Tuesday, February 27, 2007

February 27 – Talking it over

After God accepted the sacrifice of Abel, and not of Cain, and the latter was wroth, we see:

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose against Abel his brother, and slew.” Genesis 4v8

Talking can serve many purposes. Cain’s talking with Abel, did not seem to amount to much for the benefit of Abel. On the other hand, we see in Mark 6v50 where the disciples saw Jesus walking on water:

“For they all saw Him, and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” Mark 6v50

Talking things over with the One who promised us peace and rest for those who came to Him, always leads to much benefit, as spending time with Him does… but not always – remember Judas Iscariot and Cain. May we not be one who after spending so much time with Jesus still desire to nail Him back to the cross. Talk with Him, He loves to hear from us.

Have a glorious day.

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Verses for thought:
On father’s commandments and law of mother:
“When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.” Proverbs 6v22

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14v23

Monday, February 26, 2007

February 26 - Subtility

Hello eveyone,
How are you doing on this day? Hope well. Genesis 3v1 says:

"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"

This was grossly untrue, as God gave Adam and Eve to eat of the trees of the garden, except one, which they should not even touch.

We have to know the word for ourselves:

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Ephesians 4v14-15

Have a blessed day.

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"So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.

Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." Ephesians 4v14-15 (Amplified Bible)

Sunday, February 25, 2007

February 25 - Meeting New People

Hello everyone,
How are you doing on this day? I hope well. So there is a verse that talks about when people come into our midst, and one is well dressed, and the other one not so much, we (as Christians) should not be better accepting of the former, and less so of the latter.

It is often not easy to do this, as one often finds it easier to stick to one’s comfort zone and chat and talk with those who we are quite familiar with, but as we see here,:

“Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”

Remember too the verses that say:
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25v40

And also:
Matthew 26v45:
“Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.”

Have a glorious day.

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Verses for thought:
“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.” Mark 4v16&17

Saturday, February 24, 2007

February 24 - The LORD's hand

“BEHOLD, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” Isaiah 59v1

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is Thy hand, and high is Thy right hand.” Psalm 89v13

What does it mean to have a mighty arm? Or a strong hand, or a right hand that is high? It is probably an arm that can smite those that collide with it, a hand that shakes a bit and an important decision, able to change the lives of many, is made. Remember the king and queen Esther, that if the king did not raise up his scepter for her to touch when she came into his presence, she would die.

The King of kings has a mighty arm, a strong hand and a right hand that is high.

“You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand, Your right hand is soaring high.” Psalm 89v13 (Amplified Bible)

“Powerful is Your arm!Strong is Your hand!Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.” Psalm 89v13 (New Living Translation).

Blessed be Thy holy name O God.Have a glorious day.

Verse for praise:“Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.” Psalm 89v52

Proverb for thought:“A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.” Proverbs 24v5 ---

February 23: All Your Promises are True

The lyrics of one of my favorite songs, goes thus:

“When the new day begins
Lord, Your mercies are new again
How my heart overflows with thanks to my King
When the night closes in
I’m so grateful You are my Friend
You said that You’d never leave
And Lord I believe – Lord, I believe …”

Indeed, all His promises are true, trust Him!
Indeed, His mercies are new everyday, believe in Him!
Indeed, He will never leave you nor forsake you, rest in Him!
Indeed, He loves you loads, appreciate Him!

Have a glorious day.

Verses for thought:
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possession] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13v5-6 (Amplified Bible)

Thursday, February 22, 2007

February 22 – On this day

ON this day, I (metaphorically) really had a million and one things to do – classes, a presentation, group meetings, work … all of which had various different expectations to be fulfilled. On the one hand, one could push the “panic” button, on the other hand, after a while, this verse came to mind:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4v16

Because of what Jesus did, now we are asked, first to come, and to come boldly at that. Not to the throne of judgment, or of reward, or of piercing eyes, or criticizing lips, but to the throne of grace, the throne of unmerited favor. Where it is not about how you forgot to pray yesterday, and today, or …

That we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Isn’t God faithful.

We are reminded yet again of His unfailing love, in Hebrews 11v6:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

Praise the Lord.
Have a glorious day.

Verses for thought:
Of the other malefactor who was hanged beside Jesus:
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto Him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23 v 42&43

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

February 21 – Stone, stone, stone

“And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples.

