Hearing God's Voice-2

We are still in the same narrative surrounding Jesus' birth, as there is another interesting concept in hearing God.

Matthew 2:19-23 :: THE RETURN TO NAZARETH

After Herod had died, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream in Egypt, and says to go to the land of Israel as those trying to take the child's life are dead.
On the side, take note that God speaks anywhere and everywhere, as long as we are willing to listen! Here He spoke in Egypt, a place which is alien to God's works.

From the above verse, it seems it was more than just Herod, who sought to kill Jesus.
Perhaps this explains why 'all of Jerusalem were disturbed with him' (vs.3).

So, Joseph takes the child and his mother to the land of Israel.
Along the way, he hears that Archelaus (son of Herod) is the ruler in Judea.
And he is afraid to go there.
The angel had told him to go back to Israel and that the child's life was 'out of danger'.
But here we see Joseph thinking logically ... if he really was going to a safe place!
The question to ask is: Is there a place for us to use logic & common sense, when God speaks?
Read on, to see what else happens:

And when he was afraid to go in, he was 'warned' in a dream again that night, and in response to that he withdrew to Galilee (meaning he went back) and lived in a town called Nazareth.

We don't know exactly what was revealed to him in this 2nd dream; but it was A WARNING (vs.22).
But the story gets interesting, because there is a combination of 'divine leading' & 'human thinking'.

Most of the time we think when there is divine guidance, we shouldn't use our minds.
And here we see the contrary, and it is vindicated by another visitation by the angel.

This also seems like a conflicting guidance by the angel in the first place.
Didn't the angel know (or God, who was the source of the message), that Herod's son is ruling - and that there could be potential dangers?

Whatever happened, we also see that Joseph's fear and withdrawing to another location becomes a fulfillment of an ancient prophecy (vs.23) - that he would be called a Nazarene.

How can this be???

Personally, I don't believe that God speaks anything that which is contrary to what He has spoken already.
At face value, it may seem like it.
And many times we stop there and that's where the puzzle/mystery becomes unsolvable.

I firmly believe there are 2 different types of GUIDANCE portrayed here:

GENERAL GUIDANCE & SPECIFIC GUIDANCE:

The first one is GENERAL, and the 2nd one is SPECIFIC.

1) GENERAL (vs.20) - the angel's encouragement was for him to go back to the LAND OF ISRAEL, which is very general. The angel didn't tell Joseph, where exactly he was to go. It could have been that Joseph assumed he was to go back to the same old village where he came from; and based on that assumption he was headed in that direction.
Along the way, he realizes that things might not be all that well in his home-town.

And then he has another dream ...
2) SPECIFIC (vs.22) - And this dream perhaps was more specific as to where in the land of Israel he was to settle.

The timeless truth, we can draw out of this is the fact, unless we obey the general guidance, we will fail to see the specifics.
It's like setting out on a journey. We know where we are headed, but we don't need to know the specific direction. But as we head out, there is more clarity and it becomes one step at a time.

I don't think Joseph would have had this specific guidance, if he didn't set forth from Egypt, on the basis of the general guidance he received!

This is not to say that every time God speaks, He speaks this way.
But at times, when He does, we shouldn't be confused!


This takes us back to the thought from the Christmas special about the wise-men tripping, & that hearing God needs to be followed right through to the end.
As we step out in obedience to the first call, we will receive the next lot of guidance, as appropriate.

The first set of guidance might NOT be the END-ALL & BE-ALL.
It becomes crucial that we keep hearing and keep following Him.

Another eg: Abraham offering his son, Isaac (cf. Genesis 22)
Initially, he was asked to sacrifice his son at Mt. Moriah. As he set out in obedience and was about to sacrifice, he heard another voice 'not to sacrifice his son'.

Now, which one is God?
He could have been very confused!!!!
He could have well chased the demons out of the 2nd voice, saying, 'Get behind me satan, God has asked me to kill my son Isaac, and I am going to do just that!'

But in the end, though there were 2 different kind of guidance, both happened to be God! And it only happens as we seek and commit to hear Him right through, and NOT SETTLE FOR HEARING HIM JUST ONCE!
Imagine what would have happened, if Abraham would have settled to hearing God only once?

Are we settling for something which we heard a long time ago? God wants to speak to us afresh & He wants to keep talking and showing us little by little.

