Oct 31, 2015

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) ( John 14:27 ) 

One of the most valuable things in this world is to have peace. Some say they go on vacations, smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, get massages etc to relieve stress? Such peace are temporary not forever, it will fade away quickly. Lasting peace is possible only if we are truly in CHRIST and rely on HIM beyond our worldly knowledge and understanding. This lasting peace is a promise from Christ himself which we can depend on at all times. Let us yield to Him fully, accept and depend on His peace daily even when we encounter trouble and commotion! 

Oct 30, 2015

He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10)

When God called Abraham, Abraham left his home, family, his comforts and went out not even knowing where he was going! Verse 10 says he did not know exactly where he was going, but he knew what he was looking for. He was looking for a city that was built on a firm foundation. Abraham knew that any place/people that are not built on the solid foundation of God's teaching would surely sink. Wanting to be built /shaped by God Abraham traded the emotional/ physical stability of his hometown for a spiritual/eternal foundation of God's will. 

Do we trust in familiar surroundings, assets, or even family for our security or are we looking to God and building our life on his Word and his guidance each day. There is nothing more solid than God's promises and there is no one who can build a city or shape a life like God can! 

Oct 29, 2015

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me (Matthew 15:25)

This Canaanite woman came to Jesus for healing for her daughter. Her name is not mentioned but her great faith was commended by Jesus himself! She had to face three obstacles before she received the blessing she sought. 

1. silence : She first begs Jesus for mercy, he doesn't answer her a word (verse 23). Have we not also felt the same after a prayer that "He answered...not a word"? But the difference is she wasn't  discouraged by it. 

2. Disciples/saints: When Jesus did not reply her, his disciples thought it's their duty to get rid of her. These disciples who represented saints asked her to go away! Even this didn't deter her.

3. Insult :Jesus called her - dog. Jesus' reply indicated that his help really is mercy, and she doesn't deserve his attention. We would have been shocked and disheartened at this but this woman was not! She knew she did not deserve his favor, which we sometimes tend to forget. 

At her answer Jesus witnesses, "great is thy faith." Her absolute trust and faith in Jesus brought her to Jesus to say "Lord, help me." It was her GREAT FAITH  that helped her face the obstacles to fall at the feet of Jesus and beg for mercy. How big is our faith, today? Does our faith in Christ charge past all our obstacles to fall at Jesus' feet and beg for mercy? 

Oct 28, 2015

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD... shall still bring forth fruit in old age (Psalm 92:13-14)

In verse 12 we read that those who live godly lives will be as strong and healthy as cedar trees. The promise does not refer to one's physical body, because we read, even in old age the godly will continue to grow and flourish, living fruitful and prosperous.The psalmist is speaking of the prosperity of one's soul. One might be of strong physical health yet is withering away on the inside!! But a child of may be declining in physical strength and yet be growing and thriving within. The difference is, a cedar-like soul is planted in the house of the Lord. The presence of God, and his Word, will be his strength. God delights in our worship, gratitude and submission not our physical limitations! This fruit is one that we can bear even when our health deteriorates or are confined by weakness. We wilfully submit to you our Heavenly Father, our Sovereign Lord continually to bear fruit! 

Oct 26, 2015

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will

(Proverbs 21:1)

Jesus Christ is the only King of kings, President of presidents and Sovereign Lord who rules! It is a comfort to know He controls everything as certain things are beyond our own control. God has the power to overthrow human purposes. Didn't He bring down Nebuchadnezzar, Ahab, and Herod? Didn't He turn the heart of Pharaoh, King Xerxes, and Saul of Tarsus?? 

So today when we feel we can't control things, remember this: God is still on his throne, regardless of the  political, social/economic upheavals that shake our world. The hearts of kings are still in His hand, He can turn them perfectly, according to his wise and good will! 

Oct 25, 2015

No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby

(Hebrews 12:11)

When we go through trials remember this, no trial feels good at the moment. God knows that our pain hurts; He does not expect it to feel good when affliction comes to us. However although it does not feel good right now, our trial will have a good result, as we are "exercised" by it.  We go through pain to be disciplined, to build us up, to look to God for our strength and fulfilment, to become a stronger person and finally to obtain a worthwhile goal as we establish n maintain our relationship with our God!

