“Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger.”
“हे पृथ्वी के सब नम्र लोगों, हे यहोवा के नियम के मानने वालों, उसको ढूंढ़ते रहो; धर्म से ढूंढ़ों, नम्रता से ढूंढ़ो; सम्भव है तुम यहोवा के क्रोध के दिन में शरण पाओ।”
- Zephaniah 2:3
A central theme of Bible is the salvation through Jesus Christ the Son of God. This theme is complemented or echoed by a constant reminder of “A Call to Repentance” through prophets and various apostles in the word of God. Repentance requires “Returning back or Turning back”. Return to seek God whom we have left somewhere in the race of life. If we seek Lord with all our heart, we will surely find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Prophet Zephaniah reminds that if we humbly obey the Lord, then we must come and worship Him. If we continue to walk on the righteous ways and are humble, perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the Lord’s anger. We see prophet making a plea for the people to repent of their sins and turn to the Lord for His forgiveness (Zephaniah 2:1–3). Like the prophet Joel (2:16), he encourages them to call a solemn assembly and seek the Lord together. Perhaps Zephaniah is reiterating the promise of God “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Even today too if the whole world will follow false gods and turned away from the Lord, God would still protect His own precious remnant when the day of Judgment comes (Malachi 3:16-18). Today God needs a “company of the responsible and burdened generation” who will walk the narrow road regardless of what others may do, they still obey God’s Word without compromise, and share His gospel with the lost at any cost. Even if the present rulers, kings, political and religious leaders refused to acknowledge the living Almighty God or obey Him, are you willing and ready to obey the Lord today? Are we ready to pay the price for the cross we are called to carry? God is keeping His “Book of Remembrance” (Malachi. 3:16–17), are we sure that our names are in that book?
“Many think they repent when it is not the offense but the penalty that troubles them.”
- Thomas Watson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, And there shall be holiness; The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.”
“परन्तु उस समय सिय्योन पर्वत पर बचे हुए लोग रहेंगे, ओर वह पवित्र स्थान ठहरेगा; और याकूब का घराना अपने निज भागों का अधिकारी होगा।”
- Obadiah 1:17
Obadiah is one of those less read and often ignored book in the list of minor prophetical books in Old testament. Obadiah means “Servant or Worshiper of Yahweh”. Believe it or not Obadiah is one of those books which forcefully addresses the matter of relationships and encourages overcoming barriers in reconciliation too. The core theme of Obadiah’s prophecy is the bitter rivalry between Israel and Edom that began long back when the twin brothers Esau and Jacob parted company in dispute (Genesis 27, 32, 33). Esau’s descendant settled in area called Edom, south of dead sea while Jacob’s descendants continued the promise line and inhabited Canaan and grew into people of Israel. The years of hatred caused Edom to stand against its own brethren Judah when they were facing their enemy Babylon. This made God angry and brings a message through Obadiah that condemns Edom but comforts the people of Judah with the promise of God’s care, His victory, and their eventual restoration.
Many times our pride builds so great the barriers that it becomes almost impossible to have a way of reconciliation anymore. Obadiah calls us today to consider the incredible cost that we pay due to our Pride. God has promised to bless those who bless His people and curse those who curse them. God rejects those who rejects His people as rejecting God’s people is rejecting God Himself. The counterpart to Judgment on God’s enemies is blessing on God’s elect (Obadiah 1:17). Holiness is essential for the remnant of God’s people to procure His Covenant promises. If its restoration for God’s people then its Fire, Flame and Stubble (Obadiah 1:18) as divine judgment on those who are wicked and not ready to repent even after knowing the Truth. God in His divine Love and mercy that endures forever (Psalm 136), is still calling all of us to repent of our Pride and to seek Reconciliation immediately in broken relationships and to model a lifestyle of forgiveness and acceptance (Matthew 5:21-26). It would be unfortunate for us when we stand face-to-face against our God, and we have to justify our arrogance in not forgiving others. Remember Paul’s words, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Do not expect to reap God’s Love, Forgiveness and His grace, if we are adamantly sowing hatred, unforgiveness and holding unrighteous vengeance for others. Is there anyone in our life, we have not yet forgiven? Do we still hold grudge against someone who have wronged us, even after years have passed? Life is short and unpredictable (James 4:14, Psalm 39), so let’s Forgive others. Ask for God’s grace if you are unable to forgive someone today.
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” - Corrie Ten Boom
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”
“परन्तु वह जानता है, कि मैं कैसी चाल चला हूँ; और जब वह मुझे ता लेगा तब मैं सोने के समान निकलूंगा।”
- Job 23:10
We can see Job has been accused falsely and blamed unjustly for his sorrows and agony by his three friends Eliphaz (the oldest and a rigid theologian), Bildad (a legalist), Zophar (the youngest but most dogmatic). Job instead of arguing with his friends or compromising his integrity by giving in to their accusations, Job ignores them completely and speaks to and about the Lord. In our life, I am sure we do also come across sometimes a rigid theologian, a legalist or someone who is inexperienced in many ways compared to you but still believe that he/she has all the right to pin you down just because they hold authority over some aspect (spiritual, professional, personal etc.). How will you respond to them? Look at Job, he chooses to evaluate his integrity before God rather than men.
Like Job do you have confidence that God knows the way that you take [God has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When God has tried you, you shall come forth as refined gold (Psalm 139:23–24). We must have that boldness before God that when He has examined us, He will pronounce us completely innocent. We need to understand here that few people go into the furnace of hardships, and it burns or consumes them; while others go in, and the experience of sorrow actually sanctifies them. What makes such a difference? Well, the difference is in their attitude toward the Word of God and the will of God. In midst of our trying times do we Endeavor to nourish ourselves with the Word of God, do we enjoy fellowship of God’s people, and do we try our best to kneel in prayer even it is for some time. It is easy to be filed with bitterness and poison our soul further for everyone around us if we fail to feed on God’s Truth and when we resist God’s ultimate will in our lives. Sometimes these experiences of wilderness and extreme sorrows are allowed by God to humble and test us in order to know what is in our hearts and whether or not we will keep His commands and Obey Him above everything (Deuteronomy 8:2). Not to forget that Job sought to master his pain and not give in to self-pity but not everyone is so mature spiritually, so the next time you visit somebody in pain, keep in mind that suffering drains a person’s energy and makes great demands on their strength and patience. So, learn to feel their hurt truly, give some room for the grace of God in their lives too. What do you think your life’s pain and anguish has taught you? God knows the way you are going, are you sure you are on right way with your God today?
“Life’s trials are not easy. But in God’s will, each has a purpose. Often, He uses them to enlarge you.” - Warren Wiersbe
Have a Blessed day with God !!
"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”
“इसी लिये मैं तुझे सम्मति देता हूं, कि आग में ताया हुआ सोना मुझ से मोल ले, कि धनी हो जाए; और श्वेत वस्त्र ले ले कि पहिन कर तुझे अपने नंगेपन की लज्ज़ा न हो; और अपनी आंखों में लगाने के लिये सुर्मा ले, कि तू देखने लगे।”
- Revelation 3:18
Among the seven churches (Revelation 1:19,20), Holy spirit after speaking in some very bold and direct terms to the church in Sardis (The Dead Church) and aptly commending church in Philadelphia (The Faithful Church), speaks to the last church in list, the church of the Laodiceans (The Lukewarm Church). As looks evident, Laodicea was an arrogant, self-sufficient church in affluent city. Angel of God says its neither cold nor hot and Jesus warns “I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). We know that Cold water refreshes us while hot springs have medicinal property that heals. But it is not a rocket science to know that lukewarm water is nauseating always. History records that Laodicea was a rich banking centre known for producing finest wool used in Clothing and carpets and it was also known for producing a salve that cures eye disorders.
It is amazing to see how God’s spirit highlighted their so-called strengths and told them they are wretched instead of fortunate, miserable instead of contented, poor instead of rich, blind instead of discerning (insightful) and finally naked instead of clothed. How true it matches many of our contemporary Christians today. Many times, our arrogance and our self-sufficiency make us less dependent on our Almighty God everyday. Just like church at Laodicea, today’s contemporary churches desperately need the grace of God that regenerates, the garments of Christ’s righteousness that can hide its spiritual nakedness, and eyes of our heart that are spiritually illuminated by God. When our Lord tells us His Church the truth about our spiritual condition, Do we believe His diagnosis? When Christ reveals that we have lost our values (Revelation 3:17, 18), then are we willing to pay the price to get true “gold tried in the fire.”? When Christ says we have lost our vision and are unable to see the reality, Are we willing to apply the heavenly eye salve! (Job 31:1, Psalm 19:8, 1 John 2:16)? When Christ says we are naked (Spiritually means we are defeated and humiliated by our enemy, 2 Samuel 10:4), Do we accept the white garments of God’s righteousness and grace that He offers to us today?
