Month: September 2014

God doesn’t seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones, but He must have clean ones. Dwight L Moody

Cover Up

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9

When Moses was about forty years old, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and struggled to accept the burdens of his brethren. After looking to see that there was no one around, he killed the Egyptian and buried the body in the sand. The next day, however, when he realised that his crime had been made known, he was gripped with fear and ran away from Egypt. Sin will always produce fear and death but righteousness will produce life and peace.

We can see a similar example when David tried to cover his sin of adultery by orchestrating the death of Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba. We can try to cover our sins and trespasses from other people but we will never be able to hide our sins from God. If our spirit is subjected to the Holy Spirit, He will always guide us to the truth which sets us free from the bondage of sin and darkness.

God’s desire is for us to confess our sin, not to cover them up. He wants to be in close fellowship with us but this is not possible if we are like Adam and Eve, trying to cover our sin with fig leaves. If, however, we come into the light and confess our sin, He is faithful to forgive us and His blood will wash away all our unrighteousness.

So let us sincerely seek the Lord today, to confess our trespasses before Him. If we truly repent, walking away from the sin that ensnares us, the Lord will forgive us and set our feet on the path of love, purity and freedom.

Dear Lord,
I come to You in Jesus name and ask You to forgive me for my sins. Wash me with Your blood so that I may be made clean and righteous before Your holy presence. Amen.

God bless you,
Theo & Manju

And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21

The Boat Of Faith

But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Exodus 2:3

Yesterday, we looked at the bravery of the midwives who showed reverence to God and saved the Israelite boy babies even though it meant disobeying the king of Egypt. Today we will see how faith and action can work together to fulfil God’s purposes for mankind.

 

As baby Moses grew, his family could not hide him any longer so, by faith, his mother placed him inside a papyrus basket that was coated with tar and pitch, and set it on the banks of the River Nile.
The basket acted like a boat for the baby, keeping Moses safe and dry from the water until he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses’ mother’s act of faith meant that Moses’ life was saved and God could continue with His plan to set His people free from the bondage of the Egyptians.

 

Similarly, in the story of Noah, we see how one man’s faithfulness to obey God meant building an ark of cypress wood that was covered inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:14) Even though he was ridiculed by others, Noah’s act of faith meant that his family of eight was saved while the rest of civilisation perished in the flood.

 

One boat was made of papyrus and the other was made of cypress wood. The first boat saved one person while the second boat saved eight people but both were made in faith and became part of God’s plan to redeem His people.

 

Jesus, however, is the biggest boat of all. He was sent by His Father in heaven to save mankind. If we put our faith in Him, He will redeem us from the law of sin and death, covering us with His precious blood.
Today, let us ask ourselves if we are in the boat of Jesus or are we struggling in the stormy waters? He is able to save us if we reach out to Him; He will lift us up to the safety of His boat.

 

Dear Lord,
You are my stronghold; when the storms of life overwhelm me, I will take refuge in Your boat. Amen.

God bless you.
Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

If you listen to your fears, you will die never knowing what a great person you might have been. Robert H Schuller

Reverence To God

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

Exodus 1:17

As the children of Israel continued to multiply in the land of Egypt, the king of Egypt began to fear the Israelites and gave orders to the Hebrew midwives to kill every male child at birth. The midwives, however, feared the Lord more than Pharaoh and allowed the male babies to live. When the king found out that the midwives had disobeyed his orders, “The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” Exodus 1:19

 

The midwives gave reverence to God ahead of Pharaoh; they overcame their fear of man and were willing to face the consequences of disobeying the king. They chose to obey the Lord whom they worshiped, fearing Him above all else.

 

Likewise, we need to give God the reverence He deserves, not allowing the fear of man to lead us into making compromises with the world. Regardless of the consequences we may have to face, we should be in greater awe and fear of the Lord should we fail to abide by His Word.

