack to seep through. Sin’s very desire is toward you and I. And God has commanded that we should rule over sin ! There is no temptation that can overtake us , for God is faithful. He makes a way of escape and He gives us the strength to overcome. All it takes is submission to Him.
And he who overcomes shall inherit all things ! Wow ! Imagine spending eternity with our God and we being His children.
Two things that I would like to share regarding the second verse this morning is the cowardly and all liars.
When we stand for our God , we will not bow down before any idol of any form. An idol can be the so called gods of this world , it can be whatever has taken priority in your life over God. No idol worship in any form. When we stand for our God we will never deny His name. We read in Matthew 10 :32-33 , “”Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before MY father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My father who is in heaven.”. There will come circumstances that will cause you to stand up and say , “ Sorry I cannot do this because I serve Jesus Christ my God and Savior” . I pray that we do so and do not become cowardly and deny Him.
When we say that we are Christians , when we say that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, then people around us know it. Now when we carry the banner of Christ , then we ought to live lives that are testimonial.
If we say , “Yes I believe in Christ” and then go about taking bribes , indulging in sexual immorality , living lives that are displeasing in His sight … we are liars. We carry the word of God in our hands and if we allow those very same hands to be part of the sinful ways of the world we are liars. When we say we believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior then everything about us needs to show that. We cannot say one thing and then live a life that’s a total contradiction to it. I pray that we may not be found liars. Verse 8, “ But the cowardly, unbelievers, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. “
We read in Revelation 22 : 7 , “”Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.””. The time is near. He is coming quickly . We see the angel telling John in Revelation 22: 10 , “And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.”
The time is at hand.
God Bless
Monday, March 15, 2010
He will use every aspect of our lives for His glory if we submit every aspect of our lives to Him
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound”
Isaiah 61 : 1 (New King James Version)
I generally walk out in the morning and there are a couple of autos that are there. However this morning there were none. And I was wondering what to do. Because where I am right now , its not easy to get an auto early in the morning. I then said ‘Lord I rely on You ,You get me a rickshaw or an auto to get to work’ . Now its a lil cold and foggy in the morning and so after a few minutes I took out my phone to call up an auto which I had the number for. Then I was convicted by the Lord. When I said I trusted God for an auto , I became impatient in a few minutes and started finding out my own ways of getting an auto. I said ‘Lord I am sorry… I will wait…’. And within another minute a rickshaw came by God’s grace which I took. We read in Genesis 18: 14 “”Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”” . At the ? Appointed time ! God has purposes for us laid out even before time began. And if we would just wait on Him , in His appointed time , things will come to pass in ways we cannot imagine. My story does not stop here. As I travelled , the Lord told me that I was to share the gospel with the man who was driving. And I did. I directed him to a local church, so please remember him in prayers that he will go to church and be strengthened spiritually and know Christ as his personal Savior. Waiting is never easy. But the fruits are amazing !!
We need to understand that its all about Him. And He can use us in ways we just cannot even imagine. He will use every aspect of our lives for His glory if we submit every aspect of our lives to Him.
Isaiah 61: 1-3, “”The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD that He may be glorified.””
Ask anyone who believes in Christ , “Do you believe the above verse is what Christ did and continues to do ?” you will get a big ‘YES’. Now ask them , ‘As you have been ransomed by His blood, been called an heir , an ambassador of Christ , a royal priesthood ,.. do you believe that this is what you ought to be doing too by His grace and for His glory ?” the number of yes’s will reduce to ten percent.
And this is what the Lord is telling us this morning. Its time to rise up. We are vessels of glory in His hands for His name . Forget about the logical ways of the world. Forget about where you are , your background , the people around you… . If we would but submit to Him and surrender every aspect of our lives , He will use us for His glory in ways we cannot imagine.
God Bless
Isaiah 61 : 1 (New King James Version)
I generally walk out in the morning and there are a couple of autos that are there. However this morning there were none. And I was wondering what to do. Because where I am right now , its not easy to get an auto early in the morning. I then said ‘Lord I rely on You ,You get me a rickshaw or an auto to get to work’ . Now its a lil cold and foggy in the morning and so after a few minutes I took out my phone to call up an auto which I had the number for. Then I was convicted by the Lord. When I said I trusted God for an auto , I became impatient in a few minutes and started finding out my own ways of getting an auto. I said ‘Lord I am sorry… I will wait…’. And within another minute a rickshaw came by God’s grace which I took. We read in Genesis 18: 14 “”Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”” . At the ? Appointed time ! God has purposes for us laid out even before time began. And if we would just wait on Him , in His appointed time , things will come to pass in ways we cannot imagine. My story does not stop here. As I travelled , the Lord told me that I was to share the gospel with the man who was driving. And I did. I directed him to a local church, so please remember him in prayers that he will go to church and be strengthened spiritually and know Christ as his personal Savior. Waiting is never easy. But the fruits are amazing !!
We need to understand that its all about Him. And He can use us in ways we just cannot even imagine. He will use every aspect of our lives for His glory if we submit every aspect of our lives to Him.
Isaiah 61: 1-3, “”The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD that He may be glorified.””
