My attention was drawn to a verse this morning, which gave me joy as well as pain: "At that day shall a man look to his maker, and his eye shall have respect to the holy one of Israel. They shall not look to the altars, the work of their hands..." [Isa.16:7,8]
Considering the things that are going around these days, without any respect to their creator, I was happy that such a day was coming. But another thought made me sad and anxious, for the rest of the chapter pronounced doom and gloom for those who reject Him. Though this was an oracle against Damascus, it applies to us too. All around me I see people pinning their faith and trust on temporal things only. The commentary said: "No matter how successful the people of Damascus were, God's judgment was sure. Often we depend on trappings of success like expensive cars, past times, clothes, beautiful houses, to give us fulfillment. But God says, we will reap grief and pain, if we have depended on temporal things to give us eternal security. If we don't want the same treatment that Damascus received , we must turn from these allurements and trust God."
I examined myself to see my position and I found things I should adjust in my life. I prayed for my loved ones that God should open their eyes before it is too late. I am fully assured that my God will answer my prayers.
I wondered about the great number, who are taking the "broad way". I came to the conclusion that our God does not try to attract the greatest number of people. Instead He seeks the greatest good of all people. He does not force any one. We who are following the Lord are to pray for them to take the right path.
Showing posts with label Choice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Choice. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
God's Tool Box
I saw people being used of God. People coming to the Lord. I wished to be like them, an instrument, in God's hand. But I didn't feel fit enough till I read 1st Corinthians 1:27-29 which gave me the needed answer.
"God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of the world, the despised things- and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
I realized to my relief that no amount of human knowledge can replace the work on the cross. If Christ could be accessible only to the highly educated and intellectually gifted then the ordinary people like me will be left out. He wants every one to be saved and be used to promote his kingdom.
Humility and Faith are the most essential qualities needed to be used of God. Faith in the words and works of Jesus; Humility to accept Him and be submitted to Him. It calls for total surrender into the loving hands of the one who knows me and my weaknesses.
I remembered a proverb my mother used to say: "In the hands of the mighty, even a blade of grass would be a useful instrument"
I whispered a prayer: "I surrender myself to you Lord"
"God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of the world, the despised things- and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
I realized to my relief that no amount of human knowledge can replace the work on the cross. If Christ could be accessible only to the highly educated and intellectually gifted then the ordinary people like me will be left out. He wants every one to be saved and be used to promote his kingdom.
Humility and Faith are the most essential qualities needed to be used of God. Faith in the words and works of Jesus; Humility to accept Him and be submitted to Him. It calls for total surrender into the loving hands of the one who knows me and my weaknesses.
I remembered a proverb my mother used to say: "In the hands of the mighty, even a blade of grass would be a useful instrument"
I whispered a prayer: "I surrender myself to you Lord"
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Compromise as a Way of Escape?
Daniel 3:16-18.
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, conquered Judah and took the wisest men and the beautiful women as captives to his country. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three young men among them. How ever much the king tried to introduce the religious culture of his land to these men, they stayed steadfast to their convictions.
They refused to bow down to the golden statue of the king. The king gave them one last chance: "If you do not worship the golden image you will be thrown into the blazing furnace, then what god is able to rescue you from my hand?" warned the king. [Dan.3:15]
The young men could have escaped the fire if only they had compromised! Many excuses could have been given: "We will worship now, but we will never become idol worshipers", "This is a foreign land, we should follow the rules of the country", "The king appointed us, we owe it to him", "Others are doing it, we are not hurting anyone" or even "God will forgive us since this is just once so we can escape!" No. They knew the truth. They were fully convinced that the God whom they serve is mighty to save. It is better to be on his side. He is able. Even if He does not save, they were not going to disobey His command and worship any idol. It was a strong determination not to waver from the truth. The answer they gave sets an example to us: "The God whom we serve is able to save us from it and He will rescue us from your hand. But even if does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or bow down to the image of gold you have set up".
The furious king had them thrown into the fire. Amazingly not only were they not burnt, the king saw a fourth man walking in the furnace with these three men! The result: the king decreed that any one who spoke against the god of these young men would be put to death because no other god can save like this. They trusted in their god and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve other gods than Him and He rescued them! The king even promoted them! [Dan.3:28-30]
What a change in the king's attitude! All because the three young boys did not compromise their faith, stood firm trusting the one true God, despite the danger of death. How is our faith? Aren't we often faced with situations where it is easy to say "When in Rome do as the Romans do" and compromise? The steadfastness, fidelity and confidence in God's ability are qualities much needed today.
Make sure that you serve the true living almighty God. Then your furnace will become a miracle which will amaze the skeptics and bring promotions in your lives.
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, conquered Judah and took the wisest men and the beautiful women as captives to his country. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three young men among them. How ever much the king tried to introduce the religious culture of his land to these men, they stayed steadfast to their convictions.
They refused to bow down to the golden statue of the king. The king gave them one last chance: "If you do not worship the golden image you will be thrown into the blazing furnace, then what god is able to rescue you from my hand?" warned the king. [Dan.3:15]
The young men could have escaped the fire if only they had compromised! Many excuses could have been given: "We will worship now, but we will never become idol worshipers", "This is a foreign land, we should follow the rules of the country", "The king appointed us, we owe it to him", "Others are doing it, we are not hurting anyone" or even "God will forgive us since this is just once so we can escape!" No. They knew the truth. They were fully convinced that the God whom they serve is mighty to save. It is better to be on his side. He is able. Even if He does not save, they were not going to disobey His command and worship any idol. It was a strong determination not to waver from the truth. The answer they gave sets an example to us: "The God whom we serve is able to save us from it and He will rescue us from your hand. But even if does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or bow down to the image of gold you have set up".
The furious king had them thrown into the fire. Amazingly not only were they not burnt, the king saw a fourth man walking in the furnace with these three men! The result: the king decreed that any one who spoke against the god of these young men would be put to death because no other god can save like this. They trusted in their god and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve other gods than Him and He rescued them! The king even promoted them! [Dan.3:28-30]
What a change in the king's attitude! All because the three young boys did not compromise their faith, stood firm trusting the one true God, despite the danger of death. How is our faith? Aren't we often faced with situations where it is easy to say "When in Rome do as the Romans do" and compromise? The steadfastness, fidelity and confidence in God's ability are qualities much needed today.
Make sure that you serve the true living almighty God. Then your furnace will become a miracle which will amaze the skeptics and bring promotions in your lives.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Time Management and Choices
Jesus said: "I must be about my father's business" [Luke 2:49] "I must do the works of Him that sent me while it is day. The night is coming when no one can work" [John 9:4]
"No time. Busy", is something we often say and hear. "Busy doing what?", is a good question to ask.
Jesus' time on this earth was only thirty three years and we know how much He accomplished! The reason: From his childhood, he knew the purpose of his life. That became his passion. He geared his life towards that goal. He did not fail in his duties and responsibilities towards his earthly family; He had task of training his disciples; Crowds were thronging to him to be healed and hear his teachings. He found time to do all these things because he took time to equip himself with strength from heaven. He took time to fellowship with father God.
Needless to say, He would have set aside many worthless things. His call and purpose was to bring redemption to the lost mankind by his cruel death and glorious resurrection. He wanted to finish it perfectly with out any flaw. He succeeded because He managed His limited time by making the right choices.
We are called to follow Jesus. We are called to be Holy and to be saints. Sure there are other specific fields we are called to be employed in. If we do not forget our main call, it will be easy to avoid unwanted, worthless things that rob our time and purity. We could concentrate on things that will keep us holy, in order to enjoy eternity with Christ who paved the way to heaven.
"No time. Busy", is something we often say and hear. "Busy doing what?", is a good question to ask.
Jesus' time on this earth was only thirty three years and we know how much He accomplished! The reason: From his childhood, he knew the purpose of his life. That became his passion. He geared his life towards that goal. He did not fail in his duties and responsibilities towards his earthly family; He had task of training his disciples; Crowds were thronging to him to be healed and hear his teachings. He found time to do all these things because he took time to equip himself with strength from heaven. He took time to fellowship with father God.
Needless to say, He would have set aside many worthless things. His call and purpose was to bring redemption to the lost mankind by his cruel death and glorious resurrection. He wanted to finish it perfectly with out any flaw. He succeeded because He managed His limited time by making the right choices.
We are called to follow Jesus. We are called to be Holy and to be saints. Sure there are other specific fields we are called to be employed in. If we do not forget our main call, it will be easy to avoid unwanted, worthless things that rob our time and purity. We could concentrate on things that will keep us holy, in order to enjoy eternity with Christ who paved the way to heaven.
Monday, February 25, 2008
What a Competition for our Time!
"You are careful and worried about many things. But one thing is needful: Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her"
Luke 10:41-42
This is what Jesus said to Martha. Limited time and unlimited things to be done! So many things competing to to take our time! The solution? The right choice.
Mary and Martha were hosts of Jesus. Heaps of things to be done. Preparation to be the best host was competing with enjoying the company of Jesus, the guest of honor. Both were essential, profitable and enjoyable, but both could not be done at the same time. Mary made the wise choice to listen to the one who could give her eternal life. Martha, the perfect hostess murmured and complained. She was full of the cares of this passing world! Jesus commended Mary's choice.
We are crowded with several duties: social, cultural, physical, emotional and moral which have to be seen to within the 24 hours of the day and we need to rest too! "Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness first and all these things shall be added to you" is a good verse to remember when making a choice among these. May God help us to get our priorities right.
Luke 10:41-42
This is what Jesus said to Martha. Limited time and unlimited things to be done! So many things competing to to take our time! The solution? The right choice.
Mary and Martha were hosts of Jesus. Heaps of things to be done. Preparation to be the best host was competing with enjoying the company of Jesus, the guest of honor. Both were essential, profitable and enjoyable, but both could not be done at the same time. Mary made the wise choice to listen to the one who could give her eternal life. Martha, the perfect hostess murmured and complained. She was full of the cares of this passing world! Jesus commended Mary's choice.
We are crowded with several duties: social, cultural, physical, emotional and moral which have to be seen to within the 24 hours of the day and we need to rest too! "Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness first and all these things shall be added to you" is a good verse to remember when making a choice among these. May God help us to get our priorities right.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A Call to Decide
"Choose this day whom you will serve"
Joshua 24:15
The challenging words of Joshua compelled the Israelites to make up their minds to serve the Lord God who brought them out of slavery. They had experienced great miracles in the desert, yet they had grumbled and complained against God. They had mingled with other nations and followed their way of worship, yet the Lord brought them to the promised land.
In order to enjoy the full blessing of God they had to make a decision. God is not pleased with compromise. They had to decide whether they would obey the Lord who had proved his faithfulness or the local gods which were only man-made idols. They made the right choice. They decided to serve the holy God and obey him.
In our journey too, a time comes when we have to choose who or what will control us. The is for us to decide. Will it be the almighty faithful God or any other imperfect substitute? So many things want to control us. What we give into, maybe our own limited personality or stubborn self, will become our idol.
Once we make the right choice like the Israelites, we have to reaffirm it every day lest we go astray. May God strengthen us too, on our way!
Joshua 24:15
The challenging words of Joshua compelled the Israelites to make up their minds to serve the Lord God who brought them out of slavery. They had experienced great miracles in the desert, yet they had grumbled and complained against God. They had mingled with other nations and followed their way of worship, yet the Lord brought them to the promised land.
In order to enjoy the full blessing of God they had to make a decision. God is not pleased with compromise. They had to decide whether they would obey the Lord who had proved his faithfulness or the local gods which were only man-made idols. They made the right choice. They decided to serve the holy God and obey him.
In our journey too, a time comes when we have to choose who or what will control us. The is for us to decide. Will it be the almighty faithful God or any other imperfect substitute? So many things want to control us. What we give into, maybe our own limited personality or stubborn self, will become our idol.
Once we make the right choice like the Israelites, we have to reaffirm it every day lest we go astray. May God strengthen us too, on our way!
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