Remember whose hand are you in.

“My times are in Your hands” Psalm 31:15 (a)

On one of our family trips, I heard my little boy whispering to his brother this- don’t worry, Dad knows where he is going. It was a panic time on the road with accidents and several detours. We encountered a lot of confusion (pre-navigation time) about how to get back into the highway and ended up in unfamiliar and seemingly dangerous places.

The whole world is in such a chaotic situation now with disastrous after-effects of COVID-19 and an economic depression like the one we had back in the 1930s. The central governments are printing money from thin air to fight against economic dangers. What is the future of fiat currencies and the current superpowers? Nobody knows. This generation is now faced with the most dramatic turn-around times in history. The nations and economies will look completely different in a decade or so, many experts say. Many believe life would not be the same again after all these dark signals on the horizon.

You see, the world would eventually go into more darkness and chaotic situations before Gods’ plan revealed in the pages of the Bible is culminated.  The Bible warns of this fact. Does that mean God’s children should worry and get anxious? No. Bible says, put your hope in God. The Psalmist –King David- told in verse 13 that he had heard the slander of many. Terror is on every side. However, he decided to put his trust and hope in God. He says in verse 14, “But as for me, I trust in thee, O LORD and I say, you are my God because my times are in your hands.

Like my little boy said, “don’t worry, dad knows where he is going”. That gave him peace and comfort amid confusion.

Our today’s insights say my times are not in the hands of the leaders. My times are not in the hands of the powerful authorities of this world. My times are not in the hands of the world governments. My times are not created or destroyed by the economic miscalculations of the economists and financials who control the monetary systems of the world. Instead, my times are in the hands of the Lord God in heaven.

The young teenager, Joseph, had only terror and confusion one after another for almost 14 years. He chose to be quiet and trust God through it all. He kept the dream and promise of God, dear, and near to his heart. Was his time in the hands of God? Did He deliver him? Yes, He did. Job had only trials and losses one after another. He acknowledged and put his trust in God even though his wife did not share in his deep-rooted faith. Was his time in the hands of God? Yes. Did he deliver? Yes, He did.

Your times are also in the hands of God if you trust and put your hope in God. We are on a journey toward the final goal God revealed in the pages of the Bible. The closer we get to the destination, the more darkness and confusion would be the outcome. More roller coaster experiences are on the way. Then beautifully comes the final consummation of his plans. Jesus taught the disciples to pray, “thy kingdom comes, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Our journey toward that final goal of God’s kingdom on earth and His will on this earth.

Jesus said and continually preached one central message- The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15. Like Jesus affirmed, “but all these things are merely the beginning of the birth pangs.” Matthew 24:8. Birth pangs for the birth of the kingdom of God on this earth. Jesus already inaugurated the kingdom of God, and now God calls you to enter into the kingdom by believing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel is the good news Jesus died for your sins and shortcomings and qualified you to enter into God’s kingdom with no merit of yourself, but with the price of the blood of Jesus Christ.  You can enjoy the beautiful goal,  plan, and future of God by accepting the invitation to come to Jesus right now.

“Father in heaven, I know my times are in your hands. I acknowledge you have a wonderful plan, and you will fulfill it. You will safely take me there. I understand what we see around us are the beginnings of the birth pangs. In response to your invitation, I believe in the gospel that Jesus died, buried, and rose again for my sins and mistakes. I pray your kingdom come and may I be in it by the merit of Jesus Christ, whose divine and sinless blood covers my sin and shortcomings. I patiently hope and trust in you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

To face the challenges of life, we must know who we are!

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30

Irving Berlin, an American Composer, and lyricist who is widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history according to Wikipedia said, “Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it.”

It is a true statement that our attitude to life can make or break us. Charles Swindoll, a well-known Bible teacher of our lifetime made this statement. He said, “the longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts…. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”

To face life challenges victoriously we need to know who we are first. Without proper knowledge of ourselves, it is hard to attain and sustain victory in our life. I believe the absence of real awareness of who we are is the biggest epidemic that affects Christians in these last days. God wants us to know for sure and certain who we really are and then reckon this truth on an ongoing basis while we live here. This is why in Paul’s epistles, he typically starts with who we are in Christ and then he moves to the practical application of how we can be successful in life’s challenges. Ephesians, Colossians, etc. are classic examples of this approach. Without reckoning the truth of who we are, no practical life is possible.

