Christmas

Christmas as a festival was not celebrated by the Apostles or the early Christians in the first 300 years of Christianity. However there was a pagan festival celebrated in the month of December that over time became a festival when Christians started to celebrate the birth of Christ. The origins of the word Christmas is from the word coined by the Catholics to celebrate the “Christ Mass”. It was originally viewed as a blasphemous celebration by early Christians. But today Christmas has become a day when we celebrate the birth of Christ. 

 Although today more than the pagan origins Christians have more ethical concerns over Christmas because in some countries it has become a time for extravagant parties and lavish gifts from myths like Santa Claus. In a world where 1 billion people live in extreme poverty can Christians indulge in so much of excess? Do we remember that Jesus was born into the household of a very poor Jewish family? Thus the origins of Christmas is shrouded in the shadow of an unknown pagan festival. 

 "But only a poor man can know the riches of poverty. .....If Christ chose to be born among the poor, it is because he wanted the poor to teach the world the good news of his message, the good news of his love for mankind. " 

  Dominique LaPierre, - The City of Joy 

In the East, the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas by a 40 day period of lent. For them it is a time of reflection, self-discipline and meditation on the sacraments. On Christmas eve they gather after they see the star for a Christmas meal. Was this their way of excommunicating themselves from the revelers of the pagan festivals and protecting themselves from the undue influences of the pagan practices? 

 We as Christians today at Christmas come to celebrate, worship and remember the birth of the Messiah. It is a time of thanksgiving. It is a time when we remember that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. We remember this gift of love by giving gifts to our friends and family. It is a time when we remember the joy that filled the hearts and minds of Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, the Angels and the Wisemen from the East as they came to worship and honor the birth of Jesus. 

 Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Advent

Comfort, comfort ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load;
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover,
And her warfare now is over.

This hymn was written by Johann Olearius in the 17 th centuary from the words of Isaiah the prophet in the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:1-2). Isaiah started his prophesies by spelling gloom and doom to all the people of Israel and neighbors. But half way through started to speak of the coming of the Messiah which occurred 500 years later. He spoke of comfort to the people of Israel. Comfort to a people who after years in exile will return to their home country to rebuild their homes and their lives.

Isaiah is full of verses that provide us with comfort Isaiah 40:31. Isaiah assures us that if we wait patiently on the Lord He will strengthen us. As a prophet Isaiah could see of a day when the Messiah would come to save the Nation of Israel.

While reflecting on the words of comfort I received an email from a friend who directed me to work being done by a Jewish group called Nechama. Nechama is the Hebrew word for comfort. They are a community response team who go to places to lend a helping hand and clean up after a natural disaster occurred. They sometimes get down to doing menial tasks and get very dirty to get the job done. Through their acts of goodness they bring comfort to the lives of those who were hurting from a disaster. To those whose hopes have been shattered they bring new rays of hope. The title of the article said that the volunteers saw themselves as partners with God to make the world a better place.

At the time of advent we share the story of Christ coming as a baby to us. A fragile baby born to a couple who were living under very poor circumstances. Not into royalty but to the family of a poor carpenter was the Son of God born. Not in the grandeur of a palace as Herod and the rest of the world expected, but humbly in a lowly manger.

Advent is a season when we remember the darkness that the world was living in. It was a time when people were grappling with who God was ? It was a time when the children of Israel were under the Roman rule. Even today we all go through darkness and wilderness days. We have financial burdens, loss of loved ones, and health problems. We all have parts of our lives under a shadow. Why does God say comfort ye my people? God wants to see the people who have lost their way to find their way back. He wants the people who have lost hope to find hope. How many of us have reached a point of desperation and longed for comforting words from a friend or family member? How many of us really make an effort to meet people after a church service? Do we really know the people who sit with us in the pew? Some people have a greater attachment to the pew seat and feel more offended when some other member of the church was to occupy their seat.

The season of advent is also a time of preparation. A time when we look at our lives to see if we are living lives that is pleasing to God. It is a time when we as the children of the light keep our faith alive by reaching out to those who are in darkness. Sometimes looks can be deceiving and the person who looks perfectly in control may be in desperate need of comfort and assurance of Gods love. It is a time when we get ourselves ready for the coming of Christ into our lives.


Let us always remember that God has provides for all our needs, comforts and strengthens us through His Word, fellowship with other believers and the assurance of His Holy Spirit who is always with us and in us.

Christ wants us to be filled with hope and tell everyone of the assurance that He will not leave us comfortless, He will come to us. John 14:18 This is the assurance that Jesus gave his disciples before he was crucified. He said he would never abandon them or leave them as orphans. He assured them that He would come to them as the Holy Spirit and rest and abide in them (John 14:26), and enable them to do even greater things than He himself did (John 14:12).

Fishers of Men

A computer whiz from MIT is chipping away to build a computer that costs $100. He hopes to produce a computer that can be made available easily to the poor who would otherwise never own one of their own. He hopes to build a computer that is so cheap that people from all countries in the world could afford to link every child to the internet. His goal is in line with UN's World Summit on the Information Society whose aim is that "everyone, everywhere should have the opportunity to participate in the benefits of information technology.” Only 14% of the world population has internet access, compared to the US where 62% of the population has access to the internet.

This has raised new fears in the minds of some in the Christian community that computers may lead us away from the faith. Offering computers to the poor is like offering rocks instead of bread. World leaders fear that criminals would use technology for economic fraud, violence, terrorism. Computers have become a necessity for most of us. They help build international communities, families and acquire knowledge.

From a spiritual perspective they provide a large number of resources for reading for spiritual growth viz. access to Burderof Communities. The spiritual vibrancy of the internet ministry must continue to grow as it is an avenue to reach a large number of people who would never have heard about Christ. Like any good thing, over use or employing for the wrong purposes makes it an evil. This is what I fear the most. Computers can control our thoughts, and if used wrongly can sow satanic seeds of evil, doubt, and hatred. As Christians we should never forget that Jesus is our master. If we make computer’s our master then we will falter and go astray in our spiritual lives.

