Be filled by grace and not by bitterness!

“In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. Then in the forty-first year of his reign, Asa died and rested with his ancestors.” 2nd Chronicles 16:12-13.

Asa, the son of Abijah, became the king of Judah between 913 BC to 869BC, and he did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the foreign altars and the high places. He destroyed the sacred stones and cut down the images and poles. When Cushite marched against him he prayed to the LORD for his help. He trusted and fully leaned on the power of the LORD God. The LORD helped him to strike down the Cushites and Libyans who had thousands and thousands more army and chariots.

Because of his devotion to the LORD God, Asa removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and the towns of Ephraim. He repaired the altar in LORD’s temple. His heart with fully devoted to the LORD. He worshipped and made covenants with the LORD. God gave him peace with no war until his 37th year of reign. Marvelous!

However, after the 36th year, he started leaning on his plans and agenda without involving God. Instead of continuing to rely on the LORD God who gave him victory and peace, in fear of Baasha, the king of Israel, he pleaded help from the king of Aram. He even took the silver and gold from the Lord’s temple and his palace to get the support of the king of Aram. The prophet of the LORD confronted him reminding the past victories and said, “Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen. Because you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. Now you have done a foolish thing..” This is because of his reliance on the king of Aram for victory from the king of Israel.  2 Chronicles 16:8

Tragically, Asa got angry with the prophet who confronted him. He put him in prison. He also began oppressing some of the people. In the 39th year of his reign, Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. His disease was a severe one. However, he did not seek the LORD for his help. Instead, his trust was on the physicians. In the 41st year of his reign, he died and they buried him with spices, various perfumes. Made a huge fire in his honor.

Beloved, pray God to give a heart fully committed to him all through life. After beginning excellently, do you want to forsake your trust in God? No, may it never happen.  Verse 9 says this, “the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

When severe tests and suffering comes on your way, would you forsake your trust in the Lord? Bad experiences of life have the potential to make you bitter and resentful. It has the potential to abandon your first love and commitment to the Lord. Oh, I pray to increase my love, devotion, and commitment through it all. I pray the same for you as well, beloved.

Bitterness makes your situation, sufferings much worse than you imagine. Do not allow bitterness to grow up inside you to trouble you. Bitterness can corrupt you and others. Instead, you grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. When you rely on the LORD fully through your trials and sufferings, the LORD’s eye spot you accurately even in the remotest part of the world, and strengthen your hearts. The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to them whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I pray Lord to increase my trust and faith in you. Life gets harder and problems some times look scary. However, may my heart be fully relying on you in those times. Help to finish my race keeping my faith and trust in you, Lord. I know the power for such a life is in the name of your Son and my savior Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins and shortcomings. I accept him as my savior and Lord. Save me today and help me to be filled with your grace and not to develop in bitterness. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Will I be condemned or judged?

“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:17-18.

Amid all the personal trials of living on this earth, people often are worried or scared about their future security. The ultimate scary or worry thing is, will I be judged? Will I be condemned for the bad things I have done intentionally or unintentionally? Some people ended up in suicide because their souls charged them regarding the wrong things they have done. Alternatively, thousands end up in depression and lose interest in life because of something in the past.

When people get older, some worry that they may get condemned for the things they have done at their young age? The same thought of impending judgment can destroy the peace of those who are in sickbed or nearing death.

For people who worry about judgment or condemnation, God and Jesus have a magnificent promise. God promises I did not send the Son (Jesus) into the world to judge you, but that you might be saved by him. What a relief! Listen to what Jesus says, “whoever believes in Him is not judged or condemned (NASB and NIV). Those who believed in him means those who accepted Jesus as their savior. Those who believe Jesus died for their sins, buried and rose again on the third day. Absence of judgment or condemnation for their sins and mistakes (for those who accept Christ as their savior) is called the good news or the gospel.

