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“For God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” TLV. (1 John 3:20) 

Recent Corona Virus outbreak worries people. For the last few days the stock market plunged and today the market closed down more than 2000 points. The more years we live on this earth, the more we accept the fact that we do not know what the future holds. We have some idea or understanding in our hearts. However, God is greater than our hearts. He knows all things – He knows our individual future as well. We do not know what tomorrow brings to us, do we? We do not even know what today night will bring forth. Our understanding is limited to finite knowledge, our past and present experiences.

A phone call during night hours, a routine doctor visit or travel on the road or air, can change our future forever. Our knowledge is finite. However, God’s knowledge is infinite. He knows all things- past, present, and future. He knows the future of the earth and the universe. He knows all about our future as well. God declares this in Isaiah 46:9-10, “For I am God—there is no other. I am God, and there is none like Me—declaring the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is yet to come.”

You see, God does not have the limitation and restriction of time. God made time (Genesis 1). People live in the boundaries and limitations of time now. God is eternal, and He sees and knows all- past and future – as a present. Though we do not know our future, being God, He had already seen our future. He knew it all, and He had already made a perfect plan for your future.

Today’s Bible insight says “for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” when your hearts condemn, worries, afraid, we can rest on God because God is greater than our hearts and He knows all things. Because He knows He cares and plans for us.

Remember Job never knew in his limited knowledge that one day would bring such tide and calamities one after another and change the course of his life. However, God knew it all. God had already pre-planned well for Job, didn’t He? Beloved, the same God is our God. This is why we have to lean on God and trust Him every-day. We can grab hold of His promises in the Bible and ask Him to hold our hands into the unknown future.

Because God knows it all already, He will provide the grace, strength, direction, protection, comforts, and wisdom for us. If He already knows our future, will He not protect, comfort and meet all our needs? Jesus said, “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” TLB Matthew 6:34. God will take care of your tomorrow. He has myriads of angels at his disposal to take care of your needs. You see, God takes full responsibility for your future. This is what Jesus meant. Bible says in Romans 8:31-32, “What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” This question in the Bible demands from us an affirmative response of faith in Him. Yes, He will Indeed give us everything else!

Does God talk to humanity through the incident of the Corona Virus? Of course, I believe He does. God says to call upon me. He says I gave my one and only Son, Jesus Christ to help you come to me and enjoy all that I have for you. He shakes you to get your attention and lovingly bids you come and accept His Son and the savior of the world, Jesus, before it gets late. Let not death get you without Jesus inside you. Become a child of the loving God by accepting Jesus Christ as your savior. Then face death boldly because you would be in heaven with Him the moment you die. 

Beloved, Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for reminding you are greater than our hearts and thoughts. I believe you know all the things about my future. I want to hold your eternal, comforting and strong hand as I step into my future. Lord, help me do not worry about tomorrow. You promised you will take care of me and my tomorrow. I believe because you gave up your only Son, Jesus Christ, for all of my sins, you will surely give me everything else I need. I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord. Please save me and bless me with your love. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”

 

 

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Remember Peter asked Jesus, “Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come, Jesus said”. This is how stepping out in faith looks like. All night the disciples’ boat was buffeted by the waves because of dangerous and strong wind against it. Just shortly before dawn, Jesus went to them, walking on the lake. They were terrified and thought it is a ghost. Jesus said, “take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Immediately Peter said if it is you, Lord I want to walk on the water to come to you. Jesus said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 

If it is Jesus, would you put your feet on the water to walk toward him?

You see, the truth is this -the spirit of God fills you with His power each moment you take a step of faith trusting in the Lord Jesus. If you want to taste the walk by faith, you have to step out in faith. You and I can’t sit around idle and wait for the walk of faith to happen. 

To walk or live (the word translated walk or live in different translations) by faith, we need to listen to the Word of God and prompting of the Holy Spirit inside us. We need both the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. If the Word of God and the voice of the Holy Spirit prompt you to do a certain thing for the cause of the Lord Jesus, then just step out in faith and do it. You will be amazed by the fruit it would produce. Peter heard the voice of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit prompted him. He placed his feet in the water. The next thing he knew – he started walking on the water. It does not matter if you get afraid of looking at the wind. Why? Jesus is there to reach out to you with His strong hand and grab hold of you. Exercise your little faith. Jesus asked Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt? He honors your step of faith. You are closer to Him when you exercise your faith in action. 

