Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” - 2 Peter 3:10-11

Daily Devotion:

Is pill His will?

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jer 32:27)

Some Churches teach that taking medicine is sin. Several believers who bragged that they would never touch medicine regretted afterwards with guilt when a situation necessitated medical treatment. The doctrine that believers should not use medicine is found nowhere in the Bible.

Several effective medicines are herbal extracts and they are actually God's provision for our health and strength (Gen 1:29). Rachel begged Leah for some mandrakes because it was a herb believed to promote fertility in women (Gen 30:14). Even after God promised King Hezekiah extension of life, it was Prophet Isaiah who advised medical treatment to the King (Isa 38:21).

Jesus endorsed the medical ministry to the sick (Mt 9:12). The good Samaritan applied oil and wine on the wounds of the robbed man and bandaged them (Lk 10:34). Luke was a "beloved" Physician, obviously because of his loving medical help to the believers and the ministers (Col 4:14). Paul encouraged Timothy to take a little wine for his chronic stomach ailment (1 Tim 5:23).

In the case of King Asa, he sought "only" the physicians. That was wrong. What was necessary on his part primarily was repentance (2 Chr 16:12). The woman with nonstop bleeding was not chided by Jesus for spending so much on doctors. Rather Jesus cheered her up and healed her (Lk 8:43-48). Medicine and Faith do not contradict each other. They can harmoniously coexist. In Christian hospitals, prayer, faith and medicine are administered together. Aren't doctors a gift from God? (Jer 8:22). There are surgeons who kneel down and pray in operating rooms before they pick up the scalpal.

There are godly men and women who would not touch medicine. It's a commendable faith. But that should not be thrust on others. "Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself before God" (Rom 14:22). All do not have the same "measure" of faith (Rom 12:3). Parents who don't immunize their children against polio are failing in their moral responsibility.

Preachers, especially healing evangelists, need not feel awkward to go to doctors, and then hide it from people. Let people know that preachers are perfectly normal human beings! (Acts 14:15; Gal 4:13). The full blessings of Redemption, especially for our bodies, can be realised only at Christ's return. Until then we enjoy just the firstfruits (Rom 8:23; Heb 9:28).

Prayer:

Prayer for Those in Need

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I call unto Thee, when my heart fainteth; lead me to a rock that is too high for me. For Thou hast been a refuge for me, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in Thy Tent for ever; I will take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” - Psalm 136:1,26

Daily Devotion:

Loyalty to Lordship

"By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did" (Heb 11:4)

True faith on God accepts Him as the Lord or Governor. He is the only one worthy to be worshipped (Heb 11:4) and obeyed (Heb 11:7). The supremacy and preeminence in our lives must be given only to Him. Faith in the Lordship of God leads us to a fourfold action—

When we believe God is our Lord, we will honour Him with our best. All that we possess is only what He has given us. Cain brought to God the "fruits of the soil" whereas Abel brought "the firstlings of the flock and of the fat thereof" (Gen 4:3,4). Look at the difference in their giving. A man of God said, "Not how much we give but how much we take from God's gifts is what matters." We are only stewards and not owners of God's gifts —the talents, time and treasure. God is worthy of our best.

This kind of faith acknowledges the unworthiness of man before the great Lord and leads him to stand only on the merit of Christ's Blood. Faith is the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the Blood of Jesus (Heb 10:19,20). Otherwise man is nothing but "dust of the ground." David exclaimed before God, "What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him?" (Psa 8:3). Let this exclamation be ours too! If we believe that God is our Lord, accepting our nothingness we will joyfully sing, He is my everything!

Faith accepts the unquestionable supremacy of God's wisdom. Human knowledge is nothing before God's wisdom (1 Cor 1:25). He is Lord! Who can contend with Him? Could God's plan of testing Abraham, ordering him to sacrifice his only begotten son, be questioned? (Heb 11:17). When God is Lord, there's no place for such questions from our chicken brain! Has not God said, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so My thoughts are higher than yours" (Isa 55:8,9)? Even when we don't understand what He says or demands, we simply accept it because He is Lord.

