Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Daily Devotion:

Worship His Majesty!

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches" -(Rev 2:11)

My Child,To what extent you empty yourself and seek Me, to that extent I will fill you. I will make your heart rejoice and tongue glad. I will cause psalms and hymns and spiritual songs flow out of your heart. You will make melodies and your spirit will soar high in exultation (Eph 5:18-20). Not even David or Deborah had experienced this dimension. This was reserved for you who is drenched in My endtime showers!

Because language is the chief means of worship I specifically touch your tongue. If you desire I will gift you with the ability to speak in languages which you have neither learnt nor can understand (Acts 2:4; 10:46). Through this gift you can bypass your mind and bless God in your spirit. I will grant deep restfulness to your inner man and you will be thoroughly refreshed.

My child, I also understand your difficulties in prayer. Many times, especially when you go through difficult and confusing situations, you do not know how and what to pray. You are unable to find God's mind. Don't worry, I am there for you. I will not only guide you in prayer but also pray for you. I will groan for you when your language cannot adequately express your sorrow. Depend on Me. I will help in your weakness (Rom 8:26,27).

I know you love the Bible, but many times you find it difficult to understand. Don't lose heart, my child, I've come to explain to you its meaning. Do you know it was I who authored the scriptures? Moses wrote, David wrote, Isaiah wrote, Daniel wrote, Luke wrote, Paul wrote, and there were about 40 such writers. But I only inspired and instructed them. I also superintended them while they were writing. Not a single word was penned without My authorisation (2 Pet 1:20,21). As such who can explain the contents to you better than I? That's why the Son of God called Me as the Spirit of Truth. I am committed to lead you into all truth (Jn 16:13).

Majesty, worship His Majesty,Unto Jesus be all glory, power and praise;
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority,Flows from His Throne unto His own,
His anthem raise!
(Pastor Jack Hayford, 1934- , the author of more than 350 songs)

Prayer:

Bless the Lord

Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord;the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”-Romans 12:15

Daily Devotion:

Chocolate Christians!

"Shall we indeed accept good from God,and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10)

In an Indian Airlines domestic flight I heard two kids shouting from behind my seat, "Fly Indian Airlines. No other hostess is so kind!" I soon found out that the air hostess had given them some extra chocolates! Unfortunately the theology of many an average Christian is so childish!

God is no more than a Santa Claus for them! How do we justify our belief that only seemingly good things proceed from God, in the light of the following Scriptures? "Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life" (Eccl 7:14).

"The Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow and spread its shade over Jonah's head... But God also prepared a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant, so that it soon died and withered away" (Jon 4:6,7).

"I am the Lord, and there is no other. I am the one who creates the light and makes the darkness. I am the one who sends good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things" (Isa 45:7).

Only when we are thoroughly convinced of the sovereignty of God and that nothing goes beyond His control and happens without His permission, we can sing with apostle Paul that all things work together for good even if it is calamity or danger (Rom 8:28,35). The things Paul lists out as to what all might try to distract him from his love and intimacy with Christ are amazing: Tribulation, Distress, Persecution, Famine, Nakedness, Peril, Sword, Death, Life, Angels, Principalities, Powers, Present Things, Future Things, Height, Depth, Any Creature! This conviction leads us to unshakable confidence and we are enabled to "be patient in trouble" (Rom 12:12).

A senior servant of God met with a road accident a few years ago. I was with him to help him get admitted in the hospital. Among the first few things I sent to him to his ward was a Bible. In the evening when I visited him he profusely thanked me for sending that Bible. God had spoken to him through Job 12:9. He said his mind became calm and the shocking surprise was no more there. Beloved, folks may guess and say hundred and one things about our suffering. But we can assure ourselves by asking, "Who does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"

Prayer:

Prayer for Peace

O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”- Acts 20:24

Daily Devotion:

Slowly but Surely!

"We know all things work together for good to those who love God,who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28)

News reached Jesus that His friend Lazarus was sick. Anyone else would have at once hurried to the spot to help his friend or perform a miracle if he could. But not Jesus. "He stayed two more days in the place where He was" (Jn 11:6). We know it was a purposeful delay, because later He told His disciples, "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe" (v15).

Had Jesus visited Lazarus immediately, the miracle would have been one of healing. Now because He delayed, the family could have a greater miracle—resurrection! Divine delays are not denials. They are meant to develop us and the situation so we may better comprehend His ways.Praise God for instant healings. But the undeniable fact is that most of the healings are delayed and gradual. Almost all the healing miracles of Jesus in the Gospels were instant. But there is no one like Jesus who walks in perfect obedience and submission to the Father. As such God has not entrusted any other man with such power. Our acceptance or otherwise of this fact does not alter it.

Biblical patience is not rooted in fatalism that says everything is out of control. It is rooted in faith that says everything is in God's control (Rom 8:28). There's no place for faith if we expect God to fulfil immediately what He promises. Patient endurance is a condition to receive what God has promised. "You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb 10:36). "Do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Heb 6:12).

The Book of Psalms abounds with testimonies of deliverance that David experienced when he waited patiently. "I waited patiently for the Lord...He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock" (Psa 40:1; 62:1).

A German proverb says, Patience is a bitter plant but it bears sweet fruit!

Trust on, trust on, believer! Though long the conflict be,Thou yet shaltprove victorious; Thy God shall fight for thee.Trust on! Trust on! Though dark the night and drear;Trust on! Trust on! The morning dawn is near! (Eliza A. Walker)

Prayer:

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion.We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfill all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”- John 3:17

Daily Devotion:

Clear the Fear!

"Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward" (Heb 10:35)

"Anything dark is devil for the fearful!" So goes a Tamil proverb. I have not counted it, but I have heard more than one preacher say that there are 366 "Fear Not's" or similar statements in the Bible—one for each day of the year! In all situations of life, we must remind ourselves of what God told Joshua: "Be strong and of good courage; do not fear, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you" (Josh 1:9).

The spies who were sent to Canaan became fearful not because of the giants they saw in Canaan but because they disbelieved the promise of God (Num 13:33). Fear will grip us when we lose our fellowship with God. When we don't depend on the power of the Spirit of God but rely on our own intellectual stamina and physical strength, fear will dominate and torment us (1 Sam 16:14; 17:24; Psa 78:9). If popularity is our goal, the success of any other person will be a threat to us (Jn 12:42,43).

Nothing good will come out of fear. When Peter was afraid, he denied and even cursed his Master (Mk 14:66-72). His fear in a later situation made him play a hypocrite (Gal 2:11-13). Fear begets hypocrisy, and hypocrisy further leads to fear! (Isa 33:14). Those fearful in a team melt the hearts of others too (Dt 20:8). Because of fear Adam hid himself from the presence of God. The last page of the Bible speaks of the fearful being shut out of Heaven (Rev 21:8).

He who bows humbly before God will stand boldly before men. How much we are scared at times before opposers of the Gospel and officials of the Government! The timid disciples spoke God's Word with boldness when they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). The Priests and Saducees were thrilled to see the boldness of the uneducated Peter and John, and concluded that the reason was that "they had been with Jesus!" (Acts 4:13). When we maintain a good conscience before God and man, it becomes easy for us to overcome all sorts of fear. "The righteous man is as bold as a lion" (Prov 28:1). Fellowship of God's people strengthens us in threatening situations. Fear will fly away if we keep confessing, "For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain!"

The earth is receding;Heaven is beckoning;
This is the day of my coronation!O death, how sweet!
(Evangelist D.L. Moody, 1837-1899)

Prayer:

Prayer to Overcome Sin

O everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days.
O holy God, let the light of thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways.
O most merciful God, let the light of Thy love pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me.Amen!

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”- James 1:19

Daily Devotion:

Tree & Wood

"If they do these things in the green tree,what will be done in the dry wood?" (Lk 23:31)

"Jesus suffered for us so we need not suffer!"—This is one of the most popular saying shouted from modern pulpits. The Biblical illiterates from pews respond to this with shouts of "Hallelujah!" How much Satan has deceived us! How far he has taken us from divine predictions and revelations! Televangelism literally thrives on this stuff. By the time the listeners and viewers realize the fallacy of this teaching and that they are disillusioned, it's already too late. God, have mercy on us, this generation, as we try to find alternate routes for the way of the Cross!

All Christians are called to suffer with and for Christ (2 Tim 2:11,12; Phil 1:29). Suffering is in the eternal plan of God. In history Christ died 2000 years ago. But according to God's calendar, Christ was slain even before the creation of the world. This event of eternity past will be the song of eternity future (Rev 13:8). According to Jesus, Christian life will be one of suffering from commencement to consummation. That's why He spoke about "daily cross" with reference to discipleship (Lk 9:23).

The "green tree vs. dry wood" analogy refers to the ill-treatment we will receive from men. The Jews once said to Jesus, "You have a demon!" (Jn 8:52a). What did they mean when they told Him, "We were not born out of wedlock"? (v41). Were they indirectly hitting at how He was conceived before His mother got married? His own brothers and sisters once commented, "He is out of His mind" (Mk 3:21). If folks could say such things about the Son of God who committed no sin in thought, word or deed, why are we upset at the mildest verbal abuse? Most of Christ's sayings were misunderstood, though He was wisdom personified and He spoke not a single word more or less than what was necessary. Can we then escape the cross of misunderstanding?

Nothing is more hurting than when a man's own family folks become his foes. But sometimes we cannot escape this also (Mt 10:36). "Wounds from friends" are another tragedy (Zech 13:6). How would you feel if someone like Judas whom you trusted with money betrayed you for money? How would you feel if someone like Peter whom you promoted to cabinet rank denied and cursed you? How would you feel when someone like John whom you loved most deserted you when you needed him most?

Prayer:

Prayer of Hope

O Lord, in Whom is our hope, remove far from us, we pray Thee, empty hopes and presumptuous confidence. Make our hearts so right with Thy most holy and loving heart, that hoping in Thee we may do good; until that day when faith and hope shall be abolished by sight and possession, and love shall be all in all.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”- 1 Peter 5:6-7

Daily Devotion:

Rose among Thorns

"God knows the way I take;after He has tried me I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10)

We are too busy at times to listen to God that He is forced to send us some difficulties in order to get our attention to Him. It is well worth to undergo some bitter experiences, to learn new spiritual lessons. If God has singled you out to be a special object of His grace you may expect Him to honour you with stricter discipline and greater suffering than many are called to endure. Peter, whom God allowed to be "sifted as wheat" by Satan, explains it thus: "You are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise...at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1:5-7).