As we step into the New Year, let's press-in to keep hearing.
May this year bring new revelation of who our God is, and may we be stirred to keep hearing Him and following Him.

Hearing God's Voice-1

The X'mas special thought about the wise-men tripping & running ahead without following the star, stirred a thought about HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD and OBEYING IT RIGHT THROUGH to the end.

Its one thing to hear the voice of God and it's another to obey it!
Most of us settle for the first part and we take pride in the fact, that we have heard His voice.
Though that poses a challenge in itself - I mean, hearing God's voice - it's NOT as simple, as we might want it to be.
The interesting challenge is obeying what we just heard.

For our next thought, we remain in the same narrative which explains the birth of Jesus & the issues around it.

Matthew 2:13-18 - THE ESCAPE TO EGYPT

God orchestrates events in the lives of men to weave His great plan. And many times, it's left upto us to follow His lead, to see His Sovereign plans unfold.
Earlier, we saw the visitation of the angels to the wise-men with an urge NOT to return to King Herod.
Surprise, surprise - they obeyed!

Now the angels go about the next step in God's plan, ie: to warn Joseph about the impending assault on the children.
Note that the angels give a reason for the urgency (vs.13). Joseph obeys.

And by the time Herod realized (vs.16) he was foxed, almost 2 yrs. had gone by.
We don't know for sure how long Herod waited for the Magi to return, before he realized he was cheated; but when he realized he had been outwitted by the Magi, he goes wild and orders a massacre.

So, what happened during these 2 years from the time the star first appeared? Let's check out the sequence of events:

* The Magi followed the star & went to King Herod (vs.2,3) - could not have taken more than 3 days! Let's say it took 1 week

* They stayed there until Herod called for his counsel & found out about this new-born King (vs.4-8) - don't know how long it took!! But this might have taken a long long time, going by other events which took place!

* they continued following the star, when they realized the baby is not in the palace (vs.9,10) - perhaps 2 to 3 days here - let's say another week.

* they found the baby & worshipped Him (vs.11) - probably a day here!

* warned in a dream to go by another route (vs.12) - maybe the same night they saw baby Jesus!

* Joseph warned in a dream, after the Magi left (vs.13) - seems like it was right after the wise men had gone - probably the same night or a day later!

* Joseph took the child and the mother immediately that night (vs.14) - probably the same night, when he had that dream

* Herod waiting patiently for the Magi to return (vs.16) - let's be generous and say he waited for a full year!


Going by this, the 2 big chunks in time are:
1) (vs.4-8) - when the Magi's stayed at the Palace, until they knew they had to move on
2) (vs.16) - when Herod waited for the Magi to return with the news of having found the baby that was born.
Even if we say he waited for a year (which is a long time to wait, when one is anxious!), the fact remains that these wise-men perhaps stayed put in the palace for a long time.


When we cease to follow the guidance of the Lord, not just us - but many feel uncomfortable & there are tensed moments.
A parallel to this is the way the sailors faced the rough sea, due to a disobedient Jonah in the boat.


What are we still waiting for?
If God has spoken, let's be obedient and keep going with Him.
Assumption along the way will end us and others in trouble.
But it's not just to avoid the consequence that we are called to obey; but the promise of blessings which is in store, as we walk in obedience.

May the dawn of the New Year bring new hope and new joy as we pursue the high calling in our lives.

Wise men can trip too - BUT, we don't have to!

Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Magi / 3 Wise men

The advent season is always a good time to read the story of Jesus' birth.
As I was reading through that story yet again, I was quite intrigued when I read the verses above, as to what constitutes to being 'wise'?
The normal criteria which we might want to list down is not evident in the lives of these 3 wise men.

We know nothing about these 3 men, other than the fact, they came from the East and they were wise - supposedly 'learned'! They knew how to read the stars and signs and interpret the times.

There is an old saying in Tamil, "Even the elephant can slip".


1) vs.2 - these men first of all, assumed the 'King of the Jews' must be born in a palace.
It's a natural assumption for anyone to make - so, let's excuse them here.

2) vs.2b-8 - when the King heard that the magi's had come to worship the new born King he was disturbed & all Jerusalem with him.
Reason: There was no baby born to Herod, at the palace.
Going by historians, Herod was insecure and had this fear that he might be dethroned by another, who is not from his lineage.

It's strange that the entire nation is disturbed by this news. Why?
Perhaps, they didn't want a coup!


