This Treasure in Earthen Vessels (2Cor.4:7)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (2Cor. 4:7)

Commentators have often been reminded by this verse of the story of Gideon, his pitchers, and torches. In that particular story, Gideon had his 300 men hide torches within pitchers. They surrounded the enemy camp and when the trumpets blew, the men broke the earthen pitchers to let off the light shine.

The Bible tells us that the excellence of God's power is the treasure hidden within us in earthen vessels. He chose these weak, vulnerable, and fragile bodies to carry around His great power by which He holds the entire universe with its dazzling stars, planets, and all life together. He didn't choose objects of gold and silver to hold this treasure. He chose us, men and women who are made of clay. But, unless these clay pots are broken that power cannot shine forth. In our humility and meekness, His excellency shines forth.

When I think of the vulnerability and fragility that we are composed of, I wonder at the grace of God that chose us to be His vessels of infinite power, despite our weaknesses. But, now He is our strength and not we ourselves. So much grace upon grace!!

But, this treasure is not here just for ourselves. It belongs to Him and is here for His purposes alone. The purpose of our life is only fulfilled when the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. Our destinies are tied in to the Lamb and His Throne.

Prayer: Lord, it is important that You increase and I decrease. Help me live a life that brings You glory and let my life be an exhibition of Your Kingdom and Your Power. Amen!

The Only Things To Glory In (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jer 9:23-24 NKJ)

The world remembers Jeremiah as the "Weeping Prophet" of the Old Testament. He wept for a nation that never responded to his cries to repentance. He wept because he knew that their contempt of God's Law, their lack of seriousness and sincerity towards God's Word was nothing but an invitation of misery, calamity, and death. He wept because their self-opinion was too loud for them to hear what God was saying. He wept because it seemed that God Himself was exhausted of all opportunities to repentance that He could allow this nation anymore. God commanded Jeremiah, "Do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you." (Jer 7:16)

The Jews of Jeremiah's time were proud about a number of things. They gloried in their education system, in their economic well-being, and in their military might. But, God confronted them on this matter: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches"

Three Things To Glory In

God lists out three things that a person can glory in:
1. Glory in the Knowledge and Understanding of God. "That he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD." This is not mere rationalized, philosophical knowledge of God. It is knowledge that comes from the self-revelation of God in His Word. It is knowledge that comes from an intimate walk with God, by which we spiritually are able to recognize the things that God likes and the things He detests. This intimate knowledge will certainly transform us inside out and change our manner of speech, thought, and conduct.
2. Glory in the Understanding of God's Character and Mission. "Exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth." Mercy, Justice, and Righteousness cannot be understood in separation from God. Our ministry in the world proceeds from our understanding of the character and the mission of our Master. A person who understands the character and mission of God will not live a purposeless life. Mercy, justice, and righteousness will weigh heavily on his soul. Every moment of his existence will pulsate with the passion of God's mission. He will not be satisfied with a passive lifestyle but will bear witness of the Kingdom of God. He will raise his voice in favor of mercy, justice, and righteousness. He will not withdraw his hand from helping the needy. He will live his life by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself for him. He will work the works of the Father.
3. Glory in the Understanding of God's Will and Delight. "In these I delight." God delights in lovingkness, judgment, and righteousness. A person who has come to age will know what his father delights in (Heb.5:14). The spiritually minded man will know the mind of the Spirit. His mind has been renewed so that he can discern between good and evil and is able to recognize what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom.12:2). This person can never displease God because he lives a life that is well pleasing to God. He is a person who is "a man after God's own heart"; the servant by whom the Master is well-pleased, because he has exactly served in the manner that God wanted him to serve.

Prayer: Father, there are many things that we are proud of, ambitious of, and ignorantly concerned about in this world that passes away. These things will not remain but You remain forever. Your Word remains forever. Lord Jesus, You came that we may have life and life more abundantly. Breathe into us the life of Your Word! Your Words are Spirit and Life! We disconnect ourselves from the passions of this world and look up to You. Help us to know You better! Reveal Your person to us! Holy Spirit, forgive us when we have grieved You! Lead us on to grow in the knowledge of Him who loved us truly so much! Fill us with Yourself to the glory of the Father and the Son and the Blessed Spirit! Amen!

The Fear of Man is A Snare (Prov 29:25)

"The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected (will be exalted, NASV)." (Prov. 29:25).

It might be fear of being misunderstood, fear of being rejected, fear of being ridiculed, fear of being mistreated... whatever, fear is a snare - it traps you in and makes you indecisive, inactive, and ineffective. Fear paralyses a person; but, Faith protects and promotes.

FEAR makes you INDECISIVE, INACTIVE, INEFFECTIVE. FEAR PARALYSES A PERSON FAITH PROTECTS and PROMOTES

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you and forsake all fear of man that is not pleasing in Your sight, in Jesus' Name. Amen!

3 Facts About Temptation

M...L...S

1. Temptation is MOMENTARY.
It won't last forever.
The devil tries to make it look as the final reality. But, it is not. It is just a test, and it'll be over; but, the question is whether you'll pass it.
2. Temptation is a Test of LOVE; and LOVE is an action.
Love fulfills all the commandments. The two greatest are LOVE GOD with all your being and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR as yourself.
But, love is not a feeling or emotion; it is an action. We need to LOVE Him more in the moment of temptation; it can only be possible when we focus on Him.
3. Temptation will make you STRONGER and PURER.
It may stretch your muscle; but, not beyond your capacity; and then the HELPER, our TRAINER is there with us and knows what will make us stronger...

