“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his own glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
“जो कोई मुझसे और मेरी बातों से लजाएगा; मनुष्य का पुत्र भी जब अपनी, और अपने पिता की, और पवित्र स्वर्गदूतों की, महिमा सहित आएगा, तो उससे लजाएगा।”
- Luke 9:26
In Matthew 26 we come across an account of Peter who denied knowing Christ three times (before the rooster crowed). Many of us might have led to ask ourselves why Peter who was the closest disciple of Christ, who witnessed miracles of Jesus firsthand and even got the divine revelation about soon coming events from his Lord Jesus Christ, “will ever deny his Christ”? One common understanding about this denial of Peter is that he was afraid that he too may be subjected to authorities, put in prison, beaten, and perhaps later even killed, if they knew that he was a [follower] of Jesus Christ. Many of us today for the very same reason very comfortably choose to deny our Lord Jesus. The story of Peter denial did not end on his denial itself, but we know that after rooster crowed, Peter was filled with godly sorrow and he went out and wept bitterly. There is a greater need for Christian to boldly identify themselves as disciples and followers of Christ and not ashamed as apostle Peter says, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16).
When asked today if we identify ourselves with Christ many “Christians” will say nothing – as if we are ashamed of Christ. Being afraid of situations or circumstances many may deny Christ, but we must be willing to quickly repent (like Peter) and quickly identify ourselves as followers of Christ as Peter reminded “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15-16). There is no lack of church attending believers, Christ-exalting television channels, gospel music, radio podcasts, social media filled with Christian programs and even people thronging cinema halls to see movies about Jesus which may give us an impression (false one) that one is not ashamed of Christ. But here comes the catch, while many of us still say we are not ashamed of Christ, but we must understand what Jesus said thereafter “Whoever is ashamed of me and My Words…”. It is not about Jesus Himself, but it is His words that we are ashamed to confess publicly and boldly preach at times. Talk about God’s Word and testify about Truth to the dying world and you may risk your life like Apostle John who was thrown to the island of Patmos “for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). Acknowledging the Truth of His words will require lot of sufferings to the contemporary mediocre Christians which they would want to avoid because it is the testimony of Jesus that causes “sufferings for the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:8). When we decide to stand for our Christ and His Words today, we will find ourselves jarring against the very social setup and world we live in. We will know immediately if we are ashamed of Christ’s words or not, when we dare to talk about (in God’s love and with humility) and stand against abortions, homosexuality, same sex marriage, immorality and many such social evils which world around us accept and even endorse. Can we like Paul say, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16) and he even encourages us that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Let us stop living a life either as a “silent Christian”, or as an “ashamed to be known as a follower of Christ Christian”. If we are ashamed of Christ today, then He will be ashamed of us when He returns in His glory.
“God’s people need to unashamedly and uncompromisingly stand on the Bible. We need to unashamedly proclaim a Christian worldview and the gospel, all the while giving answers for the hope we have.” - Ken Ham
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.”
“न खतना कुछ है, और न खतनारिहत परन्तु परमेश्वर की आज्ञाओं को मानना ही सब कुछ है।”
- 1 Corinthians 7:19
Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 encourage the church and the believers at large to live as you are called in Lord and his statement in 1 Corinthians 7:24 summarizes that “Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called”. The connection between the secular and the spiritual sphere is made little bit clearer by Paul here. In the light of our eternal calling and destiny the distinctions, achievements, talents and even our gifts do not matter or are important. What matters is Obedience to God. If any of such things infuse the spirit of Competitive Jealousy in us, then it will jeopardize our eternity. On that note, Competition, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad. Like anything else, it depends upon your perspective or context. Competition or competitiveness is striving for the same things as another or carrying on a contest or a rivalry for common objectives. This is neither good nor bad. It is the context that makes the difference. Why is this dangerous? Because as I begin to compare myself with my brother in Christ, an uneasiness creeps in, stemming from the fear that someone else was preferred over me. A rivalry has developed. It was competitive jealousy that triggered Satan’s forcible ejection from heaven. Cain killed his brother Abel in a fit of competitive jealousy. It was competitive jealousy that separated Jacob and Esau for so many years. And it was the same reason that moved Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery in Egypt.
Believers today may not be “Abraham’s children” in the flesh, but they are “Abraham’s seed” through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:28–29). They have experienced a circumcision of the heart that is far more effective than physical circumcision (Romans 2:29; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11). Our state, status, education, knowledge, or even past Christian life holds least significance compared to our attitude and desire to Obey Lord without compromise Today. Our obedience to God’s word will provide a way of escape from passions of our former ignorance (1 Peter 1:14) and the only thing a born-again believer must propose to do today is “Obey God more than obeying than men” (Acts 5:29). Jesus said it does not matter which family you are born in or there is no glory in your family background or history of Patriarchs but “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). The good news is that we did not choose God, but God chose us and appointed us so that we should go and bear fruit in whatever state/profession/position, God has called us today (John 15:16). Take comfort in this that God has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own very purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). You are important in the eyes of God. We may think that whatever we do is insignificant or holds no value but believe that it’s important for the kingdom of God and in the eyes of God as long as we do with the right intent of glorifying our God and with a heart of Obedience to God’s call upon our lives.
“There is no one who is insignificant in the purposes of God” - Alistair Begg
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you because your righteous deeds have been revealed.”
“हे प्रभु, कौन तुझ से न डरेगा? और तेरे नाम की महिमा न करेगा? क्योंकि केवल तू ही पवित्र है, और सारी जातियाँ आकर तेरे सामने दण्डवत् करेंगी, क्योंकि तेरे न्याय के काम प्रगट हो गए हैं।”
- Revelation 15:4
Revelation 15 is the shortest chapter in the book of Revelation and it’s the prelude to the final series of judgments (Bowl judgments) that come on the earth during the “Great Tribulation”. God never does anything unexpectedly in the lives of people. There is always a forewarning, followed by an admonishment and then we can see a heart of a Father always waiting in anticipation that His children will listen and return to Him. As Moses sang a song of redemption after the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-18), here we see a similar song of the Lamb which is about the celebration of God’s Judgment, His power, and His sovereignty. Today we see that there is a total rebellion and independence of creature to His creator and since the heart of man is lead with callousness and is hardened, the judgments of God and fulfillment of proclaimed prophecies in the contemporary times fills the heart of men with anger rather than reverence for God and make them blaspheme the name of God rather than fill them with fear or trust for God. But the book of revelation reveals that these bowl judgments (plagues) will crush man’s rebellion and remove the rebellious from the earth. The prelude to this Bowl judgment is call to the all mankind (not just Christians) today to Redeem the Time because days are evil (Ephesians 5:16-18). The completion of His will be soon accomplished by the return of Christ with His armies (Ezekiel 20:38; Joel 3:2-17; Matthew 13:40-43; Revelation 19:11-21).
Then the nations will fear Him and glorify Him (Psalm 102:15) but it will be too late for many as they will lose their opportunity of redemption and salvation. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him (Revelation 1:7). Through the blood of the Lamb, we have deliverance. Our Lord’s work on the cross is a “spiritual exodus” accomplished by His blood. Sadly, the earth-dwellers certainly would not praise God for His works, and they would never understand His ways. God’s works are great and marvellous, and His ways are just and true. It would save us a great deal of forthcoming sorrow if we would acknowledge God’s sovereignty today! “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works” (Psalms 145:17).
Now redemption, long expected,
comes in solemn splendor near;
all the saints this world rejected
thrill the trumpet sound to hear:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
See the day of God appear!
- CHARLES WESLEY (excerpt from song: Lo, He comes with clouds descending)
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.”
“मेरा जीवन उदासी के मारे गल चला है; तू अपने वचन के अनुसार मुझे सम्भल!”
- Psalm 119:28
The Psalm 119:25-32 begins with 4th Hebrew letter called “Dalet” which generally represents lowliness and the consciousness of possessing nothing of one’s own. Another meaning of Dalet is door which basically symbolizes the choice to open ourselves to the Hope. Christians and the people of the world today are going through the most painful and unimaginable sorrow and personal griefs which is never experienced before individually or socially. Many of our loved ones has finished their race on earth but the painful and often unbearable part is that many of us could not bid them the final and often well-deserved farewell. But when we seek our Lord in these distressing times, then just like Jeremiah we too can say “The Lord is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him!” (Lamentations 3:24). We the children of God has been commanded to Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Sometimes weeping with those who weep is all what we need to do. But be aware that If we fail to draw our strength daily from our Almighty God, we will be pathetic comforters for others too. To encourage others with godly comfort we need to first believe ourselves that God is the strength of our heart, and our portion for ever (Psalms 73:26) and then we can strengthen others too. Psalmist says when my soul (life) dissolves and weeps itself away from anxiety and grief; then encourage me, raise me up and strengthen me according to the promises of Your word.