The scripture from the beginning to the end illustrates this truth with numerous examples that God’s Holy Spirit empowers the one who steps out in faith for Him. You may say I am not the right person. But then who is the right person? If you study the pages of the Bible, God used imperfect people like you and I. However, they were willing to be used by God and put their feet in the water and moved with God. Be it Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Joshua, Samson or other faith warriors. Peter stepped out in faith during the fearful strong winds and waves, in physical and mental fatigue of striving for life all night. Do not wait to become perfect to step out in faith. You will never be perfect to step out in faith. Do not wait to become more mature, confident or strong. Jesus calls you now to walk in faith. 

If you have not accepted Jesus as your savior, step out in faith and walk toward Jesus today despite your circumstances, weaknesses, problems, anxieties, and fears. Jesus calls you. The blood of Christ cleanses all and makes you a new creature ready to be used by Him. Bible says, the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all our sins. (1 John 1:7). You can pray with me to respond to His divine call. 

Now if you are already a believer in Jesus Christ, what is the next step of faith you going to take? The world could never fathom in its imagination what wonderful and great things God would do with the life of a believer in Christ who steps out in faith for His cause. 

May that be you today!

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I accept your Son, Jesus Christ, the savior of the whole world, as my savior and Lord. Please forgive my sins and cleanse and make me a new person as you promised. Lord, I want to step out in faith and do what you want me to do for your kingdom. Show me what I should do and guide me with your Holy Spirit. I am ready to move with you to fulfill your purposes. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.”

 

 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you.” 1st Peter 4:12.

Living in this world every day requires a lasting and enduring hope. We hear the saying, “think positively”. Certainly, it is a good idea to avoid negative thinking. However, you and I need more than ‘positive thinking’ because you can think positively and still arrive at hopelessness. Just a positive mindset would not be the answer to the issues, heartaches, and problems we all face. We need something to look forward and that something must be real and completely trustworthy. That something must be a happy ending and joy-filled.

When the Bible says put your hope in God, the reason is God has something praiseworthy, joyful to look forward with no shadow of a doubt for his child. Through all your issues, heartaches and problems, God is preparing you for His cause. Besides, He prepares for a wonderful and glorious future in heaven with Him forever.

This is what our insight reminds us of today. Listen, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you.”

Life has thrown something bad at you unexpectedly. And you think man, something strange happened to you, don’t you? You say my world has collapsed on me. However, the Bible says do not be surprised when bad things happen. It may be a surprise and strange matter to you. However, it was not a surprise to God. It is meant to be tested on you. You may not like the test but God gives tests like school children get tests in school. God allows testing to see if you would pass the test. Students know a test is required to get promoted to the next grade, don’t they? God tests you to prepare you for Him and joy-filled eternity with Him. Therefore, nothing should surprise you if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. It is easy to say than to put it in practice, I know. Remember, first of all, you are in God’s hand safe and secure. Second of all, what is going to last forever is not the fiery ordeal you face now, but your joy and glory with Him forever.

Amid all the fiery ordeals, it is not the positive thinking that is going to get your through. It is the unshakable hope in the Lord and His promises. Verse 13 says to rejoice when you participate in such God approved sufferings. Why? Strange as it sounds like, however, because when you come out of the test victorious, the Bible says you would be joy-filled or overjoyed at the shining greatness of the glory of God. You would see God at his greatest shining and glory, provided you stay faithful to Him. Is it possible to rejoice? It is possible if you have the assurance of the result.

Beloved, your issues prepare you to see God’s shining glory and greatness in a brand new fashion. Besides, your testing or trials will prove your faith and hope in Him is genuine, and not fake. Some people are inclined to throw away their precious faith in the Lord even at the outset of fiery ordeals. That shows their faith in the Lord was not genuine. If your faith and trust in the Lord are genuine, you would come out of it purified like gold. And when your faith stays strong through your trials, not only you will be overwhelmed with the joy of God’s great greatness and glory but also you will receive much praise, glory, and honor. Both of these two things happened at the fiery ordeals Joseph and Daniel faced.

