Jeremiah 32:40
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
In the year 2004, God established this covenant with my family: “I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.” This covenant was and is between God and my family and also between God and you. A covenant is God’s promise and an agreement between God and His people. And, we are the covenant people and covenant seekers while He is the covenant keeper. God established a covenant with Noah, Abraham and other men of God in the Old Testament. Today He is making this everlasting covenant with you.
God’s covenants are true and will come to pass. This special covenant draws you close to Him so that you will not depart from Him. He will not turn away from you, but will put His fear in your heart and will continue to do good for you. Bank on this eternal covenant and praise Him for His goodness to you at all times.
The cry of my heart is never to move far from Him. There were times in my life when I felt I was not as close to God as He wants me to be. The Lord God did not allow this to continue and He just intervened at the right time and pulled me close to Him. Right now His divine intervention is in operation in my life. Although the battle seems tough to me, He has comforted me with Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Yes, for the Lord God what seems tough to you and me is just a piece of cake. After all, the battle is not yours, it is His. He can never lose; He is always victorious and so are you in Him. He can transform a tough situation to be a blessing to you and many others. He is doing that right now in my life. I know the end result is a vessel shaped for the glory of God. Are you ready to grab this covenant and live for the glory of Lord? He reigns forever!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Lord, Your Deliverer
Psalm 91:9-16
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91 is one of my favorite Psalms and this whole week I found new meaning in these verses and they uplifted me beyond measure. I am sure the Lord will use these verses today to bring encouragement your way. If you have been wondering where the Lord is in all your struggles and troubles, you are at the right place. Read on and be blessed whether you are in Christ or not!
If you have made Jesus the ruler of your life, He is your refuge and no evil shall befall you, neither shall any plague come near you and your dwelling. The Lord commands His angles to keep charge over you, in all your ways. These angles will bear you in their hands and guard you from dashing your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder. You will trample the young lion and the dragon under your feet. The Lord will deliver you because you have set your love upon Him. He will set you on high as you have known His name. Your prayers will be answered and He will be in your troubles and will deliver you and honor you. You will be satisfied with long life and He will show you His salvation!
You are not going to stay in your current troubles and trials forever. God will show you a way out and He is in control of you and your life. He, who has formed you in the palm of His hand, numbered the hair on your head and positioned the stars in the sky and named each star, how much more will he be concerned about you when you are in a tough trial? Know therefore that the Lord will walk you through your current struggles and soon you will be a blessing to many and bring glory to God in the highest.
If Jesus is not yet the Lord of your life, please take a moment to commit your life unto Him, for He is waiting for you to enter the Kingdom of God. The only way we have access to God and the Kingdom of God is through Jesus His only son. Turn to Him and seek His forgiveness for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He will readily forgive you and you can be one with Him forever and be on the victory path to heaven, no matter where you have been in the past. You not only have the key to heaven but will also be delivered from your struggles and gain eternal peace and happiness right here on earth. Amen!
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91 is one of my favorite Psalms and this whole week I found new meaning in these verses and they uplifted me beyond measure. I am sure the Lord will use these verses today to bring encouragement your way. If you have been wondering where the Lord is in all your struggles and troubles, you are at the right place. Read on and be blessed whether you are in Christ or not!
If you have made Jesus the ruler of your life, He is your refuge and no evil shall befall you, neither shall any plague come near you and your dwelling. The Lord commands His angles to keep charge over you, in all your ways. These angles will bear you in their hands and guard you from dashing your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder. You will trample the young lion and the dragon under your feet. The Lord will deliver you because you have set your love upon Him. He will set you on high as you have known His name. Your prayers will be answered and He will be in your troubles and will deliver you and honor you. You will be satisfied with long life and He will show you His salvation!
You are not going to stay in your current troubles and trials forever. God will show you a way out and He is in control of you and your life. He, who has formed you in the palm of His hand, numbered the hair on your head and positioned the stars in the sky and named each star, how much more will he be concerned about you when you are in a tough trial? Know therefore that the Lord will walk you through your current struggles and soon you will be a blessing to many and bring glory to God in the highest.
If Jesus is not yet the Lord of your life, please take a moment to commit your life unto Him, for He is waiting for you to enter the Kingdom of God. The only way we have access to God and the Kingdom of God is through Jesus His only son. Turn to Him and seek His forgiveness for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He will readily forgive you and you can be one with Him forever and be on the victory path to heaven, no matter where you have been in the past. You not only have the key to heaven but will also be delivered from your struggles and gain eternal peace and happiness right here on earth. Amen!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
God’s Covering
Psalm 91:4
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
To know and realize that the Lord God is covering us with His feathers is so comforting. Where else can we hide but under His all mighty and everlasting wings. The Lord will never leave us without His protection. His truth is our shield and buckler.
God’s promises are completely true and will never fail. Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Great is His faithfulness to us humans. Lamentations 3:21-23 says “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Even when we turn away from Him, He is watching us and makes a way for us to return to Him and be protected by Him. In Revelation 22:13 we read “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last”. God, who created the earth and everything in it, is the same God in us today and forever. He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Let us go with God and sense His covering in our lives!
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
To know and realize that the Lord God is covering us with His feathers is so comforting. Where else can we hide but under His all mighty and everlasting wings. The Lord will never leave us without His protection. His truth is our shield and buckler.
God’s promises are completely true and will never fail. Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Great is His faithfulness to us humans. Lamentations 3:21-23 says “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Even when we turn away from Him, He is watching us and makes a way for us to return to Him and be protected by Him. In Revelation 22:13 we read “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last”. God, who created the earth and everything in it, is the same God in us today and forever. He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Let us go with God and sense His covering in our lives!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Lord is our Helper
Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
We may be lacking some necessities in our life. Psalm 37:4 says “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” But let us not covet and let our conversation also be without covetousness. Being content with what we have is highly essential for it says in I Timothy 6:6 that “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Think about the many people that lack what we have, we certainly will run to God with a thanksgiving heart!