The current global calamity has taken one of its worst tolls on the entire mankind in human history. We the children of God have a greater role in not only by standing in the gap for crisis today but also to Pray for those who are weeping, encourage them with our spiritual presence and lead them to their true and unchanging source of rest which is Jesus Christ who Himself has said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). At the same time, we need to be equally aware that when things are going well and we “feel good”, then it is dangerous to relax and lay aside the spiritual armour especially in such perilous times (Ephesians 6:10-18). Just like Psalmist who just wanted some strength to keep on living for the Lord and magnify His Word, we too today must desire and Pray with the same spiritual agenda by laying aside all our selfish (worldly) goals that drains away our spiritual strength and godly desires. Rest assured when Lord becomes the strength and shield of those who are going through grief and sorrow today, then they will be “divinely helped to overcome these grieving times as well” (Psalm 28:7-8).
“Snuggle in God’s arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out. Let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love.” - Kay Arthur
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
“किसी काम के आरम्भ से उसका अन्त उत्तम है; और धीरजवन्त पुरूष गर्वी से उत्तम है।”
- Ecclesiastes 7:8
One of the most valuable piece of wisdom mentioned in the book of Proverbs something that is relevant in all ages is “The end of a thing is better than its beginning”. Only second to Bible, “The Pilgrim’s Progress” has been the most published and even most read book in the world. In Pilgrim’s Progress there is a character called “Heedless”, a pilgrim who falls asleep near the end of his pilgrimage and talks in his sleep, showing his basic failure to understand the pilgrimage. Many of us are like that character “Heedless” who gets slack or lose his zeal to finish the pilgrimage (Christian Journey).
Many of us begin well but after we have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, many of us are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state of few become worse for them than the first (2 Peter 2:20). The end is better for God’s people because the Lord is much more interested in the process. If we are living a life of faith, trusting Christ in our daily living, and if we are living in intimacy with Him and beholding Him in the mirror of His Word, then the end will explain how we lived our life. Our enemy is very real and very crafty. He threatens and seduces. And even leaders who start strong, like Demas (2 Timothy 4:10–11), can fall to enemy’s deception. We must “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and do all we can do to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13). King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived and sadly he also proved himself to be one of the most foolish. God gifted him with unsurpassed wisdom, which Solomon squandered by disobeying God’s commandments towards the end of his life later (1 Kings 11-13). “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning” applies to us when we are living according to God’s wisdom. The Prodigal Son started with happiness and wealth but ended with suffering and poverty (Luke 15:11–24). Joseph began as a slave but ended up being a ruler! What matters during our Christian pilgrimage on this earth is that we keep Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and let our lives be guided by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Rest assured if we keep walking with our God, then He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6).
“Smart men walked on the moon, daring men walked on the ocean floor, but wise men walk with God.” - Leonard Ravenhill
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
“आकाश और पृथ्वी टल जाएँगे, परन्तु मेरे शब्द कभी न टलेंगी।”
- Matthew 24:35
Jesus while talking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives shared about some inevitable signs of the Times and the End of the Age (Matthew 24:3-14). To the question of Disciples “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”, Jesus simply told them to keep their ears and eyes open and observe the times. Besides all sorts of natural calamities like famines, pestilences, and earthquakes; the end days will be marked by age of Religious deception as Jesus said, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”. It will be an age marked by many false prophets that will rise and deceive many. Lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Jesus said, when you see all these things, know that it is near - at the doors! (Matthew 24:32-25).
Today the world conditions are so terrible that humanity wonders if there will be any relief, and this will give false christs opportunities to deceive many. The beginning of these signs indicates that the Lord’s coming is near. We must not look only for signs as such, but we must look to our Savior (Philippians. 3:20). Jesus can come for His church at any time. Heaven and earth will one day pass away, but the pure words of the Lord Jesus are perfect. They are life and light to the fallen mankind and will never, ever pass away. The eternal spiritual Truth that is the Christ will never change—it cannot, because it is an expression of the Omniscience of God. Sadly, People will be carrying on with their daily business, ignoring God’s warnings just as people did in the days of Noah. But just as the flood was God’s means of judgment on those people, so Jesus’ return will bring judgment on sinners and salvation to His people. For this reason, we all need to be ready for our Lord Jesus is coming at an hour when we do not think He will. (Matthew 24:44)
“The Bible’s power rests upon the fact that it is the reliable, errorless, and infallible Word of God.” - Chuck Colson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“बुराई से न हारो परन्तु भलाई से बुराई का जीत लो॥”
- Romans 12:21
In the world that is struggling hard with moral decline and in this age of evil and ethical corruption, we Christians need to be prepared to truly behave like Christians. Paul here first encourages believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1, 2). Then he urges the believers to serve God sincerely with every spiritual gift that God has blessed them with. But as they use their gifts, he warns believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought to think, but to think soberly (Romans 12:3-8). Paul warns that it is possible to use a spiritual gift in an unspiritual way. After that Paul gives approximately 20-25 golden rules or principles of a godly Christian behavior. Some of these even sound like few of the Beatitudes that Jesus shared in Sermon at Mount. The final section begins with “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil” (Romans 12:9) and it ends with “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Here also we can see the end is better than its beginning.
It is amazing how Paul explains a true love will hate what is evil, but it will thrive to overcome every evil with Good and not evil. The believer who seeks to obey God is going to have his enemies. Jesus warned His disciples that their worst enemies might be those of their own household (Matthew 10:36). Unfortunately, some believers have enemies because they lack Godly love and patience, and not because they are faithful in their witness. Returning evil for evil, or good for good, is the rule of World and how most people live. But the Christian must live on a higher spiritual and ethical levels and endeavour to return good for evil. Surely this is not possible without God’s love, as our first inclination always is to fight and avenge ourselves. Further it requires Faith, that God is sovereign and that He can still accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of those who hurt us. We must understand that If we try to defend ourselves then the Lord cannot defend us. We must learn to leave things in the hands of God always. These principles are easy to read but certainly difficult to practice. Surely, we need to pray and ask God to fill us with His love today as we try to show kindness to our enemies.
“To return good for good is human; to return evil for evil is brutal; to return evil for good is diabolical; but to return good for evil is Divine.” - Royard
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
“अब परमेश्वर जो सारे अनुग्रह का दाता है, जिस ने तुम्हें मसीह में अपनी अनन्त महिमा के लिये बुलाया, तुम्हारे थोड़ी देर तक दुख उठाने के बाद आप ही तुम्हें सिद्ध और स्थिर और बलवन्त करेगा।”
- 1 Peter 5:10
Apostle Peter firstly gave a healthy encouragement to all elders (leaders/servants of God) on becoming a good example to their flock and to serve them willingly and without any dishonest gain (1 Peter 5:1-3). Doing this consistently will allow them to receive crown of glory when our Chief Shepherd (our Christ) will appear (1 Peter 5:4). After encouraging Elders Apostle Peter focuses on youths or rather the church in general. One of the most powerful warning that the apostle gave to the church is “Be sober (self-controlled), be vigilant (watchful); because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”. So, we must make sure we Resist him by being steadfast in our faith (1 Peter 5:8,9).
What peter rivet on is the fact that no matter how difficult the fiery trial may become, a Christian will always have a hope. Our trials and sufferings are only “for a season” (for little while), but the glory that results is eternal (1 Peter 1:6). How hard it may to be accept but we Christians must realize that our trials are building our Christian character. The Greek word translated “Perfects us” means “to equip, to adjust, to fit together.”. Our present sufferings prepare us for greater battles and equips us with the spiritual strength and divine grace that can help us withstand even greater storms of life ahead. While many of us are unsteady and always wavering in our stand for Christ, our sufferings “Establishes us” in our spiritual walk with Christ. Suffering “Strengthen us” in a way that it prepares us to meet the higher demands of life by moulding us into our God’s will. Just like vaccine immunizes us from further infections, our present suffering immunizes us against falling to life’s small and big struggles ahead. And finally, just like the house founded on the Rock (‘Jesus’) withstood the storms (Matthew 7:24–27), our sufferings settles us in our Lord Jesus. It eventually helps us to find our identity in Christ and our true domicile (permanent home) which is Heaven.
