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 21:5)
The term "Everything new" is kind of "exciting", especially at the beginning of a new year. So what's in store for you and for me in the next 365 days? Not many of us can see that far I guess, but whatever it be, let it be good and let there be ample things that bring peace and joy.
John the Apostle, heard God saying that he was making all things new. And then the Lord said, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." (Revelation 21:6,7)
We have been chosen by God Almighty to inherit great things. But what he wants of us has been clearly written in his Word..The Bible.
Here are a couple of verses that gives the picture....
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1,2)
Written by Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome, the above verses are as good for our lives now as it was for the believers then.
So shall we renew our committment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, this first day of the new year?
Remember that you have been chosen to inherit heaven and its blessings, so let your walk be worthy of it. God bless you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-269
The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. (Psalm 85:12)
A lovely verse to meditate on and also something to hope for in the coming year.
Many are the things that the Lord has given us in this year which is to be history very soon, perhaps in a matter of hours.
Looking back, there are many things that the Lord gave us as answers to our prayers and there are others which the Lord gave us because he simply loves us as we are his children.
Of course there maybe several prayers for which we still have received no answers.
But we have hope that the Lord will give us our righteous desires as we delight in him. Do you believe that?
Remember what Jesus told Martha, the sister of Lazarus, before he raised him up from the dead...
"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)
And she did see the glory of God. So will you...in the coming year...So praise the Lord as this year bids you goodbye and the new year comes into your life. All best wishes. God bless you.
A lovely verse to meditate on and also something to hope for in the coming year.
Many are the things that the Lord has given us in this year which is to be history very soon, perhaps in a matter of hours.
Looking back, there are many things that the Lord gave us as answers to our prayers and there are others which the Lord gave us because he simply loves us as we are his children.
Of course there maybe several prayers for which we still have received no answers.
But we have hope that the Lord will give us our righteous desires as we delight in him. Do you believe that?
Remember what Jesus told Martha, the sister of Lazarus, before he raised him up from the dead...
"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)
And she did see the glory of God. So will you...in the coming year...So praise the Lord as this year bids you goodbye and the new year comes into your life. All best wishes. God bless you.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-268
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. (Psalm 119:140)
The giant among the Psalms- Psalm 119 with 176 verses has so many decision making words, yet among these, here we find the Psalmist speaking of his experience regarding the promises of God.
Thoroughly tested are God's promises and the Psalmist just loved them.
Is that your experience too?
God has a good track record in keeping the promises that he makes to his children. Even in Old Testament times, he was perfect in keeping his promises to the people he had chosen for himself. Regarding this Joshua writes:
Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:45)
Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (Joshua 23:14)
100% faithfulness. That's how our God is.
If he has promised you something and you have not seen it's fulfillment this year, he will fulfill it in the coming year.
The Bible says,
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3)
God bless you, this day and always.
The giant among the Psalms- Psalm 119 with 176 verses has so many decision making words, yet among these, here we find the Psalmist speaking of his experience regarding the promises of God.
Thoroughly tested are God's promises and the Psalmist just loved them.
Is that your experience too?
God has a good track record in keeping the promises that he makes to his children. Even in Old Testament times, he was perfect in keeping his promises to the people he had chosen for himself. Regarding this Joshua writes:
Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Joshua 21:45)
Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (Joshua 23:14)
100% faithfulness. That's how our God is.
If he has promised you something and you have not seen it's fulfillment this year, he will fulfill it in the coming year.
The Bible says,
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3)
God bless you, this day and always.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-267
As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong." (Zechariah 8:13)
A promise for a nation who sinned and angered the Lord God who had redeemed them from their enemies and established them as a nation. The Lord said,
"Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered me," says the LORD Almighty, "so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid". (Zechariah 8:14,15)
Sin resulted in their downfall. They had only themselves to blame. Despite all that the Lord had done for them, they committed spiritual adultery and angered him. He showed no pity and brought disaster upon them handing them over to wicked kings. When they suffered, they repented of their misdeeds and turned their hearts again to their Redeemer.
We read the following verses in the book of Joel. Here, God is promising great restorative promises to his people who will repent.
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. (Joel 2:25,26)
When we repent of our sins and misdeeds, God who is always compassionate, heals us, delivers us and restores us. Great is his love and compassion. Praise the Lord.
A promise for a nation who sinned and angered the Lord God who had redeemed them from their enemies and established them as a nation. The Lord said,
"Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered me," says the LORD Almighty, "so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid". (Zechariah 8:14,15)
Sin resulted in their downfall. They had only themselves to blame. Despite all that the Lord had done for them, they committed spiritual adultery and angered him. He showed no pity and brought disaster upon them handing them over to wicked kings. When they suffered, they repented of their misdeeds and turned their hearts again to their Redeemer.
