Coffee with Jesus

My prayer for you

2012-02-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 1:6

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19

I (Jesus) pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. John 17:21

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I pray that the Lord may fulfil his word. 1 Samuel 1:23

Amen!

Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly

2012-02-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonias 3:1

Greetings to all of you gathered here at Coffee with Jesus.

We are wrapping up the Leaping Forward series tomorrow with a special prayer for all of you. Today however let's take a moment to pray for the Coffee with Jesus ministries along with the numerous ways and means by which the Gospel is being spread these days.

For every Christian believer, soul winning ought to be his/her number one prayer and priority. Each one of us is called as ministers or as ambassadors of Christ! Amen! When we are ready to serve in whatever way we can, God will annoint us more and use us for His glory. There is no greater privilege than serving the Lord! Amen!

Let us pray:

Our Father in Heaven! Thank you Lord for once again bringing us all together under your wings as one big happy family, around this "coffee table" to enjoy the fellowship of one another in your sweet presence!

Today Lord, we gather together and pray for the Coffee with Jesus ministries Lord. Let your words be shared, not any human explanation, Lord. Let your Holy Spirit lead us and guide us as we look at each Scripture Lord.

Let your words of healing reach out to the sick among us Lord. Let your words of comfort and joy and peace touch the broken hearts among us Lord. Let your words of correction lead us to become more like you each day Lord.

Thank you for each and every one of us gathered here from all over the world Lord. Thank you for binding us all as one in your name Lord. We praise and glorify your name and your name alone Lord. Thank you for the numerous ministries that are working towards spreading the Gospel Lord. Use each one for your glory Lord.

In Jesus' most precious name we pray,
Amen!

Behold! The Lamb of God!

2012-02-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41

There are two babies we read about in Luke Chapter 1, baby John and baby Jesus. Both babies were special. Both were foretold decades ago. One to set the path straight and make the way for the Other. One to set the path straight and make the way for the rest of the world!

No wonder baby John leaped upon sensing the presence of baby Jesus! Both were anointed by the Holy Spirit, even from their conception.

You must read John Chapter 1 to fully understand how John testifies Jesus time and time again. He says in verse 15 “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” in verse 20: John confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.”

When the priest's people insisted John to tell who he really was, he said: “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.”

When John saw Jesus, right away he knew He was the Lamb of God who is to be slain to take away the sins of the world.

John baptised Jesus with water in the river Jordan. The Holy Spirit in the form of Dove rested on Jesus which was the confirmation message for John that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God!

John lived and died preaching about repentence, making the way straight for the Lord. Jesus on the other hand died and lives and continues to make our paths straight. Amen!

If there is anyone here who has not found this Light, not washed by the Blood of this Lamb, I pray that you experience His Love and be redeemed!

And those of us who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, let us testify of Him making the way straight for salvation of the rest of the world! Amen!

He provides us with plenty of food and fills our hearts with joy

2012-02-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 1and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed (leaped) out into the crowd, shouting: “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you.

We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. Acts: 14:8-18

It is the same Jesus Paul preached about - we worship! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has shown kindness by giving us rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides us with plenty of food and fills our hearts with joy. Amen!

Have a blessed "Son"day!

Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?

2012-02-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.

They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. [One day] the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit leaped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. Acts 19:11-20

Since the text is self explanatory, I do not wish to elaborate on it. However I wish to stress on one important aspect of it. Faith or living out the faith comes from our closeness with God. If we do not have a relationship with God it is impossible to live out our faith or even try out someone else's faith...

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary quotes:

If we resist the devil by faith in Christ, he will flee from us; but if we think to resist him by the using of Christ's name, or his works, as a spell or charm, Satan will prevail against us.

So true! Let us live out our faith genuinely!

How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful!

2012-02-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. (NIV) Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. (ESV) Song of Solomon 4:1

Christ's love for His Bride - the Church (you & me) is unconditional. He overwhelms us with His loving words, does He not? We may not consider ourself very beautiful, but to our Savior Jesus Christ we are so beautiful without any blemish. We can say He is blindly in love with us that He looks past our imperfections.

