Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice,”- Psalm 95:6-7

Daily Devotion:

Intelligence & Influence

"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.Live as children of light" (Eph 5:8)

God is not against us acquiring knowledge. But He would not have us put "knowledge" before "life." Man would not have lost Paradise if he had chosen to eat of the Tree of Life rather than the Tree of Knowledge. Human knowledge without divine life is deadly. True wisdom comes as a result of walking in the fear of God (Prov 1:7).

We are to use our common sense and acquired knowledge in making decisions for the routine matters of life. But when we are to find God's will for major issues, too much of reasoning may in fact be harmful. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord" (Isa 55:8,9). There's nothing wrong in analysing matters and discussing issues. This exercise does help to define the problem precisely and to focus the question sharply. But we must not stay too long in the valley of decision with our mental faculties alone. Sense knowledge is inadequate to comprehend God's ways. We walk by faith, not by sight or other senses (2 Cor 5:7). Only then we can be "well pleasing" to God in all our ways (v 9).

We don't obey and go even if God tells us where to go. But Abraham obeyed God and went out "not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8). Following our own wisdom is risky; but trusting God for the unknown is safe. Those who would not move until they have all the facts and details are not fit for God's army. The soldiers of the Cross are heroes of faith. They know "who" leads them. They are not bothered about "where" and "what."

While the Bible states that there is safety in having several counsellors and admonishes us to exhort one another frequently, overconsultation with people may confuse us. When we know for sure that God has spoken to us in our spirit and it is in agreement with the Scriptures, we must settle the matter there.

Jesus valued the company of His friends and fellowship of His disciples genuinely. But He stayed sensitive to discern when their counsel and advice came in the way of obeying His Father's will. We know how He sharply rebuked Peter for suggesting a Crossless religion. Jesus identified the clash between human and divine thoughts (Mt 16:22,23). When we consult the worldlings and not God for making decisions, He views it quite seriously. When I made a choice to leave engineering for evangelism, and shared it with my wife, she encouraged me to first resign and then inform parents. No problem, no regrets!

God's "foolishness" is wiser than men;
His "weakness" is stronger than men! (Apostle Paul)

Prayer:

I will sing of your love and justice;to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart.I will set before my eyes no vile thing.The deeds of faithless men I hate;they will not cling to me.
Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;I will have nothing to do with evil.Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,him will I not endure.My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,that they may dwell with me;he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house;no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land;I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”- Isaiah 26:3

Daily Devotion:

Unwanted is Wanted!

"The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone" - (Mt 21:42)

As a building engineer I have heard this statement made in various forms and occasions by masons. Looking for an ideally shaped stone they would keep rejecting one after the other. Finally they would settle for the best among the rejected ones! Jesus saw Himself as a rejected stone. Prophet Isaiah portrayed Him as "a Man of sorrows ... despised and rejected by men" (Isa 53:3).

None of us who truly follow the crucified Saviour can escape the cross of rejection. No man is fully accepted until he is totally rejected. Joseph was rejected but finally crowned. David was despised but finally enthroned. Jesus was rejected and despised by relatives and religionists. The world still hates Him. He has forewarned us, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" (Jn 15:18). Apostle John repeated this warning, "Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you" (1 Jn 3:13). Apostle James went one step further when he wrote, "Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (Js 4:4b).

It was not an exaggeration when Paul testified, "We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We respond gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world's garbage, like everybody's trash—right up to the present moment" (1 Cor 4:12,13). At the same time it is possible we antagonize the world by unsocial gestures and lack of wisdom. This is wrong. Jesus grew in favour with men, didn't He? (Lk 2:52). The message here is that an evil world will not love a good Abel; an unrighteous world will not applaud a righteous Noah; a licentious world will not tolerate a virtuous Joseph; a corrupt religion will not accommodate a sincere Jeremiah; an immoral ruler will not garland a forthright John the Baptist; and a world sold out to sin will not embrace us if we stand against sin.

The context of this proverbial passage teaches us another valuable lesson (Mt 21:33-41). God's serious view of fruitlessness in the lives of His people is vividly illustrated here. If we keep on disappointing God, we alone will be the losers. God knows no defeat. He knows when to do what, how and through whom.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me—
O how much He cared for me! (Charles F. Weigle, 1871-1966)

Prayer: Habakkuk 3:15-19

You trampled the sea with your horses, churning the great waters. I heard and my heart pounded,my lips quivered at the sound;decay crept into my bones,and my legs trembled.Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,he enables me to go on the heights.For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”- Psalm 119:165

Daily Devotion:

Abba in Adversity!

"Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined?" (Heb 12:7)

More than any other time the truth of the fatherhood of God is appreciated when we pass through periods of suffering. The Father God has one Son without sin but none without scars! In Hebrews 12, the Chapter on Chastisement, God is called the "Father of spirits" (v9). That means, He knows everything about everyone. "He knows our frame and He remembers that we are dust. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He will not always chide us" (Psa 103:14,13,9). As God takes us through trials and tribulation, let's stay submitted under Him with the confidence that he is the "Father of mercies" (2 Cor 1:3).

As children of the Father and joint-heirs with Christ His Son in the Father's house, if we share in Christ's suffering today we shall also share in His glory tomorrow (Rom 8:16-18). The Lord Jesus cheers us up today saying, "Let not your heart be troubled!" He states the reason why: "In My Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you" (Jn 14:1-3). Reservation of rooms in the Father's mansions!

The good God is almighty, and the almighty God is good! Every thought of His is for our good, and all that He has planned for us in His wise counsel He will translate into reality in our lives and in His time. We need only remain quiet and content. Let us only keep on seeking His face and beseeching Him, "Abba, Father," for His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning! (Lam 3:22,23).

It is when we recognise God the Father's hand on us behind the trials of life that we can be assured of His "good purpose" according to which all things work together (Rom 8:28). The good purpose of the Father is that all His sons and daughters must become "conformed to the image of His Son" (v29). Here lies the answer to all the puzzles of life (Job 12:9,10; 9:24c).

Father-like, He tends and spares us,
Well our feeble frame He knows;
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes:
Alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows! (H.F. Lyte, 1793-1847)

Prayer:

Most High, glorious God,enlighten the darkness of my heart,and give me right faith,certain hope,and perfect charity,wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry outyour holy and true command.Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”- Psalm 116:1-2

Daily Devotion:

Paupers turned Princes

"To him who overcomes,I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne" (Rev 3:21)

The salvation that God has provided for us is great and is full of splendour and wonder. For through His salvation He has promised full restoration unto us of dominion over all creation. Reminiscing over this the Psalmist says, "What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? You made him a little lower than the angels, You crowned him with glory and honour, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet" (Heb 2:5-7; Psa 8:6).

Indeed, what is man, compared to the majesty and vastness of God's creation? We are infinitesimal and insignificant. This passage further adds that man is made a little lower than the angels. Angels can go anywhere because they are spirits. Also they don't die! But it is appointed unto men to die. Man is limited to space and time. In spite of the fact that man is created lower than the angels, God gave him dominion over the earth (Gen 1:28). But when man disobeyed God and sinned, he lost this dominion and was filled with fear and guilt. God did not leave him there but provided for him salvation through His Son. This salvation is restoration of "glory and honour."

The story of the prodigal son best illustrates this truth. His father provided him the best robe, a ring and sandals and a feast of "fatted calf." Thus he was fully and joyfully restored to relationship with the father, and position, power and dignity in the family. The son came to be just accepted as a servant, but the father restored him to a place of original authority with him in the house by giving him a ring! This is what salvation is. Promotion from dunghill to the Throne!

There is both a present and a future element in our restored authority. Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth." Which is why even the demons obeyed the dictates of the seventy disciples. We all can enjoy this authority over the powers of darkness which war against men and our souls. However, the completion of our restoration is still in the future. That's why we read, "But now we do not yet see all things put under him" (Heb 2:8).

We know the enemy is not made silent yet (Psa 8:2). He is busy hissing and roaring. But a day comes when the Root of Jesse shall stand as a banner to His people — when "the nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole" (Isa 11:8,10). A day when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord — only! (v9).

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Jonah 2:1-9

In my distress I called to the LORD,and he answered me.From the depths of the grave I called for help,and you listened to my cry.You hurled me into the deep,into the very heart of the seas,and the currents swirled about me;all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'The engulfing waters threatened me,the deep surrounded me;seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down;the earth beneath barred me in forever.But you brought my life up from the pit,O LORD my God.:When my life was ebbing away,I remembered you, LORD,and my prayer rose to you,to your holy temple."Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you.What I have vowed I will make good.Salvation comes from the LORD."

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”- Psalm 94:18-19

Daily Devotion:

Faith is Fantastic!

