Seeking Strength in Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help comes from?  My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

In the journey of life, Psalm 121:1-2 serves as a powerful guide, offering profound insights for those navigating challenges. Here are seven actionable steps inspired by this truth:

1️⃣            Lift Your Eyes: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” Let’s raise our gaze beyond immediate concerns, acknowledging a higher source of strength and guidance.

2️⃣            Recognize the Source: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Acknowledge that your assistance and strength originate from a Creator who crafted the vastness of the heavens and the earth.

3️⃣         Embrace Trust: “He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber.” Trust in the unwavering vigilance of a guardian who never sleeps, ensuring your steps are secure.

4️⃣            Cultivate Assurance: “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Rest in the assurance that divine watchfulness is continuous, providing a sense of security and peace.

5️⃣            Tap into Renewed Energy: “The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” Imagine a protective shade, shielding you from weariness and offering renewed energy for the journey.

6️⃣            Stay Grounded: “The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” In the midst of life’s challenges, stand firm in the knowledge that neither the brightness of day nor the shadows of night can overpower your resilience.

7️⃣            Affirm Life’s Journey: “The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life.” Reaffirm your belief that, under divine guidance, your journey is safeguarded from harm, and your life is under the watchful care of a benevolent protector.

May these actions inspired by Psalm 121:1-2 serve as a compass, guiding you towards strength, trust, and assurance in the grand tapestry of life.

#Psalm121 #StrengthInFaith #GuidedByGrace #Work-Life-Insights

Courtesy  :  This article is written  by Anand Pillai, Chief Transformation Officer & Leadership Coach @ Leadership Matters Inc,  New Delhi, India.

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Continued from Part 2/3…

And after few days/weeks, when I looked at the branch, there were so many leaves and what was more interesting was, a cat was taking rest comfortably in the midst of the leaves. The cat is not very much visible, but it is right amidst the leaves in the above photo. What a transformation of the branch!!. From being in a dead situation, to grow and provide shelter also, it was a great transformation of what seemed to be a foregone conclusion of defeat, despair.

God spoke to me through this entire episode and built up my faith in particular, to stay in hope for my situation. It was tough scenarios all around, personally, professionally, but still by His grace, He enabled me to stay afloat and be focused on Him. It is all about Jesus, in any situation, any stage. My Lord and Saviour Jesus can bring about the change.

Build yourself inside out – that is very important. I have seen atleast 2 huge trees, may be 5 times the size of this tree, fall down in couple of cyclones and when I saw the tree trunk, it was hollow and no wonder that it fell. While it looked huge and strong on the outside, but it was not strong inside, which caused the fall.

Similarly, being focused on what God has called us to do is the key point of reviving our situations or bringing in hope. It is not that always God will help us achieve what we want to. Surrender to His will. For he knows what is best for us – Jeremiah 29:11

And finally,God blessed me with a splendid opening, all Glory to HIs name. And it all got concluded in the pandemic period, in a very senior level. All Glory, Honor and Praise be to God. It is always all about Him. Not that, always we will get what we want. Be’cos God knows what is best for us. And like the tree above, when we are blessed, we will overflow and bless others also. God has a very definitive purpose in making us wait. What I have learnt in my periods of waiting is, God wants us to teach a lesson (which will be of great help to us in life and for others also) and until the lesson is learnt, the waiting period doesnt end.

And how God will use this waiting period in our life, in the years to come is just unimaginable. I can keep talking about many parts of my life about this. But still when we come across a problem in our life, we tend to focus on that as the biggest of all of our life and lose focus on God and not build our faith. It’s time to build our faith in our time of waiting, disappointment, despair.

Don’t give up, but give it up to God’s Hands

Whenever I had a situation in which I could do nothing, absolutely nothing, I always left it for God to handle. But in situations where I “thought” I had a solution or a way, that is when I tried to act smart. But, if we commit everything to His hands, He can work out His plans in our lives, in every aspect and make it best. Amen.

Continued from Part 1/3…

After few days, I saw these fresh leaves spring out from what seemed to be a dead branch. It was very surprising…if you look very closely, you can also see some ants on it. A tree is just not a single entity, but a huge system, which provides to many. Similarly, in our life also, we are called to provide…but in tough situations, we tend to forget that and focus only on our problems and the wait. We have a bigger God, who is bigger than all of our biggest problems!!.

But what God says is – Psalm 62:5 – Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him (NIV). Our hope is always in Him and only Him. So, in any situation, hope is only in Him. 

Don’t worry, God has got a plan and His plan will prevali. Amen. When I saw this (the new leaves), it was a revival for me and in faith, I wrote down the statement of what I was looking for, a change, in the midst of the pandemic. It was a very bold statement, but I wrote it down in prayer and committed to the Lord. Psalm 37:5 –Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass (NKJV). And I kept praying about it. With focus on God and looking up to Him alone. 

When you feel you have hit rock bottom in your life and nothing more exists in life, there is only 1 way, to come up and hence, look up to God and He will pull you up, place you on a rock and give a song to sing!!.

It is not that always God will do what we want, becos, He knows what is best for us and when to give the best, just commit your ways to Him. God always has the best for us. This was a time of building up my faith like the fresh leaves. Faith can be summarised like this – FAITH – Forgetting All I Trust in Him – yes, we need to forget our situation, forget the impossibilities and trust in Him.

Something was definitely working inside the tree, from an impossible, worn our situation to life springing up….

While I was getting built up in my faith, covid 2nd wave struck a very young ex-team member of mine passed away, just couldn’t believe it, still. And after few months, I lost my father, not to covid, but to long illness. It was shattering. Yes, the situations weren’t looking like springing up to life, but commiting my life to Him, I was waiting in faith. Yes, God was working in springing up new life, like in this tree branch.

To be Continued…..Part 3/3

Click here to read Part 1 of this series

Have you ever thought of your life as FINISHED, no more hope, gone case, nothing to look forward to, all that I was counting upon didnt come through!!! and on and on…..DISAPPOINTMENT, DEJECTION, DESPAIR!!

This can be in any situation of your life, it can be in health, career, relationship, studies, finances, anything….

The Mango Tree, is a 3 part series of what the Lord taught me, from this tree (in such a situation) and I’m sure that it will be of great encouragement to you. It is my testimony and also my article, which can be practically applied to your life also. Each part is short sized to consume easily.

There is a Mango tree in our house, of the neelam variety and a very faithful tree, yielding its fruit. The flowers come up quite early (even though neelam variety is the last in the season) and usually there are plenty of flowers, may be millions of them, but only few become fruits. Year after year, it produces the best fruits.

Then, one day, one of the main branches of the tree was cut and this is how it looked:

All branches gone, all leaves gone, no more flowers ofcourse. It seemed the end for the tree branch!. At the same time, I was going through a tough time in my career and was very dejected and waiting for some change to happen in my work place or a new job and the wait was on, without any end. One day, I saw this cut branch and realised that my situation in my career was like this – FINISHED!!. The situation looked like no hope for me. It looked like an end, with no where to go.

There was life in the tree, but the progress was cut short. Similarly, you may be in a situation, which looks liked a dead end, looks like no progress can be made, seems impossible to get over it, looks done and dusted without any hope. May be you are at cross roads, not knowing which direction to take.

And all of these was happening to me in the midst of covid and needless to add the stress around that, added to the situation.

To be Continued…..part 2/3

Isaiah 49:10 – They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Is the workplace scorching you like the sun?

We all know that sun means heat. Many a times, it gets really hot at work (not meaning the temperature), about hot interactions with people, people turning up the heat on us in an unjustified manner.

Even though the sun is so far away, we can still feel the heat. In the same way, people can disrupt things in your personal life or work life, even if they are far away. So, what to do in such instances?. Look up to God and He will do 2 things – Guide you and Lead you to the springs of water, where it will be a continous replenishment from the heat (troubles, disruptions, politics, devious schemes) and without lack. It is not for us to find the springs, but for Him to Guide us and Lead us. And this will happen only if we look up to Him and not resort to ‘actions’ which we think, will protect us from the ‘heat’. And note that it is not about one spring, it is springs of water, which means the feed is plenty, to protect us.

Be nourished by the springs, to stay encouraged, refreshed and strong, even in the face of heat from adversity. Be blessed and be a blessing.

]]> https://www.ccf.org.in/at-work-sun-springs/feed/ 0 https://www.ccf.org.in/under-authority/ https://www.ccf.org.in/under-authority/#respond Tue, 24 May 2022 01:54:38 +0000 https://www.ccf.org.in/?p=242068 Read: Matthew 28:18‬-20 “Under authority” “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I […]]]>

Read: Matthew 28:18‬-20

“Under authority”

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭‭

In the closing verses of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus made the very bold statement as an introduction to the Great Commission given to His followers. The Lord Jesus made a great claim to have “all authority in heaven and on earth,” and this authority was the basis for the disciples’ obedience to the Great Commission. 

While living on the earth, Jesus demonstrated authority over everything. He demonstrated authority in his teaching (Matthew 7:29), healing (Matthew 8:1-13), over demons, over nature (Matthew 8:27) and in forgiving sins (Matthew 9:6). By His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated all enemies including death and won for Himself all authority.

When we read the book of Acts, we see that the early disciples operated on the basis of the Lord’s sovereign authority. They ministered in His name. They depended on His power and guidance. They did not face the lost world on the basis of their own authority, but on the authority of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:30-36)

Even today, Jesus has authority and control over every situation and He wants us to go into the world (which includes our daily work) with that basis. Authority is necessary to empower service. It means that if our mission is the Great Commission, we cannot fail. It means that we have His authority when we are engaged in the mission He has given us to serve others.

When we understand this basis for reaching people with the gospel under His authority and making disciples out of them, we have no excuses of our own limitations or lack of power and authority. We also do not need to be afraid of anything when we are under the greatest authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore go and make disciples this week and every week!

Blessed week!

Joseph, PROFIT Singapore 

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky” -‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14-15‬ ‭

The apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Philippi. He contrasts the life of a believer with the lives of those in the world. Unsaved people complain and find fault, but followers of Christ rejoice instead of grumbling. Society around us is “twisted and distorted,” but the Christian stands straight because he lives his life by God’s Word.

Paul is also highlighting here about the impact believers can have in a world that is running contrary to their life and faith. When followers of Christ imitate Christ’s humility and face life with the joyful spirit (not with grumbling), they are so like the children of God and it is impossible for them not to impact the world around them.

The original recipients of these words, the believers in Philippi Indeed followed these words well in their lives which impacted their city significantly. Philippi was a town of not more than 15 thousand people at that time. The believers were small in numbers and probably meeting in houses in a few small groups.

But in the next few centuries, 4 to 5 Churches were built, with one of them as large as the size of the entire marketplace in the city. In a town of not more than 15 thousand people, this was quite an impact. What started in Paul’s day as a small number of people in 2-3 houses became literally thousands of people and a citywide movement.

Indeed the Philippians shined for Christ and impacted their city. They held firmly the word of life (which is the gospel) and lived their lives well among the crooked generation. The same applies to us in our workplaces too. When a small group of believers take the gospel seriously and shine it through their lives where they are placed, the impact can become a citywide movement. Don’t you Long for that to be true?

Say NO to grumbling this week, but yes to rejoicing in the Lord and you will Shine for Christ!!

