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Give Me a Sign of Your Goodness

“Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me” — Psalm 86:17.

David is praying. And at the end of his prayer, he is looking at his proud enemies who are attacking him. He pleads for God’s mercy to be shown him. And then he asks God to give him a sign of his goodness.–a sign or token of his love and compassion and mercy towards him.

We all have felt the need of signs even though we are called to walk by faith. Gideon for example is listed in the Roll Call of Faith in Hebrews Chapter 11. He was a man of faith who overcame feelings of inferiority and insignificance to accomplish great things for God.

Yet he keenly felt the need for confirmation of what God had told him through an angel. Therefore Gideon asked for a sign from God to confirm the message he had heard. Not satisfied with the first sign he asked for a second one by reversing the conditions (see Judges 6:36–40). God did not find fault with him for asking for a sign for confirmation.

Not only that, God himself told Gideon to go to the enemy camp at night and listen to what they were saying so that he will be encouraged (Judges 7:10, 11). What a God who as David said: “You stoop down to make me great (Psalm 18:35)!

In the verse for our thought, the Psalmist is asking for a sign. He needed a little bit of reassurance. We all need it from time to time; don’t we? Most of us are under pressure due to office or home-related issues. Personal problems, relationship issues, financial constraints, trouble from neighbours can all put a strain on us.

It is during those times that we feel like asking for a sign. The Psalmist asked for a sign of God’s goodness. That very prayer reminds us that “God is good all the time” as an uplifting song says. King David during a very very difficult time of his life wrote Psalm 34 (see title description of the Psalm). There he says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good (v.8).”

God’s goodness results in answered prayers. God listens to you when you ask for a sign of his goodness. Make sure that you are not asking because of unbelief. Rather believe in God’s promises and trust God to bring a token of his grace come into your life that can assure and reassure you of his love and care for you.

Cast all your cares on him (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7) is a reminder that we all need. He will sustain you. In spite of all the difficulties you are facing may God show you a sign of his goodness that you may find strength in him today.

Judges 6:40 That Night God Did So
Judges 7:2 You Have Too Many Men
Judges 7:5 Separate Those Who Lap the Water
Judges 7:10,11a Listen to What They Are Saying, Afterward
Judges 8:4 Exhausted, Yet Keeping Up the Pursuit

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God Who Watches Over You

“I, the Lord, watch over it” — Isaiah 27:3

Have you ever wondered if God watches over you? Let us look at Isaiah 27:2–6 to find the answer. Here God is calling Israel, his people, a fruitful vineyard. Earlier he was disappointed with it (see Isaiah 5:1–7). But now God is saying that he watches over it.

Have you wondered whether God is angry with you? It could be that you had sinned against the Lord and even after you have repented and been washed in the blood of the Lamb, you still feel that God is angry with you. God is not condemning you (Romans 8:1). And even if he had been angry with you; now his anger has turned away (Isaiah 12:1). Therefore you can be joyous (Isaiah 12:3). Further, God says, “I am not angry (Isaiah 27:4a).”

God’s intention for you is that you be a fruitful vineyard. You will be one “in that day.” It is that day of God’s blessing that will come upon you like it is going to come to Israel. Then “Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit (Isaiah 27:6).” God wants you to bear fruit for his glory (John 15:8).

To this end, God is watching over you like his own vineyard. He is watering it continually giving you all grace that is needed to flourish. He is guarding you day and night so that no one will harm you (Isaiah 27:3). He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4).

So dear friend, do not move away from God. Be under his watchful care and eye. Do not rebel against him. But be at peace with him. He is not angry with you but wants to make you fruitful. Jesus too said the same thing. Therefore abide or remain in him and let the word of God remain in you (John 15:5, 7). Be encouraged today for God is watching over you.

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So David Inquired of the LORD

We all love to run our own lives independently. But in David we find a man who tried his best to seek God for guidance in all situations of his life.

Of course he sinned and failed in the case of Bathsheba, Uriah, and the census he took of the Israelites to name a few of his mistakes.

But during most of his life he inquired of God. It shows his constant dependence on God and trust in God. “From birth I was cast upon you (Psalm 22:10),” said David.

Secondly it shows his eagerness to make God part of his daily living. We often tend to compartmentalize life into spiritual and secular. We get close to God on Sunday and then forget about him the rest of the week. David sets an example in involving God in all things of his life.

Thirdly, God did not discourage David when he inquired of him again (2 Samuel 5:23). Instead, God showed him a different strategy to do battle the second time. If the first strategy told him was to go ahead and fight; the second time it was to wait for God to move ahead. The sign of that was the sound of rushing on top of the mulberry trees.

Again, David not only inquired but listened to God for answers. It means he was not in a hurry to run ahead of God. Often the mistake we make is to tell God and then rush ahead with our plans.

Finally, this was a specific instance of warfare. In our spiritual lives we face many battles with our sinful nature, the flesh, lusts, pride, and worldly ambitions. Now what made David seek God when he faced war instead of relying on his armies? Yes, he understood from his very young age that the battle is the LORD’s (1 Samuel 17:47)!

Hope you will go ahead and inquire of God time after time when you face difficult situations in life.
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While David Was Restricted by Saul

The promise of God will never fail. But the difficulty comes when there is delay in its fulfilment.

David was anointed by Prophet Samuel at a very young age. David and all who knew him understood what that meant. After Saul, David was to be king.

Yet hardships and trouble followed him wherever he went. Much of it was initiated by Saul. At one point in time David said, “There is just one step between me and death (1 Samuel 20:3).”

Have you been in situations like this? After having been promised goodness by the Lord; are you experiencing trouble? Probably yes; isn’t it?

Now the Bible records that “while David was restricted by Saul” (some translations say “banished by Saul”) (1 Chronicles 12:1), men came to join David with an intent to make him king.

See, it was in the midst of difficulties that this happened. The presence of trouble is not an indicator that God has left you. No. Troubles don’t prevent God from acting on your behalf.