Despite all this, let us never forget to pray:
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one!"

You Are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Often, the temptation in life is to try to run away from people. Someone would say, "I can do ministry; only if there were no people!" But, ministry and people are connected; it is impossible to separate both. Jesus Himself came to serve, not to be served. There would be someone else who might say, "Only if I could just run away to a new place and then it would be wonderful." Yes, you should run to many new places, as the Lord opens doors; but, do not despise the place you are in right now. Every candle has its own stand. Of course, sometimes, especially when it is dark, we have to carry our candle from one place to another (or carry our torches where we go) in order to light another candle there. Similarly, God will carry you from one place to another in order to light more candles, so that the whole world will see the light of God.

So, the FACT is stated: You are the light of the world; and the COMMAND is given: Let your light shine before men!

SHINE BOLDLY - Do not be afraid to shine. It's not bad or prideful or over exerting to shine; because to shine is the duty of light. Do not be afraid to let your light shine before people. Do not hide your talents. Do not think "What will they say?" Do not be afraid that people will criticize. Millions of them still criticize God. Don't be afraid if people look rough and tough. Don't be afraid that they may reject you or not accept you. Because once the light has shone, there is no reversal. The job is done; it is impossible not to see what light has exposed, unless people choose to cover their eyes and run into darkness. So, shine. Shine boldy!

SHINE BRIGHTLY - Don't let the fire be dim. Shine brightly. Let the fire glow bright. It should attract attention. It should be clearly visible. Don't just go into a corner and hide and believe God will use you from your hiding place. He didn't say "Stay inside your house." He said, "Go out into all the world." It's okay, if some people may get envious or mad or angry. There are many others who will be happy to see light. But, be bright. Speak the truth loudly, clearly, constantly, and sincerely.

LIGHT TALKS ABOUT:

THE TRUTH OF GOD - Declare the Truth of God to this generation. Be a messenger of God's word to the people. Speak out His Word.
THE LOVE OF GOD - Light talks about good deeds, which is nothing other than deeds of divine love. The Bible says that the Love of God is the fulfills the Law of God. However, darkness signifies evil deeds. But light overcomes darkness; similarly the Bible calls us to overcome evil by good.
THE LIFE OF GOD - Light also signifies life. That is what is meant by the phrase "light of life". Communicate life wherever you are. The words that you speak and the works that you do must communicate the life of God into people's life.

Zacharias

Zacharias is a curious personality in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke begins with his story, and he and his wife are introduced with the words: "they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." (1:6).

Note that 
(1) They were both righteous "before God". There were many, and still are many, who would like to only look (or at least only look) righteous before people. The Pharisees used to wear white robes, stand in public places, and try to show how righteous and godly they were. But, Jesus called them "white washed tombs". They were not righteous in God's sight. But, these were the same persons who called Jesus a blasphemer, a violator of law, and condemned him to the death of the cross. However, Jesus was the perfect fulfillment of divine righteousness. It's not important whether think we are righteous or not. But, it's important what the True and Rightful Judge says about us. To live righteously means to live in perfect accordance with God's will. That is described in the next part of the statement.

(2) They were continually "walking in "all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless". They didn't just obey some commandments and let go the others. They obeyed all the commandments without exception. They also kept all the ordinances (things that God had ordained to carry about, like the offerings, feasts, etc) faithfully. They didn't argue around, rationalize, dilute, compromise, or neglect even one of them. Jesus said that if someone belittles a commandment and treats it slightly, he will also be treated slightly in the kingdom of God; but, he who obeys and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19).

(3) God bears testimony about "both" of them. It was not just Zacharias or only Elizabeth. Both of them were God-fearing. Such a testimony was not given even about Job. Here is a man who led his family well. He was truly fit for service in the House of God (1Timothy 3:5). Their exact opposite in the New Testament were Ananias and Sapphira. But, regarding Zacharias and Elizabeth, God could bear witness about both of them.

(4) Finally, the Bible also records that their obedience was "blameless". They could obey because they knew the Word, thought about the word, and took care to obey it. No one could point a finger against them with regard to this. There are a very few people today who could confidently say that they obey "all" the commandments. One reason is because they aren't confident if they really know all the commands. And, the reason of this is generally a neglect of reading and meditating on the Word of God. The lack of God's Word creates darkness. It brings blame. For Zacharias and Elizabeth the Bible was the action manual. Therefore, no one could bring any accusation against them. If one is blameless in the eyes of God, then there's nothing that can condemn that person anymore; for, God is in his/her side.

And, yet despite all this testimony in favor of them, the Bible declares that Elizabeth was barren. That might be reproachful in man's sight. However, in God's sight it is but a small thing, for the fruit of the womb is from Him. Also, delay is not a signal for abandoning hope. We learn that Zacharias was a prayerful man. The angel testified that his prayer was heard (1:13). It might have taken quite a bit of time for the answer to come but, it all came in time well orchestrated by God's Spirit: the falling of the lot for Zacharias' term to get into the Temple, the moment of appearance, the words to be spoken by the angel -- everything!