Here's a beautiful song just for you! Have a blessed weekend. God be with you!

2012-02-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. Genesis 31:12 (KJV)

I strongly encourage you to read this portion of the Scripture which would set the context for today's devotion: Genesis 30:25 onwards.

It is an all too familiar story how Jacob was taken advantage of by his Father-in-law Laban. For the first fourteen years he worked for him for Rachel, he did not get paid at all. Later when Laban was willing to pay him he kept changing the wages because it seemed Jacob was getting the better of the deal. It was in fact in a dream Jacob got the hint to ask for speckled, ringstraked ad grisled flocks as his wages.

The focus of our attention today is the underlined text above: "I have seen all that Laban has done to you!"

It may appear for a while that we are on God's blind spot if you will and that He ignores how we are treated by certain individuals in our lives - be it a manager, a supervisor, a spouse, an in-law, a sibling, a friend, a neighbor - you name it. People could be taking advantage of our hard work, our simplicity, our honesty, our God fearing, you name it.

Just because we are Christians we are expected to shake off stuff that bothers us and tolerate everything under the sin. Worse yet people quote the Scriptures and demand us to react certain way to certain situation. Comments like , "show your other cheek" or "go the extra mile" or "forgive as you are forgiven" are not uncommon coming from our offenders.

Don't give up yet; just hang in there. Don't you doubt the least that whatever you are going through are all recorded in God's sight. He has seen it all! Soon He will justify your cause and bring you victory. He will never ever put you to shame.

Here are some more Scriptures along these lines to assure you indeed your help is near:

* Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll--are they not in your record? Psalm 56:8

* "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back." Isaiah 54:7

* This is what the LORD says: Stop your crying, and wipe away your tears. You will be rewarded for your work, declares the LORD Jeremiah 31:16
* Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

* No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married. Isaiah 62:4

To conclude, His eyes have seen all they have done to you! Amen!

Create in me a clean heart, O God!

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

For by you I have advanced against a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. Psalm 18:29

Psalm 18 is a song of King David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

If we can learn one thing from King David, it is how to be truly humble. He was a great king who had won many battles, earned many riches, he had the perfect 'rags to riches' story. He could have easily took the credit for it all; but he was careful not to. For every little or big achievement in his life he acknowledged the mercy of God.

Being a king, making such statements that emphasized his dependency on God might have been shunned at by his advisers, ridiculed by his adversaries and was not considered "politically correct" by his inner circle. Yet, he cared the least for what people thought of him and never hesitated to praise the Lord for his advancing career.

He was not ashamed to share about the perils he encountered and the emotional turmoils during the process. In verses 4,5 & 6 he says, "The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help."

No wonder he was a man after God's own heart!

Now, the question is how many of us can truly say we can relate to King David in these aspects? Are we more like him or unlike him? Do we realize it is His grace that we are not consumed? If we answered "No" let us start working on our attitude.

Let us make this our sincere prayer: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

How long will you waver between two opinions?

2012-02-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Elijah cometh nigh unto all the people, and saith, 'Till when are ye leaping on the two branches? -- if Jehovah is God, go after Him; and if Baal, go after him;' 1 Kings 18:21(Young's Literal Translation)

Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." (NIV)

We are not getting into details on the context of today's text. However, if you wish to understand the context, please click here to read the full chapter.

How many of us can relate to wavering between two opinions? What causes us to waver?

* When a promise is delayed we waver
* When our faith is tested we waver
* Out of fear of someone or something we waver
* To avoid conflicts we waver...
* To sum it all up, in plain and simple words, we waver between hope and fear.

We do want to believe in God's promises (hope) but at the same time we want to consider the 'what if it is not true' scenario (fear or doubt).