Again, the people who joined him were valiant men. See, God has his best resources prepared for those who look to him for help and strength. David did not recruit them; they just came and joined him. Isn’t that a bit surprising as David was still restricted by Saul?

But above all; they were relatives of Saul who was trying desperately to hunt him down and kill him for no reason but jealousy. Who made them join David when he was still restricted because of Saul? Isn’t that the hand of God? What else can make such a thing happen?

So today your trouble is God’s opportunity to send you help from the least expected place. Often we look to people known to us and close to us for help. Or we look so much at our troubles; and despair. 

But this passage of Scripture reminds you that the way God brings his promise to reality sometimes comes through the most unlikely channels. So be encouraged. Your help too will come. God’s promise in your life will come to pass!
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I Am with You

Reference: Haggai 1:13, 14

If you are discouraged today, “I am with you” is God’s word of encouragement for you. The task ahead might be huge, the enemies around you might try to intimidate you, and perhaps you find that your own strength is giving out. There is only one reply God has for you, “I am with you.”

Therefore start working says your God. Here, God is speaking through his prophets to his people to start rebuilding the temple.

The people had got their priorities wrong. They were taking care of their own houses while the temple of God lay in ruins. God was asking them to set their priorities right.

God was asking them to put him and worship first. Blessing were promised if they got their priorities right. So put God first and you will find the reality of “I am with you” strong.

As we look at the last instructions of Jesus before he ascended to heaven, we find it a command to go to the ends of the earth proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Like the Israelites neglecting God’s house, many of us have neglected this command to go. But to those who go the promise of Jesus is “I am with you always even to the end.”

So the promise “I am with you” is a great inspiration to start working enthusiastically on whatever God has given you to do. This is not the time to brood over failures. Now is the time to act. Step out with courage. Start rebuilding.

When God is with you, what is yet to come will be more glorious than what was before. For God is able to lift you up from the pits of failure to the heights of glory. His presence with you is what is going to make the difference. The Spirit of God is stirring your heart right now; can’t you sense it? Because he is with you, do not fear.
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The Trumpets for Signalling

Reference: Numbers 31:6z

What is the importance of the signal?

The man who signals has to be in perfect tune and obedience to his commander. Though a huge army is prepared for war, the war will begin only when the trumpet is sounded. And when the command is given by the leader, the man who signals should be ready and prepared to blow the trumpet.

Therefore he should be in readiness at all times. He should know his commander well. Are you in such a readiness to obey your God who is your Commander?

“Again,” Paul writes, “if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle” (1 Cor. 14:8)? Paul is here talking about order and discipline in public worship. At the same time, personally, you need to understand that you should know that God demands that you be purposeful in your actions.

Is your purpose going to bring Glory to God and edification and strengthening to God’s people? If not, your trumpet is not giving a clear call.

As we look at the original instructions, regarding the making of the silver trumpets, they were to be sounded in different ways according to the purpose. One signal was for assembling the people, another was for making the different tribes to move, yet another signal was for going to war.

If you want to be an effective person in the Lord’s service, learn in which direction God’s Spirit is moving and leading and then blow your trumpet. This will make a people ready for the Lord.

Today, we await the sounding of that great trumpet when the Lord shall return (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Sound a clear call to God’s people that Jesus is coming back to judge this world and reign forever and ever.
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_____________________
Context of the Reference:
One of the last tasks God gave Moses was to make war against the Midianites and destroy them. These were the people who tried to curse God’s people. When that did not succeed they used their women to seduce the Israelites and made them worship idols. Therefore God wanted this people destroyed.

When the people go to war, Moses sends with them Phinehas. Now Phinehas was the one who turned the anger of the Lord away from the Israelites when they had sinned by joining the people of Midian in wrong relationships and idol worship (see Num. 25:11).

He was a priest. And only priests were allowed to use the silver trumpets that were made for signalling Numbers 10:1–10. And he took the silver trumpets along with him when they went for war.

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The Ninevites Believed God

Reference: Jonah 3:5

The message from God came through Prophet Jonah to the Ninevites. They believed God and repented at his preaching. God accepted their change of heart. He relented from the calamity he had planned to send on them.

Jonah was given a message of Judgement to proclaim. But he did not want to become the messenger. There were several reasons for this. One definitely was that he did not want these Gentiles (people other than Jews) to be shown mercy by God. So he ran away from the task God had given him.

Now he was given a second chance by God to proclaim the message of Judgement. Today, God is giving you too a second chance to proclaim his message. The world is heading towards a judgement by fire. And we are reluctant to proclaim it. Instead we run away from being the Lord’s messengers.

Remember that now is the time of salvation. God is showing mercy to all who will call on him for the promise is, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

So this is the time to proclaim the message of repentance. For God is concerned even about the wicked. The Ninevites were a wicked and feared people. Yet the message of judgement made them turn to God. But it depends on you and your faithful proclamation of the message that God gives you.

Today, we are soft-pedalling the message of God. We give comforting messages to the unsaved. It is true that God loves them. But it is equally true that there is no hope for them unless they believe God like the Ninevites did. Not only did they believe; but they repented of their evil and turned to God.

This is a time to proclaim God’s Word faithfully. Preachers who have a ring of truth and authority about them when they proclaim God’s Word are becoming very rare. Only the message of God’s truth delivered with an urgency it demands will bring about a total change in the listeners.

Remember, God is giving you a second chance!
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God Will Not Turn His Face Away from You

He will not turn his face from you if you return to him (2 Chronicles 30:9b).

God is speaking a word of encouragement to you today. He will not turn his face from you. In response, will you say along with the Psalmist “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

The people of Judah and all Israel had forsaken God. And they were worshipping idols. It was during such a time that Hezekiah became king of Judah. He took bold steps to clear the temple of all defilement and evil. With the help of priests and Levites he purified the temple.

And then he also took steps to celebrate the Passover—the celebration of their deliverance from Egypt, the land of their slavery by observing the sprinkling of blood and eating of the Passover lamb.