Not many people heard such a testimony from God that their prayer was heard. God does love everyone, but He will not listen to the prayers of sinners. He tells us in the books of the prophets that we must get things right first in our own lives before we even approach His altar. Jesus told that we must first settle things with each other before bringing an offering before God. He also made it clear that answers to prayers are only for us when we abide in Him and His words abide in us. A prayer of repentance is a different thing; God calls for repentance and honors true repentance. However, the prayers of sinners are hindered (1Peter 3:7). But, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

When he saw the angel and heard those words, Zacharias was certainly shocked, surprised, and afraid. He didn't expect such a thing. In fact, this was the first time someone encountered such a thing in the past 400 some years since the Babylonian captivity in the 5th century BC. The angel told him that he's going to have a son through his wife Elizabeth. (I think it's good he mentioned Elizabeth's name, or else, perhaps, the story of Abraham and Hagira would have been repented here.) But, it was still difficult for him to believe. It sometimes happens that people pray but are surprised and filled with incredulity when they see the answer. So, he fearfully asked, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." (1:18). He was asking for a sign, which he shouldn't have done if he knew his roots well and remembered that God gave Abraham a child when he was 100 years old.

God did give Zacharias a sign; however, that sign was quite unique from any other. It was a sign that would remain with Zacharias till the day of his fulfillment. It was a sign that would remind him of God's Word every moment of his life. The sign was that Zacharias would be unable to speak anything till John was born. We don't know how long Zacharias lingered inside. But, we do know that it took a long time before he came out. The account in Luke seems to be condensed and to-the-point version, but, it was clear that the people began to wonder that he didn't come out till then. It must have been a marvelous sight to see him come out and make signs to communicate. But, he did finish all the service before going home. In due time, John was born. And, when, after John's birth, Zacharias confessed through writing on a slate that the boy will be called John, his lips were opened and he began praising God.

ZACHARIAS' THREE FAITH-UTTERANCES
1. ""Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people..." He confessed what God had already done: He has visited and redeemed. He didn't say "He will redeem: but, "He has visited and redeemed." If God is with us, then heaven is here. What God will do is what God has already done.
2. And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began (Luk 1:69-70). He confessed what God was doing, in connection with His covenant. Zacharias confessed that "God remembers". His very name meant "YHWH remembers".. Elizabeth's name meant "God's Oath". God acts with people through His Covenants and His Covenants are perfect and absolute. Delay doesn't mean that God has deserted us. He remembers His Covenant and absolutely knows what to do with our lives. Today, we have the New Covenant of Jesus. If God was so serious to remember the Covenants of the Old Testament, how much more will he not remember us in His Son, Jesus Christ today.
3. Then we see that Zacharias prophesies about his child, John. He speaks very positive words, filled with the Holy Spirit. His words were words of faith, not of doubt. What words of blessing do we speak to our children? To the people of the next generation? Do we speak words of faith into their lives. Remember that Zacharias and Elizabeth too had their responsibility: "he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink." (1:15). Their responsibility towards this child was great. But, Zacharias knew the purpose why John was being born in this world, and he also knew what words to speak about him.

Zacharias not only experienced divine favor in an old age, he experienced a special favor of being the father of a child who was going to be called the greatest of all prophets born till then (Luke 7:28). When God answers a prayer, He usually will give you more than you can ask. But, is your heart blameless before God? That is the question. Let's commit to total obedience and faithfulness to Him!

David's 5 Smooth Stones - How much do we put into it? - Devotion

"Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine." (1Sam 17:40).


There are many lessons for life that can be learnt from this episode of David. However, one of the most fascinating lessons is the lesson of knowing what it means to have a balanced faith.

Why did David choose 5 stones when he had to use only one?

I've heard sermons that talked about the rest of the stones reserved for the other giants. One can find lessons for his own life from a story; a lesson that speaks to him in his own situation.

But, looking directly at the very stage of the incident, I find one thing very instructive about faith:

Faith is not an excuse for not putting the best of all we can gather into our bag. Faith is not an excuse to say, for instance, that I don't need to learn this or I don't need to concentrate on polishing my skills, or I don't need theology or philosophy or history or geography.... It's unlike a rustic Christian who told to a young man aspiring to get into ministry: "Why do you need to get school education anymore; you're going to be a preacher after all!" You never know which of things that God brings in your path to put into your bag is the thing which God wishes to use to fell the giant ahead of you. David chose the best of the stones that could aim best and he chose as many as he could put in his bag. Thereafter, I think, he left to God the alternative to choose from whichever stone he had filled his bag with.

I think he applied this principle to every facet of his life. He was not just a warrior. He was a musician. He was a writer. He was a statesman. He was a prophet. He was a theologian. He never was ashamed to dance before His Lord though he was a king. It didn't matter to him what the thing at hand was. He gave his best to the Lord. Isn't it reasonable why then he was called a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).

Give your best to the Lord; that's the essence of true worship. Then, see what God will do with the small things we've been faithful in.


Prayer: Lord, we thank you for all the things that you bring in our path daily. We thank you for the opportunities you give us to learn and to increase in wisdom and in favor with God and man. We pray Lord that you'll give us strength to excel in the things that we're entrusted with, whether it be studies, job, or housekeeping. And, we pray that the excellency of your power will be manifested in every passing moment of our lives. Amen!

