‘I will arise,’ says the Lord

“Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.””  Psalm 12:5

Oppressors need to beware! God may not act against them instantly. In His love and mercy He gives people a long rope… hoping that they would turn and repent from their wrongdoings. However, if they do not, He acts on the cries and groaning of the needy.

Pharaoh and his men learnt about this the hard way. The Israelites had to suffer a lot under his oppression. They lost one generation of children due to his cruel dictates. Though the people cried out to Him, God waited to bring them out of Egypt with a mighty hand that would show His power to the ungodly kingdoms.

A lot of people underestimate God because He is slow to anger and merciful. They don’t fear Him because they know of His unconditional love. They abuse His love and keep going against His commandments and expectations thinking that nothing will happen to them. They couldn’t be farther from the truth!

God gives chances to people but once their time runs out and they have not repented of their evil ways, He swings into action and turns the table around. Just like Pharaoh found much to his dismay as the waters of the Red Sea closed in on him and his men, similarly evil doers will have nowhere to run.

God protects the name and person of the righteous who glorify His name. He promises that He will protect them from those who malign them. He says, ‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me.’ Isaiah 54:17

No matter who comes against you, just keeping doing what is right, good and pleasing in God’s sight. When you are on His side He will take care of everyone or everything for you.

Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank You for Your assurance that You will take care of all those who come against me. Help me to walk the right path no matter what the cost, Amen.”

Is my lifestyle controlling me?

What is a lifestyle? In the dictionary it says that it is a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person. Our lives are what we make of it. Let’s have a look at what some lives are because of their lifestyles.

‘Early in the morning I go for my jog. At exactly 6.30 am, I drink a glass of orange juice. I take a shower, then quick bite for breakfast and off to work by the 8.08 local. At 9 am I am in office!’ ‘Evening… oh that’s impossible! I have meetings with my club members, we have our programmes planned the week before, I don’t think I can meet you till next month.’ Have you heard of someone saying that? There are others who seem quite eccentric because of their fixation with something, Ever heard of someone who insists on washing the dishes at least 5 times after the maid has done her bit of washing or someone who has to count the money ‘n’ number of times… just to be sure!  We have all heard of the busy father or mother who has no time for his/her children, the friend who got lost into oblivion because he didn’t have time to reply to one letter or email or just take the phone and give a call.

Our lifestyles have some very serious repercussions on our lives, such as heart diseases, diabetes, heart burn, weight gain or loss and other stress related problems. The pay a heavy price to be held captive by our lifestyle! We all know that a relationship without communication is doomed to die. There are also many of us who have regrets for mistakes on this part. Time waits for no one and neither will there ever be the perfect set of circumstances that will help us do what we thought in our minds to do and couldn’t due to lack of time.

Is your lifestyle controlling you? It is time to take a deep look into the lifestyle we live. Do you have time in your daily schedule to spend with God your Creator? Is spending time with Him relegated to the spot of a once in a week affair? Do you find the time to look within yourself and seek the meaning of your existence, your purpose to live and the difference you can make with your life? Is worry controlling your communications with others?

Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even (King) Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:25 – 30

Life is for living… it is not a formula that needs to be painstakingly memorized and then written in an exam. Name, fame, money, wealth, fortune, status, family and friends… these are things that are changeable but we serve a God who is unchanging. ‘God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?’ Numbers 23:19. Jesus says don’t run after worldly things just as others do but ‘seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6: 31 – 34.

Our lives are important, our lifestyle is revealed by the way we place importance in things which take up our time and energy. Let’s think about our lifestyle and place the right value on our relationship with the God, with our family, friends and everyone else.

You can ask Jesus to help you by saying this prayer, ‘Lord Jesus, I didn’t realize that I had become so busy that my lifestyle had overtaken every area of my life and even my relationship with you. Help me to set my priorities right and have you at the centre of my life. I need you, precious Lord, help me to draw closer to you and love you more than anything else. 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 Trustworthy God

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  Psalm 121:3-4 

The time we live in is full of unexpected happenings, many of them tragic. Every day we read the newspapers or hear the news and hear about accidents, violence, hunger and disease, disasters and deaths. Each day we wake up praying for our loved ones hoping that they would be safe. When anyone leaves the city our hearts are full of fear, would they be safe? As children grow up their parents are worried about their welfare. Security is something we can only dream of and trust is scarce. At such a time the Lord tells us not to worry. He says we can trust Him, He will see to it that our feet don’t slip. The God who doesn’t sleep or rest, promises that He will take care of you at all times.  

Lord, I fear so much when my loved ones leave…even if it is just to go about their work for the day. I worry about little details and forget to trust You even for them. You have given me the assurance that You will keep me safe from all harm. I thank You for such great love that You have for all of us. Help me to let go of my fears and put my complete trust in You. Lead me so I can come closer 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.

