The Greatest Gift

 

“I opened two gifts this morning. They were my eyes.” -  Zig Ziglar

In this day and time, it means a lot to be able to open your eyes every morning and watch each new day dawning. As the whole world is going through the pandemic, during these trying months, unwrapping each day requires great care as the anxious anticipations are awaiting, trying to take over the hopeful expectations. Regardless we are grateful to the Lord God Almighty for each new day, and for His great gift of life itself.

In Luke 12, Jesus spoke of a man who had all the gifts and possessions one could ask for in this earthly life. This man had no financial worries, as he was rich. He was very successful in his career, and his endeavors yielded plentifully. As he ran out of rooms to store all the goods, he had to expand his facilities. He had a great abundance to save up for the future. He was ready and prepared to face any kind of lockdown or quarantine that could possibly happen. Also, he had good health to eat, drink and be merry, and take his ease and enjoy everyday. But from the text, we understand that the only thing he lacked was that his eyes weren’t open to see beyond this earthly life.

Jesus states a very thought provoking question that, what will happen if his life on earth comes to an end that day. Everything he had will become lost and meaningless for him. There was nothing wrong with this man being very successful, but the problem was that his vision was only limited to this life. Jesus encourages us to see beyond this world into eternity. In fact, He provided a way for us to do that. As He came into this world, as a babe lying in the manger, God’s love and mercy were revealed in the priceless gift that was ever given to mankind. By His death on the cross and His resurrection, the greatest redemption work was carried out, so that we may have eternal life. Just simply believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we can freely receive the gift of everlasting life. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:23‬

Opening gifts is fun and interesting. It brings an element of surprise and excitement. The gift of life is beautiful, but it is even more desirable and essential to accept the gift of eternal life. I pray that our eyes will remain open to this gift of eternal life that’s freely given by the Heavenly Father. May your life be filled with overflowing joy and gladness as you unwrap this greatest gift that is lasting and eternal. May God bless you!

Divine Peace

When we think of the word, “peace”, many pictures can come into our mind. It can be a picture of calmness, serenity, restfulness or tranquility. There is a story that talks about peace:

“Long time ago there was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, reflecting a peaceful towering mountain around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest, resting in perfect peace. Which picture do you think won the prize?

The king chose the second picture. “Because,” explained the king, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.” 

The Bible talks about a kind of peace which “surpasses all understanding”. It’s the kind of peace only God can give!

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

In the midst of all that is happening around us, in the middle of the uncertainties and chaos, it’s natural to feel restless, troubled and anxious. In the midst of all the storms, we would definitely need this supernatural peace to keep us intact.

The only way for us to receive this peace is to come to the Lord Jesus Christ who Himself is the Prince of Peace. He is the perfect embodiment of peace. He is our peace and the peace that He gives is beyond our comprehension. That peace is strong enough to guard our hearts and minds.

May all your days be filled with that kind of supernatural peace as you lift your eyes up to Him everyday. May God bless you!

Lost and Found

Have you ever lost something and wanted to get it back so badly? Well, most of us can relate to that. Whether it is a small thing or big, if we lose something that’s important to us, we all desire to have it restored. And if we ever are able to find it, we would be exhilarated. It’s not just true about material things but also applicable for other scenarios. Getting back on track after losing the way or getting restored to a relationship that was thought to be lost or even finding oneself back after feeling lost in life situations, all bring a tremendous amount of joy.

It’s interesting to learn the three lost and found scenarios described in Luke chapter 15.

The first example is of a sheep that was lost accidently by the shepherd. The loss was negligible as it was only one among a hundred. However, to the shepherd it was very significant that he took a high risk in leaving the ninety nine behind in the wilderness to search for the one that was lost.

Next is a woman who lost one coin out of ten coins she possessed. She also didn’t want to leave it behind. The loss occurred probably by her own carelessness or lack of diligence, however upon realizing her loss she went out after it, lit a lamp, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it. 

Third, we see one son among two who got lost from the house by him purposely leaving his father to live a prodigal life. However, his father didn’t write him off, but rather waited for him to come back. When he finally came back, the father wholly accepted him back even at the risk of offending his older son who stayed with him all along.