Ask anyone who believes in Christ , “Do you believe the above verse is what Christ did and continues to do ?” you will get a big ‘YES’. Now ask them , ‘As you have been ransomed by His blood, been called an heir , an ambassador of Christ , a royal priesthood ,.. do you believe that this is what you ought to be doing too by His grace and for His glory ?” the number of yes’s will reduce to ten percent.
And this is what the Lord is telling us this morning. Its time to rise up. We are vessels of glory in His hands for His name . Forget about the logical ways of the world. Forget about where you are , your background , the people around you… . If we would but submit to Him and surrender every aspect of our lives , He will use us for His glory in ways we cannot imagine.
God Bless
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Don’t make wrong decisions for the world
“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Matthew 4: 2-3 (New King James Version)
We read that when Christ was hungry that’s when satan said to Him to turn these stones to bread. Jesus Christ knew He had the power to do so … satan knew He could do so. We read in the latter chapters of how Christ fed five thousand men plus women and children with just five loaves of bread and two fish.
However this was not the time. This was a time of fasting . And satan wanted to tempt Christ and so he goes on to say ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ And you know what Christ replied ? We read in verse 4 ,”But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’””
Jesus Christ response was just so beautiful. It wasn’t a question of proving who He is , but abiding as per the word of God. And in a time of fasting and prayer , food is non substantial. Life is not about just food and clothes and all. No ! Its primarily about the great I AM and His Holy word abiding in our lives.
We are going to find ourselves in situations where satan will work in many ways and people will say , ‘Come on Its just one drink … you can do it…” “Its just this one moment of pleasure…you are old enough… no one else will know” , “come on you can browse through those sites …its your computer” ..’come on …. Why do you care what your parents say… you can do it’…’come on, you can buy such books and magazines… that’s what people do in our age group..’….’its just one lie…. ‘, ‘come on marry this guy …its ok if he is not does not know Christ as his personal savior…its ok’. And satan is going to pick timings when you are most vulnerable.
All satan was waiting for was that one bad decision. That one bad decision would change the entire course !!
You know what we will say ?’ I am a consecrated temple of the Most High ! I walk in accordance to His will and His word. This is what the word of God says , “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” ‘ (Romans 12:1)
Those bound to the world will try to hit your pride and say ’You are ….. You can do it… come on… everyone does it… stop making a big fuss’. There are times where our focus might shift off God and get stuck to the world. The result being we are stuck in relationships of the world.
Its time to straighten up our lives and surrender it to the great I AM. This life that we live… all that we are belongs to Him.
This was not a time for Christ to turn the stone to bread. It was a time to put satan in His place. And when the time came for Him to multiply the bread it was for the glory of God. Don’t make wrong decisions for the world. Wait on the Lord , abide in Him and His word and make right decisions for the glory of God in accordance with His Holy will.
God Bless
Matthew 4: 2-3 (New King James Version)
We read that when Christ was hungry that’s when satan said to Him to turn these stones to bread. Jesus Christ knew He had the power to do so … satan knew He could do so. We read in the latter chapters of how Christ fed five thousand men plus women and children with just five loaves of bread and two fish.
However this was not the time. This was a time of fasting . And satan wanted to tempt Christ and so he goes on to say ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ And you know what Christ replied ? We read in verse 4 ,”But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’””
Jesus Christ response was just so beautiful. It wasn’t a question of proving who He is , but abiding as per the word of God. And in a time of fasting and prayer , food is non substantial. Life is not about just food and clothes and all. No ! Its primarily about the great I AM and His Holy word abiding in our lives.
We are going to find ourselves in situations where satan will work in many ways and people will say , ‘Come on Its just one drink … you can do it…” “Its just this one moment of pleasure…you are old enough… no one else will know” , “come on you can browse through those sites …its your computer” ..’come on …. Why do you care what your parents say… you can do it’…’come on, you can buy such books and magazines… that’s what people do in our age group..’….’its just one lie…. ‘, ‘come on marry this guy …its ok if he is not does not know Christ as his personal savior…its ok’. And satan is going to pick timings when you are most vulnerable.
All satan was waiting for was that one bad decision. That one bad decision would change the entire course !!
You know what we will say ?’ I am a consecrated temple of the Most High ! I walk in accordance to His will and His word. This is what the word of God says , “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” ‘ (Romans 12:1)
Those bound to the world will try to hit your pride and say ’You are ….. You can do it… come on… everyone does it… stop making a big fuss’. There are times where our focus might shift off God and get stuck to the world. The result being we are stuck in relationships of the world.
Its time to straighten up our lives and surrender it to the great I AM. This life that we live… all that we are belongs to Him.
This was not a time for Christ to turn the stone to bread. It was a time to put satan in His place. And when the time came for Him to multiply the bread it was for the glory of God. Don’t make wrong decisions for the world. Wait on the Lord , abide in Him and His word and make right decisions for the glory of God in accordance with His Holy will.
God Bless
Praise & Proclaim
“For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.”
Psalm 96: 4 (New King James Version)
What an awesome God we serve ! He is the only one worthy to be praised. His love is incomprehensible. His mercy and His forgiveness is beyond what we could ever imagine. We read in 1 John 4:19 , “We love Him because He first loved us.” How great is our God !