Oct 24, 2015

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee  (Isaiah 49:15)

Sometimes we feel let down, forsaken, forgotten or even overlooked by close friends and even family! Although it is unthinkable or unnatural for a mother to forget or neglect her nursing baby, it is possible that she may put herself first and not consider the needs of her infant baby. But God speaks this powerful promise: even if your own mother were to turn her back against you, or forget you, yet HE will never forget you. Although others may neglect us God will always nurture us.

So even if circumstances  deteriorate, or parents may disappoint, though friends may forsake, God is our ever present companion who will never let us go or leave or forsake us!! When the world around us ignore, forget it let us down, if we are HIS we will see His hand !!

Oct 22, 2015

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name

(1 Chronicles 29:13)

Let us remember what God does for us and take time to give thanks to God's glorious name! Today, if we breathe it's nothing but His grace, if we return back safe home it's His grace; everything we have comes from God:

The verse above this says "Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all" No matter how hard we work, or how intelligent and able we are everything that we are enjoying ultimately comes from God's gracious hand!! If we have enough money to cover our expenses, if we have moved up the ladder at our workplace, if we have peace at home, if we enjoy His protection, it is clearly God who has given us the skills, the health, and the mind to flourish. Even if we don't see success remember this God, in his perfect wisdom and with his might, he has dispensed to us what is best for us, if we are his. So no matter what your circumstance or situation, we thank you, God, and praise your glorious name!

Oct 21, 2015

Comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Aren't these comforting words that death is temporary and that our life with Jesus is not. Death that seems to be finality is broken by the declaration of Christ that He will come again and take us with Him!

The second part of Paul's message says our time with the Lord will never come to an end. We will spend eternity(forever)with the Lord! So when we comfort others, when we comfort ourselves know this Jesus called us not for the things of the world, He chose us to spend eternity with Christ! Shall we look at all of life's problems, concerns, anxieties and Uncertainties and say these are not for eternity these won't last forever!!

Oct 20, 2015

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)

Bearing each other's burdens implies to emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually support one another in times of need. The church of Jesus Christ is the body of Christ, where there is a commitment to grow, rejoice and hurt together as a church. Each member of God's family should share/bear grief, pain, or problems of others. We are to bear one another's burdens and reflect selfless nature of Christ. Let us be examples of those selfless nature of Christ! 

Oct 19,2015

I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels (Psalm 81:12)

Sin separates us from God, that most people don't want to be separated from God through sin; Notice that going after our own lusts, desires or plans may not sound bad or look like much of a penalty but in reality this is judgment; this is punishment. Those who persist in sin and rebellion, God leaves to their own lust and allows them to walk in their own counsels. Their desires will consume them without end, because there is no true or lasting satisfaction apart from God, they will forever lack contentment!! A person who is left to her own counsel without God will be like blind without a guide. He/she is free to walk in any direction he/she pleases, but there is danger and destruction on every side. The great punishment for sin is getting our own way. Let us always Put God First, seek His counsel it all our ways!!  

Oct 17, 2015

These nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day (2 Kings 17:41)

Isn't this a horrifying observation? Having double-minded standards they sought to serve both God and idols. At one end they practiced some of God-fearing lifestyle, but simultaneously they served pagan gods. The worst part was this pitiful, destructive and double-minded worship was followed by their children and grandchildren. It started  as one person's disobedience but became the sinful tendency of generations. Although this is recorded in the bible as a history the same sad story may be the case with several homes today. 

As Parents/grandparents let us not  get away with half-hearted service to God, while embracing pleasures of the world! We may leaving behind young generations who have no clear direction in life instead of living as a single-minded sacrifice to God. Let us teach our children to love God with all their heart, soul and mind by living out a Christian life before them.

Oct 16, 2015

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)(KJV)

We eat in order to live but Jesus reminds us that food alone won't suffice! We may have all the food in the world and still feel lifeless and empty. But the Word of God can energize, strengthen, fill us and sustains us even when other food is withheld! And we need to live by every word that proceeds from God's mouth. Let us enjoy the pleasure of communion with God and refrain temptations that Satan lures us through worldly pleasures. Let us decide to live not only on bread alone but also by every word of God! 