Although Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples, he denied Jesus three times because he allowed the circumstances that surrounded him to cripple his faith.
What can we do when we are swayed by circumstances and fail to give reverence to God? We need the support of strong believers to stand by us and encourage us with the Word. Furthermore, we need to cast all our fears upon Him and believe that all things are possible to those who trust in the Lord.

Dear Lord,
Your Word tells us to cast all our anxiety on You because You care for us, so this morning I give You all my fears and thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.

God bless you.
Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts. Robert H Schuller

Looking Beyond The Fence

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’” Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!” “I have found you,” he answered, “because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord.
1 Kings 21:17-20
Ahab, the king of Israel, was wealthy and owned many properties, yet he desired more and wanted to purchase Naboth’s vineyard which was next to his palace. He wanted the property to grow vegetables but Naboth refused to sell it to the king because he valued the land that he had received as an inheritance from his forefathers.

Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, found the king sulking in the palace, refusing to eat for want of this piece of land. So Jezebel devised a plan to bring false witnesses against Naboth, who was stoned to death and the coveted land passed to Ahab. Jezebel usurped and misused her authority to forcefully take what she wanted and achieve her heart’s desire.

We need to be mindful that we are not deceived by the spirit of Jezebel that is still at work today, causing false allegations to be made and bringing destruction to the victims. Manipulation, envy, jealousy and covetousness can poison our hearts and lead us away from the purposes of God.

So let us ask the Lord, by His grace and mercy, to make our hearts and motives pure before Him. Let us not succumb to the lure of worldly power and success, trying to win the favour of men, but let us humble ourselves before one another and before the Lord, our Maker.
Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day. By Your blood, may my heart be cleaned, so that my motives and my attitudes will be pleasing unto You. Amen.

God bless you.
Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come. Robert H Schuller

Wrong Timing

One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.”

Exodus 2:11-14

When we hear the name of Moses, many of us immediately think of the great miracles he performed through the power of God. For example, the ten plagues of Egypt, including the death of the firstborn of all the Egyptians; the institution of the first Passover when a clear distinction was made between the Egyptians and the people of Israel who were protected by the blood of the Passover lamb; the parting of the Red Sea; receiving manna from heaven; drawing water from a rock; and following the Lord as a pillar of cloud through the day and a pillar of fire through the night.
However, when the Lord looked at Moses, He saw a man of humility, an essential character trait for a servant of God. The Lord had a plan for Moses; he was saved from death at birth and brought up in the Pharaoh’s palace, destined to be the saviour of the Israelites but his passion and impetuosity caused him to leave his home early and become a sojourner in a foreign land, watching his father-in-law’s sheep. After forty years, Moses had learnt valuable lessons in patience and humility, he was back in line with God’s plan and ready to be used by God.

 

If we look at the life of Jesus, we can see that the Lord’s timing was perfect. He was protected from death at birth and waited patiently for thirty years before beginning His earthly ministry. His humility and complete obedience to the Father was such that He left His heavenly palace and humbled Himself to become the likeness of a man. He fulfilled His destiny to be the Saviour of mankind by hanging on the cross, bearing the weight of the world’s sin on His shoulders.

 

God has a plan for each one of us and even though it may take many years for Him to prepare our hearts and character, let us not be driven by our emotions and self will but let us wait patiently for His leading. As we are guided by His perfect timing, His plan will unfold in our lives.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and I know that You have a purpose in my life. Please direct my path so that I may walk according to Your will, living my life to please You. Amen.

God bless you.
Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

“Love does not ask to have an easy life of it: self-love makes that her aim. Love denies herself, sacrifices herself, that she may win victories for God, and hers shall be no tinsel crown.” Spurgeon

Not Seeking Your Own

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul states the amazing characteristics of love. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

What the power of love can do in the lives of individuals cannot be compared to any other power in this world. The reason for this is the selflessness of love.