To those who love this country and pray for its salvation, here's my plea:

To those who love this country and pray for its salvation, here's my plea: Add this line to your prayer wherever you are; when you're in a restaurant, pray "Lord I pray that all here may be saved"; when you reach your company, pray "Lord I pray that all here may be saved"; when at school, "Lord I pray that all here may be saved"; so, at college, while waiting for a cab or bus, while walking through the mall, while traveling in train, wherever you are just speak these words and may the Lord make the difference. Let's fill the land with the sweet-smelling fragrance of our prayers. Pl re-post this if you can; let's see this nation reborn!
"born not...of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:13)

Your Attitude Should Be The Same As That Of Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5)

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5)

Attitudes are our disposition towards someone or something. Our attitudes affect our character and relationships.

Attitudes are important; they can either make a person or break him. Some years back a research was done on job interviewees who were successful in getting a job. The research revealed that the majority of those who got the jobs got them not because they were smart but because they had a right attitude.

The Bible teaches us that God wants us to have the attitude of Christ. He left for us an example of how we must look at and treat our fellowmen, our children, our elders, and God.

Jude 10-11 lists three kinds of attitudes that can destroy the life of any person.

Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals--these are the very things that destroy them. Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion. (Jude 1:10-11)

The three destroyers are:
1. The Way of Cain. It is the attitude of selfishness, envy, and hatred against one's brother. A person with this kind of attitude will never be happy at anyone else' success. He would always desire his own praise despite his shortcomings and sins. He doesn't look at the man whom God accepts as an example but looks at him as his enemy. King Saul was another example of a man with this attitude.
2. The Error of Balaam. The attitude of Balaam was materialistic and utilitarian. He even felt that God could change His mind, and when it seemed that God wouldn't, he tried to corrupt Israel by introducing worldliness into their life. He was ruled by the love of money which is the root of all evil. Jesus said that a man cannot serve both God and Money. The rich young man couldn't follow Jesus because he loved money. Balaam's error lay in considering godliness as a means of gain. A mind dehumanized by money can never look at others as fellow-humans. It loses the love for neighbor and God.
3. The Rebellion of Korah. Korah's was the attitude of pride. It was the Luciferic attitude. It is the I-am-better-than-thou attitude. Korah rebelled because he was not ready and willing to accept any God-appointed authority over his life.

Now, look at the attitude of Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! (Phil 2:6-8)

Attitude determines the formation of character, and character is what a person is. If suppose I asked someone who he is, he may reply by saying that he is related to so and so, or he is a teacher or an engineer or a doctor. But, God doesn't look at a person in that manner. God looks at one's character.

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. (Psalm 51:6)

Character is something between God and the person. It is God who sees and judges. A few things need to be noted about character.
1. Education cannot build character. If it could then sin couldn't co-exist with knowledge. Education can inform but cannot transform. If it could then why would people be smoking cigarrettes and chewing tobacco despite the warning that tobacco causes cancer, why would there be corruption among the police who are expected to know and protect the law, and why would there be winelovers among medical practitioners. King Solomon had so much knowledge but he couldn't keep character.
2. Anointing cannot build character. If it could Lucifer wouldn't have fallen. He was known as the anointed cherub (Eze 28). King Saul had the anointing but he lost his character.
3. Religion cannot build character. If it could the pharisees and sadducees wouldn't have crucified Jesus. Jesus called them hypocrites. It was not the sinners and publicans who wanted Jesus crucified. It was the men with religious authority who didn't have character.

In each case, attitude determined what one was.

If character is to be built there must be a change in the way of thinking; in our disposition. And the first in the line is the attitude of self-emptying, as Jesus did. One needs to humble himself before the Lord.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
(Psa 51:16-17)

One must die to self, to the world, and to sin; or else, he can never be a follower of Christ. The attitude of total repentance is the beginning of forsaking the old and following the Lord. Unless the heart is broken because of the sin, repentance is not possible. A hardened heart is rebellious in nature. A repentant heart is reverent.

Secondly, the Bible teaches us that evil company corrupts good habits (1Cor. 15:33). It also says that "he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Pro.13:20). The Book of Psalms begins with warning us against wrong companionship; so also does the Book of Proverbs. Right attitudes are formed in the fellowship of the Master; right character is formed in the crucible of one's walk with the Master.

Let us walk with a heart that is ready to repent from the wrong and committed to live and die for the Truth, a heart that continues to be transformed through the walk with Jesus.

Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs (1Cor.13:5)

THERE is an ancient proverb in Hindi which says
Rahiman dhaga prem ka mat todevu chatkai,
Tootei to phir na miley, miley ganth parijai.

[Do not snap the thread of love o Rahim;
For, if it breaks it can't be be joined; and if joined, it leaves a knot.]