You will not be judged or condemned if you believe Jesus as your savior. Isn’t a wonderful, life-giving, and hope-filled promise for those who struggle about the thought of future judgment or condemnation? One of my friends in the middle age said that he did a few bad things and good things in life in a personal conversation. He would not have done bad affairs,  had he known better at that time. However, it caused sadness and weeping in other people. He also said he did a few good things. He only hopes that ultimately he would not be condemned for the bad things he had done.

I shared the good news of the promise of Jesus Christ with him. The Bible says in Romans 8:1 that, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I also showed him Romans 6:23 that says, For the wages of the sin he committed is, of course, death; however, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He asked me how is that possible? I said Jesus, being the savior,  took all of his sins from his account and placed on His divine and sinless body. Then He went to the cross, died in his place, buried, and victoriously rose again from the dead on the third day. This is how he fully paid for all of his sins. As our insight today says, God did not send the Son into the world to judge him. He sent his Son that he might be saved through him. “Whoever” means- it does not matter who you are – how worse your sins are or how minimum your sins are – if one believes in the name of Jesus Christ, he or she is not condemned period!

Condemnation or judgment comes upon people only for one reason, and that is also stated in our insight. It says whoever does not believe in Jesus Christ stands condemned because he or she has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son-Jesus Christ. There is no other ground for future judgment. The only ground of future judgment is the non-acceptance of Christ Jesus.

Why don’t you go condemnation/judgment-free by inviting Jesus as your savior today? I will help you to do just that now with a small prayer of acceptance.

“Father in heaven, I believe you sent Your Son, Jesus, into this world not to judge me but to save me through Him. I believe Jesus died in my place for all of my sins and shortcomings. I believe he was buried and victoriously rose again. I accept Jesus as my savior and Lord. Please forgive my sins and make me your child with no condemnation, as you have promised. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

A time for everything under heaven!

“For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. NIV

The United States and many nations of the world have four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Besides, there are days of rain, humidity, and strong winds. If there are seasons in the weather, there are seasons in people’s lives as well. Infant stage, toddler stage, young teenage, adult age, school days, college days, lonely days, married days, adult age, older age, senior citizen age, death bed stage, and finally eternity.

Our life goes through many different seasons. God gave time to be born, time to die, time to plant and work, and time to enjoy the harvest. A time of sickness and a time of healing. Sometimes we tear down what we built, and we build up new things. We cry at certain times and we laugh. We are sorrowful and then there is a time to dance. There is a time to be quiet and a time to speak up. There is time to love and a time to hate.

Did you ever stop and think about why so many different seasons God allowed in our life? I believe there is God’s purpose in each of our seasons. As we develop from infancy and early young age, different seasons help us to search and find God as we face diverse problems of seasons. God allows these contrasting seasons on the solid promise of the foundation of his immutability. He meets us in the diverse seasons of life. 

Immutability is an attribute of God. God is unchanging in his character, covenants, and promises. He does not change. He is the same today as he was several thousands of years ago. He would be the same in the future as well. From everlasting to everlasting He is immutable. Because he does not change, his character does not change, and his word and promises do not change, we can fully trust, lean, and believe in Him and his promises in different seasons of life. In short, he is expected to be the anchor in different seasons of our life.

You see we get joyful and glad. We get worried and fearful. We get discouraged and depressed. People may leave us or betray us. We may get a good job and then be laid off, we become rich or poor. We face relationship issues like family issues, our children may not develop the way we anticipated, and we get strong and healthy. Then we get sick and tired. In the midst of all of our seasons of life, God remains the same. We can go to him in prayer and share our needs and burdens with him. He and His word comfort, strengthen, motivates, energize, heal, and direct us.

You see, we walk through mountain and valley experiences. Sometimes we triumph and other times we fail. We shine and we fade. We win and then we lose. We get encouraged and then discouraged. No matter what our experiences or feelings are, God is there with his outstretched arms to receive us in his strong and supernatural hands. Psalms 103:14 says, “for he knows how are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”

You may be facing a season right now that you do not like. Your health condition looks scary to you. God says he will be with you to give you needed grace and strength. Psalm 107:2 says, “He sent His word, and healed them and delivered them from their troubles.” You may be on your deathbed. God says “he will raise your body again from the dead by his power just as he raised the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1st Corinthians 6:14). 