“If I had not felt certain that every additional trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy, I could not have survived my accumulated sufferings.” - Adoniram Judson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.”
“क्योंकि यदि कोई परमेश्वर का विचार करके अन्याय से दुख उठाता हुआ क्लेश सहता है, तो यह सुहावना है।”
- 1 Peter 2:19
Evil and suffering always makes us question God, if He is really all loving and if He is really all powerful. When we suffer for our own wrong doings and our own faults, apostle Peter says there is not much glory or credit to it but when we do what is good and still suffer and endure it patiently without grumbling or complain then that is commendable before our God. Have you ever wondered why this is so? It’s because that’s the principle or way of life our redeemer, The Christ taught and showed us. Christ never verbally abused those who verbally abused Him. When He suffered (rather unjustly), He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him (God The Father) who judges justly and rightly. What’s more He even asked His Father in Heaven to forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34) and taught His disciples (you and me) to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
How easy does it sound to Forgive those who persecute us unjustly? Isn’t true that our natural tendency is to strike back? Our pride will get over us and tell us to return “hurt for hurt” (eye for an eye, Matthew 5:38). But only the true disciples of Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, can actually bless and turn away from their initial response to retaliate with all their might and can even have courage to show their other cheek to them too (Matthew 5:39). Most of the contemporary Christians including leaders, prophets, servants and believers will fail this litmus test of Discipleship. Forgiving others, praying for those persecute you, doing good to them and expecting nothing in return from them are few out of the World qualities that are possessed by those who have clothed themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and constantly endeavour to make no provision for the flesh or to gratify its desires (Romans 13:14). A bit hard task but make note of few tangible ways that you can do good to the person who hurt you, ways to actively express godly love to him or her. Ask the Father to help you to actively bless them with a comforting word, a simple act of service or even a sincere prayer for their spiritual restoration to God. Let’s ask God to help us (through His Holy Spirit) to love even the most difficult people in our lives today.
“We need not climb up into heaven to see whether our sins are forgiven: let us look into our hearts, and see if we can forgive others. If we can, we need not doubt but God as forgiven us.”
- Thomas Watson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his own household. Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.”
“क्योंकि पुत्र पिता का अपमान करता, और बेटी माता के, और पतोह सास के विरुद्ध उठती है; मनुष्य के शत्रु उसके घर ही के लोग होते हैं। परन्तु मैं यहोवा की ओर ताकता रहूंगा, मैं अपने उद्धारकर्ता परमेश्वर की बाट जोहता रहूंगा; मेरा परमेश्वर मेरी सुनेगा॥”
- Micah 7:6-7
While Micah cries over with deep anguish and sorrow over Israel’s sin (Micah 7:1-7), he speaks about some of the tragedies associated with one’s personal sins and sins of whole nation of Israel. Yes, this is sort of followed by Israel’s confession, comfort (Micah 7:8-13) too and eventually forgiveness from God (Micah 7:14-20) as well, but the fact remains that deliberate sins of God’s people do invite a period of sorrow and deep mourning followed by genuine self-introspection cannot be dismissed. The words of the prophet were so true and powerful that even Jesus indicated that the coming persecution against His people could be explained by these words of Micah (Matthew 10:35, 36). His emphasis was on the division of families according to how they respond to the call of God in their own lives. Son against father, daughter against mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; one cannot even trust wholeheartedly their friends and share their heart (struggles/issues) with the wife of their youth. You could not trust anybody! When truth is no longer the standard for society, then everything starts to fall apart; for faithfulness to our word is the cement that holds society together.
We are living in the times when our spirituality is the factor of other’s opinion about us and not what God thinks about us. The statements of Micah (Micah 7:7) are kind of Micah’s creed for the believers in the crisis times especially in the contemporary times when people of God are going through extreme persecution and sorrows. They make specific what the vision, attitude and faith of a believer should be or ought to be in times of distress and persecution (physical and spiritual). When people of God repent and identify the need of their saviour more in times of their crisis, then their attitude will mould into a new dimension and their personal spiritual revival will be verified by their way of approaching and trusting God which is “When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me.” (Micah 7:8). The Faith, the vision and the attitude of a believer must gain a new insight and purpose altogether in the Lord that enables them to turn from their sins and trust the Lord (more today). Without doubt the wise thing for us to do today is to seek God’s face so that He might heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
“To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.” - Matthew Henry
Have a Blessed day with God !!
The most indisputable solution to this problem is knowing who are we in the Christ. We need to remember our identity in Christ always. We are a new creation, and our old self has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17). We must remain grateful for what God allows us to achieve in this small life for our Lord. We all have been given different gifts that differ according to the grace given to us and we must use it accordingly (Romans 12:6-8) and we need to make sure that whatever we do, we must work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23-25). We limit the power comparison (contention/envy) has over us when we focus on our own blessings. Yes, others are blessed, but do not forget "so are you!"
"Whenever you attempt a good work you will find other men doing the same kind of work, and probably doing it better. Envy them not." - Henry Drummond
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
“तब एलीशा ने यह प्रार्थना की, हे यहोवा, इसकी आंखें खोल दे कि यह देख सके। तब यहोवा ने सेवक की आंखें खोल दीं, और जब वह देख सका, तब क्या देखा, कि एलीशा के चारों ओर का पहाड़ अग्निमय घोड़ों और रथों से भरा हुआ है।”
- 2 Kings 6:17
In the moment of our darkest fears and utmost failures when we must trust our God we show our noncompliance or disobedience in that very and much needed aspect as well. When the king of Syria sent his horses, chariots, and a great army to capture a lonesome prophet (Elisha) it must be quite dreadful for any natural man to confront an enemy of this size, as it troubled the heart of Elisha’s servant. Just like Elisha’s servant we too ask the same question to God “What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15). Logically and humanly, there is nothing left for us to do in such life situations that entrap us unexpectedly from all side with no room to get away or escape.
When you hear the report about your health condition, circumstances your kids are struggling today, your utter inability to think of a viable solution to a specific emotional/physical/mental/spiritual turmoil in your lives; you too may at times just cry out to God, “What to do now God?”. Carefully look the answer Elisha gave to his servant, something that we too must ponder deeply today. “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16). You may be all alone against those who accuse you today but remember if you live a life of integrity before God, make yourselves right with God daily (how so ever hard it may be), then rest assured you too can boldly claim the promise “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Believe it that our deliverance is very near, once we trust the Lord who promised us that He is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). Just like when Elisha prayed for his servant, God will open our inner eyes today to see the mighty provision and deliverance He has already provided for us (Amen !!). Just like David, lets trust that, “Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident” (Psalm 27:3). Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.
“Get honest with God, and your focus will shift from just seeing your problems - no matter how overwhelming they seem - to the grace of God.” - Rick Warren
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”
“जहां बैल नहीं, वहां गौशाला निर्मल तो रहती है, परन्तु बैल के बल से अनाज की बढ़ती होती है।”
- Proverbs 14:4
Among various wisdom pearls King Solomon shared this specific piece of proverb that talks about Clean crib without oxen needs a greater thought probing. More oxen do makes cribs and mangers very messy, more oxen do means more hard work in taking care of them but we need to realize that an abundant harvest or much increase of crops comes through the strength of an ox only. While there are considerable efforts require to keep the mangers clean and cribs neat when there are oxen or cattle but there are benefits and blessings too associated with having them in your barns. People those who admire the neat clean house of those who have no kids should also realize the pain too of those not having kids and their future agony. When there are teens, youths and young adults in a house or in church or in community at large, then no doubt it is a great challenge and monumental efforts to deal with their teen issues, their wrong choices, conflicts due to their rebellious life styles and many more such day to day struggles pertaining to them but the fact still remains that these youths, teens and young adults holds the tomorrow on their shoulders and will take the baton of life from our hands and will carry our legacy as well as our work in the Lord ahead too one day. When we tend them and take care of them and do not despise them on the pretext of our messy cribs and dirty mangers today then just like a wild ox their strength and zeal will bring great reward not only for us but also for the kingdom of God sooner than later.
