Glad you could join us for some coffee with Jesus. I hope and pray that today's "coffee" is a blessing to you. May the good Lord provide you with the much needed grace for the day. Amen!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance / Patience the race marked out for us. Hebrew 12:1
Patience is a hard to find 'fruit' in today's fast moving world. We want everything at the finger tips on the click of a button; we do not have time for others and definitely not for the extra mile we ought to walk with them; when someone cuts the line at the grocery store or overtakes us on the road we feel this sudden rage to respond to them negatively, the list goes on...
But as believers Patience is one of the 'fruits' we need to produce. So, how do we go about developing that?
Verse above suggests the following solutions:
* Let us throw off everything that hinders * Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles * Let us run with perseverance (patience) the race marked out for us
First, let us identify the root cause for our impatience. The immediate answer would be that we don't have the time. Why we don't have the time? Are we trying to juggle too many things in too short a time? Are we simply trying to please everyone? Are we always aiming for the 'bigger & better' - such a moving target? Is there anything we can remove from our agenda to make room for exercising little more patience?
Next, is it our sinful nature that causes the impatience? Are we angry all the time? Are we just waiting for a moment to retaliate? Why do we take things too personally - at work, at home? Why is that we can't handle a criticism very well? Do we strive to always prove our self? Are we loving our self a little too much? Do we assume we have failed by being patient?
Finally, are we giving up too soon? Are we saying this christian walk is just too hard or it's too narrow a path? It's not by our merits, right? It is by His grace - right? In that case, it is not that hard of a fruit to develop in us - is it? Let's at least try!
P.S: On a lighter note, just the fact that you read through this post shows you have the fruit of patience already! :)
*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 the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Shalom is a regular greeting among the Jews, very similar to our usage of 'Hello, how are you?'. These salutations and benedictions are generally matters of custom and polite ceremony, given without much thought to it. However here the Prince of Peace is not talking mere empty words but brings the attention to the word PEACE as in consolation. When He says 'my peace' He means the kind of peace only He can impart. This promised peace is very different from the empty promises given by the world.
When we are at peace it gives us a tranquil spirit. We are not in a rush to find a solution for matters. We learn to unwind at His feet and be still. We completely surrender for His will. Have you sensed this peace lately? If not, please join me over this little prayer:
"Our Heavenly Father! Thank you for this new day at your presence Lord! Thank you for the heavenly peace you have promised us Lord. Often times we are so overwhelmed by many things that we tend to overlook the peace you have promised us Lord.
Today we surrender all such matters at your feet Lord. Please forgive us for running away from your presence trying to figure out our own solution Lord. Thank you that you are in control and you will take care of all matters Lord. The battle is yours Lord.
Please fill us once again with this promised peace Lord. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds Lord. We thank you and praise you for the peace you are giving us all this very moment Lord. All glory, honor and praise be to your holy name Lord. In our Prince of Peace's name we pray, Amen!"
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my Joy may be in you and that your Joy may be complete." John 15:9-11
Surprisingly Joy goes hand in hand with Love! When we are in love - with our Savior, with our dear ones, with our friends and family, with our neighbors, co workers, - then our Joy is full. It is complete.
Also we know salvation brings Joy. What is salvation? Salvation is believing that God came in human form to love us, to take away our sin; died on the cross for our sin, resurrected, ascended to heaven and continues to reconvene with the Father for us. It is believing we are no more sinners but washed in His blood and made saints! Hallelujah!
Just the feeling of freedom brings an unspeakable JOY. This is the joy of salvation; the joy that stems from hope for an eternal life.
I invite any of you who haven't yet felt this joy to surrender your hearts to Jesus now - right at this coffee table as we join hands with fellow believers and readers. Let's pray:
"Dear Lord, we come at your presence rejoicing in the joy of our salvation Lord. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin and for the sins of other believers in Christ who have joined me around this coffee table today Lord. Yet there are some of us who are not quite sure of this joy of salvation Lord. Prepare their hearts Lord; open their eyes Lord. Speak to them Lord. Guide them Lord. Help them understand you have died for their sins too Lord. Help them see that they are free indeed Lord. Bless them with the joy of your salvation Lord - right at this minute Lord. We praise and glorify your name this morning Lord. You alone be glorified! May all the glory, honor and praise be to you alone Lord. Thank you for the joy of salvation you have renewed in our hears too Lord. In Jesus' joyous name we pray, Amen!"
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must Love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you Love one another." John 13:34-35
Love is the very fundamental foundation of Christian faith. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Amen!
Time and time again our Lord Jesus Christ talked about loving one another. Probably because He knew how difficult it is to truly love one another. It is beyond human nature to love unconditionally. Oh, yes we can love our self, our family, our children - no doubt about it. But how about loving others? Now, how about loving others as we love our self? To go to the next level, how about loving others as God has loved us?
Few questions I lay before us for discussion: (my answers within parenthesis) * Is it even possible to love others as God has loved us? (Has to be; otherwise Bible wouldn't teach us to do so.) * Where can we begin in our attempt to love others as God has loved us? (By forgiving others) * What does it take to stay loving? (By constantly reminding ourselves about the Love of God)
* A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. Matthew 12:33 * By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16 * But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Symbolically our life is identified to a tree here. A good tree will bear good fruits; same way a good person will have good deeds.
Specifically the Bible talks about nine kinds of fruits we ought to bear as followers of Christ. We see the list in Galatians: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
In the next couple of days, let us discuss each fruit in detail. Please come prepared to share from your experience too. Let us pray God to open our eyes as we get ready to prepare the soil and bear these fruits.
Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. Exodus 23:16
One of the instructions given to the Israelites for the end of the year was to celebrate the Feast of Ingathering. Here we are in the last week of 2011. So let us also celebrate the Feast of Ingathering!
First, go and find a piece of paper and list down all the ways God has blessed you all through this year. Don't dismiss anything as "nothing". Scan your mind from last New Years' day, then the all of January, next February, then March, go on to April, May and all the way to December, today!
Got it all down? I am sure it is a pretty looo...ng list! Now, go over each blessing one by one and say a sincere "Thank you Lord!". Every single one of them was God's blessings showered on us. If you can understand the full extent of it, you will scream, "Thank you! Thank you! And yes, Thank you!".
Don't stop with that just for today. Go on and celebrate it for the rest of the year! Happy Feast of Ingathering!
