A Slice of Manna 31-Jan-2021
"Woe to them! For they have walked in the way of Cain, and have plunged into Balaam's error for profit. They have perished in Korah's rebellion."
"उन पर हाय!
कि वे कैन के समान चाल चले,
और मजदूरी के लिये बिलाम के समान भ्रष्ट हो गए हैं और कोरह के समान विरोध करके नाश हुए हैं।"
- Jude 1:11
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Holy spirit was very specific and apt in taking these three
examples from old testament because it highlights the core nature of deceptions
and sins that church at the end times will fall into. In a nut shell the Way of
Cain is religion without God and that completely depends on its own work
(sometimes good) for its salvation. Bible teaches us, all our good works are
just like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Instead of caring for his brother, cain
murdered him (Genesis 4:8, 1 John 3:11, 12). Way of Balaam is simply using God
given gifts for one's monetary benefits. Spiritual must never be used to gain
material (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6). Error of Balaam was in its assumption that
his sin of leading Israel into moral corruption will go unnoticed but it was
indeed noticed by God (Numbers 22). He became the Prophet for Profit and
suffered its consequences. Korah rebelled against God's authority upon a humble
leader and a God's anointed servant Moses. Due to his rebellion he and his
followers were swallowed up the earth (Numbers 16:1-24). Going along with crowd
sometimes can be deadly. (Matthew 7:13, 14).
Do we habitually rebel against God's authority in Salvation like
cain, in Seperation like balaam and in Service like Korah?
If Yes, don't delay, Pray, Repent and Cry for God's help.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
Perth, WA
A Slice of Manna 30-Jan-2021
"Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and will eat with him, and he with me.
देख, मैं द्वार पर खड़ा हुआ खटखटाता हूँ;
यदि कोई मेरा शब्द सुनकर द्वार खोलेगा,
तो मैं उसके पास भीतर आकर उसके साथ भोजन करूँगा, और वह मेरे साथ।"
- Revelation 3:20
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The Spirit of God while addressing the last church at
Laodicea (A lukewarm church) in very strong words admonished it of its
backsliden state but finished its counsel with a very heart warming invitation
to open its heart for Jesus. The basic application of this invitation
(Revelation 3:20) is for the believer. We may not have realized but here, the
Lord is actually outside the Laodicean church. How painful it is to realise
that the Lord, The master and the head of the church is outside and not inside.
This is a true picture of many contemporary churches today but the good news is
he is speaking to us individuals today "if any man (person)". Don't
be deceived there are not many ways, nor any better way but Jesus is the only
way (John 14:6) and we can't afford to ignore His invitation as it determines
our eternity.
Remember its we who have to open the door. The responsibility
lies with us and If we accept His invitation today then our small supper room
(heart) will become a great throne room where our King will be enthroned and
rule our hearts forever.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
Perth, WA
A Slice of Manna 29-Jan-2021
"The man said, "Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel. For you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed."
"उसने कहा, “तेरा नाम अब याकूब नहीं,
परन्तु इस्राएल होगा,
क्योंकि तू परमेश्वर से और मनुष्यों से भी युद्ध करके प्रबल हुआ है।”"
- Genesis 33:28
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This is one of the Bible's mysterious narratives (Genesis
32:24-32) that highlights Jacob's willingness to contend with God at his time
of desperate need. For Jacob this struggle might be only to receive his just
inheritance but God's plan was to change his identity inside out so that he can
become a rightful heir of God's blessings. God has to ask his name (Genesis
32:27) not because he didn't knew Jacob's name but because God wanted him to
accept his weakness (a deceiver, a supplantor) before he is transformed to
receive God's true blessings. In our lives we must come to a point, where we
acknowledge that there can be no fooling around with God and no more pretension
can help anymore. A Jacob must be transformed to an Israel (Prince with God or
Triumphant with God). A deceiver or an implantor inside us must die before God
blesses an Israel inside us. A Jacob inside us, may have an appearance of
godliness, but still may be denying the power of God completely (2 Timothy
3:5). When we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves -> A Jacob inside us
must give way to the Truth (1 John 1:8).
Lets build our identity in Christ, lets be identified with
Him today.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
Perth, WA
A Slice of Manna 28-Jan-2021
"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."
"हम मिट नहीं गए; यह यहोवा की महाकरुणा का फल है,
क्योंकि उसकी दया अमर है। प्रति भोर वह नई होती रहती है; तेरी सच्चाई महान है।"
- Lamentations 3:22, 23
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God's Mercy (lovingkindness, steadfast love) at its core is
God's Forgiveness which reconciled us again to God. For us, the Grace and Mercy
of God are something that needs a lifetime of gratefulness and genuine
appreciation from our souls. As we know Grace is getting what we don't deserve.
Mercy is not getting what we do indeed deserve. We deserved eternal
condemnation but because of His Mercies (Forgiveness), we instead got eternal
life in Christ (which we never deserved and this is His Grace). From Genesis to
Revelation Mercy occurs roughly 147 times showing how from the beginning of
creation and till its end, Mercy of God holds the lifeline of relationship
between God and His people. God gives His mercy lovingly and He wants us to
show the same (Luke 6:36) to all and more to those who don't believe God.