It is not easy to forget the wrongs that someone has done against us. And, even when we get reconciled sometimes, there is some knot, some painful reminder, some grudge that is left behind. But, the Bible teaches us that we need to learn not only to forgive, but also to forget the hurt, or else the reconciliation is not perfect. Divine love, the fruit of the Holy Spirit (not of our own self), makes that possible. When Jesus forgave us, He kept no record of our wrongs. The Psalmist says "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psa 103:12). The prophet Micah could say "You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea (Mic.7:19). Isaiah could say "You have cast all my sins behind Your back" (Isa. 38:17). He also wishes us to deal with others as He deals with us. There is an interesting story told by Leo Tolstoy of how two children once get into a fight, which in return draws their parents into a big quarrel. But, while the quarrel gets heated higher and higher, someone points to the two little children away from all this fuss, playing again, being totally forgetful of their fight a little while ago. Jesus told us that unless we become converted and become like little children we cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. It is these records of wrongs that give birth to so much of hatred, strife, and wars in the world. But, love keeps no record of wrongs.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for forgiving me so much and for not dealing with me according to my transgressions. Sometimes, it is really not easy to forgive, and even harder to forget because of the hurt. But, when You took my sins on the Cross and bled to die for my sake, You set for me an example of true love, and it is Your desire, O Lord that I walk in Your love and glorify Your name. So, I repent of any grudge against anyone that I still hold, O Lord, and surrender my heart in Your hands. Make me and mold me and fill me with Your love, so that every thought and act of mine will reflect the majesty of Your all-loving and all-forgiving kindness.

An Eternally Caring God (Deut.33:27)

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27, NIV)

THE ETERNALITY of God demonstrates His unfailing power of self-existence and self-sustenance. He is both invincible and indestructible. Therefore, He is our best refuge. Earthly shelters and shields have their bounds against bruises but God is a sure refuge of all those who trust in Him. The promise of the Scripture not only tells us that God is our refuge but also that this security is undergirded by His everlasting arms, which speak of at least three things:

1.  Care. His everlasting arms underneath us speak about His love and care towards us. As a mother holds her child in her arms, so does He hold us in His everlasting arms.  Someone said that the four letter word LOVE can also be spelt as CARE. For if we don’t care for someone then we don’t even love that person. But God demonstrated His care and love towards us so much as to send His beloved Son to die for us.

2. Comfort. “When the cares of my heart are many,” said David “Thy consolations cheer my soul” (Psalm 94: 19, RSV). The Bible doesn’t ask us to deny the anxieties and cares of our heart; instead, it exhorts us to roll our burdens on Jesus because He cares for us.  It is when we rest assuredly in His arms of comfort that we find rests for our souls. The God of all comfort holds us with His everlasting arms; and this awareness itself brings great peace to the heart of the believer.

3. Covering. His strong arms are our shield. No bullet can penetrate it; neither can any destruction prevail against it. Man-made bullet proofs and bomb-shields may fail but faith secures us everlastingly in the bosom of God. It is only when man becomes haughty and strolls away from the domain of God that he becomes victim to the darts of the enemy. But He is a safe haven to those who trust and live by His name. Man’s search for true love, peace, and security can only find fulfillment in God. Evidently, that has to be that way since our life and existence has its source in Him. One can peacefully nestle in the arms of God despite of all that is occurring outside. We can rest confidently in Him for He holds us with His everlasting arms.

Prayer: Lord, I commit myself into your strong and loving arms. I acknowledge you in all my ways. May your guidance be my protection, my comfort, and my peace. Thank you for reaching out to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Patience

A young man wanted to do some farming in his farm. So, he went and obtained some wheat seeds, had his farmland plowed and sown, and watered the field daily. He waited for 10 days. When he didn't see any sign of wheat, he got frustrated. He thought "It's not going to work!" However, he decided to wait for another 10 days. On the 8th day, however, when he saw no wheat, he said to himself "Either the seed was bad or this land is not suited for wheat." So, he replowed the land, destroying the tiny wheatblades that had already sprouted. He thought, "Let me try soyabean, this time." So, he sowed soyabean, but when he didn't see any beans after 10 days, he became frustrated again. He tried a few other crops this way, and finally surmised that farming was no longer his kind of job. So, he gave up.

Lesson:

1. Know well what you're doing and the principles of the work before you undertake it.

Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it--
Luk 14:29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
Luk 14:30 saying, "This man began to build and was not able to finish.'

2. Understand the importance of Timing.

Ecc 3:1 To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time.

3. Do not lose heart midway. Remember that patience has a great reward. If you give in to your own doubts and suspicions, you will end up destroying things.

Heb 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Heb 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.

Prayer: Lord, we pray that Your will will be revealed to Your servants, and that we with patience and obedience of faith will obtain the promises that You have made. Blessed be Your Name!

Mental Freedom or Bondage (Rom.8:7)

‎"The fleshly mind is enmity against God: for it is not obedient to the law of God, neither can be." (Rom.8:7, Tyndale).

It's one choice which renders one strong or impotent. A fleshly mind is a mind not set free by the Truth. It is ruled by desires, with passion confused. The mind of the Spirit is ruled by the Sword of the Spirit.

Multiplying Your Talents (Matt.25:14-30)

Talents are the responsibilities handed over to you. Unless you are faithful in these, you can't be trusted for greater ones.

In this parable recorded in Matthew 25, the talents (bags full of gold) may appear to be very big responsibilities in our sight, but to these servants they were not so, having been trained in the administration of such business for long. They were given talents according to their ability and not beyond that. Two of them were faithful; the last one, sadly, wasted the time that could be put to multiply the talent -- and time lost is lost forever, of course; in addition, he may have only been living out of the master's store, or being paid for being a servant during this time of idleness that he spent. He only added loss to his master.

