Oasis of Love

2011-09-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

Endurance

Life is often compared to a game, but I think it is more like being a player; periods of strenuous practice and exercises with brief moments in which we are given the chance to play at our full potential with the world watching. Christ is present in everything that we do.

Even the most painful and difficult times of practice when we struggle to run that extra mile or even get to the field on time. Christ knows what it means to sweat, struggle and suffer through our road blocks in life. By the power of Gods love Jesus shows us the way through every obstacle we may encounter to the confidence that far surpasses anything that we know or understand. We may have many important tasks at hand, but we should never let them overwhelm us in such a way that we forget who we are and where we are going.

A game tests a players endurance. What are some of the things that weigh down and slows us down? Maybe guilt, anger, hatred, or even greed. Are we ready for the challenges that life throws at us spiritual, physical, mental and social?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

2011-09-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

Drum Major

Growing up on a Christian Campus for the evening worshIp one of old favorites was the song " We are one in the Spirit we are one in the Lord." This song had the ability to penetrate deep within ones heart and touch the hearts of many as they sang along at the evening worship service. The song went on to say that they will know we are Christians by our love. Our daily walk with Christ is not just a time when we sense his spirit within but overflows to our daily Ives as we reach out to those in need. Christ is not just evident in our spiritual dimension but also becomes a part of our physical and social dimension. A pastor elucidated our spiritual walk as viewed as 3 sides of an equilateral triangle.one being spiritual and the others physical and social.

Martin Luther King Jr. the civil rights activists and beloved pastor of many, delivered a very powerful sermon where he said, “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, “Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.’’this sermon was so moving that the architects of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington selected these lines to be inscribed on the memorial’s statue of the pastor and leader.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

2011-08-29T01:44:00.000-07:00

Grounded

When a seed that springs up from the ground in a shady area it strives hard to find the sun, in some cases it grows very fast as it tries to reach a point when it can get the required sunlight. But in the process becomes weak and soon whithers away. Growth should be slow and constant. Takie time to grow at the pace you were meant to grow. Good discipline of daily Bible study, prayer and meditation enables us to be well founded in our faith.

Being grounded in the God's Word empowers us to keep our faith in times of trouble. Reading God's Word everyday and finding time to speak and strengthen others in their walk of faith enables not only them to stay strong and full of courage but in the process strengthens us from within. Leading us to a profound understanding of God's ways.

Our acceptance to Christ's invitation throws open the doors of faith of our hearts and invites the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. The first fruit of the Holy Spirit working in us is the indwelling love of Christ working through us grounding and rooting us in God's Word and in his service. Dp you still sense the presence of Christ within you or are you still plagued with doubts.

He may grant you to be strengthened in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; you may be rooted and grounded in love. Ephesians 3:16

2007-12-25T09:18:00.001-08:00

Gift of Peace

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel. Matthew 2:6

In the chorus of the song "O Come, all ye faithful", we sing "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" When Christ was born, not everyone who claimed they wanted to worship the Christ child really wanted to do so. Many of us go through the motions of church worship and service but our minds are usually far away. It is possible to mouth the words of worship and adoration yet not feel them in our hearts. Does anybody know what you really think about in your heart and mind? Are you willing to expose your fears, dreams, and drives to anybody? Exposure is risky?? Are you at peace?

When the wise men from the East came searching for the King of the Jews in Jerusalem where Herod lived, they caused a major commotion. Herod the reigning tyrant king of the Jews, was extremely upset. He was a man who had killed his wife, mother-in-law, and three of his sons, because of his insecurities and greed for power and wealth. The news of the birth of the King of Kings intrigued him. Herod immediately called for the religious men of law and asked them where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. The chief priests of the day said they expected the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Herod asked the Magi to tell him when they had found the child, so that he could worship Him as well. However, in reality he did not want to worship Him but wanted to kill the baby who was an imminent threat to his throne.

The coming of the wise men from the East showed that the Messiah was recognized as one who would bring peace to the Jews as well as the Gentiles Micah 5:4-5. Christ was born during the Pax Romana, a time when there was relative peace in the territories controlled by the Roman Empire. The Romans assured their people of peace and security. The legal system that brought law and order to the provinces is still practiced by many of the western court systems even today. The Jews detested the Roman rule and Herod as he was appointed King by the Romans.

Does not everybody want to live in peace? What was the peace that Christ offered to the world torn apart by hatred and violence then, and even today? What steps have you taken to be a visible sign of God's peace on earth?

Jesus said,"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." The peace that Christ brought was peace of heart and mind (John 14:26-27). Are you willing to surrender your fears, dreams, and drives to Christ? Christ has promised the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us through our life on earth. He offered us a way to live at peace with God and our fellowbeings. He showed us a God who loves us dearly (John 3:16) and sent us His Son that we may all inherit eternal life (John17:3).

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

2007-12-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Bit-By-Bit

After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. (I Corinthians 3:5-6)

Mega-churches are growing bigger and bigger everyday. They are taking the likeness of well run business corporations of today. They have to their credit music studios, publishing houses, record labels, and daily talk shows broadcast through their own satellite networks. The largest Mega church Lakewood led by Pastor Joel Osteen recently leased the Compaq Center previously occupied by the NBA Houston Rockets. They have recently increased their television airtime expenditure from 6 million dollars to 12 million dollars, now being able to reach 92% of US households. Pastor Rick Warren Of Saddleback Church has sold 5.8 million copies of his book Purpose Driven Life. He outsold Billy Graham and has become the most successful Christian publisher in USA today. Corporations pay big bucks to market their products and the mega churches are following suite. However what the corporations lack is the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who reach out to the needy in love.

The fundamentalist and evangelical movement focused their attention on inviting their members to build a personal relationship with Jesus and in so doing obtaining personal salvation. While the mainline churches continued their focus on social issues. Is the gospel message focused on righteousness that zooms in on personal development or social development? Are churches built around the personality of the pastor or built around the personality of Christ? What makes people and churches to grow spiritually?

Paul draws us to a similar situation in the church where there was jealousy and quarreling among the members of the church. He said they were being controlled by their own desires (I Corinthians 3:3). Beware of any spiritual leader that focuses on your personal desires, financial prosperity, and the need to gain success by world standards because that only leads to ruin (I Corinthians 3:15-17). We should always envision the bigger picture, where we are all partners working together to build communities that love God, one another and live transformed lives centered on Christ (I Corinthians 3:9). We should learn to appreciate that it is only God that causes the growth (I Corinthians 3:6).

Christ spoke of a parable (Mark 4:26-29) of what the Kingdom of God is compared to, He said it is like a farmer who planted seeds in the field. Bit-by-bit the seed sprouted and grew to become a plant that yields fruit. This is how we grow spiritually, step-by-step, slowly we begin to become who God created us to be. Our hope is not in anything within us that makes us grow, but in Christ who brings about this growth. Jesus said that anyone who is willing to hear, listen, understand and obey are the ones who will be open to Him and grow spiritually. Just as the seed relied on the earth, air, sun, and water all of which is provided by God, so we rely fully on God who can only bring about the growth in us that is of eternal value. Yes, Paul says some sow the seeds and some water but it is only God who can bring about the growth(I Corinthians 3:6).