Faith needs to be tried by fiery trials. A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted. We pass through flooded rivers and burning furnaces. Neither the waters overflow us nor are we scorched by the fire, for the God of circumstances is in control (Isa 43:2). Though for a moment we are forsaken, with great mercies He gathers us to His bosom (Isa 54:7). Sometimes we feel that God does not hear our cries of grief and the call for help. At such times we should exercise our faith and patiently wait for Him (Js 1:2-4). Suffering is inevitable in the perfecting work of our faith. So let it not make us bitter and cynical but increase our faith in God. Think of the perseverance and patience of Job and take him as an example. He asserted, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

The fear of death should be out of a believer's vocabulary. As a college student in 1969, I had the privilege of listening to Bro. Selwyn Hughes the author of the daily devotional, Every Day With Jesus, in a Ministers Conference in Chennai. I never forget what he said: "Dear believer, you will not die before God's time, for any reason, come what may. Nothing can put an end to you until God decides that it is time for you to be at home with Him." The ship in which Paul once sailed was caught up in a tempestuous wind. Disaster and loss dismayed everyone and all gave up hope. But Paul trusted in the Lord to whom he belonged and declared, "I believe God, that it will be just as it was told me" (Acts 27:25). He was the one who passed through perils of waters, perils of shipwrecks, perils of robbers, perils of Gentiles, perils in the city and perils in the wilderness. But he was sure that nothing could kill him before God's time.

Prayer:

To Be Humble in Spirit

Father, I'm praying for all to know the importance of humbling ourselves.

May we choose to humble ourselves before You and before Christ, for we know You detest the proud of heart. You live in a high and holy place and with those who are contrite and humble. May we desire to be like Christ, gentle and humble in heart, living in harmony with one another, compassionate and sympathetic, loving each other—not trying to pay back hurts or insults but instead responding with blessings.

Your Word says You will guide us in what is right and teach us Your way, giving us grace and esteeming us in Your sight. Help us to show true humility toward all people, to clothe ourselves with humility.In the power of the Spirit, may they choose humility over pride at every turn. In Jesus' name, Amen

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

““I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”- 1Corinthians 1:10

Daily Devotion:

In Christ, with Him!

"It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20)

Our Father in Heaven calls us to be perfect even as He Himself is. He has provided this perfection in His Son. Jesus died on the cross not only to atone for our sins. He died that we might die with Him. He died as our Substitute. He also died as our Representative. The death of Jesus is representative and inclusive (Rom 6:1-11). We have to identify ourselves in His death and resurrection. Anyone who longs to walk as his Saviour walked on this earth must learn this truth of Identification with Christ.

When Christ was crucified two thousand years ago, we were also crucified with Him. This is the first step of identifying with Christ. We died with Him. "Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" (Rom 6:3). We were also buried with Him. "We were buried with Him through baptism into death" (Rom 6:4). The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is also inclusive of us. "If we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" (Rom 6:5). Jesus died for our forgiveness. He resurrected for our victory. Christ's life has been implanted in us so we can live a new life (6:4). Christian life is Christ living in and through us. In Paul's words, "No longer I, but Christ" (Gal 2:20). We died and were resurrected with Christ. What next? "God made us alive together with Christ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:5,6).

What did Jesus do after resurrection? He presented His torn, stricken and smitten body as an eternal Sacrifice to His Father. Likewise we have to present the organs of our bodies to God. "Present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your organs as instruments of righteousness to God" (Rom 6:13).

Real triumphant Christian life begins here. Without any reservation, we must give ourselves to Him to do anything and everything that pleases Him. This transfer of ownership gives us the true sense of belonging to Another. Not only this, you have to believe that you are made perfect in Christ. The Word of God says, "In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him" (Col 2:9,10).

The secret of victory is thus to be found in the two key words "In Christ." Died together with Christ, buried together with Christ, raised up together with Christ, seated together with Christ and made perfect in Christ. This is Full Gospel!

Prayer:

On Lighting Shabbat Candles

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech haOlam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vitzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”- Romans 15:5-6

Daily Devotion:

Blessings or Blesser?

"Though Balak were to give me a palace full of silver and gold, I would not go beyond the Word of the Lord my God" (Num 22:18)

No doubt obedience is a condition to receive God's blessing. But we don't obey God with the primary motive of wanting to be blessed by Him. This is one of the gross errors at the root of the modern health and wealth gospel. The purest motive of obedience to God must be to please Him. I may or may not be blessed; but God must be pleased. We obey Him because He is Lord! Not for any other reason! This is the logic of the first of the Ten Commandments: "I am the Lord your God!" (Ex 20:2a).

We repeatedly turn to Abraham to learn obedience. He was abundantly enjoying the earthly blessings in Ur. But to him obeying God was more important than holding on to the comforts of a settled life. Isaac was a blessing Abraham had longed for, for many many years. But again obeying God was more important to him than holding the cherished blessing tight against his bosom (Heb 11:8,9,17,18).

It is God who gives us fields, flocks and families. They are His blessings. But how disappointed is He when these blessings become barriers for us to obey His missionary call! The endowments become excuses! (Lk 14:18-20). While talking to prospective missionary candidates, I have found that most of their excuses fall into one of these three. Is not the Blesser more important than the blessings? We also present a clever argument for our disobedience. "I will use these blessings to support God's work!" This is what King Saul said when Prophet Samuel cornered him (1 Sam 15:15). Beloved, God first of all wants YOU, not yours!

God in His mercy may continue to bless us even if we do not obey Him. God's blessings are not endorsements of our ways. Beware of being blinded by blessings!

We must also learn to distinguish between the blessings of obedience and the benefits of disobedience. If we disobey the laws of the government and cheat the tax department, our savings will mount up. Tithing and offering from such dishonest gains is abominable to God (Rom 13:1-7). The devil is after us with his attractive offers. They are ours if only we can make some compromises. A promise of promotion by the boss if only we would bribe or write a false account. A job or a scholarship if only we would state a small lie in the application form. Prophet Balaam's reply to King Balak's fabulous offer is today's memory text. It's a timeless truth!