We read the following verses in the book of Joel. Here, God is promising great restorative promises to his people who will repent.
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. (Joel 2:25,26)
When we repent of our sins and misdeeds, God who is always compassionate, heals us, delivers us and restores us. Great is his love and compassion. Praise the Lord.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-266
For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. (Psalm 94:14)
Rejection is destructive both to the body and soul and those who have gone through it know how painful it is, especially when one has been rejected by one's own. The Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by all save a few when he lived and ministered here on earth. So he understands the pain that goes along with it. The Apostle Peter writes,
As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him.(1 Peter 2:4)
It's the same with you and me. Though we are often rejected by men, we must remember that we as believers are chosen by God and precious to him.
Because we do not indulge in worldly ways, sometimes we are ridiculed, but God loves us because we are obeying his Word to keep ourselves holy and undefiled.
The Lord will not reject us who have made him our refuge.
If you are going through an experience of rejection these days, here are a couple of promises for you from Jesus.
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14:21)
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)
And may the Lord strengthen you with these verses. God bless you.
Rejection is destructive both to the body and soul and those who have gone through it know how painful it is, especially when one has been rejected by one's own. The Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by all save a few when he lived and ministered here on earth. So he understands the pain that goes along with it. The Apostle Peter writes,
As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him.(1 Peter 2:4)
It's the same with you and me. Though we are often rejected by men, we must remember that we as believers are chosen by God and precious to him.
Because we do not indulge in worldly ways, sometimes we are ridiculed, but God loves us because we are obeying his Word to keep ourselves holy and undefiled.
The Lord will not reject us who have made him our refuge.
If you are going through an experience of rejection these days, here are a couple of promises for you from Jesus.
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14:21)
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)
And may the Lord strengthen you with these verses. God bless you.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-265
But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty. (Haggai 2:4)
After the exile of 70 years, when the Israelites returned to their own land, instead of building the temple of the Lord and worshipping him there, the people built their houses and didn't care about the temple.
Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.
You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD." (Haggai 1:2-6,8)
Then Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord and the message of the prophet Haggai and decided to do as the Lord had commanded.
When they decided to obey the Lord's command, he gave them the promise that we read in the title verse. "Be strong, I am with you" was what the Lord promised them. With the help of God, they again built the temple.
Every believer must have this attitude (obedience) for God's blessings to come upon him/her. Jesus said,
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)
God bless you.
After the exile of 70 years, when the Israelites returned to their own land, instead of building the temple of the Lord and worshipping him there, the people built their houses and didn't care about the temple.
Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.
You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD." (Haggai 1:2-6,8)
Then Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord and the message of the prophet Haggai and decided to do as the Lord had commanded.
When they decided to obey the Lord's command, he gave them the promise that we read in the title verse. "Be strong, I am with you" was what the Lord promised them. With the help of God, they again built the temple.
Every believer must have this attitude (obedience) for God's blessings to come upon him/her. Jesus said,
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)
God bless you.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-264
"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." (Revelation 22:7)
Did you tell someone today that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back? Maybe not today, perhaps last week? or the week before that?? If you haven't, you are perhaps not expecting him to come very soon.
Well, this is one thing that you need to remind yourself of everyday so that you gear up for the event.
There are debates and arguments about whether the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation or after or midway. Whenever it happens, we must be ready for the event.
Jesus said,
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man". (Matthew 24:36-39)
He also said, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man". (Luke 21:36)
If the Lord returns today...Are you ready?
Did you tell someone today that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back? Maybe not today, perhaps last week? or the week before that?? If you haven't, you are perhaps not expecting him to come very soon.
Well, this is one thing that you need to remind yourself of everyday so that you gear up for the event.
There are debates and arguments about whether the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation or after or midway. Whenever it happens, we must be ready for the event.
Jesus said,
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man". (Matthew 24:36-39)
He also said, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man". (Luke 21:36)
If the Lord returns today...Are you ready?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-263
And the LORD said to Joshua, Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. (Joshua 3:7)
That "Today" came after a long wait for Joshua, but it did come. Has your "Today" of exaltation come from the Lord? It will, if it has not, but you have to persist in doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord and also be faithful in the calling that you have from the Lord. Are you in a secular work place? God has a purpose for you there? Are you working under superiors? No need to fret; the Lord will reward you for being faithful.
Even if your start is simple as it was in the lives of several people that we read of in the Word of God, if you are faithful and maintain your integrity, God will surely bless you in due time. Of course, there may be many who run ahead of you using crooked means, but they will eventually fall. Their greed and pride will bring their downfall.
