My Brethren
02 Dec 2008 Leave a Comment
JOINED TOGETHER: Judaism is linked to Christianity by the Star of David
This symbol, discovered in Jerusalem, shows how the beliefs of the first Christians were distinctly Jewish.
Lifestyle Changeover
30 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: 2011, Christain Life, lifestyle chage, new wine
Jesus said: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.” Lk 5.36
The above is a simple yet practical parable. When repairing an old garment, no one takes a new patch and sews it over the old garment. However, this is how most Christians handle their problems. We tell God, “I have a tear here, give me a little piece of your supernatural help, I will put it on. Do not ask me change my lifestyle, do not ask me put on a new garment!”
Is this not what we often do? We listen to garbage, watch unedifying shows on TV, and spend hours gossiping. Later we go to a healing crusade or marriage counseling, or a deliverance clinic and expect a miracle to take place within the span of the few hours we spent there. To make matters worse we go out and live the same way again. Aren’t we often asking God for a little piece of His supernatural power and blessing on our old garments? This coming New year lets commit to God to throw away our old garments and put on His new garment. Then let us ask for His supernatural to flow in us.
Happy and blessed New Year.
What do the Scriptures and our soul have in common?
28 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: God breat, God breathed, prayer, Scripture, soul, soul & body
After forming man out of the dust, God breathed into his nostrils and man became a living soul.
Thus we can understand that our souls are God breathed. That is why the Scriptures, which are also God breathed, sustains our souls!
That is also why prayer, our breath returned to God, sustains our souls.
Royal Bounty
16 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Chrismas season, riches untold
Mary and Joseph were ordinary working class people from a very small insignificant town called Nazareth. Soon after Jesus was born into the family truck loads of riches were brought into their home.
Unlike the nativity scenes we are familiar with; the gold, myrrh and frankincense were not presented in small boxes and bottles. The magi were rich people from the east and they were traveling long distances by caravan to visit a new born king. By middle-eastern custom they would not dare to show their face to a king with a few paltry gifts. The value of the gifts they came carrying was worth lakhs of dollars by today’s standard. The money from their sale probably took care of the family abundantly while in exile in Egypt and even later.
As we usher in the Chrismas season this year, let us welcome Jesus. Let us give Him a reception worthy of a king. Let us lay before Him that which He would consider valuble and precious – our souls. After all Jesus is the Lover of our Souls. Nothing else would satisfy Him more. Let us surrender and lay bare before Him our souls, even our scarred and wounded souls. and Jesus promises to bind our wounds and heal our souls.
Queen Sheba visited King Solomon bearing gifts. King Solomon sent her back with greater treasure than she brought Him. Jesus the King of Kings will never send us out empty handed this coming year. He will give us all we desire and ask for out of his royal bounty.
Random destiny or Definite purpose?
16 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: abundant prosperity, christ, Christ Jesus, Christmas season, Fulfilment of God's purpose, Jesus, prosperity, Psalm 138 . 8, Trials and temptations, truck loads of riches
Psalm 138 . 8 “the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me…….”
The Lord will fulfill, bring to completion, make perfect His will and purpose for my (your) life, right here in this life time. This is His promise to his faithful children. (If you have received Jesus as your Lord and saviour then he has given you the right to be His children.)
You may be walking in the midst of many trouble right now, But He promises to never let you fall under it and be destroyed. (Ps 138.7, Psalm 37:23-24) In fact you will raise above all adversities and walk in victory.
• Many believe trials and temptations to increase in their lives after they receive Jesus. This is so unbiblical. Trials and temptations are common to all. But for the children of God there is a way out and they always come out on the top 1 Corinthian 10.13.
• Many others expect to live an improvised life after they receive Jesus. This is also unbiblical. Take the case of Mary and Joseph. They were ordinary working class people from a very small, insignificant town called Nazareth. Soon after Jesus was born into the family, truck loads of riches were brought into their home.
• Soon after Jesus entered Peter’s boat there was prosperity as never before.
It is the will of God that we enjoy prosperity in every area of our lives. Physical, mamental, emotional, financial, social, relational areas of our lives begin to prosper as soon as Jesus is born into our lives. So this Christmas season let us unlearn our preconceived ideas of life with Christ and walk in freedom and light as He has called us to.
May the abundant life of Jesus fill you inside out these coming months and fulfill all His purposes in your lives.
Three problems, One solution
15 Dec 2010 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: blood of Jesus, defeat satan, doctrine of righteousness, forgiveness of sin, guilt, guilty conscience, precious blood of Jesus, righteous, righteousness, seperated from God
Introduction
Today let us meditate on 1 John 1. 9
This is a familiar, oft quoted verse, but few grasp the full impact of the entire verse. Though we quote the entire verse, too often we are contended with the first part of the verse – the assurance that if we confess our sins God will forgive our sins. But soon enough we find ourselves confessing the same sin over and over again. We feel a separation from God and the people of God. We feel unclean. Why is this? Is there some mistake in the word of God? Why else would I feel this way?