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,and you will be saved and your entire household" (Acts 16:31)

Faithful proclamation of the risen Christ as the Lord and the Saviour took Paul and Silas to the innermost of dungeons. The two peculiar prisoners were prepared for everything. They met the persecution with a spirit of praise and prayer. Whether or not their hymns moved their fellow-prisoners' hearts, we are not sure. But their praise did move the Roman prison! Following a great earthquake, the foundations of the prison were shaken, all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosened. All these brought the Philippian jailor on to his knees. He fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and cried, "Sirs, What must I do to be saved?" What do you think was the reply? Paul did not attempt to deliver a sermon on Seven Steps to Salvation. Nor did he make him recite a long prayer of confession! He could answer the thirsty soul in one sentence, and I should say, it was the only possible answer that God Himself could have given the jailor: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Hundreds of thousands of people today ask the same question that the jailor asked. "What must I do to be saved?" This is the throb of their hearts. They visit places of pilgrimage, one after another, hoping to get their sins washed off by holy baths. Many perform charitable works to make up for the dark deeds of their past life. By nothing are they able to get rid of their guilty conscience, and so they starve for the peace of mind. There is only one way: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!"

During His earthly ministry Jesus went about healing the sick and setting free the demonpossessed. The disciples had the opportunity to accompany Him wherever He went and were eye-witnesses of all that He said and the miracles He performed. The disciples wanted such miracles to be wrought by their hands also. They approached Him asking, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God?" They might have expected Him to give a course and teach them the means and methods of performing miracles. To their disappointment, He replied, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent" (Jn 6:28,29). Simple words but profound truth! It may imply nothing important to the present-day Bible Scholars who frantically seek to dig out deeper truths. In our desire to go `deeper' we have failed to go `higher!'

"I am a wretched sinner; Jesus Christ is my Saviour.This is the greatest of all my discoveries!" (Sir James Simpson, Inventor of Chloroform)

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.Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”- Philippians 1:21

Daily Devotion:

No Excuse for Excuses!

"It is written ... It is written ... It is written" (Mt 4:4,7,10)

When we sin we start giving excuses and blaming everything and everyone. This explains the continuously defeated lives of many Christians. The first Adam gave excuses for his failure. Under the same and even worse circumstances the second Adam, Christ Jesus, triumphed. Let's study two common excuses today and how we can avoid them.

Ignorance no excuse!

The commandment to Adam and Eve was specific and clear. No interpretation was necessary. It was simple and direct (Gen 2:16,17). Yet they failed. But we have no record that the Father God had told Jesus not to turn stones into bread or not to jump from the pinnacle. How did then Jesus overcome the enemy who tempted Him to do these things? He operated on the "principles" of God's Law. In the first temptation, to turn stones into bread, was a challenge of His Sonship and the sufficiency of the Scriptures. In the second temptation, to jump from the pinnacle, was a call to spectacularity and a suggestion to test God. The devil was cleverly trying to sow doubt in Christ's mind about God's ability. The third one was to attempt a short-cut method to sovereignty. Yielding to these would violate God's principles.

Never say, "I didn't know, so I failed." God has deposited His truth in our hearts. He has written His law in our minds. He has given the all-sufficient Bible in our hands. The Holy Spirit in us is constantly teaching us what to accept and what to reject. We don't need a specific commandment for each situation.

Tempters no excuse!

When God asked Adam whether he ate the forbidden fruit, he threw the blame on his wife (Gen 3:12). To Jesus came one of the most powerful temptations through Peter. While He was speaking about how He would suffer and be killed in Jerusalem Peter rebuked Him saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" Jesus at once recognised satanic suggestion to avoid the Cross, and He sharply answered Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Mt 16:21-23). Jesus did not for a moment entertain the temptation just because it came through His closest associate. This is what Adam should have done when Eve gave him the fruit. Instead of saying, "Get behind me, Satan," he perhaps said, "Get near me, Sweetheart!" What a tragedy for mankind! Temptations may be through someone we love most. It may come from the most unexpected quarter. "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent" (Prov 1:10).


Prayer for Strength and Faith

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Dear Lord, see me through these hard times. In these troubling times, I am filled with unspeakable fears. I reach out my hand to you now, And ask you to walk besides me. I cannot carry all my burdens, But I know you can, and will. Please walk beside me. Please guide me. Please help me hold on strong, Through the trials and storms. Help me hold on to my faith, In even the darkest hour. Stay with me Lord, And show me Your way. In your love and Holy Spirit I abide. Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”- 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Daily Devotion:

Jesus Calls!

"Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us? ...Here I am, send me!" (Isa 6:8)

Today is the birth anniversary of William Carey (1761-1834) who is called the Father of Modern Missions. He was a shoemaker and he became a Bible translator. All through the Bible, we see God's call given to individuals in various circumstances and how they responded. Moses was a soldier and God called him to lead His people out of Egypt! David was a shepherd and God called him to rule His people! Amos was a shepherd too and God called him to be a prophet! Jesus was a carpenter and He was called to fulltime ministry at the age of thirty!

