Saturday 9 May 2015

Battling with Divine Authority


Luke 10: 19
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

When we face the problems of our life, we turn to God and pray. Often, we may find that we do not get complete deliverance. I believe that it is because we do not deal with the problem correctly and that we need to identify the root of the problems first. If the problems are because of our "Self" and our sinful "flesh", we need to keep praying and believing God till we get complete deliverance, because we cannot overcome our "Self" or "flesh" by our own efforts. God will slay our "Self" by chiseling and pruning us through various trials. But if the problems are brought by the devil, clearly, we need to use the battle strategy here! God has already given us the authority to not only resist but also fight against the devil. When it becomes clear that it is the enemy who has paralyzed us, hurt us, keeping us ineffective and unproductive, we need to overcome it by exercising the authority that is in the Name of Jesus and by claiming the power that is in the precious blood of Jesus.

  Now, how do we understand or identify the root of our problems? With our mind? With our rational thinking? Absolutely not! Only the HOLY Spirit can enlighten us with the real source of the problems. It is therefore important, that we rely on the HOLY spirit every day, for understanding the strategy that we need to opt, for overcoming the problems that we face; for only HE can help us understand the root of the problems and the effective way to deal with them. In Matthew chapter 17 verse 21, Jesus talks about another way of battling against devil. He says, "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting". So Let us invite the HOLY Spirit - who is the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of power - into our hearts everyday - and HE will help us overcome the devil and to live a victorious life in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

He gives Wisdom


James 1: 5, 6
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
  
  God loves to give. He is a Giver of all good things. Although God knows what we need, HE always expects that we ask HIM what we need and receive it, so that we can know by experience, how Good our God is. Another reason may be that whenever we ask something to someone, we acknowledge the fact that we lack something and we humble ourselves, to ask, what we lack. When we acknowledge our lacking and humbly ask God to fill us with HIS wisdom, we understand the significance of GOD'S grace. Otherwise, if God provided us with HIS wisdom even before we asked for it, we would take it for granted and will fall into pride.

  Whatever we may be in need of today, we just have to ask HIM and God will pour it out on us. For a fruitful spiritual life, we need wisdom to choose the right things, the wisdom to always trust in God, the wisdom to love God and the wisdom to know God. God specifically promises to grant wisdom - But only to the one who asks! Apart from asking, the verse says that we need to believe that we would receive what we ask for. When we ask God, God answers us from Heaven for sure and our answer starts its journey towards us, but it takes Faith (on our part) to receive that answer from God. So let us acknowledge our lacking, humble ourselves and ask God for HIS spirit of wisdom and believe with no doubt, that God will send down HIS HOLY spirit (The spirit of wisdom) who will lead us in the right way and teach us what we need to do today. Amen.

Faith with Actions


Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Bible gives a beautiful and an apt definition of what Faith is. Faith is the substance (or the core and significant matter) of things hoped for. What do we hope for? God has given us wonderful promises and has also planted unique dreams, gifts and talents in each one of us. Knowingly or unknowingly, these dreams are manifested as the desires of our hearts, the things that we hope for. We may hope for restoration, for increase, for promotion, for improvement, for security, for limitless peace, for abounding joy, or for true and perfect love – Unless and until we have “Faith” that is proved by actions – these remain mere dreams. The main solid base for all the things we hope for is "Faith" - which has its roots in GOD'S Word.
 Someone has beautifully illustrated faith with this simple story. Once upon a time, in a small village, there was no rain for many years and as a result, the people suffered in drought. The villagers, decided to pray for rain. The next day they all gathered for prayer and only one child came with an umbrella. That's faith. The story ends there but I believe that the village was blessed with rain thereafter, and the faith of the little child should've been the reason behind that blessing. God is not moved when we just pray for the things that we hope for. God expects that the "substance" and the "proof" of Hope has to be shown by us. Science may need proof of things that are. But God wants us to show the evidence and proof of things that are not – that are yet to be; that evidence is named as "Faith".