The more we care for them with love and patience, the more we ignore their noises, the more patiently we deal with their teen issues, their wrong choices, their daily conflicts with others then for sure soon we will see them maturing enough to become better adults, better human beings, and better Christians too. Choice is ours a clean Crib today or a better generation later. These oxen will certainly remember their master’s cribs for long if they are well cared and looked after now (Isaiah 1:3). Labour today on them has its rough, unpleasant side, yet it ends in profit. Where there are no oxen, we need to realize that the threshing floor and storehouses are also without wheat or food for survival in future. Also, where there are no ministers of the Gospel (in future), there will be no food for souls as well. These young generation today must be considered as oxen that are an emblem of faithful and laborious ministers in future.
“The flower of youth never appears more beautiful than when it bends toward the sun of righteousness.” - Matthew Henry
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”
“मुझ को यह सिखा, कि मैं तेरी इच्छा कैसे पूरी करूँ, क्योंकि मेरा परमेश्वर तू ही है! तेरी भली आत्मा मुझ को धर्म के मार्ग में ले चले !”
- Psalm 143:10
In times of chaos and confusion we all need a divine guidance that can lead us the way out of our life turmoils. Our confidence on any men for their wisdom and counsel has its own limitations. One who gives us wise counsel today may give us an utterly foolish one tomorrow because they are men with inconsistent standards. In world filled with questionable standards where everyone thinks that they are correct, it is sometimes hard to get an honest and love filled guidance in times of our life crisis. Just like David we need to learn to make an earnest and heartfelt appeal for Guidance and deliverance to our Lord (daily). David who delights and purposed his heart to diligently “Do the will” of God (Psalm 40:8), tells God sincerely “To Teach him to do God’s will” (Psalms 143:10).
Only the one who delights in God’s will and ask God to Teach them to do God’s will, can Pray wholeheartedly “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). A knowledge of God’s will give us confidence in the difficulties of life; it keeps us going when the going gets tough. Without doubt one of the answers, we at times receive from the Lord is a knowledge of the will of God. His good Spirit (Nehemiah 9:20) teaches us from His Word and shows us the path we should take (Psalms 119:105). If we wish to be useful for the kingdom of God in some way then we must ask and learn to do His will (not ours) unconditionally, depend on Him daily for His divine help so that He may enable us not only to accomplish our tasks but also to bring honor and glory to His name through our life little endeavours.
“When we want to know God’s will, there are three things which always concur: the inward impulse, the Word of God and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree.” - F.B. Meyer
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Then he also spoke this parable to some who were persuaded in themselves that they were righteous and who despised other people.”
“और उसने उनसे जो अपने ऊपर भरोसा रखते थे, कि हम धर्मी हैं, और दूसरों को तुच्छ जानते थे, यह दृष्टान्त कहा.”
- Luke 18:9
Luke chapter 18 is one of the power packed chapters that is filled with Parables that our Lord Jesus shared on importance of Persistence in our Christian life (Luke 18:1-8), importance of being justified by God (Luke 18:9-14), a very loving and warm blessing from our Lord to little Children (Luke 18:15-17), an eternity defining counsel for a rich man (Luke 18:18-23), a promise for all God’s Children that talks about God’s Omnipotence and self-sufficiency for us (Luke 18:24-30), our Lord’s prediction again about His death & resurrection (Luke 18:31-34) and finally it closes with miracle that changed the life of a blind man (Luke 18:35-43).
One of the highlights of this chapter is a thought provoking and a soul-searching question that our Lord Jesus asked “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Now this question is of utmost importance to us Christians today. Our Lord Jesus is coming soon. He did not say when He will come back will He find churches, congregations, public meetings, charity work and all sort of external manifestations of Christian life but what He asked is “Will He find Faith?”. We may brand ourselves as Christian (any denomination or group), we may have a tradition to boast about but at the end its the question about our own selves, “Do we have Faith on our Lord today?” and believe it or not one of the things that stops this self-introspection in us, is our own attitude of self-righteousness, self-legalization, and self-glory. Jesus said this parable (Luke 18:9-14) for those who were relying on their own righteousness or who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and are looking down on everyone else with disgust (Luke 18:). The one who is self-righteous will never need a God in his/her life. We knowingly or unknowingly like Pharisees, in our self-righteousness repel others, parade our good works before others, are utterly uncompassionate, reject correction outrightly (as we are always Right !!) and strangely sometimes instead of humbling ourselves we talk back to God too. If we suffer from self-righteousness today, then it is a sign that we do not have Faith on our Lord for sure. Let us humble ourselves genuinely like the taxpayer today “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”. Let us Pray, humble ourselves today and make sure that when our Lord Jesus returns “He finds Faith in us”.
“Beware of self-righteousness. The black devil of licentiousness destroys his hundreds, but the white devil of self-righteousness destroys his thousands.” - Charles Spurgeon
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.”
“तब उसने मुझे उत्तर देकर कहा, जरूब्बाबेल के लिये यहोवा का यह वचन है : न तो बल से, और न शक्ति से, परन्तु मेरे आत्मा के द्वारा होगा, मुझ सेनाओं के यहोवा का यही वचन है।”
- Zechariah 4:6
Even after the ages have past, God’s word to His servants and all of His disciples is still the same which is our help will not come from our own strength and power, our help will come from the Spirit of God. We all need to humbly acknowledge that on face of our battles (Spiritual, emotional, physical) we will not succeed by our own strength or by our own power. We must depend on the power of Holy Spirit that only comes from our Lord. We can only abound in Hope today (when we are discouraged in all avenues) by the power of the Holy Spirit. Might may refer to our strength (Military strength of Kings), power, or force. In today’s context it can very well be applied to our false and doomed dependence on our own resources, power of our accumulated goods or wealth. Just like God informs the rebuilder of the temple that the task at hand would not be accomplished through the force of an army (chayil - might) nor through the muscular power or any workmanship but rather it would be accomplished only by the empowering of the spirit of God. Today for us also its the power of Holy Spirit only that will help us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26), He will convict us of our sins, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8), He will not only teach us but also timely remind us everything when we need (John 14:26).
As a governor of Judah, Zerubbabel is ultimately responsible for rebuilding the temple but he is strictly forbidden to trust the resources (or help) of man to accomplish the task. Today also, God’s Church or the body of Christ (remember we are the temple of Holy Spirit) must be built and sustained not by wealth of members, or by their intellectual capacities, or their virtue or by their sheer strength or worldly talents but by the “Holy Spirit” of God. Its God who anoints, appoints, equips and prepares us for His divine purpose and His calling through His Holy Spirit. Any deliberate attempt to achieve anything for the kingdom of God in our own capacities or our confidence on our strength or wisdom alone is a recipe for failure. On the face of any challenges today we Christians must believe that God through His Holy Spirit is not only able to guide us but also able to fill us with courage, Godly wisdom to handle specific situations and divine hope to stand our ground in these everyday battles and come out victorious (Romans 15:13, Mark 13:11, John 16:13). May be our Mountain (Zechariah 4:7) today is discouragement, hopelessness, opposition from others, lack of resources, family or personal instability, unable to obey God’s word and walk in His ways, But remember the answer to these problems is Prayer that releases the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 4:23–31).
“Breath in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.” - Augustine
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
“क्योंकि मैं यहोवा बदलता नहीं; इसी कारण, हे याकूब की सन्तान तुम नाश नहीं हुए।”
- Malachi 3:6
Ever wondered how come we are not consumed because “Our God does not change”? In a very strong and direct vocabulary God in the preceding verses has declared about the impending judgment against sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans (Malachi 3:5). While it is true that the Lord abhors and condemns the hypocrisy in all forms, despise moral corruption of His people and hate the consistent immoral acts of His people but there is still hope for us (who are gone away from His ordinances) because “The Lord Never Changes” (Malachi 3:6). He is still faithful to His covenant promises and will not abandon His people. God still exhorts us “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7).