Peter was a fisherman and Jesus called him to leave the nets and follow Him! Matthew was a tax-collector and Jesus called him to leave his office to serve Him fulltime! Paul was a tentmaker and God called him for a global service demanding all his time! Luke was a medical doctor and he joined Paul in the missionary tours! Whatever may be your profession, God can call YOU!

God's need for labourers is the same both in the Old Testament and the New. "The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few!" (Mt 9:37). There is always vacancy in God's work! There is rush and competition to become doctors, engineers, lawyers and teachers. But few are those who take up Christian service. Will you accept this challenge? Are you interested in literature? You can become a Bible translator. There are nearly 200 languages in India without the Bible. Are you a doctor? Oh how many medical missionaries are needed! Go where there's no doctor. There are many Indian villages without a clinic within 30 km radius. Computer programmers are wanted. God had only one Son and He sent Him as a missionary-martyr into this world! Dear parents, why not send atleast one of your children for the ministry?

David Livingstone (1813-1873) of Scotland was an explorer and he went as a missionary. C.T.Studd (1862-1931) of England was a famous cricketer and he took up missionary service. These and thousands of men all over the world found serving the Lord adventurous and satisfying.

Women are no exception. We still need Ida Scudders (Dec 9) and Pandit Ramabais (Feb 22). There were women in the evangelistic teams of Jesus and Paul (Lk 8:1-5; Phil 4:3). Even after her beloved husband and two sons were burnt alive the same day (Jan 23), Mrs. Gladys Staines continues God's work in the same place, because "There is only one life; it will soon be past; what's done for Christ, alone shall last!"


Prayer - Devarim 6: 4-9

HaShem Is One

Hear, O Israel: The HaShem our god, the HaShem is one.And thou shalt love HaShem thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart;and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”- 2 Corinthians 7:1

Daily Devotion:

Healing or no Healing!

"My grace is sufficient for you;for My power is made perfect in your weakness" (2 Cor 12:9a)

God is a Healer. He revealed Himself as Jehovah-Rapha, meaning "The Lord who heals" (Ex 15:26). He has never changed. His power is still the same. What is impossible for man or medicine is possible with God!

God's power to heal was manifested to the highest degree through Jesus during His earthly ministry. Jesus healed all kinds of diseases, and all who touched Him were made whole. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb 13:8). On the Cross He carried away our sins and our sicknesses (Isa 53:4,5; Mt 8:16,17). We are cleansed by His blood and
healed by His wounds.

The Holy Spirit has bestowed on the Church the gifts of healing (1 Cor 12:9,28). They are in operation. But our bodies are mortal. We are still subject to death (1 Cor 15:26). The total redemption of our bodies is still in the future (Rom 8:23). Until the day comes when there will be no more pain and sorrow, we may be subject to physical ailments common to man (Rev 21:4).

When a Christian believer becomes sick, he must resort to prayer. He must seek the help of the elders in the Church to offer the prayer of faith for him. And he must search himself to find if he had sinned. Whatever medical help is available may be accepted. Under normal circumstances he will be healed (Js 5:14-16).

But there are times when God does not choose to heal. The Bible tells of several saints who walked uprightly before Him but were still sick. Paul had to carry on with the thorn in his "flesh." God promised him sufficient grace (2 Cor 12:7-10). Timothy had his weak stomach (1 Tim 5:23). Epaphroditus was sick unto death (Phil 2:25-27). Prophet Elisha, who worked so many miracles, died of a disease (2 Ki 13:14). History abounds with examples of godly folks who were not healed. Fanny Crosby (1823-1915), an American poetess, became blind when she was six weeks old and remained so till death, but she gave us over 8000 hymns, one of which is Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

All good gifts come from God. He is not the author of sickness. But He uses it as a rod of chastisement or for some mysterious purpose we cannot explain. He is Sovereign. Ultimately all things, seemingly good or bad, work together for the good of His children (Rom 8:28).

Healing or no healing, God is God! His grace is sufficient in our grief!

Prayer

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, and though the mountains be moved into the heart of the seas;Though the waters thereof roar and foam, though the mountains shake at the swelling thereof. Selah

There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, the holiest dwelling-place of the Most High.God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, at the approach of morning.Nations were in tumult, kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.HaShem of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our high tower. Selah

Come, behold the works of HaShem, who hath made desolations in the earth.He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire.'Let be, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”- Ephesians 2:10

Daily Devotion:

Patience for Promotion

"Submit yourselves under the mighty hand of God so He may exalt you in due time" (1 Pet 5:6)

The Feast of Tabernacles was near. Jesus' own brothers urged Him to go to the Feast and work miracles publicly. They said, "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret!" (Jn 7:4). Look at His answer: "The right time for Me has not yet come; for you any time is right" (v6).