"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Some of you may dismiss the greetings as you are grieving a loved one. This is what the Lord says to you this morning, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Amen!
Repeat this to yourself whenever grief tries to engulf you today. May the tender arms of God embrace you once again. This is my prayer for you! God bless you!
Just as holidays can make us merry, holidays can make some sad, very sad. Remembering loved ones long gone, missing fun old days and more importantly whatever you are facing at the current times may make it impossible to enjoy like the rest of the clan. If that's you, this message is for you! Read on...
It takes an active commitment in our part to remove sorrow from our heart. Just as "Be happy" is a command, "Remove sorrow" is a command to us. It starts with you!
Let's say you are feeling alone, why not invite a friend over? You may be ministering to her/him. What about sharing about your loved ones whom you are grieving about, over the dinner table with your family? Sure it will ease some grief and will allow them to share their recollection too.
Above all, how about taking it to God's feet? Let us sit down at His presence, be it in the car, or your closet, or kitchen table, find a few minutes to be alone with God. Pour out all your grieving thoughts, whatever is bothering you this very moment. Cry it out. Ask Him to remove sorrow from your heart and He will!
I truly believe God is talking to each one of us through this blog post. Remain happy in the Lord! That is our strength. God bless you!
"He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm" Mathew 8:26 (KJV)
"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm" Mark 4: 39 (NIV)
"He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm" Luke 8:24 (NIV)
Some of us could be experiencing a great storm in our lives at this very moment. It may look like the storm may never end; the wind might seem to have the upper hand; that we are about to sink into the depth of our sorrows. I encourage you to please meditate on the verses above, where Jesus rebukes the storm and the wind and it was "completely calm" or "a great calm" or "all was calm" as the Gospel authors put it.
Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Amen! Is He not powerful enough to calm your storm? Does He not have the authority to rebuke your wind? Why are you afraid? Why do you doubt Him? Repeat these words, "Quiet! Be still!" against all your stormy situations.
Be it peace in the family, joblessness, financial difficulties, health conditions, disobedient children, abusive relationships or bondage to sin - whatever your storm may be, however strong your wind may appear, when you call unto Jesus He will say "Quiet! Be still!" Soon there will be a great calm. He will fill you with the peace from above. You will start rejoicing in the Spirit and before you know it, the storm will subside and the wind will die down! Hallelujah!!
Let us pray, Our Father in Heaven! We come to your presence in one accord, as one family Lord. You see some of us are struggling with huge storms Lord. Please command against our storms Lord so that there will be complete peace and a great calm Lord. Please help us rid of all our doubts Jesus! Please help us overcome our fears Jesus! We trust and believe you are still able to rebuke our storms Lord. Thank you for the complete deliverance you are granting us Lord. Thank you for the peace from above Lord, for the joy of salvation Lord. Thank you that we are soon going to praise your name seeing the calm you have ordered Lord. Bless this day for each one of us Lord. We completely surrender us at your feet Jesus. In Jesus mighty name we pray, Amen!
Remember to share your prayer requests and praise reports. The best way we can help each other is to pray for one another.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
Let's look closely at how to turn away from our wicked ways as part of our discussion on 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Ask the behavioural experts, they will tell you that one can't really get rid of a bad habit, but only replace a bad habit with a good habit. That's exactly what we see in today's Scripture. Turn from evil and do good!
Every one of us, whether we are believers or non-believers, young or old, rich or poor, we all know for sure what is good vs. what is evil. That is the only way we humans differ from animals - the sense to know the good from the evil. Which ultimately means only one thing - we are solely responsible when we choose to live in wicked ways. No, it is not satan, nor the world; but the self in us is to be blamed.
This self dies when we are born again, resulting in a brand new sparkling fresh self! This is what we read in 2 Corinthians 5:17, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
So, the ultimate solution to turn from wicked ways is to give our hearts to Jesus Christ! He will guide us in the paths of righteousness. Then we will turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Amen!
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Psalm 123:2
As part of our ongoing discussion on 2 Chronicles 7:14, today we will see how to seek His face?
The Scripture above explains how King David sought His face. If a King could so humble himself and relate to a slave or maid while seeking His face, why is it hard for us to humble ourselves?
True, we are His royal priesthood, His own children, but when it comes to seeking His face, we need to humble ourselves like a servant or slave or maid. A slave or maid has one goal and one goal only - that is to please the master. Such should be our desire to serve our Maker!
When we come before His presence let us acknowledge how limited our abilities are compared to the awesomeness of His power. Let us develop a servant's heart to bless our Master. He who looks at the heart will embrace us as children and will grant us our petition.
The best passage on prayer in my opinion is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6, verses 5-14 especially because these words were spoken by Jesus Himself:
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
It is interesting to note that forgiving others is mentioned as part of the prayer. So even if we pray for hours together but have not forgiven our neighbors, our prayer is of no use. A clear conscious is key for effective prayer. Ready?
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23
Yesterday we discussed 2 Chronicles 7:14 and understood that one of the reasons our prayers have not been answered yet is that we may not have humbled ourselves. Today we will see how to humble ourselves.
Humble by definition means: "Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance."
Right away some of us DO NOT want to humble ourselves. Mainly because the world teaches and expects one to be just the opposite - to think high of his/her own importance.
But the word of God clearly says that God opposes the pride but gives grace to the humble. Anytime pride shows up to steal the credit for an achievement, let us be careful to quickly shun it and give all glory to God Almighty who enabled us in the first place.
Let us repeatedly remind ourselves it is His grace that keeps us hale and healthy, happy and contend. It is His grace that enables us to work, to buy a home or any other material things we have. It is His grace that keeps our family bonding together filling our hearts with peace, love and joy! It is His grace we are saved. It is His grace we are not fallen. It is His grace we have risen every time we fell.
As we remind ourselves with such thoughts, we will automatically develop a dependency on God and would stop thinking too high of ourselves. It will come natural to be humble at heart. Soon our prayers will be answered. Seeing our humble heart God will lift us up! Amen!
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Some of us wonder why our prayers are not answered. Here is the direct message for us. The reason could be one or more of the following:
* We have not humbled ourselves enough
* We have not prayed
* We have not sought His face
* We have not turned from our wicked ways
As we are at the close of the year, there is no better time than this to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways to receive forgiveness of our sins and healing of our land. Shall we do that today?