You may feel lonely. But God says to you, “I am with you; do not be dismayed, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Deuteronomy 31:6 says, The LORD God goes with you; he will never leave you no forsake you.” You may be worried because you are poor. But the Bible promises you, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

If you are my age, you may be concerned about your gray hair and aging issues. However, God says, “I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior.” He is my God all through my life. Yes, even when my hair gets white and gray, he will care for me. He will carry me along and be my savior.” 

Listen to what it says He will be your God throughout all your life. All the seasons of your life, he is with you to shower all-sufficient grace and power.

If you never experienced God, may I invite you to come to him and taste how good he is? He gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to save you and make you his own all through your life and eternity.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I know in all seasons of my life, you are my God. I know you love me and gave me your only Son, Jesus Christ, for my sins. Forgive my sins and shortcomings. I accept him as my savior and Lord. I trust all your promises. Guide me through my life. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Mars Hill speech of Paul

“In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30

Mars Hill is the Roman name for a hill in Athens, Greece, called the Hill of Areopagus. Mars hill was about 377 feet above the land below. This was a place where philosophy, religion, and the law were discussed. Paul was invited to speak at the Areopagus to a group of philosophers and religiously minded people. They brought him to Areopagus to hear more about the new doctrine Paul was teaching. Epicurean philosophers believed in living in pleasure because they thought God is not interested or actively involved with people. In contrast, Stoic Philosophers believed ‘World’s soul is God’ and the goal of this life is to rise above all things that happen. No feeling or responses needed to pain or pleasure. They used to debate themselves.

In his second missionary journey, When Paul was in the city of Athens, he was much distressed to see the city filled with full of idols. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jewish Synagogue to Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. The rest of the time he spent in the marketplace every day to those who were there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. They came to know that Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead. So they invited him to Areopagus (Mars Hill) because they wanted to hear from him.
Paul stood up in the meeting and said these points.
• People of Athens! I see that you are very religious. You don’t want to miss any god in an accident that you even made an altar with the inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. You see, there are religious people today as well who wanted to obey God but living in ignorance
• Then he announced the truth – God made the world and everything in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He does not live in temples built by human hands. No image or idol can represent the God who is the creator of all.
• He gave our history -from one man God made all the nations that they should inhabit the whole earth and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of the lands
• He shared God’s desire -the living and Creator God want you to seek Him and find Him. He is not far away from us
• We are his offspring (His children) like their poets themselves said. In him only we live and move and have our being.
• Because we are God’s offsprings, we should not think He (the creator God) is like gold, silver, or stone, or an image made by human skill and design.
• Then he said our today’s insight, “In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”
• We need to repent from our ignorance and turn to the living God in repentance because God has a set day he will judge all people with justice by His appointed Judge – Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only one savior of the world, who came to this earth, lived here, died, buried, and rose again for the issues of our sins that hindered our relationship and friendship with God. God gave proof of his approval and verdict by raising Jesus Christ from the dead.

We need to turn from idols and images made by human hands to the living creator God in heaven who sent His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus to this earth through whom we can re-connect to God. Beloved, the minute we repent and turn to the living God by accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, who died, buried, and rose again for our sins, we have peace with God. When we get peace with God He will pour out His Holy Spirit and His peace in our hearts and lives. Only God can fill you with peace as a result of the peace with God in the name of Christ. You do not be afraid of God anymore. Jesus is God’s only mediator between God and us. Listen, TV celebrities would say there are many ways to God. But it is not true. God gave only one mediator between Him and us so that we can live in peace with God and enjoy His peace in our daily lives. There is only one sacrifice, only one savior, only one mediator, and only one cross, and only one way to God. Many turn to alcohol, drugs, and peaceful humanmade religions for peace. But none of these could grant peace inside you. As a result of your repentance and acceptance of Christ as your savior, you will have peace with God, which will result in peace of God in our lives.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, “I come to you because you are the living God in heaven who is the creator of all. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for my sins. I repent of my sins and turn to you. Please give me your divine peace in my heart and life. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