Eventhough it was His own brothers who suggested the promotional programme to Jesus, He politely turned it down. He knew that a natural man could not understand the things of God, and the carnal mind was enmity against God (1 Cor 2:14). So many preachers have missed the perfect will of God because of strained comparison and ill advice. How many ministries are corrupted and commercialised because of the lust for limelight! Show-off is totally alien to the Spirit of Christ. What a lesson the seraphim teach us in that they "covered" their faces and their feet when they ministered before the Almighty (Isa 6:2,3).

Jesus knew that promotion would come from Above, not from east or west or south (Psa 75:6,7). It was this firm conviction that made Him say a resounding no to a related temptation on the hilltop (Mt 4:8-10). He taught Himself patience to await the Father's time when every knee would bow before Him acknowledging His lordship (Phil 2:9-11). When people saw how Jesus fed over five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish, they wanted to make Him King. But as He wanted to wait for His Father's time, He quietly withdrew from them and went alone to mountainside (Jn 6:15).

Apostle Peter exhorted young people to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that He might exalt them in "due time" (1 Pet 5:6). No man can exalt us to a place God has not designed for us; nor can anyone bring us down from where God has placed us. God will vindicate us for any injustice done to us. The earlier we learn this truth the better for us. We will be freed from tensions and conflicts. Self-promoting techniques simply place us at the devil's hands. The end will be miserable.

Therefore, be patient; and again I say, be patient!

O let me feel Thee near me — the world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear: My foes are ever near me, around me and within; But Jesus, draw Thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin! (John E. Bode, 1816-1874)

Prayer

Praise God

Hallelujah. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His abundant greatness. Praise Him with the blast of the horn; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and the pipe. Praise Him with the loud-sounding cymbals; praise Him with the clanging cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise HaShem. Hallelujah.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Daily Devotion:

Common-sense & Counterfeit!

"Don't get involved in foolish and ignorant arguments that only start fights" (2 Tim 2:23)

More often than we think, common sense is a surer safeguard than many others. Someone wisely said, "When common sense makes sense, don't look for any other sense!" Sometimes we are told, "Don't rationalize. Don't try to understand these things through human intellect. These are supernatural things," and so on. But this argument is absurd. Because, God has given us a spirit of "sound mind" (2 Tim 1:7). In Christian dedication we are not called to "remove" our mind but to "renew" it (Rom 12:1,2). Mature believers are defined as those "who by reason of practice have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb 5:14). The thinking faculty is a gift from God. Christians must be good thinkers.

Paul rebuked the Galatian believers as "foolish" Galatians, because they embraced another gospel and were "bewitched" (Gal 3:1a). They began in the Spirit but started going after fleshly excitements (v3). The deceived are supposed to "come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil" (2 Tim 2:26). Peter's description of the false teachers in 2 Peter 2 is the strongest and lengthiest picture of them in the entire New Testament. In the previous chapter and the next he was "stirring up the minds" of the believers (1:13; 3:1). Therefore letting the mind into a state of neutrality is not spirituality but stupidity!

In some of the so-called revival meetings, people reportedly are roaring. It is justified as the voice of the Lion of Judah! The latest is barking. There are books which expound these as the "animal sounds of the Holy Spirit!" Christians, where are we heading? Now there is crawling and hissing. What next? We may soon need warning boards in our Churches as, "Beware of Dogs and Cobras!" Are we without "understanding" (Mt 15:16,17)? Does not "nature" itself teach us (1 Cor 11:14)?

Friends, these so-called new move and new revelations won't satisfy or edify your inner man. They are "wells without water"—deep but dry; "clouds without rain" — dense but no downpour (2 Pet 2:17). Return to the "old" paths; you will find rest to your souls! (Jer 6:16).

The Pauline instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 is conclusive:
Analyse — all things!
Accept — only good things!
Avoid — all questionable things! Amen!

Prayer

Prayer for Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and we shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”- Luke 12:6-7

Daily Devotion:

Bible the Boundary

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psa 119:105)

Today we will look at the first God-given means of discernment, namely the Word of God.