Not only the Jews in the times of Malachi, but we all the believers today should be grateful that God is unchanging in His nature, His purposes, and His promises, for if He were not, He would have consumed us for our sins. God is “faithful and just to forgive our sins.” (1 John 1:9) and it’s so comforting to know that our savour Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). Our God is always faithful to His promises and just toward His Son who died for our sins that we might be forgiven. Sadly, when Prophet Malachi rebuked them and pointed them to their rebellion and called them to return to the Lord, instead of obeying that call, they began to argue with him. How surprisingly it resembles the people and their attitudes today about their sin and rebellion with God. Instead of returning to God, People just like in the days of Malachi still asks “Define your terms! What do you mean by ‘return’?” and believe it or not the answer of God still remains the same. To start returning to God, “Bring God the tithes and offerings that are rightfully His!” and stop robbing God (Malachi 3:7–8), stop robbing themselves of the spiritual blessings that accompany their wholehearted obedience and faithful giving for the Lord (Malachi 3:9–11, 2 Corinthians 9:6–15) and finally stop robbing others too (Malachi 3:12) by missing the opportunity to bear witness to the other nations that their God was the true and living God. When we are faithful to God in obeying Him then God is everlastingly faithful to us in fulfilling His promises to us. God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)
“I’ll trust in God’s unchanging Word, till soul and body sever. For though all things pass away, His Word shall stand forever.” - Martin Luther
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his (Shimei’s) cursing this day.”
“कदाचित यहोवा इस उपद्रव पर, जो मुझ पर हो रहा है, दृष्टि करके आज के शाप की सन्ती मुझे भला बदला दे।”
- 2 Samuel 16:12
One of the areas of David’s integrity and his godly maturity mentioned in 2 Samuel is something we contemporary Christians needs to understand and sincerely follow too in our day to day life. We see when David came to Bahurim, kin of King Saul called Shimei the son of Gera, came out cursing, abusing and even throwing stones at King David and his servants (2 Samuel 16:5-8). King Saul was rejected by God for his disobedience to God and later killed along with his sons. David at this time is suffering due to his own son Absalom’s treason and has escaped from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15). Shimei’s words “now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!” might have pierced David’s heart because he was innocent of any wrongdoing and never disobeyed God. Though it was in his power to kill Shimei then and there (2 Samuel 16:9), he calmed down his servant Abishai and told him something which as per me is one of the most mature and graceful words recorded in Bible by a man, “Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the Lord has ordered him” (2 Samuel 16:11,12).
In your difficult and painful times too there may be many who may despise you, insult you, misunderstand you and even curse you. Sometimes even though you are innocent your own kindreds, your spouse, your children, your loved ones and even your fellow believers, may choose to accuse you of something you have not done. What will be our response? Do we see things as David saw “Let them curse and accuse us for God has ordered them”. Or instead of that do we try to avenge them or react aggressively in the heat of the moment. Many of us Christians are pathetically weak in this area including even the leaders and pastors. Bible says, “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God” (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19). The truth is that God executes justice for every sin, including ours. We must learn to trust God to handle revenge and justice for all who harm us instead of seeking it ourselves. A true sign of a mature Christian is to leave things in the hands of God and just Pray. Sometimes in the heat of the moment we wish the most terrible judgment or punishment or even curse for those who hurt us but if we are truly praying children of God, then after a while when God’s good sense prevail upon us (when His Holy Spirit comfort us), we may (rather we will) even hesitate to wish for God’s vengeance on our persecutors because God’s grace will help us to bear with them and Forgive them truly for their trespasses. Just like our Lord Jesus prayed on cross for His persecutors, we too may choose to Forgive them and even Pray for them, for they do not know what they are doing to you (Luke 23:34). Let us pray for each other in God’s love today that God may enable all of us to show maximum grace to those who torment and persecute us the most. After all we are all born again in Christ so let us endeavour to do what our Father in Heaven did which is to Forgive Others and Love them !!
“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you”
“मैं इसलिये तुझे क्रेते में छोड़ आया था, कि तू शेष रही हुई बातों को सुधारे, और मेरी आज्ञा के अनुसार नगर नगर प्राचीनों को नियुक्त करे।”
- Titus 1:5
Putting things in right order or setting things right in every aspect our lives whether personal or spiritual is needed to avoid any chaos and disappointments later. Primarily it is an order needed first in our Spiritual lives and then in other aspects. About himself Paul says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27) which is more to bring discipline and order into his own spiritual life so that his preaching is effective. To young Titus, Paul says he was given the responsibility to bring an order in the church at create. There are things which are not in place in our lives today. If in doubt just have a look closely at our time and efforts that we put towards meditating scriptures, praying to God, and walking in a disciplined manner with Lord. While there may be a sure order perhaps in our social and professional lives but sadly its missing in our spiritual lives most of the times. One of the ways Paul suggests Titus a relatively young preacher of gospel that the difficult assignment of directing work in Crete is not possible without a team of spiritual elders who are sound in Doctrine, Faith and Speech (Titus 1:6-9).
Lacking order in our spiritual lives and on top of that our inability to seek spiritual, personal and emotional help from those who are capable and do care for us, is a sure sign of our spiritual immaturity and often a tad symptom of our inherent pride as well. Sometimes just like chastising from our Almighty God, a slight correction or an apt discipline from pastors, elders, parents or even our spiritual mentors, does not sometimes seem joyful but rather painful. Nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). God through Prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah to “Put his house in order” (Isaiah 38:1) as he was about to die. It was to make sure that the kingdom and the house of Lord are not neglected in absence of any responsible authority (apparently, Hezekiah did not have a son and therefore would have to appoint a near relative to take the throne of David). When God is NOT negligent about His House and Kingdom, how insensible and foolish it would be for us to ignore the kingdom of God and our eternity altogether due to our laziness and negligence. Let us take an inventory of our own spiritual arsenal today, set the things in right order, Pray to God for our missing or rusting armoury and make sure that we all are ready to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can either with a Psalm, or a Teaching, or a Tongue, or with a Revelation, or with an Interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:26) and edify each other daily.
“Have you known fellowship in suffering with Christ? known deep waters? You will have to go down to them. If you do not get sorrow in fellowship with Christ, you will get it in discipline.” - G.V. Wigram
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”
“क्योंकि इस दर्शन की बात नियत समय में पूरी होने वाली है, वरन इसके पूरे होने का समय वेग से आता है; इस में धोखा न होगा। चाहे इस में विलम्ब भी हो, तौभी उसकी बाट जोहते रहना; क्योंकि वह निश्चय पूरी होगी और उस में देर न होगी।”
- Habakkuk 2:3
While the true hallmark of a genuine Christ’s disciple is that he/she walks by faith and not by sight but a worldly believer reverses this order (Galatians 2:4). We walk by sight and so are unable to wait patiently and see things as God sees. Just like Lot who made the terrible choice to choose the plains of Jordan and ended up settling in Sodom by looking at its outward beauty (Genesis 13:1-11). Today also the need of the hour for God’s people is that they must hear and learn to discern the God’s true word and stop trusting their heart which is deceitful above everything else (Jeremiah 17:9). The Prophet saw himself as a watchman on the walls of Jerusalem, waiting for a message from God that he could share with His people. Like Habakkuk we need to take a proper posture before God that can enables us to hear His Voice clearly. Sometimes to meet God we must come out of our comfort zones, “I will stand my watch” (Habakkuk 2:1a). Our attitude to look or seek God should be honest, “I will watch to see” (Habakkuk 2:1b). Only true sheep of God will be able to listen to Him and hears His voice, “He will say to me” (Habakkuk 2:1ac).
Prophet encourages us “Wait” upon the Lord to bring it to pass as “It will surely come”. Waiting on the Lord requires us to be non-judgmental, kind-hearted, requires our hearts to be stable and always strong in the Lord too [Psalms 27:14]. Anyone who does not possess these spiritual traits, will always falter and will be very impatient while they wait on the Lord for the answers to their prayers. The promises of God will be fulfilled and those whose minds are steadfast on Lord they will be always in perfect peace because they trust in God as they wait with expectation (Isaiah 26:3). Waiting can be painful at times, filled with shame and even being blamed for no fault of ours like Job, but remember when God will fulfill all His Promises to us in Him “which are Yes, and in Him Amen”, then it will ultimately bring glory to God through us and will restore our honor too. Job’s Prayers for his friend not only saved them but also restored his blessings in double portion back (Job 42). He did lose his seven sons and three daughters during his trials, but God gave him seven sons and three daughters again. The pain of waiting for God’s justice against our tormentors and His promises, is surely unspeakable and dreadful but the joy of His fulfilled promises in our lives (if we can wait) brings us Joy and Peace that is unspeakable too.