The enduring hope that pulls you through is the truth that God gets you ready for the next grade in faith life, to see His shining greatness, to receive praise and glory, eternity with Him and future wonderful rewards. Now, do you think tests and trials could very well be a matter of rejoicing?

“Father in heaven, If you sovereignly hand-picked, custom made my test and trails, I do not need to surprise and feel weighed down. Help me pass the test victoriously with your help. I lean on you Lord for your love, help, and deliverance. I look and wait upon you until the fiery ordeals run its full course. I know I am safe in your loving and all-powerful hand. May I live by faith and not by sight in these times. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.” Hebrews 5:12.

Spiritual growth and maturity do not happen automatically. Those who have children know infants and kids would not grow to adulthood automatically. We parents feed them, give them proper sleep, protect them from bad weather and dangerous conditions. Parents have a plan to make their young ones grow and mature.

The same way your spiritual growth also needs a plan. We come across believers who believed in Jesus Christ many years ago. However, still, we know they have not grown to spiritual maturity. Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2 says, ”As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”. Newborn babes craving form milk is so severe that they cry without stopping until she or he get the breastfeeding. Bible says the same you who are newly born into God’s family by accepting Jesus as your savior and Lord, should desire the word of God which is the Bible. A newborn Christian must have the craving to listen to the Bible and Bible messages. What is the result? That you may grow thereby. There is no other way to grow if you are a newborn Christian. You need to listen and study the Word of God.

Therefore, the number one plan is craving to study the Word of God. It would gradually result in your spiritual growth and maturity.

Now, the Holy Spirit is the agent who causes you to grow spiritually. In addition to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit of God uses those scriptures you learned to grow in Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit who is inside the believer of Jesus Christ, reminds, teaches, guides, comforts, helps them to grow in the Lord. The whole triune God-Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are instrumental in your spiritual growth. However, the Bible also indicates the Holy Spirit plays a major role in spiritual growth.

Therefore, by understanding the cardinal role of the Holy Spirit, the Bible says a believer yields himself or herself to the Holy Spirit. This is another reason for the absence of spiritual growth and maturity. A Christian who is not willing to yield to the Holy Spirit would not grow spiritually as intended by God. Yielding to the Holy Spirit means to walk with the Holy Spirit. We can walk by the flesh and walk by the spirit. It is our choice whom we are going to yield- flesh or the Holy Spirit living inside us. This is a choice we should make each time a choice is presented to us. Yield to the Holy Spirit and do not yield to the flesh.

Hence ask two important questions: Am I desirous to study the Word of God? Am I yielded to the Holy Spirit? Many people are not serious in good Bible studies. If you are not serious about the quality of the Bible study, then do not expect spiritual growth happens automatically. Similarly, if you fail in yielding to the Holy Spirit spiritual growth is hindered.

Thirdly, spiritual growth takes time. A new Christian is not spiritually matured nor developed simply because of the absence of a pretty good knowledge of the word of God and the opportunity to yield to the Holy Spirit. As both of these emerges in due time, spiritual growth and maturity happen. The time taken for spiritual maturity is not the same for everybody. A person who studies the Word of God intensively and willing to yield to the Holy Spirit would achieve growth in a shorter time span.

Spiritual growth is also seen in how one brings fruits for others by the gifts of the Holy Spirit sovereignly given to you. A spiritually developed person knows and uses the gifts given in an effective way for the glowy of the Lord’s name.

You see, spiritual growth is not automatic. It must be thought for and planned for. You see we give enough thought about our future career, our financial goals, children’s education, and future, and our retirement. However, when it comes to the most important individual matter of our life which has a current and eternal impact, our spiritual growth, we cannot afford to give less priority. Your rewards here and eternity are hinged on your personal spiritual growth.

True spiritual growth and maturity have a beginning point. The beginning point is the time you accept the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as your savior and Lord, because God loves you and gave His Son to die in your place for all of your sins. Have you accepted God’s gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life available in Christ Jesus?

God wants you to grow. He does not want you to stay in the infant, toddler and young stage all through your allotted time here on this planet earth. He expects us to stand in front of him developed and spiritually matured by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, although spiritual perfection now is not possible on this side of eternity.

“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17.

We will discuss the source, ingredients, object and the outcome of faith.