God loves us and if He loves us, He will rebuke and chasten us too, so let us therefore be zealous and repent immediately before it is too late (Revelation 3:19). He still waits for us (individuals) to open doors of our hearts and opening the door is our personal responsibility (Revelation 3:20).
“Jesus didn’t say that if you wanted to follow Him you could do it in a lukewarm manner. He said, ‘Take up your cross and follow Me.’” - Francis Chan
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
“क्योंकि एज्रा ने यहोवा की व्यवस्था का अर्थ बूझ लेने, और उसके अनुसार चलने, और इस्राएल में विधि और नियम सिखाने के लिये अपना मन लगाया था।”
- Ezra 7:10
Ezra whose name likely means “The Lord has helped”, himself was a priest, a scribe and expert in the words of the commandments of the Lord (Ezra 7:11). After the first group of exile returns to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel (around 538 BC), Ezra leads another group of exile to return to Jerusalem nearly after 60 years of first groups return. Being a devout priest, he was broken to see Israel walking in Pagan practices. He calls Israel to repentance and to a renewed submission to the Law. We can see work of Holy Spirit clearly in Ezra’s personal life as it worked in him (Ezra) “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord”. We too need to prepare our Hearts today. The prophet Samuel told the people to put away their false gods and prepare their hearts for the living Lord. (1 Samuel 7:3). Preparing our hearts itself require lots of sacrifice in personal fronts at times. It requires many unwanted magazines to be tossed out of our shelves, unworthy videos, apps, and perhaps certain means of entertainment to be chucked out of our phones, gadgets, and our living rooms.
The idea of seeking the law of the Lord, is that of seeking to obey the law of the Lord. God has given glorious promises to those who would keep (obey) His law (Leviticus 26:3-6). Apostle James encourages us “But be doers of the Word (obey the message), and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves (into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth)” (James 1:22). Once we seek the Law of Lord diligently and determine in our hearts to do it, then God graduates each one of us to teach it as well. Paul admonishes the young Pastor Timothy “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Just like Ezra realized that the only hope for a nation was to know and do the commandments of the Lord, we children of God too need to realize that the only hope for the world today is to know God and Obey His commandments but to Preach and Teach it effectively to the perishing souls, we must be diligent in seeking the Law and zealous in obeying the Word of God ourselves first. Just like Ezra who worked hard to know seek the Law of the Lord, do we dedicate or devote ourselves to ·know or study the Word of God? Ezra Obeyed the Word of God, do we also thrive hard to practice or observe the Word of God ourselves? Are you prepared to share about God and the Good news of Gospel to the spiritually dying people around you?
“While the Christian message is increasingly becoming less acceptable in fashionable society, we must be always living according to Scripture and prepared to be apologists for Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives.” - Jonathan Falwell
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
“क्योंकि जो तू इस समय चुपचाप रहे, तो और किसी न किसी उपाय से यहूदियों का छुटकारा और उद्धार हो जाएगा, परन्तु तू अपने पिता के घराने समेत नाश होगी। फिर क्या जाने तुझे ऐसे ही कठिन समय के लिये राजपद मिल गया हो?”
- Esther 4:14
Even though the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther both main characters of this book, Esther and Mordecai feared God, not men. Lives of Esther and Mordecai depicts how a successful teamwork for God and living for His purpose can change the course of human history altogether. Regardless of the consequences we know Mordecai refused to pay homage (or bow down) to Haman (a powerful wicked minister in King Ahasuerus court) and Esther risked her life for the sake of her people by going to the king without being summoned. When we children of God take courage for our Lord and intend to have a vision of saving people from eternal condemnation, then rest assured God will also destroy Satan’s plans against us and God’s sovereign purpose will prevail at the end in our favor. Remember your position, your status and your honor are all God given and it is for a greater purpose for the kingdom of God. Just like David, we need to cry out to God today and plead Him to fulfill His purpose in our lives (Psalms 57:2).
There comes a moment in all our lives when we need to stand up for our Faith. Just like Mordecai tells Esther, Holy spirit today reminds us to be bold and confess our Faith in front of others and stand up for our Lord. Jesus reminds us that whoever declares openly and confesses Me before men (speaking freely of Me as his Lord), the Son of Man also will declare openly and confess him (as one of His own) before the angels of God (Luke 12:8). Just like when admonished by Mordecai, Esther realized that her life had far greater purpose than merely maintaining her own immediate comfort and status quo, we too when stirred by Holy spirit should learn to take risk for our Lord and commit ourselves fully to obey the voice of Holy Spirit. Just like Esther maybe you are the only one called in your entire household to fulfill the plans and purposes of God and perhaps it is your courage for God today that will lead to a salvation of your spouse, your children, and your other family members. Esther lived in submission, dependence, and obedience to her God, and she came out a victor. Jesus in His earthy ministry lived in complete submission, dependence and obedience to His Father in Heaven and provided salvation to entire Human race (if we are willing to accept that salvation through Him). Just like Esther and our Lord Jesus, we too can choose to live in Dependence, Submission and Obedience to our God and be a reason for salvation of many around us. Are you ready to risk your life for your God today? Are you ready to turn from your own short-sighted agenda to follow God’s eternal purpose for your life?
“Take your stand on the Rock of Ages. Let death, let the judgment come: the victory is Christ’s and yours through Him.” - D.L. Moody
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.”
“जो छोटी लोमडिय़ां दाख की बारियों को बिगाड़ती हैं, उन्हें पकड़ ले, क्योंकि हमारी दाख की बारियों में फूल लगे हैं॥”
- Song of Solomon 2:15
“Love” is the key word in the Song of Solomon, which is a literary work of art and a theological masterpiece. The basis of all human love must be covenant love which is the master metaphor of the Bible. The covenant Love that this song talks about applies to marriage, the spiritual intent of this covenant love is to highlight the foundation of relationship between man and God. In modern society the covenant relations of marriage and the blessings attached to it have all gone awry. Just like Shulamite holds unto her husband and will not let her go (Song of Solomon 3:4), it is a need for Church today to hold unto to Christ who is the head of the Church. It is the husband who praises her beauty (Song of Solomon 63:4-10), in the same way when we truly love our Lord and come to Him, then He will also draw near to us (James 4:8).
The fact to acknowledge here is that there are no giants to be faced in the land of Love but there are certainly many little foxes. The “little foxes” (Song of Solomon 2:15) represent those things that quietly destroy relationships. Distrusting each other, resistance, anger, unforgiveness, hardness of heart (Hebrews 3:8-15), bitterness, dwelling in the past (Isaiah 43:18-19), prejudice and Ego (self-pride, self-righteousness) are at times those small foxes that destroy the relationships and the garden of love slowly but catastrophically. Among this, hardness of heart specifically is sometimes the great enemy of love in marital relationship, since everything depends on willingness or readiness to receive and love each other always in love that models Christ’s Agape (selfless) Love for us. Sounds bit hard to love like that, isn’t it? But when Christ dwells in us and we abide in Him (John 15:4-11) then it is possible to Love, Forgive and Receive each other as Christ loved, forgave, and received us. Just like the fruit of our relationship with our Christ is always tender and needs to be both protected and preserved, every marital relationship needs to be protected, preserved, and taken care with our own love. Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. We need to Love each other as Christ loved us even if the other person is undeserving of this love in some way.
These little foxes will never allow the relationships to get mature. A fox does not come and only eat the fruit of the vine - they do much more damage. The Song is a constant goad to drifting marriages with its challenge to seek for openness, growth, and joyous relationship. Do you know which little fox you have to capture today and cast out of your relationship today? Catch them before they destroy your Vineyard.
“I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.” - Henry Ward Beecher
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“And because of all this, We make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.”
“इस सब के कारण, हम सचाई के साथ वाचा बान्धते, और लिख भी देते हैं, और हमारे हाकिम, लेवीय और याजक उस पर छाप लगाते हैं।”
- Nehemiah 9:38
Nehemiah deals with the practical, everyday side of our faith on our God Almighty. If Ezra led the spiritual renewal, then Nehemiah who is rightly called the James of Old Testament, challenges the people to show their faith by their works or actions. If the first section of the book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1-7) deals with the wall and protection from enemy outside, then the second section (Nehemiah 8-10) addresses the state of people inside the walls and the enemy within the walls. It highlights that the covenant was renewed and the enemies inside the walls were exposed and even dealt with unwaveringly. We see how the people of God broke their covenant with the God and broke the solemn agreement that wanted them to follow God’s commandments and exercise separation in every walk of their life and life choices.
