But Still Intending

‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ ~ Matthew 16:24

Philip Yancey, the well known author who explores and expounds some of the most unusual issues of the heart and soul, quotes C.S.Lewis’ classic work, The Screwtape Letters in his soul touching book, Reaching for the Invisible God. The devil Screwtape is said to advise his minions that the most dangerous time is when a human grows towards spiritual maturity even if he doesn’t understand God at times. The conversation goes likes this -  ‘…prayers offered in the state of dryness are those that please Him best…He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away his hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles….Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.’

The one thing that puts off the enemy of our soul is to follow God even when we don’t get an answer, when God seems so distant and probably vanished from the main scene of or lives. Our forefathers of faith have been through this. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshech, Abednego, Ruth, Esther, Anna and others had enough questions and perplexities that needed answers only God could give. But he never gave them. He only assured them that they were not forgotten nor forsaken by Him. And that he was in control Yet each one of them remained faithful to God. They obeyed regardless of how much or how little their finite minds could understand a great big wonderful God.

Faith blooms and blossoms when we keep our intention of taking up the cross and following Christ regardless of what has or hasn’t happened in our lives. And such faith pleases God. Never give up what you intend to do for God.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for leading me in the path of faith. May your will burn deep within me. Help me stay faithful and loyal to you, no matter what. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

And Moses Cried Unto The Lord

‘Then Moses cried out to the LORD… ‘ ~ Exodus 15:25

A recurring statement throughout the book of Exodus is – ‘And Moses cried unto the Lord and the Lord heard his plea…’ Each time Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not let the Israelites go out of Egypt, God sent various plagues. While the Israelites were protected, the Egyptians paid a heavy price. When things got so bad that they could take it no longer, Pharaoh called for Moses and told him to pray on his behalf for God’s deliverance, promising to let the Israelites go. So Moses cried out to God. God answered and stopped the plagues.

But Pharaoh did not keep his words. Ten such plagues ensued and each time Pharaoh responded the same way. And each time Moses had to intervene. And he did so, crying out to God on behalf of a man who is so stubborn as to refuse to listen to God. Infact its interesting to note that he did not just pray. He cried out to God for mercy and help. That’s a hard task. To pour yourself out and wallow in the turmoil and plead for God’s mercy is no easy thing, especially if its your enemy, someone who in unrelenting and the problem-maker.

Being a disciple of Christ really calls for letting your ego out and letting the Holy Spirit take control over every aspect and issue of your life. Sometimes you can be called to do the most difficult thing like what Moses had to do. No wonder Jesus said that we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow him. Even Pharaoh  and all of the Egyptian court must have been so surprised to see Moses in this manner. They had never known him in this way. But there he was obedient to the call. Further in exodus we read that Moses cried out on behalf of the erring Israelites who tested God ten times in the desert. He intervened again and pleaded for God’s mercy in place of his wrath.

Lets be ready when we are called to serve God in unexpected places and in unexpected ways.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, you gave your all to me. Help me give my all to you and serve you when and wherever needed. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

Accepting Your Lot

‘But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the food offerings presented to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.’ ~ Joshua 13:14

It must have been a very difficult proposition to accept. While the rest of the tribes got a share in the promised land, the tribe of Levi got none. They only got towns to live in, with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. Joshua 13:33 records – ‘But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them. Theirs was a unique calling and along with it came unique expectations and regulations that must be kept. I wonder how did they feel when this was revealed to them. Their calling was not for a particular season or time, but for their entire life, passing from one generation to another. But this was the lot God Almighty had chosen for them. And hence it was the best though the human mind finds it difficult to comprehend.

Lets look at ourselves. How do we fair in this test of  life – accepting or rejecting our lot. At times we may find it difficult to accept things that cannot be changed and try hard to do so. We become angry with God and blame him and mess up our lives even more. While it is a natural tendency to compare ourselves with others on different points, we must not allow this to dominate our thinking. For that which dominates our thinking will inevitably influence our behaviour, perception and priorities.

Ephesians 2:10 says -’For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ Having a healthy godly perception of ourselves will help us face realities of life, accept them and overcome them. We all are a part of a bigger picture that God is working at, and each of us have a part to play. Our uniqueness contributes to the beauty of it. And  no doubt, God’s promises are always there and his loves never fails.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me when I compare myself with others more and think less of all that you have blessed me with. Help me believe that whatever you have chosen and ordained for me is the best. Help me accept my lot wholeheartedly. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

A Hardened Heart

‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts ‘ ~ Hebrews 3:15
It was the first time that something like this ever happened. All the nations of the world heard of what God had done in Egypt. God was intervening in the situation of his people. He heard the cry of the Israelites and sent Moses as his representative to lead them out of oppression. But Pharaoh, considered as the supreme power by the Egyptians was unwilling to let them go. So God sent ten plagues that afflicted him and his people. Its interesting to note that for seven of them, it was he who hardened his heart, refusing to listen to the Almighty. So as a result God hardened his heart the other three times.

But how can God who is loving and gracious do so? Yes, God is loving and gracious. But he is also a judge of what is right and wrong. Moses says – ‘his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.’ (Deuteronomy 32:4). He will patiently wait  for us to repent of our wrong ways and turn to him. And his waiting is no small thing. God waited for hundreds of years before he sent the flood waters during Noah’s time. When Enoch was sixty-five years, he begot Methuselah. Methuselah means – ‘When he dies it shall happen’ And Methuselah lived nine hundred and sixty-nine years and when he died, the flood began. God waited for so long for men to repent.