Prayer:

For the Lonely and Depressed

God bless all who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, who are looking for our soul mates. Guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”- James 3:17-18

Daily Devotion:

Before the Throne!

"I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions,and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Tim 2:1)

Every child of God is a priest before Him representing the needs of people. When we forget this, we fail in our primary responsibility. What should we pray for?

First of all, we are to pray for "all" men for their salvation. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:1,3,4). Our prayers should encompass all men. We should have a global vision. Paul asked in Romans 10:14, "How can they hear without someone preaching to them?" On the basis of 1 Tim 2:1,3,4, shall we ask, "How can they be saved without someone praying for them?"

Then we are to pray for God's people for their revival and restoration. The Church that is, is not the Church that was. The Church that is, is not the Church that should be. By and large we are backslidden and have lost the former glory. This is the condition of the majority of the Churches. Five out of the seven Churches of Revelation 2 and 3 were rebuked by Christ. They represent our condition. In the first Church—Ephesus—Christ was in the midst of the candlesticks, but as we come to the last Church—Laodicea—Christ is out knocking for an entrance! The Church does not miss her Lord but continues functioning! "Lord, will You not revive us again?" (Psa 85:6). Joel the Prophet of the last days calls the priests of the Lord to prayers and tears (Joel 1:13;2:17). We have preached, printed and published enough about revival, but not prayed enough for revival. That's why revival tarries! A sick Church cannot save a dying world. Let revival be the first item in our daily prayer list.

Thirdly, we are to pray for the believers with whom we closely move or work. This may refer to the members of the same local Church or fellowship. "Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (Js 5:16). Formal greeting and shaking of hands are not enough. Remember your fellow-believers before the Throne regularly. We are not independent but interdependent. We cannot manage with our own prayers. Jesus wanted His disciples to watch with Him in prayer. Paul beseeched the believers to strive with him in prayer. Let's pray for one another— really, fervently. It is to be noted that the requests in the Lord's prayer are not for "me" but for "us."

Prayer:

Create in me a pure heart, O my God,And renew a tranquil conscience within me, O my Hope!
Through the spirit of power confirm Thou me in Thy Cause,O my Best-Beloved,And by the light of Thy glory reveal unto me Thy path,O Thou the Goal of my desire!Through the power of Thy transcendent might Lift me up unto the heaven of Thy holiness,O Source of my being,And by the breezes of Thine eternity gladden me,O Thou Who art my God! Let Thine everlasting melodies breathe tranquillity on me,O my Companion,And let the riches of Thine ancient countenance Deliver me from all except Thee,O my Master,And let the tidings of the revelation of Thine Incorruptible Essence bring me joy,O Thou Who art the most manifest of the manifest And the most hidden of the hidden! Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” -Hebrews 6:10

Daily Devotion:

Rain, Rain, Come again!

"By this My Father is glorified, that you may bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (Jn 15:8)

In response to the rain the field must bring forth fruit. Rain is from above. God pours His blessing on us so we may be fruitful to Him. We must be productive to avoid backsliding. The rain typifies God's Spirit, God's Word and God's Grace. Let's briefly study the expected response from us on the receipt of each of these blessings.

God's Spirit is rain. This demands a twofold response. First our character. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal 5:22,23). The Holy Spirit is outpoured on us that we may bring forth these fruits. If instead we still continue to be manifesting "the works of the flesh" (Gal 5:19-21), we are bearing "thorns and briers" only. Every effort must be taken by us to cooperate with the Spirit to produce in us a Christlike character, manifesting thro' love, joy, peace, etc. The second purpose of the rain of God's Spirit on us is to make us faithful and powerful witnesses of Christ (Acts 1:8; 2:17). After receiving the Holy Spirit, if a Christian is idle and slothful and indifferent towards the furtherance of the Gospel, he has received God's rain in vain.

Next, God's Word is rain (Dt 32:1,2). Our response to God's Word must be the increase of faith. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom 10:17). If, inspite of repeated hearing of God's Word, we are still in unbelief, we are only producing thorns and briers. The Word of God is also to produce growth in us. "Desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet 2:2). It is not uncommon to see believers who attend every Church service and convention and listen to every sermon, but who never grow. Obviously they are not applying the truths in their life. Only a "doer of the Word" is blessed (Js 1:23-25).

Thirdly, rain typifies God's grace. "I will pour... the Spirit of grace..." (Zech 12:10a). God's grace has come to us in all fullness through Jesus Christ (Jn 1:16,17). Because we are under grace, sin shall not have dominion over us (Rom 6:14). Our responsibility is to lean completely on the grace of the Lord and say no to every temptation from the evil one. The negative response to the shower of God's grace on us is to continue in sin taking advantage of God's forgiving grace (Rom 6:15).

God is freely pouring out His rain on us. The Spirit without measure! The Word in plenty! His grace in abundance! Our positive response prevents us from backsliding.

Prayer:

Prayer for Hearing God's Word

Father, I'm praying for all who need Christ...You are the God who gives life to the spiritually dead.

I thank You that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. I ask You to send someone into each of their lives, someone with the message of life, the Word of Christ—for Your Word does not return empty; it accomplishes what You desire and achieves the purpose for which it is sent.

May they hear the words of Christ, for His words are spirit and they are life. May the words that they hear not be stolen from their hearts.Send someone they can respect to bring them the truth. In Jesus' name, amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
- Romans 11:33

Daily Devotion:

God's Kid, don't Kid!

"Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (Js 4:7)

Satan's attack on God's people are multifarious. Let's learn today how to overcome Satan when he challenges you.

