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But Jonah Ran Away from the Lord

But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord (Jonah 1:3 NIV).

There is a Jonah in all of us! We do run away from the Lord once in a while; don’t we? Quite often we think that we are running away from the task that God has set before us. But in reality it is running away from the Lord.

But is that possible? Definitely not. But still we try; don’t we? We try even when we know that ultimately God will win and we will lose. But somehow we love to obey the hard way!

Again, we should be grateful to Jonah in one sense. For he has shown us who we really are through a kind of open heart surgery. Of course it does not refer to the physical heart.

So, before we point an accusing finger at Jonah, which we easily do, let us open our hearts and look at who we really are. As you look intently inside, it would surprise you to find a Jonah there.

Yes, we all have a Jonah in us. This makes us to run away from God-given tasks. The interesting thing is that many things happen in our favor when we run away from the Lord (Of course, before the God-sent storm comes!). Then we take it as God’s guidance that we are on the right track.

Look at Jonah. He is headed towards Tarshish (It is in quite another direction from Nineveh where God had told him to go.). As he reaches Joppa he finds a ship bound for Tarshish. He might have been happy to find that ship waiting for him there.

Aren’t we too happy to find a ship waiting for us? Don’t we take this as guidance that we are proceeding in the right direction? Like Jonah, aren’t we only eager to get on board this ship that takes us away from God-given destinations?

But the greater question to be answered is whether we are running away from the Lord or not. The waiting ship does not make things right for you if you are running away from the Lord!
—
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Remember Me, O God, Strengthen Me Just Once More

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes (Judges 16:28 NIV).

There is a God who remembers you when you cry out to Him. He is a God who hears the desperate cry of His children for strength.

When Samson prayed, there was a note of remembrance in it. It was a remembrance of the strength he once had.

He lost it because of his own carelessness. When he prayed he remembered how God had equipped him with strength in the past. He must have remembered how God used him to defeat their enemies the Philistines before. And he longed for one last chance to do a mighty exploit for God.

But there was a greater cry in that prayer. He wanted God to remember him. Think about this sad situation. Here was a mighty man of God who did great exploits for God.

Now he is defeated; for he had thrown away his God-given strength. And when he was now the prisoner of those over whom he had once triumphed; he was heart-broken!

Are you in such a tragic situation today? Has life turned over in such a fashion that instead of being the victor you have become the defeated one?

Cry out to your God. Plead with Him: “Remember me O my God. Strengthen me just once more!” Just once more is enough to know that He remembered!

Dear child of God; today if you are in a situation of misery because of your own sin, cry out to the God whom you knew so intimately once. Cry out to Him to remember you. Plead with Him to strengthen you just once more. And remember, you are crying out to a God who will remember you!
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But the Hair on His Head Began to Grow Again

But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved (Judges 16:22 NIV).

Are you in the prison of defeat today? Has your life which began with great promise, now changed to one of darkness?

Was it your own neglect of walking closely with God responsible for the loss of strength in your life? Did you allow the idols of your heart and the love you had for them rob you of a Spirit-filled life?

If so, look at Samson. He was in such a miserable situation of his own creation. Yet look at God who showed him an abundance of grace. The hair which was the sign of his strength in God began to grow again after it had been shaved.

Dear child of God, take heart. Do not grieve over your loss. But seek your God. He will show you great grace. Though all seems lost; there is hope.

Look carefully at your life. Can’t you see the signs of God’s grace beginning to show itself again in your life. You cannot put a limit on God’s grace. It is still available to you.

The severity of your defeat need not prevent you from seeking God’s grace. Even when it seems that all chances for you to complete what God began in your life is gone; there still might be one final work for you to do. Who knows?

Samson was yet again used by God. It was a mighty rekindling of ashes into a huge blaze of fire in his life. Of course he prayed for it to happen thus. He pleaded with God for one last chance. But even that was possible only because the hair on his head began to grow again.

That is surely the sign of God’s grace. It operates even in the darkest moments of your life. In your defeat; are you aware that His grace is beginning to show itself again in your life?
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But He Did Not Know That the Lord Had Left Him

He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him (Judges 16:20b NIV).

There is great danger in allowing others to cut off your strength in God. Samson made this huge mistake. The secret of his strength was in his hair which was unshaved since the time of his birth as he was a Nazirite set apart to God.

But he revealed this strength to his lover not knowing that it was to deceive him that she was nagging him day after day. And she took advantage of this revealed secret and shaved off his hair while he was sleeping.

The important thing for you to note is that you should not allow others to cut off your strength in God. For example, when others come in between your time with God in prayer and reading the Bible; they are cutting off your strength in God. Do not give them a chance.

Here, Samson awoke from his sleep thinking that he could shake himself free as before. But he did not know that the Lord had left him. This is a tragic situation in his life. If you are not careful this can happen to you too.

The important thing to remember is that past victories does not repeat itself in Christian life automatically. But to live in victory you need to have strength, and for that you have to be constantly connected to God.

When that is cut off; your ability to win for God is lost. Sadly, you’ll not even realize that your strength is gone until the enemy subdues you.