Sadly, our lack of mercy is the reason why many still struggle to put their
trust on God. As Tim Challies puts it Mercy is God's patience in action, we too
need to be patient, forgiving and compassionate to all around us consistently.
While God's mercy do not fail, our's has a very limited expiry time at times.
Lets start showing mercy to those inside our house and then
around us (relatives, neighbours, those in market & work places etc.). Also
here is the caveat, being merciful is not a choice for us because judgment is
without mercy to one who has shown no mercy (James 2:13, Matthew 5:7). As His
mercy is new every morning, so let's Pray and try to be more and more merciful
to others each passing day.
How has the Lord shown you Mercy lately?
Think and Thank God.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
Perth, WA
A Slice of Manna 27-Jan-2021
"Then I will give them one heart and one way, that
they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them."
"मैं उन को एक ही मन और एक ही चाल कर दूंगा कि वे सदा मेरा भय मानते रहें,
जिस से उनका और उनके बाद उनके वंश का भी भला हो।"
- Jeremiah 32:39
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The account of Israelites rebellion, their fall from glory
and then later their captivity is one of the saddest story of Bible. Israel and
Judah continued their evil life style by ignoring God and provoking Him to
anger (Jeremiah 32:30). It was the entire nation including people, kings,
princes, priests, prophets, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem
who were neck-deep into sins of worshiping idols and even some atrocious sins
like causing their children to go through fire to Molech (Jeremiah 32:32, 35).
God pronounced their utter destruction and their captivity
into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (king of Babylon). But this account ends up
with a tremendous hope that one day God will gather them up (Jeremiah 32:37-39)
and once again establish them as His people. This return will be marked by a
unique experience of One Heart and One Way.
Heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9) and love
to God demands having one Heart that only belongs to God. God demands that His
Children to Love Him with all their Heart (Deuteronomy 6:4, 5). A Blind heart
is unable to love and seek God (John 12:40). One heart drives us to walk in One
way (Obey God) and Follow God. There is only One true way and that is Jesus
(John 14:6) but sadly there are very few who would choose His way of Cross as
its narrow and filled with pain and struggles (Matthew 7:13-14) but its the
Only way that leads to life (eternity).
Don't doubt, follow God not traditions of men. It may seem
impossible for you to make this choice but trust God today, He can help you.
Is there anything too hard for Him? (Jeremiah 32:27)
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
Perth, WA
A
Slice of Manna 26-Jan-2021
"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
“यहोवा आप ही तुम्हारे लिये लड़ेगा, इसलिये तुम चुपचाप रहो॥"
- Exodus 14:14
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As Moses led Israelites out of Egypt, they were stopped by
the Red Sea. Its water in front of them, Pharaoh and his army behind him. Its a
trap and the only option left for Moses and Israelites is to Surrender, Fight
or Trust their God. If surrender was the option then they should not have left
the Egypt at the first hand. Fighting the Enemy with weak, tired and
inexperienced bunch of people (with women and kids) is an unthinkable choice.
Trusting God is something that they can do wholeheartedly but somehow during
the slavery of roughly last 400 years they have lost their relationship with
God too. Moses is faced with some enormous challenge here to bring Israelites
to a state where they are ready to Trust God. Just like Moses when we face such
situations in our own lives, we must overcome our fears, learn to Stand still
and see the salvation of God (Exodus 14:13). The Trust that Lord will Fight for
us (Deuteronomy 3:22) is something we know but still fail to believe in our own
situations at times. We forget that if God is for us who can be against us
(Romans 8:31). Lets not try to fix problems (whether small or big) ourselves
before handing them over to God, just give it to God today. Stand and Watch as
God works. You will see His deliverance today.
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -
Corrie Ten Boom
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit."
“अपने किए हुए उद्धार का हर्ष मुझे फिर से दे, और उदार आत्मा देकर मुझे सम्भाल॥"
- Psalm 51:12
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David after being convicted about his sin of adultery by God through prophet Nathan, humbled himself before God and asked God to forgive him (Psalms 51). He at once realized that his sin has the capacity to defile his spiritual conscience before God, demolish his character integrity and render him utterly useless for the service of God. Sadly, sin still has capacity to damage beyond repair these areas of every child of God, if they delay to repent and make themselves right with God. Among his three major petitions in Psalms 51which is Cleanse Me (Psalms 51:1-7), Restore Me (Psalms 51:8-12) and Use me (Psalms 51:13-19), his prayer of restoration is something which stands out at times. David has been anointed by Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13) and he knew very well what happened to his predecessor king Saul who lost the blessings of God and help of Holy spirit when he sinned (1 Samuel 16:14, 2 Samuel 7:15).
The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and so just like David, we too must desire for the joy of the Lord to be with us and the face of the Lord smiling ever upon us. The one who loses the joy of His/her salvation they may pretend but will never be able to truly rejoice in Lord (Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16).
We are to find as much bitterness in weeping for sin as we ever found sweetness in committing it. -Thomas Watson
Repent for the kingdom of God is near!! (Matthew 4:17).
Have a Blessed day with God !!