Our today’s insight tells us God has already made the final and unalterable decision regarding the lives of believers in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens in our life here on this planet earth, He already decreed our final victory. It says, “and we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This is the first part. Did you read it well? Paul says no doubt about this – we know for sure that all things (good and bad), God goes to work for the ultimate good of those who love the Lord. Don’t you know, you believed in Jesus Christ is not an accidental matter? The next verse says in His foreknowledge He predestined you to believe in Jesus and become his child. What has He predestined us for? Read slowly. It says “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,” Christ Jesus. Thru it all (good things, bad things, painful things, and all) we are being shaped and formed by God to look like Jesus Christ. You see that is the ultimate purpose of all things that happen to our life. A believer in Christ who loves the Lord, there is no defeat or failure ultimately. No need to look at life negatively and fearfully. God knew all in advance what is going to happen in your life. No matter what going to happen, who going to do what in your life, according to our today’s insight, God already decreed by His predestination on you that you will have the final victory. Beloved, God works all for the good for you. This is the guaranty of the eternal, everlasting Word of God.

Beloved, if you know this truth in your heart, then you will develop a conquering and victorious attitude toward life in the midst of all that life, people, circumstances, and the devil throw at you. You may be facing heartbreaking issues in life which include financial, relational, job-related, and health. However, God knows all about it in His foreknowledge when He predestined, called, justified, and glorified you and He is going to work all issues to mold, shape, and form you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Then it says, “And those He predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” You see all these are done deals. Therefore face life with a smile no matter what. He predestined you before the foundation of the world. He called you in time when you heard the Gospel of Christ, because you accepted Christ Jesus, now you are justified in front of the holy God. Moreover, you are also glorified. Did you notice all these are past tense words? Predestined, called, justified, and glorified. In God’s eyes, a believer who trusted Christ Jesus as his or her savior and loves Him is already glorified in heaven. You see we look forward to our glorification because we are bound by time. However, the eternal God who is not bound by time sees all these are already done and He is waiting for your arrival in glory.  May praise, thanks, and worship break in our hearts. Bow down, thank and worship Him.

Dear friend, if you have not accepted Christ as your savior yet, God calls you to accept His Son, Jesus Christ into your life today. Jesus died, buried, and then rose again for all of your sins. Bible says there is no exception all humans are sinners. We need a savior for the forgiveness of sins, God’s blessings, and eternal life. That savior is Jesus Christ. No one is out there to save you entirely except Christ. God calls you now just like He called me about 40 years ago. I will help you to respond to His call.

Beloved, Pray after me. “Father in heaven, I accept Jesus Christ, your Son, as my savior and Lord. I need forgiveness and blessings in my life. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. Please save me today. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

You are precious and more valuable than you ever thought!

“Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 (c).

After a heat-filled summer, finally, the rainy season came in. I decided to walk outside in the evening with my umbrella in the sprinkling rain. The memory came with wings and took me back to my young age, growing up in a remote village enjoying the rainy seasons and walking narrow streets. Who has time these days in busy big city life to step outside for a leisurely walk. I  chose to go out and enjoy walking in the rain. The cool breeze kissed all over my body.  I felt so comforted and energized with the new setting in weather and a lovely breeze. I looked up to heaven and thanked God for the varied season he gives in our life here on this planet earth. Amazing! I enjoyed walking with the God of the universe, having few conversations.

He brought to my memory what Jesus said.  He said to the disciples in a heartfelt conversation that they are more valuable than the birds of the air. You see, birds do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Then he asked, “are you not much more valuable than they? He also said, look at the beautiful lilies of the field. The lilies do not labor or spin. Yet not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

In essence, Jesus was saying you are much more valuable than you ever imagined. Certain things are right about precious items. First of all, the value of it is determined by who it belongs? If you come across something that personally belonged to Alexander the Great, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Abraham Lincoln, I bet it will be more precious and costly. Secondly, the value is assigned by the price paid for it. The cost of the artworks of world-famous artists goes up and up as it changes hands.

Beloved, your value is decided by who made you and owns you. Bible says God created you, and you are His masterpiece. God uniquely made you. There is not a second one like you in the whole wide world from the beginning of the creation to the end of the ages. Bible says in Psalm 139:14 that you are fearfully and wonderfully made when God created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are the one of a kind, unique masterpiece of God because He knitted you together inside and out.