Jesus used these parables to explain that regardless of how the loss has happened, whether by accident, or by lack of diligence or by purposely walking away, there is still hope. The only thing the lost sheep could do was to cry out until the shepherd comes. The woman who lost the coin prevailed by her persistence and diligence.  Our loving Heavenly Father has His arms stretched out to receive the repentant ones who are turning to Him. 

Of all the losses, the ultimate loss is the loss of your soul. The Bible says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). 

The heart-captivating eternal love of the Father assumes great value to the lost.  You are significant enough to be put back together as a great price has already been paid for you at the cross of Jesus. Hence don’t wait for another day, as “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” ‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭6:2‬b.). May He put back together the lost pieces in your life as you call out, seek and come home to Him, God bless you!

The Guiding Star

"I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my guide." - Martin Luther

At the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the wise men from the East set on a journey seeing an unusual star in the sky.  They first went to the palace of King Herod in Jerusalem thinking that they were going to pay homage to the newborn king of Israel.  They were very excited to enquire of this wonderful news, however, to their surprise their visit seem to only trouble King Herod, as well as all the people in Jerusalem.  The king immediately gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, and they helped identify that Bethlehem would be the birthplace - where Christ or Messiah would be born. As the wise men were sent out to Bethlehem, strangely, no one showed enthusiasm in taking the journey with them in search of their promised Messiah.

The responses of the king and the people of Jerusalem may have made the wise men even wonder about the relevance of their long and hard journey.  Perplexed as they may be, they didn’t give up but rather resumed their journey. A great shift occurred when they looked up again and saw the marvelous sight.  The star that they had seen in the East, was still up in the sky, though they had lost sight of it briefly, the star never had lost track of them.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” - Matthew 2:10

The sight of the star brought back renewed purpose and meaning to their journey. The star shined brightly with God’s love, care and affirmation.  Though the people who were expected to take the journey with them were not present, God has always been with them throughout their journey. The star led them all the way till they came to where the young Child was, and stood over there.  The star has guided them to the right place, among hundreds of mangers in Bethlehem. How awesome is the experience to see Heaven standing with you, helping and guiding you.

The star led them to the Lord, who himself is the Bright and Morning Star.”(Revelation 22:16b).  His birth indeed brought good tidings of great joy to all people. Jesus is the only one who can give hope to anyone who is wandering in darkness and discouragement.  Through Him we can also experience the amazing love of God filling our hearts with everlasting hope.

Even if sometimes we lose sight of the way, God will never lose sight of us, and we can count on Him to watch over us, to lead us and guide us all the way!  As you look up to Him today, may your heart rejoice and be glad with exceeding joy, as His divine guidance lead you to your right destination!!

Thirst of the soul

“The well was dry beside the door,

And so we went with pail and can

Across the fields behind the house

To seek the brook if still it ran;” - Robert Frost

Thirst can make anyone stop what they are doing and go in search of water.  Every living thing feels the same when it comes to needing water. We see a thirsty deer depicted in Psalm 42, which pants to get to the water brooks.  May be after a long hot day of wandering around in search of food or after the strain in trying to run to a safe place from its predators, this deer yearns to get to a stream of water to revitalize it’s weary self.  Psalmist was able to relate to this deer as he found his soul deeply wanting to be quenched of its thirst.

As the quenching of the physical thirst is an absolute necessity, even more the thirst of the soul.  However, it could not be satisfied with the natural sources. Even the most expensive drink would not work, when it comes to a weary soul.  Like the mirages in the wilderness, the temporal things leave the soul destitute and wandering for the real thing.

The woman at the well that Jesus encountered in John 4 was also in a similar situation.  She knew where to get water for her physical need and came to draw it out. However, she had a greater thirst deep inside her soul which remained unsatisfied.  She had tried many things and been in different relationships but none of it worked. Whether she recognized her real need or not, that day a miracle was awaiting her.  As she went to draw out water that day, Jesus who was sitting at the well asked her for a drink. It was unusual for a Rabbi to speak to a woman and especially to a Samaritan.  While she stood surprised, Jesus said:

“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)

The real purpose of the Lord talking to her was that she would come to know the gift of God and who Jesus really is. Jesus gave her a wonderful offer that He is able to give her the living water. He also said, it will spring up in the inner being of whoever drinks it, a fountain of living water.  Hence not just pacifying the immediate thirst but something that is lasting and continually satisfying.