But if we use computers to make friends then we are fulfilling God’s wishes (John 15:15). Do we know where our treasure is (Matthew 6:19-21)? Computers for the poor who don't have bread makes no sense. Computers for the poor who can use them to get bread certainly makes sense. It goes in line with teaching a man to fish will make him more independent, than to keep giving him fish. Jesus said follow me and I will make you fishers of men ( Matthew 4:19).

Good Investment

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 

An investment advisor said, "It's an unfortunate fact that few investors can consistently beat the market. That's because it often takes one or more of the following rare traits... 

 * The vision to identify breakthrough products, leaders, and brands 

 * The knowledge to spot an undervalued gem 

 * The courage to buy and hold when others are running scared." 

 Is it not true that our Christian life can be compared to a good investment? God's word assures us that we can emerge a winner if we trust in Jesus and have faith that we will inherit eternal life. 

 As Christians we are called to have a mission and vision for our lives. We strive to identify work, places, family, friends, books, music, and many other things whom we will serve and occupy our time. Some will boost our standing and rating in the world and others will help us to grow spiritually. Some may even be just plain junk which one day you will trash because we have no place to store any more. How many winners do you have in your portfolio for your Christian life? 

 We identify leaders who will guide us to a more fruitful life. Fruitfulness of this kind does not necessarily bring any greatness or wealth. However it can lead us to green pastures of peace and joy in all we do. It does not keep us constantly under great pressure to keep looking over our shoulders and try to keep up with the Jones or Smith. All it asks of you is to reach out to this invisible God and to give of your best for his service in reaching out to those in need. What hidden talents and gifts do you have? Is there some one you can share it with? Have you experienced the joy of giving up something dear so that someone else may enjoy and live a fruitful life? 

 Today because of a single lady's vision and sacrifice a big institution has risen to serve the medical community all over the world. Ida Scudder's vision came when she learn't that three women had died at her fathers mission community due to the lack of a woman doctor. She was convinced that God was calling her to begin a ministry to serve the medical needs of the women and children of India. After graduating as one of the first women graduates of the Cornell Medical College she returned to India. 

 She opened a one-bed clinic in Vellore in 1900. One hundred years later the clinic has grown phenomenally into 2,000 outpatients per day, 1,000 inpatients, 43 operations, 22 clinics, and 16 births. Ten Bible Classes are held each day and 380 patients are visited by a Chaplain. In addition, there is the work of CHAD, CONCH, and RUSHA, which go out to the villages and rural areas bringing methods of disease prevention, health care and community empowerment to tens of thousands more. Started with one woman and her vision, CMC employs over 4300 people today. 

 We never know when God calls us. We never know how far a simple step as to open a one bed clinic may one day lead to. But it is our willingness to listen to that still small voice that asks us to take the step forward. Have you found the pearl of great price ? Have you been asked to sell all you have to acquire it? Do you have the courage to make Christ the center of your life when others are centering in on fame and fortune? 

Invisible God

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.

When we say Christ is the foundation of the church can we see this foundation 1 Corinthians 3:11? We sing the hymn the church is one foundation with so much of fervor. Have we stopped to wonder what efforts we have taken to reconcile our differences between another denomination? Have we stopped to wonder whose sacrifice saves us all? From the time of Christs death and resurrection the Christian church has grown phenomenally. We cannot see Christ in bodily form, but we see the church that testifies to the fact that Christ is the immortal and invisible God of our faith. Faith, hope and love are unseen, but are the pillars on which the church stands today 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Sometimes we wonder how can we conceive of a God who is unseen? How can we have a conversation with an unknown God? How do we have a fruitful relationship with a God who is indiscernible? How did people grow spiritually in their relationship with God? Often these doubts creep into the lives of all believers. Although we cannot see God, we believe God can see everything. When we reflect on the lives of other Christians, all of them were not able to answer all the questions. But they over the years through bold steps of faith have journeyed through life with the knowledge of the love of God. Although they have no concrete proof of God's existence, their lives are an open book on the mysterious ways in which God molds their lives as a potter molds clay.

Weak and hypocritical we may feel, God still uses us if we are willing to be his vessels of mercy, love and peace. Philip Yancy says, "My own life of faith has included many surprises that no one warned me about. Of course, if the journey did not include a few potholes, dark stretches, and unexpected detours, we would hardly need faith." It is the uncertainties of life that draw us closer to this all knowing, all powerful and all seeing God 1 Timothy 1:17. None of us can say for sure what our life holds in store for us. We trust that whatever may happen to us, God will be there by our side. This is the confidence upon which we base our faith Philippians 1:6 . As each years roll by, we are more conscious of the fact that if we believe that God exists, we see his hand leading us when we need Him the most.

During a question-and-answer session with a half-dozen children in Vatican city, one boy told Pope Benedict XVI that he had been told that Christ was really present in the Eucharist, or Communion.

"But how? I don't see him," the boy said. Benedict chuckled.

"We don't see him, but there are so many things that we don't see that exist and they are essential," Benedict said. "For example, we don't see our reason, but we still have reason. We don't see our intelligence, but we have it. Â… We don't see the electric current, but we still see it works: We see how this microphone works, the lights.

"We don't see the risen Lord with our eyes, but we know that where Jesus is, men change, become better, become a bit more able to have peace and reconciliation.

Undoubtedly to see that God exists is to see God working in the lives of his disciples. The good Christian disciplines that we adopt make our spiritual life in God more real to us. To understand God we have to worship Him in Spirit and truth John 4:24. To make anything perfect is to keep practicing the Christian disciplines. The Bible and prayer helps us to build on the vision and mission for our lives. But when we do what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do, the word of God becomes ingrained into us. Thomas Kelly wrote in Testament of Devotion, Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place….It is the Shekinah of the soul, the Presence in the midst. Interestingly, he uses the Hebrew term Shekinah, which is the name for the presence of God in the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem temple. If it was the intellectuals Jesus wanted he certainly made the wrong people his disciples. We must remember that the gospel message was entrusted in the hands of very ordinary people.