Until and unless the children of God remembers and act diligently upon their covenant with God, they will also not be able to truly identify the enemy within and fight it effectively. We see that after Ezra reads the Law (Nehemiah 8), people came back to their senses, and they cried unto the God (Nehemiah 8:8-12) and confessed their sins. Part of their confession was that they confessed that God you have dealt faithfully with us, but it is we who have done wickedly (Nehemiah 9:33). The foundation of every restoration and renewal is understanding that God is always faithful to those who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 7:9). Even if we are faithless, He still remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Once we understand this, we will strive hard to remember our own covenant with our God. Just like the children of Israel we too will make a sure covenant to follow and love Him. We must understand that it is easy to be convicted about other people’s sins, but God works in our favour only when we repent and confess our own sins first. It is time for all of us to make a new start with God. But more than just asking God for His mercy we need to make a solemn covenant with God to obey His law and do His will at every cost in every situation. Do you remember the promises you made to God? Do you recall where you started getting faithless with your God? God deserves our wholehearted obedience and perhaps it is the time for all of us to have a new beginning with God and with our loved ones.
“A covenant made with God should be regarded not as restrictive but as protective.” - Russell M. Nelson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
“क्योंकि मैं बलिदान से नहीं, स्थिर प्रेम ही से प्रसन्न होता हूं, और होमबलियों से अधिक यह चाहता हूं कि लोग परमेश्वर का ज्ञान रखें॥”
- Hosea 6:6
If Impenitence (the trait of refusing to repent) was Israel and Judah’s biggest blocker for spiritual blessings then no doubt it’s the greatest spiritual enemy of children of God today as well. Hosea whose name means “Salvation” or “Deliverance” teaches us two critical lessons that the only perfect example of Love is found in God Himself and if the people around us do not see the love of God in us, they will not find it anywhere. Even Jesus quotes Hosea to show that God desires not just empty words or heartless rituals, but genuine care and concern for people (Matthew 9:13). We cannot pretend or fake our Repentance as Israel tried to do in Hosea 6:1-3. God strongly lambasted them “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away.” (Hosea 6:4). Israel’s show of repentance was merely transitory like a cloud or dew. It was a shallow confession. Does it sound like how we confess our need for God when we are in great distress and immediately forget our God as soon as our needs are met.
Mercy is a loyal covenant love, extended to others (by us) as well because it has been experienced in our own relationship with God. God does not want our relationship with Him to be one of shallow, transient feelings and empty words and rituals, hearts that are enthusiastic one day and frigid the next. Forgiveness and restoration are not just a “mechanical” thing” but instead it is a relational matter that involved getting right with God (first) and others (second). Many of us when we approach our God in repentance, we actually desire happiness and not holiness, we desire a change in our circumstances, but not a change in our character. When we learn to truly repent before our God, our words will come deep from our broken hearts, and they will cost us something. How do we approach God today? Do you want a “quick fix” from God or really want to pay the price for your deep cleansing (Psalm 51:6–7)? Our words can either conceal or reveal our true state depending on our honesty with our God. Be Honest with God. You really need Him.
“Repentance is as much a mark of a Christian, as faith is. A very little sin, as the world calls it, is a very great sin to a true Christian.” - Charles Spurgeon
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.”
“जो आंसू बहाते हुए बोते हैं, वे जयजयकार करते हुए लवने पाएंगे।”
- Psalm 126:5
If there is anyone who really keeps account of our wanderings and keep a genuine records of our tears then it is our God alone (Psalm 56:8). Anything, anyone, or any situation that brings tears in our eyes today and drives us into the presence of God, believe it or not, it is going to be God’s mode of opening a channel of blessings and Joy in our lives. What brings tears in our eyes today? David and people with him cried when they lost everything (1 Samuel 30:4), Israelites cried when they heard the Word of God through Ezra and realized how much they have hurt their heavenly father through their sins and rebellion (Ezra 10), Peter cried bitterly when roster crowed and he realized how easily he denied His savior (Matthew 26:75), David cried when he has to leave his close friend (1 Samuel 20:41). We see many instances when people of God cried but the fact is whenever their tears were shed before God for whatever reasons, God has turned their mourning into dancing sooner or later (Psalm 30:11).
But what should bring a true rejoicing in the life of a child of God today? The Jews had lost their songs in Babylon (Psalm 137:1-5), but now they were shouting, laughing, and singing! God would keep His covenant promises if His people would keep His covenant commands. It pleases our Lord when we water the seed of the Word that we sow sometimes with our genuine tears. We cannot reap if we do not first sow the seed, and the seed must be watered with our own tears and our earnest prayers. Do we cry for the presence of God in our lives today? Do we cry when people of God suffer, and the humanity groans due to sin and aftermaths of sins? Do we cry for the perishing world like Jesus did when He saw Jerusalem (Luke 19:41)? Rest assured our tears shed for a genuine reason in the presence of God will surely invoke the dawn that brings God’s Joy too in our lives. Let us all rest on His promises that He will wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. (Revelation 21:4)
“He who sows, even with tears, the precious seed of faith, hope, and love, shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him, because it is the very nature of that seed to yield a joyful harvest.” - Richard Cecil
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them.”
“बहुत दिन इस्राएल बिना सत्य परमेश्वर के और बिना सिखाने वाले याजक के और बिना व्यवस्था के रहा। परन्तु जब जब वे संकट में पड़ कर इस्राएल के परमेश्वर यहोवा की ओर फिरे और उसको ढूंढ़ा, तब तब वह उन को मिला।”
- 2 Chronicles 15:3,4
As the period of separation from God prolongs in our lives so is the period of our deliverance too. God through Azariah spoke to Asa and revealed him the state of the people of Judah and Benjamin (2 Chronicles 15:1). For a long time, people were without True God. Take note of word “True” as there is no lack of man-made gods or god men (as we see today) in their lives but they were still away from their True Living God. Having a temple does not necessarily means the presence of God is there. God’s Spirit through Azariah told Asa that “the Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him (inquiring for and of Him, craving Him as your soul’s first necessity), He will be found by you; but if you (become indifferent and) forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2). Contrary to popular belief that God will always be there for our disposal even when we do not care to walk with Him is a wrong notion generally. Well, our Almighty God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases (Psalm 115:3) but still there is a certain thumb rule we all need to understand when we approach God. The presence of God with us always is mutual. He is with us (available to us, helps us, delivers us) while we are with Him. Apostle James says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Today, If you have the presence of God in your life, if you have a shepherd to tend to your spiritual needs (even if in some limited way) and if you are not having the famine of the Word of God (God’s word is available to you always) then believe it you are Truly Blessed. The world around us perhaps does not think that it is worthwhile to acknowledge God and so God has given them up to worthless ways of thinking; so that they do improper things (Romans 1:28). We live in a world where enemy of our soul, deceive us into thinking that there is no God and makes us reject God (Jeremiah 9:6). If we carefully look around us there is hopelessness and sorrow that overwhelms the humanity and if we need to be the carriers of Hope to this dying world, then let us remember we cannot provide Hope without being in the Christ first (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 3:17) who is the source of all Hope and Comfort. Our God promises “Call upon me in the day of trouble. I am the one who delivers, rescues, and redeems. And I will do it.” (Psalm 91:15, Jeremiah 33:3). In the day of our calamity its useless to trust on chariots, horses, men or even our resources, for our deliverance can only come from our God (Psalm 20:7). Do you refuse to think about God today? Do you still trust your own strength to rescue you?. It is never too late to turn to Almighty God and Seek Him, as only He can deliver you.
“When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do. And so on. But when we rely upon Prayer, we get what God can do.”
- A.C. Dixon
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
“और तुम, हे भाइयो, भलाई करने में हियाव न छोड़ो।”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13
At times the biggest challenge in our lives is to do good and persevere in doing good. But the fact is we all get tired. We get tired constantly taking care of others, we get tired in encouraging others, we get tired in keeping our patience with some people’s attitude and their indifference to us, we get tired in walking righteously when all others around us are walking contrary to the Word of God and finally we get tired in being an example to others especially in our speech, in our conduct, in our love, in our faith and in our purity (1 Timothy 4:12). The weight of expectations is so immense that it leaves no space for us to be weak or afford any mistakes. Yes, we all do get tired and burn out is a natural thing to happen when our motive and intent of doing good is not aligned in the will and plan of God and when we constantly fail to draw our strength for our God in Heaven.. We at times forget that “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29).
Paul says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9) and in our passage today Apostle Paul again encourages us believers in that for the rest of us, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good (but continue in doing what is right without weakening). The Romans said, “By doing nothing, men learn to do evil.”. The Jewish rabbis taught, “He who does not teach his son a trade, teaches him to be a thief.”. We must not grow weary in doing good ourselves and encourage others to instead of noisily running around, they should work hard, labour, toil night & day, so that they may not be a burden to anyone. The secret of Paul’s perseverance in doing good is found in his words, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10). We also must not grow weary in encouraging our fellow believers in understanding the notion of hard work and continue to set the example of meeting their own needs and helping to meet the needs of others. Are you getting tired in being an example to others? Are you getting exhausted in admonishing your children, relatives, believers and even your spouse? Set an example of genuine Christian discipline yourself in Lord, and one day those who observe you, they will surely understand and follow it too.
“Pray as though everything depended on God.
Work as though everything depended on you.” - Augustine
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“For You have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat; For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.”