Joshua was honored by God for his faithfulness. He was not only faithful to God but also to his immediate superior..Moses. Finally one day God told Joshua:
Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them - to the Israelites. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. (Joshua 1:2,6)
He did not fight for leadership. It was given to him by God. His faithfulness was rewarded. And so will yours be...Praise the Lord.
That "Today" came after a long wait for Joshua, but it did come. Has your "Today" of exaltation come from the Lord? It will, if it has not, but you have to persist in doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord and also be faithful in the calling that you have from the Lord. Are you in a secular work place? God has a purpose for you there? Are you working under superiors? No need to fret; the Lord will reward you for being faithful.
Even if your start is simple as it was in the lives of several people that we read of in the Word of God, if you are faithful and maintain your integrity, God will surely bless you in due time. Of course, there may be many who run ahead of you using crooked means, but they will eventually fall. Their greed and pride will bring their downfall.
Joshua was honored by God for his faithfulness. He was not only faithful to God but also to his immediate superior..Moses. Finally one day God told Joshua:
Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them - to the Israelites. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. (Joshua 1:2,6)
He did not fight for leadership. It was given to him by God. His faithfulness was rewarded. And so will yours be...Praise the Lord.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-262
How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. (Psalm 31:19,20)
If you have reverence for the Lord and have taken refuge in him, the above promises are for you. There are several blessings promised. One blessing is that God has stored goodness for you and he will bestow it openly. The other blessing is that God will hide you from the intrigues of men and keep you safe from accusing tongues.
David, the great psalmist king of Israel sang these because he had experienced it first hand in his own life.
King Saul tried to kill him 21 times, yet God protected David and he was crowned king of Judah and Israel. None would have thought about this when David was being chased around by Saul who was jealous of him. But God had goodness stored for David and he bestowed it upon him in the sight of men.
When he did not find deliverance immediately, he despaired and said,
"I am cut off from your sight!" .....but when the Lord answered his prayers, he sang....Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. (Psalm 31:22)
God is good and he loves you. If you have "fear of the Lord" and have taken refuge in him, he will be with you always and deliver you from evil. Remember, he is the one who...stores goodness for you and delivers you from the intrigues of men and from accusing tongues. God bless you.
If you have reverence for the Lord and have taken refuge in him, the above promises are for you. There are several blessings promised. One blessing is that God has stored goodness for you and he will bestow it openly. The other blessing is that God will hide you from the intrigues of men and keep you safe from accusing tongues.
David, the great psalmist king of Israel sang these because he had experienced it first hand in his own life.
King Saul tried to kill him 21 times, yet God protected David and he was crowned king of Judah and Israel. None would have thought about this when David was being chased around by Saul who was jealous of him. But God had goodness stored for David and he bestowed it upon him in the sight of men.
When he did not find deliverance immediately, he despaired and said,
"I am cut off from your sight!" .....but when the Lord answered his prayers, he sang....Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. (Psalm 31:22)
God is good and he loves you. If you have "fear of the Lord" and have taken refuge in him, he will be with you always and deliver you from evil. Remember, he is the one who...stores goodness for you and delivers you from the intrigues of men and from accusing tongues. God bless you.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-261
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31,32)
Jesus emphasized on "Truth" and this is very evident in the gospel of John. There are a great many verses that begin with Jesus saying, "I tell you the truth". In the promise given above, Jesus stresses the fact that if one has to be his disciple, one has to hold on to his teaching and when one does that he/she will know the truth and the truth will set them free.
Some people are so bound by traditions and error filled human doctrines that they fail to see the truth that is presented in the Word of God. They were like some of the Jews of Jesus' times. When Jesus told them about 'truth' setting them free, they retaliated by saying,""We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" (John 8:33)
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". (John 8:34-36)
If we humble ourselves and accept and obey the Word of Truth, it will set us free. The Son of God, Jesus wants to set us free and that he will do if we hold on to his teaching. Praise the Lord.
Jesus emphasized on "Truth" and this is very evident in the gospel of John. There are a great many verses that begin with Jesus saying, "I tell you the truth". In the promise given above, Jesus stresses the fact that if one has to be his disciple, one has to hold on to his teaching and when one does that he/she will know the truth and the truth will set them free.
Some people are so bound by traditions and error filled human doctrines that they fail to see the truth that is presented in the Word of God. They were like some of the Jews of Jesus' times. When Jesus told them about 'truth' setting them free, they retaliated by saying,""We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" (John 8:33)
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed". (John 8:34-36)
If we humble ourselves and accept and obey the Word of Truth, it will set us free. The Son of God, Jesus wants to set us free and that he will do if we hold on to his teaching. Praise the Lord.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-260
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Have you thought about this particular verse? It says that we as believer's are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus with ever-increasing glory.