If you don't know how, stay tuned for the next couple of days we will discuss each of these in detail. God bless you!
Pin It Now!He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Malachi 4:6
This was a prophetic message about John the Baptist who came before Christ to prepare the way, preaching people to repent and be baptized. The exact words are repeated again in Luke 1:17 while Zachariah - John's father, was serving at the temple, an angel of the Lord appeared to him to foretell the birth of his son who was to be called John.
The same verse, as is, stand alone, out of context, can still do miracles in our lives. That is the power of the Word of God. We will hold on to this very promise for our families today. Even among the so called christian families rifts between parents and grown children and misunderstandings between adult siblings are not uncommon. Some of us who think we have figured it all out, can't ignore the frictions from time to time. Pride and selfish agenda are main causes for that. Many of us have given up saying there is nothing we can do about it.
However, prayer can do wonders. Let us pray over our situation using this Scripture today. The Prince of Peace who rules our hearts will heal the wounds and bind the broken hearts. We will rejoice at the family reunion and praise the name of our Lord! Amen!
Some tough questions in front of us this morning - asked by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself:
* If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. * If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. * If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. (Luke 6:27-36)
Knowing that we are speechless, He also gives us the answers: (our immediate response within parenthesis)
* Love your enemies (mmm will try...) * Do good to your enemies (now that is getting harder...) * Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. (what?!)
The reward: We will be sons (daughters) of the Most High (wow! that's something! who wouldn't want that?!)
Take away: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Can we at least try?
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." Proverbs 21:31
Here's a verse which reminds us that God indeed is in control of all things. I remember yet another verse anytime I come across this one: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" Proverbs 15:16
Doesn't mean we shouldn't train the horse for the day of battle or that we shouldn't be prepared to meet the worst. What it really means is that when we are finally granted victory, it is not because of the strength of the horse or our merits. The victory is from the Lord. It is because He fights our fight! Amen!
Even as the governments discuss many situations, as the corporate managements deal with different issues, we need not fear as ultimately what God allows for us will only happen, not what man intends. Those who believe say amen.
I encourage you all to hold dear to these verses as you practice dependency on God every single day.
"See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff..." Isaiah 41:15
Barnes' Notes on Bible has a beautiful explanation for this verse which I would like to share with you:
The object of the illustration in this verse and the following is, to show that God would clothe them with power, and that all difficulties in their way would vanish. To express this idea, the prophet uses an image derived from the mode of threshing in the East, where the heavy wain or sledge was made to pass over a large pile of sheaves, and to bruise out the grain, and separate the chaff, so that the wind would drive it away. The phrase, 'I will make thee,' means, 'I will constitute, or appoint thee,' that is, thou shalt be such a threshing instrument. It is not that God would make such a sledge or wain for them, but that they should be such themselves; they should beat down and remove the obstacles in the way as the threshing wain crushed the pile of grain.
And Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary has it this way:
The Lord will make Jacob to become a threshing instrument. God will make him fit for use, new, and having sharp spikes. This has fulfilment in the triumphs of the gospel of Christ, and of all faithful followers of Christ, over the power of darkness.
Isn't that something to be a new and sharp threshing sledge?!
*I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me with favor, O my God. Nehemiah 13:31
*Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services. Nehemiah 13:14
*Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people. Nehemiah 5:19
*Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love. Nehemiah 13:22
Nehemiah was a cup bearer to King Artaxerxes. He requested and got permission from the king to rebuild Jerusalem walls. He gathered volunteers for the project. He arranged for the best wood and craftsmen who could work on it. Jerusalem was rebuilt after many generations. The walls were all employed. People started worshipping in the temple. The Levites and Priests returned to their duty back in Jerusalem. There was a well trained choir in place. It was indeed a tremendous success for Nehemiah and his people.
It is interesting how Nehemiah had one constant prayer throughout his book: "Remember me with favor, O my God!". Which makes me to believe that Nehemiah might not have received the credit that was due him for his successful execution of the work at hand.
There may be times when we undertake a great effort for the Lord and do it well - above and beyond our imagination or others' expectations, people may fail to appreciate it. The only person who will remember our hard work and sincere efforts and bless us accordingly is our Lord. Therefore, let us not be discouraged but make it our prayer too: "Remember me with favor, O my God." Amen!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2
Can Monday mornings be as good as Friday evenings? I didn't think so. Is it even possible to consider it pure joy when we face trials? I wonder why? Let's read on...
... because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3,4
Trials enable us to mature in our faith. Trials allow us to recognize our dependency on God. Trials teach us to acknowledge His deliverance. Trials are allowed to prepare us to minister to others when they pass through similar circumstances. Above all, trials makes us long for His kingdom.
So, Mondays aren't that bad after all! Let's consider it all JOY; shall we? Have a great week ahead and His presence will be with you!
The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28:13
Have you noticed that every promise in the Bible comes with a condition? It is only fair, I believe.
In the scripture quoted we read, if we keep the commands of the Lord and carefully follow them, He will make us the head, not the tail; we will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Our focus today is the underlined text.
It is not just the ten commandments we are talking here, it would be all the commands and commandments of God that we read throughout the scriptures. Feel free to check out this link where someone has painstakingly compiled a list of commandments he/she calls a Complete List.
As you see it is a very long list. I am sure you would agree it is not a one time effort to keep His commandments; it is a lifelong process ... but trust me while you are at it, during the process itself, the promise will be fulfilled. He will make us the head and not the tail; we will be at the top and not at the bottom!
Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7
Amen! Our King is coming soon! Here's a beautiful song about it... The lyrics are given below the video so that you can join the singing too!
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord!
There's no God like Jehovah.
There's no God like Jehovah!
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Did you notice one thing? It is not we who are holding His right hand, but the Lord holds our right hand. That clearly shows how protective He is of us. It is like we care for our children when they are little. We always hold their hands not trusting that they will hold our hands.
We know that they could be easily distracted by things around and get lost if we do not hold them. We know that they could fall and get hurt if we do not hold them. Same way, our Lord doesn't expect we will hold on to Him as strongly as He is holding on to us. Isn't it comforting to know our Lord holds our right hand?
Whatever it is you are facing today - may be an interview, may be a corporate decision, may be a test result, may be about a transfer order, whatever it is, remember He holds your right hand.