“क्योंकि तू संकट में दीनों के लिये गढ़, और जब भयानक लोगों का झोंका भीत पर बौछार के समान होता था, तब तू दरिद्रोंके लिये उनकी शरण, और तपन में छाया का स्थान हुआ।”
- Isaiah 25:4
For the poor who needs refuge and a helpless who needs protection there is no one but God alone because He is the one who is like a shelter to them and a mighty refuge against all kinds of storms and the tempest in their lives. God is like shade and shadow that protects the poor and the needy from the heat of life. Psalmist says that the Lord is at our right hand provides the “shade” that we need (Psalm 121:5–6). Isaiah 25 is a chapter of Praise which is sung by God’s righteous throughout history. At the final judgment, all people will honor God and stand in awe of His achievements (Isaiah 25:3-5). The composition of these “All People” are primarily those who have personally witnessed God’s might hand preserving them through various turmoils and trials, as God has been their only source of strength in times of poverty and strong fortress in times of distress. God is indeed our refuge and strength and a very present help in times of trouble (Psalms 46:1).
In our earthly pilgrimage, it is no wonder that brutal enemy pound upon us like a heavy rain or the heat of the sun at noon, but God will always be our shelter. Job Prays in Job 6:23 “Rescue me from the hand of my enemy? Ransom me from the grip of the ruthless?”. In modern context the ruthless are the ungodly ones who are at war with Godly generation. David says, “ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life” (Psalms 54:3). Our wisdom, strength, education and even our social status will be rendered useless when ungodly world stands against the Godly generation. In such times only God can see us through. During long journey through wilderness when travellers face the wrath of nature, they seek refuge around a huge rock to save their lives. Similarly, our deliverance and glory depend only on God. God is our strong rock, and our refuge is only found in God (Psalm 62:7, Psalms 18:2). In future He will be a refuge for His believing children during that terrible “day of the Lord”. If God preserved Noah from the great flood (Genesis 6-8), delivered Israel from the slavery of Egypt (Exodus 8-12) and protected believing Rahab and her household (Joshua 6) then God will preserve His faithful remnant (His Church) even today. Do we realize that we are indeed poor and need the strength of God? Do we remember to call upon the Lord in times of our distress? Do we turn to our only refuge and a very present help in times of our trouble?
“Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?”” - Alexander MacLaren
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”
“और लुदिया नाम थुआथीरा नगर की बैंजनी कपड़े बेचने वाली एक भक्त स्त्री सुनती थी, और प्रभु ने उसका मन खोला, ताकि पौलुस की बातों पर चित्त लगाए।”
- Acts 16:14
The key to open our hearts for Jesus at times is to open our ears to hear without being rebellious (Isaiah 50:5-7) and open our eyes so that we can see the wondrous things from God’s law (Psalm 119:18). The commandments of Lord are pure and have the capacity to enlighten our inner eyes (Psalm 19:8). The noble women called Lydia from city of Thyatira was a successful businesswoman holding well reputation among the people of the city. But contrary to other knowledgeable and reputed people who despised apostles and rejected gospel outright, we see here a woman who breaks all the norms of society in those times. Not only she heard the gospel of good news from Paul but gladly received the word and opened her heart for Jesus. Did we noticed that her reputations, her tradition, her social status, wealth and even her family or friends did not stand on her way to embrace her Faith on Christ.
When many of us in the contemporary times wait to get approval of others for us to follow our Christ which we know is the right thing to do, Lord enabled Lydia to open her heart to pay attention and to respond to the things said by Paul. Its written she was a worshiper of God (like Cornelius, Acts 10) but something was still missing in her walk with the Lord which God saw and opened a way of salvation for her. She was seeking truth and God gracefully allowed her to hear the Truth of Gospel. After she received the Word of God from Paul its written she was baptized along with her household (Acts 16:15) and She boldly identified herself with Christ by being baptized, and she insisted that the missionaries stay at her house. Many times, many of us are afraid to be vocal about our Faith on Christ. Jesus said the one who confesses and acknowledges Me before men (as Lord and Saviour, affirming a state of oneness with Me), that one I will also confess and acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 10:32). Lydia listened attentively to the Word, and it is the Word that brings the sinner to the Saviour (John 5:24). Are you willing to open your ears today to hear the Word of God? Are you keen to open your heart to Jesus? So many times in the past the Truth of Word of God has confronted us to Repent and accept Christ but we many times fail to acknowledge that heavenly voice because we are keen to please people and not God (Galatians 1:10). Are you still trying to persuade people, or God today? Are you still trying to please men? Are you longing for the praise of Men or Praise from God today?
“It does not require great learning to be a Christian and be convinced of the truth of the Bible. It requires only an honest heart and a willingness to obey God.” - Albert Barnes
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give an opportunity to the devil.”
“ग़ुस्सा तो करो, मगर गुनाह न करो। सूरज के डूबने तक तुम्हारी नाराज़गी न रहे, और इब्लीस (शैतान) को मौक़ा न दो।”
- Ephesians 4:26-27
As someone said Anger is just one letter short of danger, no doubt anger can be dangerous and it has a capacity to ruin relationships, families, churches, society and even nations. Sadly, we live in a society or a culture that glorifies anger. Even the entertainment industry taps into this sin and encashes this emotion on the expense of human misery. Kids are presented with superhero like Hulk who when get angry gets all its superpowers. Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:26,27 that if you are angry, be sure that it is not out of wounded pride or bad temper. Never go to bed angry, do not give the devil that sort of foothold which he can use to overcome your whole life. Yes, there are anger that are acceptable to God like for instance Moses got angry when he found people violated God’s commandment (No other gods before me and no graven images or likenesses). Another instance king Saul got furious when the enemy boasted they would gouge out the right eye of every man (1 Samuel 11:6). Even Jesus got angry when He saw those who were making a profit by exchanging money and selling animals at the temple (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; John 2:13-22).
But mostly our anger arises from wrong motives. Perhaps we are jealous with others (Elder brother in Prodigal son parable) or it may be our pride that stands between us and God’s will (Jonah’s anger with people of Nineveh). Sometimes our anger results from our unmet (unhealthy or unjustified) expectations from others. But when we carefully look at our Lord Jesus, we find that Jesus’ anger did not arise from petty arguments with others or personal disrespect against Him. The anger of Jesus did not result in a long-term grudge too, and He did not allow His anger to turn into bitterness for anyone. Religious hypocrisy or injustice on poor or oppression of the needy are proper, godly reasons to become angry but in that as well just like Jesus our anger must be stemmed from love for the Pharisees and concern for their spiritual condition and their genuine repentance. Sometimes our anger is like a fire that burns with thick smoke but has no flame, and this we call as malice (against others), but this same anger can suddenly burst forth and destroy, and this we would call wrath. Also let us be careful about the kind of people with whom we associate. Angry people will transform us into angry people only (Proverbs 22:24-25). Let’s admit that it’s very difficult to practice a truly holy anger because our emotions are tainted by our sins, and we do not have the same knowledge like our God has in all matters. As W Wiersbe says “The fire of anger, if not quenched by loving forgiveness, will spread and defile and destroy the work of God”. Are you angry with someone today? Did you allowed your anger to linger more than it should? Are you now filled with malice and hatred for others due to your anger? If yes then you need to pause, examine yourselves and repent before it is too late. Remember, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
“Forgiveness is the economy of the heart. Forgiveness saves the expense of Anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.” - Hannah More
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
“परन्तु मैं तुम से यह कहता हूं, कि अपने बैरियों से प्रेम रखो और अपने सताने वालों के लिये प्रार्थना करो। जिस से तुम अपने स्वर्गीय पिता की सन्तान ठहरोगे क्योंकि वह भलों और बुरों दोनो पर अपना सूर्य उदय करता है, और धमिर्यों और अधमिर्यों दोनों पर मेंह बरसाता है।”
- Matthew 5:44,45
In many arenas what Our Lord Jesus taught us is way beyond the norms and ways of this world. Unless we live in our Christ daily His commandments will practically seem impossible for any of us to sincerely follow. About our enemies when World teach us to hate those who hate us and abhor those whom we dislike, here comes our Master, who tells us that “You’re familiar with the old written law, “Love your friends” and its unwritten companion, “Hate your enemy”. I am (Jesus) telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. (Matthew 5:44,45). Jesus commands us to love others as He loves us. How has God loved us? God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Did you find it hard to believe and accept that Christ “Died” for you and me the sinners (not the righteous)? This is the ultimate benchmark of Love and even the test of true Love. Not only loving those who hate us but if needed going an extra mile and blessing them in a way that surpasses normal human logic.