The first two of the three typical temptations Jesus faced in the desert were a challenge on His Sonship. The tempter came to Him and said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread... If You are the Son of God, jump down..." (Mt 4:3,6). It was not only a challenge to Jesus but also on what God the Father had said just before Jesus went into the desert: "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Mt 3:17). Satan put the same words of challenge in the lips of the passersby who watched Jesus on the Cross: "If You are the Son of God, come down from the Cross!" (Mt 27:40).

Satan spares no saint of this temptation. He challenges every child of God about God's fatherhood towards him and his sonship. This temptation will be intense during your days of spiritual infancy as well as times of infirmity due to adversities. "How can a sinner like you suddenly become a child of God? Can this happen to you if you are a child of God?" Such questions will bombard you day and night.

To overpower Satan against this temptation, you must constantly remind yourself of the assurance of your sonship. This assurance is yours through the written Word of God and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus combated the devil's attack in this area by quoting on his face the Scriptures. He said, "It is written... It is also written" (Mt 4:4,7). You can say, "It is written that I have the right to be a child of God because I have believed on Christ and received Him" (Jn 1:12).

The assuring companionship of the Holy Spirit with Jesus was another weapon. We read that He was led into the desert "by the Spirit" and returned "in the power of the Spirit" (Mt 4:1; Lk 4:14). While talking to the Christians in Rome about suffering, Apostle Paul said, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Don't therefore be intimidated by any fear caused by the devil. God is your "Abba" and He is your "Father!" (Rom 8:15-18). This adoption into God's family cannot be cancelled or the authority of sonship annulled under any circumstance.

Be ye strong in the Lord and the power of His might!
Firmly standing for the truth of His Word;
He shall lead you safely through the thickest of the fight,
You shall conquer in the Name of the Lord! (El Nathan)


Prayer:

Comfort the Grieving

Father, I pray for all who are grieving...

They're hurting for many reasons, and I ask You to help them through this season of loss. I reach out to You, the Father of compassion and the Source of every comfort, asking You to touch them with Your unfailing love and kindness. Be their God who comforts them as they're going through their struggles, and bring them through the tough things ahead. Come alongside them in their pain, and strengthen them so they'll one day be able to help others who face the same struggles.

You're close to people whose hearts are breaking, those who are discouraged and have given up hope. May You who see their troubles and grief respond when they cry out.

When they're hurting, help them find their joy in You, for it's Your joy that will be their strength. Help them to trust You as their God of hope. Fill them with Your joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help them experience the love, joy, and peace that are the results of His life in them, no matter what they're going through.

May they sense Your presence in this hour of need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”- Psalm 139:13-14

Daily Devotion:

What is the Address?

"Whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you" (Jn 16:23)

Whom to address in prayer, is a lesson that must be learnt at the very commencement of Christian life. During the days of Jesus on earth, the disciples straightaway asked Him whatever they wanted. But pointing to the new dispensation which Pentecost would usher in, Jesus said, "In that day you will ask Me nothing... whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My Name" (Jn 16:23,24).

Eventhough Jesus is the One who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, He has directed us to ask "the Father" for this gift (Lk 11:13). The early Christians prayed "to" the Father (Acts 4:24-30). The apostolic teaching is clear: "Through Him (Jesus) we have access BY one Spirit TO the Father" (Eph 2:18). Paul writes of his own prayer practice: "I bow my knees TO the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 3:14).

God Almighty is our Eternal Father. Christ Jesus is our Elder Brother. The Holy Spirit is our Executive Helper (Heb 2:10-12; Jn 16:17). We pray "to" the Father, "thro" the Son, "by" the power of the Spirit. The Trinitarian Godhead is best understood in the context of prayer. Our prayers are addressed to the Father who is in Heaven. They are advocated by the Son who is seated at His right hand. They are assisted by the Holy Spirit who is right here on earth in us (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:26,34). What a picture! What a privilege!

Does it mean we cannot pray "to" Jesus? No. There are prayers in the Bible addressed to Him (Acts 7:59; Rev 22:20). But it is more an exception than a rule. Jesus is God. But the clear teaching in the Scriptures is to pray "to" the Father "thro" Jesus. Let us not hesitate to shed down our traditions, though cherished long, to become more and more Biblical.Can we praise Jesus? Of course, yes. We should. But the ultimate worship is to the Father. See Jn 4:23; Eph 3:21; 5:20; Phil 2:11; Col 1:3,12.

Here's the final stage: "Now when all things are subject to Him (Jesus), then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all" (1 Cor 15:28).

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O, Come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory—great things He hath done!
(Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915)

Prayer:

Prayer for Divine Guidance

Open my lips, O Lord,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”- Proverbs 31:30

Daily Devotion:

Taming the Tongue

"If anyone thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless" (Js 1:26)

In the light of the New Testament, the word "perfection" is understood as growth and maturity. One of the important qualities that shows maturity in a man is his ability to control his tongue. This is what the Bible says: "We all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body" (Js 3:2).

The Epistle of James is among the most practical books in the New Testament. One of his main subjects is tongue. He tells a lot about it. He goes to the extent to say, "If anyone cannot control his tongue, his religion is useless."

The warning of Jesus that "for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment" (Mt 12:36,37), shows us the seriousness of our unnecessary talks.Jesus spoke truthful words (Mk 12:32), graceful words (Lk 4:22) and faultless words (Lk 20:26). When Peter pointed out the spotlessness of Jesus he said, "He committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth" (1 Pet 2:22).