And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19v39-40

If we do not fulfill our duty to praise God, or do not express our love by appreciating Him, the stones would. Smooth stones, precious stones, costly stones, many stones – throughout the Bible, we see stones being used to pierce the forehead of a Goliath, as the symbol of a pact between people, as a thing to be engraved on, as an emblem on an attire.

Verses for thought:

“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Matthew 3v9

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2v5

February 20 – Another proverb.

“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and He shall save thee.” Proverbs 20v22

Don’t be impatient. The righteous Lord seeth all things and He will repay.

Don’t be alarmed. God dey! He is there.

“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for He that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.” Ecclesiastes 5v8

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5v10

Don’t worry, God will judge.

Be careful, for indeed, God will judge.

Have a fantastic, fabulous and wonderful day.

Monday, February 19, 2007

February 19 – Who reigns?

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Romans 6v12

“Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.” Romans 6v12 (Amplified Bible)

Move left, move right. Jump – how high? Run – how fast? Come – when? Someone commented yesterday that a king’s word is the rule. When someone rules over you, then they have dominion over you, as we see in this verse:

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6v16

So I often chew the insides of my mouth, and when I think of this verse, I think oh no, this thing is something I am yielding to. What are you yielding to? Something little, something big, something medium… but the eventual consequence is that you end up giving into sinful desires.

Remember, sin is no longer your master, so if it says, do this, you can say no - you have no rule over me anymore. Now I am under the grace of the Lord. Halleluyah!!!
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Verses for thought:
‘We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6v1

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5v2

February 18 – On righteousness

Hello everyone,
How are you doing on this day? I hope well. I am fine, just had some fine Indian food and watched an Indian movie too. Perusing through the Bible for verses of righteousness, I stumbled upon this one:

“He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Proverbs 12v17 (King James Version).

“He who breathes out truth shows forth righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), but a false witness utters deceit.” Proverbs 12v17 (Amplified Bible).

And we know that the devil is the father of lies, and that liars have no place in heaven. However, we see how Romans 10v3 says:

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Romans 10v3

For whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved. It is good to be knowledgeable of what Christ has done for us. And so, in the verses prior to Romans 10v3, we see how some people did have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

But the good news is that:

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5v21

Thank You Father.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

February 17 – A Proverb

Hello everyone,
How are you doing on this day? I hope well. So today, the sun really came out and it was bright and nice and lovely. Just a tad bit chilly but you still had to watch out for the snow on the floor which was at times icy. Now a proverb:

“The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” Proverbs 16v23 (King James Version)

“A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” Proverbs 16v23 (New International Version).

“From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” Proverbs 16v23 (New Living Translation)

“The mind of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips.” Proverbs 16v23 (Amplified Bible)

Now the question that arises is how does my heart become wise, or how is it made wise, so that it can in turn teach my mouth to speak aright for we know that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.

Verses for thought:
Of Jesus
“And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions.” Matthew 22v46

Of Peter
“And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” Acts 3v12

February 16 – I will go through with you

So last night, I was walking home from school. The day before, there had been a bit of a snow storm, but last night, it was not snowing. However, the weather or rather the temperature was really low – seemingly -10 F or – 26 C… My toes, felt like they would never make it. They were so cold so much so that the cold felt in all other parts of my body paled in comparison. A few times I had to stop, not even able to hasten to get home as fast as possible. And I prayed, and I sang because at the time, there was hardly any other thing to be done. And finally, I reached home. What does this tell us? It all comes to pass, you cannot afford to give up! The LORD assures us that:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43v2

And why? Because
- He is the LORD our God,
- He is the Holy One of Israel
- He is our Saviour
- Because of His past deeds for us e.g. He gave Egypt for our ransom and Seba for us
- Because we are precious in His sight…

Halleluyah!

Have a wonderful day … and don’t give up.

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Verses for praise:
“Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour.” Isaiah 43v10&11

February 15 – Overcomers

Hello everyone,
How are you doing on this day? I hope well. We thank God for His blessings and His making us overcomers, as we see in 1 John 5v4&5 that:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Hold fast to the confession of your faith, for through it, we are overcomers. Remember Job who said:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 18v25-27

And they loved not their lives unto death. We are overcomers in Him. Halleluyah. Prrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the Lord!!!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

February 14 – O that thou hadst

Would you like to have peace as a river?
Would you like that your righteousness be as the waves of the sea?
Well… hearken to the commandments of the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

We see in Isaiah 48v18 where it is written that:
“O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:”

It is well. We see the same in Deuteronomy 28, where God says to His people:

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.” Deuteronomy 28v1&2

What better Valentine’s Day gift can there be, than having peace like a river, righteousness like the waves of the sea, having blessings come upon and overtaking you… What better gifts can there be than these. And guess what? It is available everyday, Jan 1, March 23, March 30, December 24, April 15… if thou wilt…

Would you?
Have a glorious day.

