Tuesday, April 21, 2009

365 Blessings- January 29


He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)

Do you believe that the love that Jesus has for you is much much greater than the love that the woman here had for her lover?
God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Everlasting love can come only from an everlasting God. The Bible says,
”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
John, the Apostle writes,
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1)

The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians says,
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

The love that Jesus has for you is one that surpasses knowledge and if you have to really grasp how wide, long, high and deep it is, you would need more than a lifetime.

Yes, Jesus loves you, much more than you can ever imagine, much more than you can ever grasp. In fact, the banner that he's held over you is the banner of love.


365 Blessings- January 28


"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14)

When Jesus was born, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

If you are reading this, God's favor rests upon you and that will bring peace to you amidst all the troubles that you face in this chaotic world.

It's not a trivial matter if God's favor has rested upon you. The Apostle Peter puts it this manner:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9, 10)

The Psalmist prays,
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)
The Bible says,
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11)

Yes, we are the people of God and God's favor rests upon us. Let us rejoice that God has chosen us as a people for himself, that we have received mercy and that we are a people belonging to him.

365 Blessings- January 27


"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5)

Interestingly, there are many who are fond of finding flaws in the Word of God, the Bible. Actually the Bible was written over a period of 1400 to 1800 years by more than 40 different authors. Certain mistakes and discrepancies can be found because of human errors. But the fact remains as Agur son of Jakeh says here- Every word of God is flawless.

Do you question the validity of what you read in the Bible everyday? Of course all of us have many doubts and there are many things that we don't understand when we read the Word. Yet, whatever God wanted mankind to know and understand is very clear. That's because the Bible was written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.

Yes, every word of God is flawless because God himself is flawless. His promises are flawless. Do you believe that?
King David, that great psalmist of Israel says,
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)

Again David affirms the same when he says,
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)

God is our shield. The Psalmist affirms that many times.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. (Psalm 18:35)

Believe in the Lord. Believe in his words. Believe in his promises. That will bring you peace that passes all understanding.

365 Blessings- January 26


Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. (Psalm 91:3)

This promise is for all who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Such a person can confidently say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)

Most of us must have had enough encounters with the fowler and his snares in our lives. Of the fowler (Satan), Jesus had some exceptionally caustic statements to make and it is nothing but profound truth:
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.....(John 10:10)

Of course, there are many so called Christians who do not believe that the fowler exists and is planning and orchestrating evil continually.
There are others who ignore him even when they know that it is because of his tricks that they are suffering.

The Apostle Paul had this to say regarding the unforgiving attitude in some of the believers in the Corinthian Church and the possibility of Satan taking advantage of it.
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11)

Are you attentive to the voice of God in your life? It is most essential if you have to escape the fowler's snare.
He can outwit you with his schemes if you do not continually dwell in the shelter of the Most High.
If you do dwell in the shelter of the most high and abide in his shadow, this promise (surely he will save you from the fowler's snare...)will continually be fulfilled in your life too.

365 Blessings- January 25


Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3) (NIV)

I was just comparing these verses in different versions of the Bible. These were the findings:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NAS)

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(Amplified)

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(KJV)

Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(ASV)

There's not much change in the meaning of the verses in any of these versions. The points to note being that God forgives all our sins/iniquities and heals all our diseases.

Many do believe in the sin-forgiving ability of the Lord, but when it comes to healing many doubt.
There can be many arguments regarding this, but the point is whether we are willing to take the Word literally as it is, for "today".
Can anyone of us say that the verse is untrue?
Even if we haven't seen healing in a specific case/ many cases, we cannot state that the Lord does not heal now.
He does heal and many of us are witnesses of it. So even today, shall we believe that he is still the disease-healing God as he is the sin-forgiving God?
Can we emphatically say, "Yes God, you heal all my diseases as I read in your Word and may your name be glorified".

Can we exhort ourselves and say what the psalmist sang: Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. That would be wonderful.


365 Blessings- January 24


"They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi 3:17, 18)

These verses speak of the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. The distinction may not be immediately apparent what with the wicked seemingly being blessed and the righteous suffering.

