"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT)"
It is said that the love of money drives people crazy. People are ready to do anything to earn money and by any means. Bribe, theft, scams and all the crooked things that we see in the world is because of the madness that we have over money. Most of the problems in families are due to matters related to money. If this situation continues, our lives will become miserable over a period of time. We will be left with nothing but only disappointments.
Well, as children of God, what is our perspective on money?. Are we any different than others in this world who run after money?. Sadly, as Christians, most of us are also behind money and we are no better from the world. I am not denying the fact that we need enough money and even we read in the Bible that there were lot of wealthy people. Job was a very wealthy man, but was he after money all the time?. Read through Job and find out what a simple and God fearing man he was and how he behaved when his wealth was taken away from him...no wonder God was very close to him and Satan cannot change Job's nature. You see, it all depends on our attitude. Outwardly, we may show ourselves to be noble, but what is your motive behind money?.
Abraham was a very wealthy man but what was his attitude towards wealth when God called him to forsake everything and set on a journey?. Moses was raised in all wealth and splendour in a palace, but when God called him for his service, what was his attitude?. I encourage you to read through all these instances in Bible and find out why God blessed these people abunduntly and they have secured greatness.
A simple anaylsis would show this very important trait. All these people knew that they had to serve God and not money. They were ready to be detached from the stronghold of money. They were ready to bring down their lifestyles. They weren't worried about what their neighbours will say of them when they had to obey God. They weren't worried about their prestige and power. They weren't worried about the fame and prominence. They were ready to "forsake" the love of money. It is a very difficuilt thing to do..believe me, but they did it for God.
Now, how about us?. Are we spending all the time thinking how to make money forgetting our families and more importantly God?, Are we never satisfied with what we have?, Are we desiring luxury fame, respect and power at the cost of obeying God?. Are we dreaming about making money sitting in the church?. What is our attitude on Sunday, where God wants us to rest from everything?. These are some very important questions that needs honest answers.
Friend, it is very simple. We cannot server two masters. As Christians, our master is God and we must serve God only. If we are true to this, we will never be tempted by money and be destroyed by its influence. Do you want to change your attitude towards money and lead a life pleasing to God?. I want to tell you that it is possible right away if you would turn to Jesus and surrender your life. You need to be honest in your dealings with God. No namesake surrenders for once and doing the same old thing again. God is too powerful for us to cheat Him.
I want to close this with these two beautiful verses through which God will speak to us.
"Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs, Proverbs 30:8"
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need, Matthew 6:33"
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Want to be successful?
Proverbs 22: 29
"Do you see those who are skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. "
1 Samuel 18:14
"In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him"
Let us set before us these two verses and meditate on them. These beautiful verses teach us more than what we could ever learn from the best of the books on success and personality development, and thus the word of God is so powerful beyond our imagination.
In today's world, being successful is not very easy. The competion is so high and it is obvious why people look for shortcuts for success. We are on the lookout of someone who would make us successful, may be a workshop that could be life changing!. Believe me, people are ready to give what ever it takes to succeed and are ready even to take short cuts.
Well, as Christians and children of God, how are we to look at it and conduct ourselves to be successful?. Do I need favour from men?, Do I need to toil hard, Do I need to do this, that...Oh! the list is endless. But sometimes for very complex questions, the answer is even simple. This applies to this context perfectly.
David was a very successful man, for that matter every God fearing person in the Bible was successful. But let us take David as an example and apply two of his key qualities in our lives.
First, David was skilled at his work. We know he was a shephered and he was so much skilled in rearing sheeps. David was skilled in fighting battles too.We could do a big study on thess qualities of David but let's reserve it for another day. Secondly, David feared and loved God, and hence God was with him in whatever he did.
God was with him when he reared the sheeps as well as when he ruled Israel and hence David was successful. Dear friends, the same unchanging God is still helping those look up to Him for success in their workplaces, business and in whatever they do. But one important thing, God expects to put some efforts to be skilled in our work. God will never help a person who is not willing to put effort. Today,may be you are reading this and you have a deep desire to be successful in whatever field you are and success seems to be far from you, I have a good news for you.