The Day of Pentecost on which the Holy Spirit descended was an unusual happening in the Jewish history. The onlookers of the Upper Room event were quite confused. Concerning the strange things they witnessed, they started asking questions like "How is it?...Whatever could this mean?" (Acts 2:8,12). Apostle Peter was able to instantly defend the new experience of the disciples with the words, "This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel" (v16). The written Scripture was the final authority that gave full endorsement to what was "seen and heard" that day. Not only in this incident, but throughout their life and ministry the apostles referred to "what is written" and checked their preaching and practices against it (2 Cor 4:13; 1 Cor 1:31; Rom 12:19; 14:10,11; 15:2,3).

See what the apostles desired of the believers to learn from them: "You may learn in us not to think beyond what is written" (1 Cor 4:6). Where did the apostles learn this all important principle? Obviously from Christ their Lord who operated well within the limits of "It is written," eventhough His Father had given Him the Spirit without measure! It is ridiculous for anyone to think today that he has an anointing of the Spirit which can go beyond the writing of the Scriptures.

Beloved, beware of extra-Biblical revelations and experiences! Some preachers quote John 20:30 to justify their so-called power manifestations. They try to shelter under the words — "Jesus did many other signs which are not written in this book." But these defenders of novelties fail to look at what John says in the very next verse: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name" (v 31). In other words, nothing more than what is written is necessary for our life in Christ. Whatever is written is enough! One of the very important rules of Biblical interpretation is, "Do not argue from silence!" Stop where the Bible stops. "Do not remove the ancient landmark" (Prov 22:28).

The carnal man is always interested in novelties. But Jesus is the same "yesterday, today and forever." Therefore "do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines" (Heb 13:8,9).

Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the Book widens and deepens with our years! (C.H. Spurgeon, 1834-1892)

Prayer

Seeking Healing From God

O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”- Psalm 119:160

Daily Devotion:

Arms to give Alms!

"He who has pity on the poor, lends to the Lord;He will pay him back what he has given" (Prov 19:17)

Here's a prayer to make our hands a blessing to others—

"Heavenly Father, open my hands! "Your hands are always open. Hands of welcome and blessing. You manifested it perfectly when Your Son died with His hands open on the Cross.

"Open my hands, Lord, to give liberally. How can I give a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over if my fists are closed? (Lk 6:38). Help me always remember the words of the Lord Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). You have given us Your own Son and Your eternal Spirit. You have not withheld any good thing from us (Rom 8:32). Let my hands be swift to give and slow to grab. Let my savings be in Heaven! (Mt 6:19,20).

"Lord, open my hands to support those who are weak. Let me be like Hur and Aaron in supporting the weak and feeble brothers (Ex 17:l2). Let me not substitute counsel or suggestions for extending my own hands. I should never break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax (Mt 12:20).

"Open my hands to relieve the suffering and those in pain. Let my hands be the extension of the hands of Jesus as I am a member of His Body on earth today. How He hesitated not to touch a leper though the traditions of His day would not endorse it (Mt 8:1-3)! Help me to lay hands on the sick with faith and compassion (Mk 16:18). Let me die to my prestige which prevents me from touching a suffering man on the street.

"Open my hands, Lord, to help the poor and the needy. Let me never grow tired of helping the poor because You have repeatedly said that the poor will never cease from the land (Dt 15:10,11). I keep on asking and You keep on giving liberally and without reproach (Js 1:5). How then can I rebuke a poor man who asks of me more than once?

"Dear Father, how many sinful things my hands have committed before I committed myself to You! Let me now abound in deeds of compassion. I lay my hands on Your altar. Without You I can do nothing. Help me, I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen!"

The only good thing we can do behind one's back is to pat him!

Prayer

Prayer for deliverance - Baruch 2:14-18

Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and our petitions, and deliver us for thy own sake: and grant that we may find favour in the sight of them that have led us away: That all the earth may know that thou art the Lord our God, and that thy name is called upon Israel, and upon his posterity. Look down upon us, O Lord, from thy holy house, and incline thy ear, and hear us. Open thy eyes, and behold: for the dead that are in hell, whose spirit is taken away from their bowels, shall not give glory and justice to the Lord:But the soul that is sorrowful for the greatness of evil she hath done, and goeth bowed down, and feeble, and the eyes that fail, and the hungry soul giveth glory and justice to thee the Lord.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”- Psalm 119:130

Daily Devotion:

Sweet `n' Sour

"When times are good, be happy. When times are bad, consider:God has made one as well as the other,so a man cannot discover anything about his future" (Eccl 7:14)

Sometime ago it was thought the deeper the poverty the greater the spirituality. Now the pendulum has swung to the other side! Radio, television, magazines and pulpits are filled with the prosperity message. Some prosperity preachers have gone to the extent to say, "If you are saved you must compulsory have health and wealth!"