Blessed week!
Joseph, PROFIT Singapore

“Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:8-9‬ ‭

“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:18‬ ‭

Saul (the apostle Paul, before his conversion) was zealous and working hard in his own old ways. When he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was struck down by a light that both opened his eyes and blinded him. This can be a good metaphor for our own crisis moments. In a crisis, we are at once blinded and have our eyes opened to new ways.

When you face difficult situations, you may feel temporarily sightless and lost direction. You don’t know exactly what the next days or months will bring. At the same time, you may also start seeing life in a new light. God can use this time to open your eyes to a new way. When you feel blinded and lost direction, He can give you new insight.

In a times of difficulty, God’s encouragement can often come from other people. After Paul’s life-changing experience on the road to Damascus, Paul went into the city where a man by the name of Ananias came to help him. Ananias prayed that Paul might see again. Following his prayers, Paul was completely restored to health. This story shows that even if your sight is limited, God could send others to you for encouragement and help. Or there could be someone you can reach out to help during these new work situations.

Let God open your eyes to see the new realities of life in your difficult moments this week. May He send you the right help and support and above all give you direction to do things in ways you’ve not done before!

Blessed week!
Joseph, PROFIT Singapore

“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:14‬ ‭

The emphasis in Mark 16:9–14 is on the unbelief of the disciples, who were mourning and weeping instead of rejoicing at the good news of the resurrection of Jesus. Though Jesus predicted it several times and taught the disciples about how He would die and be raised again, they couldn’t believe because of the sorrow they experienced.

Jesus prepared them ahead for His death and resurrection. But they simply couldn’t imagine how Jesus’ death fit into God’s purpose and their own expectations. If we do not let go of our human way of viewing the world and see it through the words of Jesus and the scriptures, We cannot see the goodness of the Lord through the world events and the plan of God amidst the unexpected events.

We may have our own assumptions about life, God and our future -which could prevent us from seeing the work of God around us. In times of uncertainty, We need to rely on the scriptures through which the Lord has spoken to us. In times of doubt, there are signs of God’s love, protection, and deliverance around us we can point to. When we continue to believe His words, his signs to us, we ourselves will see the resurrected Saviour and fully embrace Him soon.

What are some of the assumptions you hold about life, God, or your future, that could be keeping you from seeing what Jesus might be up to in your life? Are your difficulties today keeping you from seeing the work of God around your life? The resurrection account shows us that the only way to embrace the risen Jesus is to let go of our normal ways of viewing the world around us. Only then can we open ourselves to the surprising power of God’s love for our world through us.

Blessed week ahead experiencing and showing the resurrected Saviour to the world!

Joseph,
PROFIT Singapore

“King on a donkey”

‭ “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew‬ ‭21:5‬ ‭

In the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we are seeing the paradoxical nature of His kingship. The disciples, for some time then, wanted Jesus to openly declare his kingship. But Jesus was not budging to that. They knew His power, His glory and His ability to perform miracles. They must have thought “Jesus is finally doing something right”. They must be quite thrilled thinking that it was the moment for Jesus to declare His kingship to the world.

But there was a problem: Jesus chose to ride on a donkey. Kings do not come riding on a donkey but servants do. Instead of riding on a warhorse like a victorious king, Jesus rode on a donkey like a servant. Despite being the eternal king, Jesus takes the position of a servant. And He is also vulnerable and defenceless – one who is riding on a donkey could easily be slaughtered. What kind of King is he?

Jesus is saying, “I am the king, but not the kind of king you expect – I am the gentle king, the dying king, the servant king” He is the king that’s higher than the heavens, yet He comes so low to fulfil all the requirements to save us from our sins. “Sin” is like servants putting themselves in the place of a king. For offering Salvation, Jesus the mighty king put himself in a place of a servant.

As the world faces many crisis situations at the moment, we may have our own idea of how God should act in our lives or in the current crisis in the world. Like the disciples, we may expect Jesus to come in His power destroy all the evil and end the crisis in a moment. But God may surprise us and the world by acting in a much different way than we thought. But it’s about His way, His will and His purpose. If we want to accept his kingship, it should be in his terms and not ours. He will not let us and the world have our way, our will or wish.

Surrender to his kingship and His ways today because He is worthy and He is the true deliverer. He will bring about the much needed deliverance in His way and in His time as He knew it fully. He will also turn you into a gentle servant for His kingdom to touch the lives of people around you and bring them under His kingship too!

Blessed week ahead having Jesus as your king and let Him have His way in your life!

Joseph,
PROFIT Singapore

And his way will prosper Isaiah 48-15d (NKJV)

Whatever he does will prosper Psalms 1-3 (NIV)

Dear brothers and sisters loving greetings to you. Post pandemic the three cardinal requisites are Health, Wealth and Honor. Other side of the coin is the spiritual requirement (Life after death). This month the Lord laid a burden to share some thoughts on how to be successful in your efforts. I would like to share 3 divine principles with you.

Delight in the word of God: We are living in a world which is tormented by plagues, wars and apathy. Seldom have we got time to spend with the family. I know a family of 4, Dad, Mom, a daughter and son. They have a family WhatApp group to communicate with each other. Do we have time to read Bible or spend some silent moments with God in prayer? Check self! Read Psalms 1-2, But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and meditates day and night. Do we delight in the word of God while reading it? If not just take a decision to read Bible regularly and meditate at least 5 chapters in a day and pray for one hour. Then Bible reading and praying will become a source of Joy and delight. Then what ever you do will be successful.

Obey the Word of God:  Often we complain, children do not obey your words. They do what you tell them not to do? Before pointing a finger at them, think how many times you have disobeyed the Word of God. People want to sleep and unwind on a Sunday; Bible says love your enemy, feed him when hungry and pray for him.  Have we done in everyday life? Read Genesis 26-1 to 12.  There was a famine in the land Isaac dwelt, and he decided to leave to Egypt like his father Abraham. But the Lord told him not to go to Egypt but stay in Gerar. Bible says Isaac stayed in Gerar and obeyed God. Verse 12says Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a 100 fold because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich and wealthy. This is the result of obedience of Isaac .Brothers and sisters, are we obeying the Lord or you are leaning on your own understanding?  Obey the Lord, and he will prosper your work.

Favor through your enemy: God can use your enemy to promote you or meet your desire. Isaiah 48 we read about Persian king Cyrus to deliver Judah from Babylon. God laid a thought in the heart of Cyrus to win Babylon and deliver the people of Judah. God used a pagan king or an enemy to deliver his people. Are you facing stumbling blocks or impediments, God will set you free through your enemy. You can do it only when you love the word of God, obey it and be faithful in all your dealing. Then the Lord will make your ways prosper. Let’s seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness then you will succeed always.

God bless you and your family. Eric Sundararaj. New Hope Ministries.

• No complex solutions but simple trust and obedience (7 v16)

When faced with a powerful enemy, human inclination is to think of a complex solution with complex logistics and several other factors! No one would have come out with a solution involving trumpets, jars and lights. With God on our side we don’t need complex solutions all the time. We just need to be in a place of quietness and trust and simply obey God.

• Sometimes our own actions can limit God (6 v35)

It was Gideon who sent invitation to all the people to join him in the battle(chapter 6 verse 35). But God said to Gideon (chapter 7 verse 2), “you have too many people I cannot  the enemies in to your hands.” Sometimes our actions can limit God from doing what he wants. So we need to make sure we are in tune with God before taking any major decisions.

• God is interested in quality than quantity (7:6)

God asked Gideon to send the people back home who are fearful. He then sifted the people based on how they drink water. God chose the three hundred who drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. Some bible scholars say, that drinking water with cupped hands shows alertness as others who kneeled down must have kept the weapons down when they drank the water. Whilst we don’t know the actual reason behind God’s selection, one thing is sure. God is not interested in how many people we have. He is interested in what kind of people we are.

• Our enemies are afraid of us and they know we are capable of destroying their kingdoms (7:13)

Gideon was a fearful man by nature. God asked Gideon to “eavesdrop” his enemy’s conversation about him. Gideon heard his enemies were afraid of him that he is going to destroy them. This revelation totally transformed him! Our enemy satan is well aware of what we are capable of through Christ. He is afraid of us and he knows that we are capable of destroying his kingdom when we join hands with God.

• A leader has to be transformed first before he can transform a nation (7 v15)

Chapter 6 and 7 contains 65 verses in total. Out of these, 57 verses are about Gideon’s transformation from a fearful man to a confident leader. The victory for the nation was summarized in just 4 verses. A leader has to be transformed first before he can transform a nation. God will wait however long it might take because he knows what a transformed leader is capable of.

• God can give victory to a nation with just empty jars that are ready to be broken (7 v19)

God didn’t give a submarine or a sophisticated military weapon to Gideon. He gave victory with “empty jars which were broken”. Throughout the bible God chose weak people who were flawed and insignificant. God loves empty jars that are ready to be broken. Our brokenness can result in healing for many. God does not call the qualified, but he qualifies the called. Paul said, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us”.

• A leader should lead an exemplary life (7 v17)

After Gideon got transformed he told the people, “Watch me, Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.” A leader should live such a life that he can boldly say, “Watch me, follow my lead and do exactly as I do.”

This message is written by Bro. Davidson Samuel who is an IT Professional / Subject Matter Expert in Banking domain, based out of Scotland, UK.

As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
1 Peter 4:10 (AMPC)

We are called to be a faithful stewards of all that has entrusted to us – stewards not only of money, but also of the diverse grace of God.

Each of us have been endowed with a gift to be employed to serve and help each other.
This awareness and the responsibility that comes with it will help us to use our gifts for God’s glory – even in the workplace.

We can still choose to use our expertise with selfish motives and for self-aggrandizement, but that is not good stewardship and does not bring glory to God.

The gifts and expertise that God has given generously should be used judiciously to serve others with humility.

Be a good manager of your God-given expertise and use it to serve others.

Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord.
I Peter 2:13a

We are free individuals in Christ and not slaves to anyone.
But, at the same time, we are commanded to respect and honour our superiors at our workplace as they are ordained by God.

By doing so, you can silence the voice of your oppressors.
And you don’t give room for anyone to find fault in your conduct.

When you do what is pleasing in God’s sight and obey HIs word, His presence will be with you to protect you and help you find favour in the sight of your superiors.

Let’s endeavour to follow Christ’s example in everything we do, just as He submitted to the Father’s will on the cross.

God has called us to live a higher standard of living – even at our workplace.

Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy] Spirit you have purified your hearts for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart.
1 Peter 1: 22 (AMPC)

Not a single day goes by without any kind of collaboration with your colleagues across different teams and locations.

This gives you an opportunity to reveal the fruits of the Spirit and be a witness for Christ.

Whether you are sharing knowledge, training, handling disagreements or conflicts, giving & taking orders be conscious to flavour each interaction with love.

Always treat your co-worker with kindness, honour, and courteousness. Don’t hesitate to go the extra mile when you interact with them.The way you handle your team members and colleagues will improve the morale of the team.

Be Alert! Every working hour is an opportunity to be the salt and the light of your company.