Maybe we don't take time to think about such things because of the hectic pace of life that most of us live. There are so many things to be dealt with and some of us have become wonderful multi-taskers.
But we are changing day after day as the Lord works on us and in us. Not only for us to become better human beings but mainly to prepare us for our eternal homes.
Graying, perhaps losing the sharp memory that we used to have, yet maturing spiritually to a level that we once thought we would never acheive.
We are being transformed as we pass through various life situations, good and bad, and God is renewing our spirit and soul for a home that would be ours in the fullness of time.
Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Physical changes every now and then.
Do you see the spiritual transformation? the ever increasing glory?
Food for thought these days! God bless.
Have you thought about this particular verse? It says that we as believer's are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus with ever-increasing glory.
Maybe we don't take time to think about such things because of the hectic pace of life that most of us live. There are so many things to be dealt with and some of us have become wonderful multi-taskers.
But we are changing day after day as the Lord works on us and in us. Not only for us to become better human beings but mainly to prepare us for our eternal homes.
Graying, perhaps losing the sharp memory that we used to have, yet maturing spiritually to a level that we once thought we would never acheive.
We are being transformed as we pass through various life situations, good and bad, and God is renewing our spirit and soul for a home that would be ours in the fullness of time.
Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Physical changes every now and then.
Do you see the spiritual transformation? the ever increasing glory?
Food for thought these days! God bless.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-259
Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son." (Genesis 18:14)
God keeps appointments and we read the rest of the story in Genesis Chap.21.
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. (Genesis 21:1,2)
To the question, Is anything too hard for the Lord? we can answer positively and say,
"No, nothing is too hard for the Lord!
At age 99, God spoke to Abraham and said,
"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." (Genesis 17:15,16)
When Abraham heard that he was perplexed and a bit amused too. We read in Genesis 17,
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 17:17,18)
But God had decided and he 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)
Isaac was born at God's appointed time.
So what's your issue? Do you feel that the time for your miracle has passed?
This day the Lord asks you the question he asked Abraham long ago...Is anything too hard for the Lord?
God keeps appointments and we read the rest of the story in Genesis Chap.21.
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. (Genesis 21:1,2)
To the question, Is anything too hard for the Lord? we can answer positively and say,
"No, nothing is too hard for the Lord!
At age 99, God spoke to Abraham and said,
"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." (Genesis 17:15,16)
When Abraham heard that he was perplexed and a bit amused too. We read in Genesis 17,
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 17:17,18)
But God had decided and he 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)
Isaac was born at God's appointed time.
So what's your issue? Do you feel that the time for your miracle has passed?
This day the Lord asks you the question he asked Abraham long ago...Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-258
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7)
The Apostle Peter writes,
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18,19)
God redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
When we confessed, our offenses have been swept away like a cloud, our sins like the morning mist by the Lord Almighty.
But have we acheived our goal and can we be carefree with the precious faith that has been given to us?
The Apostle Paul had this to say,
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14)
And Paul has some good advice for all of us. He says,
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. Why? one may ask....
(Because)...our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20, 21)
How wonderful. Praise the Lord!
The Apostle Peter writes,
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18,19)
God redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
When we confessed, our offenses have been swept away like a cloud, our sins like the morning mist by the Lord Almighty.
But have we acheived our goal and can we be carefree with the precious faith that has been given to us?
The Apostle Paul had this to say,
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14)
And Paul has some good advice for all of us. He says,
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. Why? one may ask....
(Because)...our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20, 21)
How wonderful. Praise the Lord!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Simple Thoughts On Promises-257
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
This verse is not an echo from the past, but an invitation that still holds good today. And those who come to Jesus, heeding his call, truly find rest for their weary souls.
The gospels are replete with examples of many who found rest in this wonderful Savior. There are so many problems that we as believer's face day in and day out, but at the end of the day, we can assure ourselves that the Lord is in control because he has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Sleepless nights, nights where we have cried our hearts out wondering whether the Lord cares after all. Yet the doubts fly as we see redemption come at the break of a new dawn.
Jesus says, "I care for you son/daughter. I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Let us believe his words this day. God bless you.
This verse is not an echo from the past, but an invitation that still holds good today. And those who come to Jesus, heeding his call, truly find rest for their weary souls.