The Lord God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. We should hang on to this promise and delight in Him for He is with us at all times and more so when we are in trouble. When we stay focused on the Lord, we can boldly say that He is our helper and we will not fear what man does to us.
Psalm 46:1 clearly says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This particular verse had a profound effect on me yesterday and I could sense God’s covering on me. He holds us close to His bosom and sustains us when all we sense is the enemy’s attack over us. Let us take courage in knowing that the Lord is our helper. The victory is ours in the matchless name of our Savior Jesus!
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
We may be lacking some necessities in our life. Psalm 37:4 says “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” But let us not covet and let our conversation also be without covetousness. Being content with what we have is highly essential for it says in I Timothy 6:6 that “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Think about the many people that lack what we have, we certainly will run to God with a thanksgiving heart!
The Lord God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. We should hang on to this promise and delight in Him for He is with us at all times and more so when we are in trouble. When we stay focused on the Lord, we can boldly say that He is our helper and we will not fear what man does to us.
Psalm 46:1 clearly says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This particular verse had a profound effect on me yesterday and I could sense God’s covering on me. He holds us close to His bosom and sustains us when all we sense is the enemy’s attack over us. Let us take courage in knowing that the Lord is our helper. The victory is ours in the matchless name of our Savior Jesus!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Enduring Temptation
James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Yielding to temptation is easy but enduring temptation is tough but the Word of God says “Blessed is he who endures temptation." Temptation does not come from God. James 1:13-14 clearly says “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
Genesis 39 speaks about the temptation that Joseph endured. This temptation existed for quite some time to Joseph but God provided a way to escape from the temptation. Even for us God makes an exit plan from our temptation as it says in I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But when He shows a way out of your temptation, follow Lord’s plan, without resisting, even if it seems too tough at that time. The exit plan for Joseph was that he was put in prison. Genesis 39:20-21 says “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” In the prison, the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. From there Joseph went on to become a ruler of Egypt as it says in Genesis 41:41 “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.” Joseph was blessed immensely because he loved the Lord and endured the temptation!
Yes, blessed is the man that endures temptation. When he is tried he shall receive a crown of life that is promised to him that loves the Lord. Are you ready to resist the temptation that you are facing in your life today? If you resist the temptation and endure it, you are sure to receive the crown of life. May the merciful Lord help us all to resist temptations in our life!
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Yielding to temptation is easy but enduring temptation is tough but the Word of God says “Blessed is he who endures temptation." Temptation does not come from God. James 1:13-14 clearly says “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
Genesis 39 speaks about the temptation that Joseph endured. This temptation existed for quite some time to Joseph but God provided a way to escape from the temptation. Even for us God makes an exit plan from our temptation as it says in I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But when He shows a way out of your temptation, follow Lord’s plan, without resisting, even if it seems too tough at that time. The exit plan for Joseph was that he was put in prison. Genesis 39:20-21 says “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” In the prison, the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. From there Joseph went on to become a ruler of Egypt as it says in Genesis 41:41 “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.” Joseph was blessed immensely because he loved the Lord and endured the temptation!
Yes, blessed is the man that endures temptation. When he is tried he shall receive a crown of life that is promised to him that loves the Lord. Are you ready to resist the temptation that you are facing in your life today? If you resist the temptation and endure it, you are sure to receive the crown of life. May the merciful Lord help us all to resist temptations in our life!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Trust in the Lord
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
The last few weeks I have been seeking God to help me trust Him completely. It is easy to rely on our own understanding and go with the logical conclusions based on our situations and circumstances or somebody’s understanding of our situation rather than trusting God. But in Proverbs it is clear that we should not lean on our own understanding. There is a reason why we should not rely on our understanding. We do not know everything and we do not understand everything. If we think we know everything, we are just fools. Lord God’s understanding is ultimate. So, trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Again I say we should put our whole-hearted trust in the Lord God!
In all our ways let us acknowledge God and He shall direct our paths. In other words, we should express our gratitude to our Maker at all times and He will direct our life and put us on the right paths. Let us not take anything for granted. If we are alive today and are blessed with food, water, clothing and shelter it is merely His grace and mercy on us. We should not be wise in our own eyes. Let us fear the Lord and shun from evil. When we fear the Lord, He will expose any evil in us and will also help us to depart from it. By doing this we shall be blessed with health both in our body and bones.
This is my prayer for all of us: "Lord, help us to trust you and acknowledge you in all our ways. Lord, make us realize that our understanding is very limited and direct our paths and prevent us from the attacks of the enemy. Bless us with health at all times. Amen!"
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
The last few weeks I have been seeking God to help me trust Him completely. It is easy to rely on our own understanding and go with the logical conclusions based on our situations and circumstances or somebody’s understanding of our situation rather than trusting God. But in Proverbs it is clear that we should not lean on our own understanding. There is a reason why we should not rely on our understanding. We do not know everything and we do not understand everything. If we think we know everything, we are just fools. Lord God’s understanding is ultimate. So, trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Again I say we should put our whole-hearted trust in the Lord God!
In all our ways let us acknowledge God and He shall direct our paths. In other words, we should express our gratitude to our Maker at all times and He will direct our life and put us on the right paths. Let us not take anything for granted. If we are alive today and are blessed with food, water, clothing and shelter it is merely His grace and mercy on us. We should not be wise in our own eyes. Let us fear the Lord and shun from evil. When we fear the Lord, He will expose any evil in us and will also help us to depart from it. By doing this we shall be blessed with health both in our body and bones.
This is my prayer for all of us: "Lord, help us to trust you and acknowledge you in all our ways. Lord, make us realize that our understanding is very limited and direct our paths and prevent us from the attacks of the enemy. Bless us with health at all times. Amen!"