In the post Lies & Truth I deal with how when we know the Truth we are set free. This feeling of separation, guilt and filth is also the result of not knowing the Truth.
As fallen mankind we often sense a separation from God, a guilty conscience, and accusation from satan. How do we overcome these?
A. Separation from God
SIN separates us from God. After Adam sinned God had to go in search of Adam Genesis 3.9. Our sins have separated us from God Isaiah 59:2.
Separation Solution
Hebrews 9.22 gives us the solution. “………everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”.
In the book of Exodus we see God saying to the Israelites, “when I see the blood, I will pass over (protect, hover over) you”. The only condition for God to become their protector was the shed blood, not their prayer, their righteousness, any penance they did or their race.
The Passover lamb was a picture of Christ Jesus – the real Passover Lamb (John 1.29). So now whenever we sin, we must confess our sins to God and believe that the blood of Jesus takes away our sins. (1 John 1.9) Even though you cannot see the blood, you can believe its effectiveness. The Israelites were within their homes while the blood was without, they could not see the blood yet the blood protected them from destruction.
So whenever you sin, confess your sin to God and believe that the blood of the Jesus has taken away that sin. Do not worry about your feelings or lack of feeling. The Blood of Christ is for God’s satisfaction, not yours. God esteems the blood of Jesus enough to forget your sins. It should be enough for you too.
B. Guilty conscience
Having confessed your sin, God is no longer offended at you and you have paid the price of sin through Jesus death. But your conscience is guilt filled. What do we do?
Solution for Guilty conscience
Hebrews 9.14 reminds us that the blood of Christ is powerful to cleanse our conscience of all guilty stains. This is why 1 John 1.9 says, “if we confess our sins ………[he will] cleanse us of all unrighteousness”. Psalm 103.12 reminds us that God removes our sins infinitely far away from us. When God forgives, he also forgets. He will never remind you of it again. Let us not resurrect them.
Through the blood of Jesus the problem of guilt is also solved.
C. Accusation of satan
You have confessed your sins before God, you have received forgiveness and you know your conscience has been washed clean of guilt. However, sometimes you continue to have this nagging feeling inside of you, as though everything is not yet settled. You search your conscience and you know there are no unconfessed sins and yet you cannot shake off this feeling. You feel as though you cannot approach the throne of grace nor fellowship with fellow believers. So is there a residue of sin blotting your image from God. Absolutely Not! This is the clear work of satan the accuser of the brethren ( Revelation 12.10, Job 1. 9-11, Zechariah 3.1) He resists your relationship with God by accusing you constantly.
Recognize God’s promptings and satan’s accusations
• When satan accuses you, you detect a heavy drain in your spirit. You assume you should not approach God in your current state. What a laugh. When God exposes your sin, you feel exposed and wounded, nevertheless you feel drawn towards God rather than pushed away.
• When God speaks, He speaks about / deals with specific problems. He never generalizes. With satan the accusations, uneasiness are often a general feeling. However this need not be the case every time.
• God’s demands are met as soon as you confess and plead the blood of Jesus. He does not demand you to confess and repent again and again abut the same sin situation. But the evil one would like nothing better than to drag you around, confessing and repenting over and over bringing you to a state of discouragement and dissolution.
Solution to satan’s accusation
Having confessed and repented of you sin, stand on the word of God. Speak out 1 John 1.9 to every accusing thought and feeling for Revelation 12.11 assures us that we overcome satan with the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and the word of our testimony. The word of our testimony is our declaration that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed us of our sins and that this blood has defeated satan. Thus we overcome this demonic accusation.
Conclusion
So having been forgiven through the blood of Jesus, let us draw near to God moment by moment, day by day with confidence.
Lies & Truth
14 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Christmas season, John 8. 31-32, search for truth, Truth
People all over the globe are in search of truth. They sense that when they know the truth they will be happier, healthier and even wealthier. For this reason truth has become big time business. Various shades of truth are spouted all around us. The media’s truth, the politician’s truth, various religious truths etc., are vying for our attention daily. But what is Truth? What is the Truth?
According to the Bible, Truth is absolute. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8. 31-32
This Christmas season let us take look at Truth that can set us free. Acknowledging the Truth of Jesus, the saviour’s, death by cross and bodily resurrection some 2000 years ago can set us free from all our shackles. Jesus is alive today! He continues to live eternally. God’s favor is upon us because of Jesus. We have a personal physician in Jesus. All our needs will be met by Him. And Jesus is the best advocate we have in the court of Heaven. So we have nothing to fear either in this world or in the world to come. Isn’t that great? So shake of everything that is pulling you down. Rise up and walk with your head high. Jesus is Alive!!!
Blessings amidst Trials and Temptations
13 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: blessings, conversations, Ps 50.23, salvation, saving grace, temptations, thoughts, trials
There are two types of conversations:
- Conversations we have with ourselves – our thoughts
Many of us have a running commentary going on in our head!!
2. Conversations we have with others – our spoken words
Ps 50.23 commands us to order our conversations aright.