James chapter 2 verse 17 says, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead". Let us demonstrate a live faith and God is pleased when we demonstrate our faith, just like that child, which proves that we simply believe in HIM and NOT the circumstances. Faith believes that no matter what happens, GOD'S Word will never fail and that our prayers made in the center of GOD'S will can never go in vain. We may not have seen GOD'S best in our lives yet, but Faith is the evidence and proof - that we have deep in our hearts - of all the things that God has in store for us. Amen.

The Power of Brokenness


John 12: 24
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,
it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

   Jesus laid before us the perfect example of a God centered life, teaching us how to Please God and how to do the will of God. We see that Jesus was full of faith, hope, love, gentleness, kindness, compassion and all the  fruits of the HOLY spirit. He performed miracles and wonders that glorified God. There were so many times in Jesus' life when GOD'S power was revealed and HIS name glorified. This was the "Son of God" experience of Jesus. But, this strong man of faith, this strong peaceful and kind person, cries out in the cross, "My God, My God, Why have You forsaken me?". This statement doesn't mean that Jesus lost HIS faith. He did believe the verse that says, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you".

    But when the presence of God was taken away from HIM, HE cried out as HE could no longer bear the ultimate spiritual brokenness. This was one of the instances when God allowed Jesus, to go through the "Son of Man" phase - where there is mere suffering. As glorious and wonderful the "Son of God" experiences are, because GOD'S mighty hand rests on us, equally humiliating, sorrowful and painful are the experience of "cross" where we (as a "Son of Man") are deprived of GOD'S presence - which is the worst punishment and suffering anyone could go through. Jesus had to go through this, so that the divine will of God be fulfilled. In this "Son of Man" experience, there is no faith, that can work its way out of the problem; there is no comforting, that can bring hope and peace. There is only tears. These experiences are a confirmation that we are on God's straight and narrow path, that we are following the footprints of Christ and that we are perfectly in the center of GOD'S will.

    Why does God allow these experiences? I believe that these experiences give way to GOD'S great plans to be executed, the powers of Satan to be defeated and gives way for a resurrected life that brings blessings to one and all. It is a checkpoint in our life - to let us know that we are entirely in the center of GOD'S perfect will. When we face the Gethsemanes of our lives, when there's no hope nor comfort nor peace, but only tears and blood sweats, let us cry out to God just as Jesus did; although it might seem like God is too far and is not listening, it will just be a matter of time, when we will triumph, in the battle against devil and GOD'S perfect-Will will be accomplished.

God always uses broken vessels. Vance Havner says, "God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume". It took a broken Jesus to redeem the whole world, it took a broken Joseph to feed many during the drought, it took a broken Moses to lead a nation into Canaan, it took a broken David to establish the successful nation of Israel. It took a broken Paul, to lead many into Christ. It will take a broken you and me to accomplish GOD'S will in this world today! God believes in this principle - break, bless and make it a blessing to others. That's why Jesus broke the bread, asked God to bless it and it became a blessing, satisfying thousands of people! Let us graciously accept our brokenness just like Jesus, as HE said, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."; because God can use the broken vessels in a way we can never even imagine, for a greater victory and a greater glory! Amen.

Forget NOT - His Blessings, His Grace!


Psalm 103: 2-4
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.

      Often, we need to remind ourselves about the goodness of our God, which has led us thus far. That's Why the Psalmist speaks to his own soul, and reminds it to praise the LORD and not to forget all the Good things HE has done. What are the wonderful things that God has done for us? We were sinners condemned, and destined to hell, but God has graciously redeemed us with the precious blood of HIS SON, so that we can rejoice in Heaven with HIM for eternity. There are innumerable diseases out there and many medical conditions for which neither the cause nor the remedy has been found, even though we claim that we have made tremendous medical advancements. Praise God that HE has kept us protected, from all those problems and diseases! Even if we do suffer now from certain disease or pain, do not be discouraged, for HE is our HEALER. Verse 4 says that HE is our Redeemer. In this world which is prone to destructive hazards, God is standing right beside us, to protect and safeguard us from all mishaps. And finally God crowns us with HIS LOVE and surrounds us with HIS unlimited mercies and grace, to honor and bless us every single day! What more do we need? He gave us forgiveness so that we can enjoy eternity with HIM, He gives us protection and health, He safeguards us and provides for all our needs. If we have Jesus, we have everything - a Healer, a Redeemer, a Savior, a Friend, a Father, a caretaker, a well-wisher and a God – who is simply in love with us! Let us remember everything, which we’ve received through grace and praise HIM today; for HE alone is worthy of praise, for HE alone, is God Almighty.