The psalmist Asaph seemed troubled by such thoughts:
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. (Psalm 73:2-9)

Sometimes thoughts like these trouble many believers. Why are the wicked prospering while they are suffering in some ways. As Malachi wrote...the distinction will be clear only at God's appointed time.
Then the righteous or them who serve God will be his treasured possession and the wicked will be judged with eternal punishment.

Asaph's was troubled because of the prosperity of the wicked. He said, Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me (Psalm 73:13, 14, 16)

God clarified Asaph's doubts over God's righteousness when he entered God's sanctuary and his spiritual eyes were opened. He then understood the final destiny of the wicked. And he sang,
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! (Psalm 73:18, 19)

Always remember, the prosperity of the wicked or those who do not serve God are only temporary, but you as a child of God are his "treasured possession" and will remain like that forever.

365 Blessings- January 23


Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

From a human point of view, it's quite astounding that Jesus should say, "even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Have you ever thought about the number? Researchers say these about the hairs on our head.
"Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body, second only to bone marrow. 35 meters of hair fiber is produced every day on the average adult scalp. The average scalp has 100,000 hairs. Redheads have the least at 80,000; brown and black haired persons have about 100,000; and blondes have the most at 120,000. 90% of scalp hairs are growing and 10% are resting. It is normal to lose 100 hairs per day from the scalp. You must lose over 50% of your scalp hairs before it is apparent to anyone."

We can only approximate. Only God knows the exact number!
The finer details of our lives are also known to him. Nothing is hidden.
The greatest thing is that he loves us despite all our frailties. Man may condemn us because of our outward appearances, but God loves us as we are, because he intended to create us for his own purpose and glory.

Are you unhappy that no one cares for you as you would like them to? Are you sad that you are not appreciated by others? Take heart. Jesus cares for you.

He says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Of much worth in the eyes of Jesus!

365 Blessings- January 22


He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:6)

This verse is sandwiched between 2 other verses which have a great bearing on this verse.

God will make our righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. When?? The answer is given in the preceding verse which says,
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: (Psalm 37:5)
2 things to be noticed here are the words commit & trust. Commit your way and then trust in him. Are you committing all your ways to the Lord? And after committing are you trusting in him? Then surely, your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

What else is to be done after committing and trusting?? The answer is given in the verse after 37:6
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him...... (Psalm 37:7)

Committing, trusting, waiting.....Are you willing to do these? God will not fail you if you do these.
The Bible says,
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30,31)

He is a good God, he loves you and he will grant your request in his time.

365 Blessings- January 21


When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)

How would it be when we appear with him in glory? How different will it be than what we experience now? I believe it will be a total change of what we have experienced here on earth.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth:
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:53)

As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:48, 49)

So we are going to bear the likeness of the man from heaven- Jesus. O, how wonderful that would be!
We have a glimpse of the resurrected body as we read of Jesus appearing to his disciples after he was raised up from the dead.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24:36-43)

While we are in this mortal body, the struggle continues. Battling sin, Satan and the worldly desires day in and day out. But we who are in Christ have the promise:
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.(1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

Shall we shout a Hallelujah to that?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

365 Blessings- January 20


'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' (Jeremiah 33:3)

Does the Lord still speak to his children as in olden biblical times? As he spoke to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and to scores of others? Some say that God speaks only through His Word now, others have had dreams and visions and are witnesses of that.

Whatever it be, I believe that he is still the same- an unchanging God and he communicates with his children, whatever means he chooses to use. May not be your preferred way, but he does speak and his children are witnesses of that.

He told Jeremiah, "Call to me and I will answer you..." Answer how?? By telling him great and unsearchable things that the prophet didn't know.

In Jeremiah's case, the Lord's word came to him when he was still confined in the courtyard of the guard. God spoke to him about the future of Israel. He said:
"'Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. (Jeremiah 33:6, 7)
And it did happen as the Lord said.

In the Bible, we read of people receiving specific directions from God when they faced many problems. God directed them in his paths and they were able to overcome obstacles and gain victory over their enemies.
Today, if you are confused about many things regarding your life, not knowing how things will work out, remember what he told Jeremiah:
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

365 Blessings- January 19

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Have you been hoping? Have you been waiting? Take heart. Your prayers are going to be answered. Will you believe that the Lord can do an extraordinary miracle for you?
What's an extraordinary miracle? Let me quote a few from the Word of God to bolster your faith.