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Clay in the Potter’s Hand
Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
We are the clay in the hands of the potter who is our Lord. The Lord God molds us, makes us and shapes us for His glory just as a potter molds, makes and shapes a beautiful pot out of the clay. The clay has to go through a whole process in the potter’s hand before a beautiful pot is formed. The clay neither knows what to expect nor its purpose in the end but the potter knows pretty well what his goal for the clay is. He turns the pottery wheel and uses his hands and fingers to shape up and also gets rid off the unwanted particles during the process.
In the same way, the Lord God is fully aware of what He wants to shape us up as and what His plan and purpose for our life is. He knows how to transform us in order to fulfill His goal for our life. We are the work of His mighty hands. He uses His hands and fingers to shape us up. During the process He also cleanses us and removes any dross from our hearts. The end result is a beautiful pot that the Lord God uses as He wants to for His glory!
If you are going through a tough trial in your life, take courage and know that the Lord is shaping you up according to His will for a special plan and purpose for your life. And, you are just in His mighty hands and trust the Lord while He makes you and shapes you according to His desire.
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
We are the clay in the hands of the potter who is our Lord. The Lord God molds us, makes us and shapes us for His glory just as a potter molds, makes and shapes a beautiful pot out of the clay. The clay has to go through a whole process in the potter’s hand before a beautiful pot is formed. The clay neither knows what to expect nor its purpose in the end but the potter knows pretty well what his goal for the clay is. He turns the pottery wheel and uses his hands and fingers to shape up and also gets rid off the unwanted particles during the process.
In the same way, the Lord God is fully aware of what He wants to shape us up as and what His plan and purpose for our life is. He knows how to transform us in order to fulfill His goal for our life. We are the work of His mighty hands. He uses His hands and fingers to shape us up. During the process He also cleanses us and removes any dross from our hearts. The end result is a beautiful pot that the Lord God uses as He wants to for His glory!
If you are going through a tough trial in your life, take courage and know that the Lord is shaping you up according to His will for a special plan and purpose for your life. And, you are just in His mighty hands and trust the Lord while He makes you and shapes you according to His desire.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Seeking the Face of God
II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
There is a sense of spiritual dormancy and lethargy among us Christians today and that includes me too. Although we seem to be busy trying to do ministry work, getting organized for meetings and planning next steps, we are in a state of spiritual slumber. God’s desire for us is to humble ourselves, pray and seek the face the Lord. He is waiting with keen eyes to see us at His feet and keen ears to hear our prayers. It is very important to have the right relationship with the Lord by communing with Him and going to the throne of grace with a humble heart as the psalmist does in Psalm 139:23-24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” When we do this, the Lord reveals the wicked ways in us and cleanses us and makes us whole and leads us in the everlasting way. He will hear from heaven, and will forgive us of our sins and will heal our land. Do we want to miss His forgiveness and healing in our lands?
Now is the time for us to turn to the Lord and seek His face with a humble heart. The Lord had forgiven the Ninevites, protected the Israelites from wicked Haman’s plan and gave victory to Israelites many times when they sought Him with a whole heart. All through the Word of God we see instances where the merciful Lord’s heart melts when the people turn to Him with humble and repentant hearts. It is now our turn to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. Yes, His mercy endures forever!
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
There is a sense of spiritual dormancy and lethargy among us Christians today and that includes me too. Although we seem to be busy trying to do ministry work, getting organized for meetings and planning next steps, we are in a state of spiritual slumber. God’s desire for us is to humble ourselves, pray and seek the face the Lord. He is waiting with keen eyes to see us at His feet and keen ears to hear our prayers. It is very important to have the right relationship with the Lord by communing with Him and going to the throne of grace with a humble heart as the psalmist does in Psalm 139:23-24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” When we do this, the Lord reveals the wicked ways in us and cleanses us and makes us whole and leads us in the everlasting way. He will hear from heaven, and will forgive us of our sins and will heal our land. Do we want to miss His forgiveness and healing in our lands?
Now is the time for us to turn to the Lord and seek His face with a humble heart. The Lord had forgiven the Ninevites, protected the Israelites from wicked Haman’s plan and gave victory to Israelites many times when they sought Him with a whole heart. All through the Word of God we see instances where the merciful Lord’s heart melts when the people turn to Him with humble and repentant hearts. It is now our turn to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. Yes, His mercy endures forever!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind
II Timothy 1:6-7
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
It is easy to be caught up in our feelings of fear, anxiety, disappointment and hopelessness rather than believing and trusting the Lord God. Do not allow the Satan to trap you in such feelings. In James 4:7 we see that “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” When we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil we will be more than conquerors in Christ. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind!
Spirit of power is the same spirit with which Christ defeated the death; the Spirit of love is the same love that is shown for the mankind on the Cross of Calvary; the Spirit of a sound mind is the same sound mind with which Christ overcame the temptations on this earth. Let us take hold of these wonderful gifts so freely bestowed on us by God through His Son Jesus Christ, the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Let us cast all our anxieties on the Lord as it says in Philippians 4:6-7 and our hearts will be filled with the peace of God. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
It is easy to be caught up in our feelings of fear, anxiety, disappointment and hopelessness rather than believing and trusting the Lord God. Do not allow the Satan to trap you in such feelings. In James 4:7 we see that “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” When we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil we will be more than conquerors in Christ. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind!
Spirit of power is the same spirit with which Christ defeated the death; the Spirit of love is the same love that is shown for the mankind on the Cross of Calvary; the Spirit of a sound mind is the same sound mind with which Christ overcame the temptations on this earth. Let us take hold of these wonderful gifts so freely bestowed on us by God through His Son Jesus Christ, the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Let us cast all our anxieties on the Lord as it says in Philippians 4:6-7 and our hearts will be filled with the peace of God. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Most Merciful and Gracious Lord
Psalm 103:8-12
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
The Lord God is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, will not always chide and will not keep His anger forever. The Lord is good and will forgive us when we call upon Him. Psalm 86:5 says “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
He has not dealt with us after our sins and He has not rewarded us according to our iniquities. Our sins and iniquities should have separated us from the love of God but the Lord God has not done that. Instead He has given us access to Him through His one and only son Jesus Christ. In John 5:24, Jesus says “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” What a love the Father has towards His children that He chose to send His only son for our sake!