A Slice of Manna 24-Jan-2021
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
“धन्य हैं वे, जो मन के दीन हैं, क्योंकि स्वर्ग का राज्य उन्हीं का है।"
- Matthew 5:3
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In the sermon at mount or the beatitudes (the attitudes that
we Christian must pursue in our daily lives), Our Lord Jesus begins speaking to
masses with this very important declaration. In simple words what our Christ
proclaimed was that the spiritual poverty is the secret of our greatest treasure
which is Heaven. Jesus is primarily concerned with our spiritual realities, not
our material possessions. But who is Spiritually poor or what exactly we
mean by being spiritually poor? While there are numerous ways to look at it but
few prominent traits of a spiritually poor person is that only the poor in
spirit moans daily over their sins and sincerely pursue holiness in their
lives. Such people will never boast about his/her achievements or
accomplishments but rather their report to Lord will be, "We are unworthy
servants; we have only done what was our duty" (Luke 17:10). Being poor in
spirit means having an honest estimate of oneself before God (Romans 12:3). Its
neither fake humility nor lack of backbone at all. For the one who is indeed poor
in spirit, humility before God and men becomes his staple nourishment and
exaltation from Lord, his reward. (1 Peter 4:13; 1 Peter 5:6)
Their spiritual bankruptcy before God will ensure that they
will receive spiritual riches that God has to offer (Ephesians 1:3).
Its a poor in spirit who prays with earnest desire "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come..." (Matthew 6:9-13). It is not surprising to see, why Jesus said for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 23-Jan-2021
"Two things I request of You, (Deprive me not before I
die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches
- Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say,
“Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God."
"मैं ने तुझ से दो वर मांगे हैं, इसलिये मेरे मरने से पहिले उन्हें मुझे देने से मुंह न मोड़:
अर्थात व्यर्थ और झूठी बात मुझ से दूर रख; मुझे न तो निर्धन कर और न धनी बना; प्रतिदिन की रोटी मुझे खिलाया कर। ऐसा न हो, कि जब मेरा पेट भर जाए, तब मैं इन्कार कर के कहूं कि यहोवा कौन है? वा अपना भाग खो कर चोरी करूं, और अपने परमेश्वर का नाम अनुचित रीति से लूं।"
- Proverbs 30:7-9
------------------------------------------------------------
Agur's prayer has one of the most profound and practical
prayer, a child of God can truly ask from God. His first prayer is the hallmark
of his desire to have integrity before God and men. He knows that LORD detests
lying lips (Proverbs 12:22). Tendency to resort to falsehood or Lies and
deficiency of a character integrity makes us vulnerable before enemy and
unwarranted before God. Just like a door hangs on its hinges, our Christian
life hangs on our relationship with God and the sin of lying lips weakens our
integrity before our God (door starts squeaking and does not move freely when
hinges rust). Paul admonishes new testament believers not to lie to each other
as that was our old self (Colossians 3:9).
The second prayer is around having enough so that it forfend
rebellion before God. Not too much, nor too little but just right so that a
godly child can learn to be content (1 Timothy 6:6). Sometimes too much of wealth,
resources or even success can go over our heads and makes us proud (deadliest
sin) that can lead to our downfall. The mighty king Nebuchadnezzar was
humbled by God for boasting about his achievements, lost his sanity and lived
like an animal for seven year (Daniel 4). Having too little can let
enemy lead us into temptation. The prayer our Lord taught "Give us this
day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:9-13) is the golden principle to ask the
right thing needed for our physical and spiritual lives.
We must ask Holy spirit to help us demarcate "what's too
little or too much for us".
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 22-Jan-2021
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
"पृथ्वी पर की नहीं परन्तु स्वर्गीय वस्तुओं पर ध्यान लगाओ।"
- Colossians 3:2
------------------------------------------------------------
Once a blind man asked, is there anything worse than losing
your eye-sight.
His wise friend replied: Yes, losing your "Vision"
Paul in Colossians 3:2 urges us Christians to keep our vision
of eternity in perspective as we live on earth. There is great need for our
inner eyes to be opened today so as to have this divine vision of seeing into
heavenly realms. No wonder why Elijah has to Pray for his servant "O
LORD, open his eyes so he may see." (2 Kings 6:17). The
need of the hour for every Christian today is to make it as our habit to set
our mind on heavenly things daily. It should be so ingrained in us that even
though our feet are on earth, we are so heavenly minded that our daily affairs
and all our decisions are by default being referred to our Lord Jesus in heaven
for His guidance. Only a Christian with his/her our mind on Heaven (Jesus), can
truly serve the Lord with integrity (rest all will keeping seeking glories of
earth and applauds of men). No doubt, keeping our hearts and minds on the heavenlies
(Deuteronomy 11:21) is the only possible way to have an experience of Heaven on
this earth.
Let Heaven fills our thoughts today.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 21-Jan-2021
"Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another?
Won’t they both fall into a ditch?
"फिर उसने उनसे एक दृष्टान्त कहा: “क्या अंधा, अंधे को मार्ग बता सकता है? क्या दोनों गड्ढे में नहीं गिरेंगे?"
- Luke 6:39
------------------------------------------------------------
If walking without a guide is disaster then walking with a
blind guide can be catastrophic.