The Scripture says: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

Wavering or being unstable has huge consequences. If you recall Reuben, he received curse from his father Jacob instead of blessing. Jacob's words in Genesis 49:4 goes: "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel"

King David sings in Psalm 26:1 "I have trusted in the LORD without wavering". In his letters to the Hebrews Apostle Paul writes: Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm Hebrew 10:23

As part of His sermon on the mount, Jesus said: "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:37

Knowing these Scriptures will help us to improve in our faith and reduce our doubts. Any doubt about that? :)

Return to me with all your heart

2012-02-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

With a noise like that of chariots they(the army of locusts) leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. Joel 2:5

In the book of Joel we read of many end time prophesies and here in Chapter 2 a detailed description of an army of locusts. If you have some time today I encourage you to read the full chapter to get a glimpse of the impending danger by an invasion of locusts. It is dreadful to realize that such destruction could be caused by swarms of locusts. It is absolutely horrifying even to read.

The chapter does not end with just the warning; but goes on to explain how we can escape the ordeal. This clearly shows the love of the Lord to protect us from these calamities. In verses 12-13 we read:

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:12-13

You may ask, what does rending our hearts or repenting have to do with escaping the army of locusts. The answer is in verse 32: And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Joel 2:32 Amen!

If we are intune with the Lord, we will be caught up in the sky when Christ returns to gather His Church before such calamities strike the earth. Praise the Lord!

We have been warned. Let us heed to it. It is time to return to the Lord with all our heart! Yes, today!

Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.

2012-02-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

Yet these may you eat of every flying creeping thing that goes on all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap with on the earth Leviticus 11:21

Leviticus chapter 11 titled Clean and Unclean Food lists the clean and unclean birds, animals,fish and insects that are considered edible and that which are an abomination to eat.

However, in Acts chapter 10 we read of an account of Peter's vision that contradicts these very law that were given by Moses to the people of Israel. The point here is that keeping the law should not be the priority over accepting people from different faith, culture, race, religion, wealth, caste, stature, etc.

Many Christians or I should say people who call themselves as "christians" are keen on associating only with Christians; worse yet - only with believers of their own race, culture, church & social background! They hesitate to make friends with anyone who is not of their faith.

Jesus Christ during His life on earth set a perfect role model when it comes to making friends. He was friends with all kinds of people, from all walks of life and even many "sinners". Sin He hates but sinners He loves! Everyone who came in contact with Jesus was influenced by His love for them.

How can we influence someone for Christ if we choose to be safe? How can we be a light if we shun from people who are in the darkness? How can we love the Lord if we lack love for fellow human? How can we ever follow the great commission to go and make disciples if we do not want to get out of our comfort zone?

The voice that Peter heard in Acts 10:15 still calls out today - to each one of us believers - "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

Are we ready to accept every one in Christ?! If so, go for it; if not, leap forward!

Do not despise

2012-02-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:16

A familiar portion from the Scriptures. For those who are not sure, here's the cotext: King David was bringing the ark of the Lord into the city of David and he is so full of joy and merriment that he danced on the street, in front of the cart that was carrying the ark of the Lord. Seeing this from the palace window, his wife who was Saul's daughter despised him.

Not sure whether King David counted it against her or not, but looks like God did not approve of that as in the verses that follow we read, "And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death." 2 Samuel 6:23

How often do we despise our spouses - first in our hearts - and then by our words - and next by our actions?! Let us be aware that this is the reason for our lack of blessings.

Let us sincerely respect our spouses. Let us use our words carefully while discussing with them about things we don't agree with. Every thought or word or action we do by despising our spouse is recorded against us - true for both guys and girls.

While at it, here are few more things the Scriptures teach us NOT to despise:

* Do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Proverbs 6:13
* Do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke. Proverbs 3:11
* Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17
* Do not despise your mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:22
* Do not despise one of these little ones (children) Matthew 18:10
* Do not despise prophecies I Thessalonians 5:20

Now that we know, let us not despise... Let's leap forward!

Here He comes, leaping across the mountains

2012-02-17T00:01:00.017-05:00

Listen! My lover! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. Song of Solomon 2:8

This is one of the most beautiful passages in the whole Scripture, I would say. Not because the book is about an intimate love story, but because it is our love story! The story of how Christ loves His Church - which is made up of you and me!

I can't resist comparing today's Scripture to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 which goes: "For The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air."

In Zechariah 14:3 we read, On that day His feet shall stand on The Mount Of Olives which lies before Jerusalem...