]]> https://www.ccf.org.in/doing-gods-work-everyday/feed/ 0 https://www.ccf.org.in/source-of-promotion/ https://www.ccf.org.in/source-of-promotion/#respond Wed, 28 Feb 2018 23:30:32 +0000 http://ccf.org.in/?p=26927 For not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up. But God is the Judge! He puts down one and lifts up another. Psalms 75: 6,7 (AMPC)   At times you might feel suppressed & oppressed at your workplace for not being given the due promotion & […]]]>

Thought: Many a times we want to push our thoughts and try to ignore others as well as discourage others to put our thoughts in action – we think we are always correct and we tend to think we are doing the correct things and others are wrong (with all good intentions), but the bible calls us to learn to consider each other and exhort each our and grow mutually in Christ. This is very much contextual to the ministries we are involved in and the churches we go to. We should always try to encourage each other in the Lord and meet to reconcile with each other and exhort each and grow in the Lord. By putting down others, sometimes we loose the person in Christ or tend to destroy the work He has kept in place for us. The last part of the verse says ‘ as you see the day approaching’ which we often don’t have in our minds and something we should remember every moment – when we think of the day for which we as well our fellow believers are walking towards, the current task will be considered nothing and we will able to exhort one another and stir up love and good works considering each other. Also, with the technology growing up, we meet less and make a lot of e-communications, but here Paul (or whoever authored) encourages the assembling together which is discuss and encourage each other and reconcile rather than having miscommunication through e-communication – Let us learn to meet and consider each other and exhort each other as we grow in Christ until the day we see Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to consider others and exhort others as we walk together to the day of your coming. Thank you for giving the opportunity to serve you with fellow believers and in whatever we do together, help us to meet and  grow more in the Love of Christ and stir up each other to grow more in you. Amen.

Thought: Many a times we think that this is just a small task and does not matter how we do it and also it is fine to do small things unjustly and no one will notice it. God blesses the humble beginnings which are just and also takes note of the small just acts we do to hand over bigger things to us, but if we are unjust in the little given to us, then even that will be taken away from us – Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, Whenever it is a small thing and even if there is not much gain out of it, let us learn to do it diligently and in the right way that He sees us from above and blesses us. When we are at work, we are entrusted with tasks small or big and also what involves more transactions or less, let us always strive to do what is best for our organization and not what is good for us – by doing so, we are just to our profession and God will bless us with more, since He knows we will remain a testimony in the larger things entrusted with us. This also is important in ministry and church, let us not try to get the most significant role, but do the small things what God has kept for us faithfully and just and He will give us more when we will handle it in the right way.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be faithful and just in small things that I will be just when you give me bigger things to handle and let me do every task as it is done to you. Amen.

Thought: What is our everyday worry about – is it regarding things temporal or eternal? We all know by heart “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”, but what are the things we seek and worry about. We spend more time in seeking and worrying ‘all these things’ than Seeking ‘God’. We start to worry about things at hand and many things about the future which we are not certain about and we are troubled and concerned of those, but God has called us to be concerned only about His kingdom and carry this load His yoke which is easy and light and not to be worried about the things we are concerned in this world, since He who feeds the sparrows and clothes the flowers will certainly provide all these things which are worried about. We are concerned about things which do not matter – we spend a lot of time, money and energy is working for things which are not worth it and worried about the outcome, while we forget to chose the good part. Only one thing is needed for us – we are just on our journey to the destination and the path we traverse should be least concerned when we have the beautiful destination in mind. We should be only planning and worried about reaching the destination and concerned about others who might miss the destination and not worried about little things which come on the way – Let us choose the right portion and the right path!!

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us choose the right path – let us not be worried and concerned about the things of the world, but be concerned about the glory and expansion of your kingdom on earth. Amen.

Thought: We go through many bitter situations in our lives, but when we look up on the Lord and keep up to His word, He will deliver us and turn the same situation to a sweet one. Even after seeing the hand of God work all through from Egypt, the Israelite people never looked up on the Lord nor followed His word, but rather in every time of trouble, they murmured on the other hand Moses looked up on the Lord and got the solution every single time. There are many such tests in our lives as well and many such bitter situations – what is our reaction to it? Our God is a healing God, though He allows the troubles in our lives, when we look up to Him and hear his voice and do what is correct in the sight of the Lord, He will look upon us and heal the situation – His hand is mighty and He will deliver us in accordance to His will. All we need to do is to hear His voice – sometimes it is very simple things to do like the tree which He requested Moses to cast into the waters or it might be to do or say sometimes or just keep quiet. Listen to His voice and do accordingly to it and we will find the situation being healed in our lives and we could change the test into a testimony.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to listen to your voice and do according to it in every way, that I will be able to see your might hand work in my life and I will be able to be a testimony for you. Amen.

Word:  Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23: 4,5

Thought: The intentions of the deed are more important in the sight of the Lord than the deed. God has set us up in a particular way for us to be fruitful, but do we tend to labor in vain only to earn more? Most of us jump from one job to the other and seek greener pastures, but do we seek the will of God or go only based on the salary offered? If our eyes are gluing only on the attractive package we receive and work hard just to keep the job at hand, we are not being fruitful the way the Lord wants us to be. One day you will realize that the money earned is also perished and you are also lost. In whatever work we are placed, let us understand what God wants us to do and when you move within the organization or outside, seek the will of God and do not lean on your own understanding. When God allows you to overwork to bring glory to Him, go ahead with it, but not on your understanding, but with His wisdom that you might magnify His name. Let us learn to be content and next time you feel you overwork and not fruitful work, stop and see what you are working for – if it is just for the reason to earn, we are toiling for the perishing and let us ask the Lord to guide us through to things which are more permanent.

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom and understanding from above that I might not labor in vain, but enjoy the fruit of the labor and bear good fruits abiding in you. Amen.

Thought: In most of the places we are in today, we could breathe politics in the air and there are people who do not like you going up the ladder and there are many who want to pull you down. The first people try to find out in us is our mistakes and are we able to be a testimony that people are able to see us blameless in the responsibility that God has given to us? It most matters in our work, but also reflects on family and ministry – the world is watching over us and find a mistake in us, but are we able they able to testify like the people who sought to accuse Daniel said “but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him”. The second part of it is also equally important in our lives that we do not compromise the word of God and tend to live perfect in accordance to the world – we need to be clear on not compromising in anyways that men may find fault through it. Daniel was able to serve 4 kings under 2 different kingdoms, yet unshakably on the top since he was perfect at his work and did not compromise on things of God – Let us reflect our lives and not be living to please to our boss, but do the work diligently, since your boss might change, but the one who has placed you will never change.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to do the work you have given to me diligently being accountable to you and not the way pleasing to man. Help me to be a testimony for you in the place where you have placed me. Amen.

Thought: It is very important for us to discern that our wisdom is from God or from the world. We could discern as James explains by the way in we tend to demonstrate the wisdom – is it with the humility of the heart with all meekness or with bitter envy and strive. We deceive ourselves by saying we are diplomatic and we should handle politically, but the wisdom from above is not to be diplomatic or political, because it is pure wisdom and will always pursue what is truth with all humility and our thoughts, words and deeds should be in accordance to it. As Jesus grew in wisdom and when He was in the middle of the elders in the church, He demonstrated the wisdom with humility and yet people admired Him. Have we tried to get the wisdom, knowledge and understanding from above and able to go to the place which God has placed us and demonstrate the wisdom in purity with all humility – let us always see for ourselves and not be deceived that we are going with the wisdom from above. Let us ask and receive the wisdom from God “”If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him”. Let us not try to gain our wisdom from the gurus of the world, but from the pure word of God which gives us the wisdom which no one could fathom.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant us the wisdom from above and let us not be crowded with the wisdom of the world and let people around us experience the meekness of our wisdom. Amen.

Thought: These words which were spoken to the church at Ephesus applies to many of lives today. We continuously labor for the Lord with all good intentions and served Him patiently, but amidst all these we have somehow slipped and lost the first love we had for Him. Let us for a moment remember the day when the we just wanted to hear His voice and nothing else – we enjoyed His presence and wanted to walk hand in hand. Through the period of time, we have knowingly or unknowingly slipped and lost the voice in the midst of the noise of the world and there are multiple area which we focus, it could be even laboring for him, but the Lord just asks us – Return to your first love. He just wants to have the love relationship with us with nothing between, just us and Him – look around to see what separates us from the love of Christ, let us just push everything out and clear of all the noise to hear that still silent voice calling out ‘Love you my son/daughter’ – He just wants us to reciprocate His love and nothing less and nothing else. Let us return to the first love and also have Him as the first Love across everything in the world.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I love you – help me to love you more. Let me hear your voice even across all the noise of the world and cling on to you and love you more and more. Amen.

Word:  But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

Thought: Many of our thoughts over the last 2 days were on Nabeel Qureshi and why did the Lord bring death on him at this young age serving the Lord. Paul writes it clearly that suffering which happen might be to advance the Gospel of Christ as he was able to extend the gospel to the prison when he was arrested. We might be going through tough situations which might be small or big (Loss of a job, no promotions, difficulty in finding a partner, not able to bear a child, diseases, loosing a loved one and the list is big and different for many of us), but in the midst of it we need to understand the plan and purpose of God in it. Many a times we just want God to release us from the situation and pray about it rather than waiting for His will to happen and glorify him in the situation. You might be a dark period of your life, but in the period seek God to ask the purpose He wanted you to pass through it and understand what He wants you to do in the situation – we might be called to be a testimony to people who are going through the same suffering, there might be people who are encouraged seeing you joyful in the midst of troubles. We are sure the life of Nabeel would not be a life of vain, but speak to a lot of people for generations to come. Let us also submit us to God in the time of Suffering that we might allow the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ through it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me your strength to endure the suffering and help me to understand you plan and purpose in my suffering for the furtherance of the Gospel and the expansion of your kingdom in the place where you have placed me.

Thought: We know of many names of the Lord, but do we go to the Lord when we have problems are we rush to get the world to help us. David has tasted the goodness of the Lord and really understood all the different names of the Lord and hence put His trust only on God when troubles surrounded him from all corners. He also understands that God could take care of any situation, no matter how close or far at the moment we call Him as long as we have Him close and put our trust in Him – He will not forsake us. It does not means the distance will be shorter, but he will be the light to guide us through, As the Lord said to Moses “I am who I am” – He is the “I AM X” in each of our like and depending on our situation, He will be the X we need. Let us remember though that we are not calling a servant, but our master for help and hence not command the Lord on what needs to be done since He is aware of things seen and unseen and will provide the best solution in His sovereignty on what is needed and not accordingly to the crude narrow understanding we have on the situation, Let us call upon the Lord in the day of trouble and see Him deliver us and help us magnify His name.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to understand you more, that I will be able to trust in you in every situation of my life as nothing is bog for you and you will deliver us in any time of distress and trouble. Amen.

Thought: Many a times we live a life our own style and don’t give heed to the spirit which is indwelling in us because we think we are on our own and do not realize that we are not our own and we have been bought for a price which is precious blood of Christ. If we have this thought in our mind, we will never we able to walk in the flesh and continue to sin in the way the world leads us to. Today, if you are able to comfortably sin and think you continue to walk in Christ camouflaged, beware – stop and think if the spirit of God is in you, since when the spirit which is of God is in us, the body would also be in accordance to it and we cannot continually sin against the body, The body is the temple of God and when His spirit resides in us, we would not be able act according to the world, but be led by the spirit. Let us remember the precious blood which was shed in calvary for our redemption and when we realize that we were bought by the price, we will tend to live the way the master wants us to and not consider to master our own selves which does not belong to us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for buying me through your precious blood. Help me to live in a way your spirit wants me to and let my body be controlled by the spirit of God. Submit to you this moment that you will lead me through and let me not be guided by the world. Amen.

