Prayer for Illumination - Heavenly Father, may your Word light the lamp in our hearts, that we may see clearly to walk through our path.Give us oil for our lamps, fill us with your love and peace, shower us with your grace, enlighten us with your truth. May our faith in you grow stronger with the passing of each day. May our lamps continue to burn and bring glory to Jesus's name. Amen
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Poor in Spirit
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Close to the Heart of God
A single day in your courts is better than
A thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
Than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
Psalms 84:10
Reading : Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus started his ministry he was widely popular. His ministry had started gathering a large following. Jesus had healed many people from all kinds of sicknesses. Sick people came to him from all over the country side. Large crowds were following him wherever he went. He traveled throughout Galilee spreading the good news. His message was pretty clear and simple - he was asking the people to repent - turn away from their sins and to turn to God. He told them to have a complete change in their attitude to life.- There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.- Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
- Refrain:
- There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God. - There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Disciples to Apostles
Monday, March 28, 2005
Road to Emmaus
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Easter - The Lord is risen
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Seven Last Utterances of the Suffering Servant
Friday, March 25, 2005
Good Friday
Jesus was taken for questioning by Caiaphas the high priest. They tried to make false charges at him. But none could hold any serious charge. Finally they twisted one of Jesus' statements that he would destroy the temple and build it in 3 days. When Jesus remained silent to all charges leveled against him, Caiphas rebuked him. Infuriated he tried to incite the crowd by asking, if Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah. To this Jesus calmly accepted that statement, and said that soon he will see him in the seat of power at God's right hand and return in glory in the clouds. Caiaphas exploded and screamed, 'blasphemy' and the frenzied crowds in unison cried that Jesus was guilty and that he must die. Forgotten were the times he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and even hailed as king just a week back by the same mob that now was thirsty for his blood. In all the discombobulation, Jesus remained calm. He was prepared for the verdict and his sentence to death.
Meanwhile Peter was confronted by a servant girl, later another servant girl and finally a bystander who all asked him separately if he knew Jesus. Peter vehemently denied any association with Jesus. Then the rooster crowed. It was then that he remembered what Jesus had told him. He went away from there and wept bitterly. Can you imagine the guilt Peter would have felt when he denied Jesus? It came very close to Judas' betrayal. Have you felt that way in your Christian walk? There are countless times we stumble and fall. But Christ is always there to pick us up. Just as he did with Peter. All Jesus told Peter was that when he had repented he was to be a source of strength and support to the other disciples. That is what Christ is calling us to do. When we are strong we should strengthen those who are weak.
Then brutal Caiaphas and the other blood thirsty accusers took Jesus to Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews. Jesus said he was. But when the leading priests and other leaders made trumped up accusations at him, he remained silent. Pilate was awestruck and asked Jesus if he had anything to say. He remained silent. Pilate tried to release Jesus as it was customary during Passover to release one prisoner. But the verdict of the people was final - they wanted him crucified. Again the courage and strength of Jesus was greatly to be admired. He kept silent and did not in any way see the need to defend himself.
Pilate ordered him to be flogged with a lead tipped whip, and then to be crucified. The soldiers took him away and whipped him, mocked him and led him away to be crucified. It is hard to imagine the control Jesus had over himself, to keep silent and not plead for mercy. To accept the punishment that in no way he deserved. He realized that this was the course he was to take. To sacrifice his life into the hands of a wicked generation that had rejected him. To play the role of a servant of God, falsely accused and being sentenced to death. To overcome evil with good. To be the source of inspiration to the millions of Christians who would willingly lay down their lives to build a non-violent and peaceful society that believes in the Triune God. A society that loves justice believes in mercy and walks humbly with the living God.