“They are more precious than gold than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey than honey from the honeycomb” Psalm 19:10

David says in our insight today that the decrees of the LORD or the Word of God are more precious than gold, more valuable than the purified brilliant gold. David knew the value of gold. David, the king of Israel, had lots of gold in his treasury. Especially in those days and of course even in today’s world, gold and the purified gold is an excellent source of wealth, and it is one of the most precious and costly possessions one can accumulate. The strength of a kingdom and the power of a ruler were based on how much gold they had in their vault. Not only is the gold of great value, but also it is so pleasing to look at it and hold it. Refined and purified gold is lovely and beautiful and thrills our hearts and minds. After understanding the high value of gold and its attractiveness, David says the Word of God- the Bible –is more precious and attractive than purified and costly gold. You see, gold is from this earth, but the Word of God, the Bible, is directly sent by God from heaven. The word of God did not originate here on earth. Therefore, it has to be more valuable and precious than any other precious wealth you can ever accumulate here.

Secondly, David says the Word of God is sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. Honey is sweet. But the dripping honey from the honeycomb is sweeter than any other delicious foods items. You see, David was a shepherd boy before God made him a king of Israel. In his job as a shepherd, away from home, he lived out there in nature. Many times he may have looked for and enjoyed the dripping honey from the honeycomb. Even today, to find a honeycomb with dripping honey is not easy. If you somehow find one, you will feel like a treasure found. Besides, the consumption of honey from honeycomb supplies sudden and quick energy. David says, the Word of God- the Bible- is sweeter than the honeycomb. It gives you instant energy, power, strength, healing, hope for the future, vision, motivation, counsel, guidance, salvation, cleansing, and eternal life.

TV, smartphones, radio, magazines, newspapers, none of these alternatives can give us the excellent effects the Bible provides us. All those are just people’s communications, words, and opinions, but the Bible is the Word of God sent from heaven to human beings. It comes from the heart of God to you. It is like manna from heaven that blesses, saves, protects, and prospers you. When everything else fails, the Word of God and the Bible stand strong and conquer, because its source is everlasting God, not temporary people.

You see God knows all about you more than any counselor, psychiatrist, or medical doctor because He is your creator. God created all. Being the creator, God knows your feelings, pain, needs, and desires more than anyone else. God knows all about this earth, world, and heavens.

God knows the future more than anyone else because God already planned the future and he is moving the entire world into his already pre-planned future. So if you want to know the future, do not go to any man who will say about the future – like palm reader or future tellers. Read the Bible. It has all we need to know about tomorrow and the future. In effect, Bible gives all the details about how it all began, how we all came up to the present, and what the future holds. What God says is much more helpful and valuable than what anyone else says to us.

Our knowledge of the Word of God (the Bible) is more excellent in value than anything else you can buy in this world. All precious things we purchased will be left here when we go from this world. But the knowledge of the Word of God will not only be valuable in this life but much more valuable in the afterlife when we are in heaven. That is why Jesus said to Martha, “but few things are needed–or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Did you notice He said, “it will not be taken away from her?”  Psalm 119:89 says “ Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” If the Word of God is settled in heaven forever, this tells me, the knowledge and use of the Word of God will last for and ever.” Its knowledge will not be taken away from us. In eternity we will get more knowledge about the triune God and His Word. Bible says now we see things and know things like looking at a mirror. But then in heaven, our knowledge will increase much more and get more and more perfect. I believe those who have a better understanding of the Word of God can serve God and others in a better fashion all through eternity. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him (Colossian 2:3). In other words, we will never stop learning. In heaven, we will learn much more. I remember Dr. David Jeremiah said this – in heaven, there will be teaching ministries and he looks forward to continuing his teaching in heaven. This very well could be one of the ways we serve the Lord and one another in heaven. There are continuous songs and worship in heaven for sure. We all will sing there. I believe we hear and learn the Word of God also in heaven because it is settled in heaven and lasts forever.