King David sings in Psalm 16:8, "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." True! Because He is at our right hand we will not be shaken! Praise God!
Let us repeat the verse, slightly altered: For you are the Lord, myGod, who takes hold of my right hand and says to me not to fear and that you will help me. Amen!
Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14
We are all familiar with Abraham's trekking trip with young Isaac to one of the mounts in Moriah. We have heard about it time an time again and admire at Abraham's faith.
Let us for a moment think of the plight Abraham was in. He was childless for all his life holding on to God's promises for over 80 years and now finally God has blessed him with a son, but asks him to sacrifice him. Just imagine how hard it is.
Reading the passage carefully we can see that Abraham already knew what was going to happen at the eleventh hour! He knew his son was in safe hands, he knew God was not that cruel after all, he knew it was a test for him, he knew God's promises to bless his descendants like ocean sand will be fulfilled through Isaac, he knew they were both going to return from their trip safe and sound, and above all he knew God was going to provide for the offering! It all came to pass just as he believed.
Now, how are we doing when it comes to believing that the Lord will provide? On hearing a bad news such as job cut or pay cut or hours cut, what is our reaction? Do we panic or do we keep our cool believing that it will be provided at the Lord's mountain? Do we immediately withhold our tithes and offering or continue to open our hands to bless God's ministry and the poor and the needy?
If we are not certain, let us pray "Help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. Luke 2:21
How sweet - Jesus! Say it with me, Jesus! You will agree it is the most popular name ever, of all age and time. It is the name above all names! Jesus!
For those who still think Jesus as a man, here's something to think about. Only for about 3 1/2 years Jesus was publicly preaching, doing miracles and the like. There was no TV or Internet to broadcast His messages across the universe at that time. How do you suppose His name has stood the test over thousands of years?! Can you change a life by telling someone about any other person who have lived on this earth - past & present? good and bad? How is it that the name Jesus is still changing lives? Still working wonders?
Philippians 2:5-11 has the answer. It says, Christ Jesus: 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!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen! Jesus is the name above every name. We are so privileged to have such a personal relationship with Him. Not only that. He knows us by our name and loves us the best. Isn't that something?!
* Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 * Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7 * I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. Hosea 14:8 * And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you Matthew: 6:30 * You saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Deuteronomy 1:31
Today's message is specially for those who constantly worry about this or that. The verses here make it crystal clear that our Lord will sustain us through our tough times as long as we cast our cares on Him. What does it mean to cast our cares on the Lord?
It simply means bringing our burdens to His feet, praying it over from the depth of our hearts, crying it over (if we feel like) at His feet (not to anyone else), and then no longer be burdened by it but rejoice in His love. You might ask how is it even possible not to be burdened by it?
The answer is if you truly believe God will answer your prayers and handle it for you, you will know better to refrain from worrying further. Or in other words if you continue to worry it only means you have not trusted Him to lead you through.
I am casting all my worries right away; hope you will join me too!
Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, he became heavy and sleek. He abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Savior. Deuteronomy 32:15
New Living Translation helps us understand it better: Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.
We read in the verses before that how God nourished Jeshuran. It says, "He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag, with curds and milk from herd and flock and with fattened lambs and goats, with choice rams of Bashan and the finest kernels of wheat.You drank the foaming blood of the grape..."
Yet, they abandoned the Lord... how sad is that...
Sadly we too do just the same - from time to time. When blessed by the Lord we tend to forget the one who blessed us and go after the "blessings". With much prayer we start a job or business and soon it takes the upper hand on us - we give into the demands neglecting the closeness with our God who blessed us with the flourishing business in the first place. When health is suffering we cling to His feet and when we feel better we get too busy doing everything else other than sitting at His feet.
It is important to claim God's promises for ourselves and receive His blessings and nourishment for our physical & spiritual needs; but it is even more important to hold on to our Rock & Salvation when we are fat and merry! A grateful heart is all we can offer and that is all what is expected of us! Is it hard?!
* Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalms 100:2 * Rejoice before the LORD your God, you, your sons and daughters... Deuteronomy 12:12
It is a beautiful new day, a brand new week - is it not?! As we get ready to go worship the Lord in the congregation of fellow believers, let us remember these verses and the emphasis today is on gladness.
In Isaiah 35:10 we read, "...the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."
Aren't we the "ransomed of the Lord"? Are we glad this morning? In spite of everything going on in our lives, we are still breathing - which alone is enough to be singing joyful songs at His presence.
For the rest of the day let us cast away our cares and go before him with joyful singing... shall we?
"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23,24
Since we all can relate to gifts this time of the year, thought we will do a "gift" scripture today.... how's that?! The scripture is very clear as is and and I don't think we need any explanations.
The question today is, does your brother/sister, mother/father, son/daughter, aunt/uncle, friend/coworker/neighbor have something against you? Let's sit back and think it over. The question is not who is right. I am positive you are right, but if someone got offended, let's quickly go and reconcile first before offering our gifts this season.
Hey, how about sending them a nice letter with a family portrait? Or how about go knock at their door a Sunday afternoon? I did just that. It seems a little awkward I am sure, but trust me you will be glad you did it! You will feel lighter and merrier and better yet your gift offering will be more pleasing to God.
"Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength" Isaiah 52:1
We have discussed this verse several times at the coffee table before. Today also the Lord intends to speak to us through this very message: "Awake, awake; put on thy strength!".
What does it mean to clothe our self with strength? That brings us to yet another question: What is strength?
A quick look up in the dictionary suggests many meanings for the word 'strength':
1. The state, property, or quality of being strong.
2. The power to resist attack; impregnability.
3. The power to resist strain or stress; durability.
4. The ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly.
5. Capacity or potential for effective action
Now that we know the meaning of strength, we kind of get an idea of what it means to "put on our strength". In simple words it means to "resist the attack" or "being strong".
These are very important for our spiritual life. We cannot be weak swaying whichever way the wind blows. We need to be strong in our fundamental beliefs in accordance with the Word of God, which will enable us to resist the attack from the devil, from the world and even from within.
So, hopefully you will add some 'strength' to your wardrobe this season - won't you?!
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14
True! The Word became flesh! But making a dwelling among us is not something He forces on us. It is true only if we allow Him to dwell among us - within us! Otherwise He stands at the door knocking!