Oct 15, 2015

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12)(KJV)

We must confess our sins and ask God's forgiveness every day! If we delay to confess we may feel estranged from God n even worse guilt may make it even more difficult for us to go to Him. So let us go to Him regularly, allowing Him to cleanse us, to commune with us and to be refreshed in His presence. As we ask for forgiveness let us also remember it is tied to our own forgiveness of others! Jesus, is saying we must be willing to forgive others completely, if we expect God to forgive us completely ! Let us examine if we have taken our account to God in prayer and ponder if we have forgiven others as we hope to be forgiven by God! God bless

Oct 14, 2015

Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (psalms 105:4-5)

We need to seek Him every day to find our way ahead, seek Him to find the steps to take each day. If we turn back the pages of our life, we won't be able to count all the marvelous works He has done. Looking back to yesterday, Some of us can say with certainty that we saw His marvelous hand. Let us trust Him to valiantly be our source of strength for today n forever!  As we seek Him He will show us the way, He will not sleep not slumber, He will work in favour of us! Today let us remember all that He has done n praise Him n declare that our future is also secure in Him!

Oct 13, 2015

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. (Psalms 147:9-10)

We take so much efforts trying to hone our skills, which is alright, we can use our gifts to glorify God. But when we use our skills n talents with NO regard for God, they are worth little! God desires our reverential fear and trust. If we have those He will use our strengths, skills and talents in ways greater than we can imagine:)) 

Oct 12, 2015

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages

(Ephesians 3:21)

Although attention and efforts may easily get distracted toward building 'programs', 'events', 'establish ministry', or 'personal relationships', none of these should substitute as a foundation for the church. The church should exist only to glorify God in the world around it!!! We cannot do this in our own strength that's why Paul prays that this glory will come by Christ Jesus. The more we rely on our own abilities, knowledge, experiences, ingenuity, tactfulness or personality for the success of the church, the less God is glorified in the church!! In the world, organizations can can thrive by careful business research/models or market research but if taken in to Christ's church it will die with all these without Christ!!!!. God is glorified in the church only as Christ is looked to as the sole source of strength and motivation and direction for the church. Let us as the body of Christ, look to Him as our sole source of strength, trust and let us each day glorify Him! 

11 October 2015

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118:8)

A good reminder when we make any small or large decisions! If we put our trust in God rather than in people; we will not be disappointed. We might be tempted to put our confidence in man, be it a doctor giving us a diagnosis/ treatment, or a superior helping us mold our career, or Christian minister who teaches the word of God!  We have a natural urge to run to SMEs with our questions and problems. But God says, our resort must ALWAYS be Him. It doesn't mean we must deny medical knowledge, or stop listening to superiors' advice, or ignore Christian minister's preaching but we must put our confidence in the Lord; who alone has the Sovereign power to control!! Whatever be our case or position, at every time, in every situation let us learn to trust in the Lord and to inquire prayerfully in His Word for direction, than to put confidence in any person. 

10 October 2015

The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own (Acts 4:32)

Early Christian church had a common faith in Jesus, enjoyed unity of spirit and purpose and used their wealth n sources to impact the world around them. Because of their common faith and objective they were of ONE heart n soul. Their only intention was to exalt the name of Jesus Christ. Even though they had their own assets, they did not see it as their own. All that we have it not our own, even spiritual blessings; it is all God's (car, house, money, time, relations) that he has entrusted on us as a steward surely he expects a return on his investment (parable of the talents Matthew 25:14-27).

Do we strive to exalt the name of Jesus together when we gather? How much of the God given talents/assets do we use for His Kingdom? Let us strive to exalt Him by using the talents HE has loaned us in HIS name and multiply n bring it back to Him! Let us remind ourselves of the day when He will ask us to give an account of all HE has given us !!