Maundy Thursday
Jesus started the evening by washing the feet of his disciples. He showed the depth of his love by this act of kneeling at the feet of all his disciples and washing the dust off their feet. He showed that as a leader one must play the role of a servant who personally cares for the well being of one's family, friends and associates. Washing of feet was normally done by the servants in the house. But Jesus took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed the feet of his disciples. We see the extent of his humility - though he was God, he played the role of a servant to his disciples. One can only imagine the shock of his disciples and Peter the loud mouth even questioned Jesus.
Jesus said that this Blood that was being shed was for the forgiveness of many. He said that his shed blood would seal the covenant of God and the people. What made Jesus the sacrificial lamb that could seal this covenant? His life was one that was sinless and his sacrifice was pleasing to God. This new covenant that God sealed with the entire human race was in keeping with His plan for the whole world as opposed to the old covenant that was restricted to those of the Jewish faith.
During the last supper Jesus finally confronted Judas the betrayer. Here we see that Jesus, inspite of knowing this, did nothing to prevent Judas from completing the task that he had set out to perform. The plot to kill Jesus had permeated the inner circle of disciples where one of his own stepped out to betray him. One wonders whether Jesus had known that Judas would betray him, even as he invited Judas to be a disciple.
Jesus went on to say that all his disciples would desert him. When Peter heard this, he said that he would never forsake Jesus. But Jesus said that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed. He said that Satan would sift them like wheat and try to see if they were chaff. However Jesus assured them that He had already prayed that their faith should not fail them. He exhorted Peter to strengthen and build up his brothers and sisters after he had repented and turned back to Jesus.
Following the last supper Jesus went to an olive grove called Gethsemane with Peter, James and John. He was in deep anguish and told them to stay with him and pray. The disciples who had no idea what Jesus was going through fell fast asleep. Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken away, but his prayers went unanswered. God could see no other way but through the death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus's final words of prayer in the garden were "Your will be done". Even in the midst of his own distress Jesus continued to groom his disciples to stay alert in the face of danger. Our spirit may want us to do what is right, but our flesh may lead us away.
After his acceptance that this was the divine will of God, Jesus went to his three sleepy disciples and told them that the hour is at hand. He was ready to face his betrayal into the hands of sinners. When he saw Judas approaching with a mob armed with swords and spears he told them that there was no need for violence, for those who live by the sword die by the sword. If they really thought they could overpower him with swords, they were sadly mistaken; at his command 1000's of angels would protect him. This makes us realize that heaven has angels with not just harps and stringed instruments. What was happening was in fulfillment of the words of prophets as written in the scriptures and Jesus would not go against God's will.
What caused Judas to commit this heinous act? He was the only non-Galilean and was the treasurer of the group. He craved money, but 20 pieces of silver was a small sum. Did Judas have a political or militant agenda, believing that Christ was the King of the Jews? Did he hypothesize that if Jesus was led to the cross by the power of Holy Spirit, he might turn into the savior of the Jewish people, rescuing them from Roman dominion? Jesus's distress for Judas was evident when he said it would have been better if Judas had not been born. Judas preferred to hang himself rather than go back to the other disciples and plead for forgiveness. The remaining disciples, although they deserted Jesus in his hour of need, regrouped and eventually went on to play dominant roles in the spread of Christianity throughout the world.
We cannot begin to fathom how many, like Judas at that time, had heard the good news but whose lives Jesus could not touch and transform. Further we wonder whether if we had been alive at that time, would we have supported or joined the crowd who wanted Jesus crucified.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
People of Faith
The founder of the Jewish nation, Abraham, is often referred to as a pioneer in faith in the living God. He was greatly respected for his wisdom, power and wealth. He was very considerate to the needs of his fellowmen. Above all he believed in the Living God and for his faith God regarded him to be righteous. Abraham was called to leave his country, family and house and go to the land God was going to show him. God promised to make him a blessing to all the families on earth. He was seventy five years old when he heard God's call and started on this journey of faith.