Believe and Enjoy TODAY


Psalm 118: 24
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.


The LORD makes each day, and has already prepared everything for us to step into "today" and live our lives in the fullness of HIS blessings. Let us remember that every new dawn is a beautiful gift to us and a mere grace. We are never entitled to see our "tomorrow"; but God, with HIS unlimited grace and mercy, gifts us the required amount of talent for each day, enabling us to do our best! Love the LORD for who HE is, thank the LORD for all HE has done, trust the LORD for all HE is yet to do!
         If we are in need of joy and peace, God has already commanded that unto us and when we believe, we receive it in Jesus' name. If we need a breakthrough, remember that God has already set right the paths before us, all we need to do is just receive HIS favor with faith. If we need healing today, know that God has already planned our restoration, and let us claim the power of the precious blood of Jesus to receive the divine healing. This is the day our God has made, and HE has tailored it to bless each of us, in unique ways! Let us believe it, receive it and be blessed, in Jesus’ Name!

Faithful Deliverer!


Psalm 34: 19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

         Those who are cleansed with the blood of Jesus are the righteous. And if we are made righteous by God through Jesus, that does not necessarily mean that our life would be a bed of roses. In fact, the Bible says that we would have to go through more problems and sufferings. But there's a blessed promise that comes along with it! No matter how many problems we go through, how many troubles and sufferings come upon us, the LORD will faithfully deliver us from ALL OF THEM! God will never leave us nor forsake us.

  Our life in itself is a wonderful proof of GOD'S faithfulness. When we just look back at our lives, there would've been times when we thought that the problems that we were facing then, would consume us, would torment us till the end of our lives. But hurray! We have come through it all and in fact we are better off now than we were before. God promotes us after we overcome each trouble and that's Why we can see that we are stronger, more patient, more gentle and more loving with every passing test. Looking back at How the LORD delivered us from the ten plagues in Egypt will give us increased faith to face to Red sea without grumblings and to trust God for a miraculous deliverance. If we are in a situation where we find ourselves caught up in the problems of our lives, look back and count how faithful God had been in the past. After some days, we will remember the current trouble we are going through now and be thanking God for his wonderful deliverance!

Praise the LORD, for HE delivers the righteous!! In John chapter 16 verse 33, the LORD Jesus gives us a wonderful assurance, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We have a God who has overcome the world and our troubles are no match to What HE went through and so, let us be of good cheer for our God is our Faithful Deliverer!

The Tower of Refuge!


Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

         A tower is a strong architectural element, which is usually built as a place of refuge. When we are amidst the storms of life, living in a world of dangers, we have a strong refuge - the Rock of ages (Jesus) - that can cover us up and protect us when we need protection, and can comfort us when we are disturbed. What a blessed assurance is that! Whatever comes across our way today, we can freely run to the mighty Tower, where there is no harm or danger, but unlimited comfort and protection. 
Let us be aware that there may be other worldly towers, like the Tower of Babel (which could mean trusting in one's own accomplishments) and the Tower of Jericho (which is the trust in our seemingly strong and helpful society). But remember the fates of these towers, as described in the Bible. They Will fall when you least expect it. They will forsake you when you are in a desperate situation! Let us not be foolish to hide under the wrong towers (trusting in our own strength and accomplishments like Nimrod; or trusting in the power and strength of the city and society like the people of Jericho) which seem strong on the outside but can become rubble in a moment!