“God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
“और इस संसार के सदृश न बनो; परन्तु तुम्हारी बुद्धि के नये हो जाने से तुम्हारा चाल-चलन भी बदलता जाए, जिस से तुम परमेश्वर की भली, और भावती, और सिद्ध इच्छा अनुभव से मालूम करते रहो॥”
- Romans 12:2
Our lives in Christ has no absolute meaning if it has not been transformed in Christ. Paul says do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. Getting swayed away with the culture around us will always pose a great threat to our own identity in Christ. If we allow the worldly cultures and morally corrupt ways of the world to determines our own Christian standards, then it will always keep us at lock horns with our God and His Word. Conforming also means “Obtain something that is wanted, needed or required”, so conforming to the world basically highlights our own twisted realities or our own evil desires or our morally weak hearts today.
When God says Submit, culture says it is a sign of weakness and we conform to world and not The Word. When Bible teach us, that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ (Colossians 1:18), culture will demand and expect us to go opposite to that order. When Bible speaks clearly against same sex marriage, abortion, homosexuality and many such social evils, our contemporary culture and societal pressure forces us to endorse such unbiblical notions. Why because it is the demand of our culture and who dictates today’s culture? It is those who have absolutely no idea what the Word of God teaches us, those who are evil in heart and have no relationship with God. We at times tend to get swayed away with such forces. Even the mature leaders and pastors today follow what the majority are doing and forget the very basic warning of Jesus Christ that “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life” (Matthew 7:13,14). Majority does not necessarily mean God’s approval. The whole fabric of society today is collapsing because we do not want God to dictate our lives. We go with what “We Feel Like” and not “What Bible teaches us?”. When Bible teaches us that “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” (Psalm 1:1), today Enemy has created such an atmosphere where, denying wicked’s counsel will outcast us; not agreeing with sinful ways of world, will make us a Bigot and not joining with the assembly of scoffers will close all avenues of our survival in the society. What will be your stand for Christ today? Bible encourages us that “If God Is for us who can be against us.” (Romans 8:31) and “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). We are not alone when we stand against any evil, God is with us. If our inner eyes are open, we can really see who is on our side (2 Kings 6:17). Also, if we are transformed by the genuine renewal of our minds, then we will be able to decide [discern; test and approve] what God wants for us [is God’s will]; we will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is His perfect will for us. Do not let the lawlessness of the world, peer pressure, or any evil of society to diminish your love and spiritual stand in God to grow cold or weak. (Matthew 24:12)
“The reason why men do not look to the Church today is that she has destroyed her own influence by compromise.” - G. Campbell Morgan
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
“मुझे इस से बढ़कर और कोई आनन्द नहीं, कि मैं सुनूं, कि मेरे लड़के-बाले सत्य पर चलते हैं।”
- 3 John 1:4
Apostle John was aged both in years as well his experience in Christ when we wrote this epistle along with 2 John almost around the end of his life about A.D. 90. As the aged apostle, John refers to those whom he brought into saving faith of Christ and other believers under his guidance as his children. It’s important to understand that walking in Light (1 John 1:7) and walking in the Truth (3 John 3,4) are two side of same coin. Jesus said “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) and the one who follows this light will always walk in the Truth as well because Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life too (John 14:6). In His light we see the Truth, live the Truth and even speak the Truth. Any symptoms of subtle or grave lies in any area of our lives is indicative of our disobedience and inconsistent walk with our master and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Many of us are egocentric, for we go to any length in distorting the facts, mislead others from truth or even present false picture of our spiritual life, our assets or even our professional life just to maintain our image before men but in process we destroy our image before God. John gave such a warm tribute “to the beloved Gaius” in this epistle (3 John 1-3). He tells him Prosperity should not be the end in itself but rather it ought to be the result of quality of life, commitment, dedication and actions that are in line with God’s Word (3 John 2). Divine prosperity is not momentary but it’s an ongoing state of God given success and it is intended for every area of our lives; the spiritual, the physical, emotional and the material. King David has chosen the way of truth (Psalm 119:30) and that’s why he prays always “Lead me in Your truth and teach me” (Psalm 25:5). If we are chosen by God and have decided to walk in Truth of His light, then let’s bring Joy to our Master’s heart and allow Him say about us that “He rejoices to hear that His Child is walking in Truth”. If we want our Children to follow this path of Truth then it is important that we must walk consistently and persevere hard in this journey so that one day we too can rejoice when we see our Children walking in the Truth. One day our Children too know the truth, and the truth shall make them free (John 8:31-32)
“He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God’s providence to lead him alright.” - Blaise Pascal
Have a Blessed day with God !!
““Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?”. They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.””
“क्या तुम ने ये सब बातें समझीं? उन्होंने उस से कहा, हां; प्रभु”
- Matthew 13:51
This particular massive discourse (Matthew 13) with disciples and multitudes which is filled with eye opening and heart transforming parables which were The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-8), The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30), The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31, 32), The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33), The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44), The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45, 46) and finally The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-52). Just like a good student all the disciples were listening to him carefully and then like a good Teacher Jesus asked them (disciples) “Have you understood all these things [parables] taken together?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord”. We do learn about our God from His Word; we do hear lots of messages and get lots of spiritual materials but a question that God’s Holy spirit asks us “Do we understand this?”. Jesus very aptly said I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand (Matthew 13:13-15). After
Later Jesus sent away the multitudes and only disciples remained with Him (Matthew 13:36), when they came and requested Jesus “to explain them the parable of Tares”. This should be our attitude in learning the Word of God, we must take time, come out of our busyness of life and sit along with Him and ask Him, “God can you please help me understand this?”. In absence of such a desire and attitude we will always remain a novice student of scriptures who will always keep their mouth open in awe (occasionally yawning too) but understanding nothing. In response to the disciple’s affirmation concerning their understanding, Jesus likens them to a householder able to understand word in contemporary sense something that we all need to do as well. The parable of dragnet, like the parable of Tares deals with the saints (the good) and sinners (the bad) in a mixed society. The gospel message of church will attract all types of people, some of whom will be found unredeemed by the angels at the end of age. We must also stay awake to make sure that Satan’s ministers do not get into the true fellowship and do damage (2 Peter 2; 1 John 4:1–6). It is when God’s people go to sleep that Satan works. Our task is not to pull up the false, but to plant the true. Let Pray and thrive to come closer to our Lord today and ask Him “Can you please help me understand your word Lord?”
“The gospel is so simple that small children can understand it, and it is so profound that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches.” - Charles Hodge
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.”
“और याबेस ने इस्राएल के परमेश्वर को यह कह कर पुकारा, कि भला होता, कि तू मुझे सचमुच आशीष देता, और मेरा देश बढाता, और तेरा हाथ मेरे साथ रहता, और तू मुझे बुराई से ऐसा बचा रखता कि मैं उस से पीड़ित न होता! और जो कुछ उसने मांगा, वह परमेश्वर ने उसे दिया।”
- 1 Chronicles 4:10
While giving a very exhaustive list of genealogies from Family of Adam to Family of David (1 Chronicles 1-3), we see that Holy Spirit paused for a moment in chapter 4 while mentioning the tribe of Judah to emphasize the life and prayer of this one man called “Jabez” (1 Chronicles 4:9, 10). The mother of Jabez called his name Jabez because she bore him in pain. Even though Jabez was cursed from his birth, he did receive God’s favour. It is written that he became more honourable than his brothers (1 Chronicles 4:9). What changed the course of Jabez’s life? We know that within the larger impact of Adam’s sin upon the human race, we can still witness instances of “cursing” that still occur in form of rash oaths, angry words or verbal confusions that impact human relationships. Jabez’s mother had such terrible pain in childbirth that she rashly or rather in her agony named her son “He will cause Pain”. But we see as he grew up (imagine everyone calling him by name which indirectly curses him), he understood the negative impact it can have on his future and so we see he interceded timely for God’s intervention.
By acknowledging the truth of his present situation honestly to God and deciding to renounce evil in his life, Jabez was granted his request. God blessed Jabez and broke the effect of the curse on his life. Jabez’s prayer points to the divine intervention and answer for all human difficulty. We may linger in our curses whether paternal, personal, or traditional if we delay upon to call our God. It does not matter where you are born, what is your present state, what challenges you face today but if you can make sure to call upon God notwithstanding even years of your pain and problems, our God loves to bless those who desire a life that prospers with the fullness of God. God is still ready to grant His deliverance from physical and spiritual destruction of those who can call “Keep me from evil”. He is ready to empower everyone who trust in His power and divine work and those who truly desire God’s hand to be with them always as Jabez prayed. It is our choice to break the curse upon our lives, our children, and our family members today. We need to come before God who can bless us and cry out to Him. Just like Jabez, God can grant your request today too, if you desire for a life that glorifies Him and Him alone.
