Month: April 2014

“Anything under God’s control is never out of control.”

Charles R. Swindoll

The Nature of Jesus – Compassion & Care

When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Matthew 8 : 1- 2

Soon after preaching to a multitude of people as Jesus came down the mountain, He faced a man whose plight was beyond any human help.  At that time leprosy was a highly infectious and destructive disease that was incurable and was a sign of being cursed. As such, the leper came to Jesus with a great need and desperation.

Even though his condition seemed hopeless, the leper came to Jesus because of what he had heard Jesus was able to do. He took a great step of faith to break the barriers of law that prohibited him to be present amongst others. This was because he trusted in the power of Jesus, acknowledged His Lordship and worshipped Him with all his heart.

Mark 1:41 says Jesus was moved with compassion when a leper came to Him, imploring Him and kneeling down to Him. Today whatever the ‘leprosy situation’ that we may be going through let us know that Jesus is full of compassion and care for our needs.

As we worship Jesus and go to Him in our desperation with an earnest heart, Jesus who is full of compassion will bring healing and cleansing; not only from the ‘leprosy situations’ of our lives, but also from all its terrible effects on our souls.

Prayer

Dear Lord I come to You in Jesus’ name, believing in the  power of the Messiah who is able to pardons all my iniquities, heal all my diseases, redeem my life from the pit and  crown me with His loving kindness and compassion.

Amen

God Bless you

Theo and Manju

‘The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and to share. When you come to look back on all that you have done in life, you will get more satisfaction from the pleasure you have brought into other people’s lives than you will from the times that you outdid and defeated them.’
–Rabbi Harold Kushner

The Nature of Jesus – Servant Leader

When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you…Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:12-17

The most effective leaders are servants who channel their time and resources to the interest of others. Jesus demonstrated this before His crucifixion. The Creator of all things did something that was considered to be the job of a slave or a servant by washing the feet of His disciples.

At that moment, in the quietness of the upper room, as His disciples watched in amazement, the highest God became the least of them all. The Master became the servant. Jesus knelt at the feet of His disciples one after the other, as He washed their dusty feet that had walked the unpaved roads of Palestine.

Jesus served His disciples because of His great love for them. Jesus also did this to give His disciples a tremendous example to follow. He showed them how to be ‘servant leaders’.

Today we all desire and long to be like Jesus and to be His disciple. This becomes possible only when we make a commitment to do as He did and give our life to serving others. As Jesus promised, ‘Now that we know these things, we will be blessed if we do them’.

Dear Lord,

I come to You in Jesus’ name. I pray that the purpose of my life will be to care, to serve and to give in obedience to Your word. Amen.

God bless you,
Theo & Manju

‘Legalism says God will love us if we change. The gospel says God will change us because He loves us.’
― Tullian Tchividjian

The Nature of Jesus – Compassion & Love

The woman left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone, “Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?”

John 4:28-29

The unnamed woman in the Bible referred to as the ‘Samaritan woman,’ was a picture of life’s struggles and repeated failures. During her time she would have been looked down upon by many and she might have been a topic of gossip among women. This may have been the reason why she came alone at evening time to draw water, so that she could avoid coming in contact with people.

The Samaritan woman had had five husbands and presently she was beyond the stage of caring about social and moral standards; the man she was living with was not even her husband.

Though she was a social outcast, in the eyes of Jesus she was valued and greatly loved. He did not shun her or brush her away as someone of least importance, but Jesus saw her real worth as His daughter. His kindness and compassion transformed her life so much that she became an agent of Christ’s love to the whole village.

Today God wants us to know that He loves each one of us and His love is beyond our failures and faults. We too are called to serve one another with the same love that Jesus has shown to us. 1 Peter 4:8 says ‘Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.’

Dear Lord,

I come to You in Jesus’ name. I thank You for Your love for me that has covered a multitude of my sins. I seek You and look to Your strength to have fervent love for those whom You have placed in my life. Amen.

The English dictionary associates the word ‘meekness’ with being weak. It lists synonyms such as tame, timid, mild, bland, suppressed, spiritless and broken. On the contrary, God’s word shows meekness as a Godly nature that is to be desired by every Christian who wants to live a Christ-like life.