         We have witnessed the vulnerability of the worldly towers in the modern era also, for who would've thought that the two tallest towers(The Twin Towers) of the strongest country(America) could be demolished in seconds? The unsinkable ship may sink, the safest and the strongest aircraft could be lost with no trace, but those who trust in the LORD will be safe and sound! Blessed are we, who have our strength and trust in the only TRUE REFUGE which is bullet-proof, fire-proof, water-proof, stormproof, fool-proof, depression-proof, disaster-proof and terror-proof. Let us remind ourselves every morning that our God is our only source of refuge.  Challenged by life? Run to the Tower of Divine Help. Burdened by cares? Run to the Tower of Divine Comfort. Weakened in faith? Run to the Tower of Enduring Hope. Hurt and wounded? Run to the Tower of Divine Love. The LORD alone is our defense. Let us run to HIM - the strongest and the most comforting Tower of Refuge - whenever we want HIS warm embrace to cheer us up when we are discouraged, and to strengthen us when we are weakened!

Blessings for Obedience!


Deuteronomy 28: 13
And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.
     
Deuteronomy chapter 28 talks about blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. If we obey our God and trust in HIS faithfulness, all the mentioned blessings are ours. God is faithful and HE never lies. If God says you are blessed, you ARE blessed! He has the final say in everything. God says HE would keep us as a head, and not as a tail and HE means it. Let us just keep trusting HIM every day and obeying HIS Words when it comes to us, and we will see GOD'S faithfulness and HIS goodness.

How do we obey God?? Obeying is as simple as surrendering everything else, when God asks us to do something. If we give God the first priority, obedience to His Words is spontaneous. When God says, "believe", let us believe HIM. When God says, "Trust in ME", let us trust in HIM. When God convicts us of our sins through the HOLY spirit, let us repent. And the most difficult thing - When God says, "Wait", let us be patient. God loves a patient and obedient heart, which trusts in HIM. Let us pray that the HOLY spirit will come upon us today, to fill our hearts with trust and patience, so that we would be able to obey our God and Please HIM. Thank God for HIS Word, obey HIS commandments (Loving the LORD and Loving our neighbors with the help of the HOLY spirit) and trust God that HE will fulfill all HIS promises in our lives.

Bitter to Sweet! Mourning to Dancing!!


Romans 8: 28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

If we are sure that God has called us for HIS purpose, and if we love our God from the bottom of our hearts, then there is Good news for us! Everything that has happened in our lives, everything that we are going through now, everything that is yet to happen - all work based on a sophisticated and divine master plan, that lead us into the goodness that God has in store for each of us. We have an awesome God who plans out every tiny bit of detail of our lives, and makes it all work together for our betterment and our blessing. That setback, that disappointment, that rejection, that pain, those tears - all blend seamlessly together to give us the beautiful things that are yet to come!

When we face our sour and bitter moments of life, going through the waters of Marah, let us recall this wonderful promise of God and declare with faith that the God who takes care of even the minute details, has already planted the required tree  (the required amount of GOD'S grace) that can blend into the bitter waters turning them to sweet! Our bitter life, our awful situation just needs a touch of GOD'S grace which will blend into our sour life and transform the mourning into dancing! Let us patiently wait to see GOD'S goodness come through and thank HIM for all the bitter waters of our own Marah, because without them, where is the potential for the blending of GOD'S grace to give super sweet waters and blessing?

Our Living Bread


Matthew 6: 11
Give us this day our daily bread.

Jesus has set a perfect example before us showing us how to pray. HE taught the disciples to pray in a God centered manner. One of the lines in the prayer goes like this - Give us this day our Daily bread; requesting God to provide for us and to satisfy us, whenever we are in need - Be it a physical need, an emotional need or spiritual need. Jesus is our bread and is our divine manna, which can fill us completely and provide us emotional and spiritual peace and happiness. Whatever we may be in need of today, a peace of mind, a life of joy and satisfaction, a spiritual contentment - let us simply ask HIM, and God will give it to us, if it is appropriate and if it is the right time. Although God knows What we need, God expects that we ask HIM to help us in our need to satisfy us with HIS providence. God expects us to look upon HIM and not go after other things or people, with an attempt to get our needs met.
         So, let us simply turn our eyes to Jesus alone and present our requests to HIM and God will gladly satisfy us - for HE is the divine Manna who can satisfy the hunger of the world and the living water who can quench the thirst of all.