Jesus while speaking to His disciples was setting the clear
guidelines of being a guide for others and choosing one for themselves.
Jesus boldly confronted Pharisees of his time who were blind
guides trying to lead people astray (Matthew 15:14). Their spiritual blindness
was primarily due to their inability to see and follow their redeemer the
Christ. Many of the religious leaders or teachers of this world (and sometimes
we ourselves) have a wrong notion that they are excellent guides when in
reality they are spiritually blind and in the process they lead everyone into
ditch (eternal damnation). The lesson for disciples is simple and its that we
can never lead people to heaven, only Jesus can because He came from there
(John 6:41, John 6:38, John 3:13) and He is there (Colossians 3:1, John
14:2-3).
It was pride that made Pharisees and Sadducee unable to see
the need of Christ in their lives and its the same pride (the plank in our
eyes, Luke 6:41, 42), that has potential to make us blind too. The more we look
to our Christ the more we realize our own spiritual blindness and can ask God
to help us. Once we ourselves are able to see clearly we can help our fellow
brothers/sisters as well to see clearly (perhaps can remove a speck once we get
rid of our own planks) and help them in their spiritual journey too.
Lets all say like that blind man, "One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25)
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 20-Jan-2021
"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight."
"छल के तराजू से यहोवा को घृणा आती है, परन्तु वह पूरे बटखरे से प्रसन्न होता है।"
- Proverbs 11:1
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A just God cannot expect anything less from His children but
to be Just, Honest and Righteous. In this simple proverb, dishonest scales is
more than a physical device, it represents the heart of a person who acts in an
unrighteous manner. God's promise for those having a perfect and just weight
(always having a clear conscious in presence of God), is that they will prolong
their blessings in the land (Deuteronomy 25:13-16).
Its a fact that even the most professing Christians knowingly
or unknowingly indulge in things which are outright dishonest. Add to that the
command "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15) and many will sadly
agree that in our daily life, we do breach these commandments in numerous of
permutations in our professional, business, family and even spiritual circles
at times.
The reason for this moral corruption is trusting our own
moral standards that can never agree with God's holy standards. Lets ponder on
this principle, next time when we find something that does not belong to us, or
take something that's not rightfully ours or do something that robs others
unjustly. Its always better to have little with righteousness than to have
great income with injustice (Proverbs 16:8).
Once Holy spirit convicts us of our sins in this area, for
few it may be a long road of guilt, confession and serious soul searching to
make ourselves right with God again. Think again, why even go in that path?
"An honest heart seeks to please God in all things and
offend Him in none." - A. W. Pink
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 19-Jan-2021
"The Lord told Samuel, “Listen to everything
the people are saying to you. They haven’t rejected you; they’ve rejected Me."
"और यहोवा ने शमूएल से कहा, “वे लोग जो कुछ तुझ से कहें उसे मान ले; क्योंकि उन्होंने तुझको नहीं परन्तु मुझी को निकम्मा जाना है, कि मैं उनका राजा न रहूँ।"
- 1 Samuel 8:7
------------------------------------------------------------
Israelites demanded Samuel the prophet (and their judge) to
give them a king. They believed neither Samuel who is old nor his disobedient
sons are capable of leading them. What they forgot that it was never a prophet
or a judge but it was God Himself who was leading them. Their rebellion is
rooted in what they learned when they were in Slavery of Egypt (1 Samuel 8:8).
In their foolishness to follow the customs of the world they are even ready to
compromise their own God given freedom.
We Christians needs to be aware that every ungodly alliance
and passions, involving the world is an invitation to be yoked into slavery of
Enemy (James 4:4). If you are set free through the blood of Christ then make
sure not get entangled again in yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). Rather than
rejecting God's supreme authority, being enslaved to God is the key to our true
Freedom (Romans 6:20-22).
"I am a free man, the slave of Christ." - John MacArthur
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 18-Jan-2021
"If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength."
"यदि तू विपत्ति के समय साहस छोड़ दे, तो तेरी शक्ति बहुत कम है।"
- Proverbs 24:10
------------------------------------------------------------
Facing life is inevitable, fighting daily with your life
struggles is unavoidable and getting tired in the process is inexcusable.
King Solomon is not denying the fact that we may not get
tired but what he suggest is that getting tired in our most trying life
situations shows our lack of anticipation and preparation. It is a lie to think
the Christian life is easy without any trouble (Job 5:6-7). The advantage for
children of God is His promise to help them in their afflictions (Psalm
34:19-20). Jesus mentioned that in this world we will have trials and
tribulations (John 16:33) but the heavenly assurance is Jesus who has overcome
the world is with us today. God has promised that He will give strength to the
weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).
God knows what you are going through today, Are you not more
valuable than a sparrow, are not your hairs of the head are all numbered?
(Matthew 10:29–31). For the rest others, when we see others getting weak and on
a brink of breaking down, we must step up to assist them in strengthening their
feeble arms and weak knees (Hebrews 12:12).
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 17-Jan-2021
"Does He not see my ways, And count all my steps?"
"क्या वह मेरी गति नहीं देखता और क्या वह मेरे पग पग नहीं गिनता?"
- Job 31:4
------------------------------------------------------------
Job chapter 31 is one of the famous account where Job defends
his righteousness before His friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.