I've heard of people who, when they applied for higher jobs, were first put to little jobs such as cleaning the toilets as test of their faithfulness. If one can't be faithful in the least that he is asked to do, he is not fit for higher responsibilities either.

Once Late Rev. Dr. Kurien Thomas came to the Seminary, and finding the place before the store not cleaned, called for the student who was appointed for the task there. The boy came in all unkempt and wearing unwashed clothes. Dr. Thomas asked him to immediately vacate the building and leave the Seminary. He who couldn't take care of his own clothes, he said, is not fit to take care of the Church of Jesus Christ.

It may be sweeping your room, washing your clothes, doing your homework, being sincere to your parents, to your teachers, and to your friends. All these count. They are your talents.

You can only grow and multiply your talents where there is:

Trust - Trustworthiness as well as an environment of trust that is built around because of you not failing your friends and those you are responsible towards.

Aspiration - Without aspiration and desire, you can't have motivation. Motivation is that which propels action. Without aspiration there can't be any vision for growth. The flame must keep burning. Don't look at your tasks as burdens, but love them. Be faithful to God first of all in all these. Seek His glory through all your works.

Liberty - You need freedom and liberty to grow. If you are enslaved to certain habits, laziness, TV, profitless reading, chatting, surfing, drugs, sex, etc, these will only keep you from growing. The internal bondages are more dangerous than the external ones, viz. social, political, etc.

Effort - You must put effort; for only effort multiplies. All dreaming and no working is just a big waste of time; and, time lost cannot be regained again. Therefore, work while it is day; for, a night will come when you can do nothing anymore.

"No" - There are times when you should be able to say a "no" to things that may look good, but keep you from the best. Of course, you must always give a "no" to the wrong. Do not keep the pleasure and wishes of your friends or people around above responsibility. Be faithful to the true and good, and you will see the rewards in the long run. Young people, especially, must learn to say "no" to a lot of things that come from peer pressure; no matter what it costs in the present. Better do something you will never regret for again, than do things that will torment your soul with guilt for the rest of your life. I know that you wish to not offend or wish to not be rejected by friends; but, if you choose the right and expose the evil of the wrong, you only do good to them. Where everyone chooses to put off his candle, you must choose to keep it up on the candlestick and shining for all to see and know the difference between good and evil.

There are "no"s that you will always be proud of.

Temperance - Moderation, i.e., avoiding excesses, self-control, self-discipline, and perseverance are virtues that keep you going in the long run, and help you finish what you started. Rewards are only conferred on those who finish the race, not on those who start it well, but give up mid-way. Don't get off-balanced in any thing. Keep the golden middle. Neither be over passionate nor be listless. Avoid boredom by engaging in the right kinds of actions. Don't spend those hours in wasteful pleasures. Make best use of time. Redeem it, says the Bible, for the days are evil (Eph.5:16).

There is a Hindi saying Josh mein hosh nahi khona, meaning "Don't lose sobriety (hosh) in the midst of excitement (josh)." Be temperate. The tortoise who keeps on moving, though slowly, wins the race; the hare, sadly, loses because it runs too fast sometimes, then sags into sleeping the other times. Don't be a yo-yo person, sometimes high up and other times down very down. Keep your composures fine. Rejoice in the Lord: and again I say, rejoice (Phil.4:4).

Be faithful in the least and God will make you in-charge of the greater. And, of course, do not forget Joseph and Job. Joseph was faithful to his father despite the hatred of his brothers, faithful to Potiphar despite what Potiphar's wife sought, faithful in the prison despite the injustice done to him, and God lifted him up to become the Prime Minister of Egypt. Job, he was faithful to God, when he had things, and when he lost them all as well; therefore, God rewarded him double-fold. Of course, don't do it for rewards; do it because you love your Master and know that He is good.  God bless you!

© Domenic Marbaniang, March 2011

How One Can Know the Truth (2 Timothy 3)

Text: 2Timothy 3

Essentialities of Truth Perception

1. Moral Commitment to Pursuit of Truth (vv. 1-5).
In the last days, the decrease in the will-to-truth will occur by the increase of love for pleasure and a rebellion against absolutes. Atheism is a mind-set that can't hang on to absolutes and attempts all escapism from the truth of God. It is a moral problem, not a theological one. Those who wish to follow truth must make a commitment to obey it no matter what the consequences would appear to be. Only the ardent seeker will find.

2. Critical Mind-set (v. 6).
Gullibility is a dangerous evil. It usually follows a will-against-truth-towards-pleasure. The credulous are easily deceived. One must weigh things before submitting to them.

3. Truth-Orientation (v. 7).
All learning must be with the goal to know the truth, and not to heighten skepticism. Questions must lead to knowledge; not end in doubt. Too much of learning without any earning of wisdom is a wild chase after the wind (Ecclesiastes).

4. Faith (v. 8).
All knowledge is founded on faith. Faith is the lock of assurance, the ground of knowledge. Unless one has faith, one can't know anything.

5. Action (v.9).
Truth is wisdom; wisdom, truth. To possess truth means to believe the truth and act it out. The time test will reveal what is wisdom and what is not. The fruit of truth is wisdom; the fruit of rebellion, folly.