A Promise of Preservation

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50

In the times when nothing comforts or consoles, you feel broken within. The whole world seems to be on one side and you on the other… standing alone and forlorn. At such times the Lord comes softly and touches your heart with His loving balm… His Word consoles and comforts. He nudges you to look beyond, He says, ‘Don’t despair… this suffering will pass. You will make it to the other side. Hold on… See, here is My promise…’ As you look through the tears and read His promise… it cheers the heart. It is like the beautiful rainbow after the storm and rain washed everything away.

What a joy it is to know His love for us! When all is still within, His voice caresses us and fills dreams and visions in our minds. He is the Master Creator… He creates hope and rebuilds our broken dreams anew. He knows just what to do to set us back on the course to victory. What a loving, nurturing and caring God we have!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I tend to think that all is over when things go wrong. I fret so much, I complain and give up so soon sometimes. Thank you Lord for Your love for me, thank you that You don’t give up on me. I have nothing to hold on to – just You. It is so wonderful to know that You are all I need. I hold on to you and I know I will go on, I will arise and conquer all my fears… because Your Word, Your promise is with me and Your promise never fails. Jesus, thank you for being there for me, 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.

Sent Out

‘These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions… ‘ ~ Matthew 10:5

Jesus saw how harassed and helpless the crowd was and moved with compassion he said to the disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but he workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  And then he called them and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness. Before sending them he gave further instructions – “Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.” They had to depend entirely on the hospitality of the people in whose house they were to stay.

Imagine Matthew the tax collector, who for a major part of his life was surrounded with money, having money bags jingling away, promising of better tomorrows, was now called upon to take up a new mode of living – not even a copper coin was to be taken for the journey. Simon and Andrew along with James and John who gave up being at the helm of their fishing business had to learn humility when they had to stay in homes of those who probably bought fish from them.

This was tough teaching for the disciples. It was more than just having to do without something. Jesus brought them to the point where they had to renew their perception of security, rethink and set right priorities and adopt a new worldview. The same is required from us. May we follow Christ all the way.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, I submit to your teaching. Renew my mind. Let your word govern my life and all that I do. I really want to live for 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.

Seeking Spiritual Gain

‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.‘ ~ Luke 19:26

In the parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19, we are given a beautiful depiction of what happens when we are negligent and careless about spiritual gifts bestowed. The need to exhibit good stewardship comes alive in the responses of the three servants, each of whom were given ten minas to put to work. The first earned ten more. The second earned five more. But the third gave silly excuses for not putting it to work. “Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ he said. Such behaviour called for harsh punishment. He lost whatever he had. It was taken away and given to the first servant.

The Bible drwas our attention to the central theme of the parable -”I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” (verse 26).  The Zondervan NIV Study Bible explains it as ‘those who seek spiritual gain for themselves and others will become richer, but those who neglect or squander what is given them will become impoverished, losing even what they have.’

One of the key aspects of seeking spiritual gain is listening carefully, a constant theme reiterated in the pages of scripture. No other book emphasizes the importance and value of this ideal as the Bible does. Jesus too frequently exhorted the crowd and disciples to listen carefully – “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The way we listen influences our understanding and practice of scripture. As the Study Bible says – Truth that is not understood and appropriated is lost. 1 Timothy 4:16 says – “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Paying close attention to spiritual truths is beneficial not only to us but also to those whom we influence, those who listen to what we say and observe what we do.

Let’s take time to reflect and see how have we been listening and make the change to seek spiritual gain by listening carefully to the voice of God.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for being  a God who communicates with me. Forgive me for not listening carefully to you. Open my ears Lord, help me to listen and seek truth and live it out in my life so that others too are blessed. 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 the Conviction

 

“…. today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” ~ Hebrews 4:7

The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 is a beautiful record of true repentance. Zacchaeus did not argue, justify or reason with Jesus about what he was doing. He did not get into a lengthy discussion nor skirt the issue of repentance. He accepted the conviction of his sin and decided to change his character. He submitted his will to the will of God, which resulted in a change in his conduct – he promised to give away half of his possessions to the poor who could not give him anything in return. And he was willing to restore fourfold to those whom he had accused falsely. What a tremendous change! That is true repentance. A change… a transformation from deep within the heart and will.

When God convicts us of some sin, we must accept it. Certainly as the Bible says no discipline is enjoyable at that time, but later on it yields a harvest of righteousness for those trained by it. God does not control us like puppets. He has given us the gift of free will; so that we can choose what to do and not to do. In that sense we are the masters of our own will. It is entirely at our disposal. In repentance the first thing is to accept the conviction that God brings about within us concerning a sin or wrong doing. God in his love reaches out to help us take the right track. But we must obey Him and do what He says.