Thought: What brings us joy and where does our happiness and strength come from? Is it from our worldly possessions and positions or is it from doing the will of God in our lives? Jesus was extremely happy and joyous to do the will of His father, Paul counted it all joy to do the good work God had set for him which was his strength. We feel weak when our joy comes from the things of the world, but when we consider it nothing and take upon His burden (which is light) which brings joy to Him we will be made strong through Him. Christ was able to endure difficulties in His stint on earth, before of the strength to do what was counted ‘Joy of the Lord’. Here, when the people heard they were poor in the spirit, they grieved, but it was the joy the Lord which made them strong and rejoice in the Lord. When we feel down and low and with a contrite heart come to the feet of the Lord, he is in control and when we be and do in accordance to His will (his joy), then it is counted as strength to us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to count it all joy in things which you rejoice in and we are able to bank on the good works you have in store for us, that we will be able to strong in you and be a testimony for you. Amen.

Word:  You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2: 3,4.

Thought: In our day to day lives we have the challenge of loosing few pleasures to live a life for Christ, but we are called to endure these as a soldier of Christ because the place we are in is only the battlefield and we need to win over the world and try to win the world for Him. Just as a soldier who does not entangle himself on his own pleasures, we are also called to live in a way which is pleasing in His sight. We are ambassadors of Christ in the place where He has placed us – our workplace is one of the important battlefield for us: we have different affairs of life which is pleasing to the eyes and ears. good to do, but are we abstaining ourselves – it might be a gossip to a marketing white lie to a eye pleasing work or a social drink or pleasure which the world calls as fashion. We, as a soldier of Christ are called to live a life which is pleasing to Him who has enlisted us a soldier and we should not adapt to the walks of the world which should be the alien nation for the soldier of Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to walk in you and to live a life which is pleasing in thy sight. Help me not to the entangled by the works of the world, but lean on you and bear good fruit in you. Amen.

Thought: It has been years since the great destruction of the world trade center happened on this day and now there is greater devastation in the form of hurricane Irma. May of us have this question in our mind at times, if there is a good God, then why do these happen and why does He allow this in our lives. But to us, we should be able to see God in the midst of all these situations and in order for us to see God in the midst, it is very important for us to be still and see the hand of God in action. It is not just about global destruction, there are many such situations in our daily lives as well – Do we see the troubles are big or our God in control and bigger than our troubles and situations. In this chapter the psalmist sees all the great destruction and then remains still to see the hand of God and His name exalted above everything among all the nations. As we are nearing the end times, the bible clearly tells us that the troubles are going to increase, so let us not question God on why there is trouble, but rather be still and see God in the midst of trouble and destruction.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remain still and see you in the midst of our trouble and tribulation. We pray for your hand to be in the midst of the people who are suffering from various kinds of destruction. Help us to remain in you and shine in the troubled times that people around us might see you in us. Amen.

Thought: When we go through suffering in our day to day lives, we tend to question why these happen when God is in control. God does allow suffering in the life of His children. Do we live stressed up and worried with all the sufferings or we look at the future glory and all the current sufferings turnout to be nothing? If we are on the earlier, we need to think if we really are waiting in absolute faith on the day we are going to be glorified by Him or we are wavering on our faith and if our faith is strong, then the present sufferings should appear nothing more than a passing cloud. Are we fixing our eyes on temporal things that we loose sight of eternal glory which is going to be there forever. After we experience the salvation in our lives, let us live a life which is more focused on our eternity and let our priorities be aligned to the same.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to walk in thy spirit, that my current sufferings are diminished to nothing and help me live a life thinking of the glory when we meet you face to face.

Thought: The Lord is very clear on this statement and it is speaking to each of us. When it comes to investing our money, we ensure we do to get the best returns; When we invest in our work, family or self we will invest our efforts to get the best returns, but do we invest on something which is eternal and everlasting or we tend to ignore it most part of our lives? We get closer to the end of our life on earth every moment and there is a life which is waiting for eternity. Are we foolish to invest for the moment and do we  life and cherish life for the moment or be wise and invest ourselves in the Lord. Let us think a moment that every minute of our life we live to gain the world or gain our life for eternity – if it is still the former, let us submit to the Lord this morning and change our lives to live a life which gains for eternity and not for the worldly gains. Let us invest on earth for what is eternal and not on what is temporal and fades away like a flower which is blown by a wind. Let us not be uncertain on this, let us be certain that we have gained our life for eternity and bank on the Lord and grow rich in Him and receive the eternal joy and lasting treasures He has in store for us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, even this morning help us to bank on you and let us invest our lives in you Lord that we receive everlasting treasure from you. Change our minds on the way we perceive our lives and help us to live for eternity in this short life on earth.

Thought: Due to the enormous knowledge we gain from many other sources than the true pure word of God, we tend to move to Egypt and try to live in the Strength of the pharoah. We devise strategies and great plans with masterminds and the counsel of mighty men, but forget to seek the advice of God in our ways. It might be in our secular world, family or ministry, we should always listen to God who is best counselor and greatest adviser of all times and all situations. When we tend to rely on strengths of people, we move away from the path of God and fall to sin our trust is the Lord shifts to trust on people and we are deceived. We should be very careful in our walk in all walks of our life to walk with him in all our ways and listen to his plans, else we fall to strategic plans which are not from the spirit, but according to the flesh which causes us to sin and move away from him. Wait on the Lord, get the plans devised by him and have him as your strength and receive the counsel from the spirit which will lead you according to the will of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord. help me today to walk in your way and to have you as my strength in everything and let my strength not rely on the people of the world. Let your spirit advice me on the path I should take and counsel me on the way I should go. Amen.

Word: This is a word which is familiar to us, but we tend to ignore it as much as possible as we consider our wealth to be a blessing from God. These words come from the Lord after explaining through the ‘Beatitudes’ what is to be truly blessed. When we receive the so called blessings of the world, let us make sure that we are not loving them and continue to crave for them, but be content and look up to God to understand what He wants us to do with those blessings. Jesus warns just above it “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” – do we know where our treasure is? Jesus very clear here saying we cannot serve God and wealth – let us always make sure our positions and possessions are a glory to God and not a glory to them and making us serve them rather than serving God. When we move jobs and places what is our aspiration – if it is crave for more worldly blessings, let us stop and reexamine ourselves if our love for the Lord is more than the love of our worldly possessions. If we continue to amass wealth thinking it is a blessing from God and continue to live a merry life, there might be a danger, so let us make sure our service and love is to the Lord more than anything else and let not the wealth take control of our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, provide me enough that I could handle and help me to love you more than the world and all the possessions I have. Let them not take control over my love for you and help me to serve you in all situations. Amen.

Thought: We memorized the Lord’s prayer when we were young and continue to say it often, but many a times we do not mean it when we say – this is part of it which is very important when we pray. Before we start to pray every time or at least at the end of the day, let us forgive the people who have done wrong to us knowingly or unknowingly. Remember, the forgiveness is not from the mouth but from the heart. How many times when we pray that we are not able to pray for some people or hypocritically pray – the Lord sees our heart and we rather not pray than to pray with a grudge in the heart. All of us sin and we need forgiveness from the Lord, but if we are not able to forgive the small mistakes done by people around us, how much ever good deeds we do, the Lord will not forgive us. We, who receive mercy from the Lord which is countless, need to merciful and forgiving others, else the Lord will not forgive us – this has been clear on Jesus’ teachings and explain through the parable of the Unforgiving servant. Let us forgive before asking forgiveness to the Lord and reconcile with others before praying to the Lord.

Quote: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” ― C.S. Lewis

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me forgive others, the way you forgive us. Let all the pride in my heart be thrown away that I am able to look at people the way you look at them that I will be able to forgive them the way you forgive them and receive your mercy. Amen.

Thought: Just as the people of Israel who had tasted the Lord, seen and heard of Him from heir forefathers and experienced in their lives, but questioning “My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God”?, we also tend to ask God the same having experienced him and think God is overlooking me. As I looked into the meaning for overlooking, there are 2 contrasting meanings – ‘fail to notice’ and ‘have a view of from above’. Let us understand that the Lord is looking from above and He has the wholesome picture of what is coming to us from every side. When we wait on the Lord, He will renew our strength and help us fly like eagles and help us to run – if your prayer is not answered today, wait for His appointed time and for His will to happen. Never is His hand too short and He is never weary. We cannot fathom and search for His understanding – we should allow Him to use us the way He wants to than operate in the way we want and ask Him to guide in our own ways. He is always watching over us and will deliver us in the right time!!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to wait on you, that you will renew my strength in the required time, that I shall mount up with wings like eagles and run. Amen.

Thought: Though the people of Israel slogged in Egypt, it happened to be their comfort zone and they did not what to come out of it and venture to something better. What is the Egyptians in your life today that we are a bondage too and don’t want to leave and come out of. Sometimes when we come out and even when we have the thought of coming out of it, our question is what is in store outside of this – It might the place, job, institution etc., but remember always to do in accordance to His will, since only He can save and take us through to the other side and sustain us. If we are aligned to the will of God, we just need to stand still and see the work of the Lord and do only what He wants us to do. The situations may not be favorable and you might feel that you should not have left your comfort zone, but then the Lord who hardened the heart of the Egyptians also controls all the worldly forces we are afraid of and he can change anything/anybody to make a way for us. We just need to hold our peace and allow the Lord to fight for us – The moving from the comfort zone to the courage zone with so much of uncertainties is always difficult, but we should place our trust in the Lord who has called us and stand still and see His hand deliver us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, even today I am struggling to come out of my comfort zone though you want me to move out. Help me to place the trust in you that I might stand still in peace and see your hand of deliverance. Amen.

Thought: In the business of our everyday lives, do we examine every moment to ensure what we are doing is acceptable in the sight of the Lord? Paul, here talks about the children of light which we call ourselves today as we have been lifted by Him from our darkness and put on to the light. As we walk in the light, the path is clear and the spirit helps us discern between the right and the wrong and we know the moment we did something wrong or prompted to do wrong, but are we giving heed and finding out if what we do is acceptable in the sight of the Lord. We want to  attain many GOOD things in our lives, but do we find out what is GOOD in our sight is ACCEPTABLE and PLEASING to God. It might be a change of job, it might be our marriage, it might be a new beginning and it might be even in ministry – are we doing what is acceptable and pleasing to God or what we found as good in our eyes. Many a times we want God to match our expectations and make Him acceptable what we feel is good, but let us always place it at His feet and move our feet only when we find it is acceptable in His sight. As children of light, when we place the whole plan of the new initiative in front of the light in the spirit God could show us clearly where it will go wrong or correct and why we should or should not do it. Let us find out in whatever we do every moment – big or small – is what I am doing acceptable to the Lord and then proceed in doing it and if the spirit says it is not, let us learn to obey and stay away from it, though we feel good about it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as a child of light, help me obey your word and do always what is acceptable in thy sight. Help me to understand what is pleasing in your sight and let me feel good about doing things which is only pleasing and acceptable to you. Amen.