Though they initially empathized with Job (Job 2:11–13) but
during their subsequent discourse with Job (Job 4 to 25), they blamed him that
he was suffering because he had done something terribly wrong and he must
repent for God to heal and bless him again.
In Job 31, Job presents his final defence and his hope is God
will ultimately hear his cry. In roughly sixteen "If I have..."
statements, Job shows his life and relationships with God. He knows that God
sees all his ways (Psalm 139:1-4,7) and comprehends all his steps. He is
confident in the way he lived his life before God by overcoming the most
precarious sins like lust (31:1–4), deceit (31:5–8), and adultery (31:9–12).
Job not only in his personal life but also in his social life as Employer (Job
31:13–15), Neighbour (Job 31:16–23, 29–32), in his spiritual life as Worshiper
(Job 31:24–28) and as a Steward (Job 31:38–40) demonstrated the same confidence
in the presence of God.
May be Enemy today haunts us with our past sins but if we
have truly repented and committed our lives to walk with our God daily then be
confident that God has cleansed us all of such sins (1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13).
Don't stay in your Past but rather Rejoice that we have received mercy of God
and we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
These "If I have" (Job 31:13-40) statements are
something that every Christian can also cross check his/her spiritual life every
day.
Let’s Pray and seek confidence like Job to say does He not
see all my ways or like David to say Search me, O God, and know my heart; and
see if there is any wicked way in me (Psalm 139:23-24)
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh Thankachan
A Slice of Manna 16-Jan-2021
"And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself,
with the glory which I had with You before the world was."
"और अब, हे पिता, तू अपने साथ मेरी महिमा उस महिमा से कर जो जगत की सृष्टि पहले, मेरी तेरे साथ थी।"
- John 17:5
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In Jesus's Prayer (John 17:1-5), the word Glory roughly
appears eight times but context of all these instance of Glory is attributed to
God being glorified in Christ through His works and His supreme sacrifice for
the mankind. This is why Jesus left the heavenly glory to came on earth to
serve, suffer and ultimately to die for our sins.
While the glory of man is rooted in his pride, Christ's glory
was deeply rooted in Love for His Father. Jesus Christ lived and died to
glorify His Father but most of us live and strive for our own self-glory. Its
not hard to discern that the true outcome of glorifying God is the destruction
of our own self and a finished work in Christ (John 17:4). Jesus achieved both
in His earthly life.
Few spiritually life-threatening symptoms of self-glory that
we must be watchful are; being more position seeking rather than submission
desiring (Romans 8:7, 1 Peter 2:13-14), showcasing of public remorse or
counterfeit righteousness instead of personal brokenness before God in secret
who searches our hearts (Matthew 6:5, Jeremiah 17:10) and tendency to claim
credit for every success in personal, professional or ministerial life rather
than owing that to God's Grace alone (Matthew 6:2).
Don't let sin of self-glory turn us into self-appointed kings
when we can be Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Remember we are nothing but dust (Galatians 6:3, Psalm
103:14), so lets humble ourselves sincerely before God daily.
"यहोवा की यह वाणी है कि इस कुम्हार के समान तुम्हारे साथ क्या मैं भी काम नहीं कर सकता? देख, जैसा मिट्टी कुम्हार के हाथ में रहती है, वैसे ही हे इस्राएल के घराने, तुम भी मेरे हाथ में हो।"
- Jeremiah 18:6
A Slice of Manna 14-Jan-2021
"पर रूत बोली, “तू मुझसे यह विनती न कर, कि मुझे त्याग या छोड़कर लौट जा; क्योंकि जिधर तू जाएगी उधर मैं भी जाऊँगी; जहाँ तू टिके वहाँ मैं भी टिकूँगी; तेरे लोग मेरे लोग होंगे, और तेरा परमेश्वर मेरा परमेश्वर होगा;"
- Ruth 1:16
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After the tragedy of losing her husband and two sons Naomi decided to leave Moab and return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1-7). At this juncture she urged her her two daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth to stay back and look for better futures for themselves. While Orpah decided to return, Ruth decided to stay with Naomi and follow her wherever she goes. Why? Because she had come to trust in the God of Israel (Ruth 2:12). Her background being from Moab, was never favorable for her conversion and could have even made her more bitter against the God of Israel. But instead of blaming God, she decided to trust Him and was not ashamed to confess her faith (a sinner saved by Grace of God, Ephesians 2:8,10).
Because of Ruth’s magnificent confession (Ruth 1:16,17), God allowed her to become part of the lineage of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5).
How sad it is when people only hear about God’s blessing, but never experience it, because they are not in the place where God can bless them.
Just like Ruth, let us all strive to exhibit the qualities of Loyalty, Respect, Love and Humility.
*A Slice of Manna* *13-Jan-2021*
"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished."
"चतुर मनुष्य विपत्ति को आते देखकर छिप जाता है; परन्तु भोले लोग आगे बढ़कर दण्ड भोगते हैं।"
- Proverbs 22:3
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Biblically a prudent man is one who is far sighted, sensible, clever and wise whereas a simple person is the one who is gullible, foolish, inexperienced or naive.