Mother Teresa was called to serve the dying, the disabled, the mentally ill, the unwanted, and the unloved. She said she saw these people as Christ in disguise. She was able to nurse and care for dying people who were abandoned by their family not because of her own ability but because she saw the image of Christ in them. Further she said she could not do it on her own unless the Spirit of Christ lived in her John 17:21. She made us look at the world through eyes of love. She cared for them not to convert them, but to show that God loved them and they were important to God. We all have our own gifts and abilities and when we discover them we use them to bring glory to God. We would be stunned and cringe at the sight of the people she laid her hands on.She had the mind of a servant of Christ Philippians 2:5-7.

There are some today who like the Pharisees love the approval and honor from their fellowmen. Did the Pharisees really have the love of God in them or a love for themselves? Were they not more concerned that when it came to Christ's ministry that He healed on the Sabbath or associated with sinners Matthew 9:10-13 ? They were more concerned or enamoured by the laws and not about the sinners. They were more carried away by the laws they knew and their ability to manipulate them to their advantage and to the detriment of their flock.

The kind of love that Christ portrayed was (Agape) selfless and unconditional. Did Christ make any demands on the 10 lepers He healed? How can we criticize Mother Teresa for not evangelizing when she was reaching out to people who have never been loved before? How do you touch the lives of people who have not had a kind word said to them in years? Do you really believe that it is our words that transforms another's life? To me it is the Spirit of Christ that brings about the transformation in all our lives. Although we cannot see Christ, He is working 1 Timothy 3:13. He works silently through our deeds and our words. He said if one or two are gathered in His name He is there. I do believe Christ was there when Mother Teresa cared for the needy. We are called to have the same mind, same Spirit and same purpose that was in Christ Jesus, who said it is the sick who need a physician not those who are healthy.

Christ did say that if we have seen Christ we have seen what God the Father is like. Thus in strong spiritual leaders we begin to see a reflection of what Christ is all about John 14:9 and John 12:45.


John 12:45

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

John 14:9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?


John 17:21

That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The ChurchÂ’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.


Philippians 2:5-7

5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

John 4:24

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 1:18

No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

1 Timothy 3:13
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 9:10-13

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Church Community and Fellowship


The church should be a place where people from differing social and economic backgrounds come together. The church community should strive to be like an orchard where grace, mercy, and love are the fruits found by all who live in it. A vineyard where all the members are able to blossom and grow. It should be a sanctuary for those who are troubled and disturbed with life's trials and tribulations. It should be a place for togetherness where its members come as one family and share gifts and talents to nurture and to help one another to grow. The church community should work hard to sacrifice time and resources for making the church a place where Christ is glorified. The fellowship of believers should enthusiastically work for the christian joy of serving one another's needs.

It should be a retreat where many can pursue a simple, quiet, and humble life of prayer, renewal and fellowship with our Father in heaven. Prayers help and sustain people through their troubles and fears. It further helps them to share their concerns with one another and support one another Acts 1:14. The church should be a holy ground where all can come to hear that still small voice speaking to them and leading them to live lives that are pleasing to God.

Not all of us can be leaders like Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. Nor can we be monks for God did not create us all to live in isolation. God has given each of us gifts. We stimulate and nurture them through individual and group Bible study, meditation, discussions and reflection. Throughout the year all over the world, churches hold fellowship events where they enjoy being part of the church family with all ages gathered together. This coming together enables the church to have stronger bonds of love and understanding.

The church buildings are not just for worship but also for fellowship. Although the buildings cannot contain God within its four walls, Christ has assured us that He is there with us always even unto the end of time Matthew 18:20 & Matthew 28:20. We see in the old and new testaments that the children of God gathered together to celebrate festivals and other events. Early Christians used to meet at house churches and share in fellowship meals. Even today some communities like the Bruderof community continue to strive live with these traditions to work and live together as a community Acts 2: 44-46.

We should never forget that the church is the people. Leaders emerge from within the church to care for the churches needs. In 1700s at the time of John Wesley, he pressed for the separate seating of men and women in the services and for early morning services (preferably at 5 a.m.). Could the Methodist be rigid on these practices? Policies and procedures followed in the past in time change with the times according to the needs of the people. Although people and their customs may change, the word of God never changes. The gospel message remains the same. Christ remains the head of the church and all of us are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ. We strive to be a dynamic community in which the Holy Spirit transforms us into an imitation of Christ and restores us into right relationships with God and his people. As the living Body of Christ we seek first the Kingdom of God and continue to draw and build others into our fellowship through love, mercy and peace Mathew 6 :33.




Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 28:20
Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


Mathew 6 :33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 2: 44-46
And all that believed were together, and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Spiritual Growth Pains

Spiritual Growth Pains Today there are many who would like to quickly conclude that gambling, drunkenness, pagan celebrations, spiritism, sexual immorality, terrorism, idol worship or crime are the root causes for diasters. They certainly are like a cancerous disease, that spreads all over the world destroying the fabric of society. Although these practices draw us away from God they do not necessarily have to be the cause for the disaster. 

 The three biggest catastrophes has been the tsunami in Asia, hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Pakistan, India and Afghanisthan. Disasters can happen anywhere... the depths of the ocean, the heights of Himalaya mountains and even on the soil of highly developed countries like USA. Many single survivors of these tragedy remain like Job in the Old Testament, homeless, familyless and jobless. They find themselves in situations and circumstances where they wish that God had taken them also away from this world of intense suffering, pain, and loss. Did God abandon them? 