Beloved, our spiritual vitality comes from the knowledge of God’s word. The word of God is our spiritual food for nourishment and health. Bible says in Psalm 107 that “the LORD sent out His Word and healed them, and He rescued them from their grave.” It has the power to heal us and rescue us from the grave. If we do not have the word of God in our lives, we eventually die spiritually. You see the word of God- the Bible – revives, restores, empowers, and heals our souls.

Even on the deathbed, we cherish the Word of God. Nobody asks for the saving balances or CD balances at the time of death. But we will enjoy listening to the reading of the word of God.
Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I thank you for the Bible you gave to us. We can hold it in our hands and read it in our language daily- your letter from heaven. Lord, talk to me every day as I open and read this precious wealth, everlasting, more valuable than gold and sweeter than the honeycomb. Lord may I study it and help me to grow in it. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.”

How about Brand New Heavens and Earth?

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

One day when Jesus was sitting on the mount of olives, the disciples came to him privately to ask questions about what the future holds. They were curious about certain specific future matters that bothered their mind and knew Jesus could answer their questions. Jesus said to them many things regarding the end time signs, which you can read in Matthew 24:1-34, and finally, He made this statement, which is our insight today.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” This reveals the temporary nature of heaven and earth we see now and the eternality of the words of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is eternal, and therefore His words are eternal.

Beloved, this may be a new idea to many because heaven and earth were there as long as we go back to collect human history. Numerous people died and disappeared, but heaven and earth remained. However, the Bible affirms the truth that this heaven and earth will pass away in the future and be replaced by a new heaven and earth.

God promised in the old testament Scriptures in Isaiah 65:17. “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” Isaiah, the prophet, graphically described this incident in 34:4 like this, “The sun, moon, and stars will dissolve, and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll. The stars will fall like dead leaves from a vine and dried up figs from a fig tree.” However, listen! God Himself assured the security of the people who accepted His offer of salvation in these words in Isaiah 51:6, “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever; my righteousness will never fail.”

Now, after explaining the future events yet to happen, Jesus attested to the promise already made years ago in the Scriptures. Beloved, one-day heaven and earth will pass away. God will do it as he promised. This world is tainted and contaminated by sin –the original sin of our first parents and the subsequent sins of all people, and it needs replacement.

Romans 8 says we know everything God made has been waiting until now in pain, like a woman ready to give birth… people do not hope for something they already have. But we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently. The whole creation, including people, is waiting for God’s salvation – to free us from the curse and bondage of sin inherited to us.

In 2nd Peter 3:13, Peter shared his desire for the promise God already made for new heavens and new earth. Listen to what he wrote, “according to His promise (referring to the promise of God); we are looking for the new heaven and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

John saw the vision of the fulfillment of this promise and recorded it in the Bible’s final book in chapter 21. It says, “then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passes away, and there is no longer any sea.” The new earth does not have a sea. However, he saw brand new heaven and earth coming out of heaven from God. It looks so beautiful and glorious like a bride beautifully adorned for her husband. Then John heard the voice from the throne of heaven. It said, “Behold the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them in the new heaven and earth. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no longer any death. No more mourning, or crying or pain.” Then it says the first things (referring to the present heaven and earth) have passed away as God promised in the old testament scriptures.

Beloved, what a great, victorious, beautiful, and glorious that day would be! Can you imagine the greatness of the new heaven and earth, God going to send from heaven? No sea, no more death, no mourning, crying, or pain. God is among men in the new heaven and earth, as initially intended in the garden of Eden. The righteousness reigns all over the new earth and heaven. No taints of sin and rebelliousness. No more temptation of our adversary devil, the old serpent, who deceived our first parents. The one who hates Adam’s posterity, the devil, and his gangs will be thrown in the lake of fire forever. (Revelation 19:20). Peace and righteousness last forever and ever.