He is the great I AM ! Never listen to the lies of the devil who says that you are beyond redemption. The devil likes to whisper lies by saying ‘God cannot use you… why would a Holy God love you ? What have you done to be loved by God ? You are useless… be lost in the ways of the world for there is no hope.”
Tell the devil he is a liar ! The word of God says in Psalm 103 , He heals all our diseases , He redeems our life from destruction, He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, He satisfies our mouth with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
And if we would just go to Him and surrender our lives into His hands , the Bible says in Psalm 103 : 12 “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”. How great is our God ! He is great and greatly to be praised !!
We read in verses Psalm 96: 2-3 , “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”
What a joy to be in the service of the King !
Music Pick for the day , “Better than life” by Hillsong
Better than the riches of this world, Better than the sound of my friends voices
Better than the biggest dreams in my heart and that's just the start
Better than getting what I say I need, Better than living the life that I want to
Better than the love anyone could give
Your love is
You hold me now in Your arms and never let me go
And You oh Lord made the sunshine and the moonlight in the nightsky
You give me breath and all Your love
I give my heart to You
Because I can't stop falling in love with You
I'll never stop falling in love with You
Lets sing to the Lord !! Lets bless His name ! Lets Proclaim the good news of His salvation.
God Bless
Psalm 96: 4 (New King James Version)
What an awesome God we serve ! He is the only one worthy to be praised. His love is incomprehensible. His mercy and His forgiveness is beyond what we could ever imagine. We read in 1 John 4:19 , “We love Him because He first loved us.” How great is our God !
He is the great I AM ! Never listen to the lies of the devil who says that you are beyond redemption. The devil likes to whisper lies by saying ‘God cannot use you… why would a Holy God love you ? What have you done to be loved by God ? You are useless… be lost in the ways of the world for there is no hope.”
Tell the devil he is a liar ! The word of God says in Psalm 103 , He heals all our diseases , He redeems our life from destruction, He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, He satisfies our mouth with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
And if we would just go to Him and surrender our lives into His hands , the Bible says in Psalm 103 : 12 “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”. How great is our God ! He is great and greatly to be praised !!
We read in verses Psalm 96: 2-3 , “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”
What a joy to be in the service of the King !
Music Pick for the day , “Better than life” by Hillsong
Better than the riches of this world, Better than the sound of my friends voices
Better than the biggest dreams in my heart and that's just the start
Better than getting what I say I need, Better than living the life that I want to
Better than the love anyone could give
Your love is
You hold me now in Your arms and never let me go
And You oh Lord made the sunshine and the moonlight in the nightsky
You give me breath and all Your love
I give my heart to You
Because I can't stop falling in love with You
I'll never stop falling in love with You
Lets sing to the Lord !! Lets bless His name ! Lets Proclaim the good news of His salvation.
God Bless
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Five Point Lesson
“But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
Acts 16: 28 (New King James Version)
When reading from Acts 16: 16 onwards , we see that there was a slave girl who was possessed with a spirit of divinition. So her masters gained much profit by fortune-telling. We readin verse 17, “This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying , “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”” First point to be noted today – Demons know who we are when we have the Most High residing as Lord in our lives !!
Now this girl did this for many days and Paul was distressed. And so he said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. Now her masters seeing that their hope for profit was gone, seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the authorities. Then after speaking to the magistrates the multitudes rose up together against them . The magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded that Paul and Silas be beaten with rods. Second Point of the day – People will rise up against you as you go about doing the will of God. Be prepared to take a beating for His name. We are not of this world. Hence the world just doesn’t get us. Ever wondered sometimes why you just don’t fit in with the gangs in your school, colleges or work ? Because you were made to stand out for His glory and not blend in !
We read in verses 23-24, “And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”
Now this is the best part , verse 25 , “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Ever gave the excuse , “Lord Im just too tired today to pray… Im gonna sleep” . Tired from ? Working in a comfy office ? Busy studying for an exam? Busy taking care of family ?
These men were dragged , beaten , stripes were laid on their back... No medication or sumptious food was provided for them. They were dragged and dumped in prison with stocks on their feet. Im sure the prison cells were not some fancy comfy room filled with thr fragrance of air freshner. But you know what ? They prayed and they sang !! And they did not do it because they wanted something . No , they prayed and praised God because that is the greatest blessing one can have… The opportunity to praise His Holy name. And guess what ? The other prisoners listened. Third point of the day – Stop with the excuses. We can never be too tired to pray and praise our God. Praise Him for who He is and NOT because you want something. He will renew your strength ! He will use every moment we submit to Him for His glory
We read in verse 26-28 , “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.””
You would think that Paul would have thought , “hey look , the doors have opened for our escape…..lets runnnnnn !!” . But Paul did not think like people of the world . He thought like a servant of God. And you know what ? The keeper of the prison called for a light and ran into the prison and fell down trembling before them. We read in verse 30 , “And he brought them out and said, “Sirs , what must I do to be saved?”” Wow ! That decision to not behave like someone of the world , but instead to act as a servant of God brought a man into salvation. Fourth point of the day –Being conscious to the ways of God and not the ways of the world, can make the difference between eternal life and eternal death .