Jesus Christ in His own words has assured that, "... They will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matthew 24:30-31

Amen! Before long our Lover will return - leaping across the mountains and bounding over the hills. Let us pay keen ears to His trumpet call as he gathers us to Him. Here He comes!

My heart leaps for joy

2012-02-16T00:01:00.055-05:00

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

One way to learn how to pray is from seeing/listening to people of God pray. It is therefore a good idea to pay special attention to Scriptures that are prayers made by great people of God. Psalm 28 is one of King David's prayers to God Almighty, please take some time to read it today.

Prayer is no pre-written script or memorized portions of text. It comes from the heart spontaneously, revealing our inner most thoughts, correcting us in the process, and making us whole again. Prayer is our means to directly communicate with our God.

We need not have a recommendation by someone to mediate between us and the Lord. No person, animal or thing, living or dead can pass on our requests to God. It has to come from within, by ourself, to our Lord. And the best part is His ears are open to our supplications!

We read in I Peter 3:12, For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. Psalms 145:18 says, The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. What a great promise that is!

Let us call onto Him today for all our needs. Whatever it is that bothers us let us bring it to His presence, even now around this coffee table, let us lift our burdens to Him in one accord and pray for a deliverance from whatever troubling circumstances we are in. Surely He is near to us and His ears are attentive to our prayers. Amen!

If any of you want to pray for the rest of the people here today, please write it at the comments section below. God bless you all as you continue to trust in Him.

What do you want Him to do for you?

2012-02-15T00:01:00.003-05:00

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind> man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped (leaped) to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:46-52

What do you want Him to do for you today? Have your answer ready; He will do it!

Unbound and unharmed in the furnace

2012-02-14T00:01:00.006-05:00

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, O king.”

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:24-25

An all too familiar portion from the Bible - a scene we can all visualize just from reading Daniel Chapter 3. An account of the three bold young men Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who stood up to their faith during testing times. It is even possible that Daniel too bowed down to the image but not these men!

I remember reading an imaginary article on the scene once as a first person narrative by one of the friends of these young men. A Hebrew youth just like them who knows he shouldn't bow to any idol or worship anything other than Jehovah; yet he was so afraid of the king's order and the fiery furnace that he decided to 'go with the flow'.

As he did, he saw these three men standing up straight and he is so afraid that they would get killed. So he is hurrying them, "Hey Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! Didn't you hear the orders? Didn't you hear the drum beat? Bow down! Just once. You don't have to really worship, just pretend!"

And they keep standing and this guy is beginning to panic, hoping that no one would notice them - but alas the kings' men have seen them standing tall while the rest of the assembly and all officials bowed down at the orders. This friend is very sad. His heart is so heavy. He couldn't even say good bye to them lest they associate him with them and take him along to the fiery place.

Thus these three men were led to the king and then to the furnace and his heart sank further - only to realize moments later of the great miracle that happened inside the furnace and how they three got out alive without even the trace of the smoke on them! He starts to see how they stood for their faith and God proved Himself right while he denied his faith to please the king. He is overcome with great regret for his behavior...

Now, coming back to the present time, such orders and similar denials happen on a daily basis even today. We are afraid to open our mouth about things we believe in. We do not speak up. We tolerate all kinds of sins that we see around, just because we are afraid to confront them. We try to stay politically correct - so that we can win "friends" not realizing we are denying our faith by doing so. This is very sad.

Let us today recommit ourselves to never deny our faith over anything or anybody else. When all else fails His grace will be sufficient for us. We will come out of the furnace unbound and unharmed. Amen!

Victory rests with the LORD; Not the leaping horse...

2012-02-13T00:01:00.005-05:00

"Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust,striking terror with his proud snorting?" Job 39:19-20

Chapters 38 through 41 of the Book of Job in the Holy Bible are full of questions - questions asked by God Almighty to Job. Chapter 38 starts with: The Lord spoke out of the storm and said, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me." Job 38:3

There are well over 70 questions across these chapters and not even one can be answered by any person - living or dead! Anybody who questions the existence of God should read these chapters; which without fail would give them the answer!

Today's Scripture makes us look at the horses from a new perspective - comparing it to the locusts! Horses leap the same as locusts, irrespective of their huge sizes. It comes so naturally for the horse to leap without fear. It is effortlessly strong.