Given this background, King Herod calls for a meeting of his counsel and finds out more about this King who was born.
Then he summons the magi's in SECRET and finds out the exact time they saw the star first, and tells them to make a careful search for the child and let him know, so he too may go and worship the child.


Look here: When the wise men mentioned that they came to worship the child to Herod, he and entire Jerusalem were disturbed by that statement; but how come the 'wise-men' were not disturbed by this news from Herod?
Surely, they should have sensed something - but they didn't!!! Very strange.

- And what were they doing there anyway, all this while?


3) vs.9,10 - When they realized that Herod's response was not in the affirmative, they continued on with the star leading the way.
- The star lead them in the first place, but then they assumed and headed off to the wrong place (that's what we call, 'running ahead').

Now that they didn't find what they wanted at that place, they continued following the star again.
Why didn't they do this all along???
It seems like the star was always out there to guide them.
But they stopped following.

Running ahead sure messes up things not just for us, but for many others as well.
A little later, we read that there was a massacre of boys less than 2 yrs. old (vs.16-18), as per the time given by the so-called wise men to King Herod in secret!


4) vs.12 - it took a visitation from God, in the form of a dream, with a warning for them to return by another route - otherwise, they could have well messed it up again.


When God guides us, He wants to lead us too!
Many times we assume a lot along the way and loose focus on His guidance and leading.
Here assumption, got the better of the 3 wise men.
I can understand if it is just one guy messing it up, but 3 of them, all at the same time? Well, it's possible, and with wise-men at that!

Let's take NOTHING for granted. Hearing God and following Him is a process, which shouldn't stop. It's ongoing. Let's stick to it!

When we wander off, it takes a while to realize that we are in the wrong direction, but God waits for us patiently to return.

May this season bring new hope for all of us; and may we all move forward into the New Year with a renewed hope, as we commit to follow Him and in His steps.
Let's not run away from His leading or His guidance!

Merry Christmas!!

OPERATION OVER; SANITATION IN PROGRESS:

These were the words which flashed across the news channel yesterday morning all over the country, when the last of the terrorist was gunned down by the NSG commandos at The Taj; and after they declared the 3 locations held by the terrorist as being 'out of danger'.

The credit for this blog thought should go to Pastor Prince C. Martin of 'Shibah Community Church', where we fellowship ... as he preached a sermon this morning entitled: "Operation Over, Sanitation in Progress".
This message followed from where I left my talk in church last week that God is calling us, His church, to walk into a new level of Holiness.


India woke up on Thursday morning to a rude & devastating news about the terror attack in Mumbai which took the entire nation by shock & the world by surprise - and it was no small event, as innocent lives were taken & many more injured and traumatized for life.

Many realized that whatever power or influence one might have in this world - it's not a safe place any more. And all this, because of the dominance of EVIL in this world and the sheer hatred and an unwillingness to let go of our own pride & ego.

And in that light, it was good news on Saturday morning, albeit temporarily, when the above words flashed across the television screen, to know that the wicked was put to rest by those who laid down their life, to save the many that were taken hostage.
Yes, some hostages were brutally killed & so were those who put their life in danger to rescue them.
But overall, evil was defeated at the end.

And right now, the hotels are involved in sanitizing the rooms, so it's in good and presentable condition yet again.
It's important that this process is done, otherwise the mess will remain.


The co-relation for us in the spiritual realm is that the 'operation' was over at the Calvary, when Jesus laid down His life for us and defeated the enemy ... and for those of us who believe in it ... we need to get going with the sanitation work - which is nothing but the process of sanctification.

Yes, the battle has been won for us, but are we living a life worthy of that victory; or are we still living in that mess which was once there?
Are we perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (cf. 2 Cor.7:1), or do we want to continue on as we once lived?

Paul encouraged the church in Romans 13:11 - "...Do this, understanding the present time...because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed..."


The responsibility is ours to keep clean and to stay pure!
It's important that we clear the mess, and start living afresh.
OPERATION IS OVER; let's get going with the SANITATION part.

Let's not put it off for tomorrow or for another day.
Satan is working TODAY .. NOW - why do we want to push it for TOMORROW?

Many questioned the fact, that the Indian police and the Army/Naval force took that long to kill a handful of terrorists.
But the reality is, it is finished now.