The other day while blogging I asked a fellow blogger what was going on? There has been a spate of natural disasters. Could thess be the signs of the end of the world? He said that each year about 140 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater will occur on earth. An average of 20 of those will be 7.0 or greater. Also currently it is the hurricane season along the southern coast of USA; it happens every fall. To sum it up, natural disasters have their own course of events. Can we interpret them as God abandoning us? When we grow old or fall sick can we blame it on God? Although a close call with death always leaves us with memories which come back to haunt us. We must let the dying go, trusting, as Henri Nouwen puts it, “that death does not have the last word. We can look at them…and give them hope; we can hold their bodies in our arms. And we can trust that mightier arms than ours will receive them and give them the peace and joy they desire.” 

 Sometimes the harsh realities of life and nature draw us closer to God. In the case of Elijah after everything harsh had passed, God spoke to him in a soft and gentle whisper. Can we comprehend or understand God and His ways? We can only live and grow in Him and His ways everyday in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Let us tune in to that gentle whisper leading us through life. As Leo Tolstoy says in his story of the King and the Hermit, there is only one time that is important - Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. The most necessary man is he with whom you are, for no man knows whether he will ever have dealings with any one else: and the most important affair is, to do him good, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!" 

 Job's entire faith rested on the omnipresent and omniscient God. He humbly surrendered his whole life entirely into God's hands. He was confident that God knew the path that his life was taking him on. Although his circumstances seemed to be a total loss, God's presence continued to be with him. Physically his mind and body were tearing him apart. All his gifts and blessings had been far removed from him. Although the way ahead seemed to spell gloom and doom, Job did not falter in his faith in God. Job's only confidence was that God was still there with him. Even his friends and wife questioned his stand with God. They accused him of some hidden sin that had caused this tragedy to fall upon him. 

 Job was convinced, that God knew his thoughts and all his actions. He was convinced that after this phase in his life of absolute and intense suffering, God would eventually reward him for his absolute faith in Him. He had the maturity to see that the same God who was with him through his blessed life was with Him even during his hard times. He looked at his present life as one of much trial, but he was convinced once this trial was past, his faith, hope and love for God would remain as pure as gold. 

 Above all, Job firmly believed that God had a plan for his life. He knew that his reward need not necessarily be given to him on earth. He was convinced that God would reward him if not in this life, then in the next. He said that although the wicked may prosper for a season, or never see hard times, they would have no standing with God. Job clung to the word of God and valued it more than anything else in the world. He knew if he was steadfast he would not be led to the miry clay of despair, doubts, self pity or hatred toward God. It is this despair that draws people to fall and get side tracked. 

These feelings can destroy a person's faith. Job found comfort in assuring himself with God's word that strengthened him at his time of trouble. The word kept him focused on God and His ways. He valued his spiritual life and food far more than he valued anything else he possessed or would possess on earth. Isaiah's portrayal of the suffering servant(Isaiah 53:3)is one who was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. His very presence made us hide our faces from him. He was despised and he had no standing in our lives. 

 David in his early years had to flee from King Saul who was extremely jealous of his success and feared that David would supercede him. David through his despair found assurance that God had heard his cries for help (Psalm 40:1-2). He found strength in God and was able to patiently endure the intense persecution from King Saul. When we go through phases of intense suffering or pain let us come to Jesus who even though He suffered much, still loved and cared for all. It is in Christ we find comfort and strength.He has assured us that nothing can seperate us from His love (Romans 8:35, 38). We all despair of life itself, but Christ says to come to him all who are weak and heavy laden and He will comfort and strengthen them. We can use our experience with despair and grief to help another who is going through a difficult time. Our grief may be one of the most fundamental of life skills. It is the way that the heart can heal from loss and go on to love again and grow wise. 

Listen to Philip Yancy as he elucidates on why he thinks there is so much of suffering? How he worked through various barriers to his personal faith. He tragically lost his Father who aspired to be a missionary to Africa of polio maybe because his Father’s family and friends believed he would be healed spiritually by God. He was just a baby (one year old). But over the years as he spends time with people who went through great personal tragedies in their life, God transforms his heart and mind.

  The Hebrew word "Shama" is best translated by a combination of four English words, "hear, heed, understand, and obey"(Luke 8:21). This is what Christ has called us to do (Matthew 7:24) as Christians - we are to hear and reflect on his words; understand and obey them. In so doing we fulfill the wishes of our Father in heaven. Shama increases the depth in our faith. It is absolutely important that we believe in God and have faith that He is rewarder of all who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is the key to the strength we have in Christ Jesus. If we humble ourselves before God in absolute faith, Peter says God will lift us up in His own time. We are also called to humble ourselves before our brothers and sisters(1 Peter 5:5-6). God does not favor those who are proud. Like Job and David let us humble ourselves before God so that in due time God will show his mercy and lift us up to heights we have not seen before (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

References to Scriptures 

 Job 23:10-12 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 

 Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

 I Kings 19: 11-12 11And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 

Psalm 40:1-2 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  

Romans 8:35, 38 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 

 Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

 Luke 8:21 And Jesus answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

 1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 

 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Breaking Bread

Holy Communion, in my understanding, is a solemn service of the coming together of the church community in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We remember His life, death and resurrection. We remember the sacrifice He made for all of us. Christ has assured us that when one or two are gathered in His name He is there.

When we first moved to New Orleans from India, we visited the United Methodist Church. We were initially unsure of whether we were in the right church where we would be able to grow spiritually. We were not sure whether the church would approve of our partaking in the communion since we were of a different denomination. But at the time of communion the pastor said this was an open table and all were invited to come and receive. We were strangers and were given an open invitation to share with the church congregation in the Holy Sacrament. At that time although we were far from home, to be part of the body of Christ made us feel like we were at home. We felt as one with the congregation as all of us are one in Christ.

Christ prayed passionately that we will be one just as He and the Father are one. In so doing we believe that it was God who sent Christ to us (John 17:21). Sharing in the holy sacraments goes beyond just a sharing of bread and wine. We are reminded that we are one body and it is the one and the same God that we worship and glorify. Communion transcends race, color, age, financial status, and standing in society. Partaking in communion we sense a physical presence of the Holy Spirit. We sense that Christ came to live in us and our community.