God does so even today. He patiently watches over us, refraining to unleash his full wrath on us. No wonder Lamentations records – ‘Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail’ (3:22). When God speaks to you in his still small voice and the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit, let him have his way.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me when I ignore your voice. I submit myself to your leading in my life. Help me walk in unison with your word and your Spirit. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

SAME SHOW – SAME TIME – SAME DAY

A Productive Land

‘Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.’ Hebrews 6:7-8

If you are a farmer, you would exactly know what sort of land is best for growing crops. Some types of land are very fertile and productive. Others are hard, dry and rocky. It doesn’t absorb the rain nor does it make the soil fertile. Thus, it cannot produce.

Look into your heart and review what kind of land your heart is made of? Is it fertile or hard and rocky? Does your heart receive God’s Word as seeds and drink the unction of Holy Spirit as the rain? If not, you might be like hard and unproductive land, the end  of which will not be pleasant.  

Prayer:
‘Dear God, I give you my heart today. Please make it like a fertile soil, ready to receive your Word and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. May I take every word to my heart and obey it with the strength I get from the Holy Sprit and bear qualities and character that please you. In Jesus’ name, I pray: Amen’.

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

A Beautiful Transaction

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ ~ John 3:16

A beautiful transaction ensued the heavenly portals. God the Father gave to Jesus Christ the Son, the work, the mission he has to complete – seek and save the lost; reconcile the world back to the Father. And Jesus completed it. John 17:4 – “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do’ He also gave those whom he has chosen, whom he foreknew and predestined to be adopted as his children, and Christ bore their sins and took their place on the cross of Calvary. John 17:6 – “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me…” The Lord Almighty gave Jesus His very own Name, the Name by which Jesus protected those under his care. John 17:12 – “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me” Authority was given to do the work sent for. Matthew 28:18,19 – ‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Glory was given for who he was. John 17:22 – “I have given them the glory that you gave me” God the Father also gave ‘words’ to Jesus. And Jesus spoke only what was given, words of salvation, forgiveness, healing, redemption, deliverance, hope, love, joy and peace. John 17:8 – “For I gave them the words you gave me…” And Jesus prayed for those whom he had received. John 17:9 – “I pray for …those you have given me, for they are yours”

This beautiful transaction ensues our lives too. The Bible says, our life is hidden in Christ Jesus, that we are co-heirs with Christ. Now being co-heirs is not only for sharing in the glory that will be revealed when Christ comes again, but also doing what Christ did. Completing the mission – seeking and rescuing the lost from the fire. It means interceding for those whom God has given us or placed in our lives in prayer, covering them in the Name. It means speaking words given by God into their lives, not our words, though we might be tempted to do so. It means holding ourselves responsible for them while keeping a watch over our own life and doctrine, remembering that we have to give an account to God.
May we seek the favour and grace of our God to let this happen.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for opening my eyes to this beautiful truth. Thank you for all the spiritual blessing given through Jesus Christ my Saviour. Create in me a heart for the lost and help me persevere to fulfill your mission. Amen.”

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

The Lord lifts up

“The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14 AMP

There are times in our life when we feel we’ve hit rock bottom. It seems like we have lost all hope and there is no one to help us or defend us. It may be a lonely time, a time when we are misunderstood or grieving over a personal loss.

The Lord looks upon His children and when He sees them in need, He intervenes. He sends help and lifts them up. He gives them hope and strength to carry on. He upholds their dignity and makes a way for them to overcome their problem and rise above their situation.

Loving the Lord wholehearted brings with it the assurance that Lord will never leave our side. He promises to be with us and bring us through those difficult times. He knows us better than any human person can ever know us simply because He created us.

Hold on to the Lord with all your heart. Lean on Him and He will help you overcome the situation you find yourself in.

Just remember nothing is impossible for the Lord!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I need You. Lift me and help me overcome the difficult problems I am facing today. I surrender my life and my situation to You, Amen.

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

Supplication

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1Timothy 2:1-2

Life isn’t that easy, and when we have our authority not following the right way it becomes all the more difficult. Yes, this is the reason; Paul in his letter to Timothy gave instructions on Christian living and worship. He is asking Timothy to pray for the authorities in order to live in peace.

We all enjoy and love a peaceful life. We think it is not our responsibility to pray for those in authority, but we fail to realize that ultimately it is we who have to face the consequences. Prayer has great power and we need to pray for God’s wisdom to be granted to our leaders.

In Ezekiel 22:30. God says, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none”. Yes, God’s eyes are looking down on men to see if there were any who would want to stand in the gap and pray for their country, their leaders.

Let us decide today that we would take out time to pray for our country, our respected leaders and our immediate authorities at school, work and home.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to take out time and pray for my leaders and be willing to stand in the gap for the welfare of my country.

Sub header: Life isn’t that easy, and when we have our authority not following the right way it becomes all the more difficult. Yes, this is the reason;…

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.

I will take care of you

Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 1:18-19

This was God’s promise to Jeremiah, when he was afraid to face the mighty people of God who had forsaken the Lord and ran after their own desires. God encouraged Jeremiah as he thought very low of himself.

There are times when we think very low of ourselves. We need to keep in mind that unmindful of what we are God can use us for His glory. God used Jeremiah to be a great prophet who has a book in the Bible after his own name. Don’t you think God can make use of you too?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I don’t want to look at myself as the world looks at, but I just to place myself into Your hands. I want to thank You for all the talents You have given me, use them all for Your glory. Make me a person who would be a blessing to many. In Jesus’ name, I ask: Amen.

Be a blessing to others and eternally transform lives by supporting CBN INDIA’s Ministry. Partner with us to reach millions of Indians to share the love of Christ and a message of hope to the needy ones by making an on-line donation today.