If God is Lord, we would worship the Blesser rather than the blessing. Perhaps Abraham and Sarah were preoccupied with the child of their old age. God asked back what He gave. Our blessings must be poured out before the Lord. Our crowns must be thrown at His feet. We must of course rejoice over God's blessings but beware of idolizing them. What a testimony it was when David said, "Whom have I in Heaven but You? And there is none upon earth whom I desire besides You!" (Psa 73:25).

Prayer:

Prayer of Thanks

Throughout all generations we will render thanks unto Thee And declare Thy praise, Evening, morning, and noon, For our lives which are in Thy care, For our souls which are in Thy keeping
For thy miracles which we witness daily, And for Thy wondrous deeds and blessings toward us at all times. Amen!

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“[Spiritual Fullness in Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7

Daily Devotion:

Which Church?

"The Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47)

New believers are usually advised in follow-up talks to attend a "spiritual" Church. How to identify a "spiritual" Church?

Churches can be broadly divided as Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal. The main difference is on how one understands the experience of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. It is wrong to say that the Pentecostal Churches are all "spiritual" and others are not. In the Biblical sense, the word "spiritual" is the opposite of "carnal" or "natural." Hence a spiritual Church would mean a Church without carnality. It is not the style of worship, the form of government, the mode of baptism or the method of breadbreaking that decides whether or not a Church is "spiritual." The deciding factor is its character as a group and the lifestyle of its members. In spite of the fact that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit were in operation in the Corinthian Church (1 Cor 1:7; 14:12a), Paul calls it a "carnal" Church (1 Cor 3:1-3). If we honestly analyse today's situation, there is always a mixture of spirituality and carnality. The percentage, of course, varies!

After rebirth one should choose a local Church where he can "grow" into maturity. Some of the characteristics expected of a spiritual Church—

1. It should believe the Bible as the Word of God. It must provide solid Bible teaching which helps believers to grow steady and strong.

2. Worship should be rich in the "truth" content and enthusiastic in "spirit" (Jn 4:23,24).

3. There must be a healthy relationship among the members of the Church. Upholding one another and sharing material blessings with the needy must be practised in the Church (Js 2:14-17).

4. It must be a Church where leadership is not vested on one man but responsibilities are shared.

5. The Church must keep missions and evangelism as its top priority. The Church must not be a clutch. Members should have the freedom to associate themselves with evangelistic agencies and involve themselves in any ministry of their choice.

Since no single Church has all these characteristics, do visit other Churches for enlarging your vision and expanding your knowledge. Don't expect too much and get disappointed. If disappointed, don't get discouraged!

Prayer:

My Help Cometh From HaShem

I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: from whence shall my help come? My help cometh from HaShem, who made heaven and earth.He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keepeth thee will not slumber.Behold, He that keepeth Israel doth neither slumber nor sleep.

HaShem is thy keeper; HaShem is thy shade upon thy right hand.The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.HaShem shall keep thee from all evil; He shall keep thy soul.HaShem shall guard thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth and for ever.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”- Psalm 100:4-5

Daily Devotion:

Sing! Don't Sink!

"Though God slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15)

"Bless God when He blesses you; but curse Him when He crushes you!" This was the philosophy of Mrs. Job (Job 2:8-10). Sadly many Christians are ruled by this philosophy. We may not actually "curse" God, but what do we do when we don't praise Him? If we follow Jesus only "because of" the blessings we receive from Him, our relationship and religion are utilitarian. Following Him "in spite of" buffeting and brickbats is true service and pure worship.

What the three Hebrew young men spoke before King Nebuchadnezzar weakened his strategy. They politely but firmly said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. But even if He does not, your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up!" (Dan 3:17,18). The early disciples had the same spirit. When they were flogged for their dauntless witness, they rejoiced that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonour for the Name of Jesus (Acts 5:40,41).