And it does not stop there. We read in verses 31 -34 , “So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” We see that God opened the door for not just the prison keeper to be saved but for His entire household to be saved and baptised. And for His servants Paul and Silas, God made the same prison keeper to wash their stripes and lay before them food to eat . And they rejoiced in the Lord together !! Fifth point of the day – Our God is faithful. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can think and ask of according to the power that works in us.
God Bless
Acts 16: 28 (New King James Version)
When reading from Acts 16: 16 onwards , we see that there was a slave girl who was possessed with a spirit of divinition. So her masters gained much profit by fortune-telling. We readin verse 17, “This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying , “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”” First point to be noted today – Demons know who we are when we have the Most High residing as Lord in our lives !!
Now this girl did this for many days and Paul was distressed. And so he said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. Now her masters seeing that their hope for profit was gone, seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the authorities. Then after speaking to the magistrates the multitudes rose up together against them . The magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded that Paul and Silas be beaten with rods. Second Point of the day – People will rise up against you as you go about doing the will of God. Be prepared to take a beating for His name. We are not of this world. Hence the world just doesn’t get us. Ever wondered sometimes why you just don’t fit in with the gangs in your school, colleges or work ? Because you were made to stand out for His glory and not blend in !
We read in verses 23-24, “And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”
Now this is the best part , verse 25 , “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Ever gave the excuse , “Lord Im just too tired today to pray… Im gonna sleep” . Tired from ? Working in a comfy office ? Busy studying for an exam? Busy taking care of family ?
These men were dragged , beaten , stripes were laid on their back... No medication or sumptious food was provided for them. They were dragged and dumped in prison with stocks on their feet. Im sure the prison cells were not some fancy comfy room filled with thr fragrance of air freshner. But you know what ? They prayed and they sang !! And they did not do it because they wanted something . No , they prayed and praised God because that is the greatest blessing one can have… The opportunity to praise His Holy name. And guess what ? The other prisoners listened. Third point of the day – Stop with the excuses. We can never be too tired to pray and praise our God. Praise Him for who He is and NOT because you want something. He will renew your strength ! He will use every moment we submit to Him for His glory
We read in verse 26-28 , “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.””
You would think that Paul would have thought , “hey look , the doors have opened for our escape…..lets runnnnnn !!” . But Paul did not think like people of the world . He thought like a servant of God. And you know what ? The keeper of the prison called for a light and ran into the prison and fell down trembling before them. We read in verse 30 , “And he brought them out and said, “Sirs , what must I do to be saved?”” Wow ! That decision to not behave like someone of the world , but instead to act as a servant of God brought a man into salvation. Fourth point of the day –Being conscious to the ways of God and not the ways of the world, can make the difference between eternal life and eternal death .
And it does not stop there. We read in verses 31 -34 , “So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” We see that God opened the door for not just the prison keeper to be saved but for His entire household to be saved and baptised. And for His servants Paul and Silas, God made the same prison keeper to wash their stripes and lay before them food to eat . And they rejoiced in the Lord together !! Fifth point of the day – Our God is faithful. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can think and ask of according to the power that works in us.
God Bless
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Who we are and what is expected of us
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special, zealous for good works.”
Titus 2: 11-14 (New King James Version)
If you woke up this morning , not knowing the reason for why you are alive this day or pondered ‘what life is this ? I don’t know what I am supposed to do ‘ then this is for you.
· By the grace of God the gift of Salvation is given to all people
· Jesus Christ our Savior gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness
· Having been washed by the blood we are purified and He calls us His own. We are His own possession.
· We therefore are to be zealous for good works
· We are to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (remember we are in this world but are not of the world)
· We should live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age
· What do we look forward to ? our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ
Getting drawn in by the ways of the world ? Remember Romans 12: 2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
‘Renewing’ of your mind. It’s a continuous tense. Its not a once in a lifetime or a once in a year activity. No… It’s a daily , every moment submission to our Savior that we may be renewed in Him.
God Bless
Titus 2: 11-14 (New King James Version)
If you woke up this morning , not knowing the reason for why you are alive this day or pondered ‘what life is this ? I don’t know what I am supposed to do ‘ then this is for you.
· By the grace of God the gift of Salvation is given to all people
· Jesus Christ our Savior gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness
· Having been washed by the blood we are purified and He calls us His own. We are His own possession.
· We therefore are to be zealous for good works
· We are to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (remember we are in this world but are not of the world)
· We should live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age
· What do we look forward to ? our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ
Getting drawn in by the ways of the world ? Remember Romans 12: 2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
‘Renewing’ of your mind. It’s a continuous tense. Its not a once in a lifetime or a once in a year activity. No… It’s a daily , every moment submission to our Savior that we may be renewed in Him.
God Bless
Monday, March 8, 2010
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
Ephesians 4:30-31 (New King James Version)
We read in Numbers 11 that the people of Israel complained for the want of meat. They were bored of eating manna and wanted to eat meat. Now the issue here was not that they desired for meat but the fact that they complained and were filled with bitterness. And not only was it not just a desire, but they had turned it into an intense craving .. Numbers 11: 4-6 , “Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat ? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”. The literal translation for the word ‘yielded’ in this context is ‘lusted intensely’.