Well, both the extremes are wrong. God balances the life of His children with times of prosperity as well as adversity. No man of God in the Scripture experienced otherwise. Paul said, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" (Phil 4:12,13). Men of God learnt to praise God with contentment in all circumstances.

The Scripture verse the advocates of the prosperity doctrine quote often is 3 John 2, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." Even if we should take this text to be fully analogous and applicable to our physiological condition and financial situation, I wonder how many of us "do prosper in our souls."

Is it not that the prosperity of the souls of many of us rather poor and their condition rather weak with anaemia and anorexia? What would be our physical health if God should only bless us proportionate to our spiritual wellbeing? The vast majority of us would need crutches or wheelchairs and would be really paupers! Paul of the New Testament dispensation of grace admits "conflicts without and fear within" (2 Cor 7:5). Lazarus who hadgained heavenly bliss spent his earthly life in want and hunger.

Faith is not a magic wand to get whatever we need; or living in want and suffering an indication of poor faith. Hebrews Chapter 11 strikes a good balance. By faith they "received" as well as "offered." By faith they "prospered" as well as "suffered." Read the Chapter as a whole. How will it be if there is only day and no night, or, only night and no day? (Gen 1:5). Oh what wisdom of God!

For life's an experience God's children go through
That's made up of gladness and much sadness too...
But we have to know both the bitter and the sweet
If we want a good life that is full and complete! - (H.S. Rice)

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the many times you gave me help, always listening when I called. n my darkest moments, when all seemed to be lost, there you were, at my side.

The Lord always listens and has pity; the Lord always comes to our help. Our mourning you change into dancing; you always clothe us with joy. - Psalm 30

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”- Jeremiah 33:2-3

Daily Devotion:

Speck or Plank?

"Judge not that you be not judged" (Mt 7:1)

It is a well-known and oft-quoted saying, "When your index finger points at another's faults, three other fingers are turned accusingly towards yourself!" Yet how often and ever so conveniently we forget this axiom! So our Lord challenges us, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and do not consider the plank in your own eyes?" (Mt 7:3-5).

We need to constantly remember that we would be judged in the exact measure and manner by which we judge another (Mt 7:2). Apostle Paul warned Christians, "You are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself... you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of righteous judgement of God" (Rom 2:1-5). Isn't it Satan's trait to "accuse" God's people (Rev 12:10)?

The moment we presume to think ourselves better than others, be it anyone else at all, all our spirituality is in vain (Js 1:26). The Lord would not accept the prayers of such—vide the self-righteous Pharisee of Luke 18:11-14. "Let each esteem others better than himself" (Phil 2:3). "Be eager to show respect for one another" (Rom 12:10b). If we sincerely love others, their faults, whatever they be, just don't seem so significant. "Love covers all sins" (Prov 10:12a).

We are admonished not only to accept and encourage those who may be weak in faith but also never hold their seemingly silly doubts against them to a fault (Rom 14:1). We should not speak ill of any servant of God. Who are we, to judge and condemn? Whether they stand firm or slip and fall, they are accountable to the Lord. For God is able to restore them (Rom 14:4).

As much as we do not desire or tolerate any slander against us or even a true criticism of our shortcomings, why should we do so against another person? "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" (Mt 7:12). If we are inconsiderate and unkind towards others, God will bring situations in our lives which will painfully make us realise our folly. Frequent self-examinations leave us with little time for inspecting others! This is the meaning of the words of Jesus: "First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye" (Mt 7:5).

Thou alone knowest all, O perfect and holy,
Thou alone can judge so righteously.
May I not incur Thy wrath by indulging
In matters beyond me, such as judging!

Prayer

Look upon us, O Lord, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of thy brightness.Fill us with holy love,and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.All our desire is known unto thee,therefore perfect what thou hast begun,and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.We seek thy face,turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory.Then shall our longing be satisfied,and our peace shall be perfect. - St. Augustine

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”- 1 Samuel 16:7

Daily Devotion:

Thou shalt copy!

"As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners,so also by one man's obedience many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19)

Obedience is taught as well as caught. Because the children of disobedience outnumber the children of obedience and we are invariably surrounded by the former, we get easily imbibed with a spirit of disobedience (Eph 2:2). The most effective means to unlearn the ways of disobedience is to learn from those who walk(ed) in obedience (Col 3:6-8).