As we approach the end of endtimes, our days of adversity seem to outnumber the days of prosperity. That will be no excuse for our murmuring and complaints. Because, in the very first instance we are called not only to believe on Christ but also to suffer for Him (Phil 1:29). The New Living Translation renders it as the "privilege of suffering!"

An active Christian earns the frown of the devil. The devil will attack him in all areas of his life—physical, mental, spiritual, financial and social. If Christ died for us, no suffering of ours will be too much, and no sacrifice too great! Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German pastor. His opposition to Hitlerism led to his arrest in 1943. He was executed when he was just 39. "The Cost of Discipleship" is one of his outstanding books. Are we ready to die for our faith?

"We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn patience. And patience develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us!" (Rom 5:3-5b).

"For me to live is Christ; to die is gain!" - (Missionary Paul)

Prayer:

Prayer for Renewal

Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”- Colossians 3:15

Daily Devotion:

Prizes and Praises!

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished the race; I have firmly held the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the victor's crown" (2 Tim 4:7,8)

Christian life is a race, full of hurdles and hindrances, ups and downs, thorns and bruises, sufferings and shame. What encourages us is the honours and prizes that await us at the end of the race. Hebrews Chapter 12 discloses them—

1. We will see the Lamb of God, even the Lord Jesus, face to face, as the Finisher of our faith at the finishing point! (v2). He started the race for us and now He will be there to receive us with hands open.

2. We will enter the joy of the Lord (v2). The end of the race is eternal bliss. No more tears, sorrow or death. It's joy, joy and only joy—never ending!

3. Jesus "sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God" (v2). So shall we sit with Him on His Throne! (Rev 3:21). Our eternal occupation will be worship. No prayer, no preaching, but only praise!

4. Our sanctification will be complete—we will partake of God's holiness in all fullness (v10). We shall be transformed and be just like Him. We will enjoy the deliverance from the very presence of sin.

5. We will see the invisible God (v14). God who dwells in unapproachable light will then dwell with us literally. We shall be His people and He will be our God in every sense (Rev 21:3).

6. We shall fully enjoy "the blessing" of blessings, even our birthright as the children of God (vv16,17). "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit" (1 Cor 2:9,10). What is revealed now will be fully realised then!

7. Finally, we shall be serving God as kings and priests in His unshakable Kingdom forever and ever (v28). In all earthly races, people receive a cup or cash. But in the Christian race we will be receiving a Crown— "a Kingdom!" Unlike the races in sportsfield, the faith race is not a competition but completion! All can make it—not just one or two!

Far away beyond the shadows,
There a bright and joyful throng
Wave their palms of holy triumph,
While they sing the glad New Song!- (Julia Sterling)

Prayer:

Bless Ye HaShem - Psalms 134: 1-3

Behold, bless ye HaShem, all ye servants of HaShem, that stand in the house of HaShem in the night seasons.
Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, and bless ye HaShem.
HaShem bless thee out of Zion; even He that made heaven and earth.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”- Psalm 1:1-2

Daily Devotion:

30 Years for 3 Years!

"Be diligent in these matters; practice these duties, devote yourself to them so your progress may be evident to everyone" (1 Tim 4:15)

While spiritual birth happens at an instant, growth is a process. Born as the Son of God, Jesus took about 30 years for His growth (Lk 3:23). He did not begin His public ministry until then. Luke records that Jesus "grew" in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and with men (2:52)—intellectual, physical, spiritual and social growth.

The Boy Jesus knew so much even at the age of twelve. His wisdom surprised the religious leaders and people. But He did not rush into ministry eventhough He undoubtedly had a sense of urgency. He waited. He refused to be pressurised by the needs around. This preministerial preparation of Jesus is tacitly overlooked by us to our own disadvantage and disaster.

In his first letter to Timothy, apostle Paul stresses that a leader should not be a recent convert (1 Tim 3:6). An immature person gets puffed up with pride when he is catapulted to positions of authority. He crashlands and brings disgrace to himself and dishonour to the work of God. Paul equates it to the downfall of the devil. In verses 4 and 5 the apostle speaks of proving in domestic responsibilities, and in verse 7 he calls for public dignity. These are neither learnt nor developed overnight.