This Passover, which was to be a yearly observance, was not observed by the children of God for a long time. To encourage the people, Hezekiah had sent this message that God will not turn his face from them.

There was one condition though. They had to return to God. The king told the people that they should not be stiff-necked and rebellious like their forefathers. Instead they should come back to the Lord. If they did, God would certainly show compassion to them.

So what is God’s word for you today? Return to your God. Remember the Lamb of God whose shed blood on the cross brought you salvation and freedom. Return to him. Purify your hearts in God’s presence. Then God will not turn his face away from you.

The tragedy in today’s Christian world is that people seek after God mainly to get something from him. It is true that there are several needs of yours that are to be met. In unimaginable ways, your God shall supply all your needs only if you return to him and seek his face.

God is eagerly waiting for you to get back into a loving relationship with him. Will you seek his face today? Will you return to him now? Then, he will not turn his face away from you. Remember, this is his word of encouragement to you today.
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The Israelites Are to Camp Round

Reference: Numbers 2:2

What are the lessons we can learn from the way the Israelites camped?

First of all, it was not their idea, but it was God’s command. The Israelites camped in a particular way because God so commanded it. So it was obedience in action.

We also need to note that God is interested in having order and discipline in his ranks. He is the God of order (very much evident in the vast universe) and not of confusion.

Secondly, the Tent of Meeting having the Ark of God occupied the central position. The tribes camped under their banners and standards round the Tent of Meeting.

It meant that God was to have central place in the life of the Israelites. We also need to make sure that our lives are centred on God and all our activities radiate out of our relationship with God.

Thirdly, there was a readiness in this arrangement that made it easy for them to move at a moment’s notice (Numbers 10:11—28). God wants his people to be ready at all times.

This preparedness is what Jesus also wanted to tell us through the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins who waited for the bridegroom. The five wise virgins were well prepared. Are you?

Finally, there was the unmistakable stamp of God and his presence in the midst of the camp. This was evident to those who observed the Israelites and the way they encamped. The king of Midian hired Balaam a prophet to put curses on Israel.

The Bible records that when he saw the Israelites camped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he blessed them instead of cursing. The very sight of the Israelites camped under God’s guidance and command was inspiring in itself (see Numbers 24:2, 3).

So let us strive to make our lives orderly and having discipline under God’s guidance and leadership. May God occupy the central position in all our life’s engagements. Then people will be moved to see God in our midst. Amen.
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A Lying Spirit

Reference: 2 Chronicles 18:21

It is amazing to note how much lies are said today in the Christian world. This is nothing new.

As we look at the passage given above, we find how prophets of God spoke lies to gain the favour of the king. There were four hundred prophets who predicted success for the king of Israel in the coming war. But they were speaking their own words.

Then there comes a true prophet of God named Micaiah. The king had a complaint against him. It was that Micaiah never prophesied anything good about him but always bad.

At the same time the king acknowledged the fact that he is one person through whom they could enquire of the Lord. But the king hated him for telling the truth (see verse 7).

We also find Micaiah parting the curtains and allowing us to peep into the court of heaven where a drama was happening. God was asking who will entice the king to go to war and to his death?

Then a spirit came forward and said that he will entice the king and the means he will use to do so would be to put a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.

So be warned. When the people of God refuse to listen to the truth, God will not hesitate to send a lying spirit in the mouths of his prophets.

We find a vast majority of preachers today in the Christian world coming together to predict success and blessings for the people as the lying spirit was doing through the mouths of the prophets for the king.

This is going to bring disaster on you, if you listen to them.

At the same time, even when a majority is speaking lies to you in God’s name, if you are someone who follows God wholeheartedly (like King Jehoshaphat of Judah who was present with the king of Israel that day), you will discern that these people are not speaking the truth (see verse 6).

This king sought God and followed God’s commands (see Ch. 17. Verse 4). Therefore he was able to see through the lies of the majority of the prophets.

Are you able to discern when prophets speak lies to you in the name of the Lord? If not, spend much time prayerfully with God’s Word, the Bible.

As king Jehoshaphat said, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” Do not trust the majority even if with one voice they are speaking lies.
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When I Found Israel, it Was Like

Reference: Hosea 9:10

This verse talks about the deep disappointment of God. The Israelites had showed great promise at the beginning of their journey with God.

God compares this to a traveller finding grapes in the desert. It would create a great expectation in the person’s heart about finding plenty more food and water in an unlikely place.

Have you given God a great expectation? What has happened to it today? Is God asking you whether you have forsaken your first love? (Revelation 2:4). God is here telling the Israelites that when he saw their forefathers, it was like seeing the early fruit in the fig-tree.

Remember how Jesus went expectantly to fig tree with much leaves. It gave Jesus the expectation there was much fruit in it. He was disappointed by the hypocrisy of pretending to be fruitful but having no fruit. Therefore he cursed the fig tree.

When you do not fulfil the promising start you showed in your walk with God, something dangerous also happens along with it. You cannot stay at one place throughout your walk with God.

Instead it has to be a walk in which you grow in holiness day by day. If you try to stay at one place in your spiritual journey, it is likely that you will fall.

This is exactly what happened to the Israelites. When their enemies found no way to defeat them, they resorted to another method. They seduced Israel through women and that play with sin ended up in their joining their enemies in idol worship. They became vile like the thing they loved says the Bible.

What is that you love today more than God? Where have you compromised? There is still a chance to return to your God. Why don’t you go back to God now?
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Then the Temple of the LORD

Reference: 2 Chronicles 5:13b, 14.

Then. You might be curious to know what happened after “Then.” We are now trying to look at one the biggest moments in the history of Israel. It was the day the magnificent temple at Jerusalem was dedicated.

When they had done a few things under the leadership of Solomon and the priests, something happened. The glory of the Lord filled the temple of God in the form of a cloud.

How can this moment speak to us today? Today, there is no physical temple and worship focusing on the temple and its laws. Instead the New Testament teaches that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). So today God dwells in you through the Holy Spirit.