The question of communion for kids and nonmembers has always kept me wondering which side of the fence I stand on. I am happy to worship in any church that will welcome me. I sometimes wonder what sort of sins kids really commit that can be compared to those we commit as adults? What makes us decide that one denomination will not be accepted by God? Do they not know the difference between good and bad? What is it they have to confess more than we? How does sharing in the body and blood of Christ heap condemnation on us? Did Christ come to condemn us all? How does just confession of our sins make us right with God ... when again we are going to fall?

Churches that have closed communion to kids are following a good policy as it makes its members seriously reexamine their spiritual lives and the final judgment. It makes the children look forward to a time when they can partake of this holy ceremony. They may value this even more.

Churches that serve communion to kids are following a good policy as it makes the members aware of the grace of God that is a free gift. Thus by taking it they realize it is not their personal goodness.....they are not worthy to even gather the crumbs under the table, but it is only Christ who is the righteousness in them that saves them. Kids who partake in communion early, feel a part of the church very early in life. Often kids have problems of transition from sunday school to church service. This is overcome when through holy communion they feel a part of the service very early in their church life.

Luke 22:16-20
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.


Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

1 Corinthians 11:23- 34

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Spirituality of Giving Money

Natural disasters can sometimes make enemies into friends temporarily. As was seen in the case of Pakistan earthquakes. Sworn enemies relaxed their stand on, "shoot on sight" so that those villagers who are in need may be helped in whatever way possible. The loss has been colossal. In the Indo-Pak region there are around 4.5 million people all of whom have lost at least someone they know. The death toll is projected to reach 40,000 people.

What is our relationship with money? Why should we give to others? Our money is what God has blessed us with so that we can meet our needs, and with the excess, imitate Christ in providing for the needs of our fellowbeings. In giving, the word of Christ becomes flesh, and we become the hands of God to the ones who are in need. Sharing and caring is one way of uniting the world community. It leads people to understand that we love them, we have faith in God and humanity, and we hope for all their needs to be met.

We give whatever we can, according to the need and with what we have. We give because the Holy Spirit leads us to reach out to those who are in need. Jesus asked us to love and care for one another. We give cheerfully without grumbling, for in so doing we imitate the One who gave His life for all of us, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We give because it is Christ who provides for all our needs. In so doing we clearly show that it is not by our own effort we share, but out of gratitude because the Lord has supplied for all our needs. Our gift makes the receiver know and understand that God cares.

When we show we care we will multiply the joy of having not just all our needs met but that the receiver will also rejoice with us when their needs are met. Our gift of hope, we know, will one day make the receiver become a giver as well.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Trail Blazers

The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:32

Over the centuries of our Christian Faith, leaders rise from our world community from the need to lead those who are searching for God. Eberhard and Emmy Arnold turned their backs on the comforts of suburban Berlin and made a giant leap in their faith. As trail blazers at a time when they had everything, they decided to make a stand for living a simple spiritual life of faith in God. They exemplified the life of the early church of living and sharing as a community of faith, hope and love. They opened their homes to not just fellow Christians but to all who were searching for a higher calling in life. Like Abraham they were confident that God would provide for all their needs. Although the world would have looked at them as being foolish, their faith urged them on. 

More Like Jesus

Pressing Toward the Goal

A Journey to Become More Like Jesus

In our Christian walk, the ultimate goal is to become more like Jesus Christ. This journey of transformation involves a deepening relationship with Christ, a rejection of worldly glory, and a surrendering of our own desires to align with God's will.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, offers powerful insights into this journey of faith. In Philippians 3:4-14, he reflects on his own background and accomplishments, acknowledging that his confidence could have been in the flesh. As a Pharisee, Paul had impeccable credentials according to Jewish law, but he counted all these achievements as loss for the sake of Christ.

Paul's desire to know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection transcended any earthly accolades or accomplishments. He recognized that true righteousness comes not from adherence to the law, but through faith in Christ. Paul willingly surrendered his own righteousness and worldly gains in exchange for the surpassing value of knowing Christ.

The apostle's words echo with a profound sense of humility and longing to be conformed to the image of Christ. He expresses his earnest desire to "know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings," recognizing that true transformation comes through sharing in Christ's suffering and death.

Yet, Paul also acknowledges that this journey is ongoing. He admits that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on toward the goal, reaching forward to what lies ahead. His focus is not on past achievements or failures but on pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

As we reflect on Paul's words, may we be inspired to pursue our own journey of transformation with fervent passion and determination. May we, like Paul, count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ and press on toward the goal of becoming more like Him each day. And may we find comfort and strength in the assurance that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Spiritual Blindness

Jesus healed a simple and ordinary blind beggar at the synagogue on Sabbath day. The Pharisees who heard of this miracle were enraged. They called him and his parents and questioned them. They wanted them to admit that Jesus was a sinner, especially since he healed on the Sabbath. This ordinary probably illiterate beggar could see beyond their intellectual reasoning. He said all I can say is I was blind but now I see. He said he believes in a God who listens to the prayers of them who worship Him and do His will. When Christ confronted Him with who He was, the blind man fell to his knees and worshipped Christ. 

 It was this spiritual blindness that Jesus talked about. The Pharisee who had studied the law were unable to see the hand of God working on the life of the blind man but the blind man who was healed saw Christ as the prophet/son of God. The one who had performed a miracle that no one in his life time could have offered him before. Jesus had given him a new life where he could enjoy God's creation and beauty. 

The blind man was ostracized and thrown out of the synagogue for his faith in Christ. His own parents were forced to disown him in the presence of the religious fanatics. As Christians, Jesus has called us to bear one another's burdens. We are to reach out to those who have lost all hope. To those who are weary and tired we offer comfort. To those who are abused and persecuted we offer our protection. 