Jesus defined our enemies as those who curse us, hate us, and exploit us selfishly. Loving our enemies is a deliberate act of our will and it is not dependent on our emotions at all. Since Jesus loved us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10), so His expectation from us is completely justified and is practically possible too if we trust on His grace. Jesus said Love is like a sunshine and rain that our Heavenly Father sends graciously on everyone. God wants us to live on higher spiritual realm than the contemporary world which is filled with lost people who have no moral compass or spiritual vision. Their vision ends at do good to those only who do good to you but ours is higher than that “do good to those who curse us and hate us”. What are you able to do more than others today? Do you remember that enemy of yours whom you hate? Jesus commands you to love them. Do you got upset when someone selfishly uses you, Jesus commands you to Love them. Do you remember someone who habitually curse you, repay evil for your good consistently, Jesus commands you to still Love them. You must be thinking it’s not possible God, you are perhaps wrong, it is possible but you need a divine omnipotence to work it within you. And that is what the apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 2:13 “For it is (not your strength, but it is) God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work (that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose) for His good pleasure.”.
“We love others, we love everybody, we love our enemies, because He first loved us… And that is how the love of God melts down the unlovely heart in man, and begets in him the new creature, who is patient and humble and gentle and unselfish.” - Henry Drummond
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent.”
“मैं जिन जिन से प्रीति रखता हूं, उन सब को उलाहना और ताड़ना देता हूं, इसलिये सरगर्म हो, और मन फिरा।”
- Revelation 3:19
Love -> Rebuke -> Discipline is the heavenly guide as well as an unit of measurement for any healthy relationship and its growth. Love without timely rebuke and apt admonishment is nothing but a lie. Bible says, “Better is an open reprimand (of loving correction) Than love that is hidden.” (Proverbs 27:5). As Paul rebukes his opponents, he clarifies the goal (and repeats himself to be clear) “Your restoration is what we pray for” (2 Corinthians 13:9). Further to it if rebuke does not lead someone to proper Discipline, then overall its ineffective. The effect of rebuke will not last forever but rebuke that leads us to take some visible actions, discipline ourselves and help us excel ourselves in specific areas then overall goal of the one who rebukes and one who is being rebuked is met for benefit of both the parties. If it hurts, it should not have been said, is a modern-day mantra of today’s society. Sadly, it is a plague on our current age too and it is ruining our generations. The wise know just how desperately we need hard words (life-giving reproof) (Proverbs 15:31). The stubborn, prideful and a foolish heart will flee anything that even resembles reproof or a loving admonishment (Proverbs 12:1; 13:18; 15:32).
We all are so self-righteous and so perfect within ourselves that we believe except us rest all are wrong and so they need to correct themselves rather than correcting us and, in that process, we miss the wise instructions from those whom God uses around us. We all need to rebuke those whom we love and really care for and we all need to be occasionally rebuked by those who love us and sincerely desire our good. We need rebuke because we all still sin (1 John 1:8) and sin must be considered deadly if it needs to be addressed timely and effectively. Spirit of God tells the church of the Laodiceans that those whom I (God) (dearly and tenderly) love, I rebuke and discipline (showing them their faults and instructing them); so be enthusiastic and repent (change your inner self your old way of thinking, your sinful behaviour seek God’s will). Today you may receive a genuine rebuke either through your spouse, your parents, your children, the servant of God, a believer or even a friend but the most uncompromising, unchanging and the most reliable rebuke that God brings in our lives is through His Word and His Spirit. God’s aim of rebuke is our restoration. But we need to be extremely careful that as spiritual mentors to others (inside and outside church) and a spiritual guide to our loved ones (inside and outside home), we must exercise wise caution to keep our rebuke and expectation of discipline in Godly limits. We cannot change anyone’s heart, that is God’s Work and Let Him do it. Repeatedly reminding or complaining to someone in an annoying nonspiritual way (in an impatient and impulsive tone), may no longer remains Rebuking but sometimes becomes nagging which annoys others and diminishes or lessens the overall impact and effect of our rebuking others. The heart of good rebuke knows that the power of God to convict, to redeem, to change often pours through our willingness to be weak (humble and submissive) to God first. When was the last time someone rebuked you, and how did you respond? When was the last time God’s spirit told you needed to rebuke someone? How did you respond?. Paul says “Your restoration … is what we pray for” (2 Corinthians 13:9). Before we rebuke, as we rebuke, and after we rebuke, Did we also Prayed for those whom we rebuke?
“No matter how dear you are to God, if pride is harbored in your spirit, He will whip it out of you. They that go up in their own estimation must come down again by His discipline.”
- Charles Spurgeon
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
“और अवसर को बहुमूल्य समझो, क्योंकि दिन बुरे हैं। इस कारण निर्बुद्धि न हो, पर ध्यान से समझो, कि प्रभु की इच्छा क्या है।”
- Ephesians 5:16,17
Apostle Paul delivers some power packed spiritual dose to believers at Ephesus with some really soul nourishing and spirit refreshing counsel. First, he admonishes the church to “Walk in Love” (Ephesians 5:1-7), then to “Walk in Light” (Ephesians 5:8-14), followed by “Walk in Wisdom” (Ephesians 5:15-21) and he delivers finally one of the most powerful and critical building blocks of Marriage relationship between Husband and Wives comparing it with Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). We can see that Beginning with “Be imitators of God …” (v1), the spirit of God shares how our past life looked like “For we were once darkness…” (v8) and then spirit of God lays down the principle to follow in our new life with Christ “See that we walk carefully.” (v15).
The urgency of any task is defined by the time we have left in our hand to accomplish it. The secular world calls it as a “Deadline”. While we all are well accustomed to follow deadlines laid down by secular world and even thrive hard to finish our goals or tasks within that deadline but when it comes to Spiritual deadlines, we generally turn our Blind eye and often dead ears to what Word of God tells us. Spirit of God through the apostle tells us that “Days are evil” means it is not suitable for healthy spiritual survival and growth. If it was evil in the days of apostle, then imagine how bad or terrible it is in today’s context. The sin and moral corruption are advancing in leaps and bounds in modern day society. And our spiritual slackness at times is depriving us to utilize our opportunity to have fellowship with God’s people, Grow in His Word and Preparing ourselves for our eternity when there is time or opportunity. The brevity of life is sometimes “the strongest argument” for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us today. Bible says in James 4:14 “Yet you do not know about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears.”. So, if God has given you a mind, He expects us to use it. God just does not want you to simply know His will; He wants us to understand His will. Spiritual Understanding involves using our minds to discover the will of God for your life, Pray about it and then finally take a step to do the will of God. Knowing will of God is not some mystical or mysterious process, Paul says as minds are transformed and renewed daily, we learn to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). Are you Ready to use the God given opportunity to Know God today? Do you really believe that the days are indeed evil and life is short? Have you invested in your eternity today?
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
- James M. Black “When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more”
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Blessed is the man who does not Walk in the advice of the wicked, or Stand in the pathway with sinners, or Sit in the assembly of mockers.”
“क्या ही धन्य है वह मनुष्य जो दुष्टों की योजना पर नहीं चलता, और न पापियों के मार्ग में खड़ा होता; और न ठट्ठा करनेवालों की मण्डली में बैठता है!”
- Psalm 1:1
Who are blessed? What criterion defines the blessedness of a person? The World may assess our blessedness based on our bank balance, social status, our talents, eloquence, our family history, or our educational background. But the Word of God has completely different view about who is Blessed. Our Lord Jesus in His sermon at mount gave “The Beatitudes” which outlines the lists what it means to be blessed which are mainly who are the poor in spirit, who mourn, are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, are merciful, are pure in heart, are the peacemakers, who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake and are falsely blamed or accused for their Faith. On our deeper introspection we all will admit that blessedness or being a blessed person as per God’s norms is a spiritual process in everyone’s lives.
Psalmist says one of the steps towards becoming a blessed person or maturing to be a blessed person is to follow a strict Spiritual roadmap. This procedure begins with our determination to follow a separated life (a life different than the worldly person). This separation begins with when we “Do not Walk” or live as per the counsel of the ungodly (following their advice, their plans, and purposes), “Do not Stand” (submissive, join the ranks) in the path where sinners walk, “Do Not Sit” (to relax, enjoy, have fellowship or rest) where the scornful (and the mockers) gather. This separation from the World, Psalmist says is the precursor for our further insight and desire (and delight) to know and live as per the law of the Lord. The Blessed who does not sit in the assembly of mockers will have ample time to invest in the Word of God and know their God more personally. The blessed who do not stand in the ways of World will not bother about their excessive social media presence or their online reputation. Their life will not be dependent or dictated by the number of “Likes” or “number of views” or “number of shares” they get from others on their posts, but they will be instead more concerned about if God is pleased with their life or not today. The Blessed who “Do not Walk” as per the advice of Wicked world will instead tune their ears to what the Holy Spirit counsels them to do and they will prepare their lives to meet their Lord soon. Next time when we Pray to God to bless others or ourselves then we must be willing to Listen and Practice the way of Separation in our lives. Do you want to be Blessed? Are you ready to separate and live a Godly life? Are you ready to Rebel against the World and its ways that always rebel against the Almighty God?