Secondly, your self-worth is based on the price paid for you. Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “you were bought with a price.” 1 Corinthians 7:23 also repeats, “you were bought with a price.” Jesus said the Son of Man (referring to himself) came “to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28. Hebrews 9:12 says how he did it. It says Jesus entered once for all into the holy places, not using the blood of goats and calves, but using his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption”  In the old testament period, the high priest entered into the holy place once in a year to atone for people’s sin with animal blood. Now Jesus did it all, once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, by means of his own divine and sinless blood. 1 Timothy 2:6 says this about Jesus, “who gave himself as a ransom for all.” Peter was very clear about how God bought you in his epistle 1 Peter 1:18-19. He wrote you were ransomed (bought) from the futile ways inherited by your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

Listen! You are much more precious and valuable than your wildest imaginations. God created you uniquely inside your mother’s womb with your one of a kind of qualities, gifts, and abilities. Secondly, the price paid for you was the price of the blood of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. You see, God created you. However, when you went astray by the futile and empty way of life inherited from your fathers, God repurchased you into himself by paying for you by the blood of His Son.

Now you know why God said, “I  have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3). Listen! God loves you with an everlasting love and unfailing kindness.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I know I am valuable to you and you love me with an everlasting love and unfailing kindness. You gave your Son, Jesus for my sins. He died buried and rose again for my sins and shortcomings. I accept your love and accept your Son Jesus christ. I invite you to come in and make me a new person honorable to you. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.” Amen.

More than a conqueror!

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37).

There is a difference between conquerors and more than conquerors. The Super Bowl XX11 in Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego was memorable in history. Redskins overcome a 10 point deficit and then beat Broncos 42-10. To conquer means to get victory over the enemy or adversary, but to become more than a conqueror means not just success but enormous, overwhelming, and massive victory.

Bible says if you love the Lord Jesus Christ, you are not just a conqueror, but you are more than a conqueror. You have a vast and enormous margin of victory.

Elsewhere in one of our previous daily insights,  we learned God already decreed our victory, and no matter who, what comes against us, God works all things together for good to those who

love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. You see, this is a ‘no matter’ promise. Dearly beloved, you may be wondering why this happened to you because you do not deserve it. However, be confident by the eternal Word of God that promises you this -God is at work in your life, and He is going to put all things together for good for you. The reason is this. God foreknew all things going to happen in your life. With all full knowledge, He predestined you to become conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Not only He foreknew all about you and predestined you to look like Christ Jesus through it all, but also He called you in time, justified, and even glorified you.

Now, the question is this. After considering all these truths, what are our conclusions? Number one- If God is for us the way the Bible explained in the above paragraph, who can be against us? Is anyone a match to God? People, enemies, and even the devil? Make a note- it does not mean people, devil, or circumstances would not come against you. It does not mean no one would mock, tease, and slander you. It does not mean they will not persecute you. Bible says everyone who wants to live a godly life will have persecution in this world. It does not mean the devil would not come against us with his schemes. Devil may say to us- look at what happened in your life, and now God is not on your side. He will try to tell and convince you that you are a failure. He would say because of your shortcomings, God does not love you, or He is not on your side. God is not on your side is the devil’s age-old lie from the garden of Eden.

Beloved, if the devil or his representatives tells you are a failure or you are not acceptable in the sight of the Lord, then ask him the questions in verse 34-35. These are the questions you would immediately ask, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died and is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” You see, it says it is the God who justified, and if so, who can bring a charge against God’s elect and predestination? Who can condemn? Because Christ is the one who died and then risen again for your sake, and He is at the right hand of God and makes intercession for us. All condemning tongues should stop because they are condemning against the blood and the intercessory work of Christ.

Then the third question is, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Of course, we will have unexpected setbacks in our Christian life like tribulation, distress, famine, peril, sword, and of course, these come in many forms and fashions. Our dear people may stand against us to stop our progress. Does that mean Christ does not love us anymore? No, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Then it says for the sake of the Lord, His dear ones are killed all day long, and they are treated like sheep led to the slaughter. Does that mean God does not love us? Listen, it says in verse 38, neither death, nor angels, principalities and powers (means demonic forces and the devil), nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse 35 promises nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Additionally, the verse says 39 promises none or nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. You see, Jesus loves us, and nothing can separate us from His love. Besides, God loves us, and nothing can separate us from God’s love because we are in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Remember, our today’s insight says, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” In what things? You name it – tribulation, slandering, various attacks,
problems including financial, marital, relational, health – you put what you face in here. You are not just a conqueror but more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.