Trust Him and His Timing


Galatians 6: 9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Lazy Monday, busy Tuesday, weary Wednesday, tarrying Thursday, fresh Friday, peaceful Saturday and happy Sunday - the routine goes on and on for each of us, though the adjectives against each day might differ from person to person depending on the level of one's optimism.
      We keep doing our best and we keep living according to the Word of God every day. We might in due course, feel that there's no difference between us and the others who do not make an attempt to do things with sincerity or those who do not go by the Word of God. It might look like all people under the sun - Good and bad - get paid off rather in same measures - which make us weary. But Paul encourages us with these words,  "And let us not grow weary while doing good" and he asks us to keep thrusting forward doing our best, with the strength that God gives us every single day. For if we keep up our faith even when we face weariness, God smiles at us and in due season, in GOD'S own timing, HE will reward us in the apt and perfectly fitting way!

We may not know how long we must keep doing our best and be waiting for GOD'S favor and blessings, but it would be utter foolishness if we lose heart and give up, thinking it might not happen at all. What if, being Good and obeying HIS Word for one more day makes all the difference? What if, going through that small valley of pain leads us into a beautiful hill of happiness? What if the other end of the dark tunnel of life (where we do not see GOD'S light and HIS goodness) that we are going through now, is an awesome garden filled with GOD'S mercy? We have come a long way with God - trusting HIM and obeying HIM - and we cannot simply afford to commit the mistake of turning back or losing hope! Let us remember that the darkest hour is just before the dawn!

         Let us therefore keep up our faith, keep living by HIS Word always, giving God the first place in our lives and HE will richly reward us with peace and joy that can neither be given nor be taken away by the world.

Fear NOT, but TRUST!


Often, life throws some challenges at us, threatening us in some way or the other - physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually. But God likes to cheer us up and HE tells us, just as HE told Joshua, "Do not be afraid".
         The circumstances may be frightening, but instead of focusing on how bad and discouraging our problems are, we need to focus on the God who is well able to solve everything for us. If we trust in the power of Christ (rather than thinking about the problems and threats we go through) we will be strong in faith and we cannot be easily moved by problems. But when we begin to see the problems, we slowly lose our trust in God. Just like Joshua and Caleb, instead of focusing on the giants (who seem too strong to overcome), we need to focus on the God who parted the Red sea and gave victory over the powerful Egyptians who got drowned in the waters along with their chariots!

Our God is Almighty and nothing and no one that we fear, can ever stand against this great God, by whom the whole of the universe was created. When we start pondering upon all the deeds of God - How HE created the world with the power of HIS Word; How HE led the Israelites through the wilderness; How HE brought them to the Promised Land; How He conquered death; How HE brought us forth into this world; How miraculously HE'S been leading us thus far through all the ups and downs of our lives - our trust in HIM grows, as we understand and remind ourselves that our God is all powerful and miraculous. It is the Almighty God who can do the unimaginable, the unheard and unseen miracles who says to us, "Fear not, for I AM with you". It is the Satan, who tries to make us see the circumstances and get discouraged by seeing it.

We may be weak to handle our situation but we have a God, who is above all problems. Let us always remind ourselves that no problem is ever bigger than God. Let us keep trusting HIM always for HE is faithful to help us in our times of trouble and need, when we rely on HIM. Let us dust off our fear and declare in faith that whatever is threatening us right now, will be overcome (on our behalf) by the mighty God, whom we serve.

Confession of sins


I John 1: 9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we sin, because of our lust or pride. When we sin, we are separated from God since God is so pure and HOLY that HE cannot be where sin is. In the Old Testament, a sacrifice had to be made to pay for one's sins. But In the New Testament, Jesus became that “ultimate sacrifice”, once and for all, which can cleanse away the sins of all the people, who claim the blood of Jesus and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whenever we sin, the HOLY Spirit will convict us by some means, that our deeds had displeased God. When we are convicted of our sin, there is no use in covering it up with reasons or by blaming other people or our situation that led us to sin.