Today family violence still continues to be a problem. Despite all the awareness being created against it, individuals still continue attack women and children. How much can organizations do unless we as individuals also are willing to speak out against it. What are the chances that if we see a woman or child being subject to acts of violence that we will step out to help? Do we know what to say to them? Could Jesus have healed the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees? Was Jesus's ministry to give sight to those spirtually blind or physically blind? 

Are we spiritually blind sometimes? Let us turn our backs to outward acts of piety and respectability and express our love with a heart that loves through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The only way to reach these people who suffer is to tell them about the love of Christ and through little acts of kindness instill in them hope that can redeem them from this cycle of hatred and abuse. We as the body of Christ have to be the source of hope and love. Is our home an oasis of love where those who are poor and needy can come and find refuge ? 

Prayer:- Lord Jesus, fill us with your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to behold the wonderful things from your Word, and move our hearts to believe your Word. We commit our lives into your hands, lead us to reach out to those in need with little acts of kindness. Amen.

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. John 9:39 

Jesus said, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Matthew 23:25-26 

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4

Worship

When we come to church we come to worship God and have fellowship with our fellow Christians. James says to worship God is to humble ourselves before Him. James says God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. He further says that if we humble ourselves before God he will lift us up(James 4:6, 10).

The traditional form of worship does not play too much on our emotions, as we know what to expect as it is an old order of worship and familiar hymns. This could lead to stagnation of memberships or a lack of new members coming in. However to those who have grown used to this form of worship, to not follow the order of worship could leave them with a feeling of not having worshipped God at all. The question then is, are we worshipping God or going through the motions to makes us feel good. Could this result in self worship?

The charismatic on the other hand requires a lot more effort as it could require us to keep learning new songs and hearing new prayers (sometimes rocking and shouting) and at the end of it we could be more emotionally charged or drained. Maybe its just one perspective.

Praise is an essential part of worship and how we integrate it into worship is important.

In a mega large modern church we lose a sense of community and personal attachment to the members. On the other hand in the traditional we could end up being closed and judgmental about the other churches.

We should expect a worship service to stretch our hearts and minds to a point where we are convicted (uncomfortable) so that we really come to realize our transgressions and to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.

With the traditional way we get so used to the worship after a point we may become blind to the spirit of it. On the other hand the contemporary can have us caught up with trying to conform that we go blind again to the spirit.

King Solomon after he built the temple realized that God cannot be contained within a temple or a church (1Kings 8:27-30). But his humble request was that when we humbled ourselves before God, He would forgive and have mercy on us. We must ask ourselves are we becoming better people after following our order of worship. Does the service brand us as Sunday Christians or are we empowered to face the week ahead? When we worship God we develop traits as love, joy, peace, kindness, justice, mercy and forgiveness.

Jesus said that true worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth. To be led by the spirit is being more open to our world and what it demands today. It does not mean that the founders of our traditional order of worship were not lead by the spirit. But I perceive that being led by the spirit speaks of greater freedom in form of worship as opposed to the substance. Which leads us to the truth (substance). The truth is the word of God. The order of worship should speak to us directly from the word of God.

I grew up in a community where we went for a traditional Sunday worship service in the morning and a more contemporary worship service in the evening with the student community. The Spirit works mightily in both services. Although as a student I enjoyed the contemporary style of worship. Worship is one where we can integrate the two forms and have communion (relate) with God who is Spirit, our neighbor who is the community and our own selves. In so doing we fulfill Gods purpose of creating us.

John 4:23-24

23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

James 4:6, 10

6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Final judgment

Christ refers to the group of people who out of a simple conscience reached out to the masses of poor and needy. One such person who exemplifies this simplicity was Mahatma Gandhi. He challenged many Christian leaders to live better Spiritual lives. His life is a string of parables in themselves. As highlighted in an article by Rev.A.C.Oommen on Mahatma Gandhi - A Spiritual Revolutionary.

Christ was extolling those simple deeds of love that spring naturally from a heart that greatly loves all people no matter who they maybe. Another great saint who exemplified this love was Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She was called to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. It was the least and rejects of society she reached out.

This parable probably does not support the views of some of the protestant churches today. We prefer to preach the gospel of justification by faith alone ie.(Solafide). It is a faith that it is not our personal goodness that earns our salvation, but God's mercy because of Christs sacrifice and death. Does that exempt us from serving those who are in need with our gifts or our time?

The more mature way to approach our calling as followers of Christ would be to believe that it only through Christ's crucifixion we are saved, but to express that faith through deeds of love to the community. St. Francis of Assissi, believed in a gospel that was preached..seldom using words.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
St. Francis of Assissi

This parable is a very chilling judgment being shown by Christ. He condemns those who did not help those of his brothers or sisters who were poor and needy. The judgment really surprises them, for they could not associate Christ with those people. They probably were pretenders whose actions were deliberated based on their own selfish ambitions.

This parable makes us question, what have we done to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite the stranger into the home, clothe the poor, look after the sick and visit the prisoner. The reply of the shocked group is Lord when did we see you in this condition. Christ says every time you did it to someone who is of no significance in the world you did it for me.

If Christ lives in us, should we not also express the same concern He had for the least ?


Matt 25:45

45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

Kim Phuc

As I was reading the story of Kim Phuc, I was moved to the big step she took to wipe her past behind her. Although the scars still remain, she has learned to move on and make this a better place to live in. It was through the pain of her wounds she found her calling to be a peacemaker between Vietnam and USA. Forgiveness is a really powerful gift especially when it is given to those who have been haunted by their deeds done at a time when they were inclined to do them. The soldiers found forgiveness and peace after they got to meet Kim and receive this free gift of grace. Kim Phuc was able to stand before the UN in 1996 and say it was God who saved her and gave her the faith and hope during her physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Photographs of Kim Phuc and her baby.

Forgiveness

To err is human, to forgive divine - Alexander Pope

As Christ hung on the cross, His mind was not filled with anger or hatred toward His oppressors. But with great remorse He cried out to God the Father pleading for forgiveness for what they were subjecting him to.