However, King David writes in Psalm 33:17, A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. In Psalm 3:8 we read, From the LORD comes deliverance.

Prophet Isaiah goes a step further and writes: Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD. Isaiah 31:1

Of course we all know the all too familiar statement by King Solomon in Proverbs 21:31, The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Amen! Our victory rests with the Lord; not with the fearless leaping horses!

Why leap ye, ye high hills? Explained

2012-02-12T00:01:00.014-05:00

Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever. Psalm 68:16

High hills are normally associated with people worshipping idols. In 1 Kings 14:23 we read, They also set up for themselves high places, sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree.

Mount Zion on the other hand is not a high hill, but a mount, much smaller in stature compared to these "high places" but our Lord chose it as His dwelling place. It is called the Holy Hill. There are many references in the Scriptures for it; here's to share a few:

* Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. Psalm 9:11
* It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:3
* But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance. Obadiah 1:17
* For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling Psalm 132:13
* In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. Psalm 76:2

It is in this context King David sings that the so called high hills has nothing to boast about because the Lord desires to dwell in Mount Zion and not on these high hills. Elsewhere he sings, "For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?" 2 Samuel 22:32 and again in Psalm 18:2, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

So King David knew who his Rock was and where He dwelt that he didn't have to look up to any of the other high hills to find his Savior like the heathen did.

If we are on the same page, we will not look up to Hollywood or Washington or upper management or doctors or therapists or gurus or yoga or any other "high places" to find our refuge... We will know to take refuge in the Lord for there is no other rock except our God! Amen!

Why leap ye, ye high hills?

2012-02-11T00:01:00.020-05:00

Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever. Psalm 68:16

So, how is everybody doing so far with our Leaping Forward series? I love the fact that there are so many beautiful Scriptures on 'leap'.

Today for a change we will have a open discussion, meaning, it is your chance to share. Please feel free to write your thoughts on today's Scripture in the comments section below. It will be encouraging to all.

Just to help you with your flow of thought, here's sharing a picture of some mountains:

God bless you all very much as you continue to part take in Coffee with Jesus. Have a great, godly weekend!

Dealing with insults...

2012-02-10T00:01:00.005-05:00

Tobias also the Ammonite who was by him said : Let them build: if a fox go up, he will leap over their stone wall. Nehemiah 4:3

For those who are perplexed at this Scripture let me give you the context. Nehemiah the slave cup bearer of King Artaxerxes has this urge to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He gets permission from the king to go and build it himself. He also requests for needed wood, metal and letters of support for other rulers so that he can do the work.

As he starts to rebuild, the locals Sanballat and Tobiah give him a hard time - ridiculing him, falsely complaining of his intent to the king, making fun of him constantly, sending letters of opposition to leaders of the land, etc. In one instance they even insulted his work so far, saying it is no good, it won't withstand even a fox running over it.

How Nehemiah responded to these nuisance is what sets him apart. He did not argue with them. He brought it up to God in prayer. In Nehemiah 4:4 we read how he prayed: "Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads... "

His prayers were answered and he was able to successfully complete the work he had started, putting to shame the very people who ridiculed his work.

Matthew Henry has expressed the exact thought I wanted to share; here's to quote from his Concise Commentary:

Many a good work has been looked upon with contempt by proud and haughty scorners. Those who disagree in almost every thing, will unite in persecution. Nehemiah did not answer these fools according to their folly, but looked up to God by prayer.

God's people have often been a despised people, but he hears all the slights that are put upon them, and it is their comfort that he does so.

Nehemiah had reason to think that the hearts of those sinners were desperately hardened, else he would not have prayed that their sins might never be blotted out. Good work goes on well, when people have a mind to it. The reproaches of enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it.

So, our take away today is, do not react to insults from others, take it to God and lift it up in prayers. He will handle it all for you! Amen!

My heart pounds and leaps

2012-02-09T00:01:00.003-05:00

"At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place..." Job 37:1

Job's friend Elihu goes on to describe the power and majesty of the Lord by these words:

“At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.

