Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 NIV). He considered himself obligated to share his faith to everyone, both to the wise and foolish (v. 14). And therefore he was eager to preach the gospel. One another
Most of us see people acting against us or circumstances that are against us. Often we blame the devil for everything that seems to be working against us. But those who are given a purpose in their life from God should learn to see people and circumstances as obeying the will of God. This is
Pride is a Christian’s great enemy. It builds a wall between us and God. And we do not know that we’re headed for disaster until we fall.
The worst kind of pride is spiritual pride. It puffs us up. It makes us feel as if we’re doing something great for God and God owes us
It is not possible for man to understand God unless God chooses to reveal Himself. Even when He chooses to do so, it will be a bit by bit revelation. This is because of man’s limited understanding and the separation between sinful man and a holy God. Even then, until the time of Jesus in
“What’s your name?” sounds common enough. Yet at this point in time when Jacob is asked that question it is loaded with meaning.
Jacob is now coming back to the land of promise from where he had fled twenty years earlier. He had deceived his father and brother then. Later he, in turn, was deceived
Sometimes others know us by the company we keep. This is because the persons with whom we spend most of our time influence us for good or for bad. Their speech patterns, their goals and ambitions, their love and hate, their hobbies; all rub onto us. When this influence is strong others note it quickly.
Tests in life are common. From childhood we have faced tests in examinations. But none of us have liked or welcomed the idea of facing tests. Yet they came at set times. The purpose of these tests was to find out how much we knew about what was taught. Most of us, in spite of
Most of us are familiar with the story of Esau selling his birthright. In Esau we find a contempt for godly or spiritual realities. That is what we have to learn from his despising his birthright (Genesis 25:34). He gave up his birthright which included great spiritual blessings for some stew and bread. Do we
How it should tease us to think that a branch in a tree tries hard to remain where it is and tries all the more harder to bear fruit! Indeed, no branch does anything like that. It simply remains where it is. That is, it remains connected. In that connection it finds its link with
Choices confront us almost every day. And the choices we make have consequences. Some choices impact us for a short time, but others can affect eternity. One such choice is about serving God. It is not just about one or two decisions. Instead serving God is an attitude of choosing for God on a daily
We all face the problem of peer pressure. When all others are doing something we also feel the pressure to go along with them and be one of them. Often the crowd is after doing the wrong things. And they compell us to do the same. Some of those things might be popular even. So
So many of us wonder how effective is our witness for Christ. Often we get discouraged that we are not called or gifted to do something spectacular for God. This is because we are often influenced by the value systems of the world which equates success with great performances.
But we need to understand that
Many Christians want to serve God. But they do not know how to do it. The best way to do it is to stand before God on behalf of others. You can best serve God in this manner.
We often think much about our struggles and difficulties in life. But at the same time, we … Read the rest
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
“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
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 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
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
“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 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
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 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
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