Thought: We are living in these times where we are not satisfied with what we have. Paul warns us again here on the day we leave this world we are not going to carry out anything with us, so while we are living let us live a life of content. The moment we are not content, we loose our happiness and we keep chasing our own pleasures and desires, but not obtain it and keep striving for it. In the process of striving for the worldly passions, we develop more strife, more estranged relationships and at times tend to loose our own souls – what has profited us? We tend to think ourselves to be something when we are actually nothing – we built a lot of possessions around us thinking we have achieved great gain. Godliness can be the only means to great gain for each of us and learning to be content in God is the most amazing virtue that God can give to each one us. He supplies to all our needs according to His riches and we are called to remain content in Him. He who clothes the lilies and feeds the sparrows will surely take care of our needs – let us never strife hard to satisfy our harmful lusts which leads us to the path of destruction, but remain content in the Lord to lead us to a Godly life which is full of happiness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to remain content in you, that I might see you hand at work in my life and lead a life which is pleasing in thy sight and live with the joy and happiness which you have bestowed in my life. Amen.

Thought: How many times we hear the word of God and how many times do we listen and how often does it speak to us? The word of God wherever it comes from – it is alive and active and because it has life in it, it would produce effects. The effects are different on different people as Jesus explains in the parable of the sower – depending on the type of soil we have the effect on us would be different from another hearing the same word of God. The word of God is sharp that it could pierce through the soul and the spirit and could change any person through a single word – it is as sharp as a sword which can split through joints and the marrow alike to the soul and the spirit. The word of God convicts us and judges the thoughts through ourselves and attitude of the heart

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to listen and let you word speak to me like the seed which falls on the fertile soil bearing good fruit for your kingdom. Amen.

Examine Verse above is a strict warning for us, disobedience is very serious as we serve a Holy God. Paul is warns the Ephesians church on

Hint of Sin Eph 5:3 “There must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity or of greed because these are improper for God’s holy people” Paul is telling there should not be even a hint of sin, never even have a wrong sexual thoughts, we are surrounded with filth of sexual immorality stay away from deeds and from thoughts. Rat race to get rich does not get into it, stop comparing with others on material things, but be passionate to do love the Lord.

Careless Speech Eph 5:4,5 “Nor should be … foolish talk. but rather thanksgiving.. such a man is idolater” Be careful on what we speak, let it bring life to others, Dr Bill Bright said, let us gossip the gospel, let our mouth be full of praises. Never ever lie, but be a mouth piece of the Almighty.

Secret Sins Eph 5:12 “For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret” Secret sins brings dishonour to Almighty, we will lose our anointing if we continue in secret sins. Never entertain secret sins, it might not look like having an consequences now, but it is actually making you powerless in your spiritual realm, evil one will wait to destroy you when you are addicted to it. Cry out to God for help to overcome secret / wilful sins.

What to do? Not just staying away from sin, the true joy and power of life comes when we Eph 5:10 “Find out what pleases the Lord” and do it. Eph 5:15,17 “Be very careful.. how you live.. Understand what the Lord’s will is” To understand what the maker of universe thinks of you and fulfil His desires is awesome, it brings tremendous power and rejoice in your life, there will be a purpose and you are preparing for eternity too.

Prayer: Lord, help us to do only what pleases you. Amen

When we are in a situation where there is no hope, the real turn around can happen, when the Lord steps in. When many great men of God faced tough times we see this phrase “But God”, Lord Steps in when a U turn is needed.

Promotion: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish. Gen 50:20 Enemy plans harm but Lord will change it for our good.

Protection: Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. 1 Sam 23:14 Evil one will try to harm you but Lord will protect you

Answers: “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Gen 41:16 We are not capable to solve but the Lord opens deep mysteries.

Strength: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Ps 73:26 When we feel we are lost, but our Lord delivers and gives us strength

Healing: Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him Phil 2:27 When doctors say no hope, but Lord says you are healed.

Prayer: Father Lord; when we see no way, our Lord opens a way. Challenges come, but God changes. Amen.

Story of creation begins when earth was formless, empty and dark. Gen 1: 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep. Our God is capable to intervene and change this situation. Change happens when Almighty God speaks.

When we pray, we have a prayer answering God who will speak. The moment God spoke, the lack was met. Gen 1:3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Our God speaks things into existence. Any crisis we might go through, transformation is at His word.

What our Lord speaks is for our good. God saw that the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness.Gen 1:4 Lord Change’s situation for our good and He will make a separation. Same way Lord wants us to be separated from the pattern of the world.

Prayer: Father God, I pray that you will speak to me and speak to my situation. Speak light into my darkness, separate me from the pattern of darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 When the Lord, Almighty who created the whole universe and who sustains everything looks at us, what will he see?

Our Strength: “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength” Psalm 33:16. Are we depending on our resources, when we minister for the Lord, are we depending on our talents or on our experiences, do we condemn people who are not talented? Word says we are not saved by what we have or by our strengths. Then what ?

Our Fear and Hope: “But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:18 Lord is looking for those who fear God and do not fear circumstances. And those who look to God in hope and do not look at people to blame.

Our Assurance: “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” Psalm 33:9 Unrest in our life will settle when the Lord speaks. Listen to His voice. “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11. Lord has perfect plan for us and His purposes will come to pass. So let us rejoice.

Prayer: Lord this is our prayer; “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 Thought: Now we might be going through a tough situation. We might not be sure how to face tomorrow. Let us pray like the Psalmist “Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer” Psalm 4:1. What is the assurance that our Lord will answer.

 Everything in the world belongs to God, but Lord has set His people apart, and when we call on the Lord, He will answer. The word says “Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him” Psalm 4:3

 When we are tensed, let us be careful what we pray, especially when we go to bed with a heavy heart “when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” Psalm 4:4. Let us not grumble, let us not question, but let us make our request “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God”. Psalm 4:1 Let us “Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD” Psalm 4:5

 Prayer: Dear Lord, 2 Chro 20:12 “For we have no power to face this …. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” Amen.

Way Out: When everything was so evil in the world, Noah and family did not perish because they entered the Ark. Remember when we feel there is no way, Lord will lead us to an Ark where we can stay afloat. No flood will consume us, for Lord’s Ark is ready, get in.

Listen & Obey: The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark”. Gen 7:1 When Lord says obey for there will be time when He closes the Ark. “Then the Lord shut him in”. Gen 7:16 Today is the day; get in the Ark of God.

Promise Fulfilled: Lord said” Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, ” Gen 7:4 And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth. Gen 7:10 And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. Gen 7:12. When Lord promises, He will surely keep His word, it will never fail.

Prayer: Lord teach me to be like Noah “And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him”. Gen 7:5 let this be true in my life. Amen.

Story: Psalmist in 106 described how the Lord brought the Israelites out of Slavery and made them cross the Red Sea.  Psalmist quoted thus “When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses,  and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.He saved them for his name’s sake,  to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe;
 from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise”

Lesson: Lord saved His people for His name sake. How much do we honor and trust in the name of our Lord. When they faced a big obstruction of Red Sea, deliverance came just because the Lord rebuked the sea. Though whole nation did not believe there was one man who lifted his hands, and in response to that Lord rebuked. Can we out of humility and trust lift our hands and surely the Lord will act. It does not matter what stands in front of us, it only matters who we are trusting. It does not matter where we are , it matter s who is with us.

Prayer: Father Lord, in front of this red sea, my hope is just in you Lord. I know for your name sake and when you speak the Red sea will dry up. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thought: We saw yesterday on the blessed man who will bear fruit even in the year of drought, because the Lord was with him and Joseph is a perfect epitome of it. Even as a slave in the master’s house or as a prisoner, the eyes of his master or the prison keeper were able to see that God was with him and everything he did prospered. Joseph was not just blessed, but was a channel of blessing. In our workplace, is our boss able to see us a different person because the Lord is with us? Not just by being different, but by showing the difference in our work – If the Lord is with us, anything we do should prosper. Let us examine ourselves to see if we labor in vain or see the fruits of our hand. Do we restrict God to outside of our workplace and toil hard with less outcome in our work. When God is with us, we should be better in whatever we do and whatever the situation might be – may be a tough terrain, a difficult boss, a complicated project, tight deadline – when the Lord is with you, you can do what others can’t do and you will rise up to be a testimony in the place where God has placed you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, be with me and let people see you in me and in everything that I do, that your name be glorified. Amen.

Purpose of creating man Gen 1:24 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over. From this text we understand Lord made man so we will be like Him. Jesus came into this world to save us from the fallen state to be more like Christ. Lord wants us to rule over His creation.

First step to rule is to name what we have to rule. Lord brought all what was created to man so man will name it. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. Gen 2:19 And we see man named everything.

Same way if we have to rule over our tough times, let us name. Call into existence the deliverance. We can name only things, which are under our submission. When we name our situation we proclaim by faith that we subdue it and they do not control us.

Prayer: Lord; anoint me to take control over my situation. Teach me to name my situation rightly in Jesus name. Amen.

This psalm was written when David was betrayed by Ziphites. David was running away from Saul because Saul was trying to kill him. David when he reached the place where Ziphities were staying, people there informed Saul. When David came to know of this, (Psalm 54) made a prayer to God and that is this psalm. His prayer had two portions.

Petition: David directly told his need; Psalm 54:1 “Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might” He knew the power in the Lord’s name, and Lord’s mercy to intervene.

David asked the Lord to hear and listen to his words. Psalm 54:2 “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth” Are we so discouraged that we are not even calling on the Lord. No way out, then Lord is the only way.

Praise: David then said, even if enemies come to attack, Lord will help and sustain. Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” Irrespective of our situation Lord will help and will sustain

David was sure, even if troubles are too many and too tough, for sure Lord will deliver. Psalm 54:7 “For he has delivered me from all my troubles” Praise God for the surety of your faith

Prayer:  My Lord, My Lord; my eyes are on you. My hope is in you. Amen.

Only miracle that has been mentioned in all four gospels, that Jesus performed during His ministry. 5000 men fed and were satisfied by just 5 loaves and 2 fish, also gathered 12 baskets of extra loaves. How did this miracle happen? Can a miracle of such magnitude happen in our times?

There was a need and Jesus seeing the need  1. Jesus had compassion: Mat 14:14, Mark 6:34, immediate response of Jesus after having compassion 2. Jesus spoke on people’ s behalf Mark 6:37, Mat 14:16 Luke 9:13 and as next step once he received the 5 bread and 2 fishes 3. Jesus directed people to be seated Mat 14:18,19, Mark 6:39, Luke 9:14 and final step that led to the provision 4 Jesus took and thanked Mat 14:19, mark 6:41, Luke 9:16, Jh 6:11

Prayer: Lord, we need your compassion, yes Lord we believe even today great miracles will happen for your name to be glorified. Amen.

Story: Through Jeremiah the Lord had given a promise to the people of Judah who were taken into captivity by Babylonian kingdom. Promise was that they will come back free after 70 years and Lord will help them to build the temple of God. Babylonian empire was overthrown by the Persians, and for the promise of God to be fulfilled, Lord moved and heart of King Cyrus and he made a proclamation to all his kingdom that people of Israel could go back and start building the temple, as he was appointed by God for that purpose, also he gave a word that from the royal treasury they will provide the support too.

Lesson: 70 years in a foreign land as slaves, no possibility of the promise to be fulfilled. But Lord who promised is faithful to fulfill even if that needs a miracle. During the waiting time let us be like Daniel who held on to the promise. What are the promises that we received? If that requires the most powerful kings to pass a rule, yes Lord will make it happen. As one who promised is powerful to perform what He promised. One night; is all what it takes to move from troubles to triumphs, when the Lord moves.

Prayer: Father Lord, we are fully persuaded that the Lord who promised is powerful enough to fulfill the promises He gave. While waiting we will trust the word. Amen.