And what a pitiful figure the mighty Samson became when the Lord left him. The Philistines who were mercilessly pounded by his mighty strength now blinded him and set him to grinding in the prison.

Samson, the man on whom the Spirit of God had come mightily many times, now was a defeated man. It happened so, simply because he did not guard his secret of strength in God.
—
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Let Not My Heart Be Drawn to What Is Evil

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not of their delicacies (Psalm 141:4 NIV).

Make this your prayer every single day: “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.” Why is this so important? It is important because evil is on the increase everyday.

Its increase shows itself with a difference too. What is it? In the past you had to seek out evil if you wanted to be part of it. But today evil is seeking you out everywhere. It even comes to your living room. Modern technology makes it all possible.

So evil is everywhere: In our homes, in the streets and in places of recreation too. You cannot escape its presence for it is everywhere. But you can pray: “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.”

As you make this prayer a part of your daily life; slowly you will know a change coming within you. Those things which are evil that attracted you in the past; and pulled you with a magnetic pull towards itself will slowly lose its power.

The compulsion you felt within you as you came in contact with what is evil will slowly decrease in strength. If you pray this prayer in earnest; surely God will come to your aid.

He will strengthen you to resist the devil. He will be a shield around you so that evil will not lure you towards it. So continue to pray: “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.”

This verse also lets you know that when you are drawn to evil it is equal to participating in the wicked deeds of those who promote evil. So be careful when you are drawn to what is evil.

If you yield to its tug on your heart; you are promoting sin. You are sharing in the profits of the wicked. But you do not want that to happen; do you? Yes, you want to avoid it.

So pray in earnest: “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.” When you pray so, God will surely come to your aid! Amen!
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Caravans on Their Way to Egypt

As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt (Genesis 37:25).

Strange are God’s ways: His arranging of events are timed to perfection! You need not worry that you are finding yourself in an empty cistern for no fault of yours.

The dream that God has planted in your heart will not die with you there.

The caravans are coming by. Even as those who plotted your ruin because you are a dreamer are sitting by enjoying themselves; God has arranged caravans to pass by. You will be given over to them.

And from sitting still you’ll find yourself traveling. Maybe as a slave; but still that is better than facing cruelty by your own dear ones.

But where are the caravans going? They are on their way to Egypt. That much is only known. What is going to happen there is not known to you. But know that the caravans came at that time by God’s arrangement.

The timing was perfect. And to an unknown future while it leads you, do not grow disheartened. For you are going to see the fulfillment of your dreams in Egypt. You may not know where exactly is “your Egypt.” But God knows. So be of good cheer. He has sent caravans to take you there.

Finally, think about their cargo: Spices, balm and myrrh. Along with those goods, they were also carrying Joseph. If Pharaoh would have known of what worth this man would be in the future; would he not have discarded all the spices and balm and myrrh and embraced Joseph?

Ah, some caravans come to carry priceless treasure like Joseph to Egypt to make dreams come true. As for you, the hand of God in the coming of caravans will become known when those dreams come true; if not before!
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After Rachel Gave Birth to Joseph

After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can go back to my own homeland” (Genesis 30:25 NIV).

Have you ever felt that it is time to move? Possibly yes. Jacob also felt so at one time. But the important thing to note here is a status change which made him feel that way. It is described thus: “After Rachel gave birth to Joseph.”

That word “after” is pregnant with significance. Not only was it true for Jacob, it could be true for you too.

First of all, here was an answer to prayer. Rachel, though loved by Jacob, was barren. She cried out to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die.” Jacob was angry with her and told her that God had closed up her womb.

So she gave her servant Bilhah to Jacob as a wife and had two sons by her. But later God remembered Rachel and her cry and opened her womb and gave her Joseph. This answered prayer was some sort of indicator for Jacob to start thinking about going home to his native land.

Remember, God stirs your heart “like an eagle that stirs up its nest.” This unrest probably came to Jacob after the answer to a long-awaited prayer came. He can stir your heart too after some significant answer to prayer. Then it might indicate that it is time to move.

Secondly, the event in itself could be part of a larger plan and purpose of God which you may not fully realize.

So, what was significant here from God’s view? Of course, the birth of Joseph. He was the key player who would help sustain a family in famine and thus lay the foundations for the people of Israel to become a powerful people while in the land of Egypt.

So when Joseph was born, God caused Jacob to think of moving. This timing of events was important to God and His plan. Jacob might never have known about it then. But we know it today because we know the rest of the story.

The point is that when God stirs your heart “after” something significant has happened, know that He is working out some larger purposes which you may not be aware of now.
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Adam, Seth, Enosh, … Noah

Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. (1 Chronicles 1:1–3 NIV).

This list of names does not make an interesting reading to many. So they skip reading this portion of the Scriptures.

This disinterest is also because people are not aware why it was written: This book was written to the Jewish people who returned from exile and 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Their nation was gone; their temple also had been destroyed. Jerusalem was in ruins.

Therefore this book was written to encourage a people who had lost hope in the future of their nation. It is in that light that this book has to be read. It was to remind these people that God was still working in their lives that this book begins by reminding them of their past from the time of Adam.