He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.
After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.

When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
So that all men he has made may know his work,
he stops every man from his labor.

The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.

The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.

At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.
He brings the clouds to punish men,
or to water his earthb and show his love. Job 37:1-13

I love what Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary says about this passage, which I wish to share with you below:

The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We must notice the glory of God, not only in the thunder and lightning, but in the more common and less awful changes of the weather; as the snow and rain.

Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and shall man only be unprovided with a refuge? Oh that men would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come; and invites them to accept his salvation, and to be happy.

The ill opinion which men entertain of the Divine direction, peculiarly appears in their murmurs about the weather, though the whole result of the year proves the folly of their complaints. Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many bad by our sins.

Have a blessed day! God be with you!

Blessed more than the leaping lions

2012-02-08T00:01:00.010-05:00

And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan. Deuteronomy 33:22

This verse is a portion of Moses's blessing to the tribe of Dan, just before his death.

If you were to read about the children of Jacob, they have a birth order as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, Joseph, Benjamin.

However, here when Moses blesses them he seems to have mixed up the order and not only that he completely misses out Simeon and Dinah from his blessings. He lists them in the order of: Reuben, Judah, Levi, Benjamin, Joseph, Zebulun, Issachar, Gad, Dan, Naphtali & Asher.

Dinah he could have omitted because only the sons were considered as heirs those days, but the avoidance of Simeon has to be well thought of in advance. I believe it is because of the mass murder Simeon and Levi did on account of their sister's affair with Prince Shechem. I am guessing Levi's anger subsided later while Simeon was still stubborn, which explains why Levi was included in Moses's blessing but not Simeon...

So, coming back to our text, about Dan Moses blessed, he is like a lion cub that leaps from Bashan - which shows his courage, strength, fearless nature and his success against his enemies. In fact Samson is from the tribe of Dan and we know how he killed lions by his bare hands!

But you know what? We have a greater blessing than Dan's blessing. Even these strong lions of Bashan could go hungry and week, but us who seek the Lord will lack no good thing! Amen! Psalm 34:10

The "lame" who can now leap

2012-02-07T00:01:00.004-05:00

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:8

In Acts Chapter 3 we read of an account of how a man lame from birth got healed miraculously in Jesus's name. When he was healed due to the outburst of his joy and happiness he leaped (jumped), stood, walked and praised the Lord.

How many of us have been crippled one time or another? If not physically emotionally? There have been times our hearts have been so heavy that we couldn't move physically - remember? Then those times when we lost our loved ones, we couldn't get ourselves to sing or praise or do any of that - remember?

Then due to the abundance of His mercy and grace, we have regained our strength to stand up, walk, leap and praise the Lord! Amen! Our joy has returned! Amen!

But for those among us who are still "crippled" in some way or form, let us join hands here and pray together, believing in one accord that they too be healed in Jesus's name:

Dear Father! We come at your presence rejoicing in your love Lord! Thank you for lifting us up from our desperate conditions that we are now able to stand, walk, leap and praise you Lord! But then some of us are still crippled Lord, whose joy seems to be long gone Lord. We bring our such brothers and sisters to you this morning Lord. There is nothing we can do other than lift them up in our prayers Lord.

Please Lord! Touch them Jesus! Heal their broken hearts Lord, bind their wounded spirit Lord, touch their depressed souls Lord. Fill them all over again with your joy and love and peace Lord - up to the rim and overflowing Lord! So that they too can stand up, walk, leap and praise you Lord. So that they too can be FREE Lord! Free to love you, free to praise you, free to sing and worship you Lord. Let the devil have no hold on their spirit Lord, let him be put to shame Lord. Let your light shine through Lord. Let your mercy flow Lord. Let your anointing fill these brothers and sisters who have joined hands here today Lord. Bless them Lord. Use them for your glory Lord.

Hallelujah! We praise and glorify your name Lord. Your name alone we glorify Lord! Please enable us to hear testimonies of people touched and healed by you today Lord. Let us hear of the "lame" who can now leap Lord. We thank you believing that you are healing at this very moment Lord. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus! In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!