The only Man who was the true expression of selfless love was Jesus. He did not choose to love us because of our goodness but while we were still sinners, took upon Himself all our sins and died for us. (Romans 5:8) He never sought to do His own will but obediently followed His Father. It is because Jesus loves us so dearly that He gave Himself for us.

On the other hand, Satan is described as a murderer and the father of lies (John 8:44). He is also given the title of ‘accuser of the brethren’ who accuses Christians before God day and night. (Rev 12:10) His nature of envy, pride, impatience, selfishness and resentment can creep into the hearts of even the best of us if we leave it unchecked for too long.

Let us remind ourselves of this Godly requirement and “Let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8,

Today we must acknowledge the new commandment that God has given us, to love one another, just as He has loved us. Once we walk in obedience to this command, all people will know that we are truly God’s disciples. (John 13:34-35)

Dear Lord,
I come to You and I thank You that You are a God of mercy and love, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness to me. Let me love You with all my heart, with all my soul, and with my entire mind so that I will have Your heart of love towards my neighbours. Amen.

God bless you.
Your obedient servants in Christ,
Theo & Manju

God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are. Billy Graham

Worldly Sorrow

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10

In Mark 10:17-22, we read of a rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked what he should do to receive eternal life. The Lord responded with some of the ten commandments, to which the young man promptly replied that he had been obedient to those commands from an early age.

 

So Jesus challenged him further, telling him to sell his possessions, giving all he had to the poor; then he would be free to follow Jesus, gaining eternal treasures in heaven.

The rich man was very sorrowful to hear that he had to part with his worldly possessions because he did not recognise the value of giving up all to follow Jesus, who offered him eternal life. When we are surrounded by material wealth, it is easy to put our trust and confidence in the things of this world, assuming that they will give us security and bring us happiness.

There was a man whom I know very well, who had built a beautiful home with his hard earned savings. Although he seldom lived in it, the house was very close to his heart and the Lord wanted this man to sell it. He tried hard to keep the house and eventually, he lost the joy of the Lord. However, the moment he obeyed and sold the house, he not only received his joy back but he was blessed by the Lord.

Although it may sometimes seem hard to obey His call and we have to forsake things that are close to our heart, the Lord wants us to put Him above all else in our lives. Godly sorrow from a repentant heart will lead to eternal treasures in heaven but sorrow for the things of the world will only bring death.

 

Dear Lord,
As I seek You this morning, may I not place my trust in the things of the world but look only to You as my Provider. My times are in Your hands; help me to use my time wisely so that I will always be filled with Your joy. Amen.

God bless you,
Theo and Manju

Only God who made us can touch us and change us and save us from ourselves. Billy Graham

Hurting Others

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
Luke 17:1-5

An important key to having a close relationship with the Lord is to be completely honest before God and one another. There is no point in hiding behind masks of pride and self righteousness when our Creator can see into our hearts and minds, knowing our every thought and motive. He desires truth and sincerity amongst His children and as we submit to the gentle leading of His Holy Spirit, a unity that is born of His love will bring healing to those who are hurting.

 

Jesus said that it is inevitable that offenses come and condemned those who caused another to stumble in their walk or fall away in their faith. However, if we have been offended or hurt, we also need to know that the love of God can heal our wounds and give us a heart of forgiveness, restoring the unity that is needed in the body of Christ.

 

If we look back at our own lives and see how far we have come through the grace of God, we can appreciate the magnitude of His grace and forgiveness. There will have been countless times when we have fallen short of His standards and yet His loving arms are still held out towards us, wanting to embrace us in His mercy and love.
As His forgiveness washes away our hurts, may we learn to reach out and minister the Holy Spirit’s healing to others who are wounded.
If a person has an accident, the first priority is to seek medical treatment. The wounds are cleaned and bandaged but the person will still be in pain. It is only with the passing of time that the wounds heal and the pain disappears. Likewise, when a person is emotionally wounded, they will suffer inner pain but it is only God that has the power to heal broken hearts and wounded spirits.
Today, give all your hurts to the Lord. Do not hold them in your heart but release them so that the peace of God will flow into your heart.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day. Give us Your wisdom so that we do not cause offense to others but help us to be ministers of Your peace, bringing restoration to those who are hurting. Amen.