As God promised the salvation of God would last forever, His righteousness will never fail. Dearly beloved, are you saved yet? God’s salvation comes not with your best efforts and works. It comes in a person called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died, buried, and victoriously rose again for your sins and shortcomings to grant you eternal salvation.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I know I need your salvation that lasts forever. I need your righteousness that will never fail. I know I am fallen short in many ways. I need the savior. I acknowledge I am a sinner. I believe You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die in my place to save me and reconcile with the Father in heaven. I accept Jesus as my savior now. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

 

To sharpen an iron, you need another iron.

“As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

It is God’s vision and expectation that we need to grow and develop with the help and support of other people. This is why God placed you in God’s community, called the church. A church home is essential to everyone because that is the place God encourages, equips, and sharpens you to become all God wants you to become. Indeed, it is the primary function of all Christian churches to equip, sharpen and send them as fit servants of the Lord.
Our insight says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We need a helping hand, encouragement, and motivation from others to become all God wants us to grow. Of course, God is the one who enables you with varied spiritual gifts. However, it is the watering of others in the community that allows them to blossom to the fullest extent possible.

If you want to sharpen iron, you need another iron. I remember an early growing age; we used to sharpen one iron cutter with another iron. If left separate, both will become useless eventually. One iron cutter sharpens the other iron cutter for effective cutting and slicing. The principle is an iron needs another iron to get sharper and effective. The same is true in your life. You need friends who would encourage, help, and motivate you to become all that you are.

Choose your friends wisely. What you need are friends who know your talents and abilities and will sharpen you to become the best in your area. You can find trustworthy friends. However, do not waste time with friends who would not let you develop to the fullest extent God intended for you.

In my experience, there are three types of friends. Friends who stick with you like a brother to motivate and encourage you. The second type of friend is those who are passive. They are merely there, but they won’t do anything for your development, and they do not do good or bad to you. The third type of friend is harmful. They potentially look for an opportunity to pull you down from your development to the fullest extent God wanted you to become.

It would help if you had friends who would come along with you in your difficulties and get you out of there. Not only would they pull you out, but also they would be committed to your development to the fullest extent.

I believe you need both Christian and non-Christian friends. It would help if you had Christian, faithful, trustworthy friends who can contribute to your development. You, in turn, can contribute much to their growth and usefulness for God. You need non-Christian friends to share the good news of the gospel. They can look at you, watch you and understand about the savior of the world-Jesus Christ.

Now, the very best friend you can ever have is none other than Jesus. He becomes your best and trustworthy friend because He stood silently to all accusations and died in your place for your sins. He was buried and victoriously rose again to save you from all sins and shortcomings. Jesus said, and it is recorded in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” No friends can ever love you like Jesus did, because he laid down his life to make you reconciled to God the Father. Bible says in Romans 5:7-8, most people would not be even willing to die for an upright person. However, someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who especially useful. But God showed his great love for you by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Therefore you need Jesus, the best friend you can ever imagine.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I want Jesus as my best friend. I invite him to come to my life because I believe He died, buried, and rose again to save and bless me. I understand I need Christian and non-Christian friends for a healthy and useful life for your glory. However, could you help me to choose my friends wisely? I want good, faithful, and trustworthy friends who would stay with me to become all you want me to become. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

Cast your net of anxieties to God to get a divine and wonderful catch!

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

Today’s Bible insights come in the context of the need for humility toward one another. (verses 5-6). However, humility toward one another would not come naturally. The previous verses say it will be possible only if we humble ourselves to be under the mighty hand of God. In other words, vertical humility to God is a pre-requisite for a successful and sustaining horizontal humility toward one another. If an ongoing humility toward God characterizes our nature and we position ourselves to be under the mighty hand of God, then the horizontal constant humility becomes easily attainable.

Now, why we should be humble to God and place ourselves under the mighty hand of God? Because of the knowledge that “God opposes the proud and gives favor to the humble.” (verse 5(c)). This knowledge about God is essential. Understanding God’s nature helps us to humble ourselves under the hand of God. The context here also says the result of humbling ourselves under God. What is the result? God will lift us up in due time. In the end, those who humble under the mighty hand of God reap the good and excellent reward from Him, don’t they?