2007-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

Dissipation, Drunkenness and Doubts

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. Luke 21: 34

Walking through the mall with my family, we came across a young man selling olive wood carvings of various themes from the Bible. Prominent among them were manger scenes in different varieties. Among others were Last supper, Christ on the cross, Good Shepherd with a lamb around his shoulders, and many others. On the roof of his cart that had all these carvings displayed was a small board that read Bethlehem Christian Families.

He said this olive art tradition had been handed down from father to son since the 12 th century. The designs displayed on this small cart were the workmanship of over 85 families. The wood used was from Olive trees that were over 700 years old.

We were delighted with the designs and more so that they were from olive trees grown in the holy land for thousands of years. The religious significance of them made out of the evergreen Olive tree the symbol of peace and beauty, possibly the wood used to crucify Christ also compelled us to make a small investment in the manger scene on a lazy Susan, with music box attached at the bottom of it. We hoped it would provide entertainment for our one year old as well. Here in this Temple of Commerce, we found something symbolic of Christmas. With long lines of families waiting to take a photograph with Santa and even longer lines with shoppers waiting to buy stuff from Sears, Macys and J. C. Penny we found ourselves indulging in buying this scene. We found ourselves been drawn out of the maddening crowd of shoppers to this carpenter with a push cart carrying his merchandise from Bethlehem.

It was something that stirred our memories of a long time ago in Bethlehem when the Christ child was born. Something that brought in the living presence of the Christ into our lives. Something that fills us with hope that one day we will be with Him. As the season of feasting, acquiring and drunkenness sets upon us, let us find ways to turn to Christ. When we set out dining, acquiring, achieving and drinking, we scarcely have time for God. Christ is telling us to take care for He is present where He is invited to be. Christ is present among the poor, lonely, sick, and forgotten. Are these not people who have the time for Christ? Do you know of anyone who is in dire need? If not find someone stricken by poverty, death, or illness and reach out to them during this season of Christmas with your presents or with your presence in their midst.

2007-12-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

Simple Deeds of Mercy

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:35-36

Whom did Christ expect us to care for? Who did He call the least in the world's eyes? Those who have no standing in society. Those who do not have the means to live from day to day. Those who are lonely and in need of comfort and strength to face each day. When we reach out to those in need (the least) through simple deeds of mercy, it shows that we are listening to the voice of our Heavenly Father. Christ said my sheep follow me because they know my voice (John 10:3). We are called to practice these deeds from day to day.

On the day of final judgement, Christ will separate those who have practiced deeds of compassion from those who have not. In his parable he refers to them (Matthew 25: 31-46) as sheep and goats. The sheep are those who go out of the way to reach out to those in need and are sent to live in Heaven. As the parable indicates they feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe those who have need of them, care for the sick, and visit the prisoners. While the goats are those who did nothing to lend a helping hand to those in need and are sent away to Hell.

Jesus said that He lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:15). As sheep of His flock it means to realize that it is not our good deeds, but the sacrifice of Christ on the cross that gives us eternal life. This gift of grace calls us to lay down our lives to follow in the way that Christ calls us to go. How can we say our God is love, when our brother or sister is in need? As we grow in our faith we begin to hear the voice of Jesus calling us to reach out to those in need through simple deeds of mercy.

2007-11-30T07:26:00.001-08:00

Good and Faithful

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21

The Kingdom of God was likened by Jesus to a land lord who goes on a long journey. Before he goes he calls 3 of his servants and entrusts them with money according to different proportions. When he returns two of the servants doubled their money while one who was given the least played it safe and just buried it in the ground. It addition to this the servant rebuked the master for being so unkind to him. The master called him lazy and wicked and threw him out into the darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

What are the things that God entrusts us with and expects us to faithfully use them for his glory? It can be any kind of opportunity, ability or talent that God entrusts us with. What are we doing with them to glorify God? It can be even washing the dishes or taking care of a large organization. If we do our tasks to bring glory to God we have faithfully discharged our duty. We must always remember whatever we have is not our own. It has been entrusted to us to use to bring glory to God's name. When we aspire and try to make a name for ourselves or amass wealth for ourselves we are doing this to glorify ourselves and not God. God knows our thoughts and our intentions we must be careful with how we use them.

We see two different kinds of responses to the call that was given by the servants. One responded with goodness and faithfulness. They did their best to use their gifts serve God's Kingdom. But the one servant did nothing. Unless we are productive and bear fruit we are of no use to the Kingdom of God (1 Peter 4:10-12). Unless we make the best of our opportunities we are of no use to the Kingdom (Ephesians 4:16).

2007-11-30T02:28:00.000-08:00

Stay Awake Be Prepared

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13

It is still a custom in many traditions where the bridegroom comes at night to claim his bride along with his friends. Jesus used this tradition as a parable to picturize His return. Jesus depicted the Kingdom of Heaven to the story of 10 bridesmaids who were expectantly waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom. 5 of them came prepared with extra oil and the others came with nothing extra. When the Bridegroom arrived after considerable delay the 5 who had no extra oil asked for some for their lamps. The other 5 who were prepared replied they did not have enough for all of them. So when they returned after getting their lamps lit the Bridegroom refused them entry stating that He did not know them.

Jesus denied them entry into the celebration because he did not know them. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? How deep is this relationship? It is proven fact that relationships grow stronger particularly if they are built during times of stress and hardships. Our relationship cannot be acquired, inherited, bought or borrowed at the last minute.

What is this Kingdom of Heaven that Christ spoke off? He was talking about heaven, earth and even the hearts of all believers. We have to come to Jesus in repentence and humbly restore our hearts that often stray away from Him. Here the 10 bridesmaids were all anticipating the coming of the Bridegroom but only 5 were prepared. Jesus was showing us that there is a difference between knowing about His return and being prepared for his return. Jesus is cautioning us to be on the alert, stay prepared, and be awake.

2007-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Signs of the Times

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4

Today there are many who claim to know and understand the signs of the times. They claim that the world will end shortly. However this question had been in the minds of even the disciples who when they asked Christ, " What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" His advice to them was not to let any one mislead them. Not to be carried away by wars, persecution and even by many who will do great miraculous signs. All Christ desires of us is to live our lives in a manner that will bring glory to God. It is very easy to spend our time in fear or inactivity of the time when the world will come to an end.

The coming of Christ will be like a thief at night. Christ said that ,"the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matt 24:44 So how can we prepare for the Second coming.? Christ cautions us not to break our heads over these things but to spend our time in looking for ways to spread the gospel or to help our neighbor. Look for ways to deepen our relationship with Christ and our Fellowmen. Paul urges us not to sink into a state of inactivity but to be watchful, pray and exercise discipline in everything.

If we knew that Christ was coming tomorrow what will we do today? We need to be a light to the encompassing darkness around us (Matthew 5:14). Christ urged us to live our lives in a manner that men may see His light shinning through our lives, through our actions and our words. In this day of reality TV are our lives a living reality of Christ's love? We need to listen, understand, and act on what the Spirit of Christ is telling us to do today.

2007-06-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lifting the Human Veil

In Christ we have boldness and access God with confidence by the faith Him. Eph 3:12

Tozer in his book "The pursuit of God" says, "Self is the opaque veil that hides the Face of God from us.” Many of us are so self-sufficient today that we barely sense the need for God. How can we tear this veil of self sufficiency today?