Of the clouds of forerunners whom we can emulate to walk in obedience, Jesus is the supreme example (Heb 12:1). We are called to closely study Him and watch Him (Heb 3:1,2). The obedience of Jesus was not intermittent but consistent. He was obedient "until death." His life from beginning to end was characterised by obedience. He obeyed His Father on the banks of River Jordon, in the wilderness of temptation, in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Golgotha, and everywhere. No spot on earth was desecrated by Him by steps of disobedience. Let this mind of Christ, the willing mind of obedience, be in us also! (Phil 2:5,8). Let us "obey always!" (v12).

The 11th Chapter of Hebrews is called God's Hall of Fame. It's filled with portraits of those who excelled in obedience to God in their generations. Noah obeyed God amidst mockers (Heb 11:7). Abraham obeyed God leaving comforts (v8). Joseph obeyed God against allurements (v22). Moses obeyed God against affluence (v24). Daniel obeyed God against threats. The disciples obeyed God amidst persecutions.

Forerunners of obedience run not only all over the Bible but also throughout Church history. Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) obeyed God's call and came to India. William Carey (1761-1834) obeyed God's call and came to India. David Livingstone's (1813-1873) obedience took him to Africa. Adoniram Judson's (1788-1850) obedience landed him in Burma. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) sailed to China in obedience to God's call. Sadhu Sundersingh (1889-1929?) (inset) walked all over India with the gospel because his sole aim was to obey God. Mary Slessor (1848-1915) would not have chosen to work among the cannibals if she had not wanted to obey God. Obedience to God cost Graham Staines (1941-1999) his life and that of his sons. It's again obedience that still keeps his wife Gladys Staines where he was burnt alive by ungrateful people. Let's be always inspired by these forerunners!

Prayer

Lord, teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart. Help us do today the things that matter,not to waste the time we have. Yes, the moments we have are precious, Lord,see that we count them dear. sTeach us to number our days aright.Fill us this day with your kindness, that we may be glad and rejoice all the days of our life. Glory to the Father forever and ever. Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”- James 1:22

Daily Devotion:

One for One—only!

"Marriage should be honoured by all and the marriage bed kept pure" (Heb 13:4)

Chastity is a virtue common to both sexes. Because of social, cultural restraints and legal prescription, one may not have actually indulged in adultery. But it is rather more important that we must keep inwardly pure in our thoughts and feelings, for that is the requirement in God's eyes regarding this matter.

Physical union though instituted by God is not the basis of marriage. Marriage is first spiritual, then physical. When that order is reversed infidelity creeps in. We may be bodily pure but the heart can become corrupt and adulterous. Joy and laughter fill and freely flow the newlyweds. But the initial endearing expressions of love pass with a passage of time and that is when the couple must take extra care to continue in love. Malachi 2:15 admonishes, "Guard yourself in spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth."

The only commandment that is sort of repeated within the Ten Commandments is with reference to adultery. Commandment Seven: "You shall not commit adultery;" Commandment Ten: "You shall not covet your neighbour's wife" (Ex 20:14,17). Almost all the New Testament Epistles speak against adultery and fornication (Rom 13:12-14; 1 Cor 6:13-20; 2 Cor 12:21; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 4:17-24; Col 3:1-7; 1 Thess 4:3-7; 2 Tim 2:21,22; 1 Pet 2:9-11; 4:1-3; 2 Pet 2:9,10).

Here are a few practical suggestions to help you remain faithful to your spouse: Realize whom God has given you as partner is the best for you. God knows all about us and our times are in His hand and knowledge. We can trust God our Father that He has given us the best. At any cost avoid comparing your spouse with another person. This is extremely dangerous. It is unavoidable that a person's defects become obvious when you live long enough and close enough with him or her. Satan tempts you here to dream of a perfect person. His suggestions will be appealing but deadly. The truth is that there is no perfect husband or perfect wife or perfect couple!

Learn to enjoy things together. When you visit families, do go as a family. No saint on this earth is beyond the reach of the devil. We don't become sin-proof on this side of eternity. By mutual consent you may for a time of special prayer stay apart; but get back to each other soon (1 Cor 7:5). Sort out differences through patience and dialogue as and when they arise. Shalom to your home!

Prayer

Help Me to Stay Sober

Dear God, Thank you for this day. Help me to stay clean and sober, just for this day. Help me to recognize your hand in all things. Thank you for the blessings I understand and the ones I don't. Thank you for the miracles I see and the ones I don't. Thank you for your spirit who always abides in me. I ask that I may be with your spirit today. Cleanse my mind of all darkness and fill it with love and light. Thank you for everything that's in my life and everything that's not.