First, we know God’s character because He is opposed to the proud and gives favor to the humble. Here is the beginning point. Second, we know when we are humbled under the hand of God; then it becomes easy to show humility to others. Third, the result of humility to God is – He will lift us up in due time. Fourth, When we place ourselves under the mighty hand of God and have the nature of humility toward one another, there is a chance for anxieties in us. Young and adult believers would face this because we do not use man’s weapons and words as a child of God. Those times, cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you. Do you see the connections here now?

Our verse for today says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Beloved, God has thousands of ways and connections to solve our anxieties and issues when we do not have even one in front of us.
Therefore, the insight here is this – Cast all your anxiety on God. Why? He cares for you and is better equipped and knowledgeable to solve it. Because we decided to place ourselves under the mighty hand of God thereby showing humility to God, then do not try to resolve the issues by our might or efforts without discussing with Him. God has far better interests and plans for you. He promised He would lift you up in due time, didn’t He? God can turn your sadness into gladness. He can turn your anxieties into brand new opportunities you never envisioned.  People’s hearts and all resources are at His disposal. He turns those the way He wants to spin them. Therefore, just cast your anxiety on Him. And let God sort out a solution to your problems and worries. The promise is He will act on your behalf. He will not be idle and allow things to develop without His influence.

Being a fisherman, Peter uses a fishing word here. A fisherman never knows what type of fish he is going to catch. A fisherman has no clue of the outcome. But in faith, he casts his net. You do the same thing-caste your anxieties to God. He will go to work on your behalf and lift you up and reward you in the best and most surprising way. You will be amazed to see the results and glorify and worship Him.
How do we cast our anxiety on God? Philippians 4:6 says, throw your anxiety on God by praying and letting God know all about it. Prayer is the net we cast in the ocean of God’s providence and grace. And the catch God going to give you will be divine, excellent, and perfect.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Let us pray. “Father in heaven, I submit my will to your will. I want to be under your mighty hand because you promised you will lift me up in due time. I cast my worries and anxieties on you. Please help me and solve my issue. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for my sins. Please save me and help me. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

Subtle dangers of our culture!

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Most of us have the experience of someone dear to us leaving us forever. It could be by desertion or death. Others have the traumatic experience of someone dear to them is still present but built a wall or barrier and in essence, forsaken them and left them alone in their needs. They are no more interested in you, but they are mentally and emotionally away although their physical presence is there. Often, the more urbanized and civilized society becomes, the more weird and painful the human relationships and commitments become. Don’t you agree? In fact, the Bible said this in advance. It said, in the last days difficult times will come. People become more lovers of self and their interests, lovers of money, etc. (refer to 2 Timothy 3:1-2). No wonder in today’s culture, many scars, and bruises mar human relationships than at any time in the past.

The context of today’s Bible insight addresses both of these issues. Covetousness for illegitimate relationships (verse 4) and love of money (verse 5). Beloved, We face both these subtle dangers side by side in our culture, don’t we?– illegitimate, immoral, and ungodly human yokes and relationships and a hunger and thirst for more and more money. The Bible warns against immoral and ungodly yokes and relationships. Besides, it also warns against the character of the love of money. Of course, we need money for our life’s needs and money in itself is not evil. But the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. In fact, the above two covetous characters cause men to fall into many temptations and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge them into ruin and destruction. (2 Timothy 6:9-10). Many killings and evil things are happening every day because of these two characters of people.

Today’s insights admonish, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with you have.” There is a reason why we can be content with what we have. The reason is God’s promise. God said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Beloved, people may leave us, abandon us, isolate, and ridicule us. But not God. Don’t you know this truth? Be not afraid! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the lover of your soul. He emptied himself totally and completely for your sake. He came searching for you because He loves you, lived in this world and finally went to the cross and died in your place for all of your sins. He did this because you are much more valuable than the whole world put together (Mark 8:36).