“Separation to God, separation from the world, is the first principle of Christian living.”
- Watchman Nee
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
“सो हे मेरे प्रिय भाइयो, दृढ़ और अटल रहो, और प्रभु के काम में सर्वदा बढ़ते जाओ, क्योंकि यह जानते हो, कि तुम्हारा परिश्रम प्रभु में व्यर्थ नहीं है॥”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Sometimes there is no greater pain to bear emotionally and spiritually to see our hard work, our efforts and our commitment yielding no visible results. Apostle Paul emphasizes the Reality our Faith on our Risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-11), tries to build or renew our Hope on the Risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:12-19) and later gives us the good news about “Our Final Victory” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Many times, Parents are tired that their hard work on kids is not bringing enough results, Husband and wife are discouraged with each other when their hard work is not bringing any sweetness in their relationship anymore, church at large disappointed with shepherds that expectations from leadership is not met and leaders disappointed from congregation that they are not maturing in Christ. We see everywhere there is no lack of hard work but somehow there are definite pain points attached to our hard work when we evaluate it against our results.
There is no secret mantra or guideword that can truly point us on how to begin or how to end but God’s Spirit through apostle Paul gives us a principle to follow as we all work hard in various capacities for various goals in our lives. We must humbly admit that we are completely incapable of facing our three biggest enemies namely the world, the flesh and the Devil “in our own strength”. These are the enemies that work against us consistently and deprive us of our greatest joy which is to see the fruits of our hard work. They stop us to live a life that pleases our Almighty God. God wants us whether believers or pastors, Men, or women, young or adult, servants, or leaders that we all need to be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord (means always doing our best and doing more than is needed), being continually aware that our labour (even to the point of exhaustion) in the Lord is not futile nor wasted (it is never without purpose). Remember the keyword it’s not any labour our but Labour “In the Lord or For the Lord” meaning our hard work must be motivated and guided only for the Kingdom of God and not for our own selfish motives and personal gains in any form. If Fame, Money, and Power are our motives (even in any minuscule form) of hard work then sadly for God’s people it will only lead to tremendous heartbreak and extreme disappointments. What is the motivation of our hard work in the Lord?Ask yourself does kingdom of God excites you or is it glory of men that is distracting you today?.
“The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service to Him. It is never “Do, do” with the Lord, but “Be, be” and He will “do” through you. The only way to keep true to God is by a steady persistent refusal to be interested in Christian work and to be interested alone in Jesus Christ.”
- Oswald Chambers
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Those who trust in their wealth, And boast in the multitude of their riches, None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him - For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever”
“जो अपनी सम्पत्ति पर भरोसा रखते, और अपने धन की बहुतायत पर फूलते हैं, उन में से कोई अपने भाई को किसी भांति छुड़ा नहीं सकता है; और न परमेश्वर को उसकी सन्ती प्रायश्चित्त में कुछ दे सकता है, (क्योंकि उनके प्राण की छुड़ौती भारी है वह अन्त तक कभी न चुका सकेंगे)।”
- Psalm 49:6-8
Nobody wants to be labelled as Fools and irrespective of whether we possess godly wisdom or not, spiritual understanding or not we all believe that we are wise enough or know everything. Bible calls three kinds of people who are foolish or fools. First category of people who are called fools are those who says “God does not exist” (Psalm 14). Such people exchanged the truth about God for a lie (Romans 1:18–25). The second category of people who are called fools are those who mocks what God calls as sin (Proverbs 14:9). These kinds of people are not only found outside church but also inside church too. For instance when we mention God’s command to “Obey” or “Be Holy”, we at times get a strong backlash today and we see many rejecting such notions on pretext of living in modern society and so any compromise with Word of God as long as it feels good to you is allowed and acceptable but we forget this is a rejection of what God calls as sin and sadly by the very ones who should be forsaking such sins. The third category of people who are called fools are those who are not prepared to die (Luke 12:13-21). Jesus shared in The Parable of the rich fool in very strong word tells the Rich Fool “You fool! Tonight, you will die. Then who will get what you have stored up?”
Psalmist says those who trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; they cannot ·buy back (ransom; redeem) the life of ·another (or a brother). No one can ·pay (give a ransom to) God for his own life because the ·price (ransom; redemption) of a life is ·high (precious). No payment is ever enough. But good news is we were bought with a price, we were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and are made His own (1 Corinthians 6:20). Our Lord Jesus willingly gave Himself to be crucified on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good (Titus 2:14). Bible says “Let not the one who is wise and skilful boast in his insight; let not the one who is mighty and powerful boast in his strength; let not the one who is rich boast in his temporal satisfactions and earthly abundance (Jeremiah 9:23). Are we trusting on our wealth or possessions or our assets to deliver us today? Remember being Rich is not a sin but boasting on our wealth and forgetting God and losing sight of our eternity is a Sin and a deadly foolishness indeed.
“A servant of God has but one Master. It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honoured in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean, and despised.”
- George Mueller
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification”
“हम में से हर एक अपने पड़ोसी को उस की भलाई के लिये सुधारने के निमित प्रसन्न करे।”
- Romans 15:2
For a Christian, neighbour is not the only one who lives (or is located) around them but biblically the scope and reach of a Christian neighbour is quite extensive. In Luke 10, a lawyer asks Jesus (Perhaps a shortcut) about how to inherit the eternal life, to which Jesus tells him to “Love your neighbour as yourself”. He then asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?”. The reply to which is a famous eye-opening parable by Jesus of the Good Samaritan. At the end Jesus asked the questioner, “Who do you think out of the three - the Priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan” truly acted as a neighbour to the robbed man. The lawyer answered “The one who showed him mercy”. Sadly, it took an unknown gentile to be a neighbour to this robbed and injured person rather than the Priest or a Levite who should have set the supreme example of sacrifice and God’s unconditional Love. But more importantly this sets the scope of who is our Neighbour.
One of the defining questions for a Christian today should not be “Who is my neighbour?” But rather “To whom can I be a neighbour?”. Biblical principle is, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Many times, we are only interested in receiving but seldom spend time or resources in giving. In relation to others, we always wish to receive encouragement but not give, we wish to receive praise but not give, we wish to receive kindness but not give, we wish to be understood but not willing to understand others, we wish to be forgiven but not willing to forgive others, we wish to be heard but not willing to hear others, the list is endless. Paul says to set up man-made restrictions based on our personal prejudices (or even convictions) is to go beyond the Word of God. Because God has received us, we must receive one another. (Romans 15:1-3). Our motive of pleasing others must only be to Edify others Spiritually. Any other flesh inspired motives (fake praise, glory, monetary benefits, judging others, inferiority complex, comparisons etc.) will ultimately lead to weak relationships and even broken trust which are hard to mend later sometimes. Edification means “Uplifting enlightenment” means the strong must not despise the weak and call them immature but rather help them to reach the same level of spiritual enlightenment as they have received from God. At the same time, the weak must not condemn or judge the strong and call them unspiritual but rather be always submissive to learn from spiritually mature Christians and always excel in their personal relationship with God. If we Christians can truly love each other in Christ, we will always seek to edify each other, build each other up in the faith. Who is your neighbour? Did Holy Spirit showed a spiritually bruised and heartbroken person today, Can you be a Neighbour to them? Are you ready to Love and Edify those who are weak?
“We make our friends; we make our enemies; but God makes our next door neighbour.”
- G.K. Chesterton
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.”
“परमेश्वर, और मसीह यीशु, और चुने हुए स्वर्गदूतों को उपस्थित जान कर मैं तुझे चितौनी देता हूं कि तू मन खोल कर इन बातों को माना कर, और कोई काम पक्षपात से न कर।”
- 1 Timothy 5:21
Partiality means a predisposition to like something or an inclination to favour one group, view or opinion over alternatives. While this behaviour of partiality or showing favouritism is very common in the secular world but we must not be unaware that it is a great spiritual challenge for Christians as well. We know that God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11, Deuteronomy 10:17) and showing partiality in any form to anyone is considered as a grave sin which is condemned in the Word of God too (James 2:9). Paul while encouraging Timothy spends some good time in telling him to “Honor the Elders”, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. Timothy as a pastor must understand that God’s work is not a one man show but rather it is a teamwork that comprises of elders who are worthy and able to assist well. Paul admonishes him that there may be situations where people may bring accusations against each other and even the elders. In such situations instead of trusting his own insight or feelings (bias), he must hear the facts and not just the vague unverifiable stories about the accusation.