By my God have I leaped over a wall

2012-02-06T00:01:00.010-05:00

For by you I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. II Samuel 22:30

II Samuel 22nd chapter is titled David's Song of Praise and verse 1 is the introduction which goes: David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

Do we have a song of praise this morning? We have overcome hostile powers in our lives, have we not?! Then where is our song of praise? When was the last time we sang it?

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary elaborates the verse as below:

They that trust God in the way of duty, shall find him a present help in their greatest dangers: David did so. Remarkable preservations should be particularly mentioned in our praises....

Those who receive signal mercies from God, ought to give him the glory. In the day that God delivered David, he sang this song. While the mercy is fresh, and we are most affected with it, let the thank-offering be brought, to be kindled with the fire of that affection.

Here's the question in front of us as we start a new week: If it is true that by God we have leaped over a wall, why then our praise is long over due?

What would be your excuse?

Let's take a leap of Faith!

2012-02-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

As you get ready to worship the Lord this morning, here's some music you can listen to, which is inline with our ongoing message: Take a leap of faith!

Dive by Stephen Curtis Chapman, with the lyrics posted below the video.

The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirst ground
And carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains
I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racihng and my knee are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is not turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That’s telling me it’s time
to take the leap of faith
So here I go

I’m diving in, I’m going deep in over
my head, I want to be
Cought in the rush, lost in the flow,
in over my head, I want to go
The river’s deep, the river’s wide,
the river’s water is alive
So sink or swim, I’m diving in

There is a supernatural power
In this might river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power
Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away
Into this holy flood
So if you’ll take my hand
We’ll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let’s go!

But for you who revere my name...

2012-02-04T00:01:00.010-05:00

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2

Hope you are enjoying the Leaping Forward series as much as I do. Thank you and God bless you!

Let us continue to focus on the same verse today, Malachi 4:2...

If you think about it, sun rises after darkness and the leaping of cattle follows a time of confinement within the stalls. The implication here is, there may be situations in our lives that limits us and it may seem like darkness has engulfed us, but it is only for a short while.

We see a related Scripture in Isaiah 60:19-20 which reads: The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Amen!

Darkness or affliction is also part of life, for believers and non believers alike. Only how we handle them is different. In Psalm 119:71 King David sings, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

Let that be our song too. Let us take comfort that our Lord is with us as we pass through the valley of shadow of death and darkness. His staff and His rod they comfort us. Soon leaping will be ours and there will be intense deliverance and immense joy! Praise the Lord!

Let us continue rejoice over our Savior and His promises today. God bless you. Have a great weekend!

You will leap like calves released from the stall

2012-02-03T00:01:00.022-05:00

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2

What a wonderful God we serve! Do you revere His name this morning? Then this promise is yours today! The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings! And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall! Amen!

I am sure all of us have seen the rising of the sun and the leaping of the calves released from the stalls, have we not? There is immense joy, health and power in both events. To know that we will leap like the calves and find healing under the sun of righteousness, it is equally joyful; is it not?!

For the rest of the day, let us repeat this verse to ourselves, to our situation, to our concerns, and more importantly let us continue to revere His name. Surely healing and leaping is sure to follow! Amen!

We will discuss the same verse again in more detail tomorrow...

For those who would like to recollect rising of sun and leaping of calves, here's sharing some videos:

God bless you all! Have a great weekend!

Leap for joy

2012-02-02T00:01:00.012-05:00

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. Luke 6:23

Good to know we can rejoice and leap for joy, because great is our reward in heaven. But if you look at the when, you are not going to like it; let's read the verse above:

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Luke 6:22

How do we like that? This goes together with our meditation a few days ago: Buy the truth; Do not sell it!

You can lose anything/anybody to gain Him; but let's be careful not to lose Him to gain the world.

It is better if men hate us, exclude us and insult and reject us as evil because of our Faith in Him; rather than men love us, include us and praise and accept us as good because of our "fitting in".

Because the former would bring us great leaps of joy and rewards in heaven while the latter would only bring us condemnation, weaping and mourning and gnashing of teeth in hell.

I am sorry, if it appears to be "threatening" but it is what the Word of God tells us. Whether we choose to believe in it or not it is the Truth; nothing but the Truth!