The men of the city said to Elisha, "Look, our Lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive." "Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive. And the water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken. (2 Kings 2:19-22)

Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, "Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men." One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine. He gathered some of its gourds and filled the fold of his cloak. When he returned, he cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, "O man of God, there is death in the pot!" And they could not eat it. Elisha said, "Get some flour." He put it into the pot and said, "Serve it to the people to eat." And there was nothing harmful in the pot. (2 Kings 4:38-41)

The company of the prophets said to Elisha, "Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to live." And he said, "Go." Then one of them said, "Won't you please come with your servants?" "I will," Elisha replied. And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water. "Oh, my Lord," he cried out, "it was borrowed!" The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. "Lift it out," he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it. (2 Kings 6:1-7)

In the above 3 miracles, it was not the power of the salt or the flour or the stick that brought about the miracle. Instead it was the power of the Word of God that was spoken by Elisha. Will you believe this day that the Lord will do an extraordinary miracle for you for the thing that you have been hoping and praying for? The Lord Jesus Christ will speak the Word for your deliverance.
It's my prayer for you that you may experience that miracle and glorify God. 

365 Blessings- January 18


He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. (Proverbs 19:17)

It's not right to accuse a believer who is poor or financially stressed by saying that it's because of his/her sins that they are suffering like that. If we can put ourselves in the situation that they are in and imagine the pains that they have to undergo, we will surely be more understanding.

The above verse sounds strange but is true and those who do help the poor regularly have seen that the Lord has rewarded them bountifully. The ones who do it, do it because they love the Lord and his people and not because they will receive a reward.

Jesus also said,
"When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14)

The Bible says,
Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. (Psalm 41:1, 2)
If we are looking at eternal rewards, these acts of kindness will come to us naturally and it would be a pleasant sacrifice in the sight of the Lord. So let us take a decision and follow what Jesus said. Paul the Apostle also affirms this by saying,
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:9, 10)

The good that you do, especially for the poor will never go unrewarded. May Jesus bless you now and always for doing that.


365 Blessings- January 17


So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go. (Exodus 3:20)

Has the enemy, Satan, taken possession of anything that you own? Are you tormented by evil powers? As a believer are you always restless/confused/jittery/fearful/unsteady/irresponsible/unapproachable/angry/stressed???

Think about it. If it's a regular happening, it's not from Jesus who said,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Do you experience this "rest" that Jesus promised?
He also promised, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

And remember, Jesus gave this caution and promise,
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

Is satan stealing your peace and joy? Is he killing the peace & joy in your family life or married life. Is he destroying the goodness inside you? Don't give in to him. Stand firm.

The Bible says, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Remember what God promised Moses & the Israelites in the title verse here. “So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go." (Exodus 3:20)

The enemy that is tormenting you or your family may be stubborn but believe that Jesus is all powerful and all authority in heaven and earth is in his hands. He will set you free.
Resist the devil by continual prayer, worship and praise. The enemy will let you go because Jesus will destroy his power. Praise the Lord.

365 Blessings- January 16


For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:14)

Some people love the place that they live in so much that they keep bragging about it. How about you? How much ever one may love it, as a believer one must remember the above verse. The places that we live in are our temporary homes. We are to look forward to the city that is to come.

There are others who have to live in different places because of financial problems or because of their jobs. Sometimes frequent shifting becomes a pain and people despair. For such people, if they are believer's, the above verse is a source of comfort because they will finally be staying at one place which they can finally call home.

And the places that we live in may not be the ideal ones as some would testify. Uncertainties loom large because of strife’s, conflicts, job insecurities, financial calamities and personal problems.
The Word of God exhorts us in this matter and I quote:
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

So how do we overcome in this matter?
It's best for us to take the advice that the Apostle Paul gave the Corinthian believer's:
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Like Abraham, let us look forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

365 Blessings- January 15


Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. (Psalm 24:3-5)

Very similar to Psalms 15 where the Psalmist asks and then answers:
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. (Psalm 15:1-5)

And in the book of Revelation we read,
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)

Even liars are out...Some would say that's not a sin that equals idolatry or murder or sexual immorality. Well, one can't change what's written in the Word of God.

In Psalms 15 we read the same...who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue....

