Life is meaningless without a purpose. For some the sole purpose in life is to make money. Some are duty bound. There are others for whom seeking pleasure wherever and whenever possible is all that they look for in life.
It was refreshing for me to learn this morning that for a christian there are three purposes for their life, based on the word of God: Appropriation, formation and donation. All these three have to take place in a Christian's life. It may take place at the same time in different areas of one's life or at different times.
Aspiration is a time of taking in. We should aspire to receive salvation." I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the lord." says the psalmist . [Ps. 116:13]
Instruction is another thing one has to aspire for. " Take hold of instruction; Let her not go; Keep her, for she is your life."[Pr.4:13]
We ought to aspire for divine strength too. With out God's strength we just cannot go on in this life is an experiential truth. Our Lord offers it to us freely:
" Let him take hold of my strength that he may make peace with me and he shall make peace with me."[Is.27:5]
We have to be aware of the opportunities God gives us to be useful in His kingdom. The parable Jesus said about stewardship in Luke 19 tells of the Lord who gave his servants money and told them " Occupy till I come." He is telling the same thing to us, as He bestows gifts to us. We ought to seize that opportunity and gain the resulting blessing for now and eternity.
The greatest of all aspiration is for the water of life ." The Spirit and the bride say come and let him that hear say come and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." [Rev.22:17]
When we have such Godly aspirations, I am sure Our Lord will help us to fulfill this part of our purpose in our spiritual growth.
I hope you are blessed by this as I am. May th Lord help us to have the right kind of purpose for our life.
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Friday, October 24, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Love Knows When to Speak
The trial scene of Jesus before the Sanhedrin, spoke to me of the love of Jesus for everyone. [Mark14:55-65]
There were many false witnesses against Him: The truth that He preached was misrepresented [v. 58], yet Jesus kept silent. Why didn't he speak out and explain what he meant or call one of those whom he healed or followed him, as witnesses? He could have explained that the temple he referred was not the building but his body [v. 58]. It was because his motive was to save all, even those who were against him and jealous of him.
Yet later He answered the high priest's question! I wondered why.
Not answering the fabricated accusations was wiser than trying to clarify them. But if Jesus had refrained from answering the question: "Are you the Christ the son of the blessed?" [v61], it would have been taken as denial of his mission. Jesus not only answered, "I am.", He also predicted a reversal of his role, that one day, He will be judging the world! Yes that day is fast approaching! All of us are waiting for that day... [Rev.20:11-13]
Jesus had the divine wisdom to know when to answer and when not to. His silence for the first time, not exposing the false witnesses who sinned, not knowing what they were doing, would have spoken to them and brought them to repentance later.
His answering the second time established the fact that He was Christ the son of God, the saviour of the world. The answer infuriated the pharisees to condemn him to death, which fulfilled the purpose for which he came to earth.
Our speech or silence should be motivated by love for God and others, regardless of the consequences we may have to face. When we are confronted or falsely accused, to think only of a of a way of escape will be selfish. We should decide whether we want to be popular with man or God.
There were many false witnesses against Him: The truth that He preached was misrepresented [v. 58], yet Jesus kept silent. Why didn't he speak out and explain what he meant or call one of those whom he healed or followed him, as witnesses? He could have explained that the temple he referred was not the building but his body [v. 58]. It was because his motive was to save all, even those who were against him and jealous of him.
Yet later He answered the high priest's question! I wondered why.
Not answering the fabricated accusations was wiser than trying to clarify them. But if Jesus had refrained from answering the question: "Are you the Christ the son of the blessed?" [v61], it would have been taken as denial of his mission. Jesus not only answered, "I am.", He also predicted a reversal of his role, that one day, He will be judging the world! Yes that day is fast approaching! All of us are waiting for that day... [Rev.20:11-13]
Jesus had the divine wisdom to know when to answer and when not to. His silence for the first time, not exposing the false witnesses who sinned, not knowing what they were doing, would have spoken to them and brought them to repentance later.
His answering the second time established the fact that He was Christ the son of God, the saviour of the world. The answer infuriated the pharisees to condemn him to death, which fulfilled the purpose for which he came to earth.