Our pulpits are downgraded by immature ministers. They defend themselves quoting Paul who started preaching "immediately" after his conversion (Acts 9:20). What they forget is the years of rigorous training and teaching this Jewish zealot had before his highway experience with Christ. All through his life Paul was committed to his personal growth (Acts 9:22a; Phil 3:8-14). Even while awaiting execution, he asked for his "books" (2 Tim 4:13).

When we stop growing we start going down. Dullness in life and staleness in ministry will be the inevitable result. For consistent and nonstop growth, we must not just be regular in spiritual disciplines but stay passionate after God to know Him and make Him known. Everyday with Jesus will be better than the day before!

Day by day, O dear Lord, three things I pray:
To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly, day by day! - (St. Richard Chickester)

Prayer:

Prayer for God's Guidance

Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord, so that my soul may always be serving you in the way you will and not as I choose. Let me die to myself so that I may serve you; let me live to you who are life itself. Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”- John 17:17

Daily Devotion:

Campus Crusade

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and the things acceptable to Him;then all these things shall be given you beside" (Mt 6:33)

Youth as well as parents usually have a question: Can youngsters, who should totally devote themselves to studies, indulge in prayers and Bible Study and involve in evangelistic activities? Let me tell you briefly about my college days. When I was a student in the Pre-university Class in 1962 in St. John's College, Palayamkottai, the Lord Jesus redeemed me this same day. I did my Bachelor's degree in Engineering from 1963 to 1968 in the Alagappa Engineering College, Karaikudi, and my Master's in Technology, 1968-70, in the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. I passed out with flying colours. It was such an opportunity to spend all the eight years of my life in College with Christ and for Him.I would get up at 4 or 5 in the morning and spend an hour in praise and prayer (Psa 143:8). The next half an hour was for Bible meditation. I would not skip this time with God even during the exam season. On certain days I would spend midnight twelve to one in prayer. I would keep chewing a verse picked out from my Pocket Testament (Psa 119:97).

Evenings were all for God! Six to seven was for private prayer in the woods near the College campus, and the next one hour was for the gathering of our campus prayer cell. I would share with the cell members whatever I learnt in my personal time with God. It was this daily gathering that helped our growth in the knowledge and things of God. The prayer group I started in Karaikudi has been alive and active all these 40 years (1963-2003). After studying my textbooks I would read a Psalm and retire to bed—for a sound sleep! (Psa 119:55).

We would go on bicycles for rural evangelism in weekends. On Thursday evenings we would visit some lepers outside the town with some eatables, and have an hour of worship with them. We had a weekly fasting prayer also. I am thrilled to realize that God had already trained us during our student days for the ministries done today in large scale in the Blessing Youth Mission. Thank you, Jesus!

We'll come in the sunshine of youth's happy morning,
Our lives to His service we'll cheerfully give;
And pray for His Spirit to guide and direct us,
That we to His glory and honour may live! - (Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915)

Prayer:

Refresh and Gladden My Spirit

O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers.I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being.O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me.I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord.Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet,a light on my path. ”- Psalm 119:105

Daily Devotion:

Condition or Evidence?

"If faith is not translated into action, by itself, it is dead" (Js 2:17)

"Not any good deed but faith alone saves,"advocates Paul (Eph 2:8,9). But James declares, "Faith without deeds is dead" (Js 2:17). For a casual reader, these statements seem to contradict each other. But it is not so. Here is an example—

"By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies with peace, was not killed with those who were disobedient" (Heb 11:31). Eventhough the Epistle of Hebrews was written 2000 years after Rahab's birth, she is still called a prostitute. Her life had been so dark. Nevertheless, she was saved by her faith. When two Israelite spies came to Jericho, she hid them under stalks of flax spread on the roof of her house and saved them from their enemies. Obeying the words of the spies, she tied a red rope on a window (Josh 2:21). Certainly her sin was red like crimson. But the slender scarlet string — her simple faith on the Blood of Christ — saved her and her family. Isn't the faith of this non-Jew astonishing? She had the privilege of begetting Boaz the great grandfather of King David. She finds a place in the list of the soldiers of faith in Hebrews 11. Many who were better folks than her failed to enjoy this privilege. Here lies the glory of simple faith!