For some believers, lying is a habit and they do it for small things and for big. They do not realize that the Spirit of God who resides in them is the Spirit of Truth and that he abhors lying.

Jesus prayed to the Father for his disciples:
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Jesus wants each one of us to sanctify ourselves with his Word and the Holy Spirit. Why?? Only for 1 reason...He prays,
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. (John 17:24)

May the Lord help us all to join him and see his glory when the time comes. Praise the Lord.

365 Blessings- January 14


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

What's that gift or talent that you have? Are you putting it to use and bringing glory to God? Don't consider it as trivial. The Lord placed that in you with a purpose. And that purpose is to bring glory to his name.

The Apostle James states here very clearly that the gift that is in you has come from the Father of the heavenly lights and with him there's no changing nature as is seen with man.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (2 Timothy 1:5, 6)

That's what each one of us are supposed to do. Fan into flame the gift that the Lord has given us.

Paul again exhorts him saying,
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.....(2 Timothy 1:7, 8a)

Can you sing well? Is that the gift that the Lord has given you? Can you play musical instruments? Can you write poems or prose? Can you preach? Can you teach? Do you have the gift of helping others? Is visiting the sick and saying a word of comfort your gift from God? 100's of gifts. 100's of talents.

What's your gift from the Father of the heavenly lights? Are you willing to bring glory to God by putting your gift to use? He's waiting for you. Do it for him. Remember the price Jesus paid for you on the cross. Do not sit idle. Glorify your Master & Lord.

365 Blessings- January 13


He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

So many mountains stand in the way of believers blessings, yet they never ever use this little piece of advice that Jesus gave his disciples.
It's not an isolated verse. Here are a few that speak the same.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. (Matthew 21:21)

"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. (Mark 11:23)

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)

What's that mountain that’s standing in the way of your happiness? A mountain of debt/of sickness/of joblessness/of lack of joy & peacelessness/family discord/children's problems........

Speak to that mountain today. In fact, you must command it to leave in the name of Jesus.

Say, "In the name of Jesus, I command this mountain of debt to be removed from my life....
"In the name of Jesus, I command every cause of discord to leave my married & family life....
"In the name of Jesus, I command this mountain of sickness to leave me...

Jesus said, "these mountains will obey you"
Try it and you will see great changes in your life.

You have prayed about your problems, praised God, meditated on his Word and worshipped Jesus; now enter into a new phase of faith. Command in Jesus' Name.

365 Blessings- January 12


With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

By his power God will fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. The results may not be obvious immediately but in God's time, your efforts will bear fruit and you will glorify God for his goodness.
The Bible says,
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23, 24)

The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians,
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. (Philippians 1:3-7)
The ultimate rewarder is God and everything good comes from him. Give thanks to the Lord for all you receive as your wages. Do not murmur or grumble, because as a child of God, all your blessings come from him. You may feel like being cheated by the people for whom you work for, but thank God and he will give you more, because it is from his hands that you receive all blessings.

The Bible says,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7)

365 Blessings- January 11


He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

So we are going to receive new names. Any guesses what yours would be? Frankly most of us never had a choice to select our own names. As we came of age we finally knew that we were this one or that one. And some never like their names; they would liked to be called differently. The daring, even change their names and get it published too.

Sometime in the past, God decided to change a couple of names. He renamed Abram...Abraham and Sarai.....Sarah. Well, God seems to be in the name changing business and as the above verse indicates, every over comer will receive a new name. A couple of verses more from the book of Revelation regarding names:

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. (Revelation 3:12)

No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3, 4)

So we as believers in Jesus Christ will be receiving new names and also the name of God and the name of the city of God will be on us. A new name and a new address. And the owners name too. There won't be a change of address any more then.

Friday, April 17, 2009

365 Blessings- January 10


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

Amidst all the problems that we as believer's face in our day to day lives, isn't it wonderful that God gives us joy and peace as we keep trusting in him. The Bible says,
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:5)

Amidst great troubles, David said,
Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:6-8)
It's so wonderful that because we have trusted in Jesus, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit dwells in us.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)

Though we may feel depressed sometimes because of certain persistent problems, very soon we see a change. That's because the Comforter is with us. He renews our hope each day that these problems will finally come to an end and we will rejoice that the Lord has once again done great things for us. May the Comforter refresh you this day as you read this and may he renew the hope that is there in you.