As high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. In Proverbs 1:7 we see that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” God has made us wise enough to fear the Lord. Not only that, as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. We are only eligible for eternal damnation but Lord God has eternally separated our sins from us and has embraced us with His eternal love and grace.
Our part is to repent and receive the salvation and walk with Christ for the rest of our lives. To repent is to be filled with godly sorrow based on who we are in the world so that we can become what God destined us to be in Christ. II Corinthians 7:10 says “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” May the loving and gracious Lord fill our hearts with godly sorrow so that we may repent of our sins and embrace the free gift of salvation through His son Jesus Christ!
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
The Lord God is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, will not always chide and will not keep His anger forever. The Lord is good and will forgive us when we call upon Him. Psalm 86:5 says “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
He has not dealt with us after our sins and He has not rewarded us according to our iniquities. Our sins and iniquities should have separated us from the love of God but the Lord God has not done that. Instead He has given us access to Him through His one and only son Jesus Christ. In John 5:24, Jesus says “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” What a love the Father has towards His children that He chose to send His only son for our sake!
As high as the heaven is above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. In Proverbs 1:7 we see that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” God has made us wise enough to fear the Lord. Not only that, as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. We are only eligible for eternal damnation but Lord God has eternally separated our sins from us and has embraced us with His eternal love and grace.
Our part is to repent and receive the salvation and walk with Christ for the rest of our lives. To repent is to be filled with godly sorrow based on who we are in the world so that we can become what God destined us to be in Christ. II Corinthians 7:10 says “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” May the loving and gracious Lord fill our hearts with godly sorrow so that we may repent of our sins and embrace the free gift of salvation through His son Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Christ’s Prisoner
Ephesians 4:1-3
"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
I love the way Paul considers himself, “A Prisoner of Christ”. A prisoner is a person who is deprived of liberty and kept under involuntary restraint. Paul lived his life in total submission and under the complete authority of Christ. He was full of Christ and nothing of his self! This prisoner of Christ is beseeching us to walk worthy of our calling. Our calling is to walk in Christ, with Christ and by Christ because we are of Christ.
We should walk worthy of our calling with all lowliness, meekness, longsuffering and forbearing one another in love. Lowliness means in complete humility. Those who humble themselves in the sight of the Lord will be lifted up high as it is said in James 4:10. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The meek in Christ walk with complete submission to Him not relying on their strength and might. Matthew 5:5 says “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Longsuffering means to endure hardship. Paul had endured the hardship but the one who endured the most hardship on earth is Christ. While Christ endured hardship to bring salvation to the people on earth, Paul endured hardship to spread the gospel of Christ. Longsuffering is one of the many Christian traits. We also should forbear one another in love. In other words, we have to be patient with one another in love. Imagine if God was not patient with us humans. We should all have been burning in the lake of fire long ago. Thank God for His tender mercies, loving kindness and patience with us!
We should endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Galatians 5:25 says “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” In Romans 8:16-17, we see “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” If we are convicted in our hearts that we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, we will keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One of the fruits of Spirit is peace. We are bound in peace to keep the unity of the Spirit and thus the Body of Christ not being desirous of vain glory, not provoking one another, and not envying one another (Galatians 5:26). Let us therefore, walk worthy of our calling!
"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
I love the way Paul considers himself, “A Prisoner of Christ”. A prisoner is a person who is deprived of liberty and kept under involuntary restraint. Paul lived his life in total submission and under the complete authority of Christ. He was full of Christ and nothing of his self! This prisoner of Christ is beseeching us to walk worthy of our calling. Our calling is to walk in Christ, with Christ and by Christ because we are of Christ.
We should walk worthy of our calling with all lowliness, meekness, longsuffering and forbearing one another in love. Lowliness means in complete humility. Those who humble themselves in the sight of the Lord will be lifted up high as it is said in James 4:10. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The meek in Christ walk with complete submission to Him not relying on their strength and might. Matthew 5:5 says “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Longsuffering means to endure hardship. Paul had endured the hardship but the one who endured the most hardship on earth is Christ. While Christ endured hardship to bring salvation to the people on earth, Paul endured hardship to spread the gospel of Christ. Longsuffering is one of the many Christian traits. We also should forbear one another in love. In other words, we have to be patient with one another in love. Imagine if God was not patient with us humans. We should all have been burning in the lake of fire long ago. Thank God for His tender mercies, loving kindness and patience with us!
We should endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Galatians 5:25 says “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” In Romans 8:16-17, we see “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” If we are convicted in our hearts that we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, we will keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One of the fruits of Spirit is peace. We are bound in peace to keep the unity of the Spirit and thus the Body of Christ not being desirous of vain glory, not provoking one another, and not envying one another (Galatians 5:26). Let us therefore, walk worthy of our calling!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
God’s Ways and Thoughts over Ours
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We humans are limited in our thoughts and ways. But God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways and thoughts higher for us. Do you want to go with your thoughts and ways or go with the Lord’s thoughts and ways? If you follow your ways and thoughts, you will miss the higher ways and thoughts that God has already planned for you. We cannot measure how high the heaven is above the earth and so can we not fathom God’s ways and thoughts for us. God’s ways and thoughts are totally incomparable to ours!