He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert Ps 106:9

Story: Psalmist in 106 described how the Lord brought the Israelities out of Slavery and made them cross the Red Sea. Psalmist quoeted thus “When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. He saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise”

Lesson: Lord saved His people for His name sake. How much do we honor and trust in the name of our Lord. When they faced a big obstruction of Red Sea, deliverance came just because the Lord rebuked the sea. Though whole nation did not believe there was one man who lifted his hands, and in response to that Lord rebuked. Can we out of humility and trust lift our hands and surely the Lord will act. It does not matter what stands infront of us, it only matters who we are trusting.It does not matter where we are , it matter s who is with us.

Prayer: Father Lord, in front of this red sea, my hope is just in you Lord. I know for your name sake and when you speak the rea sea will dry up. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thought: Many a times, we  want to give God the driver seat but we want to be the GPS – try it the other way. We think that this is the best and ask God for it (with all good intention), but remember that God knows best. We might say that Lord give me a 9 to 5 job so that I am able to spend time for you in the evening, but God might want you to do his work in your work place. We are great in preparing all the specifications based on our own understanding  that there is little room for God to work on it and He has to sometimes break it down for Him to show us his ways. In all the walks of your life – personal, professional or spiritual, allow God to take control and have your perfect trust in Him and He will show you the way. You might think that this is your strength and hence God can use you only in this way, but His ways are different – just submit and don’t lean on your understanding. He works in ways we cannot see – more exceedingly and abundantly than you might ask or think. Years before I thought doing a MBA in a top institute will get me to the position I am in after many years, but God was able to do it earlier without a MBA – all that we need to do is not to put the brakes and start trying things of your own when you don’t see things moving in the direction you intended, trusting in Him and understanding that eventually you will get there or it is not intended for you and He has something better. The other part is that we should just place our trust and sit at home. We should listen to His voice and keep going and He will may the paths straight – sitting at home will not lead us to anywhere. Let us learn to lean on Him in all our ways that we might be able to go in the right path.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me today and guide me in the path which you want me to traverse and help me to always lean on you and not on my strengths.

Story: God asked Jacob to go up to Bethel, in the previous chapter we read Jacob was scared of neighboring people. When he heard the command to go back before moving he did something “So Jacob said …Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.” Gen 35:2 Next we read God put a terror on everyone around and that no one pursued Israel.

Lesson: We might be afraid now, but if we change and purify our ways. Obey the Lord; He will put a terror even upon our enemies. There is power in blameless walk. Let us not fight our cause, Lord will fight for us, when we get rid of all things that take the place of God, anything we give more importance than God.

Prayer: Father Lord, let me not look at people, let me not live a life based on other people opinion about me. Let my focus be to serve you with all my heart, mind and soul. Amen

Thought: Who is an ambassador? He is a representative of a state/country in another state/country and he does not speak of his own, but on behalf of his country and his whole duty and responsibility is to interpret and represent the parent country in the foreign land. There is also a brand ambassador who represents to promote a particular brand by means of using it and showing to people that the product is good to use. Without deviating much, let us ask to ourselves – are we ambassador’s of Christ who has placed us in the place (it might be your workplace or society at large), Are we representing the kingdom of God in the place where we are in? The place we are in is temporary and we are representatives of Christ (Kingdom of God) in the place where we in – let us remember that in everything that we do or say. Let us people around us, see us and glorify our Father who is in heaven – let them know we are Christians by the way of our walk and our talk – no because of us, but because of Him in us. Let us talk on behalf of Christ to the people whom we are in the midst of, with the mind of Christ in us, that they might see the Christ in us. Let us continue to have the authority of the Kingdom of God, being representatives of it in the earth and remain faithful in our duty to be a entrusted representative and fulfill the will of the parent country from which we are sent.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be a representative of the Kingdom of God in the place where you have placed me, that I might represent you and glorify your name. Amen.

As Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. Jesus healed the blind man. How did the healing happen?
Cry Out: When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47 Bartimaeus continued to call upon Jesus although people stopped him. We know Jesus is the healer, let us will all our strength, let us cry out to the Lord for healing.
Request Made: “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 The man plainly told Jesus what he wanted, let us also openly tell our pain and hurts to the Lord.
Healing: “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 Listen what Jesus said your faith has healed, faith of coming to Jesus, have we come to Jesus; our Lord honors our cry for help and He answers our request.
Prayer: Father Lord, I want to see, give sight that I will see everything in Heavenly perspective. Heal me Lord, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Story: Through Jeremiah the Lord had given a promise to the people of Judah who were taken into captivity by Babylonian kingdom. Promise was that they will come back free after 70 years and Lord will help them to build the temple of God. Babylonian empire was overthrown by the Persians, and for the promise of God to be fulfilled, Lord moved and heart of King Cyrus and he made a proclamation to all his kingdom that people of Israel could go back and start building the temple, as he was appointed by God for that purpose, also he gave a word that from the royal treasury they will provide the support too.

Lesson: 70 years in a foreign land as slaves, no possibility of the promise to be fulfilled. But Lord who promised is faithful to fulfill even if that needs a miracle. During the waiting time let us be like Daniel who held on to the promise. What are the promises that we received? If that requires the most powerful kings to pass a rule, yes Lord will make it happen. As one who promised is powerful to perform what He promised. One night; is all what it takes to move from troubles to triumphs, when the Lord moves.

Prayer: Father Lord, we are fully persuaded that the Lord who promised is powerful enough to fulfill the promises He gave. While waiting we will trust the word. Amen.

Story: People of Israel went into exile as a punishment to their sins, but Lord gave them a promise before they went into the exile through Jeremiah. This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you”

Background: Lord our God, can bring us back from even the worst situation. There is no situation which is too hard for the Lord to deliver. Even when we face the toughest challenge Lord has already planned the greatest blessing through that state. All the plans to prosper did not happen because of our goodness, it was just because of His name sake and His unfailing love. Then why fear and condemn. Let us confess and seek His face.

Prayer: Father Lord, I know you will deliver me and bring a great blessing in midst of my challenge. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Lord asked Moses to go back to Egypt to deliver the children of Israel. He went and told the people Lord will be delivering, people were so excited. Pharaoh on hearing that people wanted to go and worship their God. He burdened them with very tough work, people cried out. Purpose of Moses coming back was to deliver people, out of their burden but now their burden multiplied and there is no way for any sort of deliverance. At that point Moses speaks to God and makes the above speech. Why you brought trouble, why you sent me, from the time I came burden multiplied and Lord you have not delivered.

We also started on the promise of God, now troubles just multiplied and we have come to dead end. Now we have only question remaining. The reply Lord gave to Moses was extra-ordinary

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” When Lord allowed burden to increase, it was for a purpose, Lord wanted His people see greater deliverance, to see plagues on enemy you need a hardened Pharaoh, to see Red Sea dividing you need a enemy chasing. That single instance changed the faith level of a nation. For greater miracles, greater challenges are needed. Lord allows some situations for us to learn what trust and faith is.

Joseph became prime minster due to famine on the way, Peter walked on water due to a storm, David was lifted up due Goliath, Jericho was captured without a fight due to walls being shut, list goes on — Great miracles needs great challenges!

Four basic principles for deliverance. What makes our father in Heaven to dispatch deliverance. The need of deliverance could be forgiveness of sin, could be healing of sickness, it could be need or desire of Lord’s ministry; it could be any of our need. Paul in this passage is talking of Salvation. Lord who works in the same fashion for our spiritual, physical and emotional needs.

Learn and Claim the Word: Romans 10:8 “But what does it say? The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” Word of God is powerful and it is true. Learn, meditate, and claim the promises that the Lord gives, believe the word and not your situation.

Believe and Confess the Faith: Romans 10:10 “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” What we believe we need to confess with our mouth, stop confessing negative things, start speaking deliverance of the Lord. Confession should be result of faith. Rom 10:8 “..That is, the word of faith we are proclaiming”

Trust in the Lord: Romans 10:11 “As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Claiming and Confession is true only if we trust the Lord completely in ever situation. If we trust we will never ever be put to shame.

Call upon the Lord: Romans 10:13 “for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Pray is the breath of a spiritual man. Never stop it, always be consistent, and remember every moment you need to breathe, not just one time a day.

Prayer: I believe in the word is near, teach me to confess, anoint me to trust and pray in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Burden: Jesus and his disciples where going across a lake, but they forgot to take bread. On the Jesus said “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Mat 16:6, Jesus meant to be careful of false teaching, but “They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Mat 16:7, they were burdened of worldly need, when Jesus was speaking of spiritual need

Faith: “Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?” Mat 16:8 When we are burdened, worried of our lack of resources, Jesus says we have little faith about the provider. In tough times remember what the Lord had done for us, “Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Mat 16:9

Prayer: Lord Teach me to be heavenly minded, having burden for things of the Father. Lord; help me to have great faith. Amen.

Are we careful on the words what we speak? Do you lie, the word says; “God said that he hates a lying tongue” Pro. 6:17. Do you flatter (flattering tongue) others to make them feel good; the word says “their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.” Ps 5:9. Do you tell great things (proud tongue) about yourself Ps 12:3-4 says, “The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things. Or do you speak (rash tongue) non stop  Ecc 5:2 says, “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter any thing before God”.

Are you guilty of speaking too swiftly (swift tongue) when you really need to wait before saying anything. Pro 18:13: “He that answers a matter before hearing it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Do you speak ill (backbiting tongue) of others; Beware of the backbiters, especially the ones who sow discord among brethren (Pro. 6:19)! Do you speak to hurt (piercing tongue) others? Pro 12:18 “There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword. Remember Pro 10:19 “Sin is unavoidable when there is much talk, but whoever seals his lips is wise.”

So let us listen more and speak less. And when we speak let us speak under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let our tongue edify others. Let our words bring glory to God always. In the book ‘Search of 12 apostles’, it is written, angels in heaven used to wait for Barnabas to pray, and He used to pray 100 times a day. Is heaven waiting to hear us speak? Word says our words have power of life and death. Now on let us give life.

Prayer: Lord, stop me from speaking when I bring dishonour you. Like Ezekiel said, let my tongue, stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not speak what you want to speak. Lord, put words in my mouth that I will speak your words. Amen.

Thought: Many a times we tend to gauge ourselves and also judge others by the actions and words, but God is the only one who knows the intentions and thought and the heart behind the action and words. We do pretend and become hypocrites at times – we can easily fool people around us and probably the church, but we cannot fool God who searches a man by his heart. Though in most times it is abundance of the heart out of which actions and words flow, this may not always be the case. Let us looks at 2 things this morning: 1. Gauging ourselves 2. Judging  Others. When we do things, we should always ensure we do it from the heart and not grudgingly for it  will not benefit us nor anyone. Do we do it the ‘Christian way’ because of our love of Jesus or because the world is seeing us? Let us examine ourselves – anything and everything we do let it be because of our love of the Lord and not to impress anyone. Interestingly we sometimes tend to impress God by our actions and words, but remember God sees the heart and he would appreciate a small deed from the heart rather than a big one from the hand. Also we should be ready for what the Lord provides for us and not conceive that this is my strength and this is what is good. When it comes to others, we often easily judge people by the appearance and based on the way they speak – while it is good to discern, let us not judge. Ask the Lord for guidance – this might be for your spouse, when you interview a candidate for job, to work along with you in ministry or even for a friend for God sees the heart of the other person and will be able to guide us. Also, we only tend to see the action of the other person as bad while the intention might be good. Let us not judge by the action and regret later. Let us see others as God sees them and do unto others remembering God is seeing our heart.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me love you with all my heart that I will be able to sees others like you do and do to others the way you would do. Amen.