But the real challenge for us is to look inward at our own life.
How long are we going to take before we get started with the cleaning process? It's easy to sit and blame others or point fingers at others - what about us?

We are not talking about a 2 or 3 days affair - but a life-long journey in perfecting holiness, which begins with our next step.

If we think we can start at a later time and are entertaining such a thought, let's take a look below at the next thought entitled: TODAY or TOMORROW?

Let's live a life worthy of our call BEGINNING TODAY, and walk worthy of the sacrifice which was laid for us on the Cross.

Victory has been bought; let's start showing it NOW through our life!

TODAY or TOMORROW?

Ref: Exodus 8:1-10
The Scene: The Plague of Frogs
Background: God raised Moses in response to the cry of the Israelites in bondage.
Moses had made a few futile trips to Pharaoh's courts requesting that God's people be released.
Pharaoh thought it was a joke & mocked Moses and God.
The 1st plague of turning the River Nile from a life-giving source into Blood had already occurred by this time.
The scene is set for the 2nd plague, as Pharaoh's heart is still hardened.
God decided to plague the land with FROGS.

And now: There are frogs everywhere!

Pharaoh was sleeping and felt something slimy - he turned on the lights and there was a frog. He jumped out screaming, "How did this get in here?"
As he jumped out, he stepped onto another frog .. and each time he did that, he was landing on a different frog.
He had enough .. he went for a shower ... turned the shower ON and along with the water, frogs rained down on him.
He goes for breakfast and has Bacon & Eggs, and of course with some frogs to give him company.
He is at office ... and there are some unwelcomed visitors - FROGS.
He opens the filing cabinet and frogs leap out.
He opens the cash box, frogs leap out!
Probably if he had computers, and stretched his hand to hold his mouse, he might have held on to a frog instead!

He goes for lunch and asks the chef, "What's for lunch?" The Chef answers, "Biriyani".
Pharaoh asks, "What Biriyani?"
"Well, I started off with the Chicken Biriyani, but ... but ..." , the Chef drags.
"But, what?", yells Pharaoh.
The chef nervously adds, "... but ... er ..., it ended up becoming a mixed biriyani with .. err ..fr... F.R.O.G.S - I really don't know how it came in - I tried my best to keep the lids closed and keep a watch over it myself, but still ...!!".

Well, there were frogs just about everywhere (vs.3 & 4).

Interestingly, in vs.7 - the magicians were called for and rather than removing the existing frogs, they brought up more frogs - as if they didn't have enough of it already.

It must have been comical, rather than crying over the filth that was raging the land, these guys with the magicians were rejoicing that they too were able to bring the frogs.

By vs.8 - I think Pharaoh had enough of the frogs, as he summons for Moses out of desperation.
He probably screamed at Moses when he appeared before him, "PRAY TO THE LORD AND GET RID OF THE FROGS, & I WILL LET YOUR PEOPLE GO AND MAKE A SACRIFICE TO THE LORD".

Well, if I was Moses I would have said, "Praise the Lord - Hallelujah" and responded to that request. After all, what Moses wanted was to be granted.

However, Moses remains calm and has this unusual response to that cry for help in vs.9 - He said, "I will give you the honour to set a time, when you want me to pray for the frogs to be removed".

I don't know why Moses said that? If we think Moses' response was bewildering, let's take a look at Pharaoh's response as we read on ... it's gets even funnier ...
vs.10 - "Tomorrow", Pharaoh said.

What???????????? What in the world, is happening here???

Imagine, Pharaoh summoned Moses to get rid of the frogs, but when given an opportunity to decide when that will be, he chooses TOMORROW.
In other words, ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS!
One more night with the filth!
In essence he was saying, let me enjoy this filth for ONE LAST TIME, before it's taken away.

Isn't it amazing to know what Pharaoh did?
How many of us can be found saying something similar?
I'm sure there are things in our life, which God wants us to get rid of today and/or the things which we want to get rid off .. and graciously He gives US THE HONOUR TO SET A TIME, as to when that can happen ... and guess what? Most of us choose TOMORROW!!!!

Some of us, perhaps are waiting for the New Year to come by, to make a resolution.
Tomorrow might just be too late! Let's act today!

God wants us freed - DO WE?

To be Touched or To Touch!

Mark 5:21-29
We are staying on in the same passage as my previous meditation: Jairus seeking after Jesus to come and lay His hands on his dying daughter & a woman with the issue of blood, seeking to touch the hem of Jesus' cloak.