Also, the accusation or the wrongdoing must be verifiable by at least two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19, 20) as that will avoid personal bias and favouritism in handling the accusation against person (in a righteous manner). Rumour and suspicion are not adequate grounds for discipline. Second, when an accusation is made, witnesses ought to be present. Further, sin must be confronted openly but it does not mean that it should be made a public affair or a public spectacle but rather sinner must be admonished and objurgated in strong words, but it still needs to be done in God’s Love and with an intent of restoration of the sinner back to God. Paul in some indirect words told Timothy it is better to deal with person in presence of worthy elders which is much better and safer than going around one on one in the whole assembly and trying to gain favour from others against the accuser or the guilty party. It is sad when a church member must be disciplined, but it is even sadder when a spiritual leader fails and must be disciplined, for leaders, when they fall, have a way of affecting others rather badly. The purpose of discipline is restoration, not revenge. Our purpose must be to save the offender, not to drive him away. Our attitude must be one of love and tenderness (Galatians 6:1–3). Do we get biased in our judgment against those who accuse us? Do we really try to judge or evaluate our neighbour in righteousness (Leviticus 19:15)? Are we habitual of showing partiality to rich, powerful and turn our blind eyes to those who are poor and downcast? Did we paused to hear the other part of story before passing our verdict against someone (Proverbs 18:17)?
“In judging of others, a man laboreth in vain, often erreth and easily sinneth; but in judging and examining himself, he always laboreth fruitfully.” - Thomas a Kempis
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”
“यीशु ने उसे देखकर बुलाया, और कहा हे नारी, तू अपनी र्दुबलता से छूट गई। तब उस ने उस पर हाथ रखे, और वह तुरन्त सीधी हो गई, और परमेश्वर की बड़ाई करने लगी।”
- Luke 13:12,13
The most striking aspect of Jesus’s ministry on earth was that He saw people. He saw their distress, He saw their Pain, He saw their tiredness, He saw their struggles and most importantly He never left them in that state but rather healed and delivered them almost instantly. The stage for this specific account of Jesus’s healing was set inside the synagogue (for us church). Its true that Jesus healed many on the wayside, cities, villages and even in the wilderness but what can be more suitable and most effective place to receive the deliverance from God other than His own house. Before we write off this as a one-off healing account of Jesus inside a church, we must understand the time, mode, and manner of this healing. Firstly, this woman even with her infirmity was in the house of the Lord in the presence of God with an intent of hearing the word of God. Remember our Lord Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10). Believe it or not there will be less delay in our personal healing and deliverance when the intent of our heart is to truly learn from His Word and our desire is to Obey His commandments. Remembering the Sabbath day and to keep it holy is His commandment (Exodus 20:8-11). This woman’s infirmity was not a hindrance for her fellowship with God. Sadly so many times, we all make an excuse of being sick, tired, helpless, having personal issues and we so easily forsake the assembly of God when we know deep in our heart that it’s not the right thing to do (Hebrews 10:25). If the reason is genuine and if it practically stops you from physically attending the fellowship then your heart does not condemn you as you have confidence with God but is it really the case most of the time when you skip worship and prayer fellowships.
Secondly, we need to observe the consistency of this noble woman in being in the presence of God. Imagine if she would have skipped the worship on that day only when Jesus was preaching in the synagogue. She would have missed her deliverance for which she was praying for last 18 years perhaps. Every time we miss fellowship remember that who knows that it was the day which God has kept aside for your deliverance, both for your soul (emotionally) and your body (physically) through His Word and His Holy Spirit. For our deliverance, our Lord Jesus may even confront the legality of religious systems around us and even leaders of our time as Jesus confronted a legal question about the Sabbath (Luke 13:14-17). The lesson that He taught was clear that its Satan who puts people into bondage, but true freedom comes from trusting Christ. The Sabbath that God wants to give us is a “heart rest” that comes through His grace and not from merely obeying traditions (Matthew 11:28–30). Not only does Satan bow people down, but so do Sin (Psalm 38:6), Sorrow (Psalm 42:5), and Suffering (Psalm 44:25). Jesus Christ is the only one who can set the prisoner free. Are you consistent in your fellowship with God and God’s people? Do you want to be in the presence of God just for mere your deliverance today or because you Love your Lord and want to hear from Him? When the woman was healed, she gave glory to God. Do we take time to Glorify God when He Bless us, Heals us and Provides for us?
“You could never tell what Christ would have you to be about, but if you go with Him in everything, there will be consistency with the ways of Christ. If you go with self, you will find a stop.” - G.V. Wigram
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”
“इसलिए जो बातें हम ने सुनी, उन पर और भी दिल लगाकर ग़ौर करना चाहिए, ताकि बहक कर उनसे दूर न चले जाएँ।”
- Hebrews 2:1
It is an undeniable fact that when we pay attention or listen carefully, concentrate on what we are hearing, then we definitely learn a lot. Though it is not the only way of our learning, but it is certainly one of the most important way of learning. Bible says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15) and moreover our faith is the outcome of our hearing, and hearing which is through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The word “attention” also means a general interest that leads people to “want to know more”. So, we see that there is a desire and affection factor that enables us to focus on, process and accept what we are hearing from our God today.
Paul says, “For this reason (Therefore), we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away”, so our attention is demanded for some very important reasons. In Hebrews chapter 1, Paul through God’s Holy Spirit makes some very important affirmations about our Lord Jesus Christ. Firstly, Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son (Hebrews 1:4–5), He is the Firstborn who receives worship (Hebrews 1:6), He is served by angels (Hebrews 1:7), He is God enthroned and anointed (Hebrews 1:8–9), He is the eternal Creator (Hebrews 1:10–12) and Christ is the sovereign and angels are the servants (Hebrews 1:13–14). Our Christ supersedes every law that ruled and delivered people of Israel. Therefore mankind must take Jesus Christ and the Word of God very seriously. When World is just fascinated by outward glory of man and call them blessed, Jesus said “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). Paul includes himself (“we”) when he highlights the danger of neglecting this great salvation (Hebrews 2:2,3). Note that it is not rejecting but neglecting which is a greater spiritual danger (like being lukewarm) and invites more aftermaths for us who are saved by grace through faith. Drifting also means “losing personal contact over period of time”. When we stop paying attention to Word of God and we constantly and deliberately neglect God’s Word, prayer fellowships, worship with God’s people (Hebrews 10:25), and other opportunities of our spiritual growth, then as a result, we start to drift. The anchor (Our Lord Jesus, Hebrews 6:19) does not move but we do. He does not leave us but it is we who leave Him many times. We lose our personal contact and our personal relationship with our God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear child of God, are you paying attention to what the Holy Spirit says to you? Do you feel that you are drifting away from your God? Turn and Repent and come back like the prodigal son. You will always find your Father in Heaven waiting to receive you with His hands wide open.
“Taking it easy is often the prelude to backsliding. Comfort precedes collapse.”
- Vance Havner
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places”
“और धर्म का फल शांति और उसका परिणाम सदा का चैन और निश्चिन्त रहना होगा। मेरे लोग शान्ति के स्थानों में निश्चिन्त रहेंगे, और विश्राम के स्थानों में सुख से रहेंगे।”
- Isaiah 32:17,18
While in worldly terms Righteousness means ability of being morally justified or true but in its deeper spiritual significance “Righteousness” is being Right in the eyes of God, which includes being Right in our Character, being Right in our Conscience, being Right in our Conduct or actions and being Right in our Words. These are some high benchmarks but something that must be adhered to whole heartedly. We must not forget that Righteousness is a God centred and God given attribute through His Son Jesus Christ. We cannot attain it through our own efforts apart from God’s own gift to us.
Prophet Isaiah after giving the brief account of consequences of complacency (Isaiah 32:9-14), God through prophet tells His people that because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, there will be peace and plenty because there will be righteousness in the land. The land will be so productive that the desert will be like a fruitful field and the fruitful field like a forest. The people will fear no enemies, and their work will be rewarded. In the same way, when God’s work of righteousness works in our life then it will turn all the wilderness and unfruitfulness into a fruitful atmosphere in our lives. When God’s righteousness works it will turn all our pains, tears and sorrows into our laughter, peace, and comfort. When we determine to follow God’s and His righteousness then we will find life, our own righteousness, and our true honor too (Proverbs 21:21). Seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness will guarantee that all our needs are met timely (Matthew 6:33). Sometimes we do offer all sorts of sacrifices and offerings to God, but we must remember that to do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than any sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3). We all long for that peace, security, and rest always but we must remember that only those who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness daily (Matthew 5:6) will be truly filled and can enjoy God’s Peace and Rest consistently. Are you at Peace with God today? Do we miss God’s rest today, if yes, let us examine our lives to find out if we deliberately left our good standing and good conscience in the eyes of God? Remember always that for us, God made ·Christ who never sinned; to become sin for us, so that in ·Christ we could become ·right with (the righteousness of) God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“If we walk in righteousness He will carry us through.” - A.B. Simpson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I hope in you.”