At the same time, as we look back at this historical incident of God’s glory filling the temple, we find we can learn many lessons from it. What were the incidents that led up to it?

First of all, all the work of the temple was finished. It is important to finish the work that God has assigned to us before the glory of God can come.

Then we find that the ark of God, which represented the presence of God was brought to the Temple and placed in the most holy place. In a way, it can be said that the people knew that it was God’s presence which made the temple a place of worship.

There was a music and singing with a united heart. Led by the priests they sang to the Lord with a loud voice saying, “He is good, his love endures for ever.” Worship with a united heart which focuses on the goodness of the Lord will bring his glory into our midst.

But above all, the priests after placing the ark inside the most holy place withdrew from there. There is a time when we have to move back and give God all the stage.

Our lives lack the presence of God mostly because we are at the front enjoying the limelight. The Spirit of God would come only when we allow him to focus the attention of people on Jesus—the One lifted up for us on the cross.
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Be Holy, Because

“Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2b NIV).

First of all, we should be thankful that God has given us no less a standard than he himself. There is no doubt about this command. “Be holy,” leaves us with no doubt that this is impossible.

Then why did God issue this command? It was to let us know that there is no compromise regarding his holiness. No man can approach God simply because God is holy and man is sinful.

Secondly, we should realize that the starting point of our understanding of God is God’s holiness. No one, not even the so-called gods and gurus, can stand in the presence of this holy God. The splendour and majesty and beauty of God is his holiness.

We need to humble ourselves and ask God to give us an understanding of his holiness. For this is what John wrote about God’s holiness that he is light and in him there is no darkness at all.

Thirdly, God loves to have a relationship with us. This relationship is characterized by love, no need to doubt it. But above and beyond love, it is characterized by God’s holiness.

We cannot boast of having a relationship with God, if our daily thoughts, attitudes, words and actions do not move us towards God’s holiness.

The holiness of God is unspotted and untainted. So also, our prayer should be to make us holy like God.

Finally, as we look at the different laws God gave the people of Israel, we find how impossible it is to keep them all. When people violated the holiness of God by sinning, they had to offer sacrifices.

All these pointed to the fact that man can never please God by his actions. Therefore God sent his Lamb—Jesus—as the sacrifice for our sins to bleed and die on the cross. The cleansing blood, the precious blood of the Lamb, alone can wash us and purify us and make us holy in God’s eyes.

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Be holy!
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David’s Mighty Men

This is the list of David’s mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:11)

What was the reason some of the finest men were attracted to David the king? We know that David came not from a royal line; he was simply a shepherd boy. But he had great confidence in his God.
This was seen when he faced Goliath even as a young lad. More than that, mighty men were attracted to David, because they saw that the LORD Almighty was with David (see verse 10).

If God has called you to be a leader, you need a team of people with you to make things happen. You also need the charisma to attract people to you. This magnetic force does not exactly depend on good looks.

For a Christian leader, the greater reality should be the presence of the Lord with him. If that is found to be true, then people will rally to him.

Now let us look at some of the qualities of the people David attracted to be with him:

First of all, they were brave. They had the capability of changing the course of a battle single-handedly. Some of them definitely carved great victories by their courageous fighting. Through them, “the LORD brought about a great victory.”

So, if you are a Christian leader, pray for a team comprised of courageous men through whom the Lord can give you great victories.

Again, these people were loyal. Some of them risked their lives to get David water from the well of Bethlehem when it was surrounded by Philistine armies. These people were ready to get done even the smallest desire of their leader. If people find you loyal to your God, they will consider it a privilege to be found loyal to you.

Finally, let us just think why God has recorded the list of David’s mighty men in the Bible? It is to emphasize the fact that David was able to accomplish much because he had a team of courageous and loyal people with him.

So also, great work for God today can be accomplished if such teams rally around a leader who is found to be a man after God’s own heart.
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My Soul’s Thirst for God

Reference: Psalm 42:1, 2

Discouraged brother/sister, there is no time like this to thirst after God. Many reasons might have clouded your mind with discouragement.

It can be some sin, some failure from your part, financial worries, broken relationships or even poor health. Whatever it be, now is the time to thirst after God.

Something has come between you and God. It is stealing away your joy. Even as you weep thinking of good times of fellowship you had with God and his people, encourage yourself with the thought that God is still going to shine his face upon you and give you peace.

He will show you favour once again even when others are asking you, “Where is your God?” Deliverance and healing and restoration from God will come to you.

The secret is to thirst after God. So many people, when they grow discouraged, simply give up. They walk away from their relationship with God. Whatever be the reason for your troubled heart, return to God right now with praise on your lips.

It is when the streams run dry that the deer pants for water. That is not the time it will stop thinking about drinking water. Instead it is the time it will long more for it. So also should you.

When God seems to be hiding from you, search for him with greater desire and eagerness. Your search will be rewarded. Your downcast soul shall be lifted up in joy. You will yet praise your God.

Your hope is in God. Therefore changing circumstances need not frighten you. Who knows whether these difficult times are send your way so that you will long for a deeper relationship with God.

If all the days were bright and sunny; none of us would seek God with an intense desire. So thirst after God; for he alone can satisfy your deepest needs. Do not be disturbed any longer. You shall yet praise your God!
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After Moses Had Grown Up?

One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor (Exodus 2:11 NIV).

Growing up is an experience that all look forward to. Parents expect their children to grow up and behave like grown-ups.

Meanwhile children imitate their parents and act like grown-ups. Soon they know they will really become one and they long to enjoy the freedom and independence it brings.

Moses too grew up. But his growth was not a fully rounded one. His growth was only on the intellectual, social and physical side. The Bible testifies to this fact. In the speech of Stephen it is recorded: “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and he was powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22 NIV).

But his growth did not have a spiritual side to it. Therefore he acted the way he did when he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

The point to be noted is that God, your Heavenly Father, expects you to grow spiritually. Moses had to spent another forty years before He was prepared to have an encounter with the living God.