The mark of a truly wise person is the one who possess Godly wisdom more than worldly wisdom (James 3:15-17). The spiritual wise person will always *keeps his/her eternity in perspective* as he/she treads this earthly life. Such a person will always set his/her mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). A prudent person discerns dangers that lurk around to harm his spiritual perspective & holiness in Christ and takes every measure prayerfully to hide from those. But a foolish person thinks its alright to take chances with his/her spiritual life and ends up making a mess not only of their spiritual lives but also their family and social life in the process.
Sometimes we focus too much on our wealth, beauty, talents, resources and strength (that God blessed us with in His grace) and lose our vision of God and His kingdom. God rebukes and challenges if our soul is required of us tonight, who will enjoy what we have accumulated and more importantly where will our souls be (Luke 12:13-21; Matthew 16:26).
Like Moses lets all pray to God to teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalms 90:12).
"The fool wanders, a Wise man Travels." (Thomas Fuller), lets be wise in Lord and travel consistently towards our eternity.
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.', Then he said to Him, 'If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.'"
यहोवा ने कहा, “मैं आप चलूँगा और तुझे विश्राम दूँगा।”
"मूसा ने कहा, अगर तू साथ न चले तो हम को यहाँ से आगे न ले जा। उसने उससे कहा, “यदि तू आप न चले, तो हमें यहाँ से आगे न ले जा।"
*- Exodus 33:14, 15*
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One of the greatest longing of a human heart is *to have Rest*. God knew this before the creation of mankind and therefore appointed a sabbath rest which literally mean *"to cease doing what you are doing" or "stop it completely"*. To Rest basically means to *be quiet in presence of God with no expectations at all*. Jesus openly invited all those are weary and are heavy laden with the pressures of life to come and have rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). In Exodus, Moses was given a huge responsibility of leading Israelites out of Egypt and God gave Moses, a much needed assurance that *His Presence will go with him* and *He will give him rest*.
We must remember that without God's presence in our lives, there will be no true rest (Psalm 4:8, Psalm 127:2). *Until God's presence is with us*, we will wake up in vain, work hard in vain and enjoy all worldly pleasures in vain. Moses very rightly responded, God if you Presence does not go with us, don't send us there. Let this be our guiding Christian principle and urgent prayer today that, *God where your presence is not with us, help us to stay away from all such places, ambitions, human glories, friendships and relationships today* as without God all these will just exhaust us and not give us any true rest. Does your hearts leaps with Joy today when God promises you that His presence will be with you and He will give you rest?
*"Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves."* - Watchman Nee
Br. Santosh
A Slice of Manna 11-Jan-2021
"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman,
"Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?""
"यहोवा परमेश्वर ने जितने जंगली पशु बनाए थे, उन सब में सर्प धूर्त था, और उसने स्त्री से कहा,
“क्या सच है,
कि परमेश्वर ने कहा, ‘तुम इस वाटिका के किसी वृक्ष का फल न खाना’?”"
- Genesis 3:1
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"Did God really say...?"
The whole mankind was deprived of its heavenly status due to
wrong and unprepared response to this question by Eve in the garden of Eden.
Its the first question mentioned in the bible and something
that questioned the God's authority and His Word. It was a cunning scheme of
Enemy to target Eve's mind through deception and implant a doubt that can cause
Adam and Eve to sin subsequently. Responding to any questions of Satan will
involve forthright disobedience to God's Word that further leads to downward
free-fall of our own spiritual lives. Don't be fooled Satan's is a clever
imitator who disguises his true character and If needed, can even masquerade as
an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) to make you and me stumble in our walk
with God today. Do not be unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11) that
focus mainly on producing counterfeit righteousness apart from the
righteousness that comes only by faith in our Savior (Romans 9:30–10:13).
If we respond by Faith to "Did God really say?"
today, then rest assured God will not have to ask us "Where are you?"
(Genesis 1:9)
Have a Blessed day with God !!
In Him,
Br. Santosh
"There is no fear in love; but Perfect Love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."
"प्रेम में भय नहीं होता, वरन सिद्ध प्रेम भय को दूर कर देता है, क्योंकि भय से कष्ट होता है, और जो भय करता है, वह प्रेम में सिद्ध नहीं हुआ।"
- 1 John 4:18
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Its a strange conundrum How could Love fight Fear?. For a worldly person yes its a strange puzzle to solve.
For us God's people who are born into God's family through the blood of Christ, its a very simple precept to understand and follow.
We need to understand this great mystery through the eyes of a child and through the confidence he ascribes to a loving parent when he faces a scary situation. Imagine a child walking with his father in a dark stormy night filled with thunders and lightnings. Every loud thunder makes the little child hold unto his father's fingers more firmly. What's more when he looks in the eyes of his father, he no more fears the dark night, deafening thunder or freighting lightnings around him. In fact he starts enjoying these in such a way as to make fun out of it by jumping occasionally on the puddle of water on the road.
If there is a fear about your health that's deteriorating, relationships that are getting sore or future that looks bleak, then its time for you and me to hold unto our Father's hand even more firmly as Perfect Love casts out all Fears that torments you and me today (2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 34:4).