Friend, what is important is how our sin or wrong doing is seen by God’s eyes and not by man’s eyes or in the world’s eyes. Human nature and the world around us is constantly changing. Only God is constant. And so is His word too. What has been deemed by God to be sin is sin for always. There are no two sides to this. Let’s hearken when God speaks to us through that still small voice.

 

Prayer

“Dear Jesus, You are truly the Good Shepherd who leads me in paths of righteousness. Help me hearken and obey when you speak. May my heart be open to Your working always. 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.

 

 

Relying On God

‘The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.’ ~ Psalm 18:2

The patriarch Abraham is surely a role-model worth imitating. We can learn so much from him to deepen and strengthen our faith. At a time when the ends of the earth were yet to be known and nomadic warrior tribes fought bitterly to conquer the world, establishing new empires, Abraham set out into the unknown with his flocks and herds, a handful of servants and the promise of God etched deep within his heart. This was probably something unheard of at that time. For one could run into the danger of being completely wiped out by invading armies. But he took the risk, cutting way from the secure familiar setting of his home.

Did Abraham ever tussle with questions that bombarded his mind? ‘How am I gonna make it through the vast expanse of the wilderness? Will we survive this? What will the future be like? Where will we settle down? What kind of a place will it be? Will we have peace and quite there? How do I manage my resources? If I meet an emergency situation what do I do? I have left my home far away and I can’t go back…….will my resources last a long time?

Its interesting to note key actions of Abraham found in Genesis chapters fourteen and fifteen. When Melchizedek brought out bread and wine and blessed Abraham, he gave him a tenth of everything. He did not worry about depleting his resources. After defeating the kings who captured Sodom and Gomorrah including his nephew Lot, and was asked by king of Sodom to give the people and keep the goods, Abraham responded, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth,  that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’—   except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion”

Who taught Abraham to respond this way? From where did he learn these principles of life? We can only be awed by the remarkable faith he had to commune with the Living God in such a way – make a oath to never rely on human strength or wisdom inorder to secure his position or aquire wealth, status or reputation. Rather he completely relied on God, believing that he who called is faithful and will do it. Amazing! Lets aspire to walk in his footsteps of faith.

Prayer – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for opening my eyes to the truth that living my life is not about acquiring wealth, status, reputation or security but relying on your promises. Lord, deepen my faith in you and help me live life your way. 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.

Words that make or break

‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen’ ~ Ephesians 4:29

It is said that man speaks about twenty thousand words in a day, while a woman speaks about thirty thousand words in a day. And that with the number of words we speak in a year, sixty-six books can be written; each book containing eight hundred pages. Whew…..that’s really a whole lot of words!

From the time we wake up until we sleep, we are communicating in some way or the other. Exchange of words is an everyday feature of our lives. Not a day goes by without a word being spoken. In the constant exchange of words, sometimes a foul word, a swearing word, a hurting word, a discouraging word, a humiliating word, a hasty word, an exaggeration, a lie or just a careless word can just slip out of the mouth. Such words cause more damage than good. The Bible says in Matthew 12:36 that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Today’s verse for meditation exhorts us to speak words that encourage, comfort, lift up, strengthen, enliven, stir up hope, bring joy or just a smile across a face. Speech is a gift given by God. Not all people enjoy this unique ability to express or communicate through speech. This gift must be treated with care and wisdom. For words are powerful. They can either break or make a person.

Prayer

‘Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of speech You have given me. Forgive me for abusing it. From now onwards, may what I speak be pleasing to You and those who hear. In Jesus Name, 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.

An Inheritance

“You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God, who has set you apart from the nations.” Leviticus 20:24

A people troubled and vexed by various trials were given hope by the promise God gave them. He didn’t just paint a good picture, He gave them a sure word. His word was a beacon of light to the lost and wandering people of Israel. Though they had to trudge through wilderness, they finally did see the Promised Land that God had promised them.

When life is laden with sorrows and heartbreaks we have with us the Word of God, the promises and the hope that God alone can give us. We may have to trudge with pain some more than we would like to but God doesn’t let that pain overcome us. He knows just how much we can take. He knows how that suffering will strengthen us and cause us to become a blessing to others in need.

God’s blessing cannot be compared to anything in the world. It is one of a kind and separate and superior compared to everything the world can offer. The land He promised us is a place of joy and peace and happiness. In the shelter of God’s love is a life of abundance and goodness.

When we decide to stand up with and for God, we may have to pay a price. Whatever be the price it is nothing compared to the inheritance we have in God. The wealth of the world is nothing compared to the wealth of God’s riches in glory. What would you choose – an inheritance of property that will pass away or an inheritance that will last through eternity?

Prayer:

“Dear Jesus, I thank You for setting me apart from the world and giving me an inheritance that is forever, 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.