Bible assures us God will provide for all you need if you come to Him in the name of Jesus Christ, the savior of the whole world. It says, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? The answer is an emphatic yes; He will give us all we need because He first gave His own Son to save us. God says to you, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Do you know Jesus promises to you, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) He also says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18). Also, the Holy Spirit is an advocate/helper for you forever. (John 14:6). What more do we need? We have the triune God’s presence, protection, and provision with us forever- no matter what happens to us.

Therefore you and I can be content with what we have. Fully satisfied and glad about what we have. No place for covetousness in our lives. Besides, we can also say confidently, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Let us pray. “Father in heaven, You promised me you will never me and never forsake me. I know I can be safe and secure in the hands of the Father God and the Son of God – Jesus. No one can harm me and no one can take me away from your love and presence. I know Jesus loves me. He died and rose again for my sins. I surrender my life to you, Lord. Help me to live content with what I have because you are able to meet all my needs and desires as it surfaces. I trust you with all my heart. Thank you for your wonderful love, presence, and care. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

 

Post Modern Society lives and thrives on condemnation tactics! In Christ, No Condemnation!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).

If we watch daily TV News, it appears, that postmodern society lives and thrives on the condemnation tactics. Don’t you agree?
“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
“Condemnation feels good and it is now a staple of religion, politics, and the media (both left and right), but it changes nothing. Compassion, on the other hand, changes everything.” Robin R. Meyers, “Saving Jesus from the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus.”

In one early morning hour, people gathered around Jesus, and he sat down to teach them. The leaders who are the teachers of the law brought a woman. They caught her in the act of adultery. They forcefully brought her to Jesus and asked,  “the law says to stone such women. What do you say? They were trying to trap Jesus to accuse Him later. Jesus bent down and started writing down on the ground with His finger. The leaders pressed him asking again and again. He looked and said, any one of you who is without sin throw the first stone at her. Then he bent down and continued writing on the ground. All those who heard Jesus’s words began to go away one at a time. Then only Jesus and the woman were still there. Jesus looked at her and asked where they are? Has no one condemned you? She replied, No one, Sir. Jesus said, “Then neither do I condemn you; Go and sin no more.”

You see, people around us can condemn for sins and faults. In contrast, beloved, do you know Jesus Christ has the authority and power to forgive our sins and make us a brand new creation again? The woman caught in adultery went home as a new creation because she got the touch and salvation from Jesus on that beautiful morning. Compassionate savior of the world!
Our today’s Bible insights say,“ Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Therefore connects to chapter 7. “We are not sinners because we sin, but rather we sin because we are sinners. It comes naturally.” (Greg Laurie, “The Greatest Stories ever told”). Sinful nature is the direct result of the rebelliousness and disobedience of our first parents, and we all inherited this nature from them. “Just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12). Paul admits, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-26)
They brought the woman to Jesus to condemn her and stone her to death. But where was the man? He was also equally guilty or more. But Jesus intervened- compassionately, graciously, powerfully and spared her from death by stoning.
Beautiful verse- Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Our passage assures you will never be condemned for your sins and iniquities if you are “in Christ Jesus.” Why? Jesus paid it all for you on the cross of Calvary.
Beloved, are you in Christ Jesus? Bible says either you are in Christ or you are not in Christ? There is no third alternative. Bible says before we accepted Christ as our savior, we “were separate from Christ.” At that time we were “without hope and without God in this world.” (Ephesians 2:12). But now as we accepted Christ as our savior, we are “in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”(Ephesian 2:13). We were separate and far away from Christ before but are now brought near by the blood of Christ.
Dearly beloved, if you are in Christ, praise and thank God you have no condemnation. If you are not in Jesus Christ, I do not want to be a bad news bearer, but the truth that hurts is this -you are under the condemnation of God for your sins. Bible says in John 3:36, ‘Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
How can we be in Christ Jesus and get no condemnation? By believing in Jesus Christ. How do I believe in Christ? By praying to Him right now. I will help you to do that.
Pray after me. “Father in heaven, I heard there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. I want to be in Christ. I do not want to be separate from Him. Please place me in Christ. I believe Christ died and then rose again for my sins. Please save me. Amen.”