Our insight says hearing the message, the word of Christ is the source of faith. It says “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Your listening to the messages springs forth faith inside you. Your faith and increase of faith are directly proportional to the hearing of the word of God. This alludes to why people are not growing in faith- the absence of the opportunities to listen to the messages of Jesus Christ.

Now let us define faith. Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1. It says faith is the assurance of things we hope for. Not only it is the assurance of our hope, but also faith is the conviction of things not seen. 2 Corinthian s 4:7 says, “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” The three ingredients of faith are ‘assurance’, ‘conviction’ and “walk with no sight”. 

Verse 3 of Hebrews 11 reveals the object of faith. The true object of faith is God. It says, by faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of visible things. Faith becomes true faith when the object of your faith is none other than God. Bible repeatedly admonishes us to place our faith and trust in God.

How does it all work? How does faith with assurance, conviction and yet with no sight works? You see Hebrews chapter 11 shows how faith works. First, you hear the message from God- it portrays a mental image inside you. It creates a vision or idea in you. Abel when he heard from his parents how God took care of their sin issue, got an idea or vision about what God wants. Therefore he brought God a better offering than Cain- an animal sacrifice. He understood an animal sacrifice is what God wanted based on the message he heard.  

Enoch walked with God. He got an idea or vision of God that created a thirst for him to walk with God. This idea of thirst to be with God resulted in God taking him to his presence one day. He walked with God and God took him to His presence.

Noah heard a very strange message from God, about things he has never seen or ever imagine. However, he believed in God’s word. In his assurance and conviction of the word of God, he started working on an ark to save his family. When Abraham got the word of God, he obeyed and left, even though he did not know where he was going.

You see, you listen to the message of Christ and it moves you. It creates a mental picture, idea, a strong desire, or vision inside you. As a result, you take action by placing your assurance and conviction on God and His word, who talked to you through the messages.

Beloved, it all starts with hearing/listening to the word of God. Now you are listening to the word of God. This is the beginning point or source of faith. God divinely bring forth seeds of faith inside you. As a result, you put your faith in whom who sent the message to you- God, the object of faith. The essential ingredients are assurance, conviction and journey with no sight to see, but leaning on the Word of God. 

Finally, Genuine faith in God always results in action. Everyone’s response or action may not be the same. Each of the faith warriors described in Hebrews 11 had a different course of action. Abel brought a better offering, Enoch walked with God continuously, Noah built an ark, Abraham left his familiar people and location, Sarah although past childbearing age considered God faithful who made the promise, In faith, Isaac blessed all his children, Joseph gave instruction about the burial of his bones, Moses parents hid and kept him for three months not fearing the king, Moses, by faith, when he was grown made up his mind to get mistreated with the people of God than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin, and the list goes on.

Faith in God causes you to move and take certain actions. I do not know what action you should take. However, as you listen to God’s word on an ongoing basis, you would sense it inside you. You see, although it was an embarrassment for Naomi to go back to Bethlehem, the same place she and her deceased husband left after she suffered the big loss in Moab. However, her faith moved her to take that long walk back to Bethlehem with Ruth, both being widows by this time. They both came back to the city empty-handed. However, God already pre-arranged all for them when they took those steps of faith to Bethlehem. This is what faith does. God filled their desires and even fulfilled His seed promise (He made to Abraham) in that step of faith. Jesus Christ comes through the genealogy Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz. God gives faith by hearing the word of God. Then the faith moves to take some action in whom who sent the message having assurance, confidence in God although nothing to see.

 God takes all the glory and you become an agent for His glory.

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1st Corinthians 2:11-12

No one knows the thoughts of another person. Only I know my thoughts and plans. The mind and thoughts of the almighty, omnipotent,  and omnipresent God are fully known only the Spirit of God. However, God has given us His Holy Spirit inside us when we repented of our sins and believed in Christ Jesus for salvation. Now because we have the Holy Spirit, although we do not know fully all the thoughts of God, we can understand what God desires and cares about from the pages of the Bible and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Aren’t we eager to know the desires of our dear ones- spouse, children, family members, and friends? However, did you ever stop and think about what God desires? Once you learn what God desires or cares about, then you can align your thought process to what he cares. What a great blessing it would be!

First of all, God cares about his creation, especially the men and women he created. When Bible says, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life, what He meant is He loves the people in the world – Precisely you and me.