The closer we come to God today, the less power fear has over us, because we feel God’s continual presence His Protection, His comfort, and His guidance in our lives in every adverse situations of our life.
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."
"पर सन्तोष सहित भक्ति बड़ी लाभ है। क्योंकि न हम जगत में कुछ लाए हैं और न कुछ ले जा सकते हैं। और यदि हमारे पास खाने और पहनने को हो, तो इन्हीं पर सन्तोष करना चाहिए।"
- 1 Timothy 6:6-8
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Apostle Paul is exhorting the young pastor Timothy and giving him some most valuable practical lessons on Christian attitude that separates a Christian from the rest of the World.
Those values are Godliness and Contentment. Godliness is a character of a godly person who has Christ in his heart and Contentment is the ability of such a godly person to rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), Be Thankful/satisfied in every situation (Philippians 4:12-13, Hebrews 13:5) and most importantly be at Peace in spite of his outward circumstances.
Such Christians will never indulge in any sort of competition whether materialistically or spiritually with anyone around them but rather rejoices when others are blessed. Wealth never brings contentment and never last forever, in fact Paul says, Money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:9, 10)
True Contentment only comes from Christ in our hearts, not wealth in our hands.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."
तब शमूएल ने एक पत्थर ले कर मिस्पा और शेन के बीच में खड़ा किया, और यह कहकर उसका नाम एबेनेज़ेर रखा, कि यहां तक यहोवा ने हमारी सहायता की है।
- 1 Samuel 7:12
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Ebenezer is the very place where the philistines captured the ark of the Lord and defeated Israelites with a very great slaughter (1 Samuel 4:1,2,10,11).
When Samuel admonished Israelites and told them to return to the Lord with all their hearts and put away all the foreign Gods (1 Samuel 7:3, 4), then children of Israel obeyed God unconditionally and God gave them a marvelous victory over Philistines (1 Samuel 7:10, 11). Its then Samuel consecrated the place and called it "Ebenezer" (again).
The incident is an eye opener for us children of God that until we come back to the Lord with our whole heart, we can never be truly victorious in realms where enemy of our soul is defeating us ceaselessly; be it is our spiritual, family, professional, social or personal life.
If we need victory then we must be ready to stop worshiping every attractive gods we have: jobs, houses, wealth, automobiles, position, fame with men, unhealthy recognition, ungodly ambitions, unhealthy relationships etc.. Anything that takes the place of God and commands the sacrifice and devotion that belong only to Him, becomes an idol and must be cast out.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"Yahweh God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?"
"तब यहोवा परमेश्वर ने पुकारकर आदम से पूछा, “तू कहाँ है?”"
- Genesis 3:9
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One of the most significant account of a lost man and God coming to seek His creation is found in Genesis 3:9. The question itself is evident of the fact that Adam after sinning lost his own divine consciousness in God and is separated from God. Being God, He knows everything and we can never hide from God's eyes. When God through His Spirit and Word convicts us of something, then believe that its for our own good as it gives us an opportunity to open our lives to Him, confess our daily sins and make ourselves right with Him.
Don't look at God as a furious judge but rather look at God as a broken Father who still wants His wayward child return to Him (Luke 15:11-32, Luke 19:10).
It was God's unending love that made Him send His own son Jesus Christ to save us (John 3:16). He still seeks you and me.
If He calls you today then Be ready to come to Him, even if it requires breaking bondages of our own ego, culture, traditions or even society?
Repent for the kingdom of God is Near (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17)
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"Glory to God in the highest, and may there be peace on earth among people
with whom He is pleased."
“आकाश में परमेश्वर की महिमा और पृथ्वी पर उन मनुष्यों में जिनसे वह प्रसन्न है शान्ति हो।”
- Luke 2:14
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Absence of any battles of life such as pain, sickness, troubles or brokenness does not necessarily mean that we have Peace neither does presence of pain, sickness, troubles or brokenness mean that we can't have God's Peace.
Although gospel message is available to all mankind but only those who believe in Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and trust Him for the forgiveness of their sins, can enjoy His divine Peace on earth and eternal life. Peace of God is only for those with whom He is well pleased - to those that are saved by Grace through Faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
The Grace of God was for all and was evident from the fact that its the lowly shepherds who were outcast in Israel received first announcement of the Messiah’s birth. Today also God calls all the poor and lowly in Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:26–29, Luke 1:51–53). Our lowly hearts when it receives Jesus Christ, it becomes Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:3) as it becomes the very temple of God where the presence and glory of God dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Lets keep this temple pure and glorify God through our lives always.
Please God and be at Peace with God always.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"You must not take the name of me, Yahweh your God, in vain, for I will not hold guiltless anyone who takes my name in vain."
“तू अपने परमेश्वर का नाम व्यर्थ न लेना; क्योंकि जो यहोवा का नाम व्यर्थ ले वह उसको निर्दोष न ठहराएगा।"
- Exodus 20:7
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Word of God is very clear that we need to fear God's honoured and awesome name (Deuteronomy 28:58). God is the greatest being in the universe, so His name is the greatest name and must be always honoured.
Even Jesus as the first petition in the Lord’s Prayer taught His disciples to Pray by giving due honour to the name of God, Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9). He is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8) and His name is synonymous to His own Honour and Glory (Isaiah 42:8).