By understanding who we are in Christ, how secure our future is, amid all such things, we will be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I love you and trust your promise that you will work all things together for my good. Thank you for choosing me, saving me, and even glorifying me. I understand the depth of your love. I accept Christ Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe He died and rose again for my sins. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen

What is the truth? And who do you try to please?

 

“Now, do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the one I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Every day we face a choice. Simple as it sounds, it is a hard choice. Who are you trying to please with your life? Are you trying to please people or God? Try to make people accept you? Or are you trying to get the acceptance of God?

The enemies of the Apostle Paul have accused him by saying he is a pleaser of people and tries to get the acceptance of people. However, when you read his epistles, do you understand him as a people pleaser or God pleaser? He faithfully proclaimed the pure and true gospel that is entrusted to him. He preached and wrote Jesus is the only way to God, and there is no other way.

Jesus himself stated the truth of the gospel when he said, “ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Apostle Peter, who was with the Lord Jesus in his earthly ministry, declared this to the rulers and elders of the people, “Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12.

Apostle John wrote this as the last verse of his book in John 20:31, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:22-25, God’s salvation or God’s righteousness is given to people freely by their faith in Christ Jesus because all people everywhere have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Listen to what he wrote, “This righteousness (means God’s righteousness or salvation) is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,   and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,  through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.”

The background of our insight is standing for the truth of the gospel of God. Even though His enemies accused Paul of seeking acceptance from people, the truth is this- when it comes to the gospel of God, he was not a men pleasure or did not seek approval from People. He faithfully proclaimed the gospel. In contrast, his enemies were the people-pleasers because they wanted the approval of people by accepting the multiway salvation theory invented by humans. God has only one way to reach to him for his salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. That is the person and work of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. There are no several ways or multi ways to God. Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:3-6, “this is good, and pleases God our savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. And for this purpose, I was appointed a herald and an apostle- I am telling the truth, I am not lying- and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.”

You see, God wants all people to be saved by coming to the knowledge of the truth. The truth He wishes to acknowledge is “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, Christ Jesus. Because Jesus is the only one who gave himself as a ransom for all people everywhere, by shedding his divine blood for the atonement of people’s sin.

Humanity’s salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life are available in Jesus Christ. This is ‘the truth’!

Are you a people pleaser or a God pleaser? Are you for the acceptance of people or the acceptance of God? You cannot expect both. Either you would please God, or you would please people. If you want to please God and want to get the acceptance of God, then faithfully acknowledge and preach the truth God revealed for our salvation and eternal life. Our today’s insight also says, “If I wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” You see, you cannot please people and continue living as a servant of Christ.

When it comes to the good news of the gospel, you can not be vague. It is crystal clear no one else can save people because there is no other name given from heaven and God for man’s salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.

I hope you would not waste your time in this life trying to please people and looking for the clapping of their hands. Live to please God and enjoy his acceptance.

“Father in heaven, I believe I can get forgiveness of my sins, salvation, and eternal life in Jesus. I repent of my sins and call His name for help. Please save me and grant me eternal life. I believe Jesus died, buried, and rose again for me and my sins. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Trust God when going gets tough.

“We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit.” 2 Corinthians 4:8 (b). 

My life did not go the way I planned or hoped. I had setbacks and valley experiences in my life. Now the question is, what would we do when life makes its turn in an unpleasant, unplanned route? The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:8, “Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option.” TPT. In essence, what Apostle Paul says is this – we don’t know why certain things happen to hurt us. However, he says giving up is not an option.

The Bible gives the needed wisdom. When life takes sharp, unpleasant, and unplanned steps, trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. 6 In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” TLB. Number one – trust the LORD completely. Second, lean not on your own understanding or do not trust on your analysis of things., Thirdly, acknowledge Him in all your ways which mean put God first. Then the promise of God is “He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”

God gave me this verse in my heart very early in my life. Therefore when things took unexpected and bad turns in my life, I knew what to do. You can also keep this verse in your heart and trust in the Lord and his promise of success and deliverance. 

When going gets tough, and believe me, it will; as you mature and progress in life, you need the LORD and His salvation. God loves you and sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to save you and make you His child. God gave you the privilege to become His child. It is a divine and most blessed privilege to understand God is your Father, and you can call him Abba, Father. It is possible when you believe Jesus died and rose again for all of your sins. 