Psalm 36:7-9 says, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” If we go with God’s thoughts and ways, we are sure to receive the fountain of life and we will be filled with His goodness for a lifetime! Let us commit our lives, thoughts and ways into His mighty hands and go with His plan and purpose for our lives because they are the BEST for us. Let us put our whole-hearted trust in Him. Even amidst trials, He will let us bask in His light; He will satisfy us with the fatness of His house; He will let us drink of the river of His pleasures and give us the fountain of life.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We humans are limited in our thoughts and ways. But God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways and thoughts higher for us. Do you want to go with your thoughts and ways or go with the Lord’s thoughts and ways? If you follow your ways and thoughts, you will miss the higher ways and thoughts that God has already planned for you. We cannot measure how high the heaven is above the earth and so can we not fathom God’s ways and thoughts for us. God’s ways and thoughts are totally incomparable to ours!
Psalm 36:7-9 says, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” If we go with God’s thoughts and ways, we are sure to receive the fountain of life and we will be filled with His goodness for a lifetime! Let us commit our lives, thoughts and ways into His mighty hands and go with His plan and purpose for our lives because they are the BEST for us. Let us put our whole-hearted trust in Him. Even amidst trials, He will let us bask in His light; He will satisfy us with the fatness of His house; He will let us drink of the river of His pleasures and give us the fountain of life.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Time for the Lord to Work!
Psalm 119:126
"It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law."
Right now, we see many problems in the world. Some of these are a consequence of our actions and others due to our disobedience to God. It is time for the Lord to work and send His remedy, for the law is made void by us humans. That remedy is sent to the human race through Jesus Christ, His son. God has bought us through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son who became sin for us. Christ was without sin, blemish, speck, spot or blot but He became sin for us so that we may be made righteous in Christ as it says in II Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Now who is going to take this Gospel message into the world? It is you and me that God will use if we are ready to go out with the great commission. It is said in Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20 that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus and thus to us to spread this Good News. “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” By doing what we are commissioned to do, we not only prosper the Kingdom of God, but also make this earth a better place to live. By obeying God’s commandments, peace and happiness are sure to abide with us ruling out the forces of darkness. Are you ready to go out with this great commission?
"It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law."
Right now, we see many problems in the world. Some of these are a consequence of our actions and others due to our disobedience to God. It is time for the Lord to work and send His remedy, for the law is made void by us humans. That remedy is sent to the human race through Jesus Christ, His son. God has bought us through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son who became sin for us. Christ was without sin, blemish, speck, spot or blot but He became sin for us so that we may be made righteous in Christ as it says in II Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Now who is going to take this Gospel message into the world? It is you and me that God will use if we are ready to go out with the great commission. It is said in Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20 that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus and thus to us to spread this Good News. “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” By doing what we are commissioned to do, we not only prosper the Kingdom of God, but also make this earth a better place to live. By obeying God’s commandments, peace and happiness are sure to abide with us ruling out the forces of darkness. Are you ready to go out with this great commission?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
God's Word
Psalm 119:105
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
God’s word is precious and is a LAMP unto our feet, and a LIGHT unto our path. In John 1:1 we read that “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The same Word that was God and was with God in the beginning is with us today.
When you light up a lamp it stays in one place but provides light to your path. As you walk with the lamp, it lights up the path before you. But you can’t see beyond a certain distance. This forces you to constantly walk with the lamp. The same is the case with the Word of God. In our life’s journey here on earth, the path before us is dark and is not clear to us. We have to dwell on the Word of God to help us in our journey. Most of the times, we don’t know the path to our final destination but with the Word of God, a few yards before us are clear to us. But, a few yards at a time is all we need to complete our journey and reach our final destination. If we could see the whole path, we probably would be overwhelmed and back-off or tread the wrong path. So, God reveals His plan a little at a time so that we could be with Him and His word to fulfill His entire plan for us.
Remember, it says in Matthew 7:13-14 that the narrow is the way that leads to life. “13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” The narrower the way, the darker it is, but with the Word of God at your feet, the path is clearer and you will have the strength and courage to continue on. We are here to walk where the darkness exists as we are the light of the world. May the Word of God be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path so that you can in turn be a light unto the world!
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
God’s word is precious and is a LAMP unto our feet, and a LIGHT unto our path. In John 1:1 we read that “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The same Word that was God and was with God in the beginning is with us today.
When you light up a lamp it stays in one place but provides light to your path. As you walk with the lamp, it lights up the path before you. But you can’t see beyond a certain distance. This forces you to constantly walk with the lamp. The same is the case with the Word of God. In our life’s journey here on earth, the path before us is dark and is not clear to us. We have to dwell on the Word of God to help us in our journey. Most of the times, we don’t know the path to our final destination but with the Word of God, a few yards before us are clear to us. But, a few yards at a time is all we need to complete our journey and reach our final destination. If we could see the whole path, we probably would be overwhelmed and back-off or tread the wrong path. So, God reveals His plan a little at a time so that we could be with Him and His word to fulfill His entire plan for us.
Remember, it says in Matthew 7:13-14 that the narrow is the way that leads to life. “13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” The narrower the way, the darker it is, but with the Word of God at your feet, the path is clearer and you will have the strength and courage to continue on. We are here to walk where the darkness exists as we are the light of the world. May the Word of God be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path so that you can in turn be a light unto the world!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Bless the Lord!
Psalm 103:2-5
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
In this Psalm, David is saying “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits”. We should bless and praise the Lord and should not forget all His benefits to us humans. Count your blessings and see what God has done in your life. You will certainly go to Him with a heart full of praises.
We all desire to be forgiven of our sins and to be healed of our diseases. God is the only one who forgives our iniquities or sins and heals our diseases. He redeemed our life from destruction through Jesus Christ His only son, who bore all our transgressions on the cross of Calvary. It says in John 3:16 “16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Today Jesus Christ sits on the right hand of God His father and is interceding for our sake as it says in Hebrews 7:25 “25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” What a love Jesus has towards God's people that He is interceding on our behalf!