He goes on to say, "Let us beware of tinkering with our inner life in hope ourselves to rend the veil. God must do everything for us. Our part is to yield and trust." Often we try hard on our own to make our inner lives stronger scarcely realizing that it can be only done by the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. All we have to do is yield and trust God to complete the work he has started.

Moses in Exodus 33:18-23 pleads with God to see his glorious presence. Yet God denied this request by saying that no one can see His face and live. Later Philip longed to see God the Father, and asked Jesus to reveal Him to them that they may be satisfied. But Christ’s words to him were, “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves (John 14: 9-11).”

If we yield ourselves to Jesus, He will lift this veil of self that separates us from God, and restore us into an abundant life in the glorious presence of His mercy and grace.

2007-06-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

Right Moves

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11

Today I was reading in the New York times about this famous author who wrote a best seller on running (Jim Fixx (b.1932), author of the seminal 1977 best seller "The Complete Book of Running). Prior to taking up running seriously, Jim was 214 pounds and addicted to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. However Jim became devoted to running in 1967 at the age of 35. A decade later, The Complete Book of Running (on the best-seller list for 11 weeks) was published by him. He was 60 pounds less and smoke free. His book inspired many people. He extolled the benefits of physical exercise and how it considerably increased the average life expectancy of people in the book and in television talk shows.

But he collapsed and died suddenly at the age of 52 of a massive heart failure in Hardwick, Vt. He became the father of a running revolution in America. In memory of the legacy of the running guru a carved granite book with an inscription to him now stands in Hardwick Memorial Park, Vt . He had three partially blocked vessels (95%, 85%, & 50%). The medical experts say "Exercise helps reduce heart disease, but it's not absolute protection." Jim had a family history of poor hearts and his early unhealthy lifestyle caught up with him. His running may have extended his life by a few years, but could he have prevented the inevitable? It is true, life is unpredictable and whatever we do cannot protect us when the time comes for us to move on.

In life all of us are not equally endowed with all the gifts. To some although they may have been the fastest runner, strongest warrior, wisest person, or competent person, they are not always the ones who finally are the most successful. Overtime, due to various factors some become successful or victorious. Some become very rich and lead prosperous lives. The most important goal in our lives as Christians is to live our lives in obedience and serving God. Paul says in Philippians 2:3 do not try hard to make a good impression on others, but to be humble and think others as better than yourself. Paul further exhorts us to work hard and cheerfully as if we were working for the Lord rather than for people (Ephesians 6:7). We must learn to treasure each day that we live with gratitude and appreciation for God's presence in our our lives and the promise of the gift of eternal life with Him.

2007-05-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Streams of Living Water

As Paul embarks on his third missionary journey he comes to Ephesus. Here he meets twelve disciples of John the Baptist (Acts 19:1-7). Were they claiming to believers in Christ? Probably knowing that John's disciples may have not heard the whole gospel message, Paul inquired whether they received the Holy Spirit. They replied that they had never heard about the Holy Spirit. So he further questions them on what baptism they had received? They replied the baptism of John the Baptist. Who baptized them? Was it John, Apollos or some other? Here we see an independent stream not yet brought into the mainstream.

Paul explained to them that John's baptism was only to demonstrate their desire to turn from their sins and turn to God. Did such baptism lead the convert to live a new life in Christ? Shouldn't repentance for sins, accordingly lead to turning to Christ? It is when we allow Christ into our lives, through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives we are able to live faithful lives. As soon as the disciples of John heard this they were baptized in the name of Jesus. When Paul laid his hands on them they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied. Was this not an observable proof of an outpouring, of the inpouring of the streams of living water (John 7:37-41)?

Do you see liberated or unconstrained streams breaking away from or being brought back into the mainstream today? What do you think someone like Paul's response to such streams would be?

Richard J. Foster in his book Streams of Living Water looks at six major streams of spirituality in Christianity: contemplative (prayer-filled life), holiness (virtuous life), charismatic (Spirit-empowered life), social justice (the compassionate life), evangelical (Word-centered life), and incarnational (sacramental life) of which Christ is the source of all these streams. Foster says: "God is bringing together streams of life that have been isolated from one another for a very long time." We can enrich and care for our souls if we draw from all these six streams which when we step back from it, we can see that all these little streams reveal to us the mainstream, proclaiming the message of Christ that none of these streams can tell by itself.

2007-05-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Found Wanting

The time between Paul's third missionary journey and the second there is a brief interlude. Suddenly there is the meeting of Apollos, John the Baptist disciple with Priscilla and Aquila , disciples of Christ. Apollos who had been baptized by John the Baptist and probably seen the the fulfillment of the Messiah in Jesus was preaching a message that was anachronistic to the one that the disciples of Christ were currently preaching (Acts 18: 24-28). Had Apollos not understood the role of the Holy Spirit after the resurrection of Christ? Did he know about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Was he preaching purely a message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah? The story here is unclear what he said inaccurately.

When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speak they realized that he was not entirely accurate. So they politely called him aside and made him understand the gospel message and enlightened him maybe on the role of the Holy Spirit during and after baptism. Here we see the pearls of spiritual knowledge that Paul had bestowed upon the couple now was passed on to another who could powerfully communicate it to those who were willing to hear and receive the gospel message. Do we show the same courtesy to other believers who have a different or an inaccurate point of view? Did Apollos have a problem learning from a couple who were not really educated but tradespeople? Do we know of someone who is in need of spiritual help? Can we ever claim to say we have fully understood the message of the gospel?

We have all on occasion met people who have a very charismatic personality, that draws people to them. Anything they say seem to touch the hearts and minds of those they interact with. Apollos was one of those people with the gift to teach and preach effectively. His burning enthusiasm to spread the message made him speak boldly and eloquently on the scriptures.

2007-04-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

End of Paul's Second Missionary Journey

Paul's extended stay at Corinth winds down as he ends his second missionary journey and returns to Antioch (Acts 18:12-23). Although at Corinth there is a final recorded encounter with the Jews. The Jews approached Gallio the Governor of Achaia and Paul was accused of breaking the law and making people worship God in ways contrary to the Roman law. Gallio wanted to have nothing to do with the finer details of what seemed to him as the teachings of Judaism and threw the case out of court.

He said that if they were making a compliant of some criminal misbehavior then he would listen, but if it only involves the finer details of the tenets of their faith juxtaposed to the new Christian school of thought, then they should settle the matter by themselves. The only person who got physically hurt was Sosthenes who was the leader of the Synagogue. He was publicly beaten by the mob for probably losing the case at court. Did this humiliation or something Paul said later make him become a close companion of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)? Crispus (Acts 18:8) his predecessor had joined Paul along with his household and many others much earlier. Although the Christians were hammered by the Romans and the radical Jews they did not retaliate physically and try to return tooth for a tooth. They stayed true to teachings of Christ that instructed them to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42), love their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), and do good to those that persecute them (Matthew 5:10-12).

Despite the threats to destroy the faith, Christianity blossomed, flourished and gained momentum as Paul went through Ephesus, Caesarea, Jerusalem and then to Antioch. Although Paul's ministry slowly shifted away from the Jews to the Gentiles, he courageously defended the faith and bore the brunt of all the backlash that came against him.