This list reminds you too of many things. Adam reminds you of origins. You are also part of this list if it is traced out to you; since all of us came from Adam.

Then, Seth reminds you of continuity of likeness. After Cain had killed his brother Abel, another son was born to Adam who was named Seth. It is written that “he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image.” This reminds us of the spiritual principle that God is longing to see His children bear the image and likeness of His beloved Son, Jesus.

Enosh, Seth’s son reminds us of God being remembered by people. It was during his time that men began to call on the name of the Lord. It reminds us of God’s eternal desire that we call upon Him and worship Him.

Later, Enoch reminds us to walk with God. His family life did not prevent him from walking with God. He prophesied about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ too (see Jude 14). In a sense he experienced it as he was taken away by God. It reminds us to look forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.

Then, Methuselah. He was the man who lived longest on the earth, 969 years. Yet he too died. It reminds us that we do not have a permanent home here on earth. But if we trust Jesus, we have eternal life.

Then there is Noah. He reminds us of the ark. There is safety only inside the ark which is a picture of Jesus. If you hide in Him; the flood of judgment will not destroy you!

As you continue to read the list of names in this book, remember that throughout your past history spanning many generations up to Adam; God had been working. Therefore, even when the future looks unpromising, remember your God who was at work in your past generations and is at work in your life today. You also have a future in Him!
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A Cloud As Small As a Man’s Hand

The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” (1 Kings 18:44a NIV).

One of the most valuable lessons on prayer is found here. It is perseverance. What does it mean? It means praying on and on, in spite of no sign of your prayer being answered.

It means holding on to the word God had given you and continuing to expect to see the answer manifest itself; i.e. Make itself visible in front of you. Remember, such kind of praying is still needed even when God has already promised the answer.

Here, Elijah was asked by God to present himself before Ahab, and God had promised to sent rain on the land. This promise was the surety that enabled Elijah to pray on.

On top of Mount Carmel, Elijah’s posture of being bent down to the ground and putting his face between his knees was similar to the posture that women of those times adopted while giving birth to their children. So it seems that Elijah was undergoing intense labor pains. He was giving birth to the rain through prayer.

He knew within himself that rain was bound to come for he had obeyed whatever God had told him to do. He knew for sure that God would keep His word. But that needed a continuous praying that would not be discouraged even when six times he heard it said, “There is nothing there!”

It would have discouraged any man. Here Elijah was being watched by the huge gathering too. Yet he persevered in prayer.

And the seventh time it was reported to him that a cloud as small as a man’s hand was rising from the sea. He immediately confirmed his earlier message to the king that rain was coming.

Such is the quality of persevering prayer that the sight of a cloud as small as a man’s hand is enough to proclaim to others to get prepared to receive the much-awaited and expected answer!

Listen! Are you hearing the sound of a heavy rain?
—
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Repaired the Altar Which Was in Ruins

They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which was in ruins (1 Kings 18:30b NIV).

Are you expecting to see God come back to your life in a mighty way? If so, the first step is to repair the altar.

You may have allowed it to lie in ruins for long. Now is the time to start seeking God in earnest by repairing the altar of your life. And this altar is in your heart.

In Old Testament times an altar was a place of worship; where people called upon God. It played an important part in their relationship with God. If it was allowed to lie in ruins, it meant that people had forgotten to seek God.

It would have also represented the fact that the people had sinned by seeking false gods and idols. It meant that their priorities had changed from keeping God first in their lives to seeking their own business first. So, to get back to God, you need to repair the altar in your heart.

Again, the altar represented a place where sacrifices were offered to God. You might wonder what kind of sacrifice does God expect from you today!

In Old Testament times they offered bulls and lambs and goats. But most of the people offered them without any change of heart.

But King David realized what God really expected from them through the sacrifices. He wrote: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart.”

So, if you seek God with a really broken heart; broken because of your sin; and because you are sorrowing over your unfaithfulness to God; that is a sacrifice that God does not despise.

He will accept you when you approach Him thus. Do so as you repair the altar of your heart.
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I Have Set My Rainbow in the Clouds

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth (Genesis 9:13 NIV).

God has set His rainbow in the clouds! In the midst of the clouds of doubt and despair; see, there shines God’s rainbow. Yes, it is in the clouds that God has kept the beautiful rainbow.

When He sees it He remembers His agreement with you; that He will never again destroy all the earth in a flood. So, when you see the rainbow, rejoice. For God sees and remembers you. It is the sign He has set in the clouds.

The rainbow is again a symbol of a new beginning in life. After the judgment, there is given to you another chance to begin anew in life. So the rainbow is symbolic of God’s mercy extended to you to have a fresh start in life.

As the rainbow is a splash of colors that arch across the sky; God’s mercy is above and over you to give you colorful days ahead.

In His mercy, the unapproachable light of God’s glory has been split into colors that can be seen. The rainbow is thus an eternal reminder of God’s mercy in His relationship with you.

So when you see the clouds appear in your life and the light of the sun is cut off; and you panic, take a moment to see the rainbow. Though it appears that God has hidden His face from you; He is there. And the rainbow appears to tell you that He remembers you.