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Verses for praise:
Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the xordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:” Jeremiah 31v35

“And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” Revelations 12 v 4

Monday, February 12, 2007

February 12 – “A common mistake in worship”

“And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” Revelations 22v8&9

Let us never fall into the deceptiveness of false worship of any one other than God. Here, John was shown a lot of deep things by an angel, a messenger of God. At the end thereof, he was so astounded, that he fell in worship at the feet of the angel. Even the angel corrected him that no, don’t do that, worship God. Just like the verses:

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4v7

Here we see, that people are different and have different things, and talents, all because of God. So one of the twofold conclusions is that don’t glory in the person, angel or … and don’t glory in yourself or become puffed up.

“I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15v5

Sunday, February 11, 2007

February 11 – Working out for good

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50v20

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8v28

Today, I commented to some friends that when things don’t seem to be going alright, then they could hardly ever have been better. Because on account of the above verses, we know that God works all things together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. We know too that His ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts our thoughts. As far as the heavens are from the earth, so also are His thoughts from ours and His ways from our own. So relax in Him, be still and know that He is God. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Have a very blessed day.

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Verses for praise:
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4v13&14

“Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” Ruth 2v10

Saturday, February 10, 2007

February 10 – ON Belief

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Hebrews 3v12

“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.” Hebrews 3v12 (New Living Translation).

Now more than before, we as Christians need to be careful, about remaining steadfast in our belief in God, and with our relationship with Him. Yes, people are searching for the truth, and we know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

At the same time, we see a lot of deception as the media, and people around us try to ridicule our belief in God, or say it is just something we hold onto for life to go smoother. DON”T BELIEVE THE LIES. And so we see:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1v16

Never, ever be ashamed of the gospel, of Christ, of your hope and Who you have come to believe in.

Have a wonderful day.
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Verses for thought:
“And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not?” Hebrews 3v18

“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20v29

Friday, February 9, 2007

February 9 – He Who is more than enough

God wants His children to be blameless, to obey authority e.t.c. Not be shady but honest, truthful, not avoiding taxes, bills e.t.c. And He provides for us to do as such. In the Bible, we see a time when those who collected tribute asked of Peter if Jesus paid tribute. Peter said yes. Afterwards Jesus asked a question of Peter:

“… What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?” Matthew 17v25

Peter’s answer was of course strangers. And then Jesus said unto him:

“… Then are the children free.
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for Me and thee.” Matthew 17v26&27


Here, we see the kings of the earth charging the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Almost like if they had known, the people who had crucified Jesus, would not have done so. And today, we are faced with similar things. Sometimes we are billed unfairly or the circumstances surrounding the situation we are in are unfair. But the One who prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies is more than able to provide.

We see too that Peter went and fished, and Jesus provided for Him i.e. Jesus, and Peter. As we go about the Lord’s work, He meets our needs, because He alone is Jehovah Jireh – God our provider. He leads us in the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake. Lest people say “ah-ah, ah-ah” and ask us where is our God. May God continue to back us up now and forevermore, in Jesus name. Amen.

Have a glorious day.

Verses for praise:
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23v5

“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2v8

Thursday, February 8, 2007

February 8 – Daily

As Christians, there are certain things we are exhorted to do daily. Some of these are:

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90v12

Here the Psalmist prays that God should teach us to number our days, not our years, not decades or birthdays that come and go, but each day, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9v23

Taking up the cross of God is not a thing of but Lord, yesterday, or the day before, or tomorrow, it is a daily thing that we have to do, to deny oneself and take up our cross daily. And we see here too, that Jesus said it to them all, and if any.. No exceptions.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3v13

Sin is deceitful. The devil moves about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Once attacked today and victorious today, does not guarantee no attacks tomorrow. Thus, Paul exhorts believers to exhort one another daily, lest any of us be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Therefore, let’s encourage, exhort, uplift… one another everyday.