In Revelation 3:20 we read, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
If you think about it, we only live with the people we love, eat with the people we are friends with, not just any strangers. Dining together is an intimate experience where we are no longer at guard but relaxed, where our true self is revealed, where we have open conversations forgetting about our backgrounds & social differences and where we come together to connect better.
What a privilege it is to have Him dwell in us, dining with us! How wonderful it is to experience Him so close, at an arm's length, sharing the same meal with us, taking in conversations on our mundane activties! All we have done (or for some, yet to do) is open our hearts.
When we open our hearts, the Word that became flesh will dwell among us! Amen!
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2
Prophet Micah lived around the same time as Prophet Isaiah - about 700 years before Christ. Micah had foretold about the exact location of the birth place of the Messiah Jesus Christ as Bethlehem.
Some argue that since Jesus did not establish His kingdom on earth during His first coming, He is not the messiah foretold here. They miss out on the dual role of the Messiah - one as a suffering servant who bears the sins of His people (which was fulfilled by Jesus during His first coming), and next as a triumphant ruler who will exercise authority over the nations (which will be fulfilled by Jesus at His second coming).
What about the statement that His origins are from of old and is from ancient of times? It only means there is no beginning for Jesus Christ we can fathom in our mind - He is from eternal past - He was with God from the ancient of times!
In the Gospel of John he writes about the same which explains it better. John writes in John 1:1-5, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."
So true! He shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it. In Him is life! Have we found Him?
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is one of the fundamental truth of Christianity yet many stumble by reasoning it. Why is it hard for many to accept the virgin birth of Jesus Christ?
Mainly because they do not read the word (Bible) themselves but look around for hearsay or copy/paste information. They do not seek to find the truth but look for ways to justify their version of the "truth". They take the Scriptures out of context and argue over it. They wish to continue their sinful ways, dismissing God's words as a fairy tale or myth or error in translation. They are blindfolded by the father of lies who is careful about keeping them in the dark.
The prophecy foretold here by Isaiah some 700 years before Christ did come true! As is! Word by word! Not missing out on any detail!
For anyone who doubts I suggest you read through the Bible with an intention to find the answers yourself with an unbiased mind. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free! (John 8:32)
Don't be afraid; give it a try! Where to start? That's upto you. Here's a link to the online Bible.
Don't I have a right to complain? Don't wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food? Job 6:5
The biggest challenge to our "contentment" comes at this time of the year - when the stores are sparkling with sales and overflowing with merchandise. There is always the bigger and better screaming at us from across the aisle "bye me! bye me!"
Soon we fall prey to complaining about what we have and we might even justify it like Job did. In Job 10:1 he says, "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul."
There are lots of ways to describe us when discontentment boils over: whiners, grumps, moaners, mopers. We get snappish, crabby, and edgy. You know the type - sort of like Eeyore, the gloomy donkey of Winnie the Pooh fame. No matter what cheerful circumstance he and his friends are in, his melancholy mindset makes his ears and tail droop ever lower. We can always find something to complain about if we try.
Christian author Luci Swindoll quotes:
My most painful experiences have given me my greatest strength and fiber - what I most needed to mature. Through them I was forced to rely on the Lord, deal with reality for what it was, defer reward - in short, quit griping and grow up! The very things I hated have been the making of me.
Isn't it time we cultivate some contentment in us and grow up too?! It is; for me!
"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
A very familiar Scripture of course. Most of us know it byheart; but do we actually get the depth of the message? Here's something to help us in those lines... May be next time around we will pause a little to acknowledge our Father's love for us.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..." Isaiah 9:6
At the last lapse of November 2011 we all sense a renewed kind of energy all around us - Christmas trees going up, photo studios overflowing, businesses thriving, it is hard to miss the general sense of joy and merriment everywhere.
Here at Coffee with Jesus too we will have Christmas meditations for the next few weeks counting down to Christmas. Isn't that a good idea? Thought so! :)
For to us a child is born! To us a son is given! What do we do with Him? Now that's the question.
How are we going to celebrate this Child that was born; this Son who was given us? Is He in the center stage of our celebrations this season or only a side kick? Are our plans in alignment with what He desires in us? Have we announced His birth among our friends, relatives, co workers & neighbors? What are we waiting for? Let's get started!
Let us not lose the focus that He is the reason for this season! Merry Christmas everyone!
When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19
Interestingly the Scripture here points out it is not the wealth or possessions that are considered the gift of God, but the heart that accepts our lot and remain happy in our work - that is a gift of God.
In his letter to Timothy Apostle Paul writes about Love of Money and says "Godliness with contentment is great gain". I Timothy 6:6. Indeed it is!
King Solomon was the richest king ever. He writes in Proverbs 28:25, "A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper." - which shows that his prosperity came from trusting in the Lord and not from greed.
How many of us are content this morning?! Praise God for all those hands that are going up! Let us continue to accept our lot! This is our gift from the Lord!
Happy Thanksgiving to those of you joining the coffee table from the States. Others too can join us in giving thanks to the Lord as we celebrate the feast of our harvest termed aptly as Thanksgiving for our daily providence all through the year.
Amidst the overwhelming responsibilities associated with the feast such as hosting, cooking and cleaning I hope we can all take a moment to sit around the table with our loved ones and go over a complete list of all the reasons we are thankful to our Lord for. It is okay if it is going to take few extra minutes, let us not forget the significance of the celebrations in all other hustle bustles.
Here's sharing King David's Thanksgiving list. As you see he recalls even things from way past, things from much before his times and gives thanks. He was surely blessed for his grateful heart. Give thanksto the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the desert,
His love endures forever.
who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.
to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies,
His love endures forever.
and who gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. I Chronicles 16:8
Giving thanks - okay we can understand; but what does it have to do with 'making it known among the nations'?
Words have the influence to claim someone for or against a matter. Marketing specialists, can assure you that "word of mouth" is one of the most effective way of marketing technique out there. James chapter 3 goes on and on about the power of the tongue, associating our tongue to the rudder that can steer a huge ship.
In the Gospel of Luke we read of the scene when Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where people put down the palm branches and their cloak for His colt to walk on. The crowd was singing and praising inloud voice of His many miracles and the disciples rebuked them. Jesus's response was, "if they keep quite, the stones will cry out."