Bible says in 2nd Peter 3:9 that God is patient and he does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Therefore God loves the people and does not want anyone to perish but he wants everyone to repent of their sins and come to His Son, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. By understanding this truth about God’s desire, you can fulfill His desire by repenting of the sins and shortcomings and accepting Jesus Christ. Now confession of our sins and shortcomings and agreeing with God our faults must be an ongoing nature of our lives. Because God desires that we repent and confess our faults. 

Alternatively, because God loves and cares about people’s salvation and repentance, you can use your life to do what God desires the most- by spreading the good news of the grace, forgiveness, and salvation available in Jesus Christ. Jesus cares about taking the Gospel to everyone. He said just before his ascension this, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8(b).

Secondly, God says in Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” God wants you to be merciful. He says he prefers mercy and compassion more than your sacrifice or worship. Of course, God seeks true worshippers per John 4:23(c). However, if you are not merciful and compassionate to others, then what good is your worship? Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that “blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Jesus even quoted from the Old Testament and said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice, then you would not have condemned the innocent.” (Matthew 9:13 and Matthew 9:13).

Thirdly, God desires glory due to his great name and be thankful. Romans 1:18-32 talks about people who would not give glory to His great name and not thankful. It lists serious and very dangerous consequences of an unthankful heart toward God. Bible repeatedly says be thankful to God. God desires your thankfulness because He freely gives many things for our daily lives and saves our soul from eternal destruction. He cares about your gratitude.

Fourthly, God cares about you because you are His child bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 1st Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Did you hear? He cares for you. God said in Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” What a loving promise He made for you! Again the Bible says God cares about you in Revelation 12:4, “He (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” God not only cares for your today, He cares for your future wellbeing and comforts as well. Why does God do this? Job 14:15 says, “God longs for the creature his hands have made.” How much more he long and cares about you once you become his adopted child in and through His Son, Jesus Christ? Beloved, God longs for you and He cares for you.

You see, Jesus said to the Father God in heaven, just before his crucifixion for the remission of all your sins and it is recorded in John 17:24, “Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made.” Jesus wants you to be with him in glory so that you would see his glory, the glory Jesus, the Son of God always had even before the world was made. He wants to share his glory with you. He wants to be joyful in his presence by gazing at his glory and the glory He shares with you. This is why Jesus said this “do not be worried and upset, Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many mansions in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not so. After I prepare the place for you, I will come back and take you myself, so that you will be where I am.” Don’t you know there are multiple things to worry about now? However, Jesus says do not be worried and upset. Believe in God and Jesus. Because one day pretty soon you will be where Jesus is.

You see, God personally cares about you and He wants you to be with Him all through eternity. You are lovingly invited to be in heaven with God. If you have not responded to God’s loving, gracious call, why don’t you do it today?

Father in heaven, Help to understand what you desire and care about and allow me to align my thought process with your desires. I believe your desire is my repentance, and salvation by coming to Jesus Christ. I invite Jesus to my life and forgive my sins and save me now. Lord, help me to be merciful and thankful. I know you long for me and care about me. I know you will come back to take me with you to heaven. I thank and worship you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I  pray. Amen.”

“Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. Acts 22:8.
“‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. Acts 22:10

When Jesus knocked Saul down, he asked two cardinal questions- who are you, Lord? And what shall I do, Lord?

Do you know why God chose Saul, an arch-enemy of Jesus and Christians to become an apostle who would take the Gospel of Jesus to the then-unknown world of Gentiles and their kings? I do not know. However, the truth is God chose him for this big and huge task. 11 disciples followed Jesus and were the closest disciples of Jesus. They did not get this unusual privilege of taking the Gospel to the gentiles and their kings, but one who was an enemy of Jesus and the Gospel got it. Mind-boggling, right?

No doubt, Saul was proud and arrogant. He used to breathe murderous threats against the disciples of Jesus. He was zealous for God because he was a strict Jew who studied the scripture under Gamaliel and accurately trained in the old testament scriptures. He went to the High Priests and asked for an approval letter to arrest and drag men and women who were the followers of Jesus and arrested them. He tortured and killed many. He testified he persecuted the follower of Jesus to their death. (Acts 22).

