"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"[2nd Timothy2:1]
It is sad that there are so many weak Christians in the body of Christ today . They are offended over something or other and hurt. what we need is the grace of Jesus Christ.
Grace is such a beautiful word. It means unmerited favor. It also means being able to bear up or go through situations which are normally unbearable and difficult. Grace comes only from God.
What is the grace that is in Jesus Christ? God's love towards humanity made Christ Jesus, give up Heaven, come down to Earth as a man, take all the punishment of the sinful humans upon Himself and die the cruel death on the cross, just to bring salvation to us. By this He reconciled the sinful humanity to the Holy God. All this He did for us, not because we deserved it. We were yet sinners, unwilling to to live the way the holy God's laws said. He need not have done that. That love and willingness to suffer for no wrong of His, just to set us free from the clutches of the enemy, who made us sin against God and others , is Christ's grace toward us.
He had to humble Himself. He was selfless.
It is because of the grace that He showed to you and me, today we are saved . We have the assurance that we will spend eternity with this savior in heaven. It is freely granted to any and every one who comes to Him believing in his sacrifice of grace. God tells us, 'I will remember your sins no more,' when we repent and ask forgiveness. It is because of what Christ Jesus did to reconcile us to the holy God!
To be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus, we should be able to show the same grace to those who wrong us, offend or hurt us. Forgive them unconditionally just as Christ forgave. It calls for humility and unselfishness. Forgiveness and grace say to the offender,' I forgive you with out demanding back anything.' Hurt says, 'you hurt me I am going to somehow punish you for it.'
Being unable to bear up or forgive the wrongs of others makes us weak. It gives the enemy a chance to enter into our lives.[2nd Cor.2:10-11] The result will be hardheartedness leading to sin and deception.
Showing the same grace that Christ Jesus showed us will make us soft righteous and pleasing to God which will destroy the power of the enemy over us.
There is strength in Forgiveness and grace.
Hate, unforgiveness and revenge are the enemy's strongholds. Kindness, love and forgiveness will bring them down. God reconciled us to him through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. [2nd Cor.5:18] It is essential to have the grace of Jesus Christ to do this ministry.
It is not easy to develop this nature by ourselves. God has given us the holy Spirit to help us out. By the Holy spirit God's love is shed into our hearts. When we are filled with God's love we can love and show mecy and grace even to our enemies.
' Lord help us to be like Jesus, full of grace to forgive, to set others free and for us to be free.' I pray.
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Love Your Enemies - Mathew 5:44
One of the hardest teachings of Jesus is "Love your enemies." He set an example by laying down his life for us, who were His enemies.
Who are our enemies?
Our enemies are not some country or people who live far away from us. We find our enemies in our homes, work places and churches. People who hurt us most are those who live close to us. In this fallen world, people whom we thought we could trust most, sometimes let us down. Those we love, hurt us deeply and at that point, or at least for that moment, they have become our enemies. If we are honest enough to admit it, we have become their enemies as well. These people can be your spouse, children, brothers, sisters or the church family.
Christians often hurt each other deeply and repeatedly; then love is lost and they become enemies in their heart.
It is easy to ignore them and go on having the hurt within us. But that will go against Jesus' commission to love and bless them.
How do we love our enemies?
I want to pass on some good advice I heard on the Back to the Bible broadcast, which blessed me:
1. Greet them graciously without avoiding them.
2. Disarm them by doing good to them.
3. Refuse to speak evil of them, as words have power. [Prov.18:21]
4. Stop talking of what they have done and start forgiving them.
5. Thank God for them. Your enemy is sent to you by God's design and with his approval, to bring something good out of it.
6. Pray for them. They need your prayers more than anyone else. If you hate them tell that also to God.
7. Ask God to bless them: Whatever blessings you are asking for yourself, ask for your enemies too.
When we pray like that the pressure goes off. We have done exactly what Jesus has asked us to do. Thus, if we release our enemies, we will be set free from our anger and bitterness. We will be able to love our enemies.
Who are our enemies?
Our enemies are not some country or people who live far away from us. We find our enemies in our homes, work places and churches. People who hurt us most are those who live close to us. In this fallen world, people whom we thought we could trust most, sometimes let us down. Those we love, hurt us deeply and at that point, or at least for that moment, they have become our enemies. If we are honest enough to admit it, we have become their enemies as well. These people can be your spouse, children, brothers, sisters or the church family.
Christians often hurt each other deeply and repeatedly; then love is lost and they become enemies in their heart.
It is easy to ignore them and go on having the hurt within us. But that will go against Jesus' commission to love and bless them.
How do we love our enemies?
I want to pass on some good advice I heard on the Back to the Bible broadcast, which blessed me:
1. Greet them graciously without avoiding them.
2. Disarm them by doing good to them.
3. Refuse to speak evil of them, as words have power. [Prov.18:21]
4. Stop talking of what they have done and start forgiving them.
5. Thank God for them. Your enemy is sent to you by God's design and with his approval, to bring something good out of it.
6. Pray for them. They need your prayers more than anyone else. If you hate them tell that also to God.
7. Ask God to bless them: Whatever blessings you are asking for yourself, ask for your enemies too.
When we pray like that the pressure goes off. We have done exactly what Jesus has asked us to do. Thus, if we release our enemies, we will be set free from our anger and bitterness. We will be able to love our enemies.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Our God is Able to Change Anyone
The other day, I thought of some of my past failures and those of my family. I know for sure the Lord has forgiven and forgotten them. It was the enemy's scheme to bring it up to torment my mind.
Just a look at the Lord, in my mind, was enough to get an answer from Him to calm my mind. I have learned by experience to "nip things in the bud". Give a little room to the enemy, he will take full charge of things and it becomes fatal to the spiritual life. So I told my concern to Jesus.
The Lord reminded me of His mercy and justice through the story of Manasseh, the most wicked of the kings of Judah. He not only did abominable things in the sight of God and went away from God, but he also led the whole nation of God astray. [2nd Chronicles 33]
God had to correct him. God's punishment was severe: It was defeat and exile in the hands of the Assyrians. It was really a hopeless situation.
God showed justice to to him in warning and punishing him. Yet, He showed mercy and changed him when he repented.
The Bible records: "The king in his distress sought the favor of the Lord: He humbled himself greatly before the Lord God of his fathers. When he prayed, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manassah knew that the Lord is God". [2nd Chronicles 33:12, 13.]
That is the mercy of God!
Until death, no one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness. Our merciful God is able to change any one who comes to Him with repentance, through Jesus Christ.
I want to praise God for His mercy today. I pray with faith that He will change all those who need a change of heart and nature, in my family.
Just a look at the Lord, in my mind, was enough to get an answer from Him to calm my mind. I have learned by experience to "nip things in the bud". Give a little room to the enemy, he will take full charge of things and it becomes fatal to the spiritual life. So I told my concern to Jesus.
The Lord reminded me of His mercy and justice through the story of Manasseh, the most wicked of the kings of Judah. He not only did abominable things in the sight of God and went away from God, but he also led the whole nation of God astray. [2nd Chronicles 33]
God had to correct him. God's punishment was severe: It was defeat and exile in the hands of the Assyrians. It was really a hopeless situation.
God showed justice to to him in warning and punishing him. Yet, He showed mercy and changed him when he repented.
The Bible records: "The king in his distress sought the favor of the Lord: He humbled himself greatly before the Lord God of his fathers. When he prayed, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manassah knew that the Lord is God". [2nd Chronicles 33:12, 13.]
That is the mercy of God!
Until death, no one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness. Our merciful God is able to change any one who comes to Him with repentance, through Jesus Christ.
I want to praise God for His mercy today. I pray with faith that He will change all those who need a change of heart and nature, in my family.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Charged for the Day with the Powerful Name
"When nothing works, try the name of Jesus.", is a true saying. The name of Jesus is above every other name.
I studied why it is so:
His name shall be called Jesus. Luke 1:3
His name is power ... the mighty God. Isa. 9:6
His name is peace: The Prince of Peace. Isa.9:6
His name gives forgiveness. Luke 24:47
His name is above every other name. Phil.2:9
His name gives life. John 20:31
His name is healing. Acts 3:6, 16. [I recall my many personal healings I received]
His name is deliverance. Acts 16: 18
The name of Jesus is able to break every stronghold within us; It has power to set free every captive.
Today I hold on to the promise "What so ever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the son" [John14:13]
I know from experience it works. So, Jesus, I call on your holy name to answer my prayers today.
I studied why it is so:
His name shall be called Jesus. Luke 1:3
His name is power ... the mighty God. Isa. 9:6
His name is peace: The Prince of Peace. Isa.9:6
His name gives forgiveness. Luke 24:47
His name is above every other name. Phil.2:9
His name gives life. John 20:31
His name is healing. Acts 3:6, 16. [I recall my many personal healings I received]
His name is deliverance. Acts 16: 18
The name of Jesus is able to break every stronghold within us; It has power to set free every captive.
Today I hold on to the promise "What so ever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the son" [John14:13]
I know from experience it works. So, Jesus, I call on your holy name to answer my prayers today.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The Grearest Gain II - Who knows the Appointed Time?
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord"
Someone said: "even his stops". I like to add that even his end is ordered by the Lord. I realize the truth of it from my father's life.
No one knew that the 16th of March 1960 was the day appointed for my father's departure to the glory land. Not even he. Yet the Holy Spirit, Who guided him, helped prepare him during his devotion that morning! The Lord was at work elsewhere too.
Several miles away, lived a servant of God. He too was a Hindu convert. He gave up his lucrative post to serve the Lord full time, as an independent evangelist. In those days, such a thing was unheard of although now, it is common. He was called 'Sadu' by the people and the children thought he was Jesus Christ from his looks, dress and gentle ways. He used to visit my father, as my father believed in his ministry and supported him financially too.