Whose forgiveness was Jesus pleading for? Pilate who sentenced Him? The Jewish leaders who condemned Him? The bystanders who cried out to crucify Him? The Roman soldiers who hung Him on the cross and mocked Him? Today is not Jesus still doing the same for you and me? Although on the outside the whole world seemed to torment Him, yet Christ showed His divine nature to forgive.

How can we take these giant strides in faith? How do we have the courage to forgive those who have done us great harm? It is when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives that we change. Forgiveness is God's gift of grace to us. It is this grace of forgiveness that we are asked to give to those who have offended us.

When we see how Christ forgave His persecutors we are challenged to do the same. Millions were martyred by Joseph Stalin who wanted to free the Soviet Union of Religion. But his was an ideology that in time was proved wrong. We see through the eyes of a survivor Richard Wurmbrand the atrocities that were inflicted on the Christians and his undying devotion to serve those who suffered for their faith.

The Christian church was able to overcome that period. Jesus our spiritual healer is telling us today, see this is what I did, now show me if you can do the same. Bitterness, anger and hatred if let to work in our minds could destroy our peace of mind. When we forgive others we bring glory to Christ, and we also find we are spiritually healed. Are we ready to take this step of faith?

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Weak or Strong ??

When we forgive others for the times they have wronged us, is this a sign of weakness or strength? To some it is a sure sign of cowardice to let another get away after hurting us. In the case of the Sierre Leone's war amputees who committed horrific crimes to each other its hard to say who should forgive whom. BBC says "Some 50,000 people died in the war in which horrific atrocities were committed." What is the value we place on our own life as opposed to the life of another ?

Jesus clearly said in his prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Christ wanted us to come to God with our weaknesses so that through the Holy Spirit we will be empowered to do the will of the Father. On our own volition it is hard to forgive. But when we come to God with our natural instincts, He gives us the spiritual strength to do His will in our lives.

Josef who ran away from the Nazis, one day realized he could only forgive them when he perceived he needed to be forgiven. "He found, as many others have found, that only by forgiving could he end the terrible cycle of hatred and free himself from the horrors of his past."


And leave us serene,just as we also allowed others serenity.
Extracted from Aramaic Lords Prayer

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Heavenly Father

Heavenly Father 

 Today the city of New Orleans reels under two continous hurricane strikes that have left thousands homeless and more than thousand dead. In Hyderabad- India as well many have been evacuated due to flooding leaving more than 50 people dead. There is a lot of pain and suffering being endured by those who have been affected by the hurricane and flooding. It will take months for some for their lives to return to normalcy. It is at moments such as these we realize that this world is not our real home. It is only a poor reflection of what Christ has gone to prepare for us. Christ came into the world so that we may all be united with God through his suffering and sacrifice on the cross. Christ has commissioned us to go out into the world and to bear fruits of love, joy and peace and in so doing bring especially those who are weak and suffering into a living relationship with the Heavenly Father. It is when we share Gods love with others we come to know and experience the Triune God. This enables us to be at peace with ourselves and our neighbors. John 16: 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.

Good Cheer

"The winds are going to blow, it says in the Bible, and we want you to be strong," Massar told the church's children during Sunday services at the packed First Baptist Church. As pastors speak to their congregations from Florida to Louisiana, the people need all the hope they can get. It is when we lose a part of ourselves to a natural disaster we wonder where is God when it hurts? It is so easy to slip into despair.

We all face difficult times in our lives. Christ said that in this world we will face difficulties. But promised to send us the Holy Spirit who will comfort, strengthen and cheer us at times like this. As fellow christians we can instill hope in others by our support and concern through prayers, presence and presents.


John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Brother Rogers

A monastic community in a small village in Burgundy today mourns the brutal death of their patron and shepherd Brother Rogers under the hands of a deranged woman. The Taize community never felt the need to advertise their form of worship. I have participated in Taize services all over the world. Their chants and songs emphasize silence, light, and the need to combine meditation with prayer and music. In between the chants and prayers are long periods of silence where as Bro Rogers says was the time when the Spirit of Christ prayed within us. 

 The simplicity and brevity of the words touches my heart, mind and soul. The one chant that really strikes a chord deep within me is "Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom." These are the very words said by the thief on the cross as he hung there by the side of Christ. To me Jesus is the Prince of Peace and it is my firm belief that one day He will return and peace will be restored. Until then through the Holy Spirit He lives and reigns in our hearts and minds. All we have to do is ask Him to come in and live in us. 

 My condolences to all those who mourn this great loss. Bro Rogers' contribution for peace and understanding to this world has been just phenomenal. 

 Luke 23: 42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise

Worms and Viruses

Today our computers can be infected and completely wiped out by viruses and worms. Worms go from one computer to the other. They do various things such as send your confidential information to an outside source, take over your system remotely and so on. Viruses are more through contact and unless the file is opened it does not get installed in the machine. In the same way spiritual 'worms' and 'viruses', active or dormant, can get embedded in us and affect our lives. Let us through prayer and meditation ask the Holy Spirit to search for and eradicate these worms and viruses that could burn us out!!

Psalm 139:23 & 24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Thousand thanks to the divine mercy

John Wesley in one of his sermons refers to the sentence of condemnation for our repeated rebellion. He says God has spared us week after week, month after month and given us space for repentence.

I have come to the conclusion that without Christ my life could have become Hell. Yet Christ came and rescued me from my damned state of existence. Psalm 139 has helped me to understand the omnipresent and merciful God. A presence that is just a moment away. A comforting thought that unless we believe we will not see this presence working in our lives. However far we may wander He is always there by our side.