Our speech or silence should be motivated by love for God and others, regardless of the consequences we may have to face. When we are confronted or falsely accused, to think only of a of a way of escape will be selfish. We should decide whether we want to be popular with man or God.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
What's in a Day Date or Name?
A few weeks ago there was a lot of controversy going on about the correct date, day and the name Easter. No one can dispute the fact that Christ died, taking our punishment upon himself, on the cross and rose again on the third day. This is a historical fact. It remains true whether anyone believes it or not.
All that is expected of us is to believe it, call upon Him, avail ourselves of the forgiveness He offers, lead righteous lives in this world and be assured of eternity with Him.
All other things attached to Easter are accessories. The Easter eggs, the bunnies and lilies have only commercial value.
Church services help us to meditate worship and draw near to God. The bottom line is: Do I believe that Jesus died for me? Do I believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Do I believe that He is alive today? These are unique to Christianity alone.
Believing these will make a difference in our lives.The risen Jesus will love us, save us and bless us, if we worship him in spirit and in truth.
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a proven fact. If you are not sure of it, it is important that you make sure. There is a lot of evidence: Acts 10:40-41; Rom. 1:4 ; the Gospels. Just joining the crowd in discussion or being carried away by the commercialization, is a waste of time. We've got to benefit from the truth and and the Gospel of Christ.
Easter is over. It was just a day to remember Christ's victory over death. For a believer in Jesus Christ, everyday is a day of resurrection.
These thoughts bring me to pray that the risen Jesus will keep us pure, holy and open the eyes of those who are unable to accept the truth.
All that is expected of us is to believe it, call upon Him, avail ourselves of the forgiveness He offers, lead righteous lives in this world and be assured of eternity with Him.
All other things attached to Easter are accessories. The Easter eggs, the bunnies and lilies have only commercial value.
Church services help us to meditate worship and draw near to God. The bottom line is: Do I believe that Jesus died for me? Do I believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Do I believe that He is alive today? These are unique to Christianity alone.
Believing these will make a difference in our lives.The risen Jesus will love us, save us and bless us, if we worship him in spirit and in truth.
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a proven fact. If you are not sure of it, it is important that you make sure. There is a lot of evidence: Acts 10:40-41; Rom. 1:4 ; the Gospels. Just joining the crowd in discussion or being carried away by the commercialization, is a waste of time. We've got to benefit from the truth and and the Gospel of Christ.
Easter is over. It was just a day to remember Christ's victory over death. For a believer in Jesus Christ, everyday is a day of resurrection.
These thoughts bring me to pray that the risen Jesus will keep us pure, holy and open the eyes of those who are unable to accept the truth.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Visit the Most Important Place - Calvary
The world knows that Jesus was crucified. It was at Calvary. Do we know the reasons for it? If we truly know the facts and the truth, there will be a change in our values, behavior and the whole outlook on our lives. The world will be a better place.
Believing in Jesus, not only saves us, but also gives us the power to lead a holy life of integrity and honesty. Most people know what is good and bad, but are powerless to live "good". Jesus died on the cross to crush the power of the enemy, the devil, who prompts us to be evil [Gen.3:15]. Jesus on the cross, fulfilled the Messianic prophesies, Satan was defeated, the way to obtain forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life in heaven were promised. The Gospels gives us the true story.
Today when I think of the benefits of Calvary, I praise God for His mercy and grace in saving me. I pray that the Lord should open the eyes of those who do not know the truth and those who know it and reject it for various reasons. I also pray for strength, wisdom and grace for the evangelists who are working under difficult circumstances to publish the good news of forgiveness of sins and salvation.
Believing in Jesus, not only saves us, but also gives us the power to lead a holy life of integrity and honesty. Most people know what is good and bad, but are powerless to live "good". Jesus died on the cross to crush the power of the enemy, the devil, who prompts us to be evil [Gen.3:15]. Jesus on the cross, fulfilled the Messianic prophesies, Satan was defeated, the way to obtain forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life in heaven were promised. The Gospels gives us the true story.
Today when I think of the benefits of Calvary, I praise God for His mercy and grace in saving me. I pray that the Lord should open the eyes of those who do not know the truth and those who know it and reject it for various reasons. I also pray for strength, wisdom and grace for the evangelists who are working under difficult circumstances to publish the good news of forgiveness of sins and salvation.
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