2007-04-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Blossoming Church of Corinth

Paul spent considerable time in the synagogue debating and teaching to try to convince the Jews and Greeks about the gospel message. When Silas and Timothy came to Corinth, he spent even more time teaching and preaching. Did they bring for Paul flusher financial support, more moral support, or larger labor force? Have you explored the avenues where you can make your contribution to the church?

Paul's message in simple words was that Jesus was the Messiah the Jews were waiting for. But this did not sit well with the Jews, so after a while they opposed and insulted him. In response to their rejection Paul shook the dust of his robe and decided to focus on the Gentiles.

After all the unpleasantness with the Jews, Paul stayed with Titius Justus, a Gentile who lived next door to the synagogue. Paul also brought many to the faith in Christ including Crispus a leader of the synagogue and his entire household. Was this how the church in Corinth was born?

One night Christ (the light of the world) appeared in a vision and encouraged Paul not to be afraid. The inspiring words brightened his hope for the city of Corinth, and assured him that no one would harm him, because many people in the city believed in Christ (Acts 18: 9-10). This encouraged Paul to continue to minister to the people of Corinth for another year and a half. Did not Christ's assuring words hold true for Paul that he could continue to minister to the people of Corinth ? Have you experienced moments in your life when you have been enlightened by a word of scripture or a encouraging word from a fellow believer that has spurred you on in your journey?

2007-04-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

Corinth

On his second missionary journey Paul moved from Athens to Greece. Corinth was a town around 50 miles away from Athens. It was here the famous Temple of Aphrodite (Goddess of love, lust and beauty) that lead people down the path of immorality, luxury and lust was located.

Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth. It is notable that the duo are always mentioned as a couple in the Bible. They had been expelled from Italy by the order of Claudius Caesar who issued a decree to deport all Jews from Rome. Were they expelled because of the tension that was growing among the communities of the Jews and Christians? Were they Christians before they met Paul? Did the Romans view Christianity as a branch of the Jewish Faith?

Here we see another dimension of Paul. He lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila who were tent makers (leather workers). The Jews always raised their children to be proficient in some skill or profession so that they would be able to comfortably support themselves. For Paul tent making was the profession that sustained him while he pursued his career as a preacher. It also enabled him to travel widely as there was always a demand for tents that were largely used by the Roman soldiers. Is it not amazing that Paul says he toiled night and day so that he would not be a burden to anyone else (2 Thessalonians 3:8).

2007-04-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sermon on Mars Hill

So they invited Paul to their council of philosophers at the Areopagus to hear his angle of thought and reasoning. It is here at Athens he gave the famous message at the Mars hill another name for Areopagus. He said,"Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."

God has set the boundaries for the rise and fall of man. His purpose is that man will seek Him, and in the course of their exploration will find Him. God is not far away from us. We live, move and exist in God. We are His offspring. Paul declared that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

He clearly said that our focus should not be on an idol crafted by man as our God. We are to repent of our sins and turn our hearts to a living God, who came down to earth as Jesus. Jesus died but was raised to life so that we may all hope in the gift of eternal life. Was this not what Jesus commissioned all his disciples to do when He opened their minds in Jerusalem after his resurrection (Luke 24:45-49)? Paul's message was on Christ our way, truth and life. It is through Christ we become part of the Kingdom of God. Some joined Paul as believers, of whom was Dionysius a member of the council of Philosophers. But to others the resurrection and the impending judgment seemed to be too far-fetched. Do you get discouraged when the gospel is rejected when you present it? Take courage, for there was a time when many deserted Jesus when He declared that he was the Way (John 6:60-66).

The response of the Athenians when they heard about the resurrection of a dead man, some of them laughed, others said they wanted to hear more later and only a few really believed. Don't we come across many who come to gatherings purely for discussion and debate. Paul cautions us not to waste our time in unproductive or fruitless conversations. Our joy, thanks and prayers should always be for those who believe that they may grow in their understanding and love for Christ.

2007-04-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

In-Thing

At Athens Paul had many opportunities to debate with Epicurean (pleasure seeking) and Stoic (indifferent to or unaffected by joy, grief, pleasure, or pain) philosophers. Some of the famous philosophers whose school of thought that the Athenians followed were Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato (5th and 4th century BC). When Paul tried to present the gospel message to them they were surprised but indifferent to the message. They were far too absorbed in spending their time discussing the latest philosophies and thoughts that were prevalent and emerging in the world at that time.

Do you have any idols or what the idols personify in your life? Any that prevent you from coming close to the living God? Does your pursuit for wisdom, work, wealth, and war draw you away from God? Are you leading a life that is seeking only the pleasures that life has to offer?

Are we so absorbed in our own lives that we have lost touch with the needs of the poor and needy? Have we forgotten the words of Paul that says, Christ became poor so that we may become rich in Him (2 Corinthians 8:9). Is our faith shallow or deep? The idols we worship are lifeless, while our God is a life giving God. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly(John 10:7-11)."

2007-04-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Workers

Athens was a renown city for its centers for art, learning and philosophy. It still is one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history of more than 3000 years. Athens was named after the Goddess Athena. She was the goddess of wisdom, and cunning intelligence and discipline of war. She was often accompanied by an owl and the goddess Nike who personified victory.

At Athens Paul found that the prevalent culture was saturated with idols and idol worship. He was exceedingly distressed (Acts 17:16-21). Tarsus his birthplace also had a similar culture. He used to go to the local synagogue and speak to the Jews and the devoted Greeks. He also used to speak to any group of people who would listen to him at the public square.

Is our faith in Christ only a personal experience or is it to made public through proclaiming it in the streets, shopping malls and sports stadiums? God requires more people who have met Christ and have been transformed by the gospel message. God needs more people who are capable of communicating this gospel message to others. We grow and are nourished spiritually when we do the will of God for our lives. Jesus said, "One sows and another reaps(John 4:34-38)." Keep your eyes open there are always hearts longing for the seeds of the word of God to be sown. What is the joy of your calling as a worker?

2007-04-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Fine-tooth-comb

They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. (Acts 17:11)

The same night that Jason was falsely thrown into prison, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to the prosperous city of Berea( Modern day Veria), the chief metropolis in Macedonia at that time (Acts 17:10-15). When Paul preached in a synagogue they were more broad minded and gladly received the gospel message.

Here we see that the people were more scholarly in their approach to the faith. They searched the scriptures with a fine-tooth-comb and found that Paul was preaching the truth. Do you search the scriptures in depth, when you hear something different preached to you? Many Jews , some prominent Greek women and many men were brought to the faith. Here again Luke stresses that the people who were becoming believers were from all strata of society.

When the Jews in Thesalonica who were only 50 miles away from Berea, heard that Paul was preaching there, they came down and started creating trouble again. It is unknown how long Paul stayed at Berea few weeks or few months. Paul was immediately escorted to Athens by some believers. It is unknown whether he walked the distance or traveled by ship to Athens. Timothy and Silas remained to continue to minister to them. Later those who escorted Paul to Athens returned with the message that Timothy and Silas were urgently needed in Athens.