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins”. 1  Peter 4:8.

Thought: The world has become so corrupt that love has also become corrupt.  As a christian, we are all expected to be rooted in love – as Jesus sums up all the commandments of the law into just 2: Love God and Love your neighbor. Paul considers love to be the greatest virtue, but here King Solomon mentions that ‘love covers all sins’ and Peter says ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’ – what does it mean? When we love God, we will be able to obey his commandments – we will not be able to sin. When we love people near us, we will not be able to sin against them – we will be able to forgive and forget and move on and be a testimony for God. On the other hand hatred would kindle strife which would bring in all sorts of sin and not glorify His name. We should always have that fervent love in us that even if someone sinned against us, we should be able to forgive them, because that is what the Lord has taught us to be, but continue to be a friend and not a foe. Let that mind in Christ Jesus be in us as well – What love shall we call it that while we were still sinners that He died for us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be an ambassador of your love that I might be able to overcome hatred with love. Amen.

Story: Through Jeremiah the Lord had given a promise to the people of Judah who were taken into captivity by Babylonian kingdom. Promise was that they will come back free after 70 years and Lord will help them to build the temple of God. Babylonian empire was overthrown by the Persians, and for the promise of God to be fulfilled, Lord moved and heart of King Cyrus and he made a proclamation to all his kingdom that people of Israel could go back and start building the temple, as he was appointed by God for that purpose, also he gave a word that from the royal treasury they will provide the support too.

Lesson: 70 years in a foreign land as slaves, no possibility of the promise to be fulfilled. But Lord who promised is faithful to fulfill even if that needs a miracle. During the waiting time let us be like Daniel who held on to the promise. What are the promises that we received? If that requires the most powerful kings to pass a rule, yes Lord will make it happen. As one who promised is powerful to perform what He promised. One night; is all what it takes to move from troubles to triumphs, when the Lord moves.

Prayer: Father Lord, we are fully persuaded that the Lord who promised is powerful enough to fulfill the promises He gave. While waiting we will trust the word. Amen.

David probably wrote Psalm 23; shortly after he was anointed to be king while he still kept his father’s flocks in Bethlehem. Psalm 23 portrays God as a shepherd, feeding (verse 1) and leading (verse 3) his flock. The “rod and staff” (verse 4) are also the implements of a shepherd. Let us study the greatest confidence David has about his future in the Lord through this Psalm

Provider: I shall not want Ps 23:1b David knew Lord is the provider for future, that why he confessed Lord always makes way, leads, refreshes and guides.

Protector: I will fear no evil Ps 23:4 David knew in the toughest time Lord was the protector, that’s why he said Lord is with me and comforts me.

Peace: Surely your goodness and love will follow me Ps 23:6a David knew the truth that Lord’s children will not chase the peace but they will have peace that passes all understanding.

Presence: I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Ps 23:6b greatest assurance that a child of God has, we will always be in His presence and we will spend our eternity with Christ

Prayer: Lord, all I need is you, you alone are my protector. I need your presence always and fill me with your peace Lord. Amen.

God promised Noah about the pattern of the earth. When did Noah receive this promise? We know Noah was in the ark and was protected from the flood.

Remembers: When the rain stopped Lord remembered Noah and for the waters to recede Lord sent a wind. We might be surrounded by waters; just trust the Lord remembers to deliver us. “But God remembered Noah .. he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. “ Gen 8:1

Guides & Blesses: Lord made dry land and asked Noah to come out and blessed them to be fruitful, our Lord will lead us to a place where he prospers us. “ Then God said to Noah,  “Come out of the ark, … they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it.” Gen 8:15-17

Accepts Worship: First thing, Noah did when he came out of ark was to worship God, it pleased God. “ Then Noah built an altar to the Lord .. sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma” Gen 8:20,21. Then Lord promised never to destroy earth with flood and also promised a pattern we read above.

Prayer: Father Lord, I thank you for keeping me safe from the flood, lead me to your dry land and anoint me to worship you. Amen.

Context: Paul wrote an epistle to church in Philippians, and he wrote to them how he sees purpose of life as;
Paul said “whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ and the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection.”

Lessons:
What do we consider as real gain? Is it a new house, new car, new job etc then we are missing out on the best. The best thing is to know Christ; it has to daily know him more.

How can we be righteous? Will our good works bring right standing with God, no righteousness comes through faith in Jesus and good works is the result of God imputing righteousness into us.

What do we really want to know? Is it to know the power of resurrection and to know Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father Lord, give me the right perspective and right priority. Change me Lord to have the right attitude. Amen.

Story: Psalmist in 106 described how the Lord brought the Israelities out of Slavery and made them cross the Red Sea. Psalmist quoeted thus “When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. He saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise”

Lesson: Lord saved His people for His name sake. How much do we honor and trust in the name of our Lord. When they faced a big obstruction of Red Sea, deliverance came just because the Lord rebuked the sea. Though whole nation did not believe there was one man who lifted his hands, and in response to that Lord rebuked. Can we out of humility and trust lift our hands and surely the Lord will act. It does not matter what stands infront of us, it only matters who we are trusting.It does not matter where we are , it matter s who is with us.

Prayer: Father Lord, in front of this red sea, my hope is just in you Lord. I know for your name sake and when you speak the rea sea will dry up. In Jesus name. Amen.

We are so scared of our future, our job, our needs etc. Here Jesus is telling God the Father, I have kept them safe. Our loving Father wanted Jesus to keep His children safe. Today also He has appointed His angels to protect, Jesus to intercede for us and the Holy Spirit to lead, what a loving Father, still we are fearful.

Lord said “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear” Isa 65:24. Even before a word was on our mouth Lord knew it. We see while Eliezer was praying for a bride for Issac, Rachel came to draw water. It looks like Lord had already prepared the answer beforehand. Yes, Angel told Daniel “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.” Daniel 10:12 and the word says “At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued” Daniel 9:23. Our Father already has prepared the answer.

Prayer: Lord, sorry for limiting you many times by looking at my problems and getting worried. Lord I praise you for you are; a prayer answering God. Amen.

It is the great plan of the Almighty to change our sinful and painful past and present to a beautiful future. Lord is making everything new. Yes every area of our life needs to go to the next level of God’s plans. So let us meditate few of His promises of making everything new.

Lord Cares: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God Rev 21:3Wow! Lord calls us His people and our precious Father promises to live in midst of us. Why worry?

Lord Comforts: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4 Lord sees our pain, He is our deliverer and Lord promises that our older order will pass away. Hold to the Lord, His time for deliverance is at the door. Why Fear?

Lord Controls: Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End Rev 21:5,6 When things are not going as planned, Lord is telling, Lord is in control and He knows the end of it. Why doubt?

Prayer: Lord, You are Caring, You are our comforter and Lord is in Control. Yes Lord I believe Your words “I am making everything new!”. Amen.

Thought

The Lord had promised Abraham to give Cannan as inheritance. People had gone into slavery, Moses brought them out and promise was fulfilled through Joshua. And in this psalm David is explaining who will receive the inheritance. Are we also waiting for the fulfilment of a promise?

Is your vision yet to come true? Your call, desires still not fulfilled? Is there someone’s salvation you are waiting taking too long? Is a healing delayed? Are you worried about a confirmation? Are you waiting for a permanent place to settle down? Had been waiting for a life partner too long? Waiting for a job? Looking out for higher studies? Or anything else; that you are yet to see the fulfilment.

Trust and Obey: Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” First step to receive your promise is trust the Lord to fulfil what the Lord spoke to you. There is no place for fear or worry when we trust the Lord completely.

Hope: Psalm 37:9 “those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”. Just blindly hope in God who never disappoints His children who put their hope in Him. Remember Abraham hoped against hope (I believe Abraham had to hope what his mind could not understand even)

Be Meek: Psalm 37:11 “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace” To be meek is to be willing for the Lord to teach. Are we having a listening ear to the voice of the Almighty?

Be Blessed: Psalm 37:22 “those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,” Lord blessed all those who are His children. Those who receive Jesus as their personal savoir and accept Him as the Lord of their life, they are the children of God. Be obedient children.

Stop Sinning: Psalm 37:27 “Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever” Stop continuing to live in sin. Run from youthful lust. Tell No to sin. Fear of God is to hate evil.

Live Righteous: Psalm 37:29 “the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever“. Walk in the ways of the Lord. Every step taken will be as per the direction from almighty.

Wait and Keep: Psalm 37:34 “Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land” Be prepared for the second coming of Jesus. Wait to be taken to God and His kingdom established. Paul said for me to live is Christ.

Thought: How often do we do good things to please people or to seek attention – do we have a proud heart in doing good. Sometimes as a christian organization or church we do programs for the sake of accomplishments or for publicity – is the Lord pleased in these? Our God is a God who seeks love in doing things and directly sees our hearts and minds and not the outward action we do. Let us not try to please men , but please God. We don’t need to appear/act as a righteous person in Church or a group of believers and living a different lifestyle elsewhere – there is no double standard in the kingdom of God, it is either good or bad. Whenever we do good, let us do it from the heart – whenever we do a role in Church, let us do with our heart and mind and do it as unto the Lord and not unto men or because somebody is seeing us. When our motives is God, the Lord will reward us accordingly and when our motive is not good, the Lord will not consider it as the Lord says to Jeremiah “I, the Lord, search the heart,I test the mind,Even to give every man according to his ways,According to the fruit of his doings.” Let us do everything going forward with our hearts and minds, else let us not do it for the sake of doing it or to please others.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to do things which are pleasing in thy sight with all my heart and mind and to please you and not to please people around us. Amen.

Background: David in this Psalm describes about two kinds of people. One who prospers in what ever he does. And the Lord watches over all his ways, he is fruitful. A result assured person. Let us study together how to be such a person.

Lesson: There are two qualities that David mentions about the man who prospers.

1. He does not walk, stand or sit along with sinners. That means, he resolved not to sin and not to have any association with sin. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked“ Ps 1:1

2. He delights and mediate on the word of God always, do we love the word of God “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” Ps 1:2

Prayer: Father Lord, teach me your word that I may walk in it. Amen.

“Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people” Isaiah 49:8 (King James Bible).

Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Thought

How to be fruitful? Jesus taught how to remain focussed and be fruitful. Let us meditate the teaching of Jesus, John 15:1-5

Planter: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” John 15:1 Always be confident we have a gardener, who is in full control and looks after all that is in the garden.

Prunes: He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2 Lord; wants us to be more fruitful, in that process he prunes our branches. We face challenges so we will become stronger.

Promise: You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. John 15:3. We have the promises of the Lord. That’s all we need. His word has cleaned us and will keep us.

Presence: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4. We need to be presence of the Lord. Lord wants us to be with him always. We are safe only in His presence.

Prosper: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5. We prosper when we have the Lord with us. Let us do all things with the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, I thank that you are my gardener. I will dwell in you. I will hear and obey the word of God. In all things I will trust and follow you. Amen.

Story: God tested Abraham and asked him to sacrifice his only son Isaac as a burnt sacrifice. Abraham obeyed by taking his son to Mt.Moriah as Lord commanded, he built an altar and bound Isaac and put him on top of it and took the knife to do the sacrifice. Lord stopped Abraham and blessed him and provided a substitute ram for the sacrifice.