A lot of us who are waiting on the Lord and walking as per His will, sometimes face difficult situations. But the question is ,will out hearts be filled with peace or will we harbor bitterness. Will we praise God and say ‘Lord You will take me to the promised land. I trust in You. Help me grow strong in You that I may not yield to the desires of the flesh.’ Or will we complain and say “Lord if I had only taken that other job that day then I wont be in this predicament today.. You only brought me to this job… but see what I am facing”, “Lord I could have married that guy/girl that time itself though he/she was a non-believer , now see what’s happening … see how old I am getting … see what people are saying” , “Lord if only….”. Bitterness , wrath , …. It needs to be put away.
Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom we are sealed.
Isaiah 40: 31 , “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
How wonderful it is to wait on the Lord !
Brothers and sisters in Christ, let this be our prayer this morning, that all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor , evil speaking and malice be put away from us. May we be a pleasing sacrificing to our God.
God Bless
Ephesians 4:30-31 (New King James Version)
We read in Numbers 11 that the people of Israel complained for the want of meat. They were bored of eating manna and wanted to eat meat. Now the issue here was not that they desired for meat but the fact that they complained and were filled with bitterness. And not only was it not just a desire, but they had turned it into an intense craving .. Numbers 11: 4-6 , “Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat ? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”. The literal translation for the word ‘yielded’ in this context is ‘lusted intensely’.
A lot of us who are waiting on the Lord and walking as per His will, sometimes face difficult situations. But the question is ,will out hearts be filled with peace or will we harbor bitterness. Will we praise God and say ‘Lord You will take me to the promised land. I trust in You. Help me grow strong in You that I may not yield to the desires of the flesh.’ Or will we complain and say “Lord if I had only taken that other job that day then I wont be in this predicament today.. You only brought me to this job… but see what I am facing”, “Lord I could have married that guy/girl that time itself though he/she was a non-believer , now see what’s happening … see how old I am getting … see what people are saying” , “Lord if only….”. Bitterness , wrath , …. It needs to be put away.
Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom we are sealed.
Isaiah 40: 31 , “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
How wonderful it is to wait on the Lord !
Brothers and sisters in Christ, let this be our prayer this morning, that all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor , evil speaking and malice be put away from us. May we be a pleasing sacrificing to our God.
God Bless
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Better than I know myself !
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
Psalm 139 :16 (New King James Version)
When I was a kid I wanted to be a window washer !! Yup ! Because I had seen on TV how cool it was to be hanging from these tall skyscrapers and just having fun. Well ambitions keep changing… when I graduated from high school I wanted to be an aeronautics engineer. A lot of fasting and prayer went into it and God clearly directed us that that was not His well. I joined my Electronics and Communications engineering and told myself and everyone around me that I would never work as a software engineer. For a year and a half during my college I specialized in Biomedical Instrumentation and found myself totally hooked to that field.
Proverbs 19:21 , “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel – that will stand.” . The very first job I landed during college ? A job as a software engineer !! I did try applying for another job in a different country itself which I did get by His grace. But as I sought His will He directed me that the job that I had got as part of my college placements was where the Lord wanted me to be in.
Proverbs 16 : 9 ,”A man’s heart plans his way. But the LORD directs his steps”. The way the Lord has led me and guided me all these years is so amazing. Its indescribable ! Never could I have ever imagined how the Lord would lead me and where He would bring me and use me by His grace for His glory.
Psalm 139 : 4-6, “For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.”
Just try and picture this awesome truth … He has hedged you behind and before !! HE has enclosed you ! His hand is upon you !!
Our God saw our substance even before it was formed . He has written down the very days that are there for us even before they were in existence.
Wow ! Praise the Lord that not all our desires are fulfilled ! Praise the Lord that not all our prayers are answered ! Praise the Lord He knows us better than we know ourselves. Which is why our desires need to be in accordance with His will. Which is why when we pray we lift it up in accordance to His will. Our plans…. Not what we want or we desire…. But what He wants and what He desires.
Song pick for the day : Better than I know myself by Cliff Richard
You were there - at the moment I began
When the child became a man
Saw my future in the making - saw the path my life was taking
You saw a million things I'll never understand
You know me better than I know myself
Better than I know myself
Time after time you've shown it to be true
That no one loves me like you
You are here so let it rain or let it shine
You are with me all the time
When I'm waking - When I'm sleeping
In the secret thoughts I'm keeping
You know everything about this heart of mine
You know me better than I know myself
Better than I know myself
Time after time you've shown it to be true
That no one loves me like you
You'll be there - when the end of time has come
And I know you'll take me home
So I thank you for tomorrow
All my joys and all my sorrows
And I thank you for the greatest thing I've known
You know me better than I know myself
Better than I know myself
Time after time you've shown it to be true
That no one loves me like you
God Bless
Psalm 139 :16 (New King James Version)
When I was a kid I wanted to be a window washer !! Yup ! Because I had seen on TV how cool it was to be hanging from these tall skyscrapers and just having fun. Well ambitions keep changing… when I graduated from high school I wanted to be an aeronautics engineer. A lot of fasting and prayer went into it and God clearly directed us that that was not His well. I joined my Electronics and Communications engineering and told myself and everyone around me that I would never work as a software engineer. For a year and a half during my college I specialized in Biomedical Instrumentation and found myself totally hooked to that field.