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Verse for praise:

“Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40v5

Verse for thought:

“But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamour of his sin may play on him].” Hebrews 3v13 (Amplified Bible)

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

February 7 – For Thy name’s sake

Hello everybody,
How are you doing on this day? I hope well. I am fine, here in Boston, with the weather causing me to sing out quite a bit, especially when you transition from outside to inside a building or a vehicle or vice versa. But it is well. The Lord who made the seasons will make all elements work in our favour in Jesus name, Amen. And so David prays in Psalm 31 v 17:

“Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon Thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.”

But we know:

“I will extol Thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.” Psalm 30v1

One thing I love about being a Christian, is the hope that we have. We know that nothing lasts forever and that heaven and earth may pass away, but the Word of the Lord does not. He is faithful and true, and no matter what we experience each day, it will come to pass. Keep the faith!

Verses for thought:
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” James 1v12

‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1v19&20

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

February 6 – Rejoice with Me

“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15 v 6&7

God is merciful, who wants none to perish, but all to come to repentance. And we are co-workers with Him, Who giveth the increase, after some plant and others water. In the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother was a bit unhappy over the feast called for the younger who had spent his portion of his father’s inheritance on riotous living. Yet, in the parable, it was pointed out by the father:

“And he said unto him, Son, thou are ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” Luke 15v31&32

Monday, February 5, 2007

February 5 – As a little child

I read this morning about being a child with God – without which one verse says, we cannot come into the kingdom of God. Just being a child with God, wholly, completely, faithfully trusting Him and believing all that He is and tells you. The Psalmist says in Psalm 40 v 3:

“And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

Have you ever heard of a child or children who are so proud of their Father and all they can talk about is how he did this and that and is going to do this or that- No doubt attached. “God said it, I believe it, I am going to receive it.” Halleluyah!!!

Have a wonderful day.

Verses for thought:
“And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].” Matthew 18v3 (Amplified Bible).

“Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5v7

Sunday, February 4, 2007

February 4 – Practical love

Sometimes, we come across people who seem to take advantage of us, sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes in more obvious ways. Or maybe they just get on our nerves. Easy to burst out and yell at them.

But guess what. – things are not always as they seem. Love hopeth all things (1 Corinthians 13v7). That’s the best time we can pray for them =, their lives, their families and wish well for them what you do for yourself. Then you will be a child of your Father in heaven, who makes His sun to shine on both the good and the evil (Matthew 5v45), for love is kind (1 Corinthians 13v4).

Verses for thought:
“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 58v13&14

Saturday, February 3, 2007

February 3 – Listo? Are you ready?

Are you ready for the most important trip of your life?

Verses for thought:
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4 v 16&17

Just like if you are taking a trip. Imagine it is the most important trip of your life – your visa for the country is expiring and none of your family and friends will remain in the country. You were only there on vacation. You will take all steps to ensure that you do not miss the flight. Including setting alarm (if need be) so as not to oversleep, call a taxi or ensure you have a ride to the airport on time e.t.c. Remain cool, calm and rapturable!!!

February 2 – The joys of laughter

So I was searching the Bible for “joy” and “laughter” in the same verse. And the verse I saw said:

“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” James 4v9

But beforehand, the verses talk about drawing nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Purifying our hearts and submitting ourselves unto God. The first verse of the chapter itself, talks of how wars and fightings, things that do not go well with laughter and joy at all, come about.

On the other hand, we see another joy along the lines of God turning your mourning into dancing, and giving garments of joy instead of that of sorrow.

“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, THE LORD hath done great things them.” Psalm 126v1&2

This, is God induced laughter. It is good, it is pure, it comes from a heart full of joy and gratitude. What induces your laughter?

Thursday, February 1, 2007

February 1 – In just one day

In just one day, today, I was nearly mistaken for not having correct documentation to return to a country of departure, my plane landed about an hour and a half (by bus) from where it was supposed to, I missed a transition stop I was supposed to get off of and ended up leaving my handbag (which contained my passport,...), heard some disappointing news and ... In just one day.

In yet the same day, I read two uplifting books, got home safely and met my family safely, got my handbag in time (before the train pulled away), bonded with family ... and some strangers, got some information on a project I am working on and ... in yet the same day.

And verses that come to mind are:

“For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30v5

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24v16

Many things may happen to us, all in one day, but our God is very faithful, and is indeed an ever present help in trouble.

Have a glorious day.

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Verses for thought:
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians 4v8&9