He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies. He satisfies our mouth with good things. Our mouth desires the best of fruits and these fruits are the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These fruits satisfy us for a lifetime. By eating these fruits your youth will be renewed like the eagles. Eagle is noted for strength, size, and keenness of vision and powers of flight. We all long for strength and power to get through our life’s journey here on earth especially to be Christ’s witnesses. So, let us all bless the Lord!
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
In this Psalm, David is saying “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits”. We should bless and praise the Lord and should not forget all His benefits to us humans. Count your blessings and see what God has done in your life. You will certainly go to Him with a heart full of praises.
We all desire to be forgiven of our sins and to be healed of our diseases. God is the only one who forgives our iniquities or sins and heals our diseases. He redeemed our life from destruction through Jesus Christ His only son, who bore all our transgressions on the cross of Calvary. It says in John 3:16 “16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Today Jesus Christ sits on the right hand of God His father and is interceding for our sake as it says in Hebrews 7:25 “25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” What a love Jesus has towards God's people that He is interceding on our behalf!
He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies. He satisfies our mouth with good things. Our mouth desires the best of fruits and these fruits are the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These fruits satisfy us for a lifetime. By eating these fruits your youth will be renewed like the eagles. Eagle is noted for strength, size, and keenness of vision and powers of flight. We all long for strength and power to get through our life’s journey here on earth especially to be Christ’s witnesses. So, let us all bless the Lord!
Friday, October 16, 2009
WAIT on the Lord
Isaiah 40:29-31
29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
God promises to give power to the faint and strength to the weak. The faint and the weak are the people who lack courage, vigor and strength. It is easy to lose courage and vigor and end up in a state of disappointment when going through a tough battle. Cast all your fears and weaknesses upon Him and bank on His promises. One of His wonderful promises for you is in Isaiah 40:29-31.
Even the youth shall faint, get weary and will utterly fall. But His promise to keep the faint and the weak will not fail. The key is to WAIT ON THE LORD! Waiting on the Lord means to stay where you are in expectation that the Lord will come through. You will mount up with wings as eagles, you shall run and not be weary, and you shall walk and not faint. Even when you are faint and weak, if you wait on the Lord, He will shower you with His strength and might to be on your life’s journey. Eagle’s wings represent the power to fly high and sustain strong wind currents or storms. When you mount up on wings like eagles, God will help you fly high above the wind currents or storms in your life. Are you ready to wait on the Lord your God and grab His precious promises for you?
29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
God promises to give power to the faint and strength to the weak. The faint and the weak are the people who lack courage, vigor and strength. It is easy to lose courage and vigor and end up in a state of disappointment when going through a tough battle. Cast all your fears and weaknesses upon Him and bank on His promises. One of His wonderful promises for you is in Isaiah 40:29-31.
Even the youth shall faint, get weary and will utterly fall. But His promise to keep the faint and the weak will not fail. The key is to WAIT ON THE LORD! Waiting on the Lord means to stay where you are in expectation that the Lord will come through. You will mount up with wings as eagles, you shall run and not be weary, and you shall walk and not faint. Even when you are faint and weak, if you wait on the Lord, He will shower you with His strength and might to be on your life’s journey. Eagle’s wings represent the power to fly high and sustain strong wind currents or storms. When you mount up on wings like eagles, God will help you fly high above the wind currents or storms in your life. Are you ready to wait on the Lord your God and grab His precious promises for you?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Be Strong and of a Good Courage
Joshua 1:9
9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
God does not place a call in your life without first equipping you. He gives you the needed traits and provides you with needed provisions. He does not commission you to a task without first preparing you. Right now, you might not see the full plan and might not have all the needed resources for the complete journey. But God unfolds the plan bit by bit as you take one step at a time and provides for your journey with just what is needed at the time, as He did for Joshua. So, do not be afraid or do not be dismayed how this is all going to work out. Be strong and of a good courage for THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU wherever you go. What more can you ask of God? His company is all we need because He is our all in all!
9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
God does not place a call in your life without first equipping you. He gives you the needed traits and provides you with needed provisions. He does not commission you to a task without first preparing you. Right now, you might not see the full plan and might not have all the needed resources for the complete journey. But God unfolds the plan bit by bit as you take one step at a time and provides for your journey with just what is needed at the time, as He did for Joshua. So, do not be afraid or do not be dismayed how this is all going to work out. Be strong and of a good courage for THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU wherever you go. What more can you ask of God? His company is all we need because He is our all in all!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Called in Righteousness
Isaiah 42:6-9
6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
We are all called by God; we are called by the Lord in righteousness. He will hold our hand, and will keep us until He completes what He purposed in His heart for us as it says in Genesis 28:15“15And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”
A covenant for the people means we are the Lord’s promise for the people we are called to serve. In other words, God has purposed to use us as His promise to establish a covenant with the people we are called for. So, we have the utmost calling to live the life of Jesus among the people. We should be the living testimonies of Christ to the ones we are called; we should show His grace and mercy; we should not judge them; we should care for them as Christ cares for them; we in turn bring them to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection. Ultimately, we will live the victorious life of the resurrected Jesus among them and lead them by God’s hand to the same victorious life!
We are a light for the Gentiles. Gentiles here mean the people that are yet to come to the Savior. As it says in Matthew 5:14-16, “ 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We are where God led us, in order to open the blind eyes to the TRUTH and that truth is Jesus Christ! Also, we are to bring out the prisoners from the prison. This prison is designed by the wicked prince of the world (Satan) to keep them captive until released by the Blood of the Lamb. And, we are to bring them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. We should bring them out of darkness to light . In John 12:46, Jesus says “46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” He accomplishes all that He wants of us in order to glorify Himself as it says in Isaiah 42:8.