There are 2 distinct seekers here:
a) Jairus, seeking for THE MASTER'S TOUCH (vs.23), &
b) The woman, seeking to TOUCH THE MASTER (vs.27,28)

Now, which one of these 2 is right? Should we ask the Lord to touch us, or should we touch Him?
Well, both of them came good in their own right.

So, the question is: Are we desperate and determined like these 2 were?
Doesn't matter if we want TO TOUCH HIM or if we are seeking after Him TO TOUCH US.

It's no coincidence that Mark uses the word CROWD 5x in this short passage (vs.21,24,27,30,31), where he talks about 2 individuals. It seems like a huge contrast, but I firmly believe there is a reason for that.

I am sure on that particular day, there were many in the 'crowd' who might have touched Jesus and many whom Jesus might have touched - but they were not changed!
But only 2 ended that day becoming different!
These 2 had an intention to be touched and to touch.

The rest of them witnessed a spectacular event that day, but personally didn't have much to show.
These 2 individuals because of their grit determination combined with desperation experienced something spectacular. Moreover, we know a bit more about these 2 individuals; but as far as the rest is concerned, we only know them as 'crowds'.

Do we have that sheer will to seek after His touch or that desire to touch Him?
If so, God is willing to grant us what we desire.

Let's not pass through life as one in a crowd, and as someone who has witnessed another person experiencing His touch, but let's strive to be that individual whom the world will see - as 'someone who was touched by the Master' or 'someone who touched the Master'.

KEEP ON!

I was preparing this last week for my preaching today at the church, where we fellowship. It was a familiar passage from Mark 5:21-36: RAISING JAIRUS' DAUGHTER & HEALING OF A WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD

I felt God challenge me with a thought which is repeated 3 times in the above passage.
2 of which are hidden in the English text & 1 is pretty obvious. I'll mention it here:

a) vs.28 - "...because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed".
b) vs.32 - "But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it"
c) vs.36 - "Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Dont be afraid; just believe'".

The fact is, all 3 statements are in a present continuous tense - but we can see that only in the 2nd verse. We have lost precious connections in the translation here.
The Gk translation for the 1st and 3rd verse reads as follows:
vs.28 - "...but she kept saying ..."
vs.36 - "...Don't be afraid, just go on believing"

The odds were against these people.
Imagine the woman - for 12 long years, she struggled and spent all the money she had, been to many doctors, but was only getting worse.
Mark makes mention of a large crowd (5x) who were following Jesus on that particular day. Luke in his version (8:42) says that the crowd almost crushed Jesus.
Did this lady stand a chance to go and touch Jesus in that crowd? Perhaps not!
She was an outcast because of the sickness; moreover she was a woman. She might have had a bad odour due to the sickness.
What if after all the efforts, she couldn't reach Jesus?

Well, the odds were certainly against her ... that's where the words SHE KEPT SAYING comes into play.
Whenever she was confronted with a negative feeling/thought to pull her down, she would encourage herself with the words, IF ONLY I TOUCH HIM..I WILL BE HEALED.
She had to keep doing that over and over again, whenever she was faced with such negativity, UNTIL she reached Jesus and touched Him and was healed of her infirmity.


The other incident was with Jairus - here he was confronted with the reality of his daughter's death.
Look at Jesus in vs.36 - He ignored the people who brought the news about the girls death.
Why would Jesus ignore reality?

Jairus might have had a lot of things to think about at this stage ... and that's where Jesus encourages him to "...go on believing".


When reality strikes, we feel lost and fail to see beyond that.
And it's vital that we learn to KEEP ON believing...
To KEEP ON saying...
To KEEP ON thinking...
... and not dwell on that which is going to sink us in.

In vs.32 - Jesus KEPT LOOKING, until he found the person who touched Him. The disciples almost ridiculed and asked him with contempt, how can he ask such a question? They perhaps thought Jesus' nut was a bit loose, when he asked the question, "Who touched me?", in that crowd.


Do we have such determination to KEEP ON?
Maybe the reality is different than what has been promised to us ... but Jesus would ignore that and would say to us, "...GO ON BELIEVING.."

Are we ready for that? We will be faced with odds in life.
We need that courage and determination to KEEP ON.
Christian Life is not a 'flash in a pan' - one day emotional event. It's a life-style of making correct choices to believe in Him and in His Word and in His promises.
Let's keep on keeping on.

