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
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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
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