Who wouldn’t want to take up such an offer and for free! What an amazing news for any thirsty soul to have the kind of water that would quench the thirst of the soul and spirit. And moreover, how wonderful to get to know this life-giving source of eternal contentment. If you feel like your wells are running dry and the brooks are nowhere to be seen, let’s remember that His offer still stands, and hence let us draw closer to Him!  May your thirst be quenched and your soul be abundantly satisfied as you drink from Him today, God bless you!

The Glorious Resurrection

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” - Martin Luther

Springtime is a season of renewal, new beginnings, new buddings, it brings a sense of rejuvenation.  Even the plants, animals and vegetation awakes with great excitement. It’s a natural law that no matter how long and bitter cold the winter was, the spring always is sure to follow.  The leaves that were dead for weeks and months, comes alive and that amazingly reminds us of the promise of resurrection. No matter how hard and painful the reality of death is, the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ brings unparalleled hope, joy, life and exuberance.

Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the same day the Lord rose again.  They had heard from the women who went to the tomb and also from some of their fellow disciples about Jesus’ resurrection.  But for them the news was not so exciting initially. They were still finding it hard to digest the facts of Him being betrayed and crucified.  Filled with discouragement and disappointment, they were extremely fearful that those who persecuted Jesus will hurt them also. Wondering that even if Jesus is resurrected, would He remember them and would come to rescue them?  They were not so sure of that and hence were very sad and gloomy, conversing and reasoning with each other and trying to run away from everything.

The Bible says that not only Jesus went and walked with them all the way to their destination, but also took time to explain to them all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself, though they did not know Him, for their eyes were restrained.  They were very slow in believing what the Scriptures had said, nevertheless, quick to invite Jesus over to stay with them where they were staying. This awesome decision changed their destiny and the course of their life journey forever. Their eyes were opened while Jesus blessed the meal and they knew Him instantly as He vanished from their sight. The encounter with the resurrected Lord was so powerful that it revitalized the core of their being that they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem with exhilaration.

Our Lord Jesus always make time for us to walk with us all the way in our journeys. Those who invite Jesus over to their hearts and homes will never ever be the same again.  He will come in and change the course of your journey for better, from hopeless end to endless hope. His resurrection gives us the assurance that as He overcame, so can we also overcome.  No matter how discouraging the circumstances may be, the end can still be glorious as He is Risen, yes Risen Indeed!

Divine Love

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” -  C. S. Lewis

The evidence of the existence of love in one’s heart finds its expression through words and deeds.  God’s love for mankind is displayed even from the time of creation. In His love, God prepared everything else in this world prior to creating man.  Unlike other creations, man was made in His own image and likeness. Though everything else came into existence by His Word, when it came to man, God took time and care and formed him out the dust of the ground.

With all of that, still we see the greatest display of God’s love at the cross of Jesus. When God decided to demonstrate His love to a lost and fallen world, He chose the most precious and unique way to do so.  It involved not sparing His own son at the cross to redeem you and me, the imperfect, unrighteous and unworthy candidates. Here we see the heart of the Heavenly Father whose love is beyond comprehension. It is indeed the greatest demonstration of His unmerited and unfathomable love toward us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The natural instinct of man, however, like the prodigal son in the parable of Jesus, is to run away from a father who loves him so deeply.  This son, after spending all his resources on temporal things, came to the realization that being a servant in his father’s house is more desirable than the swine feeding job he ended up having. Then he made a choice that changed his life forever, he decided to humble himself and to go back his father’s house.

It’s amazing to find that his father was waiting for his son’s return all along and his love had not changed a tad bit. Instead of showing anger or resentment, this father could not help but to love his son wholly and completely.  He even made a great feast in honor of his son’s return.  Jesus taught this parable to explain the depth of the amazing and unconditional love of the Heavenly Father.

In this world of many changes and variables, we need to really search and find consistency and stability.  Human feelings and emotions are not immune to the fluctuations that are around us.  In the midst of it knowing the Heavenly Father who loves us no matter what, is indeed the greatest privilege one could have. Yes, His love is unchangeable and eternal, and you can count on it anytime!  Have you come home to Him yet?  If not, let it be today!  May God bless you!

Joy to the world!