You see God had to knock him down to the ground to strip him off his pride and arrogance, which he did when Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest the believers. Suddenly as he was walking a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice that said to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” First question -Saul asked, “who are you, Lord?” His response “Lord” shows his pride and arrogance were knocked down successfully by Jesus. Saul asked a second important question, “what shall I do Lord?” Jesus replied to both of his questions. Jesus said, “ I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, no get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” This was the command of Jesus after knocking him down on his way to Damascus. Saul got up from the ground. When he opened his eyes he could see nothing. People helped him to walk into Damascus. He was blind for three days and did not eat or drink anything.

By the way, these are the two questions we all must ask Jesus. Who are you, Lord? and What shall I do Lord? First questions clarify who Jesus is to you. The second question reveals what is His plan for your life.

On a side note, Lord appeared to Ananias and said to him to go and visit Saul. However, Ananias was afraid to meet Saul because he heard many reports about the harm Saul had done to Christians. The Lord said to Ananias this and it is a noteworthy statement. He said, “Go! This man (referring to Saul) is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16).

Beloved, how things turned around in minutes/hours and days? A hard man, full of pride and arrogant who hated the genuine and true Christian believers, God chose him to the apostle to the Gentiles, their kings, and Israel. Moreover, He was chosen to suffer much for the sake of the name of Jesus.

Later he wrote to Timothy in 1st Timothy 1:8-17 these words, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But 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.”

Each of the words of his testimony is important to think over. Paul admits he was a blasphemer, persecutor, violent man. He was shown mercy. The grace of our Lord was poured out on him abundantly. He says Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners- of whom he recognized he was the worst sinner. He is an example for anyone who is out there who thirsts for God’s immense patience. He ended up attributing high worth to God when he summed up.

The lesson is this – If God would forgive Saul of Tarsus he would forgive you if you repent and call upon the name of Jesus. Moreover, Jesus would commission you by choosing you as a chosen vessel for his name and glory for the rest of your life.

Are you ready? Let God finish his work of knocking you down. God does His miracles after breaking. God would prove to you He is the God of impossible. He did this to Saul. Truly, without breaking no call for His work and ministry happens. Your breaking and your right response to His breaking would determine what you are going to do for Him for the rest of your life.

“Father in heaven, I know you sent your Son, Jesus, from heaven to redeem me from my sins and shortcomings.  I know you knocked Saul down and stripped off his pride and turned him around and used him as an honorable vessel for your name. May I am not ashamed when you break me. Lord, help me and give me the strength to go through the breaking process. May I be faithful through it all. I am confused and afraid. However, I lean on you for you to come for my rescue with your wonderworking hands. Lord Jesus, I call upon your name for help and salvation. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Hebrews 1:3 (a).

We are using yesterday’s Bible verse again to highlight three more points.

Do you know you cannot be born again into God’s family by your effort? Our insight says God causes us to be born again. It is the God of great mercy who does it. Being born again is supernatural and mysterious (John 3). Now, many people listen to the message of the hope and life available in Jesus Christ. Then they turn off the radio, internet and go away with no impulse or prompting inside them. Listen! When you listen to this message if you want to know more about it and think you need Jesus, then understand- God is giving you the desire and causing you to be born again into His wonderful and loving family. It is the Holy Spirit of God who works inside you to help you believe what you heard and come to Jesus Christ in faith. If you have curiousness/prompting inside you, do not walk away. Reach out to a Christian you know or reach out to the contact page of this website. We will help you to make that important decision in your life.

Secondly, when you are born again, not only you are adopted in God’s household, but you also are granted a living hope. Many people do not have hope in their life. Others have hope but it is a dead hope. Yet others are optimistic and they want to help others and make life more meaningful in their good intentions. However, none of these are ‘living hope’. You see, living hope is an enduring hope, It is a sure hope and it is the hope that does not end with death. God causes you to be born again to a living hope because God is ever-living, eternal and everlasting. Therefore the hope he gives when you are born again is a living, eternal and everlasting hope. Your hope becomes lively, energetic, motivational and full of anticipation.

The Bible says the hope God gives does not disappoint us. (Romans 5:5). You see we hope for things. Then we get disappointed, don’t we? We have hope in a spouse, children, career, etc. Then we end up disappointed with our spouse, children, career, etc. However, the hope God gives you when you are born again is a hope that does not disappoint you.