The gospels are replete with examples of many who found rest in this wonderful Savior. There are so many problems that we as believer's face day in and day out, but at the end of the day, we can assure ourselves that the Lord is in control because he has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Sleepless nights, nights where we have cried our hearts out wondering whether the Lord cares after all. Yet the doubts fly as we see redemption come at the break of a new dawn.
Jesus says, "I care for you son/daughter. I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Let us believe his words this day. God bless you.
365 Blessings- September 11
When David was old and full of years, he made his son
Solomon king over Israel. He also gathered together all the leaders of Israel,
as well as the priests and Levites. The Levites thirty years old or more were
counted and the total number of men was thirty-eight thousand. David said,
"Of these, twenty-four thousand are to supervise the work of the temple of
the Lord and six thousand are to be officials and judges. Four thousand are to
be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical
instruments I have provided for that purpose." (1 Chronicles 23:1-5)
Towards the end of the above passage we read that David set apart 4000 Levites for worship. They were supposed to praise the Lord with musical instruments that David had provided for this purpose.
That must have been a sizable crowd at every worship session not counting the commoners.
Worship has great importance in God’s presence if offered with a pure heart. The psalmist sang:” Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. (Psalm 33:1)Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. (Psalm 33:2)Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Psalm 33:3)
3 exhortations are given in the above verses: 1) If we worship God, it must be with a pure heart.2) Let the worship be accompanied with musical instruments.3) Let the worship be fresh and strong.
It doesn’t mean that worship without instruments is not pleasing to the Lord. Neither does it mean that singing old songs make the worship dull. It’s all a matter of the heart. God looks at our hearts while we lift his name with praises. If our hearts are pure, our worship is acceptable. If we are not right with God or we live in disobedience to his Word, the worship becomes meaningless.
Yet, it is remarkable that David should set apart 4000 Levites for this purpose. God inhabits the praises of his people, so shouldn’t we praise him all the more? Yes, we should.
Towards the end of the above passage we read that David set apart 4000 Levites for worship. They were supposed to praise the Lord with musical instruments that David had provided for this purpose.
That must have been a sizable crowd at every worship session not counting the commoners.
Worship has great importance in God’s presence if offered with a pure heart. The psalmist sang:” Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. (Psalm 33:1)Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. (Psalm 33:2)Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Psalm 33:3)
3 exhortations are given in the above verses: 1) If we worship God, it must be with a pure heart.2) Let the worship be accompanied with musical instruments.3) Let the worship be fresh and strong.
It doesn’t mean that worship without instruments is not pleasing to the Lord. Neither does it mean that singing old songs make the worship dull. It’s all a matter of the heart. God looks at our hearts while we lift his name with praises. If our hearts are pure, our worship is acceptable. If we are not right with God or we live in disobedience to his Word, the worship becomes meaningless.
Yet, it is remarkable that David should set apart 4000 Levites for this purpose. God inhabits the praises of his people, so shouldn’t we praise him all the more? Yes, we should.
365 Blessings- September 10
David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole
assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and
earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over
all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your
hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God,
we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)
One of the great assets in the life of David was his zeal to praise the Lord and glorify him whenever the opportunity arose. Not that one needs an opportunity to praise God. He is worthy to be praised at all times and in all seasons. Not climatic seasons, but seasons of joy, seasons of grief, some good seasons when praise comes spontaneously while some bad seasons when we may not even feel like praising him because of adverse circumstances in our life.
One of the phrases we read here is “everlasting to everlasting” i.e. David acknowledges the eternal nature of God. In the few verses of praise above David acknowledges his God to be omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Yes, our Lord is all in all, yet he loves his creation and has mercy and compassion on them. David also acknowledges God as the great giver here..the giver of wealth, honor, strength and exaltation.
David was never ashamed to glorify God publicly. In fact his zeal for worshipping and glorifying God brought some adverse comments from his own wife. All to her loss, because she remained childless all her life. We read in the 2nd book of Samuel;
“David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. (2 Samuel 6:14-16)
When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel - I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor." And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. (2 Samuel 6:20-23)
Notable here is David’s decision despite the insult: “I will celebrate before the LORD.”
Some people may make a hue and cry when you set out to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Most of the objections come from close family and friends. Let your decision be firm and always be bold enough to say like David said, “I will celebrate before the LORD.”
One of the great assets in the life of David was his zeal to praise the Lord and glorify him whenever the opportunity arose. Not that one needs an opportunity to praise God. He is worthy to be praised at all times and in all seasons. Not climatic seasons, but seasons of joy, seasons of grief, some good seasons when praise comes spontaneously while some bad seasons when we may not even feel like praising him because of adverse circumstances in our life.