The shepherds who were doing night shift keeping watch of their sheep out in the pastures of Bethlehem, didn’t know what was awaiting them.  The only visitors that they could anticipate would be any wild animals coming to steal one of their sheep.  They were totally unaware of the plan that God had for them.  Contrary to their expectation and at an unlikely time, they had a heavenly visitation with the greatest good news that they could ever have.

“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” - Luke‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Usually the birth of a newborn baby would be announced to the immediate family.  It is joyous and celebratory.  How amazing is the love of God that He chose the lowly Shepherds of Bethlehem to hear the wonderful news of the saviour’s birth for the first time.  The heavenly invitation was sent to them not by ordinary means but through an angel along with a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God.

From the angel they knew the place where the child was born is Bethlehem and the sign that was given to them was that a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Unlike the wise men, they didn’t have a guiding star leading them to the right place among the hundreds of mangers in Bethlehem.

It’s important to note the effort they put forth in response to the heavenly invitation they received.  They made haste and went in search of Him and found Him just as the angel had said. Because of their obedience and diligence, they were able to meet Jesus, the true and great shepherd. They returned with great joy praising and glorifying God with immense excitement that they couldn’t help but share this good news to others around them.

As in the case of the Shepherds, even in the darkness and stillness of our night seasons, God can still come through with good news that will forever transform our atmosphere with the jubilance of His presence.  Though the heavenly invitation first came to the shepherds, it was not just for them. Those who respond to the heavenly call to go and seek Him will always find Him.

“Seek the Lord while He may be found,

Call upon Him while He is near.” (Isa. 55:6)

Jesus is the only one who can give good tidings of great joy and bring peace and goodwill to all people.  As you seek Him today, may He release exceedingly great Joy to your heart and your world!  May God bless you!

Giving Thanks Always

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” - H. A. Ironside

An attitude of gratitude not only helps appreciate the things at hand but also prepares way for greater things ahead.  Thankfulness has an effect of brightening up any unhappy days.  A thankful heart is a great possession a person could have.

Psalmist David says: “I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” - Psalms‬ ‭69:30‬

In David’s life we see that though he got anointed at a very young age, he had to live through very conflicting environment.  His father didn’t feel that it was important to invite him to the family gathering, his brothers rejected him, he had to be out in the field with wild animals, protecting his sheep.  Though he slayed the giant Goliath and saved an entire nation, he had to run away fearing for his life, away from the jealous king Saul.  But through it all, one thing that he was consistent in doing was playing his harp and giving thanks and praising God.  The psalms he wrote bring comfort and deep encouragement, divinely touching people’s heart and exhorting them to worship God.

In the lineage of King David the worshipper, Jesus the promised Messiah came to this world.  Jesus though He is the son of God, throughout His earthly life constantly gave thanks to the Heavenly Father, who is the giver of all good things.  On the cross Jesus purchased our salvation through His sacrifice, which is the greatest blessing of all that we are eternally grateful for!

When injustice, unrest, chaos and unfairness are the daily reports in the news, the natural and easy response can be to worry and be fearful.  As the world around us gives us plenty of reasons to feel discouraged and be discontent, it takes effort to stay grateful and not to take things for granted.  Thankfulness in our heart helps us to reflect on things in a positive light and to soar over all the negative things around us.

“15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” - Hebrews 13:15

As we look at the many blessings and daily benefits that we enjoy, let’s not forget to thank God. And even if sometimes it may feel like a sacrifice of praise, let’s remember to give thanks.  May the grace of our Lord fill our hearts today and enable us to be thanks-givers not just during a season but everyday! God bless you!

Importune Prayers

"We prevail with men by importunity because they are displeased with it, but with God because he is pleased with it!" - Matthew Henry

The disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them how to pray.  To demonstrate the importance of prayer, Jesus spoke to them about a person who went at midnight knocking on the door of a friend, for three loaves of bread to set before a guest who unexpectedly visited him that night.

It was unlikely time to open the door for anyone knocking at the door. And the friend didn’t want to get up and open the door.  He had his children sleeping on the bed and like any parent, he didn’t want to wake them up.  So it was only reasonable that he turned down the friend’s request many times.

However, this man refused to take “no” for an answer and didn’t even give it a thought that he was inconveniencing his friend. He had an urgent and specific request for which he knew that his friend had the answer. He didn’t even care if his persistence will negatively impact their relationship. All he wanted was an answer and so he kept on knocking.