That is true for us too. If we keep quite from proclaiming of His wonders, the stones will cry out - putting us to shame.
So, to answer our question, making known among the nations, means to make a bold statement that we acknowledge or support or affiliate with the brand called Jesus! We are not just stopping with a quick thank you, but we will announce, proclaim, make known of what He has done for us among the nations! You are with me on that - right?!
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18
Easier said than done, you would agree- to give thanks in all circumstances. We all have something to be thankful for; but honestly can we say we are thankful for everything? Paul instructs us we should be!
There is an illustration I had read somewhere, where everyone was asked to bundle up their problems and throw it in a basket; and later each person was asked to take one bundle from the basket; interestingly most of them walked away with their original bundle. What this tells us is that what one might frown as "problem" is nothing compared to what someone else is going through.
Once I fell down in an airport elevator trying to handle two toddlers by myself. Got some scratches on my foot and felt terrible about the situation. What my little daughter - hardly four at that time - told me, made me to think. She said, "It's okay Mommy! It could have been worse!"
How true! Since then I have learnt to take things in the lighter sense which has helped me remain grateful in most circumstances - if not all, which I am striving for.
As we get ready for our annual feast of Thanksgiving let us learn to look at our problems from a different angle today, from an outsider's perspective; see if it is not something to be grateful for after all?!
Let me remind you once again: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Amen!
One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the LORD at their head. Micah 2:13
Let us read the verse once again slightly differently - emphasizing the words in bold, "One who breaks open the way will go up before me; I will break through the gate and go out. My king will pass through before me, the Lord at my head.
Let's keep praying this verse against all the "closed doors" in our lives. When our King takes the lead before us, He will break open the way for us. Amen!
If you believed, you would see the glory of God! If only we believed...
There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty Deuteronomy 33:26
Surely there is no god like our God - who rides on the heavens to help us and on the clouds in His majesty!
As we continue to read the same chapter, in the following verses we read, "Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord?He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places..." Deuteronomy 33:29
Which explains there is no one like us either. We are the people saved by the Lord. Isn't that amazing!
Indeed there is no one like our God and there is no one like us! Amen! Let us live and love according to these verses. Happy 'Son'day!
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 2:26
Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. Leviticus 26:5
The Scriptures are filled with blessings and promises like above. Yet, some of us have a problem with worry! Worry by definition means to give way to anxiety or unease; to allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. Is it human? Yes. Is it biblical? No!
Let me ask you one thing, if your father has written down a Will to provide for your needs rest of your life, would you be at ease or continue to worry? I am sure you will be at ease knowing your needs have been taken care of. Why then it is difficult for us to trust the Will our Heavenly Father has written down for us in the Scriptures?!
Jesus preached the following which is recorded in the Gospels:
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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34
Here are God's promises for us for today: 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 2:26
Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. Leviticus 26:5
Worry or believe that is fully up to you! I choose to believe!
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2
Some of us take our faith a little too seriously that we even forget to smile at times let alone laugh. We walk around with a stern face, frowns and complaints that it is hard for people to notice even a trace of joy in us.
Joy of course is an internal virtue but will surely manifest externally. When our hearts are filled with JOY, our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy. People can immediately take note of our joy and will see that we don't panic like the rest of the crowd. They will wonder for sure if not already know that our Lord has done great things for us.
Now, let me ask you something. When was the last time you actually laughed? No, not the quick superficial one to keep company, but the hearty, cheerful kind? Has it been long since you last sang or danced in sheer joy? Without any reserve or caution, forgetting everything and just giving thanks to God - kind of Joy? Can it be said of us by onlookers that our Lord has done mighty things for us?
Let us take a stand today! Please repeat this after me: "The Lord has done mighty things for me; Therefore my mouth is filled with laughter and my tongue with songs of joy!"
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Psalm 45:7
"Rejoice!" is an often mentioned command throughout the Scriptures. Yet, that is one area we Christians fail from time to time. All it takes is one criticism or one sickness or one crisis, or blank <you name it>, to offset us from our joy of salvation.
"Rejoice!" by it self implies that it is something within our capacity to do, not necessarily something others can do for us. If it were so, the command would have been something like "Make him/her rejoice".
One may wonder how we can rejoice irrespective of the circumstances. Or is it even possible to rejoice always? Yes, when God anoints us with the oil of joy we can rejoice in all situations! What it takes to be anointed with oil of joy? According to today's Scripture, when we love righteousness and hate wickedness God will anoint us with the oil of joy.
To add, anytime we feel that the joy within us is lost, we need to repent and cry out to the Lord for restoring our joy. We are familiar with Psalm 51 where King David cries out "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Let this be our prayer too today: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3
The same incident has been recorded in the Gospel or Matthew (26:7) & Mark (14:3) with a mention of anointing of Jesus' head instead of his feet. Since neither account is wrong we can conclude both Jesus' head and feet were anointed. John says the woman was Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus. On the side note, Luke records a similar but different incident by a different woman Luke (7:37).
The very act of pouring out the expensive perfume suggests that Mary didn't give it a second thought when it came to using it for the Lord. She didn't hold back on it, she didn't think what people might say, she didn't wait for permission from her brother or sister, she didn't consider it worth anything, she didn't even consider the poor deserved it better than the Lord Jesus Christ!
This goes hand in hand with what Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians; we read in chapter 3 verse 7 (NLT), "I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him."
Our focus today is the after effect of these acts. We read Mary's house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume; Paul led an exemplary life for Christ.
Paul instructs us in Ephesians 5:1-2, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Are we spending our best for the Lord? Do we consider all things worthless for the sake of Christ? Have we gained Christ discarding everything else - including our finest - as garbage? Can people sense fragrance filled in our house? Do we give ourselves up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God?
It's a lot of questions this morning; hopefully it will help steer us in the right direction...
Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of his fathers—even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 30:18-20
If you have some time today please read 2 Chronicles 30th chapter which talks about King Hezekiah's zeal for the Lord.
King Hezekiah was the son of King Ahaz. Unlike his father King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 29:2). He cleaned out the temple of God, demolished all high places, removed all defilement from the sanctuary, appointed priests and Levites back on duty in the temple of God, set up a choir to sing praises to the Lord, consecrated the congregation and decided to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem which was not in practice over many years.