The Bible also says in 1st Timothy 6:17, some people fix their hope on uncertain things like riches and end up in despair. However, those who have the ‘living hope’ place their hope in God who richly supplies all things to enjoy anyway.

The Bible says in Romans 12:12 ‘rejoicing in hope.’ You see the ‘living hope’ you get when you are born again, is a hope that rejoices. Only those who have living hope can rejoice in God and his promises when things go wrong in their lives. Those who do not have living hope could end up in alcohol, drug and other types of addictions or suicide. We see these incidents in our everyday news channels.

2nd Thessalonians 2:16 says this is a ‘good hope’ because God gave this hope in his grace. The reason it is good is that God of all grace gives the living hope. He also encourages your heart and strengthens you.

Titus 2:13 this hope is a ‘blessed hope’ because of the glorious appearance of Christ and your glory with him. Ephesians 2:12 says to remember when you were separate from Christ (meaning before you are born again) you lived having no hope and without God in this world. It alludes to the fact that without God means no living hope.

Romans 15:13 says this about God. It says, may the ‘God of hope’ fill you with all joy and peace and you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. You see God is the ‘God of hope’ and when he gives the ‘living hope’ you will abound in hope by the power of His Spirit.

Hebrews 6:19 says we have this ‘hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’. Living hope is truly an anchor for the soul at all times like an anchor that docks a ship. The living hope is an anchor for your soul, firm and secure.

Thirdly, you have the living hope ‘through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’. The ‘living hope’ is ignited inside you because Jesus is risen by God the Father for the salvation and deliverance of you. Matthew 28:5 says the angel said to them who came to the tomb, “do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.
Beloved, you can still go and check out the open tomb there in Jerusalem. No tomb of religious gurus never opened. The open tomb of Jesus is the only one and it causes wonder and amazement in people’s hearts.  Jesus died, buried, rose again by the power of God for our sake.

If you haven’t yet, will you come to Jesus today? God loves you. Today is the day you can be born into God’s household, receive the living hope, eternal life and all the inheritance in heaven that we discussed in yesterday’s insight.

“Father in heaven, I give inside me the desire to be born again into your family. I want to be born again. I believe Jesus died, buried and rose again for my sins and shortcomings. Please save and grant me the living hope. You will give me the living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3.

Life and people could throw many things at you. Some times they applaud you. Other times, they hurt and bruise you with their look, words, and actions. Some times you are surrounded by people who love you, and other times you are surrounded by evil people who have evil intentions. Life goes well and then turns it back on you.

I know to live in this sin-bound world with an inherited disease called sin and journeying with others who have the same, is truly hard and sometimes heartbreaking. It affects your innermost being with pain and frustration.

When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to face His God-given mission to become a sacrificial lamb for people’s sin, a large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. They shouted and said, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest heaven.” Hosanna in the Hebrew word means ‘save us or save now’. They understood who Jesus was. The crowd understood Jesus is the promised Messiah, the savior of the whole world, according to the prophecies given to King David, and repeated many times in the old testament scriptures. The crowd even invoked the blessings from the ‘highest heaven’. They knew when Jesus, the Son of David and the eternal Son of God, entered the city gate of Jerusalem, the highest heaven’s best blessings of deliverance were upon them. Historical and triumphant entry to the city where he would be crucified for the remission of people’s sin. Even though they may not have understood the whole truth as we do understand today, they knew they were going to be delivered somehow by the promised Messiah.

However, do you know what happened in the ensuing days after this triumphal entry? They crucified Him on the cross. The people who praised him, they cried out ‘crucify him, crucify him.”

Peter preached to the crowd after the resurrection of Christ and it is reported in Acts 2:23-24. He marvelously revealed the eternal plan of God and how He implemented His plan in a thought-provoking way. He said, “This man (Jesus Christ) was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” Listen! Jesus was handed over to us by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge. However, they were responsible for carrying out their evil plan of killing Jesus. The passage reveals God’s sovereignty and human responsibility and accountability working hand in hand.

You see, one day they praised Him and the next day they crucified him. However, it was all woven together and fitted accurately in the sovereign plan and decree of God.