Jesus said, “I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” (Luke 11: 8)

It’s important to note, it’s not the fact that him being a friend that got him the answer, but rather his persistence with such shameless boldness that made his friend to get up and open the door.

Though his request was for just three loaves of bread but when he got the answer he received as many as he needed.  Jesus urged His disciples that they pray in this manner.

God made a way possible through His son Lord Jesus that we may approach Him.  We can come to Him with our requests anytime.  Our God is the loving Heavenly Father who is pleased with and more than willing to supply all our needs, unlike the reluctant friend in the story.  When God answers, he will answer in abundance.  Hence let’s continue to ask, seek and knock with persistence knowing that God sees and honors your importunity. May your answers come in abundance!  God bless you!

Counting Him Faithful

“All God's giants have been weak men and women who have gotten hold of God's faithfulness.” - Hudson Taylor

In Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith chapter of the Bible, the writer showcases the great men and women of faith whose lives are an inspiration for all generations. One thing they all had in common was indeed faith. They all portrayed different characteristics of faith, expressed different forms that were evident in their actions and turned impossible situations in their favor. It is often wrongly assumed that they all somehow possessed superhuman ability which resulted in them having the strong, unwavering and consistent faith.  We could easily overlook the fact that they were all people with nature like ours.  However, they all received immense grace from God, and that enabled them to be overcomers.

In verse 11 of the same chapter, we see Abraham’s wife Sarah is mentioned.  When Sarah was yet to have a child, God spoke of her as the mother of nations.  At that time, they were still waiting for a long while to receive God’s promise of a child and both Abraham and Sarah were getting very old and well advanced in age.

Hebrews 11:11 reads: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”

In order for Sarah to receive strength, could it imply that she was weak in faith at some point prior?  When we look at her life in Genesis chapter 18, a year ago before Isaac was born, God reminded them of the promise.  The reaction of  Sarah was noted that she laughed from unbelief.  From the time she suggested Hagar to Abraham until she laughed and tried to hide, for several years then Sarah wasn’t really able to fully embrace that the promise of God would come to pass in her life.  Fulfilment of God's promise would be naturally impossible due to age and any reasonable person in her situation could potentially find it very difficult to believe.

What could’ve possibly changed in order for her to receive that strength?  From what we see in the book of Hebrews, she made an incredible decision and “considered Him who had given her the promise to be reliable and true to His word”.  That is a great shift in thinking to take the focus off of her own inabilities and place it squarely on God who is faithful. What a remarkable faith that enabled her to receive strength to birth the impossible!

Sarah indeed is an inspiration and gives tremendous hope to us that we can also draw such strength from God’s faithfulness, when faced with impossible challenges!  God remains faithful and we can surely rely on Him all the time.  Like Sarah, let us judge Him faithful in all situations!  May His strength that is made perfect in our weaknesses, empower you today to see God's promises fulfilled and every impossible situations turned around in your life!

Dwelling Place

“Among the dwellings framed by birds

In field or forest with nice care,

Is none that with the little Wren's

In snugness may compare.” - William Wordsworth

It’s interesting to watch how the birds make their nests. Great engineering skills are displayed in their building. It is made as a secure place for them to lay their eggs, and a protective environment for their young ones to hatch. Through their God-given instinct, they know how to search and find a right place to skillfully build the nest as a cozy and peaceful dwelling place.

The sons of Korah, stated the example of a sparrow and swallow, who decided to make their nest at the altar of God.  “Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself,

Where she may lay her young—Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God.” -- Psalm 84:3.

The Psalmists could think of no better example while remembering their flee that saved their lives. While their fathers rebelled against God, they chose not to stay as part of it, but instead they ran into the house of God and got hold on the horns of the altar of God.  Like those sparrow and swallow, they also made the wisest decision!  Especially, looking from a locational and positional point of view, they found the perfect hideout!

There is no place more secure and safe than the presence of God for us to make a dwelling place for ourselves. Though it may be invisible to the natural eyes, we also have a dwelling place, where we can stay in Him. It’s a place of rest for your soul, where you are secure, protected and free!

Jesus spoke of a wise man who built his house on the rock and the flood and the storm couldn’t take it down. We can be like him, as we build according to the Lord’s word.

Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

He still have His wings spread out so you can run to Him and find your safe DWELLING PLACE!

Light of Life

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1: 4 - 5)

You may have heard of this popular quote, “I opened two gifts this morning, they were my eyes”.  The sense of vision is really incredible, and the essential ingredient that makes it possible is light.

We also know, the importance of light for the existence of human beings, plants, animals and the entire biosphere.  We all might have experienced blackouts and power outages at some point.  It makes us think how valuable a small candle is.  Even the light from that small candle can drive away the darkness.  As Rev Martin Luther King Jr once said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

The first recorded word spoken by God in the Bible is “Let there be light”.  He knew, before anything else can be created, the light needed to be there.  In our lives too, before other creations can come forth, light is necessary.

In this day and age, we have information readily available at the click of our fingertips. However with all that, most of our questions can only be answered by having God opening our internal eyes and Him shedding His light into our lives.  It makes a world of difference, just by having His light shed on all areas in our life. That would bring clarity and peace of mind, just by knowing things in the right light.

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

The Word of God is talking about a light that has shone in our hearts.  It’s relieving to know that God made that possible by sending His own son into this world darkened by sin.  In a manger in Bethlehem, the true light has finally dawned on humanity, bringing hope and future! Jesus, the light of the world, has come down to this earth, bringing new life for all!

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

How desiring is it to have light, how much more the light of life! It’s a promise given to whomever deciding to follow Jesus. This light is beyond the comprehension of any darkness around us. Jesus, the true light of the world, brings peace and joy within! May He shine in your heart today and light up your world with His life and glory, for YOUR light has come!

The Touch of Faith

In the miracle of Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood, we see that though a great multitude was thronging the Lord, the power to heal was released from Him to only one person.  “But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” (Luke 8:46).

For twelve years, this woman was not even allowed to appear in public, but she decided to take a huge risk. As Jesus continued walking, she came from behind, ended up touching the border of Jesus’ garment, and immediately was healed and the outflow of blood stopped.

What was so special about her touch, which made Jesus to stop and inquire who touched Him?  Even, Jesus’ own disciples wondered what the logic was behind His inquiry.  That touch was definitely different, as it caused the power of God to flow out from the Lord!

As this lady identified herself, Jesus spoke to her and said: “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well.  Go in peace.”  Hence, underneath that touch there was a heart of faith!

We read her confession of faith in Mark 5:28, “For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”  What a powerful confession out of strong faith!

The Bible says, God shows no partiality and He is no respecter of persons. If Jesus was a respecter of persons, then He would’ve first found out who touched Him prior to His healing virtue flowing out to her.

So then the fact that the power was automatically released from Jesus teaches us that if anyone, including you and me, have the faith that touches the Lord, His power will flow.  We will be able to receive and experience the same results!  How amazing is that!!

Let’s make sure that our faith is active everyday, for we also read, “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;” (Acts 17:27).

Since He is near to us, let us reach out in faith and touch Him, so we can also hear Him say to us “Be of good cheer; your faith has made you well.  Go in peace”!

This Too Shall Pass

This Too Shall Pass

“For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18b).

In the above scripture, Apostle Paul encourages us not to lose heart looking at the present afflictions that are temporary and reminds us of things which are not seen that are eternal.

There is a story about an emperor who asked his council of wise men for a quote that would be accurate and appropriate at all times and in all circumstances.  After a lot of contemplation, they came up with the phrase: “ This too shall pass”.

It is a great reminder of the temporary nature of our situations, that we don’t need to be affected by what’s happening around us.  Though we all like to have the phrase not to be true during the good times, it seems to explain the temporal nature of earthly pleasures.

However, many times we forget the applicability of the phrase during desperate times.  When we face the realities of life, we can easily give into the thinking that the unhappy times are permanent and we feel that it will remain that way forever.  If only we could remember then that the unpleasant times will also pass away soon!

Jesus said:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34).

It’s encouraging that the troubled days will pass away soon.  Since all the temporal things around us are supposed to be passing away, let’s have our anchor strongly fixed in the eternal and everlasting Heavenly Father who did not even hesitate to give His own beloved Son because of His love and care for us!  May His comfort fill your heart today and you can calmly look at your circumstances and remember, This too shall pass!