“God loves importunate prayer so much that He will not give us much blessing without it.” - Adoniram Judson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
“यदि कोई अकेले पर प्रबल हो तो हो, परन्तु दो उसका साम्हना कर सकेंगे। जो डोरी तीन तागे से बटी हो वह जल्दी नहीं टूटती॥”
- Ecclesiastes 4:12
The first institution God founded on earth was the home (Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:1–6). As goes the home, so goes society and the nation. The breakdown of the home today is a sign of the end times (2 Timothy 3:1–5). The only hope for a crumbling society today is the Family that stands together in Christ and nurture the notions such as selfless love and unconditional forgiveness. Family is the basic fabric and the building block of any society that defines how the society will look like and operates. Having all the noble notions such as selfless love, long-suffering, kindness, gentleness or self-control, on which a Christian family or any family actually stands are not possible in our own human strength, but these are the fruits of Holy spirit in our lives. One of the wisdoms shared by King Solomon is “A threefold cord is not quickly broken”, that talks about the secret of the strength of any family.
One cord could be broken easily; two cords would require more strength; but three cords woven together could not be easily broken. In any Husband-Wife relationship which we call as a Family today if the third cord of God is missing then that family cannot survive the turmoils and pressures of life. Families have struggled in the past and will continue to struggle if they are not founded on the God and His Word alone. Faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ not only changes individuals; it also changes homes. As a common analogy: God, Husband and Wife are all three corners of a Triangle with God at the top. The more Husband and Wife comes closer to God they will find that they both are truly coming closer to each other. It is not enough if either of them only is coming closer to God as the distance between both still remains. Only when they both deliberately decide, strive hard and choose to work on their personal relationship with God and come closer to their redeemer daily, that they will find true unending Joy, divine Peace, endless Love, unconditional forgiveness, and that spark going between them always. Husbands who are struggling to have a personal relationship with God will utterly fail “to love their wives” selflessly (Ephesians 5:25-28) and wives who are involved too much in the cares of the world and its pleasures, they will never be able to “submit to their own husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22-24). Next time you find your family life struggling then try to find out where your relationship is growing weak with God rather than getting engaged in blame game with each other that only enemy will enjoy. Knowing these virtues is one thing but practicing it daily in our family lives is what is critical. When Husband and wife are not rooted in the Lord (Colossians 2:6-7) then “root of bitterness” will sprout in a home easily that will poison the marriage relationship and give Satan a foothold (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15). Sadly, a family that is not joined together in Lord will never be able to raise a Godly generation too.
Is God your Third Strand in your married life? How is your personal relation with God today? Are you blaming your spouse for your personal failures? When did you both last joined hands together and sat in the presence of God and humbled yourself and asked God to have mercy on your Family life? Do it before it is too late.
“Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.” - Zig Ziglar
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.”
“मुकद्दमे में जो पहिले बोलता, वही धर्मी जान पड़ता है, परन्तु पीछे दूसरा पक्ष वाला आकर उसे खोज लेता है।”
- Proverbs 18:17
We live in a world where we jumps the gun when we hear something. Bible reminds us that we need to understand there are two sides to every story. It is generally true that one who speak first or share his story to us first seems right always. Add to it our personal bias or favouritism and we will be more inclined to believe the one whom we generally listen first. Solomon says the first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight. How often it happens that when we hear something about someone, and we immediately judge that person without even thinking for a moment that perhaps there can be other part of the story too. Interestingly when it is about us, we wished that if the other person would have heard us before but when it is the other way around, we don’t care much if we give other person a chance to explain. Wisdom and Christian maturity generally require that we should always check the source and try to listen to both the sides of the story before making any decision.
Apostle James’s admonishment can be really handy here when we face situations where we do not have proper facts or get enough opportunity (perhaps immediately) to hear the other side or other person’s narration of the incident. He says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19). Listen everything, take time to process and avoid agreeing or disagreeing immediately (slow to speak) to avoid being unjust or biased towards the other person even if they are right in some way. Anything sounds good in a vacuum. But all propositions must be tried by opposing arguments to prove their validity. Even seasoned and mature people at times fail on this aspect. Many conflicts, misunderstanding and contentions will be avoided if we can try to follow this simple principle of listening the other side as well before passing the final judgment. We all are weak in this area, we all need God’s special grace to apply this principle in our day to day life. Not an easy principle to follow and even comprehend fully too but let’s Pray that God may allow us to understand it and use it aptly in our daily social, spiritual and personal lives. Isn’t it a consolation to know that when enemy accuses us before God (like he did for Job), God does not believe Satan but instead allow us to open ourselves to Him and get right with Him.
Are you sure you are right in your judgment about others when you hear something? Do you really care to hear other side of argument or are you biased in favour of person who share their narration first? Are you confused by a testimony that does not match with the experience? Let’s Pray and use Proverbs 18:17 as a rule to discern rightly and wisely.
“We must always judge our experience by the Word of God. We must never make God’s Word conform to our experience.” - Tom Wells
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.”
“यहोवा का यह वचन मान कर वह यरदन के साम्हने के करीत नाम नाले में जा कर छिपा रहा। और सवेरे और सांझ को कौवे उसके पास रोटी और मांस लाया करते थे और वह नाले का पानी पिया करता था।”
- 1 Kings 17:5,6
We may not generally face a drought like situation today, though in times of Covid financial hardships of many too are also a grim reality. But usually, it is not material or financial famine that drains us out but it’s the famine of Love, Peace and Joy that truly cripples us and makes us more vulnerable to life’s challenges. We see in 1 Kings 17 account how on God’s command, Elijah proclaimed a drought as a punishment for worshiping Baal (1 Kings 17–19 and 2 Kings 1–2). Elijah warned the king of the divine punishment that is coming if he did not abolish idol worship and all Israel to return to God. Ahab scoffed at the idea, saying: “Didn’t Moses already warn us in the Torah that the rain would cease, and the land would not give forth its produce, if we should worship other gods? Yet, nothing happened yet!”. Many times, it’s our words (scoffing others) and our attitude that at times develops (gradually) into a painful famine in our lives. As prophet Amos records “I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11-13). But the Good news is that if we like Elijah are willing to do according to the Word of Lord, then God will lead us smoothly though these times of great apostasy and famine of God’s True Word.
God told Elijah to withdraw to a deserted place. We too need to get separated and be in the presence of God and His fellowship alone in these times of spiritual Famine (of God’s Word and His Peace) that torments us daily. Believe it or not if it was an unworthy raven that took care of Prophet Elijah then it will be some very simple sources or avenues today from where your God will feed your inner longings for Peace and Love. God will surely feed you with manna that can sustain you in these challenging times. Perhaps God is reminding you today to trust Him, receive His good provision and thank Him for it every day. Jesus said, “whoever drinks of the living water that I shall give him, he will never thirst.” (John 4:14) and “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him” (John 6:53-63). Imagine when we feed on Jesus (His Word) and drinks from Him (Holy Spirit) daily then we not only satisfy ourselves but also through us God will satisfy others too. God has commanded a raven (an insignificant source but your only hope of survival perhaps) to feed you spiritually today. Once you learn to get fed and be satisfied with God ordained ravens feeding you, God will also provide in His right time “His Angels to feed you too” (1 Kings 19:7-18).
Are you ready to be fed spiritually today through a raven? Are you neglecting that insignificant source of God’s manna in your life that can bring good news of Hope and Peace in your life and sustain you? Remember its famine that starves out the parasites (our wickedness) too.
“Don’t curse your season of famine, because in it is your favour.” - Paul A. Adefarasin
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”
“जो कोई यह कहता है, कि मैं उसे जान गया हूं, और उस की आज्ञाओं को नहीं मानता, वह झूठा है; और उस में सत्य नहीं। पर जो कोई उसके वचन पर चले, उस में सचमुच परमेश्वर का प्रेम सिद्ध हुआ है: हमें इसी से मालूम होता है, कि हम उस में हैं।”
- 1 John 2:4,5
“I know” is the mantra or a common phrase the present and new generation uses widely. It would be surprising to find out if there is anything they don’t know. But the fact behind this “I know” is that they seldom know anything, or they know but not fully both of which are dangerous when they confess “I know”. Many people today (including Christians) assume that that they know everything they need to know about God when actually they have no idea as to Who God is. Prophet Hosea says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (of God and His will)” (Hosea 4:6), Apostle Peter encourages, “But grow in the grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The fact is we can never comprehend Almighty God fully with our finite puny minds. Psalmist says, “The knowledge of thee is too wonderful for me; it is very difficult” (Psalm 139:6). The Word of God teaches that God is incomprehensible, that is, we cannot know God exhaustively, but we can still have a true and personal knowledge of God through His Word and through His Holy Spirit.