Taking Risks in the Kingdom

Matt.13:44-46 – Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

Vs.44 – The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man who found treasure in a field. He hides it, goes back in JOY and sells ALL he had in order to buy this particular field.

- CHECK OUT THE RISK FACTORS INVOLVED HERE:
What if, after he went away to sell his things and before he came to purchase the land, it was sold to someone else OR if the landlord decided not to sell it?
What if … the treasure had belonged to the owner & before selling decided to remove that treasure and sold just the field? After all, the deal is only for the field.
There is a high possibility that he could have ended up with something of less value, and worse, with nothing at all?

Vs.45,46 – The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man who was searching for fine pearls & when he found it, he went and sold everything he had & bought this pearl.

- THE RISK FACTORS HERE ARE:
What if, before this man came back to buy this pearl, it was sold to someone else or what if there was INFLATION and it was still not affordable?


These are 2 short parables with a great challenge for our temporal life, here on earth!
Yes, the treasure has been found, in most cases - as we know the way to Heaven - but what do we do between NOW and until the time it’s fully attained?

The 2 men in the parable took a potential RISK in selling something which was till then their possession, in exchange for something better, as perceived by them.
Could it be, they were getting rid of something which might have been a hindrance in obtaining what they wanted?
Simply put, they were OBSESSED with the idea of getting what they thought was the END-ALL & BE-ALL.

I am personally challenged that we can attain nothing, I mean NOTHING, when we don't attempt a risk. Salvation is free, of course - but the process of getting there is not 'risk-free'.
There is nothing to pay back, yet something to do, in order to experience the extra-ordinary!
Peter, needed to risk his life, when he stepped out of the boat - to actually see he could walk on troubled waters.


I also see a level of INTEGRITY in the first parable, where this man would not take away the treasure saying, "Finders, Keepers" – if he would have done that, there was no risk involved & no selling his things (he could have had both, maybe) – but, he considered the treasure to be part of the field, which he didn’t own, unless and until he paid for it!

Notice that he was JOYFUL about selling his prized possession, for what will be his NEW priced possession.
It's not doing it with a heavy heart.
When we are joyful, it makes it that much more easier to cope with 'risk-taking'.

These men had a CAUSE for taking such risks. What is ours today? Is the Kingdom of God worth our efforts, i mean the risk-taking efforts?

The parable doesn’t go into many details, but presents the value of the Kingdom of God and how we are to long and search for it, even if it means letting go off things we are holding on to, which might hinder us in gaining possession of the things which are worth more!

Risk-taking in the Kingdom doesn't necessarily mean, walking on a tight-rope with no safety belts. Because the safety for us is the One who is calling us to step out, believing He is there and the assurance that He will be with us!

Never mind, if we don’t know the full contract and the T&C in getting to heaven … because we have a God, who is able to give abundantly and more than what we can ask or even imagine.
If at all there are fine prints, it will only be in our favour.
God had our benefits in mind, when He RISKED in sacrificing His only begotten Son.


Are we willing to take that risk?
Don’t worry, Jesus would say to us: MAIN HOON NA (~ I am right there!)
Let's step out in FAITH, to what God is calling us into!

FAITH or FINANCES or BOTH?

Serving as a volunteer since 1991, I have learnt a lesson here and a lesson there in the area of FAITH and FINANCES. Though I feel I have NOT learnt this art to perfection, I know this is but a journey, which will only end when I see Jesus face-to-face.

It's so tempting to put my trust in what I see, rather than:
a) focussing on God, who is invisible, or
b) relying on His promises, or
c) believing the paths I tread in the past where I have seen His faithfulness time and again.

I Kings 17:2-16
ELIJAH FED BY THE RAVENS & THE WIDOW AT ZAREPHATH

First of all, note the fact there is a famine in the land, but God continues to speak to His servant. No drought or wilderness experience in hearing His voice.

However, the important thing to note are the 2 kinds of provision assured here:
a) Water, from the brook
b) Food, brought by Ravens (note, the word ORDERED in vs.4)

If at all there was a doubt in Elijah's mind concerning these 2 provisions, which one would that be? Naturally, it was going to be on the food the ravens were supposed to bring!
Because, that's the unseen commodity!