Would you invite Jesus Christ into your heart and commit your life to Him? and the next thing, do an analysis of what skills you lack to be successful and take efforts to improve it. I can assure you, if you do both these things, you will see a change in your life. I can guarantee it as I have seen that change in myself. May be you are hurt, frustrated, always seen failures, there is no body to lift you up or motivate, you feel that you lack wisdom...Why don't you try Jesus today?.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The importance of God in our life
Have you ever been at the cross roads with the thought "Should I depend on God" or "Should I toil myself to succeed". I have had these thoughts sweeping me many times. There have been times when I thought God would do everything, and there were also times when I thought that only if I sweat it out, I could succeed.
Whenever we keep God aside and start doing things on our own, We would see ourselves busy doing many things, but at the end everything would seem to be a vanity. We would get many ideas, inspiration and confidence when we look at the things of this world. This could go on well for some time, but after that there won't be any substance in that.
I believe it is only when we sense our purpose, we could have meaning in our life and the purpose of our lives are laid out by God. This is the missing link and it could never be found out if we keep God away from us. When God purposes something in our life, we wont have any confusions and contradictory thoughts. We would succeed in everything that we do. On the contrary, without God also people succeed. But there is a difference. If you are doing it yourself, you might venture out in 10 things and succeed in only one. But with God, you might venture into only one thing, but you will be at the top in that. Got the difference?. When God proposes, nobody on this earth can dispose His plan.
The Bible says in Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." This is an amazing verse. Read this many times and you will get the answer. For a wordly person, there would be many plans in his heart. He need to work his way for it. But for a child of God, it is only the purpose of God that prevails, no matter what happens.
Dear friend, It is so comforting to hear these things. All that we need to do to know the purpose of our lives is to go to God with a humble heart, confess our sins before Him and ask for His directions in our life. We need to do this each moment in our lives. The rest of the things He will take care in a way that would be beyond our imaginations!.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The power in the word of God
There can be instances in our life where we have some doubts about the existance of God, and in particular about the authenticity of Christianity. Well, to question anything is the usual behavior of our mind, but getting the right answer saves us from much troubles.
In this world there are many religions, and day by day, a number of philosophies, guidelines to a happy life etc.. are on the rise. If we are not certain and clear of the truth, we will be shaken and taken for a ride in the roller coster called life.
A clear understanding of the word of God, under the guidance of the Holy spirit is the only way through which we can swim through all these deadly waters. The mandatory need for each and every Christian is to have a clear understanding of the word of God and for that, the only way is to invest our time to read it. We may look for short cuts, a verse here and a verse there, and get satisfied. But this never serves the purpose.
"Study" is different from reading. You read through a news paper, but study your subject like science or mathematics. Got the difference?. Most of us just read the Bible and this is never going to help us much in reality. Yes, it might be comforting to read the Bible when you are weak and depressed and it might give a temporary relief. But if you want the everlasting peace as God promises, then the word of God has to become part and parcel of our life.
We should not neglect anything from Bible. Right from Genesis to Revealation, everything was written under the influence of the Holy spirit with a purpose. I believe, we are expected to "study" the entire Bible atleast once in our lifetime and believe me the impact that it would make in our life cannot be measured.
Our life will be free of unnecessary doubts, thoughts and we will never be misled by the fancy philosophies (they might give a temporary ecastsy)if we are deeply rooted in the word of God.
Each and every word in the Bible has the power to change our lives. The Holy Spirit along with the word of God is the only source of transformation of our lives in this world. I bet, nothing else can transform our character and personality.
There are so many things that could be written on this subject, but I would like to close it with these simple thoughts. Spare some time for Bible study every day. I mean every day. Never miss a single day. We can have so many excuses, but if we have self discipline (which too is a gift of the Holy Spirit!) we can overcome all the distractions. Take a character from the Bible and study it, or take a situation, or do some research about the creation of the world. Be it anything, study something...Nothing will go as waste. Like a seed, it will get planted in you and at some point of time in your life, you will rest under the shadow of that tree which was planted in you long ago!.
For our inspiration, here are some scriptures that confirms what we discussed.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither..." Psalm 1:1-3
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:9-11
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
This web page has some beautiful verses that explain the qualities of the word of God. I encourage you to have a look
http://www.crossroad.to/HisWord/verses/topics/Word.htm
In this world there are many religions, and day by day, a number of philosophies, guidelines to a happy life etc.. are on the rise. If we are not certain and clear of the truth, we will be shaken and taken for a ride in the roller coster called life.