Lesson: We receive salvation by grace, but there is power in obedience. Our actions can bring blessing to many. Lord will not tempt us with evil, but the Lord will prove us so we could rise up to the next level. In the midst of the testing Abraham tasted God as Jehovah Jireh, the provider.

Prayer: Father Lord, how will I understand you with my finite mind? Your wisdom is infinite. Teach me your ways that I may walk in it. Amen.

Story: The king of Jerusalem heard that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and had become their allies. So King of Israel along with 4 other kings attacked Gibeon, people of Gibeon asked Joshua to come and help.
Joshua went and fought and defeated all the kings, two outstanding miracles happened in this campaign. One when enemy fled before Israel the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. Twowhen Joshua prayed, the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.

Lesson: We know Lord is always the same, then why there is no outstanding miracles like this now. Is it because Lord is not able to find a man like Joshua. Can we be the Joshua of this generation? And also how could Joshua pray for something that is beyond our imagination? Where is that kind of faith ?

Lord fighting on our behalf, but there is duty that we need to do, fight with the sword (Prayer), and the Lord will reply to our prayer by hail (devouring power). Where is our hope? Are we overwhelmed by our situation, then lets step forward in faith.

Prayer: Father Lord, help me to be a man of faith and a man of prayer. Amen.

“You will receive what he had promised” Heb 10:36b

Thought

What do we do when the promises of God is delayed? How do we react to delayed deliverance? During the wait period how should we conduct ourselves? Let us learn from the word how to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Draw Near: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” Heb 10:22a. When there is a delay in the fulfillment of promises, let us draw nearer to God with the full assurance in faith that our Lord who promised will fulfill. More the delay, run away from doubts and draw near to God. For the word says “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” Heb 10:23 Yes Lord who promised is faithful to fulfill.

Never Give Up: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” Heb 10:35. There might be times when we feel delay is too long, let us not lose our confidence, remember at His time Lord will fulfill but if we lose our faith, the word says Lord will not be pleased with us “But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him” Heb 10:38. Many times I have received the promises of God even when I lost hope, but in those times I disappointed my Lord. So let us have confidence in the Lord who promised will fulfill.

Prayer

Yes Lord you will fulfill every promise that you have made to me. None of your promises will be delayed but it will be fulfilled at your perfect timing. I am fully persuaded that one who promised is powerful enough to fulfill the promises. Amen.

]]> https://www.ccf.org.in/daily-thought-do-not-lose-hope/feed/ 0 https://www.ccf.org.in/daily-thought-no-man-is-stronger-than-his-prayer-life/ https://www.ccf.org.in/daily-thought-no-man-is-stronger-than-his-prayer-life/#respond Mon, 17 Jul 2017 18:35:16 +0000 http://35.154.218.127/?p=24992 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, … 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective … Phil v5,6

Paul wrote four prison epistles, every epistle Paul is telling how he has been praying for the people. How could he pray for others when he had lot of needs and suffering for himself? Not once he asked any church to pray for his release from prison. He did not once even write, any sort of suffering or pain he was going through. In chains with two people on both sides how did he even fervently pray.

No man is stronger than his prayer life. Jesus prayed whole night before choosing His disciples, before going to cross, Jesus found the greatest battle in Gethsemane praying. We pray only to give our laundry list of needs to God. When did we weep and cry for lost souls, satan has replaced joy of pray with entertainment. 3 hours we can see tv, but can’t pray for 3 minutes, and still expecting to go to heaven. Its been long time compromising on prayer that we do not know power of kneeling and prayer. Who fooled us that being God conscious in heart is prayer. Jesus slipped out of crowd, set aside, set apart time and place for prayer, how much more we need to pray. People knows the preachers, hell will shiver and know one who pray.

Elijah was a man like us but he earnestly prayer. Oh that we pray earnestly.

Story: Jesus spoke to people using lot a parables, one of the parables was the Sower and the seed. Jesus in private explained the parable to His disciples. There were four kinds of ground on which the seeds fell, one was on the thorny ground, Jesus explained the thorny ground like this; these are people who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

Lesson: Seed, the word of God we also heard, are we worried about life, are we living some how to be rich and to enjoy the pleasures of the world. Did we grow in the relationship with God? Are we maturing in the word of God? What is our priority? What do we spend our time for; to think and solve the issues of life, or do we really spend talking to the Almighty. Jesus died on the cross that we have an intimate relationship with Almighty by the strength of Holy Spirit. Are you choked by life?

Prayer: Father Lord, change my heart that I will be a good soil, so that the word that I read and listen will bring forth hundred forth result. Amen.

Story: Jesus rose from dead on the third day, all the loved ones were sitting and mourning and weeping. At that time, few ladies went to the grave to anoint the body of Jesus; they had a huge question in front of them, who will roll large stone in front of the grave. This obstruction did not stop them, we know they went, even before they reached angels rolled it away and Jesus came out of the grave.

Lesson: We might see some obstructions in our lives, which looks so large. By faith go forward the Lord will roll it away. Angels were waiting in the tomb with the good news of resurrection; to listen to the great news let us walk towards the obstruction. Who will do remove the stone is an irrelevant question (as our Lord will), right action is to keep going and do not quit.

Prayer: Father Lord, I will not quit, I know you will roll away all my obstructions. I will listen to the good news of the power of resurrection. Amen.

 Jesus said we are the salt of the earth. When we walk according to the word of God and as per the guidance of Holy Spirit, we will continue to have the saltiness

 Practice & Preach: whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:19 we have to read the word, obey and then teach others too. Jesus called those great in the kingdom of God.

 Thrown & Trampled: But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot Mat 5:13. When we live worldly we lose our saltiness, sin will make us useless, then Jesus said we are good only to be thrown and trampled.

 Prayer: Lord, let me not lose my saltiness. Lord, let me always practice and preach. Lord, let us bring back people who are thrown and trampled. Amen

Story: King Josiah sent and gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. The king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men. And he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which was found in the Lord’s house. The king made a covenant before the Lord—to walk after the Lord and to keep His commandments with all his heart and soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to join in the covenant.

Lesson: Do we really spend time in reading and digging into the word of God. There is life in the word of God that can transform nations. Do make corrections in our life according to the word of God. What do we do with the word of God, is it just emotionally soothes us, or makes us feel better when reading the promises, or is it just claiming the promises of God. Ideally word of God should change our lifestyle and we need to live according to the standard of the word of God.

Prayer: Father Lord, let me live as per the word of God and not as per the world. Help me Lord to be a great student of the word of God. Amen.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Phil 2:5

Thought

We all have been saved and given right to be called as a child of God Almighty by the grace of Lord Jesus Christ. From the day of salvation till today how much did our attitude and our character change to be more like Christ. Why are we not growing up? Let us carefully study, on how to grow.

Overcome Sin: Most of us fail to grow because we continue in sin. Taking sin lightly is deception from evil one. And some of us are still struggling to overcome wrong doings. Root cause of failure is because we try to live holy with our abilities. Lord whose grace is sufficient to give us salvation and helps us to lead a holy life. The word says “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect from the evil one” 2 Thess 3:3. So let us ask Lord to partner us in daily walk.

Obedience and Direction:  Second step of growth, is to love God and fulfilling His purpose. The word says “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love” 2 Thess 3:5 When we have sincere desire to love the Lord, and when we ask for the fulfillment of the desire. Lord will pour out a Spirit of deep love for our Lord in us, for the Lord loves us unconditionally. That love will lead us to fulfill His purposes.

Prayer

Father Lord, thank you for forgiving me by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Lord, strengthen me to walk in your ways.  Guide my heart to love you.  Amen.

Thought: We ought to do good and we will do good, if we have the love of God, but forcing the flesh to do good does not provide salvation – that is what unbelievers try to do as well. If you are saved, you will automatically do the good work which the Lord has kept in store for you. Then what does it take to be saved? Suddenly in a crowd someone asks would you like to be saved today, we still doubtfully raise our hands at times – let us be clear on the word of God on this. To be saved is a gift of God to everyone who believes (have faith) in Him (He died as an atonement for my sin),  which we receive through the grace by the blood of Christ – It is not something we can attain or anyone else can give or buy on your behalf. Salvation can be only through absolute faith in the Lord and should given to us from God and we should receive it directly. If we truly have faith in the Lord, we will love Him and follow His commandments and do the good work and that should be nothing we boast of, but if we are not doing good deeds and not following His commandments we need to truly think – do I really believe in Him in my heart of just mentioned it because you were asked to. The Lord sees the heart and soul of faith and not the mouth which utters faith verse (repeating what someone said) alone. It should be the outward expression of the inward realization and not an outward one alone. Today, if you are not able to have Faith in your heart – re examine yourself and commit to the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help to to increase my Faith, that I might be saved and let me understand that it is your gift that you have freely given to me which is priceless. Amen.

When Jacob was about to meet Esau, Jacob felt Esau was coming to him to take revenge. Jacob felt really afraid and he prayed; Lord delivered him. A very beautiful short prayer by Jacob.

Name of God: Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, Gen 32:9a Jacob started by Addressing God, we can Address God in Heaven and pray to him in Jesus name.

Promise of God: you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ Gen 32:9 Even in tough times, Jacob remembered and held on to the promises of God. Do we trust in His promises?

Blessing of God: I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Gen 32:10 Jacob remembers the ways in which the Lord led him thus far. Testify what the Lord has done.

Request to God: Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, Gen 32:11 He openly told his need and confessed the exact state of his mind. Oh Lord I am afraid.

Reminder to God: But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’” Gen 32:12. Jacob is reminding God of His promises, that night Lord met Jacob and changed his name to Israel.

Prayer: Lord God who is in Heaven, you are the Lord who promised to prosper, protect and deliver, Lord who in the past who led me will do it now and forever. Lord you are faithful Amen.

Thought: Now we might be going through a tough situation. We might not be sure how to face tomorrow. Let us pray like the Psalmist “Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer” Psalm 4:1. What is the assurance that our Lord will answer.

Everything in the world belongs to God, but Lord has set His people apart, and when we call on the Lord, He will answer. The word says “Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him” Psalm 4:3

When we are tensed, let us be careful what we pray, especially when we go to bed with a heavy heart “when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” Psalm 4:4. Let us not grumble, let us not question, but let us make our request “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God”. Psalm 4:1 Let us “Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD” Psalm 4:5

Prayer: Dear Lord, 2 Chro 20:12 “For we have no power to face this …. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” Amen.

Jesus just before crucifixion was teaching His disciples about the power of faith and how to exercise faith. Being a child of God we need to operate in the truths that Jesus taught.

Blameless: Before speaking of faith, Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come” Luke 17:1a A child of God who wants to operate in faith should be aware schemes of the evil one. Jesus said so watch yourselves. Luke 17:3b Be careful that we do not fall into sin and deceptions.

Forgiveness: Jesus then taught of forgiving others, you must forgive them.” Luke 17:4b. Apostles hearing of the forgiveness to be extended unconditionally they respondedThe apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5. This lead to amazing secret that Jesus revealed He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. Luke 17:6

So if we are serious of blameless life and ready to forgive other, then whatever we speak out in faith will happen. Wow let us operate in the supernatural.

Prayer: Lord, help to walk blameless, Lord teach me to forgive. Let my words be manifestation of the will of God. Anoint me to operate in the heavenly power. Amen.