The first step of trusting God is by coming to Jesus. Then He would give you insights on how to trust in God more and more. One day without much long time, you would figure out you can climb all the sharp and rugged mountains of life because He gives you help and victory. Finally, when you close your eyes here on this earth, you will be in heaven. Not based on your merit and works, but based on what God has done for you in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Pray now. “Father in heaven, Help me to trust you when I do not know which way to turn. Please guide my steps and give me your divine success. I trust in you. I am not leaning on my best abilities. Lord, I put you first in my life. Would you please direct my steps so that I will be in the center of your will? I believe Jesus died, buried, and rose again for my sins. I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive my sins and save me today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Murderous Saul became the channel of the grace of Christ. What would you do with the call of Jesus?

“I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:17-18

Today’s insight is part of Paul’s testimony in front of King Agrippa. The conversion of Saul, a zealot Jew who opposed Christianity and Jesus Christ, to Paul an apostle and missionary of Jesus is an amazing, incredible, and divine work of God. He became the great man who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament books of the Bible. He wrote the books of Romans, Galatians, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and the list goes on. Paul says about himself, who he was before Jesus Christ encountered him. Listen to what he says in Acts 26:10-11.

He says he put many of the Lord’s people in prison. Not only he arrested the Christians but also he put them to death by giving his approval to kill them. He traveled from synagogue to synagogue and got the followers of Christ and punished them. He forced them to blaspheme. In other words, he pushed the saints and believers in Jesus Christ to renounce their faith in Him. He threatened them that he would kill them if they do not blaspheme or deny the faith in Christ. Those who did not renounce the faith he cruelly murdered. He says He was so obsessed with persecuting the Christians that he hunted them down even in foreign cities. Being a zealous follower of the Jewish Law, he believed he was doing justice and favor to the God in heaven by killing them. In 1 Timothy 1:13, he later admitted he acted in ignorance and unbelief. The early church feared only one name in those days, and that was the name of Saul. He wanted to shut down the spread of the Jesus Christ movement and put an end to its growth.

When Stephen was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and proving that fact Jesus is the promised savior of the world, the members of the Sanhedrin were furious and gnashed their teeth, and they were dragged out of the city and stoned him to death. When they were stoning Stephen to death, the people gave their shirts and coats at the feet of this young man, Saul. Bible said when they were stoning Stephen to death with the approval of Saul, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Saul was Stephen’s enemy. However, Stephen’s death, I believe, influenced this zealot Jew called Saul. Stephens’ was a very short life and only one preaching was recorded from him in Acts 7. The first martyrdom was Stephan’s that launched the widespread growth of the early church.

Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. He said this to King Agrippa, on the way to Damascus around noontime, Jesus confronted him. He fell on the ground when he saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun was blazing around him. He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” He got the answer, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’. Did you notice Saul was persecuting the believers in Jesus Christ and Lord was saying he was persecuting Him? Jesus says here -persecuting and attacking the believers in Christ is equal to persecuting and attacking Jesus Christ. Then the Lord said “Now get up on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles.

Our today’s insight comes right here. Then Jesus said to him, “ I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Beloved, Lord Jesus gave a brand new assignment and vision to Saul. God in heaven turned around Saul into a fantastic Paul. The change that happened to him was humanly unbelievable. But “what is impossible to man is possible to God” Luke 18:27. The Lord revolved around his life 180 degrees for His divine and eternal purpose. The Lord would send him to his own people (Jews) and the Gentiles (foreign countries). What is going to be the result? As a result, he will open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and sanctification.

Saul gave the rest of his life for the call and purpose of Jesus Christ. He said to King Agrippa in Acts 26:19 that, “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” He became the most significant missionary and apostle of Jesus Christ. He led many people to the true one living God. He preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ and established churches and wrote many books in the New Testament section of the Holy Bible.

Beloved, if God can convert a cruel criminal like Saul to a loving servant of God, he can do the same thing in your life or in anyone’s life. Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15-17, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. However, for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
He testifies he was the worst of sinners. However, Christ displayed his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. All of his sins were washed away, wiped away by the power of the divine and innocent blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

My friend, Got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, I believe the blood of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, can wipe away all of my sins. Lord if you had mercy and patience toward Saul who became Paul for your ministry, you can change me inside out by your divine touch and power. Lord, come to my heart and transform me and use me from today onwards for your eternal purposes. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6.

God gives wisdom generously without finding fault when you ask for it.