A clear understanding of the word of God, under the guidance of the Holy spirit is the only way through which we can swim through all these deadly waters. The mandatory need for each and every Christian is to have a clear understanding of the word of God and for that, the only way is to invest our time to read it. We may look for short cuts, a verse here and a verse there, and get satisfied. But this never serves the purpose.
"Study" is different from reading. You read through a news paper, but study your subject like science or mathematics. Got the difference?. Most of us just read the Bible and this is never going to help us much in reality. Yes, it might be comforting to read the Bible when you are weak and depressed and it might give a temporary relief. But if you want the everlasting peace as God promises, then the word of God has to become part and parcel of our life.
We should not neglect anything from Bible. Right from Genesis to Revealation, everything was written under the influence of the Holy spirit with a purpose. I believe, we are expected to "study" the entire Bible atleast once in our lifetime and believe me the impact that it would make in our life cannot be measured.
Our life will be free of unnecessary doubts, thoughts and we will never be misled by the fancy philosophies (they might give a temporary ecastsy)if we are deeply rooted in the word of God.
Each and every word in the Bible has the power to change our lives. The Holy Spirit along with the word of God is the only source of transformation of our lives in this world. I bet, nothing else can transform our character and personality.
There are so many things that could be written on this subject, but I would like to close it with these simple thoughts. Spare some time for Bible study every day. I mean every day. Never miss a single day. We can have so many excuses, but if we have self discipline (which too is a gift of the Holy Spirit!) we can overcome all the distractions. Take a character from the Bible and study it, or take a situation, or do some research about the creation of the world. Be it anything, study something...Nothing will go as waste. Like a seed, it will get planted in you and at some point of time in your life, you will rest under the shadow of that tree which was planted in you long ago!.
For our inspiration, here are some scriptures that confirms what we discussed.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither..." Psalm 1:1-3
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:9-11
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
This web page has some beautiful verses that explain the qualities of the word of God. I encourage you to have a look
http://www.crossroad.to/HisWord/verses/topics/Word.htm
Monday, October 24, 2011
Eternal life - What it is?
When we hear the word "Eternal life", What comes to our mind?. Is it something related to an unending life?, Is it a life that will be without pain and agony, tensions and frustrations?, or will it be a life devoid of death?. It is very essential to understand the correct meaning of eternal life.
Let us see what the word of God says about this. John 17:3 "And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth"(NLT).
Does it seem contrary to what we have been thinking?, To understand this, let us go back to Genesis, and recollect the events during the creation. God's primary purpose to create everything was to benefit man, and the purpose for which He created man was to have fellowship with Him. In simple terms, God wanted a companion, and wanted Himself to reveal to that companion, and that companion happened to be Adam and Eve.
But due to the intervention of Satan, Adam and Eve lost the fellowship with God, and God was no more willing to reveal Himself to them. The lost relationship was rebuilt when God sent Jesus Christ to the earth. That is the reason Jesus tells that He alone can provide eternal life.
Remember this always, Eternal life is the pursuit of knowing a magnificent God through His revealation to us. When we are born again through the act of the Holy Spirit by having faith in Jesus Christ, and when we are passionate to know God, God reveals Himself to us in many ways. This, then is eternal life. May God grant us the desire to Know Him.
Let us see what the word of God says about this. John 17:3 "And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth"(NLT).
Does it seem contrary to what we have been thinking?, To understand this, let us go back to Genesis, and recollect the events during the creation. God's primary purpose to create everything was to benefit man, and the purpose for which He created man was to have fellowship with Him. In simple terms, God wanted a companion, and wanted Himself to reveal to that companion, and that companion happened to be Adam and Eve.
But due to the intervention of Satan, Adam and Eve lost the fellowship with God, and God was no more willing to reveal Himself to them. The lost relationship was rebuilt when God sent Jesus Christ to the earth. That is the reason Jesus tells that He alone can provide eternal life.
Remember this always, Eternal life is the pursuit of knowing a magnificent God through His revealation to us. When we are born again through the act of the Holy Spirit by having faith in Jesus Christ, and when we are passionate to know God, God reveals Himself to us in many ways. This, then is eternal life. May God grant us the desire to Know Him.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Our life - The greatest source of gospel
Are we so passionate about spreading the gospel and not able to do much because of the lack of opportunities?. Some of us might be having thoughts of organizing a meeting, or a musical program, or giving a great speech like one of those great preachers, and yet we are not able to move beyond just dreaming.