Proverbs 19:21 , “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel – that will stand.” . The very first job I landed during college ? A job as a software engineer !! I did try applying for another job in a different country itself which I did get by His grace. But as I sought His will He directed me that the job that I had got as part of my college placements was where the Lord wanted me to be in.
Proverbs 16 : 9 ,”A man’s heart plans his way. But the LORD directs his steps”. The way the Lord has led me and guided me all these years is so amazing. Its indescribable ! Never could I have ever imagined how the Lord would lead me and where He would bring me and use me by His grace for His glory.
Psalm 139 : 4-6, “For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.”
Just try and picture this awesome truth … He has hedged you behind and before !! HE has enclosed you ! His hand is upon you !!
Our God saw our substance even before it was formed . He has written down the very days that are there for us even before they were in existence.
Wow ! Praise the Lord that not all our desires are fulfilled ! Praise the Lord that not all our prayers are answered ! Praise the Lord He knows us better than we know ourselves. Which is why our desires need to be in accordance with His will. Which is why when we pray we lift it up in accordance to His will. Our plans…. Not what we want or we desire…. But what He wants and what He desires.
Song pick for the day : Better than I know myself by Cliff Richard
You were there - at the moment I began
When the child became a man
Saw my future in the making - saw the path my life was taking
You saw a million things I'll never understand
You know me better than I know myself
Better than I know myself
Time after time you've shown it to be true
That no one loves me like you
You are here so let it rain or let it shine
You are with me all the time
When I'm waking - When I'm sleeping
In the secret thoughts I'm keeping
You know everything about this heart of mine
You know me better than I know myself
Better than I know myself
Time after time you've shown it to be true
That no one loves me like you
You'll be there - when the end of time has come
And I know you'll take me home
So I thank you for tomorrow
All my joys and all my sorrows
And I thank you for the greatest thing I've known
You know me better than I know myself
Better than I know myself
Time after time you've shown it to be true
That no one loves me like you
God Bless
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Refined in Fire ! Clothed in White Garments ! ...
“”I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”
Revelation 3: 18 (New King James Version)
We read in verse 17, “”Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’— and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked –“ .
A lot of us don’t realize the position we are in now. Some of us have become self reliant and think we are good and don’t need anything. We have kept God in the back shelf and think ok everything is going on good with my job/studies ,… friends are great… I’m good … I don’t need anything.
If we don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior then we are indeed miserable, poor, blind and naked !
If into temporary earthly relationships (be it business or personal) we invest so much of time and effort … we give our heart out… How much more should we have a personal relationship and longing for our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us and took our place on the cross, who loved us first though we were wallowing in sin !
Just imagine… while you ignored Christ , continued in sin ,… He still chose to die for you , to bear the punishment for your sins. And today He is seated at the right hand of the Father still looking over us and protecting us and loving us.
We read in Isaiah 55: 1-2, “”Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.”
God is calling us to Him…
When we have been tested and have been refined by His Holy Fire and come out as gold then we are truly rich !!
The concept of nakedness first came when Adam and Eve sinned. Until then there was no knowledge of this. When we are covered in sin we are covered with shame. But you know what ? His blood makes us white as snow. His blood covers us from all shame. And one day this earthly body will perish but we whose trust and hope is in Christ Jesus will put on heavenly garments for all eternity .
Only Christ can truly open our eyes to see… To see who we are .. To see who He is … To see who we are in Him !
As part of being the volunteers in church there was a badge that was made for us with our names on it . And this was what was written on the badge beside our name , “In the service of The King”.
Compared to all what the world has to offer I cant think of anything better than just rejoicing in the fact that you and I have been blessed to be ‘In the service of The King’
God Bless
Note : By the grace of God , He has blessed me to be bringing out all the ‘Verse for the Day’ emails as a book titled as ‘Sparks’. It will contain God willing the first 150 emails that was sent out. Nothing fancy.. just a consolidation of it so that it can be handed out to friends and family as an instrument for His glory. Will be bringing this out sometime end of April God willing. If anyone wants to order a free copy then do send me an email to sparks.ablaze@gmail.com so that I can estimate the number of copies that need to be made. God Bless
Revelation 3: 18 (New King James Version)
We read in verse 17, “”Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’— and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked –“ .
A lot of us don’t realize the position we are in now. Some of us have become self reliant and think we are good and don’t need anything. We have kept God in the back shelf and think ok everything is going on good with my job/studies ,… friends are great… I’m good … I don’t need anything.
If we don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior then we are indeed miserable, poor, blind and naked !
If into temporary earthly relationships (be it business or personal) we invest so much of time and effort … we give our heart out… How much more should we have a personal relationship and longing for our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us and took our place on the cross, who loved us first though we were wallowing in sin !
Just imagine… while you ignored Christ , continued in sin ,… He still chose to die for you , to bear the punishment for your sins. And today He is seated at the right hand of the Father still looking over us and protecting us and loving us.
We read in Isaiah 55: 1-2, “”Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.”
God is calling us to Him…
When we have been tested and have been refined by His Holy Fire and come out as gold then we are truly rich !!