Bible says we need to ask God for wisdom before we take a course of action or decision. The reason is that none of us have perfect wisdom to choose the right decision or action. God is the source of all true and pure wisdom. Therefore, we need God’s wisdom in making decisions. Because God knows what the future holds, he can give us His wisdom. Before you make a decision, ask God for wisdom in prayer. In other words, pray to God something like this. God, I come to you in prayer. I do not know what to choose. I pray you to give me the wisdom to choose the right action. Thank you for the promise that you will generously give me wisdom without finding fault with me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. The Bible says God likes such prayer. It says God gives his wisdom generously, and he would not find fault with you when you ask for wisdom. (vs.5). God likes you asking him for wisdom. He will never find fault with you. He will not dislike such prayer.

What was the last time you asked for God’s wisdom before making decisions? Ask and He will give wisdom and guide you generously. He won’t get upset with you.

But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. In other words, you must believe that God will give the wisdom to choose the right path. God is serious in saying he will generously give wisdom if you ask him, and accordingly, you must believe it.

Listen! God’s guidance and wisdom he gives never contradicts what he already said in the Bible. God never changes, and his principles never change. What he stated in the Bible stands true forever and ever. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35. You are going to get guidance and wisdom according to the words written in the Bible.

Now, if you are going to do something that is not according to God’s word in the Bible, it is not God’s wisdom, and he does not give it. God’s wisdom always is in tune with His word- the Bible.

After you ask and receive his guidance, you move on, trusting him, who helped you decide. Because after you sought God and he helped you to choose, then if you look back and doubt, you are again like a wave in the sea, blown and tossed by the wind, unstable in your ways. You decided after seeking God in prayer. Trust God, even though there could still be rough roads with that decision. God is with you, and you can lean on him. But never doubt and be unstable over the decision you made with God.

Double mindedness is not spiritually healthy for your progress in the Lord. After prayed and made a decision with God, then move on; trusting the good Lord will help and enable you. Do not be double-minded and consequently unstable in your ways.

God promised in the Bible that Hee loves you and gave His one and only Son, Jesus, to have forgiveness of all your sins and eternal life in heaven with him at the moment of your death. You believed it and accepted His promise. Then do not doubt your salvation and future eternal security when rough things happen in your life because of your mistakes or other people’s mistakes.  The one who promised is one hundred percent reliable. God never lies. The Bible says, “God is not a man, that he should lie.” Numbers 23:19. What he promised he will fulfill. Philippians 1:6 says, “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” CSB

Now, suppose you have not accepted God’s promise of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life available in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ, as of yet. In that case, you can ask Him in prayer now, and He will give you in response to your prayer.

Fasten the seatbelt of God’s promises and His eternal Word.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2 (b)

 

When I look at my small girl who is three years old, I know she needs at least three things to develop. She needs her dad and mom (parents), God, and time. You see, I cannot get impatient or angry with her because she has not grown and developed. She needs loving care of us, divine protection and help from God, and need time. I cannot expedite the growing process. It takes time. I must be humble, gentle, and patient. I make allowance for her faults because of my love.

You see, the same is right about you. You need the loving care and guidance of spiritually mature Christians; you need the divine love, care, and protection of God, and of course, you need time. God teaches us to be humble, gentle, and patient when giving us a family, especially with small children at home.

Those who are in farming know the fact they must patiently wait for the harvest season. They cannot expedite the process either. It takes time and God’s provisions of rain in seasons. The Bible says in James 5 that you must also be eagerly waiting and patient for the return of the Lord Jesus.

Bible asks us to apply these values –humility, gentleness, and patience- in our communities. Due to the severely testing days of COVID-19 around the world, how do we keep these traits in our dealings? How do we keep these traits in our local churches? In our work and families? It takes a big dose of patience, doesn’t it?

You see, God’s word is powerful. It can create wonder-working changes in us when we listen to it. It has the divine power packed in it to transform inside out. Secondly, the awareness and reminding of the Word of God help not to forget it. Thirdly, the Holy Spirit of God works in us to yield and obey the word of God. Fourthly, even though many confusion and uncertainties we face these days, we can be sure of one truth. The truth is that God is in control. He knows what He is doing. He has a definite plan to fulfill in our lives and the course of this world. The world and its affairs are moving toward His final goal. The final culmination is the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom. Daniel 2 gave the prophecy that God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all the kingdoms the world has witnessed into nothingness, and it will stand forever.