         Adam and Eve tried to put the blame of their disobedience on others instead of accepting their guilt. We see that God did not immediately remove them from the garden of Eden after they sinned. God asks Adam, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9).  God knew everything - What they had done and where they were hiding. But this question was asked to give Adam and Eve, a second chance - to help them understand their state of guilt and to repent. God wanted Adam and Eve to know where they were with respect to God - How far they had gone from God because of their disobedience. They had sinned and that sin made them to hide from the presence of the HOLY God. God expected them to understand that they had sinned against God and to confess, but on the contrary, they picked up reasons for their disobedience. When we pick up reasons, we tend to justify ourselves and when we make ourselves just, we can never ask forgiveness. Adam and Eve didn't accept their guilt as they put the blame on others and so, could not ask forgiveness.

         How many times have we justified ourselves by blaming others for the sins we commit? By attributing our transgressions to our circumstances? A lot of times, when we sin, we try to convince others, and ourselves that we committed that sin because of some reason or because of some forced situation. But God is more displeased when we try to cover up our sins with reasons. Let us therefore confess our sins, ONLY THEN, will we be able to genuinely ask God for forgiveness. The best part is, God gives us more grace when we ask for forgiveness. Proverbs 28: 13 says "He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy". Let us confess our sins and God is more than faithful to cleanse us of our guilt and HE will give us more grace to remain in HIM whenever we face temptations in the future. God is so good that however big our sins are, however bad our past could be, however insensitive we have been to the HOLY Spirit's moving in us - if we confess and ask forgiveness, God is so happy to take us back in HIS arms and to forgive us - just as the Father received the Prodigal son who confessed his sins and repented.

         Our awesome God never keeps a record of our wrongs. When we admit our sins and ask forgiveness, God renews us and sees us as a fresh and clean being in Christ. Amen!

Dying to Self


Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Why should we die to self? Our body is controlled by sin since the fall of man and the fruits of our flesh are always sin and the wages of sin is death. The HOLY Spirit can interact only with our human spirit, comprising of our insight and conscience. The soul, which has all the emotions, decision-making authority and will power, is stuck between the lusts of the flesh (which produces sin) and the desires of the spirit (which pleases God). Our soul yields to the one, which dominates in us - either the flesh or the spirit. The flesh has to be put to death, if we need to allow our spirit to succeed, so that we could please God.

         God allows disappointments and failures when we act in flesh, only to slay our flesh in the process, so that spirit could take the lead and produce good fruits. Watchman Nee says that anything that comes from the flesh is impure and is against God - Even our natural goodness cannot please God. This is because, our human goodness is limited and cannot stand beyond a certain limit. For example, a person may be naturally kind and patient. But beyond certain limit of testing (of his patience), that person may burst out and hence cannot completely please God by his own natural goodness. Our flesh always tries to pacify the lusts of our "Self", which leads to sin and keeps us away from God. We must be aware that our flesh tries to even get involved in spiritual activities. If we strive hard to win souls by our fleshly activities, without the moving of the Spirit in us, we would have no fruit which would Please God but we would end up nurturing our own pride and lusts. Pleasing our God is possible when we act in our spirits, by the triggering of the HOLY Spirit and our flesh must be put to death so that our spirit is not extinguished by the lustful and ever active flesh. All our natural traits and characteristics must be put to death, so that we can enjoy a life led by the HOLY Spirit.

How do we know our flesh is still active?? To answer this question, we must be aware of the truth that till we die, our “flesh” keeps on trying to take control – which would, in turn, enslave us to sin. So, as long as we live, there is constant battle between our flesh and our Spirit – to gain control over us. If we find ourselves impatient, lying, deceiving others, complaining and grudging, feeling jealous seeing others’ victory, feeling proud for our accomplishments, giving into temptations – succumbing to the lusts of the eyes, the lusts of flesh and the pride of life - these symptoms in us, give the hint that our flesh is in control. The only way to get rid of our “self” is allowing God’s correction and molding – which may be through those difficult circumstances, those “Why God, Why?” moments, those failures and disappointments.

When we live in the Spirit, we know it by the fruits as described in Galatians 5: 22, 23 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control.

When God deals with our flesh, let us accept it patiently, since it is the HOLY Spirit who will gain control in us in the end and we would be able to please God. Let us pray that the HOLY Spirit would come upon us and help us put our flesh to death on a daily basis, so that the spirit wins, bringing victory to God.

Significance of God's Timing!


Psalm 37: 7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

         GOD'S will for each of our lives is unique. Be it to excel in professional life, or to be a great minister bringing people to the Truth and pointing Christ to them, or bringing up children in the knowledge of God - each of these dreams has equal significance before God. When we are progressing towards our God given dreams, we often find that it takes too long to see the fruits of our efforts. Every dream starts with a season of sowing, followed by a season of growing and finally reaches the harvest. It is common that we humans, always want the harvest to come very soon - sooner than GOD'S perfect time of ripening. Everything that is done by GOD'S will, needs to follow GOD'S timing! In the process of seeing our dreams take root and flourish, we start expecting fruits too early and if we do not see much results after putting in so much effort in sowing and nurturing of our God given dreams, we feel disappointed.

         Jesus is the only best and perfect example we could look at, when we need to understand the principles of God, and to perceive how our Christian walk should be - to please God. Christ alone has led His life doing the complete perfect will of God - just the way God wanted. We see that Jesus was patient always and waited for GOD'S timing for every activity HE did. At the wedding at Cana, when there was shortage of wine, Mary urges Jesus to find a solution for it as soon as he could. But Jesus replied back, Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.We see that Jesus was never in a hurry - to do the will of God, but He waited for GOD'S timing. Similarly, if HIS will should be done perfectly in our lives, just as Jesus did, we need to always wait on the LORD and the HOLY Spirit will tell us the right time. Every activity that we do has to be triggered in us by the HOLY Spirit, be it spiritual activities like praying, fasting, or other worldly tasks and domestic chores. Only then, will each of our activities be productive and fruitful.

  What happens if we do not wait for GOD'S timing?
  • Firstly, we may not be in the center of GOD'S will for our lives if we hasten and not wait for the guidance of the HOLY Spirit. If we don't wait for GOD'S time in our lives, what was supposed to be GOD'S will, would become our own Self will which often has undesirable consequences and no useful results. Saul, did not wait for Samuel and he proceeded with the offerings, which displeased God. Peter wanted to defend Jesus when HE was about to be arrested and he quickly took his sword and cut down the ear of one of the men who had come for arresting Jesus. Jesus was not pleased with this hasty behavior. The reason why God is displeased with us if we do not wait is, it is the devil who tempts us to do things quickly by triggering our flesh, which makes us disobey God and disregard HIS timing.
  • Secondly, the harvest may not be ripe enough and if we hurry and hasten, our dreams may not be as fruitful as God intended it to be. We would miss out on GOD'S best and finally, we would be the losers.

         We must always remember that our flesh acts in accordance with the devil and our spirit acts in accordance with the HOLY Spirit. If we want a productive Christian life with the accomplishment of GOD'S will in all our endeavors, let us slay down our "Self" by putting our flesh to death (So that devil loses his stand) and with the help of the HOLY Spirit, patiently wait for the harvest time - only then can we be in the center of GOD'S perfect will.

  To sum it all up, let us patiently wait for GOD'S time through the HOLY Spirit, just as Jesus did, and our harvest would be fruitful beyond measures and GOD'S perfect Will be accomplished through us. 

The song "Four days late" tells the story of the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus in a beautiful way:

But You're four days late And all hope is gone
Lord we don't understand why you've waited so long
But His way is God's way Not yours or mine
 
When He's four days late, He's still on time!