The concept of nakedness first came when Adam and Eve sinned. Until then there was no knowledge of this. When we are covered in sin we are covered with shame. But you know what ? His blood makes us white as snow. His blood covers us from all shame. And one day this earthly body will perish but we whose trust and hope is in Christ Jesus will put on heavenly garments for all eternity .
Only Christ can truly open our eyes to see… To see who we are .. To see who He is … To see who we are in Him !
As part of being the volunteers in church there was a badge that was made for us with our names on it . And this was what was written on the badge beside our name , “In the service of The King”.
Compared to all what the world has to offer I cant think of anything better than just rejoicing in the fact that you and I have been blessed to be ‘In the service of The King’
God Bless
Note : By the grace of God , He has blessed me to be bringing out all the ‘Verse for the Day’ emails as a book titled as ‘Sparks’. It will contain God willing the first 150 emails that was sent out. Nothing fancy.. just a consolidation of it so that it can be handed out to friends and family as an instrument for His glory. Will be bringing this out sometime end of April God willing. If anyone wants to order a free copy then do send me an email to sparks.ablaze@gmail.com so that I can estimate the number of copies that need to be made. God Bless
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
"He is calling 'come dine with Me' .. Are u ready ?"
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Revelation 3: 20 (New King James Version)
This passage (verses 14-22 )talks about the lukewarm church. They are neither hot not cold. Neither are they on fire for the Lord nor are they totally cold. This is not a good position to be in !
Picture this. Jesus standing at the door and knocking . But its not just the knocking that you hear…. you hear His voice and open the door. Not just a random knock on the door and you hear the sound of knocking and just open the door. No. But a recognition of Him who is calling out . And you hear His voice and then open the door. There is a big difference between ‘just hearing a knock and opening the door not knowing who is there on the other side’ and ‘hearing and recognizing the voice of the one who is calling out and then out of joy to open the door’. Its an acceptance .
Jesus is not just knocking but He is calling out ! Are we listening ?
We read in Matthew 22 : 1-14 and in Luke 14: 15-24 about the parable of the wedding feast. Matthew 22:2-3 , “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.” A king had prepared a wedding feast and invited people to come. And when he sent his servants to find the people who were invited, the people began to give excuses.
Luke 14 : 18, “But they all with one accord began to make excuses, The first said to him , ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’”
Luke 14 : 19, “And another said, ‘ I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’”
Luke 14: 20, “Still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’”
These excuses sound familiar ? “Lord sorry , no time to dine with you because I’m busy with my possessions”, “Lord ,sorry no time to dine with you because I’m busy with my work” , “Lord sorry no time to dine with you because you know I’m busy with family commitments”
Jesus is calling for us to come and dine with Him. Are we listening ?
Let us not be found lukewarm.
Luke 14: 24 , “’For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’”
Revelation 3: 16 ,””So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
God Bless
Revelation 3: 20 (New King James Version)
This passage (verses 14-22 )talks about the lukewarm church. They are neither hot not cold. Neither are they on fire for the Lord nor are they totally cold. This is not a good position to be in !
Picture this. Jesus standing at the door and knocking . But its not just the knocking that you hear…. you hear His voice and open the door. Not just a random knock on the door and you hear the sound of knocking and just open the door. No. But a recognition of Him who is calling out . And you hear His voice and then open the door. There is a big difference between ‘just hearing a knock and opening the door not knowing who is there on the other side’ and ‘hearing and recognizing the voice of the one who is calling out and then out of joy to open the door’. Its an acceptance .
Jesus is not just knocking but He is calling out ! Are we listening ?
We read in Matthew 22 : 1-14 and in Luke 14: 15-24 about the parable of the wedding feast. Matthew 22:2-3 , “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.” A king had prepared a wedding feast and invited people to come. And when he sent his servants to find the people who were invited, the people began to give excuses.
Luke 14 : 18, “But they all with one accord began to make excuses, The first said to him , ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’”
Luke 14 : 19, “And another said, ‘ I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’”
Luke 14: 20, “Still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’”
These excuses sound familiar ? “Lord sorry , no time to dine with you because I’m busy with my possessions”, “Lord ,sorry no time to dine with you because I’m busy with my work” , “Lord sorry no time to dine with you because you know I’m busy with family commitments”
Jesus is calling for us to come and dine with Him. Are we listening ?
Let us not be found lukewarm.
Luke 14: 24 , “’For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’”
Revelation 3: 16 ,””So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
God Bless
Holy of Holies
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 10 : 19-22 (New King James Version)
The Holy of Holies ! Hebrews 9 gives a beautiful explanation of this. There was a veil that covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies. And the high priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies only once a year , that too with a lot of preparation and all. But when Christ was crucified on the cross , His flesh torn for our sins, we read in Matthew 27:51 , “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split”
By His blood we can enter the Holy of Holies … His dwelling place… His presence ! And not as dead people bound to sin… No ! For we have been set free by Christ ! And we can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Whenever we pray , a lot of times we take it for granted and pray only when we need something. But can you imagine that the great I AM has preserved us by His grace and for His glory ? Why would such a Holy God look at us with so much of love ? Its beyond our comprehension ! When He looks at us He sees the blood of the lamb sprinkled on us . And you know what ? The devil sees it too.