The Nature of Jesus – Meekness

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Isaiah 53:7

The Bible depicts meekness as an attitude of mind that is opposite to harshness and contentiousness. Meekness expresses itself in gentleness and tenderness in dealing with others. Jesus is the perfect picture of someone who lived a life of true meekness. He had all the power needed to prevent His arrest and crucifixion, yet He surrendered to God’s will. We see that Jesus was a true model of this characteristic.

Matthew 27:12 says, “When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer.” This aspect of Jesus’ character is also described in 1 Peter 2:23 “His gentle nature did not retaliate when insults were hurled at Him. When others caused Him to suffer He did not make threats. Instead, Jesus entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.”
We desire to be like Jesus and He has already paved the way and shown us how it is possible for us who are weak and frail. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:29.

It is clear why Jesus said that “the meek…will inherit the earth.” Victory is ours when we reflect the nature of Jesus. Every time we walk in humility and in meekness, we defeat the work of the enemy. Today let us take His yoke and learn from Him. Let us not be resentful of those who oppose us or persecute us but be willing to gently instruct them, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

Dear Lord,

I come to You in Jesus’ precious name. May Your Holy Spirit that lives within me produce in me the likeness of Christ Jesus. I pray that I will walk in Your meekness and total submission to do Your will. Amen.

Dear All,

The goal of conflict resolution is unity and peace. The devil will use every opportunity to take advantage of unresolved issues, especially those involving anger, bitterness and self pity so that he may bring disunity. These emotions, when left unchecked, leave a window open for the thief to walk inside.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9

Jesus was no stranger to conflict. The religious leaders of that time were always in disagreement with Him. But He never held grudges against anyone. He dealt with issues with love because He knew that if it was not resolved it would fester. Jesus wants us to do the same. He was always self-giving and self-denying and we are His disciples.

Michael Houdmann says:
The reason conflict resolution is so difficult is that we’re hesitant to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations. We’re also frequently unwilling to humble ourselves enough to admit that we might be wrong or to do what it might take to make amends if we are wrong. Those who do conflict resolution best are often those who would prefer not to confront others about their sin, but still do so out of obedience to God.

Jesus also said ‘Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift’ (Matthew 5:24). This morning it is important to remember that we are blessed if we are peacemakers and resolve conflicts with His love.

Dear Lord,
I want be in peace with you and for that I have to be in peace with others because we are all your children. Help me to value others as I value myself and thereby live in harmony with everyone. Amen.

Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

Dear All,

As we mediate on God’s promises today, let His word become alive in us.

The power of words

A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18: 20-21

God changed Abraham’s name from Abram to Abraham at the age of ninety nine years. His new name meant, ‘Father of Many Nations’. Even though Abraham did not have a single offspring to carry his name, he believed in the promise that was made to Him. The meaning of his new name became an affirmation of the greater things which were yet to come. Every time his name was called out, it became a proclamation of God’s promise which eventually gave birth to the seed of many nations.

When the Lord created light out of darkness He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He spoke into existence something that wasn’t there. The Psalmist says, “For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.” Psalm 33: 9
When Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk,” the spoken word in Jesus’ name, brought life giving power, that created and brought into existence a new pair of limbs to a lame man.

Our words too have the power to bring into existence unseen things that can either be a blessing or a curse.

Today let us commit ourselves to speak words that heal, restore and bring life. As we believe in our hearts what the creator can do in our lives and continuously confess it with our mouths we will receive the miracle of healing, restoration and peace.

Let us speak this truth into every area of our lives which may appear to be dead and dormant; believing with all our hearts that God will bring forth life into all these situations.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverb 18:2
Dear Lord,
I speak life into all the areas in my life which are barren. Lord let Your creative power work in me and give me a new hope as you did give to Abraham. Amen.

Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

Dear All,
Having celebrated Easter last Sunday, let us look at some events which followed the resurrection and apply them to our lives. Today, let us look at a Mary from whom seven demons were cast out, who had the great privilege to see the resurrected Christ first of all.