“खराई और सिधाई मुझे सुरक्षित रखे, क्योंकि मुझे तेरी ही आशा है।”
- Psalm 25:21
For a Christian the most needed but sadly at times the most deficit godly character is Integrity and Uprightness. These character attributes are so critical for the survival of a healthy society that even the worldly people who do not know God, require others to show integrity and uprightness in their deeds and words. But since they do not have a moral compass that points to the true Almighty God their expectations and standards of integrity and uprightness may vary from person to person. But for us who know God, Spiritual integrity means being undivided and possessing brutal self-honesty. Spiritual Integrity demands a considerable depth of self-awareness and an uncompromising willingness to be authentic before God and men. Uprightness on the other hand is the synonym of righteousness which is a God given and God centred attitude which demands us to be right in our Character, in our Conscience, in our Conduct and in our Words.
If integrity before God is critical then integrity before men is also equally important. At times, it is our integrity that draws an unsaved person towards God and equally heartbreaking is, that our lack of integrity is one of the main factors that lead others away from the Christ and Christian fellowships too. Living with integrity in a world where the corrupt seem favoured, not to mention our battle with our own sinful nature daily, is indeed challenging. David knew that the Lord saw his heart and approved of his character. David was a man of integrity. He did not go about to gain favour of men against those who hated him (or his enemies) but rather he trusted his integrity and uprightness to preserve him as he knew very well that “God is with him “. He was different than those around him in his character, words, and actions. Even when Shimei Curses David and it was in his power to harm him, this man of integrity left it to God to deal with him (2 Samuel 16:5-13). Sadly, a slight accusation or insult against contemporary leaders, makes them forget that they were supposed to be “men of integrity”. Today true Christian leaders are very rare, primarily because most of them instead of trusting their integrity to preserve them, choose rather to trust on human favour (numbers/politics) to rescue them. In the process they bring irreversible harm upon themselves and even their Christian testimony. Dear child of God, do we compromise your integrity to serve men instead of God? How much will we score today if God measures our integrity and uprightness against the perfect example of Integrity which is His Son Jesus Christ?
“We must be the same person in private and in public. Only the Christian worldview gives us the basis for this kind of integrity.” - Chuck Colson
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
“पर यह तुम्हारे लिये गवाही देने का अवसर हो जाएगा।”
- Luke 21:13
Biblically or in a more Christian way the meaning of Testimony or to give one’s testimony is “to tell one’s life story of how one encountered God and became Christian”. It is worth noting that testimony means sharing something worthwhile that God did in your life that can uplift and encourage others to come close to Christ. It is equally important to know that testimony is not only the things that we say about our God, but it is also the way we live our life is a testimony to unbelievers as well. We must be careful not to lie and exaggerate about anything. We must be mindful that we do not brag and glorify ourselves. Instead of talking about Jesus if we use it as an opportunity to talk about ourselves, then it is no testimony at all. As R. C. Sproul says, “Your personal testimony, however meaningful it is to you, it is not the gospel”.
For those who are unsure how to share their testimony in Christ then they can start from a very simple yet very profound declaration which is “And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1 John 5:11). This can be a very meaningful starting point to start talking about our Lord Jesus. We do not need to trust our knowledge or eloquence in sharing about our God because when the Holy Spirit which is the spirit of Truth, that comes from the Father, He will testify our Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26-27). Jesus while talking to His disciples told them when the perilous times will come then men will arrest you and persecute you, handing you over to synagogue or prison, or bringing you before kings and governors, for my name’s sake. This will be your chance to witness for me. And Jesus continued that so make up your minds not to think out your defence beforehand. I will give you such eloquence and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict it (Luke 21:10-15). This is a great comfort for us because even to share about our Lord Jesus, we need His Grace and not our wisdom and we need anointing of Holy Spirit and not the backup of any theological degrees. When even the best learned theologically astute may stammer to share about Christ when placed before governors/high officials, our God used the unlearned but the faithful apostles (like Peter) to speak boldly to Sanhedrin and even quieten them. Why? Because they were filled with Holy Spirit (Acts 4:1-22). Are we sharing about our Lord Jesus and His Glory today? Do our lives really speak about God’s Grace, His Forgiveness and His Mercies or is it all about us?
“The unbelieving world should see our testimony lived out daily because it just may point them to the Savior.” - Billy Graham
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”, Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.”
“और जब कभी तुम दाहिनी वा बाईं ओर मुड़ने लगो, तब तुम्हारे पीछे से यह वचन तुम्हारे कानों में पड़ेगा, मार्ग यही है, इसी पर चलो।”
- Isaiah 30:21
Depending upon the World and Rebelling against the Living God are the most flagitious reasons why people lack divine guidance in these end times. Most people are never sure about their small or big decisions and tend to falter between one or two or even multiple choices when it comes to some important decision making. Once they make the decisions most of the time they use to wonder if the other option was better but by that time it is already too late. God’s promise is that in returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”, But you would not…“. Our rebellion, pride, and our misplaced trust on people of the world, leaders and even our own strength or resources at times are going to prove futile (Isaiah 30:15-17). Unlike the leaders of old like Moses (Numbers 27:21), Joshua (Joshua 9:14), David (1 Samuel 30:7–8), and Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:7), today’s contemporary Christians (Leaders/believers alike) do not seek or rather seldom seek the will of God (sometimes only when it’s convenient).
But the good news is that the Lord still will wait for us, that He may be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18) when we cry (Isaiah 30:19). God gives us the greatest promise of a divine guidance “Your ears shall hear a word behind you” but to hear God’s voice there must be no hindrances or obstacles. We must take that Worldly plug out of our ears that never allows us to hear what God’s Spirit wants to tell us but rather constantly fills our minds with lies and confusion. The tendency to turn Right or Left from God’s path is normal for those who are Not constantly hearing the voice of God. Samson turned aside to see the carcass of the lion and defiled himself (Judges 14:5-20). We too turn aside to see what is happening in the world and in the process defile ourselves in many ways. Even the cows headed straight for the road to Beth Shemesh and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and did not turn aside to the right hand or the left (1 Samuel 6:10-12). Even if we must shed tears on this way of Christ, even if the end is death (the cows were sacrificed, 1 Samuel 6:14) we must not turn Right or Left from the path of Holiness and path of Righteousness today. Your decisions have serious consequences, better listen to God. God promised, if you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.”. Are you able to listen to God today? What stops you from hearing God today? Who or what hinders you from obeying the Truth?
“If you have trouble hearing God speak, you are in trouble at the very heart of your Christian experience.” - Henry Blackaby
Have a Blessed day with God !!
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
“हे मेरे भाइयों, यदि तुम में कोई सत्य के मार्ग से भटक जाए, और कोई उस को फेर लाए। तो वह यह जान ले, कि जो कोई किसी भटके हुए पापी को फेर लाएगा, वह एक प्राण को मृत्यु से बचाएगा, और अनेक पापों पर परदा डालेगा॥”
- James 5:19, 20
In contemporary times, the errors in Biblical teachings and doctrines looks very subtle but it has the capacity to ruin one’s faith completely. Enemy today uses every deception to make sure that the children of God does not walk in Truth of the Word of God. The sad part of today’s prime evangelical segment is that everyone believes and endorses what they believe (or learned in the past) is the Truth but it may not comply well with what the Word of God teaches. While many just cherry pick Bible verses today and try to establish their belief system they forget that Truth of God is not just few verses taken out of context and vainly contended upon, but it is the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation which has the capacity to change us from inside out. “To err” or to wander from the Truth has the reverse effect of destroying the soul and corrupting the God’s church. While we the children of God have been instructed to stay away from foolish, ignorant controversies; as they will just breed quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23-24) but at the same time we must be careful before we endorse or believe what we hear in these end days from the podiums.
Apostle James very well accept the fact that wandering away from the Truth is possible in Christian Faith. It basically means denying doctrinal truth or ethical truth. Sometimes its due to our lack of knowledge of the word of God or our inability to discern what we hear that can move us away (slowly but steadily) from the Truth (Word of God) and the will of God. The Old Testament term for this is backsliding. Sad to say, we see this tragedy occurring in our churches regularly. A wandering offender can influence others and lead them astray too. “One sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). Therefore, the spiritual members of the church must step in and help the man who has wandered away. We can bring back such wanderers if we really care about them and have a burden for the lost soul. It was the one sheep that wandered away, but the good shepherd left other ninety-nine and went to look for that one lost sheep. This statement may not mean much to you until that one lost sheep is “you”. Many leaders today focus on to win the lost, but it is also equally important to win the saved who have wandered away from the truth. The sinner here is a believer, not an unbeliever; and sin in the life of a Christian is worse than sin in the life of an unbeliever. But remember If you really wish to help an erring brother, then you must have an attitude of Love, for “love shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
What is your attitude toward the wandering brother? Do you criticize and gossip, or do you seek to restore him in love? Are you kind of person others (who are lost, confused and broken) seek for prayer and emotional support? If not you still have a long journey ahead to be conformed into the image of Christ. Let us Pray not to just grow old but to Grow Up in Christ today !!
“When you are not sure of your salvation, it is very easy to get discouraged and to backslide.” - Zac Poonen
Have a Blessed day with God !!