8 October 2015

They are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder

(Matthew 19:6£

God instituted marriage wherein a man and woman marry, the two individuals become one. When working together in unity they can accomplish more together than they could do alone. Marriage multiplies the pleasures, the accomplishments, and opportunities; the two complement each other; one will be the strength during other person's fears or sorrow, they uplift each other in Christ!! But when they make decisions or set goals they need to consider each other. They are therefore responsible to God for their commitment to each other. What God has joined together in marriage is not to be lightly/selfishly/wrongly separated by any. The marriage between two individuals is an analogy of the marriage of Christ; with his bride, the Church! Therefore, today I pray that we will strive to make ourselves more unified for the glory of God. 

7th October 2015

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13)

We may be succumbed to many of Satan's lies or devises but we need to learn to shut lies n devises and be vigilant  to watch for his attacks. We may not be able to gather up the faith but we need to resist very words n schemes of the devil.  Even when such words may be spoken by the intellectuals in tat area!  When situations pounces back at us let us  stand fast in the faith. Stand fast in the cohesive and complete faith of Jesus Christ and his gospel. Do not quit but grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. We might feel aggravated when someone simply says, "Be strong" when we are discouraged. But do not be intimidated, don't give up or give in! 

6th October 2015

O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand (Isaiah 64:8)

If it wasn't for God the father, we would not be here. Isaiah says like a curse "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! ...Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou?" (Isaiah 45:9-10). 

God is also the father of our salvation! It is the Holy Spirit that draws us to Him through repentance. We are adopted by Him so that we can call Him Abba Father! (Romans 8:15). Salvation is a free gift! One cannot earn or buy it! It is only through Christ. It is by the perfect work of Christ on the cross that we can call the God "Father." 

Whatever we are or have is from Him, we are the clay in hands of a trustworthy Father; He will mould us right, if we are submissive to Him! 

5 October 2015

Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17)

Listen to the words Jesus says; He warns us not to trust our feelings. We may "feel" that we are in need of nothing, when in reality we are hanging by a thread over an eternity for which we are unprepared. To such  who are deceived in this way, Jesus says, "You are wretched, your condition is miserable, you are exposed and naked before a Holy God."

How do you see yourself today? In need of nothing? Or poor and blind and in need of a Savior?

4 October 2015

Despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth (Proverbs 3:11-12)

I can look at experiences in life that were bitter and painful where I couldn't see past those days when being chastised by God!! God teaches us not to take light of God's correction even when it feels so heavy!! Sometimes we need to see His hand in our trials to confess "everything happens for good" even when we do not understand it. God corrects us for many reasons like to sidestep from our worldly ambitions; to remove self-righteousness, pride and "holier than thou" attitudes. God chastens because he hasn't given upon us so let us also not grow weary of him! Remember, we are corrected, because Christ's purchased us by paying a BIG price on the cross! God wants to shape and mould us in the image of Christ. Remember He loves us unconditionally, He wants his bride to be "glorious, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish".

3 October 2015

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:29-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A powerful prayer! They did not dictate God what to do but requested to see their trouble. The appealed their case before the Lord, and left it with him. Their prayer was for grace to keep up the boldness, to enliven their spirit to fulfill His call, to speak His word and not be afraid of men. How many dare to pray like this?

They prayed God to perform miracles (notice they said 'stretch thine hand') as confirmation of the doctrine they preached, 

The answer God gave was: 1. A sign of the acceptance, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; a strong mighty wind, which shook the house! 2. God filled them more than ever  3.They were able to speak the word of God with boldness because Holy Spirit taught them but how to speak.

We all need to depend on God for a fresh anointing to face our 'today'

2 October 2015

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

Salvation is only through Jesus Christ, the only one who saved and redeemed us from law, sin, and Satan. We must not seek or hope for salvation from any person, thing, by our deeds, performing ceremonies, or by following traditions. For there is no other name under heaven or in all nations / kingdoms of this world that was given given freely to show God's love, by offering Christ a sacrifice for the sins of this world than Jesus Christ; only by Him alone the world can be saved !! 

1 October 2015

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us (Acts 16:15)(KJV)

Lydia, a woman of faith had so much of energy and knew what to do next as soon as she was baptised. Noticed the words it says she constrained them; she insisted on extending her service to the Kingdom of God; only a wholehearted person would offer to help; her house later on became the place of worship. 

Let us follow Lydia's example to be a committed, active, contributing member of the kingdom of God!