One of the phrases we read here is “everlasting to everlasting” i.e. David acknowledges the eternal nature of God. In the few verses of praise above David acknowledges his God to be omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Yes, our Lord is all in all, yet he loves his creation and has mercy and compassion on them. David also acknowledges God as the great giver here..the giver of wealth, honor, strength and exaltation.
David was never ashamed to glorify God publicly. In fact his zeal for worshipping and glorifying God brought some adverse comments from his own wife. All to her loss, because she remained childless all her life. We read in the 2nd book of Samuel;
“David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. (2 Samuel 6:14-16)
When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel - I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor." And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. (2 Samuel 6:20-23)
Notable here is David’s decision despite the insult: “I will celebrate before the LORD.”
Some people may make a hue and cry when you set out to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Most of the objections come from close family and friends. Let your decision be firm and always be bold enough to say like David said, “I will celebrate before the LORD.”
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
365 Blessings- September 9
And Hiram added: "Praise be to
the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth! He has given King David
a wise son, endowed with intelligence and discernment, who will build a temple
for the LORD and a palace for himself. (2 Chronicles 2:12)
Hiram, king of Tyre had earlier built
a palace for King David. When he heard that Solomon had been anointed king to
succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always
been on friendly terms with David. When Solomon set out to build a temple for
the Lord, he asked for help from Hiram.
When Hiram heard Solomon's message,
he was greatly pleased and said, "Praise be to the LORD today, for he has
given David a wise son to rule over this great nation." So Hiram sent word
to Solomon: "I have received the message you sent me and will do all you
want in providing the cedar and pine logs. My men will haul them down from
Lebanon to the sea, and I will float them in rafts by sea to the place you
specify. There I will separate them and you can take them away. And you are to
grant my wish by providing food for my royal household." (1 Kings 5:7-9)
In this way Hiram kept Solomon
supplied with all the cedar and pine logs he wanted, and Solomon gave Hiram
twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, in addition to twenty
thousand baths of pressed olive oil. Solomon continued to do this for Hiram
year after year.
Hiram took great interest in this project
that Solomon had undertaken and on Solomon’s request sent him Huram-Abi, a man
who was highly skilled and experienced in all kinds of gold, silver, bronze,
iron, stone and wood work. He worked with the craftsmen of Solomon and was a
great help in building the temple.
In the title verse, we read of how
Hiram praised the Lord of Israel, though he was a gentile king. The awesome
power with which the God of Israel had delivered his children time and again
was well known among the nations and Hiram did not hide his admiration for the
God of Israel. He acknowledges that the God of Israel is the maker of heaven
and earth. He praised God for giving David a wise son and for having endowed
him with intelligence and discernment.
The praises of our God, the great “I
am” flows out from all corners of the earth from the mouths of people of all
nations, literate and illiterate and it will continue forever and ever. Let’s
continue to praise him all the more as we see our redemption drawing near.
Monday, December 7, 2009
365 Blessings- September 8
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am
saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:3)
Is the Lord worthy of praise? Yes, he is! The psalmists definitely thought so. That's why they sang,
Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. (Psalm 48:1)
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:4)
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. (Psalm 145:3)
They affirmed that God was not only worthy, but most worthy.
The writer of Hebrews says, Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. (Hebrews 3:3)
Why? Because "He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. (Hebrews 3:2)Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. (Hebrews 3:5, 6a)
And then this beautiful part in the book of Revelation;
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. (Revelation 5:2,4,6,7)
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:9,12)
He truly is worthy of praise, your praise. Yes; your praise will bring him glory. So do not keep silent.
Is the Lord worthy of praise? Yes, he is! The psalmists definitely thought so. That's why they sang,
Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. (Psalm 48:1)
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:4)
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. (Psalm 145:3)
They affirmed that God was not only worthy, but most worthy.
The writer of Hebrews says, Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. (Hebrews 3:3)
Why? Because "He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. (Hebrews 3:2)Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. (Hebrews 3:5, 6a)
And then this beautiful part in the book of Revelation;
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. (Revelation 5:2,4,6,7)
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:9,12)
He truly is worthy of praise, your praise. Yes; your praise will bring him glory. So do not keep silent.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
365 Blessings- September 7
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the
LORD. (Psalm 150:6)
Lot's of exhortations in this psalm. The final one being, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
Many things to be noticed here in this psalm and all about praise.
1. Praise God in....verse 1...Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. (Psalm 150:1)
2. Praise God for....verse 2...Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. (Psalm 150:2)
3. Praise God with....verses 3-5...Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. (Psalm 150:3-5)
The "Praise God with.." part is the largest in this series. The psalmist is considering maximizing his praise and worship with the use of all kinds of musical instruments and with dancing. He intends to be loud with his praise and worship and also is exhorting others to do the same.
"Praise him with resounding cymbals" he says.
Worship is something personal to each of us. Some like to quietly worship the Lord while others like to make much noise. The psalmist here seems to be in the second category. He likes to enjoy his worship by making it lively with the use of many instruments and also by dancing to the tune. He seems to be delighting in the Lord.
Do you delight in the Lord while you praise and worship him? Try it; it can bring you a joy that you may have never experienced.
Lot's of exhortations in this psalm. The final one being, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
Many things to be noticed here in this psalm and all about praise.
1. Praise God in....verse 1...Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. (Psalm 150:1)
2. Praise God for....verse 2...Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. (Psalm 150:2)
3. Praise God with....verses 3-5...Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. (Psalm 150:3-5)
The "Praise God with.." part is the largest in this series. The psalmist is considering maximizing his praise and worship with the use of all kinds of musical instruments and with dancing. He intends to be loud with his praise and worship and also is exhorting others to do the same.
"Praise him with resounding cymbals" he says.
Worship is something personal to each of us. Some like to quietly worship the Lord while others like to make much noise. The psalmist here seems to be in the second category. He likes to enjoy his worship by making it lively with the use of many instruments and also by dancing to the tune. He seems to be delighting in the Lord.
Do you delight in the Lord while you praise and worship him? Try it; it can bring you a joy that you may have never experienced.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
365 Blessings- September 6
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in
order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)
Can we accept each other as our brothers and sisters in Christ? There may be differences in our doctrines even when they may seem sound to each of us (not talking about false doctrines--which we all must abhor) and differences in the way of worship and lots of other differences, but we should be able to accept one another because we all have the same factor that will give us eternal life- Jesus.
The New Testament is- believing in what Jesus did by offering himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins and the resulting eternal life with him if we live for him after accepting him as Savior.
Perhaps you may never have spoken in tongues or do not believe that that gift exists or any other gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 exists; still you should accept others who do believe in and exercise these gifts.
You may be a pre-tribulationist and you are sure that that is the right doctrine; still you should accept others who are post-tribulationists or mid-tribulationists for that matter because Jesus does not despise them because they believe so.
You may believe that your church or denomination has the perfect worship; still you should accept others from other denominations or churches despite their imperfections because Jesus still loves them.
You may have faith to move mountains; still you should not look down upon some other believer who cannot exercise as much faith as you.
Christ has accepted us with all our imperfections and he has given us the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to cleanse ourselves. We all are imperfect in one way or the other and so we should be able to accept one another as Christ accepted us. That will bring praise to God.
Can we accept each other as our brothers and sisters in Christ? There may be differences in our doctrines even when they may seem sound to each of us (not talking about false doctrines--which we all must abhor) and differences in the way of worship and lots of other differences, but we should be able to accept one another because we all have the same factor that will give us eternal life- Jesus.
The New Testament is- believing in what Jesus did by offering himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins and the resulting eternal life with him if we live for him after accepting him as Savior.
Perhaps you may never have spoken in tongues or do not believe that that gift exists or any other gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 exists; still you should accept others who do believe in and exercise these gifts.
You may be a pre-tribulationist and you are sure that that is the right doctrine; still you should accept others who are post-tribulationists or mid-tribulationists for that matter because Jesus does not despise them because they believe so.
You may believe that your church or denomination has the perfect worship; still you should accept others from other denominations or churches despite their imperfections because Jesus still loves them.
You may have faith to move mountains; still you should not look down upon some other believer who cannot exercise as much faith as you.
Christ has accepted us with all our imperfections and he has given us the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to cleanse ourselves. We all are imperfect in one way or the other and so we should be able to accept one another as Christ accepted us. That will bring praise to God.
Friday, December 4, 2009
365 Blessings- September 5
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. (1 Peter 2:9)
The Apostle Peter sums up why God transformed 'some' according to his liking to become a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation & a people belonging to God- To declare the praises of the one who called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Is praising God justified? Yes it is. John the Apostle tells us why.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 1:5, 6)
Because of his great love for us, he freed us from our sins by shedding his blood on the cross. And why did he do it? To make us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father.
The love that Jesus showed has no comparisons except what the Father also did. About the love of Jesus the Bible says,
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
And about the love of the Father the Bible says,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
We who were once "not a people" have now become "the people of God". And having become "the people of God", our aim in life should be to sing the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Praise be to the Lord now and forever.