The instances when he lost faith in God, were when he tried to be practical. When he saw the power of Pharaoh he feared Pharaoh over God. Yet God protected him, and no harm came to him or his household. When he was 86 years old and still with no child Sarah coerced Abraham to bear a son through Hagar her servant. This was a decision that she lived to regret for the rest of her life. He continued to trust in God even though it did not seem possible for his beloved 90-year old wife Sarah to bear a child. Yet Abraham believed that God would give him a son. Isaac was finally born to the old couple. God further tested him by asking him to sacrifice his son. When Isaac asked Abraham where the sacrificial lamb was, Abraham confidently told him, "God will provide". This phrase has been on the lips of all men of faith who venture out into the unknown with nothing but their faith.
It was Abraham’s faith in God that he will fulfill the promise made to him when he was called to start his journey of faith that made him acceptable in God's eyes. Abraham lived in a time when there were many gods and idols and people lived lives that were not pleasing to God. It is from such a culture that God called Abraham to come out and be a separate nation. Two of the most important factors to faith is patience and endurance in adversity. We are called to imitate our fellowmen who through faith and patience inherited what was promised to them. Another very important factor that determined Abraham’s faith was the grace of God. As we see there were times when Abraham had doubts and fell away. But by the grace of God that was working within him, he was spurred on to the eventual fulfillment of God's promise.
The founder of the China Inland Mission was the son of James Taylor a Methodist preacher. James and Amelia Taylor had prayed fervently for a child, who would work as a missionary in China. Hudson Taylor who trained in theology and medicine started his mission work in China. Taylor in his early years desired passionately to be spiritually holy. He tried hard, but failed each time. Only later did he realize that he was holy by the Spirit of Christ that dwelt in him. St. Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20 that it was no longer him, but the Spirit of Christ that dwelt in him. The life he lived, he lived by faith in Christ who was crucified. Faith that Christ was always with him even when he failed gave him the confidence in the power of God that was working within him, making him holy in the sight of God. Taylor’s strong faith that God moves men through prayer enabled him to be a pioneer in Christian mission in China and to labor tirelessly to establish mission posts all over the country.
For Taylor life was not always easy. When he first started his mission work he was forced to return to England because of ill health. Though this seemed like a set back he used the time to complete his study in medicine, work on his Chinese translation of the New Testament and organize his China Inland Mission. Taylor returned to China with 22 missionaries. He was tested by fire when his daughter died, when his first wife died at child birth, when his second wife died of cancer, and when sicknesses continued to plague him constantly. Despite all the anguish and suffering he remained true to his calling, mobilized many missionaries to China and was responsible for the conversion of thousands to the Christian faith. His pioneering sacrificial work laid a strong foundation for the continued growth and preservation of the church even during the persecution of the communist regime. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 St. Paul wrote that the grace of Christ is sufficient, for his strength is made perfect in weakness. It was these words that made Taylor strong in his faith and stand firm on the promises of God.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Humility
"Oh God, it’s hard to be humble!" That’s how we feel when people appreciate us and we are on the top of the world. It’s true we all go through these feelings when there are not many who come close to our achievements considering the circumstances we came from. Jesus says in Luke14:11 about the guests who chose the places of honor, that he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. It is better to be humble and if God sees the need to exalt we will be honored.
In Numbers 12:3 it is written that there was no one more humble than Moses in the entire world. Yet Miriam, who set her baby brother afloat on the river Nile to protect him from being killed by the Egyptian soldiers, was over come with jealousy when Moses became a celebrity as the leader of the people of
This criticism by Miriam offended God. He raised Moses on a pedestal and said that he spoke through visions and dreams to his prophets but to his servant Moses he spoke face to face. It is clear that Moses’ distinguished service to the living God had won his admiration. Miriam gets struck by leprosy and the one who is very upset is none other than Moses who pleads for her healing.
We see God humbling Miriam and raising Moses above them all as a leader. This brings home to us that just because God speaks through us it does not make us very special. We need to be humble and accept the fact that there are some whom God has set as our leaders or shepherds and who may have a much deeper relationship with God. Beware of feelings that drive us to be much-admired and of dreams of greatness. They usually lead to frustration and disappointment.