Almost all the Epistles emphasise the necessity of speaking the right words and avoiding unedifying talk. It is stated, "No man can tame the tongue" (Js 3:8). It must be taken control of by the Holy Spirit. A confession of the sins of our tongue and a consecration of the tongue at the altar of God will bring down fire from Above for cleansing and commission (Isa 6:5-9). Of all the organs of their bodies the Holy Spirit primarily took hold of their tongue when He came upon the early disciples (Acts 2:4). We cannot ignore the significance!

Someone said that of all the parts of the body, nothing helps Satan as much as the tongue! During Samson's time, the jawbone of a donkey was used to kill. Even today it's the same. "Reckless words pierce like a sword" (Prov 12:18). Tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts a lot (Js 3:5). Words of gossip (Prov 18:8), mockery (Prov 19:29), strife (Prov 18:6), harshness (Prov 15:1) and lying (Prov 19:5) should be avoided. Let the 32 white soldiers stop the tongue coming out unnecessarily!

Thiruvalluvar, an ancient Tamil poet has said, "Going for bad words when there are good ones is like choosing an unripe fruit when there's a ripe one!"

Prayer:

Prayer for Those Coping With Depression

Dear Lord, you are our refuge in good and in bad times. In your infinite mercy, bring peace and comfort to those of us who face days sometimes filled with pain and depression. Help us to realize that through you there is joy and the promise of lasting peace. Help us through the rough times. Walk before and beside us so that we may walk in your footsteps and reach out to you in our journey on this earth. Help us to focus on our blessings rather than our misfortunes, dear Lord. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”- Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

Daily Devotion:

Skill or Spirit?

"Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit..." (Zech 4:6)

In these days when so much of Christian activity is carried out by mere human strength and skill, we need to have a fresh look at Jesus to learn how He ministered.Luke, a doctor as well as a historian, explains the secret of Christ's ministry: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Jesus emptied Himself of all His own power and strength and received the power of the Spirit, thus giving us a pattern.

The Word of the Lord to one of God's servants of old was, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts" (Zech 4:6). The sooner we learn this truth the better.Christ's dependence on the Holy Spirit was manifested by the fact that prayer was His top priority. He spent 40 days in fasting and prayer before His 40 months of public ministry. He came out from the wilderness "in the power of the Spirit" (Lk 4:14). Today this wilderness experience is substituted by an academic degree. No wonder we accomplish little. Even when He became popular and great multitudes came to hear and to be healed by Him, Jesus "often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed" (Lk 5:15,16). When the battery runs down, the car becomes a push model. An hour a day alone with God is but a minimum.

Jesus commenced His ministry in prayer. He carried it on by prayer. He consummated it in prayer (In Gethsemane and at Golgotha). He now continues praying ("He ever lives to make intercession"— Heb 7:25). Do we attempt to fulfil our ministry any other way? Prayer is an acknowledgment of our insufficiency. Prayer tells God we need Him and the power of His Spirit.

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) writes, "The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray! There is no field more unexplored in Christian experience and possibility than this limitless field of prayer. Prayer means pain. Prayers means privacy."

Spirit Divine, attend our prayers; make a lost world Thy home;Descend with all Thy gracious powers, oh, come, Great Spirit, come!Come as the Fire, and purge our hearts like sacrificial flame;Let our whole soul an offering be to our Redeemer's Name!(Dr. Andrew Reed, 1787-1862)

Prayer:

The love of God

The love of God enfolds me;The love of God surrounds me;The love of God saturates me; The love of God upholds me; The love of God strengthens me; The love of God comforts me;The love of God cheers me;The love of God restores me;The love of God calms me;The love of God consoles me;The love of God guides me;The love of God protects me;The love of God cleanses me;The love of God frees me;The love of God fulfills me;The love of God heals me;The love of God uplifts me;The love of God embraces me;The love of God envelopes me;The love of God fills me;The love of God shines in me and eternally sustains me.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”- Ephesians 4:32

Daily Devotion:

Patience Pays!

"When Christ suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly" (1 Pet 2:23)

The trouble with us today is that we want a 707 flight to the Promised Land without walking through the wilderness. Our impatience only learns patience through the thorns of delay and darkness.Though the entire earthly life of Christ was one of suffering from the cradle to the cross, His sufferings intensified infinitely during the final days. Read through the last chapters of the Gospels. His patience stands out. Peter, who was an eyewitness of all the mistreatment and suffering his Master experienced, wrote later, "When you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

For this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Pet 2:21,22).How could Jesus be so patient in suffering? Because, He knew that everything in His life had been ordained by His Father. And that the Father had a lofty purpose behind all that. And the sufferings were for His own learning and perfection (Heb 2:10; 5:8). Because He suffered He helps with sympathetic understanding those who suffer (Heb 4:15,16).

Nothing but this confidence can keep us also patient in suffering.Apostle James wrote to Jewish Christians scattered all over the world, "Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (Js 5:11). James encouraged them saying, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (1:2,3).

Everything worked contrary to what God had revealed to young Joseph in a dream. But he waited patiently without murmuring. He let the Word of God try him during the dark years. Finally the sun rose on him. He walked majestically from prison to palace (Psa 105:17-22).

The moment you decide to be patient, legions of situations will arise to try your patience. Don't give up, but imitate Jesus the Master of patience. The ultimate victory of the saints over Satan is through patience (Rev 13:10; 14:12). Be patient, beloved, be patient! Patience is the sturdiest of all shock absorbers!