Swearing by name of God is Sin (Leviticus 19:12) and using cussing words or any sort of vulgar language with God's name or using vain phrases with the name of God will not be left unpunished (Exodus 20:7) and is something we children of God must be very cautious as it invites unseen curses in our own lives.
Let’s Honour God's name by our words and our actions daily.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. Against such there is no law."
“पर आत्मा का फल प्रेम, आनन्द, शान्ति, धीरज, और दया, भलाई, विश्वास, नम्रता, और संयम हैं; ऐसे-ऐसे कामों के विरोध में कोई व्यवस्था नहीं।"
- Galatians 5:22, 23
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The great difference between Works of Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and Fruits of Spirit is evident in the fact that while flesh manufactures ugly works of sin but spiritual fruits grows out of a spiritual life born in Christ.
Many of us may boast about that we are not guilty of few or any of the works of flesh (something which Pharisees and Sadducees at Jesus's time also bragged about) but the real question for us is, are we able to produce the beautiful fruits of Holy Spirit consistently?.
The fruits of Holy Spirit (around 9) has to do with our Christian character but gifts of Holy Spirit (around 7) is more to do with our Christian service in the Lord (Romans 12:6–8, 1 Corinthians 12:8–10, 1 Peter 4:11 ..).
Sadly an over-emphasis on just the gifts has made contemporary Christians ignore or neglect the fruits of Holy Spirit in totality.
Remember flesh brings forth results that brings praise only for ourselves (self-glory) but Holy Spirit generates fruits that brings glory to our God alone.
If it would have been more fruits than gifts then perhaps those who claimed "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?", would not have been rejected by Jesus (Matthew 7:22, 23).
Let’s allow fruits of Holy spirit to flourish inside us in the coming days.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"No one is Holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed."
“यहोवा के तुल्य कोई पवित्र नहीं, क्योंकि तुझको छोड़ और कोई है ही नहीं; और हमारे परमेश्वर के समान कोई चट्टान नहीं है। फूलकर अहंकार की ओर बातें मत करो, और अंधेर की बातें तुम्हारे मुँह से न निकलें; क्योंकि यहोवा ज्ञानी परमेश्वर है, और कामों को तौलनेवाला है।
- 1 Samuel 2:2,3
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Hannah was an ordinary woman but still got an extraordinary revelation about God when she prayed. Few of the things that she talks about God in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is not even revealed to the contemporary priests, Levites or even prophets. The secret of this revelation is in her sincere Prayer and an unshakable trust on her Almighty God. Also her prayers to God were marked by her deep commitment to abide by what she has proposed in her heart (1 Samuel 1:11).
God honoured her sincere Prayer and blessed her with Samuel, the first Judge and mighty prophet of Israel. You may consider yourself an ordinary person but your Prayers has power to transform you into an extra ordinary person in the Lord. Are you ready to trust God and pray with faith like a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:6). Are you ready to follow your decisions in Lord today?
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
"और वह उनकी आँखों से सब आँसू पोंछ डालेगा; और इसके बाद मृत्यु न रहेगी, और न शोक, न विलाप, न पीड़ा रहेगी; पहली बातें जाती रहीं।” (यशा. 25:8)
- Revelation 21:4
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One thing that we Christian should not be surprised with is that our life on earth is filled with tears, sorrow and pain. Moses in Psalms 90 says even though we live a long life the boast of our life is labor and sorrow. But these sorrows and pain have a definite expiry date. As Revelation 21:4 says One day ... yes one day He will wipe away all our tears. In Heaven, there would be no more pain, tears, sorrow, or death. Let this hope of heaven encourages us (God’s people) in times of our suffering.
Rest assured that in this interim time period on earth the God of all comfort will continue to comfort us in all our troubles through His Holy spirit so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because: "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away", But the Word of the Lord endures forever"
क्योंकि तुम ने नाशवान नहीं पर अविनाशी बीज से परमेश्वर के जीविते और सदा ठहरनेवाले वचन के द्वारा नया जन्म पाया है। क्योंकि “हर एक प्राणी घास के समान है, और उसकी सारी शोभा घास के फूल के समान है: घास सूख जाती है, और फूल झड़ जाता है। परन्तु प्रभु का वचन युगानुयुग स्थिर रहता है"। और यह ही सुसमाचार का वचन है जो तुम्हें सुनाया गया था।
- 1 Peter 1:23-25
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In this age of uncertainty if we have any consolation and surety then its in the Word of God alone that endures for ever. Bible teaches us that the wise people are the ones who knows that their days are fleeting (Psalm 90:12) and those who are aware of their beginnings, prepare for their future and are sure of their eternity (Ecclesiastes 7:8). The only way to enter God's kingdom is by spiritual birth through our faith on Jesus Christ (John 3:1-16).
Be aware that if we try to build our unity or try to build our love for others (in family, in church or in the society) just on the basis of our first birth then we will surely fail, but if we try to do that on the basis of our New Birth then we will Succeed.
May God help all of us to succeed this New year in all our spiritual, professional, personal and family oriented endeavours in the Lord.
Have a Blessed New year 2021 and have a blessed day with God !!