Therefore have hope. God is not over with you yet. That is why He has brought you safely through the destroying flood that ravaged your mind.

Remember that there is more to the rainbow than a scientific explanation that white light is split into the Vibgyor. It is a sign that God remembers you in a merciful agreement that will be in everlasting remembrance!
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But Naaman Went Away Angry

But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy (2 Kings 5:11 NIV).

Man’s expectations and God’s methods may not always meet. They can meet only when man is ready to meet God in His terms.

Here, Naaman, even though informed to go and see the prophet goes and sees the king instead; because his expectation was that the king was somehow able to cure him. How often, like Naaman, we too try human resources before we try God’s resources?

But when Elisha hears of the king’s reaction he sent a message asking the king to send Naaman to him. When he came Elisha sends a messenger asking him to go and wash himself in the Jordan seven times so that his flesh will be restored and he cleansed.

At this Naaman becomes angry. He speaks out what were his expectations. He is angry because the prophet did not even come to meet him and cure him according to his own ideas.

This is a problem that you and I can face in our relationship with God. We often expect God to act according to our ideas. When God doesn’t do so; but suggests something much simpler and different, we express our disappointment and anger.

Naaman’s logic was also creating problems. He was reasoning that the rivers of Damascus was far better than the waters of Israel. But he forgot that dipping in the Jordan was an act of faith.

Though a simple act; it was enough to cleanse him. It can symbolize the washing away of sins when you dip yourself in the blood of Jesus. No other fountain can cleanse thus.
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Go Around, Ask for Empty Jars, Not a Few

Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side” (2 Kings 4:3,4 NIV).

God’s methods to meet His children’s needs are many. In this incident we find God meeting the need of the widow of a prophet who revered the Lord during his life.

As she came to Elisha to talk about the debt she owed; Elisha asked her about what she had in her house. To this she replied that she had nothing except a little oil.

God began with the little oil that she had. He had the plan to multiply that little oil many times over. If you have a great need today, know that God can work miracles from the little you have.

But often what happens is that people fail to listen to the question that God asks, “What do you have?” Instead of hearing this question, people have a habit of telling God about what they don’t have. If you need God’s miracle in your life, tell God what you have.

The next step is expectation and obedience. Elisha asked her to go around and ask for empty jars. She had to expect that God was going to fill the jars. If she did not expect she could not go around asking.

That means that the obedience was prompted by expectation in faith that God was going to do a miracle. And she was asked not to ask for just a few. In the midst of nothing, she was asked to have a big expectant faith. That is another secret of God’s miracle in your life.
Again, the pouring out of oil had to continue without interruption till the last available jar was filled. So, continue to do what God has asked you to do till every opportunity is closed.

Finally, the plan to sell the oil was told her only when she had finished filling all the jars and the oil had stopped flowing. It teaches that God unravels His purpose in the miracle only as you obey Him step by step.
—
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Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” — (Ecclesiastes 12:1 NIV).

The Bible asks you to remember your Creator in the days of your youth. It warns that youth and its vigor will soon pass away and the days of trouble will come.

Then even if you like to remember God; it won’t be as effective as it would have been in your youth. For youth is the time when you are at your best.

Again, youth is a time when you have the freedom to choose. And the Bible commands you to make the choice to remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the days of trouble come.

Youngsters delay to make this choice because the days of trouble and old age seems far away. Many fondly think that youth is to last for ever. But the Bible warns that the days of trouble will come.

Another reason why youth seem not concerned about remembering God is that they seem not to be aware that their thoughts and actions will have consequences which they will have to face.

They forget that God will judge all; both the living and the dead. A remembrance of this truth should inspire youth to remember their Creator.

And when you do so, you will have a Friend in God when you grow old; the best friend with whom you can share those precious memories of your youth as you walked with Him!
—
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Two Bronze Pillars, Jakin and Boaz

He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz (1 Kings 7:21 NIV).
These were the two impressive ornamental pillars that Huram completed for King Solomon. It stood outside at the portico of the temple. What was the exact purpose of these pillars, we do not know.

But the suggested meanings of the names given might throw some light on its significance. Jakin means “he establishes” and Boaz means “in him is strength.”

Since these pillars stood at the portico of the temple; they served as reminders of how lovely and true these truths are about God and His relationship to them.

The pillar, Jakin, must have reminded the people that it is God who established their kingdom for them. In the past, during Saul and David’s time the nation was at war. And during that time the nation was being consolidated as a kingdom under one ruler.

But now under Solomon, the kingdom was at peace and rest. No wars were being fought and there was no disaster. These conditions which prevailed had enabled King Solomon to build and complete the temple of God as desired by King David.

The pillar, Jakin, therefore must have reminded people that it is God who establishes the work of their hands. And you should also know that it is His blessing and approval that enables you to complete the work undertaken for His glory.

The pillar, Boaz, must have provoked the people to think on the truth that God was their strength. But it so happened that these people in later years put their trust in the temple rather than in God.

Finally, God rejected the temple He chose and also allowed it to be destroyed. It should remind you that your real strength does not come from accomplished works for God.