Prayer:

Prayer for Discernment

Make us of quick and tender conscience, O Lord; that understanding we may obey every word of Thine, and discerning may follow every suggestion of Thine indwelling Spirit. Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” - Matthew 18:15

Daily Devotion:

Messengers or Managers?

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of Godin Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14)

The temptation for pastors and preachers to involve themselves directly in administrative matters is simply too strong. Many powerful messengers have become managers in Churches and ministries. The saddest fact is that because administration is not their calling their performance is awful. The gifting of "apostles, prophets and teachers" is essentially different from the gifts of "helps and administrations" (1 Cor 12:28). Rarely do we come across ministers gifted in both areas. Even in such cases, unless the order of priority is definitely established both will suffer. History tells us that the ministry of the Word has lost more ministers to administration than vice versa.

It's unfortunate that many senior pastors and preachers have not understood the need or learnt the art of delegation. The plain truth is that they are afraid. They are tormented by a feeling of insecurity. They keep on excusing themselves that they have not found reliable and suitable persons yet. Did not Jesus know that Judas was a thief from the beginning? His faith in the sovereignity of His Father was so strong that He entrusted Judas with the moneybag! He had assuredly known that at the maximum Judas would run away with the money but he could never steal the ministry!

Several well-meaning Christian leaders persuaded me to rethink when my wife and I decided in 1987 to leave the central administrative responsibilities of Blessing Youth Mission, which I had founded, to the secondliners so we could spend a couple of years in each of the non-Tamil States where our missionaries had been placed and minister as part of the field teams. My reply to those well-wishers was, "People grow when you trust them." I have found this principle working all along and I have no regrets for my decision. Jesus trusted an unsteady Peter with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. He later proved to be a rock (Mt 16:18,19).

The early apostles refused to abandon their responsibilities of preaching and teaching the Word of God in order to administer the food distribution programme. They urged the disciples to assign this task to seven trustworthy men so their ministry of prayer and preaching would not be disturbed (Acts 6:1-7). When preachers are bogged down with administration, they invariably lose spiritual freshness which is indispensable for receiving messages from Above. Finding long hours for unhurried study of Bible Commentaries and Reference Books becomes almost impossible. The congregations will starve!

Prayer:

In Time of Need

Heavenly Father,
in my present need,
help me to believe
that you are aware of my anxiety
and will do what is best for me.
Give me the strength to trust you
and put the present and future in your hands.
Grant this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Daily Devotion:

Abba, Alleluia!

"I will declare Your Name to My brothers;in the midst of the congregation I will praise You" (Psa 22:22)

One of the favourite texts used often in charismatic worship meetings is Philippians 2:10,11, "At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." Undoubtedly this is a very appropriate text for worship. But we tend to lose sight of its closing words: "To the glory of God the Father." The meaning is, all worship must ultimately be to the Father. We are to worship the Father "by" the Spirit of God and rejoice "in" Christ Jesus (Phil 3:3). "We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Col 1:3). "We bless our God and Father" (Js 3:9). In fact, Christ also joins us in praising the Father! He tells His Father, "I will declare Your Name to My brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You" (Psa 22:22; Heb 2:11-13). He told the Samaritan woman how His Father was seeking for true worshippers to worship Him (Jn 4:21-23).

When we get to Heaven, the mediatory work of Christ will no more be necessary. We will be ushered into the literal presence of God and we shall behold Him in all His glory and majesty (Rev 22:4). Christ's Name and the Name of His Father will be written on our foreheads (Rev 14:1;22:3,4). There we find worship being addressed to the Father as well as to the Son, depending upon the subject of praise. See Revelation 4:8,11; 5:9,10,12,13; 7:9-12; 11:16-18; 15:3,4; 16:5,6; 19:1-6. There is however no reference to the worship of the Holy Spirit.

The Father is not the Son. And the Son is not the Father. But the Father dwells in the Son, and the Son dwells in the Father (Jn 14:11). However, in the same passage Jesus ascribes all authority and glory to the Father (vv 10,13). In the same way, eventhough the Holy Spirit like Jesus is fully God, He does not attract worship towards Himself but directs it to the Father. When He came on people, He prompted them to magnify God for His wonderful works (Acts 2:4,11;10:44,46). The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ; and Christ glorifies the Father (Jn 16:14;17:4). This understanding will revolutionize our worship practices and add new dimensions to it. I counsel the composers of worship songs to bear this truth in mind and check the doctrinal correctness of their choruses and songs with reliable Bible teachers before releasing them. Otherwise irrepairable damage may be caused to the doctrinal understanding of Christians in a day when songs become popular for their tune rather than the truth.

Prayer:

Prayer of Gratitude for God's Gifts

For this new morning and its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For every gift His goodness sends
We thank you, gracious Lord.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”- James 5:16

Daily Devotion:

Kids' Bible

"I have more understanding than all my teachers,for Your testimonies are my meditation" (Psa 119:99)

The discipline of spending enough time with the Bible must start from childhood. The responsibility lies primarily with parents. Paul was a spiritual giant. He had been bestowed with unsurpassed skills and potentials. His intellectual brilliance was unusual. His accomplishments were unparalleled. Can we find a secondline leader to walk into his shoes? Paul had an eye on young Timothy, but was he not too timid and too apprehensive to take up the mantle? (1 Cor 16:10,11; 1 Tim 5:23). Nevertheless there was an outstanding attraction in Timothy. His love for the Scriptures which was born in his childhood itself, perhaps even before he attained the age of accountability to repent of his sins and receive Christ as his Saviour (2 Tim 3:14,15). The credit goes to his granny and mummy (2 Tim 1:5).