365 Blessings- January 9


The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)

Can you affirm what Paul the apostle says here? Though in certain situations we may feel that we are helpless, we must believe that God is all powerful and everything is in his hands. Yes, God will rescue you from every evil attack of Satan and bring you safely to his heavenly kingdom.

The Apostle Peter writes,
If he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) - if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. (2 Peter 2:6-9)

The Bible also says,
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.....(2 Chronicles 16:9)
King Asa of Judah, in the early years of his reign was totally committed to the Lord but later on he associated with wicked kings and was admonished by Hanani the seer who told him, "Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen ? Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. (2 Chronicles 16:7, 8)
Are you fully committed to him? If yes, then be assured this day that the Lord's eyes are on you to strengthen your heart and he will rescue you from every evil attack of Satan and bring you safely into his heavenly kingdom.

365 Blessings- January 8


Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

Before we place our proposals before men, as believers we should place it at the Lord's feet for his approval and blessings. If it is not the Lord's will, might as well not proceed with it. If we can't clearly hear the Lord's thoughts regarding the issue in question, a fleece can be placed in the Lord's presence. Too many fleeces can bring doubts too, so it's best to place one or at the most two as Gideon did (Judges 6:36-40)

The Lord will speak but sometimes we have to wait upon him. He may speak through his Word as we meditate on it, he may speak through dreams and visions, he may speak through the sermon that we are listening to, he may speak through another believer and so many other ways.

When the Amalekites burned Ziklag and carried away David’s wives and children, we read in the 1st book of Samuel how he  enquired of the Lord regarding the matter and how the Lord guided him:
David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue." (1 Samuel 30:6-8)
If we have the approval of the Lord, then we have the backing of the Holy Spirit too and he will help us succeed in the venture that we wish to undertake. So commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

365 Blessings- January 7


This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. (John 6:58)

Are you feeding on the life giving manna? As a believer, it is imperative that you feed on the Word of God continually. It will refresh, rejuvenate, rekindle, repair, rescue, regenerate and revitalize the different areas of your life. Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. (John 6:63)

Do you spend time with the Word every morning and evening? God will speak to you as often as you read the Word. If you have been slack in reading the Word, please take a decision today to spend more time with the Word.

Jesus said, "Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." (John 6:58)

Manna was temporarily given to the Israelites to satisfy their hunger in the wilderness. The Word that we read is life giving and the one who lives by it will live forever.

If you have hunger in you to hear God speak to you there is no better way but to feed regularly on the Word of God.

Some consider reading of the Word, a trivial matter. But God places great emphasis on it, that's why the Bible says that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

So give the Word of God its right place in your life and be blessed.

365 Blessings- January 6


And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4)

The Good Shepherd (John 10:11), The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), The Shepherd of our Souls (1 Peter 2:25) & the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) are all one and the same- Jesus Christ.

Peter the Apostle, says that the Chief Shepherd is going to appear and when that happens he's going to give those who have lived faithful to him, a crown of glory that will never fade away. Earthly crowns are temporary and those who wear them rejoice for a while wearing them, but those who receive the crown of glory will rejoice forever because that is one of the rewards that the Lord has kept for them.

The Bible says,
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)

How wonderful that Jesus will wipe away all traces of every sorrowful experience that the faithful endured while they lived on earth.
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."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:4, 5)

Yes, the Chief Shepherd is coming back soon. He's making everything new. Are you ready to meet him? Are you ready to wear the crown of glory? Do not let Satan cheat you as he cheated Adam & Eve. Be prepared to meet your Chief Shepherd. He will give you the crown of glory.

365 Blessings- January 5


But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.” (Isaiah 49:25)

Are you worried because your children are truant & unruly? Can it be that the enemy of your soul- Satan- has taken them captive? So many prayers; yet you do not see any change in their lives! Be assured this day that your prayers will not go unanswered. Jesus will set them free.

Perhaps it's not your children but your spouse or parents who have become captives to the devil. Jesus will set them free. Jesus advised his disciples to fast and pray to get victory over unbelief and the demon powers.

Use the Word of God to fight against the enemy. It's sharper than any double edged sword and can destroy strongholds. Do not despair. Take up the shield of faith and fight.