Behold, the former things have already taken place and He will declare new things. Before they actually take place He will announce them to us just as He had announced to Abraham in Genesis 28:15 (above). And, until He finishes what He announced, He will not leave you!
Let us just take courage and wait on the Lord for wisdom, strength and guidance in our journey with Him!
6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
We are all called by God; we are called by the Lord in righteousness. He will hold our hand, and will keep us until He completes what He purposed in His heart for us as it says in Genesis 28:15“15And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”
A covenant for the people means we are the Lord’s promise for the people we are called to serve. In other words, God has purposed to use us as His promise to establish a covenant with the people we are called for. So, we have the utmost calling to live the life of Jesus among the people. We should be the living testimonies of Christ to the ones we are called; we should show His grace and mercy; we should not judge them; we should care for them as Christ cares for them; we in turn bring them to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection. Ultimately, we will live the victorious life of the resurrected Jesus among them and lead them by God’s hand to the same victorious life!
We are a light for the Gentiles. Gentiles here mean the people that are yet to come to the Savior. As it says in Matthew 5:14-16, “ 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We are where God led us, in order to open the blind eyes to the TRUTH and that truth is Jesus Christ! Also, we are to bring out the prisoners from the prison. This prison is designed by the wicked prince of the world (Satan) to keep them captive until released by the Blood of the Lamb. And, we are to bring them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. We should bring them out of darkness to light . In John 12:46, Jesus says “46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” He accomplishes all that He wants of us in order to glorify Himself as it says in Isaiah 42:8.
Behold, the former things have already taken place and He will declare new things. Before they actually take place He will announce them to us just as He had announced to Abraham in Genesis 28:15 (above). And, until He finishes what He announced, He will not leave you!
Let us just take courage and wait on the Lord for wisdom, strength and guidance in our journey with Him!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Broken Spirit and a Contrite Heart
Psalm 51:15-17
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The Lord God desires nothing from us but a simple, sincere and a humble act called PRAISE. What does it take to praise God with such a simple, sincere and a humble heart? It just takes a broken spirit and a contrite heart like David’s. David in this psalm immediately turns to God after a sin in his life. He comes to God with a broken spirit and a contrite heart. He repents with this heart and praises God with his heart. God was moved by this act of David. David was forgiven and God accepted his praise!
Yes, God knows us completely, He knows our hearts and He knows our weaknesses and infirmities. He is waiting for us to run to Him and He is ready to receive us with wide open arms. He forgives us speedily and accepts the praises of our heart the second they are offered. The Lord cleanses us and in-dwells His spirit in us and makes us whole every time we go to Him, seeking Him and His total forgiveness. He cleaned David, He cleaned me and He will clean you. This sanctification is a life-long process but towards the end “WE will be HOLY just as HE is HOLY!” Oh, what a wonderful assurance to know that we can he holy like Him in the end. Let us run to our creator with just this broken spirit and a contrite heart. Amen!
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The Lord God desires nothing from us but a simple, sincere and a humble act called PRAISE. What does it take to praise God with such a simple, sincere and a humble heart? It just takes a broken spirit and a contrite heart like David’s. David in this psalm immediately turns to God after a sin in his life. He comes to God with a broken spirit and a contrite heart. He repents with this heart and praises God with his heart. God was moved by this act of David. David was forgiven and God accepted his praise!
Yes, God knows us completely, He knows our hearts and He knows our weaknesses and infirmities. He is waiting for us to run to Him and He is ready to receive us with wide open arms. He forgives us speedily and accepts the praises of our heart the second they are offered. The Lord cleanses us and in-dwells His spirit in us and makes us whole every time we go to Him, seeking Him and His total forgiveness. He cleaned David, He cleaned me and He will clean you. This sanctification is a life-long process but towards the end “WE will be HOLY just as HE is HOLY!” Oh, what a wonderful assurance to know that we can he holy like Him in the end. Let us run to our creator with just this broken spirit and a contrite heart. Amen!
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Called According to God's Purpose
Romans 8:28
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
No matter what trial or tempest you are facing in your life, God has the potential to turn it around and make it for good. There are many such instances in my life where God turned an unpleasant experience into something pleasant in the end. I am sure God did that in your life too and will continue to do that. All we have to do is trust in the Lord and love Him even amidst trials and storms. Lift Him up and let Him be seated on the throne of your praises. May your praises be a sweet fragrance unto His nostrils and a sweet sound in His ears! God will help you rise above the storms in your life. He will grant you the strength and shower you with His immense grace and mercy. Lean on His everlasting arms and He will sustain you. Yes, He did that in my life and He sure will do that in yours!
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
No matter what trial or tempest you are facing in your life, God has the potential to turn it around and make it for good. There are many such instances in my life where God turned an unpleasant experience into something pleasant in the end. I am sure God did that in your life too and will continue to do that. All we have to do is trust in the Lord and love Him even amidst trials and storms. Lift Him up and let Him be seated on the throne of your praises. May your praises be a sweet fragrance unto His nostrils and a sweet sound in His ears! God will help you rise above the storms in your life. He will grant you the strength and shower you with His immense grace and mercy. Lean on His everlasting arms and He will sustain you. Yes, He did that in my life and He sure will do that in yours!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Called to Bring Deliverance from Sin
Esther 4 :14
14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
These are the words that Mordecai sent to Esther through Hatach, king’s chamberlain that was appointed to attend unto Esther. When Haman devised a plan to get rid off the Jews, Mordecai and many other Jews started mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing. Mordecai sends an important message to Esther through Hatach asking her to go to King Ahasuerus to raise supplication unto the king to stop or reverse the decree. Esther was hesitant first because the king hadn’t called for her for over thirty days. But Mordecai sends even stronger message saying God will bring deliverance to Jews from another source if Esther doesn't take up this mission. He also warns her not to think that she can escape the decree. He further says “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
There is a strong message for us today that the Spirit of God is sending. God is asking us to raise supplication to Him asking for deliverance from sin for the people that we care. God cares for every soul and so we should cry out to God for every soul and bring deliverance from sin through Jesus our Savior. If God is calling you and you resist the call, God still can bring deliverance to His chosen people through other sources. But, do you want to miss the glorious opportunity of winning souls for Jesus? Remember, there is a glory to be revealed unto us in heaven as it says in Romans 8:18 “18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” If God is calling you at such a time as this, just respond and say “Here I am!”.