Parents spend so much time each day with their children, outside the classroom hours, in coaching and coaxing them to study their textbooks. This is fine and necessary in a world of competition. But how much time are the children made to spend with the Bible? We little realize that such a partiality angers God. He lamented through Prophet Hosea, "I have written for My people the great things of My law, but they were considered a strange thing" (Hos 8:12). In His anger He said, "Because you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children" (Hos 4:6b).

I don't worship Mary but I do hail her! How much she cooperated with God in preparing her Son for His redemptive ministry! Think of her efforts in filling the mind and heart of Boy Jesus with so much of Scriptures that even the teachers in the Temple were amazed! (Lk 2:46-48a). She continued to be a Bible tutor for Him from His twelfth to thirtieth year. For a young rural woman, in a carpenter's home, with very little academic exposure, and amidst so many domestic responsibilities, spending time with her Son alongwith the other children for the study of the Scriptures would not have been easy. The name "Mary" is common in Christian circles, but mothers like her are a rare breed.

The B-i-b-l-e,
Yes that's the Book for me;
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-i-b-l-e!

Prayer:

Teach Me to Pray

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what I need; Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself. O Father! Give to Thy child that which he himself knows not how to ask. I dare not ask either for crosses or consolations; I simply present myself before Thee, I open my heart to Thee. Behold my needs which I know not myself; see and do according to Thy tender mercy. Smite, or heal; depress me, or raise me up; I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them; I am silent; I offer myself in sacrifice; I yield myself to Thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. Teach me to pray. Pray Thyself in me.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:6-7

Daily Devotion:

Faith, mighty Faith!

"Our faith is what overcomes the world" (1 Jn 5:4)

How to be victorious over sin? This is the problem of problems. A concise but comprehensive description of sin is given in 1 John 2:16. "All that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but of the world." All sins fall into these three only.

Take for example, the temptation faced by Adam and Eve. The fruit was good to eat — This is the lust of the flesh; It was pleasant to look at — This is the lust of the eyes; They were promised that they would be like gods if they ate the fruit — This is the pride of life. Jesus Christ the Second Adam faced the same temptation in a different setting of course. "Command these stones to become bread" — lust of the flesh; "Taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world" — lust of the eyes; "Jump down from here; God shall give His angels charge over You" — pride of life. Jesus triumphed over these temptations.

Today's memory text tells us how like Christ we can overcome temptations: "This is the victory that overcomes the world — our faith!" The very next verse points out what this faith is: "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 Jn 5:5)? In other worlds, in order to be victorious over the sins in the world we have to just believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Simply profound, and profoundly simple!

This faith is the shield to protect us from the arrows of the enemy. Of all the weapons of warfare listed in Ephesians 6:13-17, we are exhorted to hold the shield of faith "above all!" Even though the helmet, the sword, the belt and the boots are all important, the shield of faith is to be kept above all! The shield is used to protect any part of the body.

Faith is not only the shield, it is also the breastplate (1 Thess 5:8). This is the secret of victory. Christ is our victory. Victorious life is not an experience that we seek to attain. There's no experience apart from Christ. Christ is the Captain of our Salvation. Is it possible that the Captain has triumphed whereas his soldiers are defeated?

Apostle Paul stated the same truth in different words: "It's no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God" (Gal 2:20).

Prayer:

Thanks We Offer

Heavenly Father, kind and good,
Thanks we offer for this food;
For Thy love and tender care,
For all the blessings that we share.
Amen.

Grow in God's Love each Morning!

Word Of God:

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Daily Devotion:

Learning from Leaders

"Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1)

The Bible teaches us to be "followers of God as dear children" (Eph 5:1). Jesus was exactly like His Father. He bade His disciples, "Follow Me" (Mt 4:19). Then comes the third stage. Apostle Paul urged his converts, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). The teaching of the Scriptures confirms that this chain should not be broken but continue from generation to generation.

A chain smoker cried, "Don't tell me why; show me how!" We are desperately in need of men and women who can lead by example. We have often heard preachers say, "Don't look at me; look at Jesus!" This is nothing but escapism and sheer hypocrisy. Concerning such debasing examples among the religious leaders of His day Jesus warned the people, "Whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their deeds" (Mt 23:3). On the other hand Paul challenged, "Join in following my example... the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do" (Phil 3:17; 4:9). It is the sacred responsibility of everyone in any leadership capacity to present before his "little ones" a lifestyle that's unoffensive and praiseworthy (Lk 17:1,2).

This does not mean that we must be looking for "perfect" leaders to emulate them. We have to observe only the overall "outcome" or fruit of their life (Heb 13:7). Ask these basic questions concerning a leader you desire to follow: Is he committed to the authority of the Bible? Is he a man of prayer? Dose he maintain a distance with the opposite sex? Has he given himself to simple living? Is his own house in order? Is he honest in financial matters? Is he dead to seeking popularity and self-interests? Does he embrace all believers and work for unity? Is he passionate about world evangelism? Does he train secondline leaders? It is normally safe to follow a leader who has these sterling qualities.

Each leader has his strengths and weaknesses. No one exemplifies in everything. This I believe is one reason why the New Testament consistently promotes plurality of leadership (Tit 1:5; Acts 20:17). This way we can avoid heroworshipping any one person. Unfortunately we have produced more fans than followers, more devotees than disciples.

God clothes the secondliners with His anointing and authority when they humbly and faithfully watch and follow the first leaders. Secondliners must devote themselves to this painstaking study. Right during his lifetime Paul certified of Timothy, "He does the work of the Lord, as I also do" (1 Cor 16:10).

Prayer:

Love Your Enemies

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Amen.