God bless you,
Theo and Manju

God knows what we are going through when we grieve, and He wants to assure us of His love and concern. He also wants us to turn to Him and bring our heartaches and burdens to Him. Billy Graham

Draw Close To The Wounded

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.”
2 Samuel 12:12-14
A soldier who has fallen in the midst of a battle may be very easily forgotten and left behind. If we are fighting in a war and one of our friends is shot and falls to the ground, would we have the courage and strength to go and bring him back to safety even though we are surrounded by the enemy?

Although we may seldom find ourselves in a situation of active combat, we need to be mindful that we are soldiers in God’s army, fighting an ongoing battle in the spiritual realm against the powers of darkness. If we see a fellow soldier wounded by the enemy’s attacks, we need to be equipped with the love and grace of the Good Samaritan to bandage his wounds and carry him to a place of safety and rest.

The life of David illustrates how the Lord can heal and restore those who are wounded and broken hearted. When David succumbed to temptation with Bathsheba, he misused his authority and tried to hide his sin. The Lord, however, who sees all and knows our hearts, sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront David. God, in His grace, always gives us the opportunity for repentance but we have to choose to confess our fault, repent and turn back to the Lord.

David confessed his sin and was forgiven and although God’s judgment demanded the loss of his son, the Lord healed his wounds, restored his joy and taught him the value of a broken and contrite heart.

We need to understand that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers and rulers of darkness. We have a common enemy who will use our pride and weaknesses to cause confusion, division, wounds and heartache. It is only as we put on the full armour of God that we will be able to withstand the enemy’s attacks.

Today, if you are feeling defeated in battle and hurting from your wounds, remember that the Lord is our Comforter, He is wanting to pick us up and restore us to Himself.

Dear Lord,
Help me to be aware of those who are wounded, that through Your Spirit, I may bind up their wounds and pour the oil of comfort and healing upon them, guiding them to the Father, where they may know His peace and rest. Amen.

God bless you,
Theo and Manju

Holiness is a priceless gift from God that most people never unwrap. Derek Prince

Be Holy Because I Am Holy

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16

Often, when we hear the words “be holy”, we think of a set of rules which we have to abide by in order to fulfil the criteria of being holy. However, holiness cannot be achieved by obeying a set of rules; it is an attribute of God that we can only seek to attain through the power of His Holy Spirit. As His Spirit draws us into a closer relationship with God, we will experience the depth of His love for us.

 

As we receive His love and allow it to overflow in our lives, our first desire will be to please Him and not man. We can express our love by submitting to His Word, allowing it to wash our minds clean, transforming our attitudes and behaviour so that they are aligned to God’s standards.

 

When a baby is born, he can only drink milk but as he grows and matures, he is able to eat solid food. Similarly, our faith can only grow through hearing the Word of God; as we mature in our faith, His wisdom will teach us to discern between soul and spirit, to guard against the flesh and carnality. James describes God’s wisdom as follows:
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:14-17

 

Another aspect of holiness is that it cannot be achieved without the blood of Jesus. The cross is the only way by which we can approach the throne room of God because it is the precious blood of our Lord that sanctifies us and keeps us pure and set apart for Him.

 

Finally, if we are seeking to live a holy life, we need to place our bodies as living sacrifices on the sanctifying altar of God. As we surrender our bodies to the Lord, He will empower and enable us to live a life that will only give glory to His Name.
Dear Lord,

May Your Holy Spirit draw me closer to You, giving me a hunger and desire for Your Word so that my faith will continue to grow. As the blood of Jesus washes away my sin and I submit my life as a living sacrifice to You, may every step I take be pleasing to You as I seek to be holy, for You, Lord, are holy. Amen.
God bless you,
Theo and Manju