But your strength is in God alone. Therefore always be focused on your strength in God and let not your heart wander anywhere else.
—
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Building Temple, Only Blocks Dressed at the Quarry Used

In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built (1 Kings 6:7 NIV).

God does the shaping work on your life early. He does not wait for the time for actual building up of your life to shape you. This is the reason why you seem to be laid aside while you badly want to go ahead.

But it is not actually a laying aside that is happening; but it is the preparation work. This is the time when God uses the hammer and chisel and other tools on you. You are being dressed at the quarry now.

This preparation implies that God has a design in mind for your life. It is part of His master plan for His kingdom. So He knows where you are going to fit in. In this shaping phase of life, He prepares you with the overall plan of His kingdom in mind.

If you can find any comfort during the painful preparatory stage; then find comfort in the thought that you do not exist for yourself alone in God’s kingdom. Instead you are built together into a spiritual house with others as living stones (1 Peter 2:5).

Therefore the rough edges have to go; and instead shape and beauty and order comes to make you fit into that Grand Design of God.

But more than all this your thoughts should lift up to heaven. There everything is perfect. No more work is to be done there. All work and preparation has been assigned to take place on earth. And there is no second chance.

Therefore if you shall cooperate with the Master Builder who has the best intentions for you in mind; you can lay your foundation with gold and silver and costly stones (1 Corinthians 3:12) for the life to come.
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Let Him Who Boasts Boast About This

“But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 9:24 NIV).

The people of the world boast about many things. In the previous verse God picks out three areas of man’s boasting and asks them not to do so.

He commands the wise man not to boast about his wisdom; for elsewhere it is written that foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and again He commands the strong man not to boast about his strength for again it is written that the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength (I Corinthians 1:25).

God also commands the rich man not to boast about his riches because elsewhere it is written that, “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone” (Proverbs 23:5).

These three elements; i.e. wisdom, strength and riches give man a false sense of power and control over his life and destiny. Therefore he boasts about his life; which actually quickly passes away.

But surprisingly God gives an alternative to man so that he can boast. God says that man has a chance to boast if he understands and knows Him. By this, God means that the highest wisdom of man is know Him.

All other knowledge fades and pales into insignificance before this knowledge of God. Therefore when you are troubled by the philosophical talk of brilliant men who try to confuse your mind with high sounding arguments; quietly reflect on the fact that you have a greater boast than them; that you know your God. That is the highest wisdom.

When you know your God who is the Lord; who delights in exercising kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, you need not cringe before the wise, the strong and the rich of this world.

Instead let them know that knowing God in a personal way is the highest achievement of man on earth; and therefore your boast is in your knowledge of God.

Whatever they have will not give them any hope beyond this life; but your knowledge of God will give you strength in this life; and life itself in the world to come.
—
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Who Can Speak and Have It Happen, Unless?

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? (Lamentations 3:37 NIV).

Isn’t this a comforting thought? When you are faced by words that are spoken by others that trouble your mind, think on this truth. It means that nobody can make anything happen through their words unless God has decreed it.

The prophet here is thinking on the calamities that has come on Jerusalem. He knows that it is not the strength of the invading armies or their proud boasting that had made this conquest possible.

He understands that the foreign armies were able to conquer Jerusalem only because God had determined to hand it over to them. He is able to see the hand of God in their punishment.

They were surely being punished for their sins. He understands that the foreign armies were just a means to bring about what God had already determined to do to Jerusalem.

Another thought concerns daily living and ordinary circumstances of life. Sometimes others pressurize you to do something and counsel you to act in a particular way which they think is right. But you are not sure whether it is God’s time for it or even if it is according to God’s will.

During such times think on this truth that nobody can make things happen unless God has decreed it. Hold on to Him; for in Him you will find strength to believe in His good purposes for your life.

When you have a relationship with God; it is possible to see that other people and circumstances are just servants in the hands of God. If He has decreed they obey. But it is not easy to explain everything that happens in life so simply.

Maybe you need to think of it in this way: No purpose of God can happen in your life by the act of any human agency alone. No man can speak and have it happen in your life; unless the Lord has decreed it.
—
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Heavens Were Opened, I Saw Visions of God

In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God (Ezekiel 1:1 NIV).

First of all, what is recorded in the Book of Ezekiel is no fantasy or fiction or imagination. It is a specific revelation that God gave of Himself to him.

Therefore his record begins with a specific date and circumstance surrounding the vision. He is definitely rooted to his earthly existence while he is given visions of heaven.

Secondly, no circumstance can prevent God from revealing Himself to you if He chooses to do so. Here was Ezekiel, who himself was a captive; living among the exiles in the land of their enemies, the Babylonians.

In our normal assessment; it is not an ideal situation to have a vision. He was not in a prayer meeting where revival was breaking out.

Instead this man was by the river among people who were reaping the consequences of their nation’s sin and rebellion against God. In such unlikely circumstances God reveals glorious visions of Himself.

Thirdly, the heavens were opened. It tells us an important truth. No one can choose to get revelations and get knowledge of what is happening in the heavens. Instead they have to be opened by God. Only then can anyone know what is happening inside.

And instances of such opening of the heavens are very rare indeed. God reserves it for very special revelations that shall bring messages of His holiness, glory, judgment, mercy, comfort and restoration to His people.

Finally, heaven might reveal many great and splendid scenes; angels and heavenly beings included. They all defy description.

But you will always do well to remember that the heavens are opened to reveal visions of God. He and His throne are the central focus of all visions when the heavens are opened.
—
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He Is Holy

He is holy (Psalm 99:3b NIV).

The message of Psalm 99 revolves around this glorious truth: “He is holy.”

This Psalm reminds us the fact that the Lord is King and He reigns. He sits upon His throne and He is exalted over all the nations.

Therefore we are asked to praise His great and awesome name. We are called to worship Him.

We are also encouraged to call upon His name like how Moses, Aaron and Samuel did. God had answered them. He spoke to them and they kept His commands. He forgave His people even though He punished them for their wrongs. So, exalt your God and worship Him, for He is holy.

Make this truth, that God is holy, central to your lives. Let it enable you to praise and worship Him. Exalt Him in your life, work and relationships. Lift Him high.

Let others know that you esteem this holy God above all else. May you always remember that He is King and that He is mighty. He is to be worshiped. No other person or philosophy or place or power is worthy of worship; for they all shall bow their knees to Him.

It will happen literally; when one day He shall reign in Jerusalem; in Zion at His holy mountain. So, exalt your God and worship Him, for He is holy.

Yes, the great need of the hour is to exalt God and His holy and awesome name. To do so, fill your minds with the thought, “He is holy.”

May it inspire you to reflect His holiness in your life too. Let others know that your God is holy. For this is the message they need to hear. For there is no other who is holy like the Lord.

And there is no response other than worship that you can render to the Lord as you know the truth, “He is holy.” It is worth repeating: Exalt Him, worship Him, for He is holy.
—
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There Is No Flaw in You

There Is No Flaw in You

All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you (Song of Songs 4:7 NIV).

There could be many truths condensed in this one statement. Definitely it reflects the happiness of a lover in his beloved. It could be that she is perfect in every respect; all that he had desired and hoped for in his bride, he sees in her.

It could be that he is full of love for her. So he sees her as perfect. That is the redeeming quality of love. Others might find flaws in her; but in the eyes of the Lover she is perfect.

Others finding flaws in one’s beloved happens at times in normal human life; but blessed is the girl who finds favor in the eyes of her lover who says of her, “There is no flaw in you.” This, I say again, is the redeeming quality of love.

Paul, in Ephesians 5:25 to 35, speaks of Christ’s love for the church and demands that husbands love their wives in the same fashion. Jesus, out of His love for the church, gave Himself up for her. So His love was sacrificial.

His purpose was that through His sacrifice the church might be presented to Himself as radiant, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. She is thus the bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Now coming back to the Lover’s description of his beloved, we find him appreciating her. Love can certainly exaggerate to make something more noticeable; but it does not flatter, because, love rejoices in the truth. Love is not self-seeking; therefore it appreciates the qualities in the other.

And it definitely includes appreciation of physical features. It acquires a purity within the bounds of marriage (“To the pure, all things are pure” –Titus 1:15a, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure” — Hebrews 13:4a).

So learn to appreciate your wife; for it is interesting to note that beloved reciprocates in the same fashion (Song of Songs 5:10–16). So, may you learn to say of your wife, “There is no flaw in you,” even as Christ says that of you; for you have been washed clean as white as snow by His precious blood!
—
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I Gave You a Land On Which You Did Not Toil

So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant (Joshua 24:13 NIV).

God loves to remind His people certain truths. One of them is the fact that God had already prepared for you what you enjoy today. It is true that the Israelites had to fight battles to gain possession of the land; but God had other purposes in mind as far as war was concerned (Ref. Judges 3:2).

In Christian life, these battles can refer to intense spiritual warfare or even to normal struggles of human life. Once they are over you come to know that God enabled you to fight and gain what He had already kept for you.

In this process, God uses many forces at his command to serve your cause. He can use human agencies and even untamed forces of nature to prepare for you what you are going to enjoy. But the important point to remember is that even when God is assisting you in this fashion, the process of struggling cannot be avoided.

God has built it in to strengthen you to be prepared for what He has prepared for you. It is ready for you; but God is using the process of struggle to get you ready for it!

But when God keeps something ready for you; He demands of you certain things. You are to fear Him and serve Him with all faithfulness. This is your reasonable service to Him who had kept ready for you what you now enjoy.

Such a demand is not out of place because the normal human tendency is to forget the Lord once needs are met. So prepare to serve Him; and do it with an undivided heart. Yes, commit yourself to serve Him with wholehearted devotion today!
—
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But David Remained in Jerusalem, Woman Bathing

But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful (2 Samuel 11:1b,2 NIV).

This is how the most tragic moments of David’s otherwise glorious life comes about. These verses explain how it all came about:

First, David had not gone to war; he was absenting himself from duty.
Secondly, he could have turned away his eyes when he first saw the woman bathing.

“But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:14,15 NIV).

Absenting himself from duty and looking upon the bathing woman led to sin. But the more important question is not how, but why? Why did such a sin occur in the life of David, a man after God’s own heart? Was it an accidental slip? Definitely not.

For David does not even realize that he had committed adultery and murder until he is confronted by Nathan the prophet more than ten months later. That surely points to the fact that his heart was generally not right with God during that period in his life.

So the important thing in this incident is to note the fact that David had neglected his close walk with God. That led to such evil in his life.

Surely David had sought God earnestly during his time of battles and struggles of the early years. But then, his becoming the undisputed king over all Israel,a palace being built for him by Hiram king of Tyre, his recent victories, the eternal promise of God to David to make his throne endure forever; all could have made him less watchful.

He might have neglected God’s Word which would have otherwise warned him against coveting and adultery and murder.

Therefore it would be right to say that victories in life should make you more watchful. It is during those periods that you should renew and redouble your efforts to stay in touch with God. Otherwise you’ll absent yourself from duty and your eyes shall wander; resulting in sin!
—
Lust of the Eyes–Part I
Lust of the Eyes–Part II
Not to Look Lustfully at a Girl
Are You Struggling with Masturbation?
About God’s Will and Right Sexual Conduct

Are You Hooked to Internet Pornography? 7 Steps to Freedom from Sin!


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David, “Where Shall I Go?”

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of towns of Judah?” he asked. The Lord said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered (2 Samuel 2:1 NIV).

One of the chief qualities that shaped David’s life was his willingness to inquire of the Lord. He did this for all decisions of his life though there are a few instances in which he failed to do so and faced tragic consequences.

In this instance, he seeks God in a context when Saul and his sons were killed in battle. Instead of rushing to overthrow Saul’s family and gain the throne of Israel, David was willing to ask God as to whether he could go to one of the towns of Judah.

If there is one thing that you can learn from David; learn from him the willingness to make God a part of all decisions of your life.

On the other side, you should be encouraged to note that God responds to your willingness to seek His counsel. He is willing to answer you. What is the point if God does not answer you when you seek His guidance?

But you have a God who answers your earnest prayers to give you guidance. Therefore be encouraged to seek His advice.

Then again, do not be satisfied by getting a general guidance. David was given permission by God to go up to one of the towns of Judah.

Now David could have used his wisdom to find out which town would suit his needs and purposes best. But instead of doing his own calculations, he takes the question to God again. And he is told to go to Hebron.

There he reigns as king over a small part of Israel for seven years and six months until the time comes when he is anointed king over all Israel at Hebron itself.

Therefore as a second step, seek specific guidance in prayer once you are given a general guidance by God.
—
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The Lord Your God Will Himself Cross Over Ahead

The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you (Deuteronomy 31:3a NIV).

There is a change of leadership here. Moses had to step aside and Joshua was the new leader. And He was given the charge to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land.

But the important person here was neither Moses nor Joshua. The real leader of the people was God Himself.

Therefore Moses reminded the Israelites that God Himself will cross over ahead of them. Reflecting on this truth; think whether you are experiencing God who crosses over ahead of you wherever you go?

Because it is a real privilege and blessing to follow; when God has gone ahead of you.

Secondly, when God crosses over ahead of you, it means that He is very much interested in the outcome of the mission. God crosses ahead to lead the way; to guide you, to protect you and even prepare the way for you.

In other words, God does the majority of the work; though what He does and how He does it is often unseen.

The only work that then remains for you is to carefully obey any specific instructions He has given you on the task ahead. If you meet those conditions; then success is assured for God has gone ahead of you.

The final and best thing about God crossing over ahead of you is that it forms the foundation of your courage and confidence. Even when the enemy or opposition seems strong, formidable and threatening; you can face them with boldness.

This comes from the knowledge that God has gone ahead of you and He wants you to succeed because His plans are at stake. Even better is the fact that God goes along with you as you cross over.

He also stays along with you saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
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Read All the Words — the Blessings and the Curses

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law–the blessings and the curses–just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, the aliens who lived among them (Joshua 8:34,35 NIV).

At the first chance that Joshua got, he built an altar to the Lord. Then as commanded by Moses he read out all the words of the law.

The first thing to note is that he read ALL the words of the law. This is very important for us to note. There might be difficult portions in the Scriptures for us to understand. So we usually skip reading them. But this example from the Bible should teach us that all Scripture should be read.

Secondly, he read both the blessings and the curses. In today’s popular Christian world, all talk is about blessings. This is wrong. God wants us to have a full knowledge of His nature and character. He is a God who loves to bless; but at the same time He is God who hates wickedness.

He has taught through the Scriptures that we will be blessed if we obey Him. But if we disobey Him, He has said that He will put the curses on us. A teaching that teaches only blessings without emphasizing obedience is not based on the Bible. It only deceives people.

Finally, no distinction was made between men, women, children and aliens who were gathered there. All Scriptures is for all people. Obedience to God’s Word is a must for all classes of people. No one is exempt.

Therefore take care to teach God’s Word to all believers. And let that teaching contain the whole counsel of God-both blessings and curses.
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Since You Have Never Been This Way Before

Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it (Joshua 3:4 NIV).