In God’s process of fulfilling His promise, the Bible faithfully reminds us there are many quakes and shakes. When things get closer to His goal’s climax, the world can expect God’s wrath on this world for all of its rebelliousness, unconfessed sins, and wickedness.

If you are in the safe boat of Jesus Christ, you are safe, like those in Noah’s ark. You will safely land in the harbor with no issues because a child of God is in His hands safe and secure through all the roller coaster ride experiences of this world and life. We are in one of those roller coaster ride called COVID-19 and worldwide economic depression right now. Hold on tight to God’s word and beautiful promises. No matter what happens, you will be secure in God’s hand and will reach the beautiful shore with all excitement and gladness at the end. “Therefore, always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Now, if you do not yet find refuge in the safe ark of Jesus Christ, come in now. It is not late as of yet. Get in and be safe.

“Father in heaven, Thank you I can face tomorrow and all its challenges because you are with me through it all. I find and accept refuge in the person and work of Jesus Christ for me. I believe he died, buried, and rose again to make me acceptable to God by canceling my sins and shortcomings on the cross.  I accept him as my savior and Lord. Thank you for keeping me safe through it all. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Every hurt, pain, disappointment brings home an unalterable truth.

“and I know God has made everything beautiful for its time. God has also placed in our minds a sense of eternity; we look back on the past and ponder over the future, yet we cannot understand the doings of God.” (The voice) Ecclesiastes 3:11

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. “(NASB) Ecclesiastes 3:11

We will never be entirely happy on this side of eternity. Moreover, we will never enjoy the full rest on this side of eternity, either. Nothing would make you comfortable and restful here on this earth. The world may give temporary joy, comfort, and rest, but not permanent ones. Our today’s insight says the reason. It says God has made everything appropriate in its time. The Voice translation says God has made everything beautiful for its time. He has planted or set eternity in people’s hearts, and we are made for heaven to live with him. Our soul will never find meaning in whatever the world can offer us. Out thirst and hunger will never be satisfied here. This is why the wiser man ever lived on this earth said after experiencing the meaninglessness of happiness, joy, work, knowledge, and all said the statement -vanity, vanity, everything is vanity apart from God. All are vanity and chasing after the wind if we do not have God’s perspective in our hearts. When the most successful man on this earth, King Solomon, who enjoyed all life could offer to its very best, says this comment after chasing and enjoying all, we better give listening ears to what He said.

The issue is we often find ourselves in discontent, displeasure, and even discouraged because our longing for eternity (that God planted inside us) is not here as of yet. We are made for God and heaven. Until we reach there and live with the God of the universe, our soul would not know the true joy, comfort, and rest. Every hurt, pain, and frustration brings home this unalterable truth. 

Hebrews 11:9 says, Abraham, by faith, lived in the promised land like a sojourner (traveler or stranger) in a foreign country. He lived in tents as did his sons, Isaac and Jacob. The reason is he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Abraham and his sons and all the faith warriors of the old lived on this earth, admitted that they are foreigners and strangers here. It says they were looking for a better country- a heavenly one because they knew God had prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16.

Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20-21, “but our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” 

Beloved, are you in displeasure, discontent, and even discouraged? Do not worry. You are not alone. Join the vast club of all humanity. Remember, you are made for God and heaven, and God planted eternity in your heart. You try to understand the incidents of the past and ponder over the future, don’t you? You can not make sense of it all. Remember, you are not expected to be. Bible says God has made everything beautiful for its time. He will make it meaningful for you at the appropriate time. You will understand God’s work from the beginning to the end on that day when you would be with Him eternally.

Are you going to be in heaven with God eternally? Are you sure? I hope you are confident. If not, listen to the Bible says, “For God so loved the world (you) that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. There is no shadow of a doubt. You have eternal life in heaven with God if you believe in Jesus. You will never perish but have eternal life. Notice the verb ‘have.’ It does not say you may have it if all other things look good. It does not say you will have it either, although it would be a true statement. However, it tells you ‘have’ it. It is a present reality for all who believe in Jesus Christ because he died, buried, and rose again to forgive and reconcile you to God and grant you to eternity.

“Father in heaven, I understand the reason for my displeasure and discontentment in life. I will be truly happy and restful only when I am with you in heaven. I thank you that you sent your Son, Jesus, for my sins, and he died and rose again for me. I accept Jesus as my savior and Lord. I repent of my sins and turn to you in faith and trust. Please forgive me. Thank you for saving and granting me eternal life. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.