If this kind of growth does not happen you will act in ways that are not according to God’s plan.

Here Moses is trying to be the savior of his people in a wrong way because he had no spiritual growth. He thought that by killing the Egyptian he could save God’s people.

Now there are two things that are wrong with that plan. First of all he underestimated the problem. He should have known better that rescuing six hundred thousand men and their families needed a much stronger arm than his.

Again, he never sought God’s will about this. God wanted to gain glory for Himself through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and horsemen (Ref. Exodus 14:17, 18). God wanted the Egyptians to know that He is the Lord through this mighty act of deliverance!

This plan of God Moses totally missed the first time because he had no spiritual growth. At the same time he also missed the fact that God would always call and commission His servants for the task that He has prepared for them to do.

These mistakes happened to Moses because he did not grow spiritually. May God give you grace and wisdom to understand this so that you’ll not repeat these mistakes.
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For I Am Your Servant

For I am your servant (Psalm 143:12z NIV).

The servant of God belongs to God. What a blessed privilege it is to belong to God. At the same time a servant is humble. He depends on God and asks God to teach him His will.

He is also dependent on the Spirit of God. He looks to God to show him the way he should go. He also hides himself in God (Ref. also Isaiah 49:2, 3). Such are the characteristics of the servant of God.

Many times we forget what an exalted position it is to be a servant of God as described in this Psalm. Even Jesus was described by Prophet Isaiah as the Suffering Servant of the Lord. Paul writing to the Philippians tells them to have this same attitude as that of Christ Jesus “who made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.”

And both Isaiah and Paul ends their description of the Suffering Servant with the exaltation that God gave Jesus. So a servant of God who is humble and belongs to God will eventually be exalted by God in a godly way and not in a worldly way!

In this Psalm there is definitely a great cry for help from God against enemies. The Psalmist pleads with God to hear his prayer. This is yet another attitude of the servant of the Lord. Even when it seems that his spirit fails because of the troubles surrounding him, he confidently cries out to God.

There is no thought of seeking worldly help. But he lifts up his soul to God. What a blessed lesson this is. A servant of the Lord has his hope pinned on God alone and not on any other source.

This Psalm ends on a note of reminder. David is reminding God that he is His servant. David is reminding God thus not because God needs to be reminded.

But David is pleading to God on the ground of the special relationship he has with God. Thus it is clear that a servant of the Lord enjoys a special relationship with God.

On the one hand the servant is humble before Almighty God. At the same time he is intimate with God and has the confidence to approach Him because he is God’s servant!
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The Lord Has Kept the Promise He Made

The Lord has kept the promise he made (2 Chronicles 6:10 NIV).

This is characteristic of our Lord. If He has made a promise to you, be sure that it will be fulfilled. He never forgets the promise He makes! Solomon exclaims here the truth that God had indeed kept His promise.

To a Christian there is a greater promise to this truth: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ” (Ref. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV).

Now Solomon in his prayer that immediately followed again emphasized the fact that God had kept his promise to his father David. This tells us a truth about how God keeps promises. The promises of God have been given in the past. Yet He fulfills them in our present.

So get familiar with God’s promises today. For how will you expect them to be fulfilled if you don’t know what God has promised? That is why you need to read the Bible prayerfully. For it is through His Word that God reveals to you His promises.

Again, Solomon went one step further. He understood that if God kept one promise that means He will keep all His other promises. So He prays to God to keep the other promises made to his father David as well.

For the Bible elsewhere points out that God does not lie. In fact, it is impossible for God to lie! He will surely keep His promises.

So if you have known God keeping one promise that He made to you, you can boldly pray to Him to fulfill other promises to you as well.

You can be sure that God will do His part. But as Solomon’s prayer clearly shows man has to do his part for God to keep promises for the future. See, God does not promise blessings without asking for obedience from man’s part.

Solomon remembers in his prayer that along with the promises God had put a condition that the promise will come true only if David’s sons obeyed God.

So remember that God will surely keep His promises to you. But make sure that you obey Him. Only then will His promises become a reality in your life!
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Rehoboth, The Lord Has Given Us Room

He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land” (Genesis 26:22 NIV).

Progress is through opposition. When Isaac dug wells the water was disputed over and he was opposed. But wells with plenty of water was an absolute necessity in those times.

Without water his flocks would not survive. So he had to pursue his objective of getting water even when it meant digging a third well in rapid succession.

It seems that the Philistines did not mind Isaac reopening the wells that his father Abraham had dug earlier. These wells the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. The Philistines might have thought that with Abraham dead there will be no claim on the wells.

But Isaac had different ideas. Note well that conquests should not stop when the visionary or the pioneer passes away. The good work has to continue. So also was the case in later years when Moses passed away and Joshua took up the mantle of leadership to take the Israelites into the Promised Land.

But the dispute and opposition came when Isaac was pressing ahead to dig fresh wells. You doing the Lord’s work is not simply dreaming of past achievements. But His work demands action today.

The good work of the past still has value. But God wants you to break new ground ahead and dig fresh wells. You cannot stop moving ahead thinking of the opposition you might face. That will come anyway.

And it is only when you keep moving ahead that God will provide you with room to flourish in the land. He will not show this favor to those who keep still doing nothing to move ahead. But the favor of “room” is given to those who move forward in spite of opposition to their work.

And God has kept a time when those who quarrel with you will themselves leave you alone. That is the time that the Lord gives rest. In later years you can find that during the times of kings like Solomon and Asa the land had rest.

And during those times they built the city and fortified it. So “Rehoboth” or “room” is achieved when you keep moving forward in fresh conquests in the Lord’s work. It is given by the Lord for you to flourish in the land.
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The Place Where He Had Stood Before the Lord

Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord (Genesis 19:27 NIV).

Why did Abraham return? It was to know the result of his standing before the Lord the day before. If you too have the habit of standing before the Lord you too will find occasions to return to the place where you had stood before the Lord.