But guess what?
You're right, it's the water, which was there for the seeing, which dried up!
The ravens, who have this notorious habit of only taking from people, sincerely obeyed THE MASTER'S ORDERS and brought bread & meat for Elijah morning and evening, without fail.

Think about it - Could it be, there was this deep assurance within Elijah that even if the ravens didn't bring him food, he could at least fill his stomach with water - there was plenty there!

And that's exactly what I feel many a times.
what if ... this one stops;
what if ... that big support stops;
what if ... this commitment is not kept;
what if ... what if ... what if ...
- do I have a backup plan?

Is the bit that is available sufficient for this and that, etc...
The questions and doubts are endless and perilous, when I go that route.

But what I realize more and more is, these are NO TIME to use logic & common sense, as it defies all of that but, just OBEY God and keep going.
The key is being in the right place at the right time - as per His leading. One cannot negate that fact.

Imagine Elijah in a wrong place, other than the Kerith Ravine!
He would have seen the ravens flying about with food, because they are obeying the orders, and he would have been wondering what on earth is happening!!
Perhaps, they would have brought the food to him, even if he was in the wrong place ... but that is God's sovereignty, and that's no excuse to disobey His leading.

When the brook dries up, Elijah was asked to GO AT ONCE. Again, the assurance is given for his provision and note the word "...COMMANDED THE WIDOW..." in vs.9.

God ORDERED the ravens to bring food in the first instance; and now God COMMANDED the widow to supply food to Him.

Observe that God neither ORDERED nor COMMANDED Elijah to go to the Ravine or to Zarephath. He only nudged him to go, and it was left upto Elijah to obey & see God's provision in that place - though it's not the brightest of prospects when you look at it from a natural perspective!

How did Elijah know it was the right widow? In Luke 4:25,26 we read there were other widows who were not as fortunate as the one, whom Elijah met.
With her kind of response (vs.12), surely Elijah might have had his doubts.
It could perhaps be the urgency in sending him AT ONCE which holds the key, as the widow was about to make her last meal.

On the other hand, if the Lord had already commanded the widow, why did she behave the way she did?
All speculations are maybe's and if's - perhaps she was checking out if that was the right person!


Having said all this, when God leads He provides. It also means, He has already ORDERED or COMMANDED a blessing, that we are TO BE provided and cared for, even when the circumstances seem otherwise!
And when His provision is ON, it never ceases - it keeps coming when it is due.

Remember, He does and will shake up and dry the things, where we tend to put our trust ... if it is NOT Him.

What & where is our trust today? And who are we trusting?
Is it the things that we see and know for sure IS THERE?
Let's be stirred to trust Him, even if we have enough in store, as He is the source of ALL GOOD THINGS.

WHAT ARE WE FILLING OURSELVES WITH?

The scene: First Missionary Journey of Paul & Barnabas
Reference: Acts 13:44 - 14:7
Location: Pisidian Antioch

There are 2 scenarios here, as we see 2 kinds of fillings and it's effects:

SCENARIO - 1
Paul & Barnabas getting ready to share on a Sabbath day. Almost the whole city gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. It was an unusual circumstance, where more people came to the synagogue to hear the apostles preach the Word.
In vs.45 - the Jews saw the crowds and "were filled with jealousy"
IMMEDIATE RESULT OF SUCH FILLING?
vs.45b - they spoke abusively against what Paul was saying.

SCENARIO - 2
When the Word of God spread, the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit - cf.Acts 13:52
IMMEDIATE RESULT OF SUCH FILLING:
14:1 - they spoke effectively & a great number believed, both Jews & Gentiles


What a contrast we see in these 2 fillings?

- One was abusive and the other was effective.
- One filling collected a mob, while the other raised a pious group.
- One filling divided the city, whereas the other added to the Kingdom.
- One filling sought to stir the minds to negativity, while the other was geared towards positive living.

What kind of filling are we seeking after today?

PURPOSE DRIVEN FISHING

I have been thinking lately a lot about this term FISHERS OF MEN.

Though Jesus uses a similar phrase which Simon Peter is so familiar with, we see a vast difference in the purpose behind this switch in career.

So far, Peter was catching fish … which were ALIVE … and it DIED after he caught them.
But, Jesus is calling Peter to catch men … those who are alive physically, but more importantly, DEAD spiritually … so that they can LIVE through that catch.

What a difference to the victims here, as a result of his catch then and now?