We might be thinking that only by conducting meetings and other gospel events, we can touch people, but that is not the only way. I believe, everyone is not called for that. But, I can tell this for sure. God wants everyone's life to be a message to others. The way we conduct and live before others makes the biggest impact than anything else.
We are the gospel to the world. People followed Jesus not only because of His preachings, but he lived a life that was absolutely in line with His preachings. He was lovable to all. He never had any grudge against anyone, He was always willing to comfort and help others, People could not find any fault in Him. All these and more, He achieved by living an ordinary life as a human being just like you and me.
Whenever Jesus went somewhere, the Bible says that people thronged to see and interact with Him. People from all sorts of culture were there. He did not restrict His associations with any particular group. He was open to all. He treated everyone in the same way.
How are we today?. What about our life in our workplaces and in our home and neighborhood. Are we loved by others and do we love others?. Believe me, each of us can make a great impact on others only through our life. Our life speaks more than a thousand sermons. The next time, when you are annoyed with a coworker, dont use a harsh word, instead act in a dignified manner. The next time the neighbor parks his car in front of your gate, dont shout at him, speak words of kindness instead. This is the way to change others.
Be the change that you want to see in the world. I believe this is possible when we allow the Holy Spirit of God to take control of our life. Let us try to live a life in a beautiful way, pleasing to God and others.
We might be thinking that only by conducting meetings and other gospel events, we can touch people, but that is not the only way. I believe, everyone is not called for that. But, I can tell this for sure. God wants everyone's life to be a message to others. The way we conduct and live before others makes the biggest impact than anything else.
We are the gospel to the world. People followed Jesus not only because of His preachings, but he lived a life that was absolutely in line with His preachings. He was lovable to all. He never had any grudge against anyone, He was always willing to comfort and help others, People could not find any fault in Him. All these and more, He achieved by living an ordinary life as a human being just like you and me.
Whenever Jesus went somewhere, the Bible says that people thronged to see and interact with Him. People from all sorts of culture were there. He did not restrict His associations with any particular group. He was open to all. He treated everyone in the same way.
How are we today?. What about our life in our workplaces and in our home and neighborhood. Are we loved by others and do we love others?. Believe me, each of us can make a great impact on others only through our life. Our life speaks more than a thousand sermons. The next time, when you are annoyed with a coworker, dont use a harsh word, instead act in a dignified manner. The next time the neighbor parks his car in front of your gate, dont shout at him, speak words of kindness instead. This is the way to change others.
Be the change that you want to see in the world. I believe this is possible when we allow the Holy Spirit of God to take control of our life. Let us try to live a life in a beautiful way, pleasing to God and others.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The faultless Samuel
Samuel was a man who loved God and was loved by God. What a remarkable personality?. He was a king maker, and yet before God he was the most humble man that we see. He depended on God for everything, and it is this quality that gave him that prominent position in Israel. He never took a decision without consulting God. How many of us do that today?. It might be a small decision of buying a household appliance. Do we take a minute to enquire God about that?. Let us analyze.
Samuel was a man of honesty and integrity, two of the greatest virtues that every leader should possess. The entire nation of Israel was a testimony to his awesome qualities. We read about this in Samuel's farewell speech to the people of Israel. 1Samuel 12 :1-5
"1 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. 2 Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the LORD and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”
4 “You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.”
5 Samuel said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said.
Oh, what a testimony!. How many of us can boast of such a respect from the people. This is a very good example to us that if we are faithful and honest in whatever responsibility that we are given, we would be exalted by God, and we will win the hearts of all the people with whom we interact. As Christians, we need to be different from others. We need to be a cut above the rest. This is what our God expects. We need to be hardworking, sincere, smart, honest and above all, faultless.
Samuel was a man of honesty and integrity, two of the greatest virtues that every leader should possess. The entire nation of Israel was a testimony to his awesome qualities. We read about this in Samuel's farewell speech to the people of Israel. 1Samuel 12 :1-5
"1 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. 2 Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the LORD and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.”
4 “You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.”
5 Samuel said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said.
Oh, what a testimony!. How many of us can boast of such a respect from the people. This is a very good example to us that if we are faithful and honest in whatever responsibility that we are given, we would be exalted by God, and we will win the hearts of all the people with whom we interact. As Christians, we need to be different from others. We need to be a cut above the rest. This is what our God expects. We need to be hardworking, sincere, smart, honest and above all, faultless.
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