Hezekiah sent out couriers to all of Israel, Judah, Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to Jerusalem for the Passover. We see that it turned out to be a huge success and there was a great crowd from all tribes of Israel celebrating the Lord together in Jerusalem.
However many in the crowd had not consecrated themselves before taking part in the Passover. Knowing that King Hezekiah lifts up this prayer: “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of his fathers—even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” and we see that the Lord answered his prayers.
Is this our prayer too about our friends and family members whose ways of seeking the Lord is slightly different from our point of view? Are we quick to condemn them or do we stand in the gap praying for them?
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
We all have heard the verse many times but may not have paused longer to think what it really means. Here's a beautiful skit that explains the whole "Christian thing" in a meaningful way. Please sit back, relax and enjoy!
Don't you love that you are the Masterpiece?! I do.
and today in the same lines, "I will restore you that you may serve me"! You will notice that it is a conditional blessing. True, He will restore us to serve Him, but only on the condition that we repent.
The fact that He will restore us to serve Him implies that we 'used to' serve Him once but not anymore. Something came inbetween God and us downgrading us from the honor of serving Him. We see that all around us - don't we? People are on fire for the Lord one minute, and fall back cold the next. Why even us! Our stronghold on God is stronger only when things seem a little shaky for us; normal days we are normal self - neither cold nor warm - don't you agree?
It is our pride, doubt, fear, unbelief, diffidence, and impenitence that come between us and our Lord. God's promise is that the minute we realize our wrong doings and repent of it, He will restore us to serve Him. Amen! That is the highest honor one can enjoy here on earth - serving the Lord! So, let's not delay our repenting.
Even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. Zechariah 9:12
Amen! What a beautiful promise from the Lord for us this morning! I am so glad for all of you who didn't miss it over the weekend. May this very promise come true in each one of our lives.
In Isaiah we read, "Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs." Isaiah 61:7
Amen! Such powerful promises we have heard this morning over the coffee table. Let us pause, take a moment to let it sink in! Let us proclaim the promise by our mouth; please repeat this after me:
"Instead of my shame I will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace I will rejoice in my inheritance; and so I will inherit a double portion in my land, and everlasting joy will be mine."
One more time:
"Instead of my shame I will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace I will rejoice in my inheritance; and so I will inherit a double portion in my land, and everlasting joy will be mine."
"... I will restore judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City" Isaiah 1:26
One personification of Christ our Lord is that He is our Judge - a righteous one at that! There are number of Scripture references on that. Let's look at a few:
Apostle Paul writes in his letter to Timothy, "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8
King David sings in one of his Psalms, "God is a righteous judge..." Psalm 7:11
We read about the final Judgement Day in Revelation 20:11-15 where Christ Himself is enthroned in the throne judging the dead - great and small. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus Christ Himself explains the judgement days ahead. There are Scriptures that explain how we believers will be judged and rewarded according to our deeds (Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12).
What these Scriptures teach us is that our Lord is the ultimate Judge! If that is the case, will He not take care of our cases here on earth? Often times there are situations where we are wronged and we react defensively OR we pry for a chance to prove ourselves right OR worse yet we take matters into our own hands to try and avenge.
Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."
So, coming back to our discussion this morning, God will restore our judges or in other words bring us justice (Amen!), provided we leave it up to Him.(Shall we?)
'I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.' Jeremiah 30:17
Today's message is for the sick among us. Please be encouraged our Lord will restore your health and heal your wounds. As Prophet Isaiah foretold about Christ the Lord in his book, "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Amen! By His wounds we are healed. Praying over my children when they get sick, I often envision touching the blood that runs from the cross and applying it over them. When I pray for our household I envision sprinkling the shed blood of Jesus Christ in our door steps, in each room, in our foreheads, over our territory etc.
What good is the Christian faith if we only talk about healing but do not actually believe it for our selves? What benefit it is if we proclaim the blood of Jesus Christ heals our diseases but do not really apply it over us? If we know of a new ointment that could heal the skin condition would we not go buy it and start using it religiously? Then what is preventing us from giving the same seriousness if not more to the healing powers of Christ our Lord?
We are indeed healed! Let us proclaim health over us and our families and diligently apply His protection over us and ours. He will restore us to health and heal our wounds! Amen!
With the economic downturn we all experience the value of our houses dwindling down and it is a great cause for panic among many. But for those of us whose trust is in the Lord, there is no need to panic. Just as today's Scripture promises us, the Lord has compassion on our dwellings! Amen! He will restore the fortunes of our tents! Amen!
It is the Lord who is our supplier. He is our Source which never runs out. In Psalm 104:28 King David sings, "When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things." Amen!
If you are still not convinced here's a suggested reading for you to stop worrying: Matthew 6:25-34. My favorite line says: ... your heavenly Father knows that you need them (verse 32).
Peter instructs, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5: 7
At the very least let us pray over these verses and ask the Lord to restore our faith and also the fortunes of our homes today. Shall we?
"I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be. Amos 9:11
Lot of families these days are breaking up under pressure and christian families are no exception. Financial stress, pressure at work, sinful ways, addictions, selfishness are satan's schemes to slowly creep in and ruin the harmony and peace of a family union. He aims at destroying the family nucleus which only makes it easier to further drift the members away from the Lord.
Our Lord on the other hand restores broken families and reestablishes our fallen tents. What a contrast! In Isaiah 58:12 we read, "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
Let us pray over our families based on these verses. Surely He will restore our fallen tents. He will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be! Praise and glory and honor to God Almighty! God bless you all!
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me(Jesus)." Matthew 25:40
Believe it or not Christmas is just around the corner! One ministry opportunity we look forward to at this time of the year is Operation Christmas Child. The idea is to pack a little shoe box with fun stuff for a child in remote parts of the world - which might be the only Christmas gift the child receives. Here's a video that explains it:
There are number of drop off locations across the country (United States) for your convenience. If you live outside of United States, this could give you an idea to get you started on local out reach.
Kindly read with me Matthew 25:31-46 today. I believe Operation Christmas Child gives us an opportunity to be a sheep rather than a goat. Please find out how you could participate by clicking on the logo below. Remember, whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for Him(Jesus). May God bless you!
Let's take the time today to go over our Praise Report over the coffee table.