Earlier Simon Peter was catching them and selling them!
He was SELL FISH (i know grammatically it's incorrect!) … & he was SELFISH for obvious reasons.
But, Jesus was calling him for the KINGDOM purpose - OUT OF SELF.
Not for his personal benefit, but for the benefit of others.

When we 'do life' for selfish reasons in order for us to live, what we catch will die!
When we live out of self, we catch what is dead (dead in their sins), so they can live the new life in Christ Jesus!

Are we going around killing people - through our words, actions or our thoughts?
Are we habituated to the fact that things will not change, so let's continue to live as we are?
God has a higher purpose and hence this calling - to live for His Kingdom.

QUOTE ON 'DREAMS'!

"Dreams are NOT that which we see while we are asleep;
but True DREAMS are that WHICH WILL NOT LET US SLEEP"

I'm not sure who exactly said this, but it was by one of the athlete taking part in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

What a provocative statement! The athletes are driven because of the prize which is set before them - a medal & a recognition!

This is not talking about dreams which we see when we had eaten a lot, or something which flashes through our inside (?) while in deep slumber.


Real dreams are:
- that which we run after
- that which are worth pursuing
- that which is worth our sacrifice
- that which keep us awake

... because we don't want to settle for anything less!

It's a motivating factor, which drives us until we see it accomplished!!

Do we have such dreams, which we are pursuing after?
Are those dreams which we run after, inspired by God, who is able to empower us to see its fulfillment?

Let's dare to DREAM BIG in God and for God!
And may our dreams be inspired by God, for His purposes - be it dreams that we dream:
a) in our sleep or while we are awake;
b) while talking with someone or while we listen to someone;
c) while overhearing someone talking with others or while we ponder over certain things in quietness ...

Let's DREAM to make a difference for the Kingdom!

REFLECTIVE BIBLE STUDY

One of the questions which many ask is what in the world is a REFLECTIVE BIBLE STUDY?

Basically, it's reflecting on what was preached on a Sunday Sermon, mid-way through the week in our weekly Bible Study, rather than listening to another sermon.
Most of the time, the Pastor or a Preacher shares what he/she feels the Lord wants to speak to the congregation on a Sunday morning.
If the Preacher doesn't want the congregation to apply the truth, then why preach?
And since Sunday service is closed in a hurry for want of time or for whatever reasons ... often people go out of the church thinking of the things they need to do later on in the day or the week ahead of them.

One stark difference in PREACHING is that it calls for an instant commitment, whereas TEACHING is laying a foundation for the future! Though it overlaps ... a person will not bother applying a truth from a sermon several weeks down the road, especially if one hasn't given much thought or consideration about it at that moment immediately after hearing!

So, a Reflective Bible Study is 'chewing the cud', as it were, on a Wednesday (usually) or mid-week - reflecting on what was preached the previous Sunday.

The advantages:
a) To start with, the participants are well prepared for the evening, because they know what's going to be the topic
b) It's interactive and allows the participants to bring up issues related to them
c) The participants can make a comment, which they normally won't be able to do when the Pastor/Preacher is preaching on a Sunday morning or even ask questions when there is a doubt
d) Since all have heard the sermon and have mulled over the truth for a good 3 days or more, it leads to an effective discussion
e) It's NOT another preaching by the Preacher. The most the facilitator should do in this interactive Bible Study is speak for not more than 40% - 50% of the time. The rest of the discussion happens within the group -- AND BELIEVE ME, IT'S EFFECTIVE!

The GOAL should always be an APPLICATION of the truth heard, in whatever way it relates to the individual.
Hence the challenge is always to be well prepared with the discussion questions, so people are able to participate in it!
And at the end, SUM IT UP and conclude with a challenge and an effective application point 'to take away' with us.

The thrill is not in asking questions which the people aren't able to answer, but what they CAN from the Scriptures - so they go out excited about learning and finding the truths themselves ... which is a great motivator to apply it.

WELCOME

Welcome to my DEVOTIONAL & THOUGHTS Blog.
Hope you find the information shared here helpful and useful ... as I share some of my meditational thoughts with you.
Hope this challenges and inspires you to stay motivated in your walk with the Lord.

I am hoping to post here every fortnight. If you would like a reminder, please sign the guest book on the NEST WEBSITE or leave a comment here.

Thanks for reading through this and I would appreciate if you leave a comment, if this has helped you.

Blessings.
- Rajan