14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
These are the words that Mordecai sent to Esther through Hatach, king’s chamberlain that was appointed to attend unto Esther. When Haman devised a plan to get rid off the Jews, Mordecai and many other Jews started mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing. Mordecai sends an important message to Esther through Hatach asking her to go to King Ahasuerus to raise supplication unto the king to stop or reverse the decree. Esther was hesitant first because the king hadn’t called for her for over thirty days. But Mordecai sends even stronger message saying God will bring deliverance to Jews from another source if Esther doesn't take up this mission. He also warns her not to think that she can escape the decree. He further says “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
There is a strong message for us today that the Spirit of God is sending. God is asking us to raise supplication to Him asking for deliverance from sin for the people that we care. God cares for every soul and so we should cry out to God for every soul and bring deliverance from sin through Jesus our Savior. If God is calling you and you resist the call, God still can bring deliverance to His chosen people through other sources. But, do you want to miss the glorious opportunity of winning souls for Jesus? Remember, there is a glory to be revealed unto us in heaven as it says in Romans 8:18 “18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” If God is calling you at such a time as this, just respond and say “Here I am!”.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Harvest is Plenty, Workers are Few
Matthew 9:37,38
37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
There is a lot of harvest to reap before Christ’s return. God’s desire is that none should perish but all should come to repentance as it says in II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Now how is God's desire accomplished? God uses us, who are His instruments to accomplish this. But how many of us are His laborers or ready to be His laborers? Truly, the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Let us pray that Lord will send forth His laborers into this plenteous harvest. We are here to advance His kingdom. Are you a laborer for Christ? If not it is time to be one.
37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
There is a lot of harvest to reap before Christ’s return. God’s desire is that none should perish but all should come to repentance as it says in II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Now how is God's desire accomplished? God uses us, who are His instruments to accomplish this. But how many of us are His laborers or ready to be His laborers? Truly, the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Let us pray that Lord will send forth His laborers into this plenteous harvest. We are here to advance His kingdom. Are you a laborer for Christ? If not it is time to be one.
Friday, October 9, 2009
God's Yoke
Matthew 11:29, 30
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Often times in our lives we struggle because of what we plan in our hearts, not considering what God’s intentions for us are. We try to cope up with our own benchmarks and end up in a flurry of activity, having little or no time to be still and know that the Lord is our God. We carry our own yoke and burden and end up realizing that it is too hard or too heavy for us later.
Jesus asks us to take His yoke upon us in Matthew 11:29. We can learn of Him by doing so, as opposed to carrying our own burden, which hardly gives us an opportunity to learn of Him. He is a God who is meek and humble and does not have hard plans for us. His plans and thoughts for us are to grant us peace and not evil as it says in Jeremaiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Then, why carry ours? Let us cast our yoke and burden upon Him and take up His’ and learn of Him.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Often times in our lives we struggle because of what we plan in our hearts, not considering what God’s intentions for us are. We try to cope up with our own benchmarks and end up in a flurry of activity, having little or no time to be still and know that the Lord is our God. We carry our own yoke and burden and end up realizing that it is too hard or too heavy for us later.
Jesus asks us to take His yoke upon us in Matthew 11:29. We can learn of Him by doing so, as opposed to carrying our own burden, which hardly gives us an opportunity to learn of Him. He is a God who is meek and humble and does not have hard plans for us. His plans and thoughts for us are to grant us peace and not evil as it says in Jeremaiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Then, why carry ours? Let us cast our yoke and burden upon Him and take up His’ and learn of Him.
Glorifying God
Isaiah 61:1-3
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
These three profound verses have been on my mind for the past few days. They have had a special effect on me, captivated me so much and helped me align with God’s plan and purpose for me.
The mission of Christ is upon us today. Our duty and purpose in life is to glorify God. Just as Christ served the least of our brethren we are called to do so as well. By doing what Christ did on earth we give God the glory. The least of our brethren are the ones listed in Isaiah 61:1-2. Remember, we were one with them before going into this wonderful eternal relationship with Christ. Now we are adorned with beauty, joy, praise and we are called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord so that God alone gets the glory. We are watered by the river of life, we nourish on the Word of God, we seek the Lord daily, we wait on the Lord, and we bear fruits for Him. It does not end there. We in turn sow the seeds so that this same mission of Christ becomes the mission of everybody. This is the Lord’s goal and hence is and should be our goal for life!
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
These three profound verses have been on my mind for the past few days. They have had a special effect on me, captivated me so much and helped me align with God’s plan and purpose for me.
The mission of Christ is upon us today. Our duty and purpose in life is to glorify God. Just as Christ served the least of our brethren we are called to do so as well. By doing what Christ did on earth we give God the glory. The least of our brethren are the ones listed in Isaiah 61:1-2. Remember, we were one with them before going into this wonderful eternal relationship with Christ. Now we are adorned with beauty, joy, praise and we are called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord so that God alone gets the glory. We are watered by the river of life, we nourish on the Word of God, we seek the Lord daily, we wait on the Lord, and we bear fruits for Him. It does not end there. We in turn sow the seeds so that this same mission of Christ becomes the mission of everybody. This is the Lord’s goal and hence is and should be our goal for life!
My First Blog
This is my first blog post. I will write here as often as possible on what's on my mind. God has given me some wonderful messages in the recent past and I will post them here from time to time. Please come back!
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