2007-04-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Topsy Turvy life

Paul and Silas traveled through the district of Macedonia and came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). Here we see that Paul customarily went for the synagogue services and in this case for three services in a row. He spoke to them about the prophesies and sufferings of the Messiah and His rising from the dead. Is it not amazing that the Jews welcomed Paul and Silas into their synagogues to listen to their sermons. Paul must have been such a powerful speaker that everybody wanted to hear what he had to say.

His sermons were so authoritative that some Jews, godly Greek men, and important women of the city converted to Christianity. It is interesting that Paul went first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. In the process he formed a body of individuals of Jew and Gentile origin; rich and poor who became an active and vibrant church of Thessalonica.

The popularity of Paul and Silas made some of the Jewish leaders jealous. Were they angry that some Jews converted to Christianity or that Paul was speaking of Jesus as the Messiah? Were they jealous that Paul was drawing in Greek men and many prominent women into the Faith?

So they gathered a group of rowdies from the streets and attacked the home of Jason were Paul and Silas were residing. There are times when Christ is preached there is a chance for chaos and confusion to prevail. Here we see Jason a hidden gem of the faith,who entertained them as guests and by default was drawn into the dangers of being associated with the early Christian missionaries.

They had Jason and some other believers thrown in jail for treason against loyalty to Ceasar. Is it not ironic that as Christ hung on the cross Pilate had ordered that a notice be put stating this is the King of the Jews? Yet we must always remember that the path Christ chose was the path of suffering to enter into the Kingdom. Was not treason the same charge that Christ was sent to be crucified (John 19:12-16)? However Jason and the other believers posted bail and were set free.

2007-04-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Burn the midnight oil

Even as they were shackled in prison, Paul and Silas continued to praise and give thanks to God (Acts 16:25-34). Is it not wonderful that whatever may be our circumstances God is always listening to all our prayers and petitions. Suddenly around midnight the earth shook and their hands fell free. The doors of the prison opened up and the jailer was so afraid that all the prisoners escaped that he almost killed himself. Yet Paul cautioned him from the cell not to do it. He was so grateful that he fell at the feet of Paul and asked what he must do to be saved? He told him to believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved (John 3:16). Is this not the very essence of the gospel message, if we believe in the Lord Jesus we will inherit eternal life.

He took Paul and Silas to his home and washed their wounds. He was overcome with joy over the gospel message that his entire household opened their hearts to the Lord Jesus and were baptized by them. The jailer who was terrified and almost took his life, came to know and experience the love of Jesus Christ and his heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving. What a transformation of a mans heart when the gospel message of grace and mercy was laid on his heart. Paul and Silas remained faithful even in prison and were praising God even at midnight.

Their sincerity to Jesus even at midnight to reach out to a terrified jailer with the gospel message is memorable story of the Acts of the Apostles. All this would not have happened if they tried to escape and ignore the trembling jailer. They could have escaped from prison and fled from Philippi disgraced, but with a dramatic turn of events they were honorably discharged with apologies from the city officials (Acts 16:35-40).

2007-04-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Fortuneteller

At Philippi Paul and his team meet a slave girl who had the ability to tell fortunes (Acts 16:16-24). She was so good at what she did that she earned a lot of money for her slave masters. When the slave girl came across Paul and Silas she started following them around shouting that they were servants of the living God and were there to tell them how to be saved. When she did not cease to shout, after a few days Paul out of exasperation cast the demon out of her in Jesus name. Paul in his letter to Galatians specifically forbade us to not be a part in demonic activities (Galatians 5:16-26).

When the slave masters realized that their source of income was ruined, they created a big commotion in the town and dragged Paul and Silas to the city officials, had them beaten and thrown in Jail. To make sure they wouldn't escape they had their feet clamped and and thrown into one of the inner dungeons. For being faithful to God Paul and Silas had to endure the disgrace of being beaten in public and thrown in prison. Is this not a challenge to all of us that even though we may go through trials for standing up for the truth we should remain faithful.

2007-04-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Witch of Endor

The Old Testament has specific laws against prophecies given from other Gods or powers in the spiritual realm. If the prophecy is true we should further question ourselves on the source (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). We are expressly asked to see whether the prophesies draw us closer to God or away from Him. If they direct us to God then they are true prophets or if they draw us away from God they are false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

King Saul was specifically condemned by the Prophet Samuel when he out of desperation tried to consult him through a witch (medium) at Endor after his death(1 Samuel 28:1-25). Did Saul really speak to Samuel who had died? Was Saul's concern more about his own future plans as opposed to the future plans he had in God? Had not Samuel clearly told him that God had rejected him from being King (1 Samuel 15:1-23)? Why was Saul living in denial of what he had heard what Samuel had already told him before he died? King Saul was so overwhelmed with jealousy and anger toward David, the anointed King of Israel, that he kept hoping against hope that one of his own sons would follow as King after his time.

Let us not out of our own desperation or anguish try and seek refuge and solace in mediums that will draw us away from our Heavenly Father. When we move away from God and shift our focus on other sources we lose our hold on God and find ourselves in distress and despair. Our focus must always be on God who loves and cares for us.

2007-04-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Open and Shut Doors

As Paul and Silas continued on their second missionary trip through Phyrgia and Galatia, the Holy Spirit told them not to go to Asia and Bithynia. There are times in our own lives when the Holy Spirit advises us to stay away from some areas. It is through prayer and keeping our eyes open we discern what God plans for us to do. Then again one day Paul had a vision of a man standing before him from Macedonia (Modern day Greece) and he was convinced, that was where the Holy Spirit was leading them to next.

As Paul journeys on, Luke the author of Acts joins them (Acts 16:11) as they head toward Philippi in the district of Macedonia. Here they meet Lydia a wealthy business women and some other women. They listen to Paul's gospel message and open their hearts to Christ and are baptized by Paul. Lydia invites them to stay with her in her house during their stay there. Could this have been one of the earliest women's fellowships in the early years of Christianity? Lydia and her friends played an instrumental role for the growth and ministry of the church in Philipi.

Sometimes we may not understand why the Spirit of Christ opens some doors and closes others. But in the life of Paul, he was able to build a strong relationship with the churches and in the later part of his life when he spends time in Rome at prison, he writes letters to these churches. These letters today have been treasured and accepted all over the world as part of the inspired Word of God in the Bible.

2007-04-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Mission Focus

For I have no one like Timothy, who naturally cares for your wellbeing. For all seek their own interests, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:20-21)

Paul on his second mission trip brought Silas along and came to Lystra where they met Timothy (Acts 16:1-5). They were convinced that Timothy would be a good travel companion for them. Timothy was well respected by believers in Lystra and Iconium and Paul knew that he could use him for preaching the Word during his mission trips. Timothy's grandmother and mother were strong believers and had been raised him in a good Christian home. Although Timothy did not have to be circumcised, Paul urged him to do so anyway. This act of his to go beyond the call of duty was done out of reverence and respect for the Jewish believers. Their ministry strengthened the faith of the churches and many were brought to Christ.

Paul decision to make Timothy join them proved to be very valuable choice, as he stayed on with Paul till he reached Rome. There he was a source of great support and encouragement for Paul especially when he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul looked upon Timothy as his own son(Phil 2:19-24). Paul was grooming him to continue his ministry after his time. Paul said that Timothy's focus was always on the matters that concern Jesus Christ. Finding the right people who will be faithful and loyal to the mission of the group or organization they serve, is part of the process of building a praiseworthy ministry.