Apostle James argues, "Was not even Rahab, the prostitute, considered righteous for her good deeds of lodging the spies and sending them off in a different direction?" (Js 2:25). Did Rahab trust the Lord only after her encounter with the spies? No, she had possessed faith even before that: "Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, I know that the Lord has given this land to you... the Lord your God is God in Heaven above and on the earth below" (Josh 2:8,9,11). What an unshakable faith she had on God! Yes, her faith in the Lord was already firm. It was as a manifestation of her faith that she accepted the spies, hid and saved them.

We conclude that what Apostle James emphasizes is not deeds to merit God's favour but deeds seen in our lives as an outcome of God's goodness shown to us. Good deeds are not a condition for salvation but an evidence. We are saved not by works but for works! (Eph 2:8-10).

Not the labour of my hands can fulfil Thy Law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears for ever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone!

- (Augustus M. Toplady,1740-1778)

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. But Scripture asks, How can these I'm praying for call on Jesus if they have not believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they've not heard about Him? And how can they hear without someone bringing the truth to them? And how can they hear unless that person is sent? (Romans 10:13–15a)

Your Word does not return empty; it accomplishes what You desire and achieves the purpose for which it is sent. (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:11)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. ( John 6:63; Luke 8:12).Amen.

Grow in God's Love Each Morning!

Word Of God:

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”- Psalm 119:18

Daily Devotion:

Why stop with Sky?

"I continue to press forward towards the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14)

The Biblical antidote for backsliding is that we must go on to perfection, leaving the elementary principles of Christ and not laying again the foundation (Heb 6:1,2).

This passage (Heb6:1-6) calls Repentance, Faith, Baptisms, Gifts of the Spirit, Resurrection and Judgement as the "elementary principles" or the "foundation." In the Primary School we studied 1+1=2; 1x1=1; 1-1=0; and so on. This is the foundation. This is important. One cannot afford to forget this as he passes into the higher classes. At the same time, isn't it unprofitable to study only these fundamentals again and again? As much as the elementary or foundational principles are important, moving from them onto higher and deeper truths is necessary. We should "go on to perfection." Just because the foundation is important for a building, should the foundation be laid again and again?! We must go on to the superstructure! How can we be protected from sun and rain unless the superstructure is built? We Christians are so backslidden that those who preach the above six principles are called as "full" Gospel preachers! Are we so blind to call the foundation the building?

Apostle Paul testifies of his life which is a challenge for our consistent and continuous progress in life: "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on... that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Phil 3:12). His interest was "the knowledge of Christ," "the power of His Resurrection" and "the fellowship of His sufferings." To put it briefly, Christ's purpose for Paul was Paul's purpose in Christ. We must be ambitious spiritually. Higher and higher. Deeper and deeper. Wider and wider. Nearer and nearer. This should be our aim. For a Christian the sky is not the limit. Because, he has the "Heavenward call of God in Christ Jesus!" (Phil 3:14).

Spend as much time on knees and with an open Bible. It's not enough if you study How to Pray, How to Worship, How to Minister, and so on. You must also search from the Scriptures How not to Pray, How not to Worship, and How not to Minister. Do not stop climbing. If you stop you are sure to slide down. Forwarding prevents backsliding!

More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me!
-(E.E. Hewitt, 1851-1920)

Prayer:

Prayer for the Brokenhearted

O God, whose love restores the brokenhearted of this world:pour out your love,we beseech you,upon those who feel lonely, abandoned, or unloved. Strengthen their hope to meet the days ahead; give them the courage to form life-giving friendships; and bless them with the joy
of your eternal peace. Amen.