It was at such a place that Abraham had pleaded for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah; not because he loved the place or its wickedness but because he was concerned for his nephew Lot and his family.

Are you concerned for someone today? If so would you remain standing before the Lord?

At first sight Abraham might have thought that his prayers went unanswered. For what he saw was dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace!

Abraham had pleaded with God step by step till he dared to ask God not to destroy the city if God found ten righteous people in the city. To this the Lord had agreed.

But now Abraham sees the aftermath of the destruction. And he might have had every reason to believe that his intercession for the righteous people of the cities was lost.

But when you stand before the Lord and pray for others in earnest; the prayers are not lost. God who sees the heart knew that Abraham was concerned for Lot and his family even though he never mentioned Lot’s name specifically.

Abraham was never satisfied with one request. He kept on pleading with God even when he was not sure whether he would make the Lord angry with his requests.

Such praying is instrumental in the salvation of others. For the Bible records that when God destroyed the cities, God remembered Abraham and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe!

What if Abraham had not stood before the Lord? What if he did not care what happened to the cities? Abraham might not have known as he stood watching the dense smoke rising from the land that God had remembered him and his prayer and rescued Lot.

So also as you return to the place you had stood before the Lord, it might seem that your prayers have not been answered. But God remembers you and will do His part for the rescue and salvation of those you are concerned about. So be encouraged to stand before the Lord today!
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For I delight in Your Deliverance

For I delight in your deliverance (1 Samuel 2:1z NIV).

It is that simple. Hannah delighted in God’s deliverance. What about you?

This simple proclamation of her source of confidence and her joy in God’s deliverance comes in her prayer after God had given her the answer to her earlier prayer. Her deliverance was birthed in anguished prayer. Now she praises God in prayer.

The fact is that God’s deliverance is surrounded by an atmosphere of prayer. Prayer brings God’s deliverance into action! That is why Hannah reminded Eli the priest that it was she who had stood praying before him.

Hannah had wept and prayed because she delighted in God’s deliverance. This is a great motivation for praying. She had no other source of confidence than in her God even though “the Lord had closed her womb” (Chapter 1 verse 5).

So a delight in God’s deliverance means that one turns to God in one’s anguish asking Him to remember you and not forget you.

Again a delight in God’s deliverance helps you not to be bowed down by provocation or misunderstanding. Hannah in spite of her difficult situation because others were provoking her by pointing to her barrenness continued to pray to God.

Even the priest misunderstood her anguish in prayer thinking of her as a drunken woman. Yet God gave her assurance that her prayer was heard.

Finally, a great difficulty means a great deliverance. This was what Hannah eventually discovered. God had a purpose in closing her womb. It was to turn her to great praying.

Its result was a man of prayer being born in the form of Samuel. He himself was instrumental in great deliverances for Israel. Therefore learn to delight in God’s deliverance. It will come and bring you joy in the midst of your enemies.
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In Those Days the Lord Began to Reduce the Size

In those days the Lord began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael overpowered the Israelites throughout their territory . . . (2 Kings 10:32 NIV).

Look carefully at the text. Was it Hazael who overpowered the Israelites? Yes. But he was only an instrument. It was really the Lord who began to reduce the size of Israel.

But why would the Lord want to reduce the size of His own people? That is a question that you and I should ask ourselves.

Why would the Lord act against His own people? Before that question can be answered, you need to consider that such a situation is a possibility in every Christian’s life. God can reduce the area or sphere of your influence.

He can use chosen instruments to do so; even those who do not know God. So this verse in the Bible should act as a clear warning to keep track of one’s ways.

Now to the real question. God had promised the territory of Israelites to them forever. But the people of Israel kept on worshiping the golden calves Jeroboam had made. Even Jehu who destroyed Baal worship continued in the worship of the golden calves. That was a great sin.

Jehu had a chance to turn away from it. But he did not utilize the chance. So “in those days” the Lord began to reduce the size of Israel.

That means that when God gives you a chance to act right and you do not utilize it; “in those days” the Lord will begin to reduce your influence!

As you closely follow the words that the Lord spoke to Jehu commending him for the good work he had accomplished; he was also promised kingship till the fourth generation. In spite of this promise, Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord “with all his heart.”

That is the key. His heart was not fully involved in keeping God’s law. It reminds us again that outward observances cannot fool God. He always looks at the heart.

And when He finds that all your heart is not there in your obedience, He will begin to reduce the sphere of your influence. Just check whether you are living “in those days!”
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Now Your Impurity Is Lewdness

Now your impurity is lewdness (Ezekiel 24:13a NIV).

Lewdness is a common sin today. It is no longer frowned upon. Now lewdness is referring to sex in rude and offensive ways with an intention of exciting lust or sexual desire.

God spoke about this sin of the Israelites. And Jesus pointed out that what comes out of man is what makes him unclean. Lewdness, He said, also comes out from within men’s hearts.

In the case of the Israelites God lamented that they were not willing to be cleansed of their impurity even though He tried to cleanse them. So God planned to judge them according to their conduct and actions. This was because they had frustrated all His efforts to remove their impurities from them. Even extreme methods did not remove them.

Now this is a situation which one should think about. Where are you regarding the sin of lewdness? Now the problem is that nobody around you thinks of this as sin! And popular media like movies glorify lewd remarks.

It seems that the circumstances surrounding you all promote this sin. So it is tempting to go along with the crowd. But think for a moment. Jesus said that lewdness comes from within your heart; not from the outside.

That means that you have a responsibility before God. Paul wrote saying that there should be no obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking for God’s holy people. He also wrote, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.

This seems to be difficult in this modern world. But you can choose to be cleansed of this impurity by not participating in chats which is mixed with lewdness!
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They Rejoiced at the Sight

Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting wheat their wheat in the valley, when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight (1 Samuel 6:13 NIV).

There are seasons of disappearances of God’s favor in the life of His children. It can be caused by many things. Sin and disobedience can easily become causes of such disappearance.

At the end of the Book of Judges we find this comment: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25 NIV).