Being humble does not mean that we should have low self esteem. In 1Corinthians 15:10 Paul gives us insight into what is a healthy self esteem. It is one that by the grace of God the Spirit of Christ in us makes us do all things that are possible. In Galatians 6:14 he says "let me boast in nothing but the cross of Jesus". He says that all his interest to make himself righteous in the eyes of the world died long time ago. It doesn't matter if he has not conformed to all the traditions that is required of him. What matters most is his change into a new creation and whether the Spirit of Christ dwells in him.
All our efforts to be righteous have no significance if our hearts and minds are not right with God. We have to heed the advice of Christ who says in Mathew 26:41 that we must watch and pray in all circumstances because though the spirit is willing, our heart, mind and body may lead us away from the right course of action. Jeremy Taylor in his book on Holy Living says that humility is a gift from God, but it is increased by exercising it.
When we feel overcome with pride, the traditional Jesus Prayer “Lord have mercy on me a sinner”, a letter of appreciation to someone who greatly helped us overcome a weakness, or words of praise to a person who depends on us are all effective ways of diverting attention away from one's own high self esteem.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Open Hearts
Relationship with God
God spoke to Moses out of a fire with no shape or form. Yet out of the darkness (Deuteronomy 5:22-33) God spoke and shed light on the path the Israelites were to follow and how they were to lead their lives. The commands that God gave Moses were to be carefully observed. Not to be forgetten nor allowed to slip away from their hearts. He instructed the Israelites to hear, learn and follow them. The ten commandments were laws that enabled the Israelites to build a strong relationship with God and one another. Moses urged the Israelites to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and strength. He did not want them to make any idols in any shape or form.
Moses had a well founded personal relationship with God. He was able to speak and listen to the voice of God. The Lord anointed Moses with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave him the gift of performing miracles, and the ability to lead and teach the people of Israel. It was this Spiritual relationship that empowered him to be the one who brought them their freedom from the Egyptians (Isaiah 63:12-14). The anointing of the Holy Spirit that was within him was so abundant that God passed on some of his gifts to selected elders of the Israelites too (Numbers 11:16-17). It was his relationship of trust and faith in the living God that enabled him to perform the impossible. The courage to speak to Pharaoh and command him to free the people of Israel from slavery.
God wanted Moses to establish a similar relationship between God and the Israelites. It was his wish that all of God’s people will have the spirit of God dwell in them like he did. (Numbers 11:29). Moses summed his message to the people by saying that they should love God with all their heart, mind and strength. It was not really enough to follow these commands but they should also do so out of an insatiable desire (Deuteronomy 5:29) to do the will of the God. It was a relationship that would not allow contention with another idol that represented God in another form.
Relationship with Jesus
Paul says God has made his light to shine out of the darkness into our hearts (2Corinthians 4:6). Why did God do this? Unfortunately no one could follow all the commands that Moses laid down. As Paul says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. The light Paul refers to that shines out of darkness is the knowledge of the glory of the face of Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul succinctly says, Christ is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). The core of his message is Christ has through his death and resurrection reconciled us with the Father. God loved the world so much that he sent Jesus so that He could be our mediator between us and God. This relationship could only come into being by the grace of God. It is Only through Christ’s life and witness we really came to understand the depth of God’s love for us.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Deuteronomy - Reflection
The Journey to the Promised Land
Lessons from the Wilderness
The people of Israel left Egypt to travel to the Promised Land, a journey that should have taken only eleven days from Mount Sinai to Kadesh Barnea. Instead, it took the Israelites forty years. Upon reaching the outskirts of the land of Canaan, they doubted that God had given them the land. They sent spies to survey the territory, and the scouts returned with news that it would be impossible to take over the land. The Israelites rebelled, grumbled, and lost faith in God.
This might be a good time to pause and ponder why this happened. Despite all the miracles performed in Egypt and on their journey, the Israelites did not trust God. The journey became a long, drawn-out, and painful one. They wandered through the desert, where an entire generation of Israelites passed away. Many who rebelled perished under the wrath of God.
However, this period was also a time where a new generation learned to fear and walk humbly before God. In the desert, they received a new identity as a nation. They learned to live and work together, to worship God, and to be faithful only to Him. They lost all ties to Egypt and the alien gods and idols they had worshipped. Moses gathered them into distinct tribes and chose wise and respected leaders to have authority over them. He laid down religious and civil laws for them to follow. They built a powerful army to defend their nation. Yet through the forty years of wandering, God protected and provided for all their needs.
Isn't this true of many of our lives? Haven't we traveled through dark periods in our lives? Haven't there been times when we had no idea where God was leading us? Periods when our burdens so overwhelmed us that we felt God was no longer there? These doubts only gave way to new fears and temptations. We were lured into phases in our lives when we turned away and rebelled against God. Yet God takes us through these deserts and wild experiences and instills in us a passion for Him. A longing to be in fellowship with Him and His people. Through it all, we learn to trust in Jesus and believe in His saving grace.
The early pilgrims left the shores of England in search of a new life. Some of them died on the way, and some in their early years in America. They faced many hardships such as rough weather, food scarcity, and diseases. But through it all, they saw the hand of God working and guiding them through all their trials to a new life and to build a nation that in this century has emerged as the most powerful nation in the world.
Reflecting on the Israelites' journey and the pilgrims' struggles, we see a pattern of human doubt, divine guidance, and ultimate redemption. Just as the Israelites learned to trust and follow God through their wilderness, we too can find assurance that God is with us in our trials. He shapes our character, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for the promises He has in store.
As we face our own deserts and uncertainties, let us remember that God’s provision is constant. He is faithful to lead us through our struggles and into His promises. Just as He did for the Israelites, He will turn our trials into testimonies of His grace and power.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Servant of the Living God
Philippians 2:3-8
3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
There are some christians who spend their entire lives in heated and bitter conflicts. In such an environment it is very unlikely that people can live in an community of brotherly love. As christians we should not become boastful and be filled with unwarranted pride in our accomplishments or qualities, for this leads to self worship and self glorification. Whatever we accomplish or qualities we emulate we must humbly accept as the grace of God.
Amy Carmichael gave up everything that life had to offer her in England and proceeded to her mission with undiminished commitment. She went to South India, where she led a life of complete devotion for 55 years to her calling as the shepherd of temple children. She opened an orphanage in Dohnavur. Being a gifted writer, she has many books to her credit. She yielded her life completely to Christ.
As brothers and sisters in Christ we are not to be overly concerned about our own possessions but also to the needs of those in our family, our community of faith and the world at large. The mind that Christ had when he was on earth was one that was submissive to the will of God in his life. Though he was God he took the form of one that was not equal to God. He became like a servant in the likeness of man. In his humility he obediently laid down his life for the salvation of all mankind.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Statement of faith
My relationship with Jesus Christ is based on an agape relationship of a Father and Son. It is through this relationship that I have come to value the importance of servant leadership, by humbly submitting my life in the hands of God to serve, do his will, and depend on his mercy to forgive my trespasses. I was raised in a Christian family where my father and mother nurtured my relationship with Jesus Christ. I read the Bible and pray everyday so that the Holy Spirit will inspire me to do the will of the Father, direct my path and grow mature in my relationship with Christ. I have daily family prayers with my wife and son, to seek the help of the Holy Spirit to build a family that is one in the Spirit and centered on Christ as our head. I believe that through praying for others, Christ will make us strong, protect us from evil,and provide for all our needs. I go to church, lead and participate in Bible studies to increase my relationship with the Body of Christ. I am happy to speak about my relationship with Jesus Christ anywhere and at anytime. I enjoy being involved in the outreach ministries and prayer circles of the church.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Living with Blessed Assurance
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