2006-12-22T05:23:00.000-08:00

Feux de Joie

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice . Philippians 4:4
Christmas is here! It is a time when many of us as Christians will gather with family and friends and enjoy our time. It is indeed a time when we open presents and eat a lot of good food. We rejoice with the members of our church and enjoy the fellowship we share with one another.

Bonfires light up the river banks of the Mississippi from Baton Rouge to New Orleans to steer Papa Noel as he sails down the river in his paddle boat . The celebration is called Feux de Joie (Fires of Joy). Let this be a time when we have feux de joie burn in our hearts and pass it on to all those we meet during this season. Let us be guiding lights to those walking in darkness and steer them to see Christ, the light of the world, the savior of the world is born.

2006-12-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hope of the world

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

As Christmas day approaches many of us hope that we will have a great day and a year ahead of us. We thank God for his continuing presence in our lives and the strength of our faith that has become more well founded over the last year. In Christ we discover and apply our spiritual gifts to bring glory to God. We love to worship and pour over His word. We find our niche in serving the poor and needy with our gifts and abilities.

Yet there are many who have lost hope and are living in darkness. Let us share our spiritual life experiences with them that the things we hope for may become a new living hope in their lives. Let us not let any opportunity slip by where another may be dressed in the same raiments of glory that adorn us. The awareness of the birth of Jesus brings hope. Christ is coming again! Brings hope! Let us seize this time to share our message of hope to all of human kind.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

2006-08-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sunrise

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:51-52

The "Infancy Gospel of Thomas" was a contribution from the Hellenistic (Greek) literature of the second and third centuries. Jesus is pictured as a boy wonder who scared his friends, performed miracles for the fun of it, and disrespected his teacher. If that is the case, today our kids may call the boy Jesus an X Man of sorts, a mutant with extraordinary powers that humans do not possess. However, this gospel is a figment of the imagination of a philosopher, Thomas, who lived during that period. So little is known or recorded about Jesus’ childhood that the temptation to imagine Christ's childhood was what probably prompted this work of fiction. It is impossible to reconcile the behavior of the Jesus described in the biblical gospels with the behavior of the child Jesus conveyed by the false gospel account.

Mary and Joseph had come to Jerusalem for the Passover with Jesus when he was twelve years old. In Jewish tradition, this was a very important year for Jesus when he was officially inducted into the understanding of the law. At the temple, speaking to the Jewish elders he must have been fascinated by their knowledge and customs. Being extremely pious, he must have sensed the presence of God in the hearts and minds of those who worshipped in the temple. When it came time to leave, it was customary for women to go ahead of the men. So Mary may have thought Jesus was with Joseph, while Joseph may have thought Jesus was with Mary. In the confusion, Jesus was left behind in the temple. This was probably a situation similar to that in the popular movie series "Home Alone" where the youngest son was left behind at home. Maybe when Joseph and Mary met up at some point, it dawned on them that Jesus was missing. I don’t think it was a question of obedience but just a slip up.

Jesus was surprised when his mother said that they had been very worried when they couldn’t find him. He asked her, “How is it that you looked for me? Didn’t you know that I would be in my Father’s house?” Mary had seen visions and heard about the visions of others concerning Jesus. There was no need to have been worried about Jesus. He was clearly being looked after by his heavenly Father, who had placed him on earth for a specific purpose. Is it not human for us to worry about our loved ones, forgetting that God our Father loves them more than we do? Could Mary have been one of his earliest disciples?

Luke clearly portrays Jesus as an obedient child, one who was very well read and considered the temple as his Father's house. His insight into the Torah was so astute that even the teachers were amazed at his understanding, questions, and answers. Mary and Joseph had the unique privilege of being the earthly parents of the Son of God. Luke clearly says that everything Jesus did and said was fondly treasured in the heart of his mother, Mary. As the sun rises in the east slowly, it is a glorious sight to behold. It is the birth of a new day. Similarly, this was the dawn of the life of a young man who would go on to shine his light into the hearts of millions of people for centuries to come.

2006-08-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

Divine Dismissal

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

The song of Simeon today is called the "Nunc Dimittis." In Latin the words mean, "Now you are dismissing" and it is often used during evening prayers. To Simeon it was a divine dismissal from a promise given to him by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Simeon and many others had waited patiently for years for this day. They waited quietly, expectantly, humbly, and hopefully. Jesus was immediately recognized by Simeon, a very old man in the temple, as the Messiah. He declared that Christ would bring salvation and be a light to all people.

Yet only two pigeons were offered as a sacrifice for the ceremony. This clearly shows the poverty into which Christ was born. Christ was not born into a royal palace or a holy priest's house but into the home of a humble carpenter. Here we see God coming down not to rule the world, but in humility to be involved in the life and strife of the poor and downtrodden. God fulfills what the prophets of old had foretold, that Bethlehem in Judah would be where the Messiah would be born (Micah 5:2-5). We see how a public decree by a Roman Emperor would cause Mary to travel many miles from Nazareth to register herself in Bethlehem.

Even in the rejoicing, Simeon said, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel." In Christ we will all rise again. It is His sacrifice on the cross that causes us all to rise from the dead. In Christ we abandon our old life and rise to find a new one in Him. Simeon also warns that there will be many who will also fall. There will be many who one day will face eternal condemnation because they did not believe.

I was watching the harvest festival 2006, where Greg Laurie spoke about the end times. He said that many people come to him and ask, “are we in the end times?” He is convinced that we are. He used the analogy of the birth of his grandchild. As the time for the delivery approached, the labor pains started. These pains were the signs of the impending birth. So also we live in a time where there are wars and rumors of wars, pestilences, earthquakes, tsunamis, persecution of Christians, and a heightened hatred against Israel. These are the labor pains that were foretold before the second coming of Christ. These are times when just as Simeon did, we should watch and pray. Let us wait peacefully, confidently, humbly, and hopefully.

2006-08-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Steadfast Heart

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37

Today during our evening meditation we reflected on the life of Anna and how she spent all her time in the temple fasting and praying. I asked my son, "How many times do you think of God during the day?" He said often. So I asked when he had prayed today. Without blinking an eyelid he said he prayed throughout the day that I would not give him any assignments to do. Honestly speaking, many of us silently pray that we won’t have to do some humdrum duty that requires our physical or mental effort with no real tangible goal in sight. How often do we think or pray to God during our daily activities? Have you tried fasting from food or something you particularly enjoy doing viz. surfing on the internet, watching your favorite TV program, or going window shopping? The time spent during that favorite activity could be substituted for prayer or some other form of service to God.

Anna was a prophetess who lived in the temple all day and spent much of her time fasting and praying. Her greatest moment was to be in the presence of the baby Jesus Savior … Messiah … Lord ... Prince of Peace ... God with us ... Immanuel. What more could she ask for than to be physically in the presence of God our Savior? Mary and Joseph brought their son Jesus, to dedicate him for service to God. Mary had heard the shepherds declare to her what the angel had said, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:11-12)." This witness of these poor simple shepherds may have caused Mary to ponder on the significance of Christ's mission on earth. Have you had moments in your life when you were consciously aware of the presence of God?