It was in such a period that the ark of God was taken into captivity by the Philistines. It showed how much God’s favor was taken away from the Israelites during that period in their history since the ark of the covenant was symbolic of God’s visible presence in their midst.

This experience of the Israelites show that unless your heart is right with God, He is not present in any religious activity that we might engage in. The Israelites forgot that the ark in itself had no power but it was given its glory by the appearance of God’s Glory in between the cherubim on its top.

So when they took it to battle, because God’s presence was not with them, the ark itself was captured.

But God was not willing to let His name be defamed. So He sent judgments on the Philistines and their gods. So they decided to sent the ark back with great respect. And when it came, and the people of Israel saw it, they rejoiced at the sight!

We are reminded of how the wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star when they came out of Herod’s place (see Matthew 2:10). Both the Israelites and the wise men had a season of disfavor with God when the guiding presence of God was absent for a while. So it can happen in your life too.

The Israelites lost God’s presence with them because of their willful disobedience. Possibly the wise men lost it because they went to the capital city thinking that kings are born there. Did they lose sight of the star because they set their sights on the capital city? We do not know for sure.

But when the Israelites saw the ark come back they rejoiced. So also when the wise men saw the star, they were overjoyed. What about you? Maybe God is graciously returning to you today.

Some token of His favor coming back to you, you are going to see. Is your heart prepared to rejoice? He will come even when your heart may not be expectant about it!
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Though Yours Sins Are like Scarlet

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though yours sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV).

Have you all your life been in search of assurance of forgiveness of your sins? If yes, your search ends here today. God is calling you for a debate. He is pointing out the evidence against you.

Your sins are like scarlet and are red as crimson. It cannot escape notice. God has noted it. So has your conscience testified against you. The stain of your sins are inescapable. Yes, God is calling your attention to it.

But that is not all. He calls your attention to your sins to show you the depth of its filth. He wants you to realize how utterly impossible it is to remove those stains.

Then, if your heart is grieving over all that has been done; you are agreeing with God that what has been done has been utterly sinful. Then you and God meet on a common meeting ground.

Instead, if you deny your great sinfulness, God can do nothing about it. That is why He is calling you and saying, “Come now, let us reason together.”

What God wants you to know is that He can do the seemingly impossible with your sins. He can change you from within. Your sins shall be wiped out. Instead of its stains; they shall be as white as snow and be like wool.

What God is saying is that He can remove your sins in such a manner that no trace of it can be found it. Instead something pure and spotless shall remain.

Why search more for other solutions? See, there is none else who can remove your sins. The Bible says the blood of His Son Jesus purifies you from all sin when you agree with God that you have indeed committed sin (see 1 John 1:7-10).

The Bible again declares that “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (see Ephesians 1:7). Yes, redemption means saving from evil. God has indeed made provision for the forgiveness and removal of your sins.

Possibly, you will now say that your sins are many and they are so vile. Therefore you are not willing to come to God.

But know that Jesus is the friend of sinners and He came to seek and to save you. This is His good news: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:21 NIV)!
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Give Me a Man!

Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” (1 Samuel 17:10 NIV).

The challenge of evil is what you find here in this verse. It began in the garden of Eden when God created man and woman. Through deception Satan was able to make them sin against God. By that disobedience Satan gained entry into the human world.

He had defeated man whom God had created. Just when he thought that it was a final victory, God promised, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15 NIV). God accepted Satan’s challenge and promised a Man!

When Goliath challenged the Israelites, he wanted one man to fight him. David was the man. If you would look at the challenge, he continued to do so for forty days (1 Samuel 17:16). Only then did David come into the scene.

Even so, God waited many hundred years before He sent His Son Jesus to meet Satan’s challenge, “Give me a man!”

During the trial of Jesus, Pilate not knowing the depth of meaning of what he was saying said, “Here is the man!” In Romans 5:12-19, Paul developed this idea of Jesus the Man whom God provided in place of Adam, who had failed.

One Man, whose image and likeness others would bear, was always God’s plan. In Jesus that is fulfilled today (Read 1 Corinthians 15:49, 1 John 3:1).

Jesus not only met the challenge but also won crushing Satan’s head as originally promised . That happened on the cross (Hebrews 2:11-15). Goliath’s challenge, “Give me a man!” was thus fully met in Jesus as He is the son of David.

Even as Goliath despised David because he came with his staff, sling and smooth stones (see 17:42, 43); so also Satan might have despised the foolishness of the cross.

But he did not know that this foolishness of God would cost him his head. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV).

Even though Satan was defeated on the cross he still continues to roar like a lion and be filled with fury because he knows that his time is short (see 1 Peter 5:8 and Revelation 12:12). The world continues to be influenced by men and women (spiritual gurus and false prophets) whom he is manipulating to deceive people in large numbers.

But, you would never find such a unique person as Jesus in their ranks because He is the God-Man, the Savior of the world!
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Of the Increase of His Government and Peace

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7a NIV).

This is a simple equation. More of His government in your life will bring more of His peace into your life. There is no end to the possibilities of more of His government and more of His peace. Now the question is who governs your life?

The text a few verses ago reads, “ and the government will be on his shoulders” (see v. 6). So ultimately the world will be ruled and governed by Jesus Christ. You can look forward to that day.

But that rule can be true in your life even today. You need not have any fear about Him ruling your life because again the Bible says, “In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it” (see Isaiah 16:5a).

But those who feel threatened are those who rule their own lives. To such, the arrival of a new king, even when He is born a child, is disturbing news (see Matthew 2:3).

For when a child is born, if you want to receive him, changes have to be made. You will have to make space in your home as well as in your heart to accommodate the newborn.

This process can be threatening to those who want to live in darkness. For this child brings light. It reveals, exposes, and condemns whatever is of darkness.

Therefore such people are disturbed. They try to topple His government. And in the process lose their peace.

But for you, God is throwing open possibilities. Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

What does that mean? It means that His government of your life will not be taxing on you as you fear. You can submit to it and be cheerful. It is then that you will have an increase of peace.