This servant of God arrived just at the time my father felt uncomfortable. For him to arrive at that early hour, he would have had to leave his house at 6 AM or so. He was older than my father and he cycled all the way! It was a surprise to me to see Sadu coming at that time when we were in a hurry getting ready for school and work. Normally he comes on a Saturday and never on a weekday like this. Now I know that it was the Lord who sent him. How careful we should be to listen to God's promptings and obey His commands. Sadu, by his obedience, was able to help my father and be a comfort to us.
Just a few minutes before, my father who was resting, sat up and said "I think I am going to die. What are you all going to do?" His human love and concern said those words. Yet quickly he added "There is nothing to fear.". God gave him hope and confidence and it was a strength to us.
Then things started moving fast. Sadu came and without a word he went to my fathers bed, placed his head on his lap and started praying silently. By this time my father went unconscious. "There is nothing to fear", were his last words to us. Sadu told us to pray quietly. Thus my father's spirit left his body. Then the doctor arrived and pronounced him dead.
It is really a blessed thing to know the Lord and have fellowship with Him. It is a life of peace amid the storms. Our hope in the Lord becomes the anchor of our souls. We will arrive at our destination at the appointed time.
I am reminded of two verses: "It is appointed unto man once to die and there after the judgment" [Heb. 9:27] and "God has not appointed us, unto wrath but unto salvation" [1Thes. 1:7] In my fathers case, he availed himself of the salvation offered to him and on the judgment day, he will receive his reward. Judgment is for the ones whose sins are not forgiven.
What about you and me? Will that day be a day of reward?
Someone said: "even his stops". I like to add that even his end is ordered by the Lord. I realize the truth of it from my father's life.
No one knew that the 16th of March 1960 was the day appointed for my father's departure to the glory land. Not even he. Yet the Holy Spirit, Who guided him, helped prepare him during his devotion that morning! The Lord was at work elsewhere too.
Several miles away, lived a servant of God. He too was a Hindu convert. He gave up his lucrative post to serve the Lord full time, as an independent evangelist. In those days, such a thing was unheard of although now, it is common. He was called 'Sadu' by the people and the children thought he was Jesus Christ from his looks, dress and gentle ways. He used to visit my father, as my father believed in his ministry and supported him financially too.
This servant of God arrived just at the time my father felt uncomfortable. For him to arrive at that early hour, he would have had to leave his house at 6 AM or so. He was older than my father and he cycled all the way! It was a surprise to me to see Sadu coming at that time when we were in a hurry getting ready for school and work. Normally he comes on a Saturday and never on a weekday like this. Now I know that it was the Lord who sent him. How careful we should be to listen to God's promptings and obey His commands. Sadu, by his obedience, was able to help my father and be a comfort to us.
Just a few minutes before, my father who was resting, sat up and said "I think I am going to die. What are you all going to do?" His human love and concern said those words. Yet quickly he added "There is nothing to fear.". God gave him hope and confidence and it was a strength to us.
Then things started moving fast. Sadu came and without a word he went to my fathers bed, placed his head on his lap and started praying silently. By this time my father went unconscious. "There is nothing to fear", were his last words to us. Sadu told us to pray quietly. Thus my father's spirit left his body. Then the doctor arrived and pronounced him dead.
It is really a blessed thing to know the Lord and have fellowship with Him. It is a life of peace amid the storms. Our hope in the Lord becomes the anchor of our souls. We will arrive at our destination at the appointed time.
I am reminded of two verses: "It is appointed unto man once to die and there after the judgment" [Heb. 9:27] and "God has not appointed us, unto wrath but unto salvation" [1Thes. 1:7] In my fathers case, he availed himself of the salvation offered to him and on the judgment day, he will receive his reward. Judgment is for the ones whose sins are not forgiven.
What about you and me? Will that day be a day of reward?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
No Guilt Found!
"In those days, at that time declares the Lord, search will be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none and for the sins of Judah but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare."
Jeremiah 50:20
How good if the Lord could say the above about you and me! It is not that Israel and Judah never sinned. All that they did is recorded in the Bible! However, they humbled themselves before God and they were pardoned. When God forgives, He does not remember any sins committed by anyone!
We, who live on this side of the cross, have the blood of Christ to cleanse us of our sins. How easy for us to get such a good testimony from the Holy God! Jesus said: "For this is My blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins." [Mt. 26:28]. Again, there is a promise given: "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" [1 Jn. 1:9]
Won't it be great to get that clearance certificate saying "No Guilt Found!" on the day when we stand before the King of Kings?
Jeremiah 50:20
How good if the Lord could say the above about you and me! It is not that Israel and Judah never sinned. All that they did is recorded in the Bible! However, they humbled themselves before God and they were pardoned. When God forgives, He does not remember any sins committed by anyone!
We, who live on this side of the cross, have the blood of Christ to cleanse us of our sins. How easy for us to get such a good testimony from the Holy God! Jesus said: "For this is My blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins." [Mt. 26:28]. Again, there is a promise given: "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" [1 Jn. 1:9]
Won't it be great to get that clearance certificate saying "No Guilt Found!" on the day when we stand before the King of Kings?
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