Psalm 139: 7,8
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

Persecution

Christians are constantly being persecuted either agressively or partially in countries like Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Tibet, East Timor, Sudan, India, China, and so on. Some of the stories are gross and full of tragedy. For those Christian brothers and sisters who are under intense persecution, we must find strength in the words of Paul as he tells us about the life led by Christ. Christ led a life filled with sacrifice and suffering, yet He was ever conscious of God's presence which surrounded Him with love, peace and joy. His death on the cross was that of an ordinary criminal who was falsely charged and sentenced. Christ has been exalted by God above all things in heaven and earth. Do we have this attitude that was in Christ who humbled Himself and took the form of a servant? One day Christ will return, are we prepared to meet Him?

Philippians 2:5-11

5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Others

Paul encourages us to shift the focus of our lives from ourselves to others. Who does Paul mean when he says others??... Friends and Enemies. As Christians we are encouraged to love not just our friends but our enemies as well. As we become more Christlike, our love for our fellowbeings will draw us into a living relationship with God. This is very simply expressed in this anonymous verse

I sought my God, My God I could not see.
I sought my soul, But my soul eluded me.
I sought my brother, And I found all three.

Philippians 2: 4-5 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Comforter

Jesus said,

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, 

Whom the Father will send in My Name, 

He will teach you all things, and 

Bring to your Remembrance 

All things that I said to you.

John 14:26

Jesus speaks to his disciples telling them that the time for his departure is looming ahead. Be that as it may, God the Father will send the Holy Spirit (Paraklētos) as an emmisary for Jesus. The actual Greek word used is Παράκλητος (Paraklētos) means advocate, intercessor, consoler, comforter, or helper. An Advocate will plead on their behalf before God about their trials and tribulations with God’s laws. A Comforter will calm, console and cheer them through the great challenges they face in their ministry.

 Jesus promised that He would send us the Comforter. The Holy Spirit comes to us in our hour of tribulation, ministers to us, and gives us the strength to bear our sufferings. Faith in the grace and mercy of God can draw us out from the very grips of despair. Thus the more we suffer for Christ, the more we find strength from his comforting presence. The enduring of persecution and suffering not only enables us to stand on firm ground but also to comfort others who go through difficulties and problems.

 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Christ Cares

Are there not times when we feel that we have far too many things to do so that we don't have the time to rest and relax? We feel burdened and sometimes get so stressed that we find it hard to function. Then on further examination we start to blame people and circumstances for our own folly. Sometimes we slip into despair and wonder, "Is there anybody who really cares for us?" Peter appeals to us to cast all our cares on Christ for he cares for us.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Thanks and Praise

David reflects on the hand of God that led the people of Israel out of Egypt even as Pharaoh and his people trembled with fear at the power of the God of Israel. God provided them with water from the rock, manna from heaven for bread, and quail for meat. He protected them from their enemies and gave them the rich and fertile land of Canaan to occupy. David encourages us to search for God and His strength for our daily lives, and to come before him with thanks and praise.

Psalm 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Gospel Affairs

Paul urged the Christian Church in Philippi to live their lives in conformity with the gospel that was preached to them. He exhorted them to lead lives of love, humility, mercy, and peace. He warned them that just as in his own life, they are bound to find themselves embroiled in struggles and conflicts with those who do not believe. Despite it all he hoped that they may be bound together in one mind and spirit.

Philippians 1:27&30 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 30Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Murmuring

The Children of Israel had miraculously been redeemed from their bondage of slavery to the nation of Egypt. Yet in the desert they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron, question their ability to provide for the people in the desert. Murmuring only leads us away from the presence of God. Let us stop our own murmurings and begin to thank God for the gift of grace and eternal life that has been given to us by Christ's sacrifice on the cross for all our sins.

Exodus 16:2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

Wilderness

Israel was going through a time when they had forsaken God and had started to worship other gods and idols. Here Hosea prophesied that a time will come when God will take everything they possessed and lead them into a wilderness where they will have to look to God alone to provide for their needs. When we encounter situations where we lose everything that we hold dear, let us listen to Gods voice speaking to us words of comfort.

Hosea 2:14 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

Patience

Temptations can come in different shapes and forms. In times of difficulty it is easy to slip into despair and anxiety. The worries of getting ahead in this world can overwhelm us. It is at times like these that James is encouraging us to fall back on our faith in God. If we hold fast to God's promises we will learn to endure and be patient.

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations ;Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Shield

Shield 

Psalm 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

 We all face different types of problems in our daily lives. We need to find ways to meet all our needs and even in times of danger. David found his shield and the courage to lift his head high in God. God will povide even in times of catastrophes. Here David was running for his life from his own son Absalom who wanted to kill him. David could have easily slipped into despair at a time like this. 

When a catastrophe happens like 911 or Tsunami or Hurricane Katrina do you think God has abandoned you? David found protection from danger and comfort from trouble in God's presence. 

Look up for redemption

Jesus told us the parable of the fig tree and all the trees. He said when we see the leaves and shoots appearing do we not know that summer has set in. Jesus reassures us that even though the times may be ominous and hard, we should never give up. For if we look up to God for redemption He will draw near to us.

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

End of Days

Today we live in uncertain times. They almost reflect the times that Jesus said would be the end of Days. Terrorism is getting a strong hold in all the nations today. So many countries in Africa are awash with the Aids epidemics , pestilences, famine, poverty, wars and political instability. The Middle East and USA, Israel and Palestine, India and Pakistan are engaged in war or at the brink of starting a war. Tsunami, Hurricanes and Earth quakes are bringing despair and great suffering to the whole world. The Christian Church and the children of God are constantly being persecuted all over the world. The whole world is groaning from these turbulence where peace can be restored only with the second coming of Christ. Let us be prepared, watch and pray for this time to hasten quickly.

Luke 21:9-12 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

Chosen People

Chosen People 

Christ clearly shows us that it is He who chooses us to do God's work in this world. Though we have the free will to do as we please, it is Christ who has called us to do the will of our Father in heaven. He has invited us to a new and intimate relationship with Him and to be his chosen people. To be grafted into the true vine and bear fruit. If we live our lives in Him, whatever we ask in Christ's name, He will provide. John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.