Our Father in heaven! Thank you again for the wonderful opportunity to gather in your name once again this morning Lord. Thank you so much for your love and grace and mercy that have been sufficient for us all these days Lord. Thank you for blessing us with good health Lord. Thank you for filling our hearts with such joy Lord. Thank you for giving us the peace that passeth all understanding Lord. We love you Lord. We praise you Lord. We glorify your name Lord.
We thank you from the depth of our heart Lord. Thank you for everything Lord. Even a million thank yous are not enough Lord. Thank you for Coffee with Jesus Lord. Thank you that you are among us every single day Lord. Thank you for speaking to us through your words Lord. We gather here to receive your words and your words only Lord. Please continue to speak to us Lord.
Thank you for every single believer and non-believer who come across this site Lord. Thank you that your grace has been sufficient for each one of them Lord. Some are accepting you here Lord, some get to know you more here Lord, some grow more Lord and yet some are still searching Lord. We praise and thank you that your words fill each of our needs Lord - according to our seeking Lord. Thank you for that Lord.
We thank you for the answered prayer requests among us Lord. Thank you so much for lessening our burdens Lord, for hearing our cry Lord, for rescuing us from miry pits Lord, for setting us free Lord! Thank you so much for the continued blessings of good health, joy and peace Lord. Thank you for providing homes for us Lord. Thank you for taking care of our bills Lord. Thank you for giving us food Lord. Thank you so much for every single blessings Lord.
Today as we worship you among the congregation of fellow believers our hearts are filled with your praises Lord. Our mouths are filled with your songs Lord. Our mind is filled with the peace you have given us Lord. Once again thank you for all of these things Lord.
We praise you, glorify you and honor you. We lift this prayer up in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
Today over the coffee table let us pray for the prayer requests in our midst.
Our Father in heaven! Thank you for this day Lord. We are gathered here at your presence - from so far off, from many different parts of the world Lord. Thank you for this opportunity to come together in your name Lord.
Today we want to uplift the needs of our dear ones in Christ Lord. We pray for the sick among us Lord. We pray for those seeking jobs among us Lord. We pray for the afflicted among us Lord. We pray for the widows among us Lord. We pray for our children Lord. We pray for our elders Lord.
There are many among us experiencing hard times Lord. Please provide their needs Lord. Please send your timely help Lord. Some are sinking in deeper debts Lord. Please reach out and pull them out Lord. Bless their hands to repay their debts Lord.
Some among us are still in bondage Lord - even after tasting you Lord. Help them once for all rid off their sinful ways Lord. Let them not surrender to the devil Lord. Let them strong firm in faith and overcome his attack in their lives Lord. Fill their hearts, mouths and thoughts with your praise Lord.
We especially bring Sis. Chellamma who is in great pain Lord. Please give her a deliverance Lord. Remember all those ways she ministered to build your kingdom Lord. Now she is suffering Lord, and we are not able to help her Lord. You alone can help her Lord. Please help her Lord. We pray for Sis. Jemima too Lord. Please meet her financial needs to get the surgery done Lord. Please open the doors for her Lord.
Please bless each and every one of us gathered here at your feet Lord. Please provide all the needs of every one of us here Lord. Use us for your glory Lord. Bless this day for us Lord.
In the name of your dear Son, our Lord and savior Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!
From time to time in our Christian walk we experience a kind of 'silence' from the Lord. We don't immediately realize it and for a day or two we can ignore it and then suddenly we start to panic.
Looking up the Scriptures we can see a few did relate to similar terms.
Asaph cries out in Psalm 83 verse 1: O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still.
King David cries out on several occasions:
O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Psalm 35:22 O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent Psalm 109:1 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer Psalm 22:2 To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Psalm 28:1
If you were to read each of these psalms you will note that this is when the psalmists pour out the contents of their heart about their enemies, what they did to them and how God can punish them etc etc. and almost always they find solace at the end of the psalms just from doing that. It works wonders like a therapy if you will.
We can try it too - speaking openly with God about the unfairness around us and asking Him to work wonders on our behalf. He does listen and lessen our burden in no time.
"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord." Psalm 116:12,13
"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." (Psalm: 16:5)
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5
King David asks a very interesting question that often crosses our mind - how will he(we) ever repay the Lord - and he also has an interesting answer - that he will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I visualize it as King David giving a toast (with his drink/cup) in honor of the Lord.
"Cup" could very well mean our hearts here or it could be the different roles we play. He fills it with His grace to the point it overflows... So, let's get back to the question which is the focus of our discussion for today: How can we repay the Lord for all his goodness to us? Ready to toast?
Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
“Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
“But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.
“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:1-14
We will have a open discussion on this passage over the coffee table today. If anyone has questions on this passage bring it on or feel free to share your thoughts.
One question to keep in the back of our mind today is: Are we invited or chosen? Further, do we have the wedding garments?
In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the Lord had commanded him concerning them. Deuteronomy 1:3
Happy November 1st to you!
Interestingly according to the Scripture above, November 1st was when the Israelites got the message from the Lord to break camp and advance into the final lapse of their journey to the promised land!
As we continue reading the same chapter Deuteronomy 1:6-8 it says, The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. "See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them."
Amen! This is the message for us this morning! Let us not get comfortable where we are stationed right now. We have come a long way from our "Egypt" and it is only a short lapse now to claim our "promised land". Break camp and advance! Go in and take possession of the land!
Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! Psalm 118:15
What is the significance of the tents of the righteous? According to today's Scripture, shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous. There is constant praising and thanks giving in the tents of the righteous as the Lord has done mighty things for them.
What kind of voices resound in our homes? Are we acknowledging the mighty things God's right hand has done in our lives? Can people hear us rejoicing over our joy and victory that comes from the Lord?
If you were to tell me this morning that there is so much going on within your walls which prevents you from resounding shouts of joy and victory, here's a verse to strengthen you in the Lord:
Surely God does not reject a blameless man
or strengthen the hands of evildoers.
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.
Your enemies will be clothed in shame,
and the tents of the wicked will be no more.” Job 8:20-22
Welcome!As you sit down to enjoy your steaming cup of coffee or tea or chocolate or whatever, let us also enjoy the communion with Jesus one-on-one. Imagine He has joined you across your kitchen table and having a little chit-chat with you...
Remember more than you, Jesus is looking forward to this time alone with you... My prayer is that each one of you find your moment enjoyable with the Lord.
It's not just coffee time; It's coffee with Jesus time! Enjoy and God bless!