Simeon further gave Mary some shocking news that, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul" (Luke 2:35). Mary was called to be the mother of baby Jesus, yet in the joy of motherhood to the Messiah, here was Simeon prophesying that she would be inflicted with a sword of great suffering as well. The life that Jesus would lead would be one of rejection that would eventually lead Him to the cross. Have you been called to Christian service, yet decided against it because the cross was too heavy to bear? Or has tragedy and life’s battering left your heart drained and helpless?

Here Anna, who had spent a lifetime of prayer and fasting, now started speaking about Jesus to all she met who were waiting expectantly for the day of deliverance. We must believe that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Let us always hope even when there are no answers in sight. Let us trust even in times of failure. Let us pray for and share all we have with those in need. To have a steadfast heart and not grow bitter when we are burdened with sadness and grief is our calling as Christians. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord (Psalm 127:7). God’s is waiting for people, churches, and nations to admit their absolute faith in Him and His abundant grace. God's spiritual blessings will rest upon those who commit themselves with obedient spirits and steadfast hearts.

2005-12-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

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.

2005-12-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

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).

2005-11-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

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).

2005-10-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

Good Investment

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?

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

2005-10-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

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 ChurchÂs 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.

2005-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

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,

2005-10-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

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.

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).

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 he 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.

2005-10-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-10-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-10-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Trail Blazers

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.

Acts 4:32

And 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.

2005-10-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

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 ostracize 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 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 ?

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

2005-10-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-10-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

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.'

2005-09-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

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:

2005-09-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

Comforted of God

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.

2 Corinthians 1:4 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.

2005-09-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

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:

2005-09-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Shield

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.

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

2005-09-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-09-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Greater Love

Christ has commanded us to love one another. He said there is no greater love than when one lays down his life for his friends. God created us in His image that we might love everyone just as He loves us. How many of us find it easy to tell others about the need to love one another, but in real life we live a life that contradicts the lifestyle we encourage others to lead?

John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

2005-09-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Persecution

Jesus was very clear about how the world would react to those who spoke out against injustice and change. He said that He was persecuted, therefore as Christians we were bound to be persecuted as well. The reason why the world persecutes us is because they have not understood that it is God who has sends us to speak to them. Christ was very clear that being his servant had a cost attached to it. Jesus said at times when the world leaders turn their backs on God, there will be great persecution of those who follow Him.

John 15:20-21 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

2005-09-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

Lamb to be slaughtered II

This verse has often been considered as a prophecy of the Messiah as a suffering servant. According to Isaiah, He was to be oppressed and afflicted yet would not open His mouth. He was to be treated like a common criminal yet He was to be buried in a rich man's tomb. These verses are the most beloved of text when it comes to remembering the life of the suffering servant. Christ humbles Himself before men that God may be exalted through His unwavering devotion. He lost His life for the sins of the people.

Isaiah 53:7-9 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

2005-09-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Lamb to be slaughtered I

Jeremiah had a vision of a lamb that would be brought to be slaughtered. Unfortunately it was a vision of himself. The people of Israel were planning on killing him, since he had been exposing their evil practices and lifestyles. But this did not, in anyway, make Jeremiah afraid. He boldly confronted the nation of Israel with their sins. Do we have the courage to stand up for what is right and tell others when they go wrong?

Jeremiah 11:19 But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

2005-09-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Lamb of God

John the Baptist was a well accepted prophet and teacher of God's laws. When he saw Jesus approaching him, he prophesied saying that Jesus was the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. During Passover lambs without blemish were slain to commemorate that day of redemption from death. It was also a ritual for the Jews to slay a lamb every morning and evening in the temple for the forgiveness of sins.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

2005-09-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

A Day to Remember - Passover

God instructed Moses and Aaron that the nation of Israel should remember the day they were redeemed from the slavery of Egypt. On that day, the angel of the Lord passed over the houses smeared with the blood of the sacrificial lamb and spared the life of the eldest male child. God salvation was sure, but it took a long time. Traditions such as this, have helped to preserve the faith of the nation of Israel till today. For Christians, Passover is associated with Christ's crucifixion. He is the sacrificial lamb through whose death we obtained redemption from our sins.

Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

2005-09-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Path of life

When the Holy Spirit lives within our hearts He is our daily companion. David's psalm assures us that God will show us the path of life. Even at night, the Holy Spirit instructs our hearts and guides us. Our hearts fill with joy as our mouths sing praises to God when we sense the presence of God in our midst.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

2005-09-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Make merry

When his prodigal son returned, the father immediately hugged him and treated him with so much undeserved love and respect. He called for a big banquet to celebrate the return of his rebellious son who had prematurely deserted him and squandered his share of the family inheritance. Jesus assures us that God the Father will welcome us with much jubilation if we truly repent and come to him humbly for mercy.

Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

2005-09-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

Rejoicing

Although Zephaniah and his contemporary prophet spoke of the wrath of God on rebellious people, they also spoke of a God who will be merciful and compassionate to those who are faithful to him. Jesus also said that there is great rejoicing over one sinner that repents. Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the prodigal son.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

2005-08-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Meek of the earth

Zephaniah, a prophet, lived at a time when a great reformation came about under King Josiah in early part of his reign. He warned the people that they would face the wrath of God if they did not change their ways. He begged them to repent and return to humbly walking with God. He urged them to seek righteousness and humility.

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.

2005-08-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Quarrel

It is very easy for Christians to get caught up in foolish debates and lose control over our senses. St. Paul is pleading with us to try and not quarrel over the truth. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts a person of his shortcomings. We are called to gently instruct others in the knowledge of truth and the Holy Spirit will touch their lives and lead them to understanding.

2 Timothy 2:24-25
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

2005-08-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Waiting

Waiting on God to help us can become tedious as time goes by. Yet David says in this psalm that God pulls him out of the miry clay and keeps him from falling into despair. He finds his delight in obeying God's laws that are written within his heart. He has placed all his hope on God's faithfulness and unfailing love. He says that the plans God has for us are far beyond our own understanding.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

2005-08-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

Light to shine

It is God's presence that assures us that He is with us, even though we may not see the way ahead so clearly. St. Paul says that though we are weak vessels, this light that shines within us is the manifestation of the invaluable treasure of the presence of God. Though we may be troubled on every side, yet we are not distressed; we may be perplexed, but are not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. All of us, at some stage in life, go through periods of darkness. It is during these times that we come to encounter God's presence in an intimate way.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2005-08-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

Servant leader

St. Paul was talking to them about the role of the teachers like him and Apollos. He said that all are equal in the eyes of God. He did not regard himself any higher than a servant entrusted with the duty to faithfully teach and preach the gospel message. Can we compare our judgement with the wisdom of God's judgement? St. Paul said it is not for him to judge another, but to let God be the judge, as it is only God who knows and sees the inner thoughts of all of us. Let us live our lives with humility and love serving those who are in need without judging them.

1 Corinthians 4: 1-2

1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

2005-08-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

John the Baptist

Zacharias and Elisabeth named their son John, which means "God is gracious". Could they ever have imagined that their only son, born to them in their sunset years, would be a prophet? Zacharias, full of the Holy Spirit, prophesied that their son John would be raised by God to be the one who prepares the way for the saviour of the world. Sometimes it is amazing how God works, His ways are far beyond our understanding. Let us learn to be patient, have faith, and watch for His leading us through our lives.

Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

2005-08-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

Being prepared

There may have been times in our lives when we desperately wanted something, but God did not answer our prayers as we expected. This could have either made us bitter or helped us learn to accept delays in our prayer life. When the angel of God presented himself before Zacharias with the good news that he was going to have a child, he did not believe it. Though Zacharias had lived a blameless life before God, when his faith was tested he found it hard to believe that his aging wife was to conceive. We have to be always prepared for we don't know when and how God will answer our prayers.

Luke 1:5-7

5THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

2005-08-24T05:57:00.000-07:00

Rock

This psalm of David proclaims that he has found stillness and peace in God. He says that though some may acknowledge their faithfulnes to him, it is only in God he is fully secure. It is only God who can protect and save him from the wickedness of this world. Our lives may one day be peaceful and on another swamped with problems. However if we patiently wait for God to work in our lives, we will stand firmly in God alone who is our rock and foundation.

Psalm 62:1-2

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

2005-08-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Leadership

St. Paul says that Christian leaders should be true to the gospel message they have received. They should be responsible in their daily conduct of life. Their lives should reflect the way that was set by Christ. When we are sure of what God intended us to be we will blossom and grow. It is only when we are convinced of the message, that we can encourage others to live by the same principles and confront those who don't. William Shakespeare wrote, "This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."

Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

2005-08-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

Our Help

The Lord is with us whereever we may go. When we look at the beauty of the world all around us, the mountains, valleys, skies, stars and so on, we only can praise and thank God for His many blessings. What can we give in exchange for all this to the Maker of heaven and earth?

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

2005-08-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Deceiving

The Bible is full of stories of people who at weak moments of their lives stumbled and fell away doing beastly deeds. Eve, King David, Judas and many others have all revealed their dark side in moments of weakness. Jeremiah is saying that to even think that we don't have any evil within us is to be in denial. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to overcome evil with good. The Spirit of God searches the inner most parts of our hearts and reveals and cleanses us from all that is evil.

Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

2005-08-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

Proving

St. Paul's concluding remarks to the Thessalonian church is to encourage them to be always joyful, prayerful and thankful that they are part of the Body of Christ. Invite the Holy Spirit to move to encourage the faint hearted, speak tenderly to the weak and be patient with everyone. However he warned to verify the truth of whatever is said from the Word of God. In a world that has all kinds of thoughts and teachings floating around, he said if anything does not line up with the Word of God, do not hesitate to abstain from that which is evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-24
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

2005-08-19T01:09:00.000-07:00

Actions

Jesus was referring to the mentality of people. If they have decided in their hearts and minds that they don't want to listen to the gospel message, then whether we come to them with tidings of joy or heartbreaking news they will only find a way to criticize us. Jesus and John were both able to bring many to a meaningful relationship with God by the way they lived their lives. Mahatma Gandhi commented that if all Christians acted like Christ, then the whole world would be Christian. Do our lives reflect the wisdom of the teachings of Jesus?

Mathew 11: 18-19 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

2005-08-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

Hearing

Jesus was speaking of the parable of the sower who went out to sow his seeds. He said sowing seeds is like telling others about the God's word. Some hear the word and immediately reject it, while others try to follow but the complications of the things of this world choke any desire to follow through to its fruition. But there are those who truly hear, understand and live their lives based on the word. Is not Christ challenging us to hear with our heart, mind and soul?

Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

2005-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Judging

Jesus was telling us to not be quick in judging and criticizing others. If we are constantly belittling and disapproving of others, we will only receive the same measure in return. Do we try to put ourselves in their place and ask why they are different? Jesus said we should be generous with forgiveness and grace toward all people. He said the more we give to others, greater will be the measure that will be given back to us.

Luke 6

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2005-08-16T04:08:00.000-07:00

Return to Me

What does God require of us? Does He want us to make a public display of our faith by tearing our clothes apart, only expressing our repentence with our lips? God wants us to return to Him with hearts that are truly repentant. He is a God who is full of grace and compassion to those who come to Him with hearts that want to turn away from their evil ways to do the will of God.

Joel2: 12-13

12 "Even now," declares the LORD,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."

13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

2005-08-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Shadow of the Almighty

To seek refuge in the Lord is to find our security in the shadow of the Almighty. He is our secret place where we go when we are tired and weary. It is a Psalm that assures us that God will send His angels to guard us in all our ways. This is a Psalm that gives us courage and strength if we learn to trust God when we are afraid.

Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2005-08-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

Day of Trouble

The Israelites felt that it was enough just to come to God with their prayers and petitions – do the required sacrifices and God will deliver them. But God was saying that it is not these sacrifices that are important, but trust in God and the desire to do His will. We all go through times in our lives when we feel the burdens of life take their toll. We find ourselves in situations where we have no recourse. Our hearts and minds are troubled by the circumstance we find ourselves in. God is asking us to trust in Him in our day of trouble and He will deliver us. When God delivers us we can give all the glory to God alone.

Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

2005-08-13T04:38:00.000-07:00

In God's presence

Here was God appearing before Moses to prepare the Ten Commandments for a second time as the earlier one had been smashed by Moses when he saw Aaron and the children of Israel worship the Golden calf. Following this Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites and God revealed Himself to Moses as a compassionate and gracious God. How many of us picture the God of the Old Testament to be one who is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness?

Exodus 34:6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

2005-08-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Emergence of a new leader

Joshua was annointed to succeed Moses as leader of Israel. He was an able military leader, spiritual leader and firm believer in God. God assured Joshua of His presence on the condition he faithfully read and followed the Word. He encouraged him to be strong and full of courage. Although the nation of Israel may encounter great dangers, God assured him that He would never abandon them.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

2005-08-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Our refuge

King David is exhorting us to place all our trust in the Lord. There are times when we find ourselves in a situation we are overcome by anxiety. In such a circumstance it is easy to get angry and be distressed. But if we put our trust in the Lord we will find our strength and refuge in Him.

Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

2005-08-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

Thy Way

Our God is an awesome God, as the popular song goes has inspired many of us. He has on countless number of times intervened and done amazing miracles to save us all. The greatest being the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Let us come to the Lord with gladness to follow in the steps Christ has set forth for us. Let us come together in one mind worship and praise His name.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

2005-08-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Clean Heart

King David after he fell into the depths of sin came to God in humble repentance seeking forgiveness for his acts of rebellion against God and his fellowmen. He came to God to purify his heart from guilt and sin. He prayed to God to renew his relationship with the Holy Spirit so that he could have a right spirit within him.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

2005-08-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Heart of Wisdom

We come to God with our hearts and minds open to seek wisdom and insight on how to use our time effectively to gain understanding in the knowledge and love of Jesus. As parents we have the responsibility to teach our children the commandments of our Lord, so that when they grow up they will have hearts of wisdom. If we teach our hearts and minds to love and obey God, in times of adversity we will have the assurance of God's presence with us.

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

2005-08-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

Heart Rules

If our minds are at peace then our hearts will be at peace. If our minds are distracted by money, hatred, anger, jealousy, and other evil ways, then our hearts will also be disturbed. St. Paul is exhorting us to let our choices in life be based on what will let the peace of God to rule our hearts.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.