The way not traveled before! You may be standing at the crossroads thinking how you are going to cope with unknown territory ahead. There is fear of the future in the heart.

There is also a taking of stock of resources that you have now and trying to figure out how you can utilize it best in the journey ahead. But these are not enough for you. You need God to go ahead of you!

The Israelites were about to cross over to the Promised Land. They had enemies ahead. They had to conquer the land. And God’s daily provision of manna was going to stop once they reached the other side of the Jordan. They had to start living on the produce of the land thereafter.

These were huge challenges. Possibly you might also be facing such challenges as you are preparing to cross over into a higher level of God’s calling in your life. And you might be wondering about the way ahead, for you have not gone that way before.

The secret of right decisions in such situations depends on following God. The Israelites were instructed to carefully watch the ark of the covenant that was carried by the priests and then follow it.

The ark was a visible sign of God’s presence in their midst. They were asked to keep distance. For you that means not to try to overtake God; but to carefully watch in which direction God is moving and follow Him.

In fact, you can confidently travel the way not traveled before when you can see God moving ahead. Then you simply need to follow.
—
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Change of Name, Abraham, Father of Many Nations

No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5 NIV).

What was God trying to do in Abram’s life by changing his name? The shift in meaning can explain it to a great extent. Abram means exalted father while Abraham means father of many. Now the question is, why this change?

Abram was already promised a heir by God and also was asked to look at the stars of the sky to have an idea of how countless his offspring would be. But Abram through the maidservant of his wife brought Ishmael to this world thinking that it was through him that God would keep His promise.

But God had better plans through the son yet to be born, Isaac. That was the child of promise.

So the change of name inaugurated a new stage in the life of Abram. He was made to think about God’s plan for His life through that change of name. For Abraham meant father of many.

Ishmael might have given him the status of an exalted father, but Isaac would make him the father of a blessed many. And this was God’s plan.

Without this change of name, Abraham might never have come to accept God’s plan for His life. Instead his life might have always been limited by his own plan.

This inability to accept God’s plan could be real in your life today too. This is because you are limited by your own plan. Remember, God has a far better plan. He, by changing Abram’s name was giving him a new vision and a new direction in life.

Are you listening to what God is trying to say to you today? He is telling you of His plan. Are you going to accept His plan or are you still going to cling on to your unchanged name; which means that you’re operating on a much lower plane than the plans that God has about your life?

Remember, God can give you a new name; meaning a new vision and a new direction in life, today!
—
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God, Who Daily Bears Our Burdens

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19 NIV).

Burdens are not uncommon to you. Every now and then you become burdened. There are a host of things that could burden you. Sometimes you move on in life like a heavy truck being towed; a slow and lifeless movement. This happens because you think there is no other option but to bear the burden.

But the good news is that there is another option for you. There is God. He carries your burdens. He is your support. “But can this be true?” You might be tempted to ask this question.

To the human mind, this thought is too good to be true. You cannot expect God to bear your burdens; can you? But to those who accept God’s Word as true, this is one among those precious promises which always stands true. Yes, you have a God who bears your burdens.

Oh, He does not grow tired or weary about it! For He does it daily. Imagine, there is not one day of your life when God does not bear your burden.

Then why do you still buckle under its pressure? It is a good question to ask yourself; “If God supports, then why do I still feel the burden?” It is simply because you try to carry much of it yourself.

You add up the burdens of yesterdays and store them together until you collapse somewhere. But such a weakening on your part is unnecessary. The one thing needed is to learn this secret: God bears your burdens daily!

The first thing needed is to believe this truth.
The second thing needed is to accept it on a daily basis.
And the third and final thing to learn is to keep the burdens on God’s shoulders; yes, keep it there and don’t try to take it back.

Then you will learn to praise your God and Savior; who daily bears your burdens.
—
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Go and Look for the Donkeys

Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys” (1 Samuel 9:3 NIV).

God can use the most unlikely of circumstances to get a great chain of events rolling. Here it was the loss of donkeys that brought to the forefront the first king of Israel.

The first task mentioned in relation to this would-be king is the search for donkeys. But do not think that looking for donkeys was an unimportant job. In those days donkeys were kind of Multi Utility Vehicles (MUV’s) of today.

Still the point is that God used the search for donkeys to lead Saul to his destined position as king.

Interestingly, Saul failed to find the lost donkeys. In fact, it was his failure to find them that made possible the next move that led him to Samuel, the prophet who was to anoint him as king.

Therefore, not all failures in life can be termed as a waste of time and resources. Who knows, God might be using that very failure in your life to lead you to a higher level in life!

But Saul actually did not think so. He was disappointed with not finding the donkeys and was now thinking of going back. He was concerned that his father would now have started worrying about them instead of the donkeys.

But his servant urged him to go to the prophet. This advice Saul was willing to try. It is possible that in moments of disappointment, you think of giving up pursuit of your goals.

But before you do so consider what God has to say to you. For what the servant suggested that day was to go to the prophet. That was the way people then knew what God had to say.

So, before you say, “There is not much point in my attempts,” find out what God has to say. Who knows He might tell you something so important that it is going to change the entire direction and destiny of your life!
—
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