6. Example (vv. 10-13).
Following the example of truth in the lives of people. Truth is livable; not just some theoretical conjecture about reality. If you can't live it out; you can't hold it on either -- practically speaking. Followers of falsehood exemplify a deceptive lifestyle; followers of truth, a godly one.

7. Continuation in the Word (vv. 14-17).
The Scripture of God, given by the inspiration of God, is the source of all divine truth. It is the authority in matters of doctrine and faith. It makes one wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (faith is important, v.15). It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

© Domenic Marbaniang, 16 February, 2011.

The Logic of Faith-Life

"building yourselves up on your most holy faith"  Jude 20

In Galatians 3, Paul asks the Galatians how it had happened that they had begun in faith, in the Spirit, but now had been bewitched to end up in the flesh. These believers had not been careful to continue in their faith. Their life had failed to logically relate to their original faith.

Historically, the Crusades and the Inquisitions were examples of the Church failing in the logic of Faith. In the personal Christian life, when the believer fails to derive his principles of practice from the originality of Gospel faith, his faith-life has run a shipwreck.



It's like the Christian in Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress who is detracted from the path of the Cross by the Worldly Wiseman.

In the case of the Galatians, it was the Judaizers who tried to introduce Jewish rituals and rites as mandatory into the Church.

If we have begun our Christian life in faith, we can only grow if we keep ourselves in that faith. If we have believed Christ for the salvation of our souls, isn't it much less if we stop believing Him for everything else? For, if I can believe that I am forgiven by the blood of Jesus and have been saved from sin and eternal punishment and that I have been accepted as a child of God, I should also be able to believe with the same logic of faith that He is able to provide for all my needs, He desires to answer all my prayers, He is ready to help me in time of need, He has provided all things necessary to live a godly and righteous life in the midst of this corrupt world, He is there with me no matter what situation I go through, He gives me divine health and delivers me from all sicknesses, He strengthens me with His might to serve Him with wisdom and power, and He will be glorified in every situation of my life. My faith-life is a like a structure of faith-acts built one upon each other.

Every time I approach His throne of Grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), He gives grace to help in my time of need. My faith-acts are only made possible because of His grace that is fresh every morning, and my life is built of layers of grace upon grace (John 1:16). We do not need to resort to the natural ways of the world. God has called us to a life of supernatural living. However, it is important that we also pay close heed to the Truth of God declared in His Word and do not become presumptuous in our faith. Because, faith that is not connected to His Word is like casting anchor in the wind. But in Christ Jesus all the promises of God are signed with a "yes" (2Corinthians 1:20). If we have called Christ as the Lord of our life, we must also live our lives as conforming to the nature of our Blessed Lord, who lives and reigns forever. And, He is Victor in all things, and nothing is impossible for God.

To grow in faith means to grow in the knowledge of Christ, who is the Person and the Subject of the Revelation of God in the Written Word; to grow in our relationship with Him. It is only they who build themselves up in the faith of Christ (untouched by the filth of worldly philosophy, faith, or wisdom) who can say with Paul:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal 2:20)

Let's make no decision after the flesh, but let's live by the faith of God. And, may the Lord be glorified in all our decisions.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come now to Your throne of Grace seeking mercy and forgiveness for my unbelief. I submit my heart's request before Your feet. Thank You for all that You have given me, are giving me, and are going to give. The storms may rage and the winds may declare this is impossible, but I trust in You, O God of gods; for by Your one command the storms will subside and the winds give way to Your purposes. May Your blessed and righteous will be accomplished over Your servant's life. May Your scepter bear rule over every avenue of my life. Lord, thank You for meeting all my needs according to Your riches in glory. In submission to Your will, I pray in Your Glorious Name, Amen!

Two Kinds of Faith

The Bible talks of two kinds of faith: the common and the personal.

1. Common Faith. It is the faith that is declared by God for all people generally. It is the general truth of God's revelation that can never be changed at any cost. It applies to everyone regardless of place or time. It is our common faith. (Titus 1:4, Jude 1:3). It comprises the basic doctrines and tenets of the Christian faith that are essential to the identity of being Christian. The core of this faith is belief in salvation through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

2. Personal Faith. It is the faith that is specific to a person and may not apply to someone else' temperament, mind-set, or context. For instance, in Romans 14, Paul talks about someone's faith that is not offended by eating meat, while someone else' faith that is offended by the same. In such contexts, Paul urges we do not become judgmental of someone else' "weakness" of faith, but avoid things that may offend a fellow-brother. This is the level at which personal faith functions. Eating particular meats or avoiding them, watching certain TV programs or not watching them (even News Channels), wearing ornaments or not wearing them, being interested in sports or not being interested, and several such issues fall in the domain of personal faith. They are not absolute issues, but relative to persons. However, when things leap over the personal and disagree with the general commandments of God, or when they flow out of a spirit of lovelessness and godless passion, they are certainly evil. And, of course, any permitted pleasure that is stretched to extremity (at the expense of the divine pleasure) is opposed to God. But, at the personal level, the Scripture enjoins:

Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23)

Divine Forgiveness

"Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!" (Jer 31:4).

Amazing is that GRACE that blots away the past irrevocably: the once HARLOT (Jer.3:8) is now a VIRGIN (Jer.31:4)!!... Behold CHRIST makes all things new!