Priority

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
John 20:1

Mary went through a lot of suffering and pain in the past, and when she encountered Jesus she received freedom and peace. Remembering Jesus’ impact on her life, she made it a priority to be at the tomb very early on the first day of the week. As she approached the tomb, she discovered that the stone was rolled away much to her surprise.

When we make the Lord our first priority, the stone is rolled away. The stone that might be in our lives could be our burdens, sickness, anxiety or anything which is hindering our peace and joy. All these are rolled away when we put Jesus first.

Secondly, we see that the Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him, just as Mary came very early to the tomb seeking Jesus.
Faith honours God and God honours faith. Stones are rolled away, when we seek Him in faith!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

God’s love is unstoppable and reaches us if we are willing to make Him our priority. Would we then make a choice today to place Him first in our lives?
Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and seek Your strength to prioritise my time. My time is in your hands. Let the stone of my life be rolled away as I put You first in my life. Amen.

Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

Easter is a special season for all Christians. As we walk through the journey that Jesus walked many years ago, we remember what He did for us and rejoice in the victory we have over sin and the sting of death.

Crushed Spirit

Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, sit here while I go over there and pray. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.

Matthew 26:36-39

The word ‘Gethsemane’ means crushed olives. When olives are crushed we have oil that is used for healing and other useful purposes. For us, Jesus was the crushed olive that brought us healing. There are a few key points that we can ponder to remember this day.

We see that Jesus took His closest disciples with Him to Gethsemane, and the Bible says that He began to be sorrowful. However, the disciples did not have a clue of what He was going through. They were asked to stay up and pray, but they could not since they did not understand the magnitude of His sorrow due to what He was about to go through. In this way, Jesus was all alone and  was greatly sorrowful to the point He prayed to the Father that this cup be taken away if it was His will. Even in that crushing situation of extreme anguish when His sweat fell like drops of blood to the ground, Jesus prayed  to do the perfect will of the Father.

Sometimes we too walk into Gethsemane situations, feeling crushed, and we feel the weight of the problem coming upon us. We may feel there is no one to bear the pain with us. Let us continue to seek Him to do what is His will and be encouraged today that the oil of healing has been prepared to touch many.

Dear Lord,
I thank You that You are close to the broken hearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. Amen.

God Bless you

Theo and Manju

“Whatever their bodies do affects their souls. It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out…”
– C S Lewis

We overcome by His strength

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No matter how spiritual and mature we become in the Lord, we do not grow out of being tempted. If Satan tempted Jesus would he not tempt us? The closer we get to the Lord the more he is after us. How do we then overcome the temptations that we come across on a daily basis?

We can probably look at two ways of approaching this subject. The first is that we have to be honest with ourselves and find out when we are vulnerable. Is it during a time of stress, or when you are alone, or when you are on a spiritual high? David was vulnerable when he was bored and alone. By being honest we can identify when this behaviour happens.

Secondly we take it to the Lord for help, because he says to call upon Him when we are in trouble and He will rescue us. Trust the Lord that He has given us the strength to overcome this behaviour and walk in faith and you will over come by His strength.

Jesus walked away from temptation and rebuked the evil one. We too will be able to do the same because He is in us.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and I know that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but I am able to overcome the evil one in Your name Jesus. Amen.

Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts”

– A. W. Tozer

God Can Use You

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:5

When God called Moses to the task of leading the people out of Egypt, he was reluctant and gave many excuses. However he eventually agreed to the request after many assurances from God. The same Moses was used by God in many ways to subdue the Egyptians and part the Red Sea.

After Moses took up the task he never looked back, but was obedient to the voice of God. He spent time in the tabernacle of meeting and during such times, Joshua the son of Nun remained in the tent, “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent” (Exodus 33:1).
After the death of Moses, God called Joshua to lead the people of Israel. Though the task was unimaginable, he was willing because he had witnessed the presence of God in the tent and believed in the promise that He gave him

Today the Lord can use any one of us if we are prepared to wait at His feet and be obedient to Him. The task is not to be completed by our might or strength, but by His strength.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and seek Your face in my struggles. Even though I get discouraged, when I am at Your feet, Your presence fills my heart to overflow and I am encouraged to take up the task. Amen.

Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju