In our Bible study fellowship we are currently studying the book of John. When we studied chapter 6 the passage where the miracle of Jesus calming the storm it challenged me and made me think further and two things were profound.
• At times Jesus sends us into the storm
• We need to Let Jesus into our boat- (Solution)
Jesus sends us into the storm:
This incident happened soon after Jesus feeding the five thousand. You would also know that Johns gospel record only the key of the matter, looking at the chronology of the Gospels, we see in Mark 6: 45 that it was Jesus who asked that disciples to go into the sea ahead of him while He dispersed the crowd. (Also to be noted is the leadership model he examples here for us, which is so different than the ones we see in the world now especially in the Christian circle) Jesus knowing there will be a storm why did he send them into the sea is a question? I see this as a part of his training the disciples to trust him more. Don’t you see this incident related to your lives too, you obey what Gods asked you to do and then you feel that you are rowing against the wind/ current? But encouraging thing is when they were struggling in the midst storm Jesus went there for their rescue. So even though he sends us into the storm, He is always there to rescue us.
Let Jesus into your boat:
When Jesus arrived in that scene, Disciples couldn’t believe him/ recognize him. They thought he was a Ghost. Jesus said it is I, Don’t be afraid. V: 21 is a great promise to cling on. It says when they were willing to take him into the boat; they reached the shore immediately, where they were destined to go. Earlier we see that they had rowed into the sea about 3 miles, as soon as Jesus came into the boat they reached the shore immediately.
Just before Jesus got into the boat, the picture is- Jesus was there, and the disciples knew who Jesus was still they were in the storm. The moment they let him into their boat it all happened, Storm calmed and reached the shore immediately.
Even as believers we at times in the middle of storms in our lives we try to solve it with the help of human minds and thoughts. But all we need to do is Ask Jesus to come into our situation/ our Boat and take control and so immediately we can reach our destiny too. Isn’t that amazing, It was a very encouraging/ challenging thought for me.
Many a times it is our own disbelief. We fail to recognize him in our lives and keep asking for help cos we have our mind set on what we want to do, not letting God to work the way he wants to do. We also see that it took the Israelites forty years to reach the Promised Land because of their unbelief. If they would have believed they would have reached much earlier. Let us not delay like them but Trust in him and ask him to come into our situation take control so that we can achieve what God has planned / destined for us sooner in our lives.
Here are some words of comfort / strength from the Bible:
Mark 6:48: when there’s a storm against us- He is there and will rescue us
John: 17:9-26, Hebrews 7:25: He will save us and Jesus lives to Intercede for us.
Hebrews 13:8: He doesn’t change; He is the same yesterday, today and forever
1 peter 5:7: He cares for us- so we can cast all our burdens on Him
I was also reminded of this song from my Sunday school, simple and profound. It goes…
With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm
As we go sailing home…
But I liked the new version of it which says…
With Jesus in my boat I can smile at the storm
As we go sailing home
You can also watch this song in the following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpkQ-Bb78sU&feature=related
Stay Blessed
Augustine
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
NO OTHER PLEA:
My faith has found a resting place, not in device, nor creed
I trust the ever living one; his wounds for me shall plead
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
Enough for me that Jesus saves; this ends my fear and doubt
A sinful soul I come to him, He’ll never cast me out
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
My heart is leaning on the word, the written word of God
Salvation by my saviours’name, Salvation through his blood
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
My great physician heals the sick, the lost he came to save
For me his precious blood he shed, for me his life he gave.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
It just hit me hard when this song was sung in our church recently. It is an amazing song by William J Kirkpatrick written centuries ago, so simple and profound.
You can listen to the song in the following links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDlTXshjq9Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Wmb-jIsKs&feature=related
Stay Blessed
I trust the ever living one; his wounds for me shall plead
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
Enough for me that Jesus saves; this ends my fear and doubt
A sinful soul I come to him, He’ll never cast me out
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
My heart is leaning on the word, the written word of God
Salvation by my saviours’name, Salvation through his blood
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
My great physician heals the sick, the lost he came to save
For me his precious blood he shed, for me his life he gave.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me
It just hit me hard when this song was sung in our church recently. It is an amazing song by William J Kirkpatrick written centuries ago, so simple and profound.
You can listen to the song in the following links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDlTXshjq9Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Wmb-jIsKs&feature=related
Stay Blessed
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
(FEAR + WALK + OBEY) = BLESSING
King David is one of my very favorite characters in the Bible. He was just a small shepherd boy, least in the family. When Samuel went to anoint someone a king after Saul, God told him he was in the Jesse family, but not the name. When Jesse called his sons one by one, Samuel almost misjudged. But that the difference between us and God. We look on the outside appearances etc but God looks at the heart- inside. The family even forgot about David till there was no one left and they had to go to the fields where he was with his cattle, bring him in and he was anointed to be the King after Saul.
But it wasn’t an easy road for David. Even though God was with him, and he knew he would be the king one day, still he had to run for his life for decades. One thing which amazed me was after all the efforts Saul made to kill David, the kind of respect David had for Saul and his family till the end. Finally he became the king and God was with him through out. All his enemies were no more.
The key is, David was a man who feared the lord and walked in his ways, God honored him and his generations. God made a covenant with him, if you walk in my ways, I will bless you. And we see later God fulfilling his promise by making Solomon the King. Solomon fulfilled all that God wanted David and him to do. When he finished building the temple, he was dedicating the temple for the glory of GOD. Solomon’s prayer of dedication in I kings chapter 8 is an amazing prayer. He remembers that our God is a God who fulfills all his promises, he reminds his people of the promise God made with his father David and how he has fulfilled it to his age and why because they “feared the lord and walked in his ways” God had made a covenant with David and the same was reaffirmed when God appears for a second time to Solomon and makes the same promise. But it also came with a clause; all God’s promises are not freebies. It also had a counter part, what if I did not? Blessing turns to curse. The key in both David and Solomon’s life at this point is that they feared the Lord and walked in his ways.
It reminds me of psalm 128: ‘Blessed are those who fear the lord and walk in his ways’, and when we do that, what happens?
• You will eat the fruit of your labor
• Blessing and prosperity will follow
• You will live long
• Not just you, your wife, your children and generations will be BLESSED
Many a times we go after the Blessing part, that’s not the key. They key is to follow the lord and obey his commands. To strive to be people after Gods own heart.
Solomon did not ask for riches and long life but wisdom and we know that in the end all these came along because he asked for wisdom. So let us not look at the end product and be distracted but then follow his footsteps carefully which is the key- fear of the Lord and walking in his ways.
Remember there is also the other equation which we don’t want to be
No (fear+ walk + obey) = CURSE
But let us (FEAR + WALK + OBEY) = BLESSING to us and others. Amen
But it wasn’t an easy road for David. Even though God was with him, and he knew he would be the king one day, still he had to run for his life for decades. One thing which amazed me was after all the efforts Saul made to kill David, the kind of respect David had for Saul and his family till the end. Finally he became the king and God was with him through out. All his enemies were no more.
The key is, David was a man who feared the lord and walked in his ways, God honored him and his generations. God made a covenant with him, if you walk in my ways, I will bless you. And we see later God fulfilling his promise by making Solomon the King. Solomon fulfilled all that God wanted David and him to do. When he finished building the temple, he was dedicating the temple for the glory of GOD. Solomon’s prayer of dedication in I kings chapter 8 is an amazing prayer. He remembers that our God is a God who fulfills all his promises, he reminds his people of the promise God made with his father David and how he has fulfilled it to his age and why because they “feared the lord and walked in his ways” God had made a covenant with David and the same was reaffirmed when God appears for a second time to Solomon and makes the same promise. But it also came with a clause; all God’s promises are not freebies. It also had a counter part, what if I did not? Blessing turns to curse. The key in both David and Solomon’s life at this point is that they feared the Lord and walked in his ways.
It reminds me of psalm 128: ‘Blessed are those who fear the lord and walk in his ways’, and when we do that, what happens?
• You will eat the fruit of your labor
• Blessing and prosperity will follow
• You will live long
• Not just you, your wife, your children and generations will be BLESSED
Many a times we go after the Blessing part, that’s not the key. They key is to follow the lord and obey his commands. To strive to be people after Gods own heart.
Solomon did not ask for riches and long life but wisdom and we know that in the end all these came along because he asked for wisdom. So let us not look at the end product and be distracted but then follow his footsteps carefully which is the key- fear of the Lord and walking in his ways.
Remember there is also the other equation which we don’t want to be
No (fear+ walk + obey) = CURSE
But let us (FEAR + WALK + OBEY) = BLESSING to us and others. Amen
Sunday, August 30, 2009
PRAYER OUTSOURCED:
The other day I was watching the Christian television network and there was a program on it and it had a news section where they were telling us what’s happening in the global Christian world. One of the news was large number of people especially from Canada and America send in special prayer requests to the Vatican. When they send in requests, they pay a cost and it will be prayed for. Because of the huge volumes of these requests coming in and because of the recession, the news said now it’s been outsourced to India. All these requests are sent to India and a priest would pray for it there... I found that news very interesting.
Can prayer be outsourced? Now that leaves us with numerous questions in our mind. Now what is prayer? Isn’t that a way we communicate with our heavenly father? Isn’t that part of our relationship with God? In a human relationship say between a husband and wife, think about having a third person in between them to communicate and they don’t talk directly, isn’t that funny? Do u think a relationship can work that way? We can have people praying with us, but the key is our own prayer. Unless we pray ourselves things won’t change. It’s becoming a trend with many of these new age evangelists especially on TV, claiming that they can pray for us and change our situation. It changes the way people think now… many think we can pay a cost and get someone else to pray by that they can get away without prayer. In our busy, fast track world, it seems to be a good solution. And these people are happy cos they get what they want. Money, which is the root for all evil. Friends let us be aware not to be trapped in situations like these. We have the great privilege of speaking to God directly and he speaks to us directly, what an amazing privilege that is. We don’t need any mediator.
He has given us the privilege of calling him Abba father and so believing in him, we become his heirs. Dream about it…… wouldn’t you want that beautiful relationship? Talking to God directly, when you see the big picture, you would want to do it yourself and not outsource.
Can prayer be outsourced? Now that leaves us with numerous questions in our mind. Now what is prayer? Isn’t that a way we communicate with our heavenly father? Isn’t that part of our relationship with God? In a human relationship say between a husband and wife, think about having a third person in between them to communicate and they don’t talk directly, isn’t that funny? Do u think a relationship can work that way? We can have people praying with us, but the key is our own prayer. Unless we pray ourselves things won’t change. It’s becoming a trend with many of these new age evangelists especially on TV, claiming that they can pray for us and change our situation. It changes the way people think now… many think we can pay a cost and get someone else to pray by that they can get away without prayer. In our busy, fast track world, it seems to be a good solution. And these people are happy cos they get what they want. Money, which is the root for all evil. Friends let us be aware not to be trapped in situations like these. We have the great privilege of speaking to God directly and he speaks to us directly, what an amazing privilege that is. We don’t need any mediator.
He has given us the privilege of calling him Abba father and so believing in him, we become his heirs. Dream about it…… wouldn’t you want that beautiful relationship? Talking to God directly, when you see the big picture, you would want to do it yourself and not outsource.
Friday, August 28, 2009
If God be for us... who can be against us?
Recently I was reading through the life of David, one of my favorite characters from the Bible. I still remember the graffiti board I use to have in my room when I was in college and once I wrote “David - A man after Gods own heart, when will I be?” and one of my friends scribbled below ‘Never’ when I was not there, that’s another story. But then I strived earnestly and I know for myself how God has molded me to what I am today, but still striving to be the man after his heart…
When I was reading I was trying to do a study about Saul and David. It was amazing the journey David took from a shepherd boy to a King. It was not an easy journey, we normally think of David as a King but then to become a king he went through a lot. First when Samuel came to anoint him, he was not even considered to be chosen, then He had to run for his life for years, even though he was anointed by Samuel and knew one day he would be the king. Couple of things which inspired me among the many was
• God was with him through out… that was the main difference between Saul and him. He was the chosen by God.
• He inquired of God before every single step he took (well mostly), so even he chose God to be with him
He saw success in all that he did, whether be a lion, Goliath, Saul or even his enemies because God was with him and made it possible. Isn’t that very true even for our lives too, I am sure you would have felt this too. When God is with us, suddenly impossible becomes possible? Recently I and Caroline saw Gods hand in two such incidents.
Few weeks back someone broke into our brand new car and tried to steal it, we woke up in the morning and were devastated to see it all ripped off. Anyway we had to call in the cops and finally the insurance told us that they would look after it but then we cannot have a car rental or replacement. So we were wondering what to do for two weeks without our car, but When we went to the Toyota dealer the guy took our car and gave us a replacement car within 5 minutes and here we go, we had the privilege of having another car till we got our new car back and we dint have to pay a thing. It was Unbelievable for me to see Gods hand even through the devastation and trauma we went thru.
The second thing was recently I applied for my U.S visa as I wanted to visit my brother in law and my friends. This was the first time I applied for a visa by myself without anyone’s help, the day I had my interview just before I left, someone who is an expert in visas told me I did a mistake by applying and I probably wouldn’t get my visa. I even thought of not going in, but then I prayed and felt to go ahead. In the interview I did not have much solid answers to support my argument. I had just come in to Canada and the lady asked what’s the assurance that I would come back? I don’t have a property here or something, I just prayed, and finally she said she will give me a tourist visa. I was happy in a way but then my friends told me it would be for just 6 months, I wanted for at least a few years, I prayed and left it to God. Two days later I was more than surprised to see my passport stamped with a visa for 10 years. It’s yet another moment for us to realize that Our God is with us, the battle is for us and it’s already won.
If God be for us (you and me) who can be against us…? Amen
When I was reading I was trying to do a study about Saul and David. It was amazing the journey David took from a shepherd boy to a King. It was not an easy journey, we normally think of David as a King but then to become a king he went through a lot. First when Samuel came to anoint him, he was not even considered to be chosen, then He had to run for his life for years, even though he was anointed by Samuel and knew one day he would be the king. Couple of things which inspired me among the many was
• God was with him through out… that was the main difference between Saul and him. He was the chosen by God.
• He inquired of God before every single step he took (well mostly), so even he chose God to be with him
He saw success in all that he did, whether be a lion, Goliath, Saul or even his enemies because God was with him and made it possible. Isn’t that very true even for our lives too, I am sure you would have felt this too. When God is with us, suddenly impossible becomes possible? Recently I and Caroline saw Gods hand in two such incidents.
Few weeks back someone broke into our brand new car and tried to steal it, we woke up in the morning and were devastated to see it all ripped off. Anyway we had to call in the cops and finally the insurance told us that they would look after it but then we cannot have a car rental or replacement. So we were wondering what to do for two weeks without our car, but When we went to the Toyota dealer the guy took our car and gave us a replacement car within 5 minutes and here we go, we had the privilege of having another car till we got our new car back and we dint have to pay a thing. It was Unbelievable for me to see Gods hand even through the devastation and trauma we went thru.
The second thing was recently I applied for my U.S visa as I wanted to visit my brother in law and my friends. This was the first time I applied for a visa by myself without anyone’s help, the day I had my interview just before I left, someone who is an expert in visas told me I did a mistake by applying and I probably wouldn’t get my visa. I even thought of not going in, but then I prayed and felt to go ahead. In the interview I did not have much solid answers to support my argument. I had just come in to Canada and the lady asked what’s the assurance that I would come back? I don’t have a property here or something, I just prayed, and finally she said she will give me a tourist visa. I was happy in a way but then my friends told me it would be for just 6 months, I wanted for at least a few years, I prayed and left it to God. Two days later I was more than surprised to see my passport stamped with a visa for 10 years. It’s yet another moment for us to realize that Our God is with us, the battle is for us and it’s already won.
If God be for us (you and me) who can be against us…? Amen
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friends
You have a friend
And you think he’s everything beneath the skies
But when times go by and rivers run dry
You can’t keep asking why
There’s nothing more than a broken heart
And you look for another friend
To wake your fainted feelings, and to love you till the end
Then came this man
Long time ago, to be your one great friend
He was a carpenter’s son
and he loved everyone, with an everlasting love
But they nailed him down on the wood he worked
On the cross of Calvary
He laid his life for you and me, to lead you till the end
Everybody anybody would like to have a friend
Cos everybody needs some love
And a shoulder to lead on
When you are crushed by this worlds own trouble
You would like to have a friend
Yes JESUS is that great true friend
Who calls you you’re my friend.
AUGUSTINE
And you think he’s everything beneath the skies
But when times go by and rivers run dry
You can’t keep asking why
There’s nothing more than a broken heart
And you look for another friend
To wake your fainted feelings, and to love you till the end
Then came this man
Long time ago, to be your one great friend
He was a carpenter’s son
and he loved everyone, with an everlasting love
But they nailed him down on the wood he worked
On the cross of Calvary
He laid his life for you and me, to lead you till the end
Everybody anybody would like to have a friend
Cos everybody needs some love
And a shoulder to lead on
When you are crushed by this worlds own trouble
You would like to have a friend
Yes JESUS is that great true friend
Who calls you you’re my friend.
AUGUSTINE
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Every body said, but nobody did...
This morning I was listening to one of my all time acapella favorite song, Everybody said but nobody did…. This is one tune which has the ability to draw anyone’s attention. I first heard it when I was in school, But when I went thru the lyrics again, I realized that there’s even more to the song… It goes like this….
Everybody said that anybody could do
The important things somebody should do
Everybody knows that anybody could do
All the good things that nobody did
Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do
If I wanted to make my religion true
He'd do it himself but he really didn't have the time
He said that the duty was mine
Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand
If you want to be going to the promised land
Here is something that I don't have time to do
So I better give it to you
Well I'm too busy so I tell everybody
The work's got to get done by somebody
It could be done by anybody
But nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody did
All the good things that nobody did
Many a times Isn’t this very true to our lives? There are so many issues often bothering us or we are often concerned about (Children being abused, poverty, people on the streets, orphan children, people affected by disasters, diseased, people not knowing who Jesus is, our friends,neighbours etc) we talk about them often, we express our views, we even criticize about someone who might try to do something regarding the same. But what have we done ourselves? Have we thought of giving out our time, resources, pray for them? None of us are perfect. The other day I was talking to one of my friend; we were talking about the movie slum dog millionaire. She asked me how I felt watching the movie… we had a little talk and that conversation made me think again. Am I too busy to think or react about these things..? Is my comfort zone making me think only about me, my family, what will I eat? And what will I wear? Let’s not be like people who watch it in the News, feel sorry and then get on with the normal way of life… let’s be ready to get our hands dirty. If something similar no matter what the issue is, if it’s bothering you and if you are not sure what u can do about it, one thing we can do for sure… we can start with a little prayer.
Everybody said that anybody could do
The important things somebody should do
Everybody knows that anybody could do
All the good things that nobody did
Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do
If I wanted to make my religion true
He'd do it himself but he really didn't have the time
He said that the duty was mine
Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand
If you want to be going to the promised land
Here is something that I don't have time to do
So I better give it to you
Well I'm too busy so I tell everybody
The work's got to get done by somebody
It could be done by anybody
But nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody did
All the good things that nobody did
Many a times Isn’t this very true to our lives? There are so many issues often bothering us or we are often concerned about (Children being abused, poverty, people on the streets, orphan children, people affected by disasters, diseased, people not knowing who Jesus is, our friends,neighbours etc) we talk about them often, we express our views, we even criticize about someone who might try to do something regarding the same. But what have we done ourselves? Have we thought of giving out our time, resources, pray for them? None of us are perfect. The other day I was talking to one of my friend; we were talking about the movie slum dog millionaire. She asked me how I felt watching the movie… we had a little talk and that conversation made me think again. Am I too busy to think or react about these things..? Is my comfort zone making me think only about me, my family, what will I eat? And what will I wear? Let’s not be like people who watch it in the News, feel sorry and then get on with the normal way of life… let’s be ready to get our hands dirty. If something similar no matter what the issue is, if it’s bothering you and if you are not sure what u can do about it, one thing we can do for sure… we can start with a little prayer.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
How long has it been…?
Its 4.30 in the morning and
I am in my bed, tossing and turning
Somehow I just can’t sleep and
My baby is wondering whats wrong with me…
I woke up silently and went to my table
Questions running deep in my mind
Is the love that I talk is True?
Am I doing little justice to this?
If I love the way I ought to be…
Why things aren’t the way I am told to be?
As more and more such questions
Seems arising from an unending well
I waited for that gentle voice and touch
Love would u please tell me the answers?
In the break of the dawn and chirp of the birds
I heard that feeble voice… which said..
How long has it been, since u talked with me……
And told me your hearts hidden secrets?
How long has it been, since you gave me a chance
To tell you how much I love you and all that I have for you?
Love cannot be this way honey; I gave you all that I have
Even my only son! But, what have you done for me…?
With tears in my eyes, I started talking…
I knelt by my bed and said to my love
Darling Please forgive me, I give my all to you;
I want you to be by my side every day, every hour, every minute& sec
It wasn’t fair that I was blaming you all this while.Its me…and Its me…
I went to bed with a strange peace, knowing that it’s been restored again.
Forever mine … Forever yours … Amen
Augustine
I am in my bed, tossing and turning
Somehow I just can’t sleep and
My baby is wondering whats wrong with me…
I woke up silently and went to my table
Questions running deep in my mind
Is the love that I talk is True?
Am I doing little justice to this?
If I love the way I ought to be…
Why things aren’t the way I am told to be?
As more and more such questions
Seems arising from an unending well
I waited for that gentle voice and touch
Love would u please tell me the answers?
In the break of the dawn and chirp of the birds
I heard that feeble voice… which said..
How long has it been, since u talked with me……
And told me your hearts hidden secrets?
How long has it been, since you gave me a chance
To tell you how much I love you and all that I have for you?
Love cannot be this way honey; I gave you all that I have
Even my only son! But, what have you done for me…?
With tears in my eyes, I started talking…
I knelt by my bed and said to my love
Darling Please forgive me, I give my all to you;
I want you to be by my side every day, every hour, every minute& sec
It wasn’t fair that I was blaming you all this while.Its me…and Its me…
I went to bed with a strange peace, knowing that it’s been restored again.
Forever mine … Forever yours … Amen
Augustine
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Art of Swimming:
I wanted to learn swimming for a long time and recently I got to go for my swim lessons. My Instructor there told me that I need to keep a few basic things in mind …
• Get use to the water- No fear
• Learn to float
• Coordinate - whole body
And as I tried doing these things, there you go slowly I was already half way thru the pool. The process was quite exciting. Now my aim is to Master this and so I can go from one end to the other.
As I went through this process, it reminded me of our own sail through the Christian journey in this life on earth, these laws apply pretty much here too.
Get use to the water - No fear : If it is that we need to swim through to get to the other side of the pool, we should be ready and willing to get into the water first throwing away all our fears no matter what that may, fear of drowning, dying etc. All these can make us not able to reach our goal, we may just remain there not knowing how to swim at all.
Float: let loose: Once we are in the water and if we are holding onto something along with us, it can still pull us down. All we need to do is forget everything and learn to float letting all that we hold close loose and allow the density of the water to take over. At the same time we also need to learn how to breathe as we are in the water, (not so easy to do) the timings, after every equal no of strokes u breathe out and in so that you may stay long enough in the water.
Coordinate: whole body: This is the a very important step, unless there is perfect coordination between our hands, legs, and our body we would probably just stay in the same place or go criss cross losing our track.
As we read this lets remind ourselves once again to throw away every fear and let loose everything that hinders from following, sharing and showing the love of Jesus in and through our lives. Let loose all that’s holding us down and let him take full control of our lives so that the purpose of our living on earth may be fulfilled according to his perfect will. To make this happen, the very important step is the relationship and communion between us and God. Let’s enjoy this beautiful relationship every bit, making our lives in perfect tune with Gods plans so that we can reach the other end of the shore……to be with Him for ever and ever one day. Amen
Happy swimming
Stay Blessed
Augustine
• Get use to the water- No fear
• Learn to float
• Coordinate - whole body
And as I tried doing these things, there you go slowly I was already half way thru the pool. The process was quite exciting. Now my aim is to Master this and so I can go from one end to the other.
As I went through this process, it reminded me of our own sail through the Christian journey in this life on earth, these laws apply pretty much here too.
Get use to the water - No fear : If it is that we need to swim through to get to the other side of the pool, we should be ready and willing to get into the water first throwing away all our fears no matter what that may, fear of drowning, dying etc. All these can make us not able to reach our goal, we may just remain there not knowing how to swim at all.
Float: let loose: Once we are in the water and if we are holding onto something along with us, it can still pull us down. All we need to do is forget everything and learn to float letting all that we hold close loose and allow the density of the water to take over. At the same time we also need to learn how to breathe as we are in the water, (not so easy to do) the timings, after every equal no of strokes u breathe out and in so that you may stay long enough in the water.
Coordinate: whole body: This is the a very important step, unless there is perfect coordination between our hands, legs, and our body we would probably just stay in the same place or go criss cross losing our track.
As we read this lets remind ourselves once again to throw away every fear and let loose everything that hinders from following, sharing and showing the love of Jesus in and through our lives. Let loose all that’s holding us down and let him take full control of our lives so that the purpose of our living on earth may be fulfilled according to his perfect will. To make this happen, the very important step is the relationship and communion between us and God. Let’s enjoy this beautiful relationship every bit, making our lives in perfect tune with Gods plans so that we can reach the other end of the shore……to be with Him for ever and ever one day. Amen
Happy swimming
Stay Blessed
Augustine
Friday, April 24, 2009
Count your Blessings...
Recently I was able to go with the folks from our church to help Scott mission in downtown Toronto which provided food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless and runs a food bank too. As we were driving I was quite amazed by the beauty of the nature surrounding us, the lakeshore, harbour, CN tower ,sky scrapers, also I was quite excited as this was my first visit to downtown Toronto. It was beautiful life was on fast track, street cars, BMWs and looked like everyone had a wheel on their shoes. We went passed the harbour, office blocks, china town and there we reached the Scott mission building.
The scene outside the building was quite a thing, there were so many people waiting to go in to get some food, waiting for the doors to be open. Old, young, children and families. Each had a story to say, one can read it in their eyes, sorrow, pain and suffering. No one can pass by without having a second look and thought.
I was awe stuck with that site. Just couldn’t believe that in Canada and in Toronto there are people suffering like this, with not even one proper meal. Just few blocks away were the high end buildings and offices making millions with whatever they did, there was the rotating restaurant in the CN tower were one would spend about 50- 100 $ a meal and few hundred yards away there were people begging for food, what a contrast…
Living in India this scene wasn’t new to me but then I couldn’t think of this in Canada.
As I came back one thought was left behind. Many a times when we have all that we need provided on time, we don’t seem to realise the importance of life. When life goes well, slowly we tend to forget or reduce the time spent with God. I thought I need to pause for a while and think if all the Blessings God has given us, not the miraculous ones but ones which we never actually think as a blessing say some basic things like
• Clothes- If u ever had confusion on what to wear tomorrow, thank god cos u have two sets of clothes to choose, when someone doesn’t have even one
• Food- If u get to eat three full meals a day, without a problem Be thankful cos there are millions of people who just eat one meal a day or not even that…
• Shelter- we have a nice place to sleep, if it’s cold we have a blanket to cover, and if it’s hot we have our air-conditioning on to cool it a bit, isn’t that a Blessing.
• Family & loved ones- It is indeed a great blessing to have parents, husband/ wife, children, brothers, sisters or someone who cares for us.
Moreover as Christians, we have a father and friend in heaven who is always there for us. Blessing in deed.
I ended up saying a three point prayer, lord today help me to
• Be thankful (for all that u’ve done for me)
• Be content (with all that I have) and
• Help me Have a heart like you(Jesus)to have compassion when we see people in need
Lets start counting our Blessings and specially when there’s something bothering in your mind, lets think of the people like the ones who come to Scott mission or the ones around the world, who don’t have any place to go….
The scene outside the building was quite a thing, there were so many people waiting to go in to get some food, waiting for the doors to be open. Old, young, children and families. Each had a story to say, one can read it in their eyes, sorrow, pain and suffering. No one can pass by without having a second look and thought.
I was awe stuck with that site. Just couldn’t believe that in Canada and in Toronto there are people suffering like this, with not even one proper meal. Just few blocks away were the high end buildings and offices making millions with whatever they did, there was the rotating restaurant in the CN tower were one would spend about 50- 100 $ a meal and few hundred yards away there were people begging for food, what a contrast…
Living in India this scene wasn’t new to me but then I couldn’t think of this in Canada.
As I came back one thought was left behind. Many a times when we have all that we need provided on time, we don’t seem to realise the importance of life. When life goes well, slowly we tend to forget or reduce the time spent with God. I thought I need to pause for a while and think if all the Blessings God has given us, not the miraculous ones but ones which we never actually think as a blessing say some basic things like
• Clothes- If u ever had confusion on what to wear tomorrow, thank god cos u have two sets of clothes to choose, when someone doesn’t have even one
• Food- If u get to eat three full meals a day, without a problem Be thankful cos there are millions of people who just eat one meal a day or not even that…
• Shelter- we have a nice place to sleep, if it’s cold we have a blanket to cover, and if it’s hot we have our air-conditioning on to cool it a bit, isn’t that a Blessing.
• Family & loved ones- It is indeed a great blessing to have parents, husband/ wife, children, brothers, sisters or someone who cares for us.
Moreover as Christians, we have a father and friend in heaven who is always there for us. Blessing in deed.
I ended up saying a three point prayer, lord today help me to
• Be thankful (for all that u’ve done for me)
• Be content (with all that I have) and
• Help me Have a heart like you(Jesus)to have compassion when we see people in need
Lets start counting our Blessings and specially when there’s something bothering in your mind, lets think of the people like the ones who come to Scott mission or the ones around the world, who don’t have any place to go….
Thursday, April 23, 2009
In Times like these...
This was a song written by me recently. I was really upset about something and when i was praying came these words...
Everyday lord Oh every hour
Every word lord that You’ve Promised
Every minute Lord I am waiting for you
Oh let your Glory come….
But sometimes Lord I still feel lonely
Everyone seems heading so fast
Dark and weary knowing not what to do
I stand there waiting for you
In times like these, I come to you
In times like these, I feel your love (so close)
In times like these, you lift me up and I stand
Oh let your Glory be seen
Oh by the day and thru the night
The wall of fire and Glory cloud
To the glory land where milk and honey flow
Lord lead me I long to go
Lord take my life and let it be so;
Holy and worthy lord for thee
I am in your arms; mould me and make me to be
I surrender to thee
Everyday lord Oh every hour
Every word lord that You’ve Promised
Every minute Lord I am waiting for you
Oh let your Glory come….
But sometimes Lord I still feel lonely
Everyone seems heading so fast
Dark and weary knowing not what to do
I stand there waiting for you
In times like these, I come to you
In times like these, I feel your love (so close)
In times like these, you lift me up and I stand
Oh let your Glory be seen
Oh by the day and thru the night
The wall of fire and Glory cloud
To the glory land where milk and honey flow
Lord lead me I long to go
Lord take my life and let it be so;
Holy and worthy lord for thee
I am in your arms; mould me and make me to be
I surrender to thee
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Are u there God ....
There once was an older, destitute man. He had lost his family, his dignity, his work, and all his worldly possessions. The only thing he had left was his faith in God.
One day, he walked along the city sidewalks; homeless as he was. Peering around the city buildings, the passing cars, and sidewalk shoppers - he remembered a time when had the love of his wife, the comfort of home, and the camaraderie of his many friends and successful business partners. Just for one moment, he could feel the love and passion he once used to enjoy. But then he looked up into the sky, and he could see the graying clouds rolling overhead; and the wind began to fly past his ragged shirt sleeves.
Realizing that he was who he was, he knew he had to find shelter before the rains began to fall. Across the street, he saw the old city park that he used to visit when he was just a child. In the far end of the park, he spotted the old gazebo he'd frequented with his high school sweetheart. Suddenly, the rain began to fall. These weren't just ordinary raindrops - they were hard, heavy, and oversized droplets of water that pelted his head and neck like small stones. His walk turned into a fast run as he struggled to get under the shelter of the gazebo. Shaking off his shirt and wiping the wetness from his cheeks and forehead, the man sat back on the two seater swing beneath the gazebo. Then he shook his head in disbelief. "Is this what life is all about?" he asked, shaking his fist and peering up toward the grey skies, "What more do you want from me?"
Just then, the sky began to clear and above the skyscrapers, he could faintly see some bright hues of red, purple, pink, and even blue. It was a rainbow; and the sun's rays began to shine through the break in the clouds. Now sobbing, the man looked back up into the sky, and he asked, "Are You there, God?" But there was no audible reply.
A few moments passed when a park ranger made his way up to the old gazebo, "Top of the day to you, sir," he said to the man. The man glanced at the ranger as the voice sounded vaguely familiar. Sure enough, the man remembered the park ranger as a friend he once knew many, many years in his past.
I think I know you, the man replied to the ranger, aren't you Ed from the country store?
The ranger was slightly taken aback as he too, recognized the man. But the ranger's name was not Ed; that was his father's name. "My name is Paul," said the ranger, stretching out his hand to the man on the swing, "Ed was my father."
"Oh," replied the man, "I'm Mark Baker," he paused to shake Paul's hand. The similarities were uncanny, but Mark certainly remembered Ed, and this ranger was the spitting image of him. "How'd you know my dad?" asked Paul. "Oh, it was so long ago...you wouldn't want to hear how we met," replied Mark. Taking a couple steps beneath the shelter, Paul said, "Humour me."
Mark explained that he and Ed had met each other in the local hospital. Mark had gone there to pick up his lab tests where he and Ed had struck up a conversation while they sat in the waiting room. By the time all was said and done, he discovered that he was the perfect match for Ed - the perfect kidney match. "Needless to say," said Mark, "one thing led to another and we were kidney partners for life."
"What happened to you?" asked Paul. "Wall Street called me, greed took me, and I played my last bit of luck," he replied. Sighing aloud, Mark blinked to clear the water from his eyes, "and then I lost it all."
"I remember you," said Paul, then he pulled out a photograph from his wallet, and pointed to two men standing side-by-side by the old country store, "that's you, and that's my dad." Peering at the old black and white photograph, he could faintly make out the faces of the worn picture, "Sure does look like me, doesn't it?" asked Mark.
Paul began smiling and he replied, "It is you," then he took a deep breath, "do you know for how long I have been looking for you?"
Mark simply shook his head, "well, you found me...I wish under better circumstances" Just then, Paul placed his hand upon Mark's shoulder, "I wish my dad would've been able to see you again. He talked about you all the time...and especially right before he died," Paul sighed, "because of you, he was able to watch me graduate and get my high school diploma, and later, he got to hold his newborn grandson - my son."
"Wow" Mark replied, "I didn't realize that one kidney could do all that"
"You don't understand, Mark," said Paul, "when he died, he left you the old country store and the house. It's been waiting for your return but you never came until now"
And suddenly, Mark had received his answer...and his solution to his homelessness. It had been there the whole time but it took him losing everything before he would rediscover the rainbow of hope once again.
Even in your darkest hour, when you ask - God shows up in the
most unlikely places.
(From the Internet by an unknown authour)
One day, he walked along the city sidewalks; homeless as he was. Peering around the city buildings, the passing cars, and sidewalk shoppers - he remembered a time when had the love of his wife, the comfort of home, and the camaraderie of his many friends and successful business partners. Just for one moment, he could feel the love and passion he once used to enjoy. But then he looked up into the sky, and he could see the graying clouds rolling overhead; and the wind began to fly past his ragged shirt sleeves.
Realizing that he was who he was, he knew he had to find shelter before the rains began to fall. Across the street, he saw the old city park that he used to visit when he was just a child. In the far end of the park, he spotted the old gazebo he'd frequented with his high school sweetheart. Suddenly, the rain began to fall. These weren't just ordinary raindrops - they were hard, heavy, and oversized droplets of water that pelted his head and neck like small stones. His walk turned into a fast run as he struggled to get under the shelter of the gazebo. Shaking off his shirt and wiping the wetness from his cheeks and forehead, the man sat back on the two seater swing beneath the gazebo. Then he shook his head in disbelief. "Is this what life is all about?" he asked, shaking his fist and peering up toward the grey skies, "What more do you want from me?"
Just then, the sky began to clear and above the skyscrapers, he could faintly see some bright hues of red, purple, pink, and even blue. It was a rainbow; and the sun's rays began to shine through the break in the clouds. Now sobbing, the man looked back up into the sky, and he asked, "Are You there, God?" But there was no audible reply.
A few moments passed when a park ranger made his way up to the old gazebo, "Top of the day to you, sir," he said to the man. The man glanced at the ranger as the voice sounded vaguely familiar. Sure enough, the man remembered the park ranger as a friend he once knew many, many years in his past.
I think I know you, the man replied to the ranger, aren't you Ed from the country store?
The ranger was slightly taken aback as he too, recognized the man. But the ranger's name was not Ed; that was his father's name. "My name is Paul," said the ranger, stretching out his hand to the man on the swing, "Ed was my father."
"Oh," replied the man, "I'm Mark Baker," he paused to shake Paul's hand. The similarities were uncanny, but Mark certainly remembered Ed, and this ranger was the spitting image of him. "How'd you know my dad?" asked Paul. "Oh, it was so long ago...you wouldn't want to hear how we met," replied Mark. Taking a couple steps beneath the shelter, Paul said, "Humour me."
Mark explained that he and Ed had met each other in the local hospital. Mark had gone there to pick up his lab tests where he and Ed had struck up a conversation while they sat in the waiting room. By the time all was said and done, he discovered that he was the perfect match for Ed - the perfect kidney match. "Needless to say," said Mark, "one thing led to another and we were kidney partners for life."
"What happened to you?" asked Paul. "Wall Street called me, greed took me, and I played my last bit of luck," he replied. Sighing aloud, Mark blinked to clear the water from his eyes, "and then I lost it all."
"I remember you," said Paul, then he pulled out a photograph from his wallet, and pointed to two men standing side-by-side by the old country store, "that's you, and that's my dad." Peering at the old black and white photograph, he could faintly make out the faces of the worn picture, "Sure does look like me, doesn't it?" asked Mark.
Paul began smiling and he replied, "It is you," then he took a deep breath, "do you know for how long I have been looking for you?"
Mark simply shook his head, "well, you found me...I wish under better circumstances" Just then, Paul placed his hand upon Mark's shoulder, "I wish my dad would've been able to see you again. He talked about you all the time...and especially right before he died," Paul sighed, "because of you, he was able to watch me graduate and get my high school diploma, and later, he got to hold his newborn grandson - my son."
"Wow" Mark replied, "I didn't realize that one kidney could do all that"
"You don't understand, Mark," said Paul, "when he died, he left you the old country store and the house. It's been waiting for your return but you never came until now"
And suddenly, Mark had received his answer...and his solution to his homelessness. It had been there the whole time but it took him losing everything before he would rediscover the rainbow of hope once again.
Even in your darkest hour, when you ask - God shows up in the
most unlikely places.
(From the Internet by an unknown authour)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Blessing and curse: (Deut: 11)
Who wants to be a curse we all want to be blessed and be a blessing to others. We try to do our best to stay Blessed. Well here’s the way, let see what the Bible says…
Chapter 11 in the book of Deuteronomy talks about this, it says “love the Lord your God and keep his commands always” and it goes on to say that “Blessing and curse is in our hands” so to stay Blessed its a choice and not something which comes automatically, God expects us to do something and so we could be partakers of his Blessing which he has set before us.
Well what happens when we love God and obey his commands.
- Strength to Go and Possess
- Live long
- Blessings (not just spiritual but also material)
- Provision on time
- Blessings for generations
- Enemies Driven away
Strength to Go and Possess:
Our God is a God of promises and the Bible is full of promises. I am reminded of the chorus which goes…
Every Promise in the book (Bible) is mine, every chapter, every verse, and every line
All are Blessings of his love divine; every promise in the book is mine
In this case for the Israelites after all the suffering they went thru in
Long life:
What’s the point having abundant wealth and all that you need but you don’t get to enjoy all that? We all want to live long; I haven’t heard anyone wishing to die unless they’re told by some one due to some unchangeable situations or reasons. Here seems to be a simple tool, than investing our time and money on other things which claims to give us long life. When we posses what God had promised for us we need to live long to enjoy every bit of it and the Bible says you will live long in this land when u love God and follow his commands
Blessings:
In the case of Israelites it was material Blessings apart from others which they enjoyed anyway after leaving
Provision on time:
Our God is a God of details when you read Leviticus and Numbers you would see how detailed everything is told to Moses and his people, to the minute detail, well planned and I see a God of perfection here. He not just provide us with the things once and for all but then he also promises to continue with provision as and when needed including the rain, for us to be full and be satisfied. Isn’t that amazing?
Blessing for generations:
When we obey God the Blessings don’t stop with us but then he promises to Bless us for generations, we witness that with the Israelites when they entered the promised land it was a complete new generation of people not one who left Egypt entered but their children and generations, but then it comes with a clause though, only if we teach them and they choose to do the same- Love God and follow his commands
Enemies driven away:
What a promise it is “when we know that our God is for us and no one can be against us” no one, no forces smaller, larger or even stronger can stand against us. Every place where you set your set your feet will be yours. Amen. We can always see people not so happy when we are Blessed and happy as Christians. So we are for sure to face these big giants on our way but then lets win them cos we know this- when God is for us who can be against us.
So as I said before it is a choice: whether it’s Blessing or curse its set before us;
If we want to receive his Blessing: Obey the commands of the Lord our God which is set before us.
If we want to receive a curse: Disobey the commands of the lord and turn away from him
Being his children and having experienced his Agape Love for us, let us be sure to obey all the decrees and laws the lord has set before us today. Let us Love the Lord and serve him with all our heart, our mind and soul so that we may be a source of his blessings not just today but for generations to come.
Stay Blessed
Augustine
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Royal Blood line
Recently my wife and I got to attend the
Child abuse is becoming regular news in our dailies and news channels. You might have read about Tori the girl who went missing from a school in
Many a times if it’s a girl who’s sick, often they don’t bother to take her to the hospital no matter how serious she is. At the same time if it was a boy, they would try every possible thing to save him cos according to them a Boy is an Income and a Girl is an expense keeping dowry and the other local practices in mind.
As I was thinking on these lines, suddenly I realised how privileged most of us are to have parents and family who really care for us. I have the privilege of having a very strong and loving family presence always around me. We often take them for granted, I can’t think of my parents ever thinking something bad for me but then it can happen, Bible says “even your father and mother may forget u and leave u but I (Jesus) will never leave you nor forsake you.
Think of those children dying there without love for a moment and also think about Jesus who tells us a different perspective on the fathers love who sent his only son to die for us on the cross. What greater love can we see in this world than this? We have his inheritance. He has given us the privilege to call him Abba father what a great privilege it is, to have the king of kings, Lord of ‘lords and the maker of this whole universe our own father, isn’t that something to think of…
We are Blessed not because we are righteous but for what he is to us, cos of the promise he made to our forefathers. We receive it free because of his Amazing grace. If we are his children, we are blessed for sure cos we have His Royal Blood line in us.
So today my friend if u think things aren’t going too well with you, cheer up cos you have the royal blood line in u. Being an Agriculturist I can say this, when u look at a genetically modified seed, it will look just the same as a normal one and u might think, even doubt on whether after paying so much money u will get any better results, but then because of its genes and modifications its proven that when it grows it is going to yield plenty times more and will give more value for your money.
Sameway, you and me having the Royal bloodline in us no matter what we are and what we are going thru right now, we shall overcome for sure and we will be Victors. Amen
Stay Blessed.
Augustine
Friday, April 17, 2009
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