The Apostle Paul says,
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

God says, "I will contend with those who contend with you..." Believe in him. Do what his Word says in the book of Ephesians:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests..... (Ephesians 6:12-18)

Will you do it? You will see victory in your lives soon.

365 Blessings- January 4


I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8)

A promise given to the church at Philadelphia in Asia Minor. Interestingly out of the 7 churches that were given admonitions, only the churches at Philadelphia and Smyrna survived because they humbled themselves and moved forward based on the Word given by the Holy Spirit to them.

Jesus knows the spiritual strength that we have as believers. Some are strong while some are not. Yet he expects us to keep his Word and not deny his name in any way with whatever strength we have.

Jesus is the one who has the authority over every aspect of our lives. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (Revelation 3:7)

The doors that the enemy shuts in your lives can be opened any moment by your Savior. He has all the keys with him.
Do you believe that? He is Almighty God. Trust in him. Praise him for he alone is your deliverer.

Pray this day that Jesus Christ opens up the doors that the enemy has shut in your lives.

Believe that it will happen and praise God for it. Remember that he can not only open shut doors but also open new doors and new ways. When the need arose, God opened up a new way in the Red Sea. A way which no one had traversed before. A way that no one could have imagined of. But there it was; and every Israelite who had got out of Egypt walked and experienced the miracle. So it will be in your life too.


365 Blessings- January 3


Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18)

As Christians we are called to be peacemakers and not ones who create strife and discord.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Not only sons but also daughters.
Paul the Apostle exhorts the believers in Philippi saying, "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2, 3)

It doesn't take much time for friends to become foes if they are not truly humble in their hearts. But some may ask, "How can I agree with someone who is not right in his/her ways?"
Well, it's better not to argue and lose the joy and peace we have (that is given by the Holy Spirit of God). Only prayer can bring about a change in the person who is wrong and it's better to wait on the Lord rather than fight and become bad examples to others who are yet young in the Lord.

Paul here is exhorting the other believers to help Euodia & Syntyche and also pleads with these ladies to agree. How about you? Are you a peacemaker?

Remember, "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

As a believer always be a peacemaker and this promise will come true in your lives.

365 Blessings- January 2


For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Hebrews 10:37)

One of the things that we have to keep reminding ourselves is that Jesus is coming back for his children who live for him. Not the ones who live for themselves or for the world.

The verse before the above one in Hebrews 10 says,
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

Perseverance is difficult, yet we have to do it. Doing the will of God is not an easy thing with all the near fatal attractions that Satan brings in our lives. The Bible says,
"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6)

If we do not obey the Word of God, we are liars and there is no truth in us, but if we obey his Word, his love is made complete in us.
The last part of the above verse would seem to be impossible to attain- walking as Jesus walked.
But John the Apostle urges us to do that.

If gaining heaven was as simple as some make it out to be, heaven would have been overpopulated. But Jesus said,
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14)

Only a few find it.....So what's to be done??

The Apostle John writes,
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Are you doing the will of God? If you are, Jesus is coming back for you and for others like you who are willing to humble themselves and do his will.



365 Blessings- January 1


Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:2, 3)

Has the Lord given you a promise for which you have prayed but not seen its fulfillment? Is it lingering longer than you thought it would? The above verse says, "Though it linger, wait for it...""it will certainly come and not delay..."

The Lord promised Abraham not just a child but a whole lot of descendants as good a number as the stars of the sky. But when the promise did not attain fulfillment soon, he chose to have a child through a maid of his and perhaps was satisfied with whatever he could achieve.

At age 99, 24 years after he had left the Ur of the Chaldeans, God again spoke to him saying,
"As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!" (Genesis 17:15-18)

Abraham felt the situation was hilarious. Him 99 & Sarah 89. Surely God had a sense of humor.

So he replied..."If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!" meaning "Don't take all the trouble God and leave us alone. Just bless Ishmael. I'll settle for that."

Has that been your attitude lately? Are you trying to be content with whatever you have in hand even when God has promised you greater things?

Read how God responded to what Abraham said.
Then God said, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. (Genesis 17:19)

And it did happen as God promised.

What God has promised, he will bring to fulfillment in your life too. So even though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.