Wake Up

Letter to a young niece from her gray-haired uncle.

1 April 2008

My Sweet Joann,

It is Spring. A lovely time of the year. When buds blossom and birds sing sweetly in the trees. Hope this brings joy to your heart. May your hope too blossom.

It might have been hard for you to have … Read the rest

Jesus, The Cross, and You!

Jesus carried his cross. It was the burden he took for you and me. At the same time he asked each one of us to carry our cross too. What does this mean? It means that the more you carry your cross the more you walk close to Jesus.

Without the cross there cannot be … Read the rest

God’s Attention-Grabbers

When God called Moses He appeared to him in flames of fire from within a burning bush. That was God’s attention-grabber. When Moses saw that the bush was not burned up though it was on fire he went to investigate. When God saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him (Ref. … Read the rest

Be Dressed Ready

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” — Luke 12:35 NIV

The time to sleep is over. The time has come to be alert and awake. Your Master is coming. Will He find you dressed ready? If not, you may go naked and be shamefully exposed (Revelation 16:15). To avoid it, you … Read the rest

Be What God Wants You To Be

God loves a pure heart. But it is impossible to have one by your own effort. Even then you are encouraged to pray, “Create in me a pure heart, O God!” This prayer will surely be answered. But the answer won’t come in a gift wrap. Instead it comes through battling in prayer. You need … Read the rest

The God of Empty Spaces

Empty spaces in life seem long and painful. They break us. But it seems that empty spaces are one of God’s select methods of dealing with His children. In that sense empty spaces do have meaning and purpose in your life. It proves that you are God’s child and valued in His eyes. In all … Read the rest

The Romance Beside the Fire

(For All Who Consider Themselves Failures, the Story of Peter)

There is a sadness when a fire dies. Till then it was licking flames. It was brilliant. It gave light and warmth. But as you watch, slowly the glow fades. But then you suddenly shudder. It is not the fire outside. But it is in … Read the rest

Failed Expectations

(Based on Luke 24:13–35 / The Emmaus Road Experience)

They said: “But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” This is the story of failed expectations. And this is the road that you and I walk often.

First of all, this is the story of the resurrection experience … Read the rest

Called to Be Fishers of Men

The Wise Man’s Business

“What is your great business in life?” If you ask Jesus this question, this will still be His answer: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). To God, the salvation of men … Read the rest

A Girl’s Story

Esther was taken to a foreign country along with captives of war. She was very young then. To add to the difficulty she lost her father and mother too. She became an orphan.

Her beginnings in life were not promising at all. Today, many girls find themselves in much more difficult situations is life. Can … Read the rest

The Fruit of Patience

(Based on Psalm 40: 1–3)

The world moves at the fingertips of people today. It is fast. This quick-paced life has brought benefits. But it has also affected the spiritual life of Christians. One important change that has come in the life of believers as a result of being influenced by the fast-paced life is … Read the rest

Renewal of Strength

(Based on Isaiah 40: 27–31)

When Christians start complaining, it is a symptom of loss of spiritual strength. These complaints could be directed against people. But ultimately when one loses strength the complaints get directed against God Himself. So if you find yourself complaining against God, know that something has sapped you of your strength.… Read the rest

Jesus Talks About The End

“Then the end will come” — Jesus (Matthew 24:14z NIV).

You can be sure of one thing: The end will come: “The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed” (Daniel 9:26z NIV). This verse leads up to that evil person who, “will set up an … Read the rest

The Money Box in Your Heart

The clang of coins is pleasing to anyone’s ear. The picture of Caesar or some other official emblem is engraved on one side. That shows who is the issuing authority. But to whom does money really belong to? It belongs to you. Or does it really? Think again. It is in your hands, all right. … Read the rest

Manipulation in the Name of Blessings

Why this article?
We respect men and women of God. But we oppose the way in which many (not all) of the popular evangelists (especially through the medium of television) ask for money.

A few things make us worried about this:

One, guilty feelings are created in many Christians because they can’t give the amounts … Read the rest

God–The Source of Your Supply

God provides many channels through which you are given ability and opportunity to earn your living. It could be your job, your hobby or some temporary assignment. But do not think that these channels are the source of your income. It is when you think like that worry can easily eat into your life. It … Read the rest

Giving Even When It Hurts

Why give when I am struggling so much to meet my expenses is a genuine question? Here are five reasons why giving can be such a blessing to you.

1. Giving is like having the heart of God
God is a giving God. He gave Jesus. When you also give you are showing to the … Read the rest

A Sin Checklist!

Do you love your sin?
Do you call your sin weakness?
Do you trust in your good deeds (righteousness)?
Do you blame your family background for your sins?
Do you term some sins small and others as big?
Do you allow anger to burn within you?
Do you think homosexuality and lesbianism is OK?
Do … Read the rest

Biblical Financial Guidelines

BFG #1:

Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow (Proverbs 13:11).

Small drops make a big ocean. Likewise honest money deposited in small amounts can become a big amount when you need it most.

BFG #2:

Do not wear yourself out to get rich (Proverbs 23:4).

Even

Read the rest

Adam and Jesus Christ

Table of Comparison: Adam and Jesus Christ

Adam Jesus Christ
Trespass Gift
Sin Grace
Judgment Justification
Condemnation Righteousness (no more condemnation)
Death (wages of sin) Eternal Life (gift of God)
Disobedience Obedience
People made sinners People made righteous
First man Last Adam
Living being Life-giving spirit
Natural Spiritual
From the dust of the earth From
Read the rest

The Beginning and The End

Here is an interesting and easy comparison between the first 3 chapters and the last 3 chapters of the Bible. Hope you’ll know that God Himself authored the Scriptures as you see the unmistakable connection between the First and the Last.

Genesis 1 — 3 Revelation 20 — 22
Creation of heaven and earth (1:1)
Read the rest

Aaron–Called by God

God constantly has His eyes on His work on earth. And He has placed His children in key positions of leadership to take care of His flock. He does this by calling people into His service.

The methods and circumstances through which His chosen are called may vary. Yet what underlies it all is the … Read the rest

Moses–Hard Choices for Christ’s Sake

We live by choices. Everyday we make hundreds of them. Some of them like choosing what to eat are simple choices.

But there are certain choices that demand careful thought. Because these choices can affect the way we live, act and think.

They can determine the final outcome of our life. It can bring success … Read the rest