Beloved, our insights says, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Consider and think about Jesus who endured such opposition from sinners. What would be the result if you consider him in your difficulties? It says you will not grow weary and lose heart. This is the secret not to grow weary and lose heart. Continue to fix eyes on Jesus no matter what life throws at you. If you can do this successfully at your bottom hit experiences, you become a victorious believer in Christ.

Living now and here is hard, because we are not there in our citizenship country as of yet. We live here as sojourners and foreigners. Often we are broken and bruised. Bible says in Hebrews 11:9 this about Abraham, “ for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Look forward to that city of your citizenship, whose architect and builder is God. Consider Jesus who lived before you in this sin-bound earth and fix your eyes on him and his words. You know what? You will not grow weary and lose heart if you do so.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I can face life’s challenges if you are with me. When you said, you will never leave me nor forsake me, I know you meant it. Through all the fiery testing and sufferings, you promised your hand upon me. That is enough for me. I surrender life and future to you, Lord. May your plans be fulfilled in and through me. I believe Jesus, your Son, died and rose again for all of my sins. I trust in Him. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.”

“Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11.

Your hope must be in God. We come across people who place hope in their career, business, wealth, beauty, reputation, etc. However, don’t you know none of these things are guaranteed for you? If God enabled you to build a business or amaze wealth, very good. God gave you the wisdom and knowledge and needed help. Thank Him. However, continue to put your hope in God only. Not on the things God gave you. Place hope in its right place-not on the gifts but on the gift giver.

Your career, beauty, good name also are gifts from God. Keep in mind none of these are guaranteed for a long time. People lose career. People lose their beauty. They lose their health and good name over the years. However, if you place your hope in eternal God, you would end up winning no matter what happens to you over the years.

On the contrary, there are people who constantly worry. The reason is they think they do not have enough resources to meet their and their family’s need. And so they worry what is going to happen to them.

Now, I will tell you a few secrets that always works. First, you stop worrying. When you worry, you are in essence act like an atheist. Because your worries and anxieties signal God who loves and cares about you does not exist. If God who loves you and cares for you exists, He would meet your needs. He promised it. Jesus said if God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not more clothe you? If your heavenly Father feeds the birds of the air, although they do not sow or reap or store in barns. How much more valuable you are to God? He said to stop worrying. (Matthew 6:25-34). Therefore, first, stop worrying.

Second, you kneel down and pray to God. If you have spouse and children, call them and together seek the Lord in prayer. Make prayers a daily habit of your life. Jesus said and it is recorded in John 16:23-24, “Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Third, pray in the name of Jesus Christ for your needs. Pray with your family. Persevere in prayer. Do not quite. And see how God will open the doors and circumstances for you.

James says in 4:2(c) that you simply do not have because you do not pray to God. You do not have because you do not have the habit of seeking God’s face in prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Bible also says why some of your prayers are not answered in James 4:3. It says, when you pray, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Two acid tests. Is it for the purpose of spending on your pleasures? Are your motives right?

If the answer to the first question is ‘no’ and the answer to the second question ‘yes’, then pray boldly to God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Fourth, after praying be alert and look for the opportunities he opens up. It could be an opportunity for a new job. It could be a help through your friend/family member. It could be a Godly idea he places in your heart. Take some steps boldly in the right direction leaning on the Lord. Be watchful and alert to receive answers to your prayers.

Prayer in the name of Jesus Christ makes a huge and wonderful difference in your and your family’s life. It makes a good difference in your children’s life and future. Try it out. Pray individually. Pray all of you together as a family. And discover the hand of God moving in your favor in getting answers to your prayers.

Now you may ask how do I do it? Simply begin praying today. Ask God to forgive your sins and shortcomings. Do not keep unconfessed sins in your life. Ask God’s forgiveness. Understand Jesus died for your sins. He can forgive all your sins when you ask him to forgive. Genuinely turn to God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Say, Father in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. I come to pray along with my spouse and children and we together seek your face for help. Ask God for forgiveness by claiming Jesus for you. Then submit you need to God. Thank God for answering your prayers. End the prayer by saying, “I pray these in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Rich and wealthy must hope in God only. Poor and less fortunate also must hope in God only. Put your hope in God, for you will yet praise and thank him again, your savior and God. Because God will answer your prayers in the name of Jesus Christ and you will praise and testify His goodness.