I remember the story of Doreen Irwin, a woman who had been in the occult for very long and had been the queen of black witches. But, Jesus delivered her from all the evil spirits that had captured her soul. One day her heart was in distress thinking of all her sinfulness and the immoral life that she had lived. While deeply grieving her miserable state and pained by the memory of guilt, she suddenly heard a voice. It was the voice of Jesus speaking in her spirit. He reminded her of Mary Magdalene and how Christ had changed her life. Then He declared to her that she had been forgiven. All her sins were forgiven and her guilt removed because of the price Jesus paid on the cross. She had been delivered from the condemnation of guilt. Her conscience had been cleansed. She was a new creation. In God's sight, she was a virgin.

As I think of this, I also remember the story of Daku Ramba, a dacoit whom Sadhu Kisan Singh met in the Himalayas. This man was a fearsome criminal whose name resonated terror in the Himalayan valleys. He was responsible for the death of many people. But, when he met Kisan Singh and heard about the love of Jesus, his life was fully transformed. He became the meekest and the kindest man. Jesus Christ changed his life forever.

There is no sin so grievous that the blood of Jesus cannot cleanse. He came to save, forgive, and change our lives. He came to make all things new. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from ALL sins. We only need to accept Him and believe in His Name and accept His forgiveness to live for Him.

Do not judge what God has justified. Live a God-forgiven life with gratitude and reverence toward Him.

That no flesh should glory in His presence

"...that no flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Cor.1:29)

Every man desires to have a hero and become a hero. Everybody desires fame; if not, at least the glory of being superior than the others by adoring someone special. We live in an age of celebrity culture, who have gained the same status by the repeated presentation of them by the media in many places at many times. These visible lights attract many eyes. Some have looked to them for hope.

But, history has proven that man's aspirations from man have often ended in disaster. Humans are usually the same all throughout. It is we who idolize them. Some are idolized for just "15 minutes of fame". Then, there are those instruments of propaganda that cunning men have used to deceive the simple and attract them to themselves. Anti-racial, anti-communal, and anti-national feelings of hatred all breed from tales and testimonies that falsely depict other humans as lower than oneself. We live in an age of mass deception, and advertisers enjoy their pays.

The entertainers are the no.1 people that draw mass attention and sentiments, nowadays. They usually redefine values and people vacillate between ideas of popularity from time to time. In them the myths seem to have come into reality in the minds of many. Interestingly, some people in India have built temples in the name of certain movie stars and cricketers. Gods are still in creation.

But, everybody is a leader. They all leave traces of influence behind. But, of what kind?

Paul in this first epistle to the Corinthians reproves them for being idolizers. Some were calling themselves Paulites; others, Apollosites; still others, Cephasites (or belonging to Peter); and still some others, Jesusites (belonging to Jesus). It is not wrong to call oneself as belonging to Jesus. But, when someone does that from a clear intention of showing themselves superior than the others, this is carnal pride - to glory in the flesh. Sad, that Christian history is not free from this evil. Some have even attempted to show that people of other religions are less than humans. God doesn't allow any instance of pride in the religion of faith. The Scripture asks us to look at our roots.

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.

While learning from God's servants, we must understand that it is our own personal responsibility to accept the grace of God through faith and grow in Him. And, "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (v31).

2 Simple Ways to Overcome Temptation

The two simple ways are given by the Lord in Matthew 26:41 where He exhorts His disciples saying, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

WATCHING
To watch means to be discerningly attentive. Whenever you feel drawn to something that is alluring and tempting, you need to ask WHY it is alluring and tempting. It can never be alluring and tempting until it is able to distract you from the Lord. Temptation is a subtle process. So speak to yourself these truths and take immediate actions to banish the tempting thought.

1. This temptation is trying to make me forget the Reality that is centered in Christ. It is trying to suck me into a virtual reality framed by sin where sin is acceptable.
2. The world where sin looks beautiful, reasonable, and true is unreal; the Reality is Christ and His love for me.
3. This suffering (if temptation to deny faith) is temporary, no matter how hard it is. The world that the temptation to deny faith sucks me into is a web spun by sin. It is not Real. The reward of keeping faith is the experience of the Reality that God is author of and that remains forever.
4. I can't give in to this unreal world. It is alluring. It is vile. It violates the love of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me on the Cross.
5. Jesus is my God who became man for me. He is my High Priest, He is flesh and bones as I am. He lived like a man, died like a man, rose from the grave as the author of my salvation. He knows what I am going through. I submit myself to my Lord.

PRAYER
Submit to God and resist the devil; he will flee from you. The moment he is discerned to be the evil one, the tempter, and the deceiver, he can't stand anymore. The moment sin is discerned as sin, it loses it's power. Faith overcomes the world, because faith is the perspective of God, the way God looks at the world, at sin, and at salvation. Be strong in faith and you will be strengthened inside by the grace of God. God's grace is the steel inside of you. So, pray to God with all your heart.

Lord, I believe your truth and refuse to listen to the lie of sin. I turn my eyes from all distractive appearances of the world and I incline my heart to You. I turn my back on sin and turn towards you. Draw closer to me, O Father, and cover me with Your arms. You alone are my Reality. You alone are my Finality. You alone are the Strength of my life...