Finally, there is the question of crowning Jesus, King of your life. See, God has already decided to install Jesus as King on Zion, God’s holy hill (see Psalm 2:6). And He will reign on David’s throne forever (see Isaiah 9:7). This is an unchangeable covenant.

But you need not wait till then. You can experience the same reality in your life today, if you crown Him King over your life and seat Him on the throne of your heart. Then, “All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace” (see Isaiah 54:13)!
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Prince of Peace

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b NIV).

The world craves for peace. To achieve it they go to war. This is the tragedy of the world.

Brokenness seems to have invaded the world. Nothing fits together for long. Relationships get broken, treaties are broken, and man’s faith in God also is getting broken.

So in reality, when man longs for peace, he is hoping for what is broken to be made whole. This wholeness of mind, soul, spirit and body cannot be man-achieved. If it could have been achieved by man, the world would have been a better place long ago.

Though many philosophers have put forward theories they fail to address the real cause of brokenness. Therefore such philosophies fail to bring peace mainly because they make man search for peace without having defined or understood what destroys it in the first place.

Instead what they try to promote is a false sense of peace; a sense of calm of the mind. But that is a very narrow, self-defeating view of peace. It falls apart when tested by outside forces which might come to play later in life.

It is in such a context that you are called to look at this Prince of Peace, Jesus. In Him is your peace. This is because the primary cause of man’s lack of peace is sin. Since man was created by God to live in fellowship with Him; anything that comes in between man and God brings lack of peace with it.

Sin has that ability to break, to tear down, to mutilate, to mar, to destroy, to stain, to erect barriers in the relationship between man and God. The Bible clearly says two things about it. One, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Two, the wages of sin is death (see Romans 3:23 and 6:23). But through His death on the cross and His precious blood which was shed Jesus makes peace between God and men.

In other words, God and man are reconciled in Jesus and His death on the cross (see Colossians 1:20, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21). To one who accepts Him, peace is given (see Romans 5:1).

And that peace is something beyond human understanding. The world cannot give it. But Jesus can give peace because His body was broken to heal the brokenness of the world.

The Bible says, “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him” (see Isaiah 53:4, 5). So Jesus gives peace; but not as the world gives. It holds true even in the presence of trouble. In Him is your peace (see John 14:27; 16:33)!
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Everlasting Father

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b NIV).

Everlasting Father. It shows God’s unchanging nature towards His children. Yes, God loves to have a loving relationship with you. Have you yet realized it?

The Christian life is miserable when you think of it in terms of doing some things and not doing some things. Even if you are successful in obeying all the rules that God has given and all the sub-rules you’ve made; you will fail to know the joy of the relationship you have with God your Father.

That relationship is characterized by freedom. This freedom is not used as a license to sin. But it is a freedom from fear and full expression of love (see 1 John 4:18).

The Bible talks about this great love the Father has lavished on us so that you and I should be called children of God (see 1 John 3:1). It is not just an emotional love but divine with legal authority (see John 1:12).

So, the promised child would make it possible for humanity to understand God as Father. And that relationship does not end with life on earth. It goes beyond time. It is everlasting.

And a time is coming when this Everlasting Father will make His dwelling with men and live with them and “will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (see Revelation 21:3, 4)

But God has not kept a promise like that far away and left us today without nothing. The Bible says that God has sent His Spirit into our hearts which cries out “Abba, Father” (see Romans 8:15, 16; Galatians 4:6, 7).

This most intimate cry (Abba can only be possibly translated as my dearest daddy) to God; let it rise up from our hearts continually.

It is an expression of our freedom from fear in approaching God. It talks about the fact that we are no longer slaves to sin; but sons and daughters of God.

Therefore, listen to His loving words: “Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (see 2 Corinthians 6:17b, 18).

His love for you goes beyond time. It stretches forth into never-ending eternity. That is why Jesus said: “In my Father’s house are many rooms . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you” (see John 14:2).

He is preparing something for you, which again the Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

So, rejoice in your privilege to have God as your Everlasting Father. Call Him Abba today!
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Mighty God

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b NIV).

Is there anyone else who can claim to be Mighty God? God asks, “Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock, I know not one” (see Isaiah 44:8b).

This is an absolute claim. God claims for Himself a throne in our heart which He will share with no one else because He is Mighty God.

Now look at the miracle. Can a child be called Mighty God! Yes, Jesus, the child that was promised, is Mighty God. But He chose to come in gentleness and meekness, clothed in humility. A God who stooped low to lift up humanity.

In Him strength was disguised. Yes, Mighty God chose to be weak and identified Himself with frail man. And became submissive to suffering and finally the cross.

This miracle of Mighty God in flesh as a child brings us to our next thought-a question that God has asked in the Old Testament concerning Himself: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (see Jeremiah 32:27; also Genesis 18:14 and Numbers 11:23).

The miracle of the child that comes to the world bearing the title Mighty God reminds us of God’s unquestioned power and ability and strength. There is no comparison with it.

So when you approach this child in worship like the Magi (wise men), come with faith that He can (don’t ask “Can God?” see Psalm 78:19)! For without faith it is impossible to please God (see Hebrews 11:6).

Finally, Mighty God means something very personal to you. It means that He is not a mere spectator in your life. He acts on your behalf and for you.

The mouth of lions will be shut, mighty bodies of water shall separate and you will walk on dry ground while Pharaohs and his armies sink, and He will walk beside you when you are thrown into a blazing furnace.

Yes, He participates in your life and in His wisdom He chooses to intervene in your life at the right times and seasons. Though on certain occasions He may choose not to do so for purposes known to Him alone (see Hebrews 11:35b-38).

Again, He reveals His mighty power by calling “things that are not as though they were” (see Romans 4:17). That means He will open up possibilities in your life where absolutely none existed. This is your Mighty God. Would you trust Him?
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More Manna:

Burden Will Be Lifted

God Our Guide

Repentance, Rest, Quietness, Strength