The Apostle Peter sums up why God transformed 'some' according to his liking to become a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation & a people belonging to God- To declare the praises of the one who called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Is praising God justified? Yes it is. John the Apostle tells us why.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 1:5, 6)
Because of his great love for us, he freed us from our sins by shedding his blood on the cross. And why did he do it? To make us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father.
The love that Jesus showed has no comparisons except what the Father also did. About the love of Jesus the Bible says,
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
And about the love of the Father the Bible says,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
We who were once "not a people" have now become "the people of God". And having become "the people of God", our aim in life should be to sing the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Praise be to the Lord now and forever.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
365 Blessings- September 4
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from
you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the
depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for
me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:14-16)
The word "unique" has somewhat lost it's meaning with cloning coming to the fore. Man has embarked on a strange path to defy the uniqueness of God's creation. How long it's glory will last remains to be seen. Perhaps it would end in the way "the tower of Babel" did. But God does allow man to continue in his discoveries and inventions for reasons known only to him. If he wants, he can stop anything anywhere anytime. Yet he chooses to be silent for a while.
King David, the great psalmist of Israel praised God for having created him so wonderfully. The human body is a marvel, unmatched by all the technological accomplishments of mankind. Each organ is a wonderful creation in itself, unique in it's design, texture, function and fraility. Some organs are more important than the others. Some can be lived without. Some are indispensible. Almost all need the others to function. Some produce the toxins that only others are able to wash away.
David realizes the wonder working creation power of God and thus declares "your works are wonderful, I know that full well.My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body."
9 months (some less & some more) for a woman to be pregnant full term and all the while a new life is taking shape inside of her, frame by frame, organ by organ, coming to full maturity.
David acknowledges that everything about him was known by God even before he had lived 1 day. "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. "
God in his creating power is unmatched and we must spend time in praising him for having created us for himself.
Yes, God knows everything about you and me. Neither the beginning nor the end of our lives is hidden from him. He is truly awesome. He deserves all the praise. May all glory be to him.
The word "unique" has somewhat lost it's meaning with cloning coming to the fore. Man has embarked on a strange path to defy the uniqueness of God's creation. How long it's glory will last remains to be seen. Perhaps it would end in the way "the tower of Babel" did. But God does allow man to continue in his discoveries and inventions for reasons known only to him. If he wants, he can stop anything anywhere anytime. Yet he chooses to be silent for a while.
King David, the great psalmist of Israel praised God for having created him so wonderfully. The human body is a marvel, unmatched by all the technological accomplishments of mankind. Each organ is a wonderful creation in itself, unique in it's design, texture, function and fraility. Some organs are more important than the others. Some can be lived without. Some are indispensible. Almost all need the others to function. Some produce the toxins that only others are able to wash away.
David realizes the wonder working creation power of God and thus declares "your works are wonderful, I know that full well.My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body."
9 months (some less & some more) for a woman to be pregnant full term and all the while a new life is taking shape inside of her, frame by frame, organ by organ, coming to full maturity.
David acknowledges that everything about him was known by God even before he had lived 1 day. "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. "
God in his creating power is unmatched and we must spend time in praising him for having created us for himself.
Yes, God knows everything about you and me. Neither the beginning nor the end of our lives is hidden from him. He is truly awesome. He deserves all the praise. May all glory be to him.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
365 Blessings- September 3
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD:
"He is good; his love to Israel endures forever." And all the people
gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house
of the LORD was laid. (Ezra 3:11)
After 70 years of Babylonian exile, the Israelites were
back in their land, but without a temple, for the earlier temple had been
destroyed and Jerusalem burnt with fire by King Nebuchadnezzar during his 3
invasions of the land.
The elders who had witnessed the glory of the former
temple built by Solomon wept and the younger generation rejoiced that the new
temple foundation was being laid.
When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the
LORD, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons
of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the LORD, as prescribed by
David king of Israel. (Ezra 3:10)
They were starting the new project by praising God,
trusting that he would help them complete.
Who would have ever thought that the wonderful temple
built by Solomon would be laid waste? It had taken 7 years to build and it was
a magnificient monument. Nothing could match it's grandeur in that era. But King Solomon married foriegn women who worshipped idols
and he was no longer faithful to God who had given him everything from
knowledge and wisdom to riches and fame. Of the kings that followed Solomon's
reign, only a few were faithful to the Lord.
Sin had led to punishment- an exile and now they were
being restored by God himself. Joy and sorrow were both witnessed at this
solemn occasion.
Many of the older priests and Levites and family heads,
who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this
temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish
the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people
made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. (Ezra 3:12, 13)
They praised God vociferously hoping and trusting that
what they were starting would be brought into completion by God. And God was
faithful. He did not leave them nor forsake them. The temple was built.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)