Now coming to our own test of how much we know God. The answer is beautifully wrapped in Apostle John’s words “Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.”. We must be honest with ourselves, honest with others, and honest with God. Obedience to God’s Word is proof of our love for Him. There are three motives for obedience. We can obey because we have to, because we need to, or because we want to. A slave obeys because he has to (he has no option). If he does not obey, he will be punished. An employee obeys because he needs to (it brings rewards to him in form of salary). But a Christian is to obey his heavenly Father because he wants to - for the relationship between him and God is one of Love. “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “Baby Christians” must constantly be warned or rewarded. Mature Christians listen to God’s Word and obey it simply because they love Him. No matter what area of life it may be, our responsibility is to do what Jesus would do. Obey Him, even if it’s hard for us to Obey God in some situations. Pray for those who are struggling to obey God today (but they are trying).
Do we Obey Him because we have to or do, we obey Him because we Love Him? Are we abiding in Him (John 15)? Do we really “know Him”?
“There’s a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.” - J.I. Packer
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.”
“जिस समय वे गाकर स्तुति करने लगे, उसी समय यहोवा ने अम्मोनियों, मोआबियों और सेईर के पहाड़ी देश के लोगों पर जो यहूदा के विरुद्ध आ रहे थे, घातकों को बैठा दिया और वे मारे गए।”
- 2 Chronicles 20:22
We all thrive for victory against our foes, our enemies and in our adverse situations. But imagine the sweetness of victory in which you don’t have to fight at all and still get victory. 2 Chronicles 20 records that when three formidable enemies namely Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir came against King Jehoshaphat of Judah, he immediately proclaimed a fast in which whole nation participated. The prayer of Jehoshaphat was the key to Judah’s deliverance. The essence of this prayer was helplessness which acknowledges “we have no power, nor do we know what to do but our eyes are upon you”. Do we really feel helpless today on the face of all our deep pains, sickness, family relationship that are getting sour, issues around our teenage kids, lack of productivity in our professional lives, failures in your spiritual lives etc.? Then lets remind ourselves that the cry of the Christians in the darkest night of their experience should always be “Lord, I do not know what to do but I am counting on You”.
The answer that God provides when we truly cry out and sincerely humble ourselves before Him is, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15). But here is the catch, we still need to face these challenges, we still need to position ourselves in our battlefields and stand still. We don’t need to fight in this battle with our might but we will still see the salvation of the Lord, who is with us. (2 Chronicles 20:16,17). As we begin to sing, praise and worship our God in midst of our battles (Challenges), we will witness that God is fighting for us. He will eventually bring a great victory to us. History records that wherever and whenever God’s people Praise Him, He reigns among them and does miraculous things on their behalf. To serve God realistically, we must learn to wrestle with our problems daily and make sure to Praise Him continuously. Rest assured, our God will give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
When challenges come against us, do we flee or face them trusting our Lord? When did we last praised wholeheartedly our God in midst of our battles? Do we know that battle is not ours, but God’s.
“The world’s battlefields have been in the heart chiefly; more heroism has been displayed in the household and the closet, than on the most memorable battlefields in history.”
- Henry Ward Beecher
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Joash remained hidden in the Temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled over the land”
“और योआश यहोवा के भवन में छ:वर्ष छिपा रहा, और अतल्याह देश पर राज्य करती रही।”
- 2 Kings 11:3
One of the most intriguing conspiracy stories is recorded in 2 Kings 11. The throne was empty because Jehu had killed King Ahaziah near Jezreel (2 Kings 9:27–28). The queen mother, Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab, saw her opportunity and seized the throne, reigning for six years. As the founder of Baal worship in Judah, she had no desire to see the Davidic dynasty succeed. While She tried to kill all the royal princes, God has a very specific plan for one little one called Joash. What is most amazing and simply awesome is the account of how God kept His covenant promise to David.
What many misses while reading this account is that a Godly generation was kept safe and preserved in the House of the Lord. This is true for our current generation as well who live in this wicked world that seems to be controlled by deceit and selfish ambitions. Young generation today need to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, and learn to dwell among those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22) in the House of the Lord. Its recorded that Samuel grew in stature and in favour both with the Lord and with men as he grew in the house of the Lord under the supervision of Eli the priest (1 Samuel 2:26). Youngsters who grow up in the house of the Lord are preserved from the eyes of enemy and his deception always. Not only that when they grow up in the presence of God they mingle and get stronger with other children and youths who can be their battle buddies in their times of temptations (Like Daniel, Shadraach, Meshach and Abednego). Being in the house of the Lord just for the sake of it also does not help and being born in Christian family and having no relation with your Christ makes us worthless too. The sons of Eli (even though sons of priests) were worthless men; they did not know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). Let me encourage you to always have a word of sincere prayer for the children of your pastors, elders, and leaders as they are always on the forefront of being tempted and deceived by Satan. How pleasant it would be as a parent for us to hear occasionally from our children a word of testimony as Joseph and Mary heard from Jesus “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). Our constant prayers and soulful tears for our Children, will help them to be in the Kingdom of God, doing what their heavenly father wants them to do. Let’s Pray that our Children and our young generation are always hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3) and they may learn to set their minds on things above and not on earthly things.
Are you concerned about the spiritual life of your Children today? Are you sure they are on the right path with their Lord today? Are you striving hard to hide them in the Lord?
“How can we hope to retain our freedom through the generations if we fail to teach our young that our liberty springs from an abiding faith in our Creator?” - Jonathan Falwell
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“I am asking you concerning my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my chains. For he once was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me.”
“मैं अपने बच्चे उनेसिमुस के लिये जो मुझसे मेरी कैद में जन्मा है तुझ से विनती करता हूँ। वह तो पहले तेरे कुछ काम का न था, पर अब तेरे और मेरे दोनों के बड़े काम का है।”
- Philemon 1:10, 11
Being profitable for just oneself is the mark of an unsaved person but when we are born again and become disciples of Christ we not only become profitable for ourselves, our own household but also to others around us and for the kingdom of God too. From the account of Epistle to Philemon, we can concur that Onesimus was a criminal who was stealing from his master and left him without his permission. He was not of much use to his master while he was there. Sadly, he was acting contrary to what his name meant that is “Beneficial or profitable”. But here comes a beautiful picture of transformation that Christ brings in a life of a person. When Onesimus met Paul the apostle (probably in prison) his life was touched by divine grace of Christ through His servant Paul. Just like Christ reconciled us to God, Paul here in this epistle sends Onesimus back to Philemon and encourage him to forgive and accept Onesimus.
We all were like lost Onesimus where our lives lost its very purpose. We acted contrary to our identities in Christ. But it is through the son of God our lives again got its purpose back. God made sure that our lives should manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 2 Peter 1:5-7) and bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10). Its high time to personally evaluate our lives today if we are truly profitable to those around us. We can never become useful to those in our family, in our society and more importantly for the kingdom of God if we fail to apply the notion of Forgiveness and Acceptance. We need to forgive others (in our family, church, relations, friends …) so that they all can be truly made profitable to us in the Lord. We need forgiveness from others too so that we in turn can become useful for others and for our Lord. Our failures happen for a reason. Onesimus suffered the prison because of his actions but God has different plans for him. Are you disappointed with those around you and believe that they are unprofitable to you? Did you made sure you forgave them and accept them so that they can be made useful (again) for you and others? Do we still hold our anger or grudge against those whom God has (or might have) already forgiven? Have you accepted (again) your loved ones (your husband, your wife, children) and fellow believers in Christ who were unprofitable to you in the past?
“The highest and most profitable learning is the knowledge of ourselves. To have a low opinion of our own merits, and to think highly of others, is an evidence of wisdom.”
- Thomas a Kempis
Have a Blessed day with God !!