- Speak / think no evil of any man
- Let every spoken word administer grace
When both our thoughts and our words are pleasing to God, then the Word of God promises we shall experience God’s saving grace even in the midst of trials and temptations.
When you sin, does Romans 8.28 still apply?
27 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: blessings, Children of God, Obedience, Romans 8.28, sin
Does god bless everyone, both believers, and non-believers alike?
God is a God who blesses. He blesses both believers, and non-believers, but obedience is the condition – obedience to His commands. When a non-believer – even without any knowledge of God’s commands – is obedient, he benefits from the promised blessing. For example, the commandment to honor your parents Eph 6: 1-3 Many non-believers reap the blessing for honoring their parents.
It is true however that the children of God can expet preferential treatment. Let me illustrate.
Romans 8.28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
The Word of God promises all things (even negative circumstances) for the good / will turn into an advantage for those who love God and are called by Him (His Children).
Children of God often experience adverse circumstances. (Being a believer is no guarantee that there will be no trouble – John 17.15, Psalm 34:19) But despite the adversities, a child of God experiences not only heavenly peace (Shalom) but the adverse situation / person / circumstance works to his / her advantage.
I have a few past ‘negative’ experiences I have yet to figure out the advantage thereof, but the great many that have since turned to my advantage prove the authenticity of God promise in Romans 8.28.
Even when I have to suffer because of a sin I committed, even then God’s arm reaches out and changes the circumstances into my advantage. This is a privilege only children of God can claim. That’s why beloved it says ALL things (even the things that happen due to your sin) happen for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to his purpose. (Like Apostle Paul let me also caution you from sinning because of this concession – Rom 6: 1-2 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means!)
Keys to Victory – Faith and Obedience
21 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Children of God, conquer your enemies, faith, Obedience, Suffering, trials
Both young and old alike have one common complaint – Life is full of trials and suffering. Life situations happen alike to the righteous and unrighteous. “Not fair, we are the children of God, the Chosen Ones.”, they cry out. “Why must we face life trials like the wicked?”, they ask. I do not claim to have much great wisdom to answer these profound queries. But there is one very interesting and deeply satisfying answer I found in the book of Judges. Allow me to share it with you, my friend.
The Living Bible puts it this way: “For God wanted to give opportunity to the youth of Israel to exercise faith and obedience in conquering their enemies.” – Judges 3 :4
The unconquered nations that surrounded them were to be a test for the new generation of Israelites to learn the basics of warfare. I know you are not too keen on ancient history. What has this to do with me, right? So lets dig for relevant hidden truths.
Our enemies are sickness, marital discord, disobedient children, rejection, unforgiving friends and relatives, poverty, confusions, etc. The list is endless. Jesus expects us to conquer these enemies of ours and place them under our feet. To do so, we have to exercise faith and obedience. I am sure you have now got the point. So let us stop wringing our hands in despair. Do not decide to throw in the towel. Instead, determine to start exercising your faith and be obedient to God’s commands. The God of Israel will surely help you conquer your enemies and lead you into victory. Let us turn every negative life situation into a positive one through faith and obedience to our Lord Jesus.
Related links: http://travancoreann.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/more-than-crumbs/
http://eterniaf6.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/watch-out-its-a-trap/
Look Up, Who’s that?
25 May 2010 Leave a Comment
In Acts 1:10-11 we read thus: They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
This above passage assures us that the same Jesus shall return in like manner. His return will be visible and personal.
Three characteristics of Rapture : 1 Thess 4:15-17 says about rapture thus:
According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and THE DEAD IN CHRISTwill rise first. After that, we who are still ALIVE AND ARE LEFT (only saints) will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord IN THE AIR. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1) The Two-Fold Rapture
a) The Resurrection of the DEAD IN CHRIST
b) The Translation of the LIVING SAINTS
Jesus revealed this two-fold characteristic of rapture when He addressed Martha prior to raising her brother Lazarus. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will LIVE, even though he dies; and whoever LIVES (is alive when I come back) and believes in me will NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?” Apostle Paul expands on this in 1 Cor 15:51-57
2) Surprise Rapture Matt 24:42-44 and Rev 16.15 tells us that a thief never announces his arrival. He comes for a purpose and he never takes everything from the house. He takes only precious things, like the jewels, the silver and the gold. He does not come to stay. As soon as he gets what he came for, he departs. Likewise, Jesus at the Rapture will come and take away with him the saints alone. The thief leaves behind a lot more than he takes. He leaves the house, the furniture, and other household stuff. In the same manner, Jesus too will leave the wicked and a great multitude of pagans behind.
3) Rapture separates Rapture separates not only saints from non-believers, but it will separate wives from husbands, brothers from sisters, and friends from friends.
Lk 17:34-36 I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” Two in bed indicates night; two grinding at the mill, morning or evening; two in the field midday. This shows that the rapture will take place all over the earth at the same time or as the apostles referred it, ‘in a moment’, or in the ‘twinkling of the eye’. Jesus puts it this way: Mt 24:27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
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