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
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
Joshua was not a superman. He was simply afraid and discouraged like any one of us. He needed encouragement. And God was gracious enough to provide it to him repeatedly (see Deuteronomy 31:7, 8, 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9; 8:1). His encouragement is available to you today. God is telling you to be strong … Read the rest
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
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
Is there any benefit in trying to understand and obey God’s will in your life? This question should be asked and its answer should satisfy. Otherwise you will never be sure why you are seeking God’s will in your life. Four benefits of seeking God’s will are enumerated here.
A Special Relationship:
Jesus was once
The greatest tragedy in Christian living is to have a good beginning but fail to capitalize on it.
People get distracted, get sidetracked and lose sight of the reward that God has kept for them. Thus they backslide and fail to fulfill the purpose for which God had called them.
What is the cause of … Read the rest
Jesus had higher priorities in life. It was seen in different instances.
For example, when He was hungry the disciples had gone to buy food. During that time He was having a conversation with the Samaritan woman by the well that proved life-changing and life-giving to her. The disciples came and urged Him to eat … Read the rest
The clock was Jesus’ slave. Never did Jesus get His sense of timing wrong. He always waited for the right time, the appropriate time; the time the Father had set for Him to act.
Jesus demonstrated this many times. To Mary, His mother, who told Him that there was no more wine at the wedding … Read the rest
Jesus was always driven with a purpose. The great sense of the mission He had to fulfill was very strong in Him. In other words, He always referred to having been “sent” to this world by His Father:
“For I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but … Read the rest
The desire to please God was a dominant force in the life of Jesus.
Jesus once said: “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him” (John 8:29 NIV) [author’s emphasis]. Jesus enjoyed a continuous conscious presence of God in His life … Read the rest
Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Ref. Isaiah 9:6). This was described in the great prophecy of the coming Messiah. And it was also said that there will be increase of peace when he governs (Ref. Isaiah (9:7a).
Therefore, when a person allows Jesus to govern his life, there will be an increase of peace … Read the rest
Doing God’s will is a choice. That is made clear by Jesus’ statement, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17 NIV).
Note the first part of that statement: “If anyone chooses to do God’s will.” It … Read the rest