Imagine this… A shepherd with his flock of sheep close by him. No one will try stealing the sheep from him then. But what if the sheep slowly distances itself from the shepherd ? Seeing that distance, the thief will try to lure the sheep a little further away from the shepherd and then make its final attack !
The more we dwell in His presence the less satan can have his evil snares trying to rope us. The more we distance our selves from Him the more the opportunity for temptation and sin to grasp us.
The entrance to the Holy of Holies was given to us by the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to draw closer to Him. It’s a place of consecration ! When we go before His presence with a heart that is lifted to Him , He convicts us of the filth in our lives. And when we repent all sin is stripped away.
Psalm 91 : 1 , “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” . He who ? Dwells !! Are we dwelling in His presence ? Do we truly understand how blessed we are that we can enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Christ that was shed for us ? Are we drawing closer to Him ? Do we desire to abide under the shadow of the Almighty ?
God Bless
Hebrews 10 : 19-22 (New King James Version)
The Holy of Holies ! Hebrews 9 gives a beautiful explanation of this. There was a veil that covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies. And the high priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies only once a year , that too with a lot of preparation and all. But when Christ was crucified on the cross , His flesh torn for our sins, we read in Matthew 27:51 , “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split”
By His blood we can enter the Holy of Holies … His dwelling place… His presence ! And not as dead people bound to sin… No ! For we have been set free by Christ ! And we can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Whenever we pray , a lot of times we take it for granted and pray only when we need something. But can you imagine that the great I AM has preserved us by His grace and for His glory ? Why would such a Holy God look at us with so much of love ? Its beyond our comprehension ! When He looks at us He sees the blood of the lamb sprinkled on us . And you know what ? The devil sees it too.
Imagine this… A shepherd with his flock of sheep close by him. No one will try stealing the sheep from him then. But what if the sheep slowly distances itself from the shepherd ? Seeing that distance, the thief will try to lure the sheep a little further away from the shepherd and then make its final attack !
The more we dwell in His presence the less satan can have his evil snares trying to rope us. The more we distance our selves from Him the more the opportunity for temptation and sin to grasp us.
The entrance to the Holy of Holies was given to us by the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to draw closer to Him. It’s a place of consecration ! When we go before His presence with a heart that is lifted to Him , He convicts us of the filth in our lives. And when we repent all sin is stripped away.
Psalm 91 : 1 , “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” . He who ? Dwells !! Are we dwelling in His presence ? Do we truly understand how blessed we are that we can enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Christ that was shed for us ? Are we drawing closer to Him ? Do we desire to abide under the shadow of the Almighty ?
God Bless
Like a thief in the night He will come
“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman, And they shall not escape.”
I Thessalonians 5 : 1-3 (New King James Version)
Take a quick glance around you and you can be sure the end is nearing and nearing . We are nearly 2000 years closer than when the disciples preached regarding the second coming of the Lord. Immorality has risen to an all time high. Even an advertisement for ice cream or juice right now has only one theme - sexual immorality, Families are being torn apart , Natural calamities are on an all time high , unrest ,.… and man’s self reliance on his own knowledge has increased.
We read in verses 5-8 , “You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”
We are the sons of light. Darkness is described as the absence of light. We read in John 8 : 12 , “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Its time to shine forth for His glory ! We who are of the day ought to be sober (literal translation : self- controlled) , putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation !! We cant be still living everyday as just babes in Christ. Its time to grow. We have been called as an instrument of the Most High to bring people out of darkness into the light by His grace. We are to be self-controlled living by the principles and philosophies of Christ and not that of this world. We are to put on the breastplate of faith and love !! The helmet that we wear is the hope of salvation. Do people see that ??
Verses 9- 10, “ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”
We are ambassadors of Christ first ! Then only are we consultants , engineers, housewives , students ,….
Its time to get our priorities right . Its time to sow to the Spirit.
Matthew 10 : 27-28 , “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
God Bless
I Thessalonians 5 : 1-3 (New King James Version)
Take a quick glance around you and you can be sure the end is nearing and nearing . We are nearly 2000 years closer than when the disciples preached regarding the second coming of the Lord. Immorality has risen to an all time high. Even an advertisement for ice cream or juice right now has only one theme - sexual immorality, Families are being torn apart , Natural calamities are on an all time high , unrest ,.… and man’s self reliance on his own knowledge has increased.
We read in verses 5-8 , “You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”
We are the sons of light. Darkness is described as the absence of light. We read in John 8 : 12 , “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Its time to shine forth for His glory ! We who are of the day ought to be sober (literal translation : self- controlled) , putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation !! We cant be still living everyday as just babes in Christ. Its time to grow. We have been called as an instrument of the Most High to bring people out of darkness into the light by His grace. We are to be self-controlled living by the principles and philosophies of Christ and not that of this world. We are to put on the breastplate of faith and love !! The helmet that we wear is the hope of salvation. Do people see that ??
Verses 9- 10, “ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.”
We are ambassadors of Christ first ! Then only are we consultants , engineers, housewives , students ,….
Its time to get our priorities right . Its time to sow to the Spirit.
Matthew 10 : 27-28 , “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
God Bless
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)