Leaping forward

2012-02-01T00:01:00.007-05:00

Happy February 2012! This month is special as it has 29 days - which only occurs every four years on a leap year. Why not do something special this month at Coffee with Jesus too?!

Hence the idea came for a new series called "Leaping forward".

What we are going to do for the next few weeks is to go over "leap" Scriptures in any shape, form,size or meaning as we come across. Sounds good? Here we go...

Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Isaiah 35:6

In order to understand the when, we need to read the entire chapter. It is titled as The Joy of the Redeemed. We are the redeemed - you and me! Which only means this chapter is ours to claim in our lives. For today's "coffee" let's read the full chapter.

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.

Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
The burning sand will become a pool,
the thirsty ground bubbling springs.

In the haunts where jackals once lay,
grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.

The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there,
and the ransomed of the Lord will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Praise the Lord! What a great way to start a new month! Let's leap forward with His grace!

Buy the truth and do not sell it

2012-01-31T00:01:00.020-05:00

Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. Proverbs 23:23

Truth here means Jesus Christ. We read in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Salvation is the ultimate gift God has made available for all those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ! It is God's master plan to reunite with man since his fall at Eden. Yet, many don't want anything to do with it. That's because they are deceived by the father of all lies to believe in lies instead of the Truth.

In Matthew 13:44 we read, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary explains it further in very simple words:

Buy the truth, and sell it not; be willing to part with any thing for it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, or any thing in this world.

Jesus Himself said these verses as Apostle John notes, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

So, those of us who have found the Truth, let us not sell it for anything or anybody; and those who have not, please buy it at all cost. Whatever you loss in order to gain Him, you will receive it in many folds.

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33

His heart is secure, he will have no fear

2012-01-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

* His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112:8
* Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. Hebrews 13:9

Different translations have different words for "secure" such as: confident, steady, upheld, established, resting safely, strengthend, maintained etc. So we get the point!

The question is how to keep our heart secure or established or steady?: I believe the answer is given in the second verse above: Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

When will we be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings? : Only when we do not know the fundamentals of our christian faith.

How to learn the fundamentals of our faith?: Of course, by learning the word of God.

How to learn the Word of God?: By reading, meditating, studying, listening and why not - by googling too! :)

Any teaching or doctrine or "vision" or "calling" that can not be traced back to B-I-B-L-E which is the Book for you and me; has to be dismissed as 'strange teachings'.

Then our heart will be secure, we will have no fear; in the end we will look in triumph on our foes! Amen.

Who is he, this King of glory?

2012-01-29T00:01:00.004-05:00

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty--he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:10

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

Months ago we had discussed about getting ready for Our King's banquet, which sets the scene for today's discussion. As we stand before His throne today in our prayer & worship, how do we visualize our self? What is our expectation? Are we seeking His presence as the King's mere citizens forgetting that we are His own children?

A while back I happened to read C.H. Spurgeon's sermon The Throne of Grace and loved a passage from it which perfectly fits our discussion today.

Spurgeon says, "We do not come, as it were, in prayer, only to God's almonry where he dispenses his favours to the poor, nor do we come to the back-door of the house of mercy to receive the broken scraps, though that were more than we deserve; to eat the crumbs that fall from the Master's table is more than we could claim; but, when we pray, we are standing in the palace, on the glittering floor of the great King's own reception room, and thus we are placed upon a vantage ground.

In prayer we stand where angels bow with veiled faces; there, even there, the cherubim and seraphim adore, before that selfsame throne to which our prayers ascend. And shall we come there with stunted requests, and narrow and contracted faith? Nay, it becomes not a King to be giving away pence and groats, he distributes pieces of broad gold; he scatters not as poor men must, scraps of bread and broken meat, but he makes a feast of fat things, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined."

In Hebrews 4:16 we read, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Shall we?

Renew a right spirit within me

2012-01-28T00:27:00.000-05:00

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Thank you for joining for some Coffee with Jesus this Saturday morning! I love Saturday mornings. I usually wake up before the family does, make myself a cup of coffee, sit in my favorite kitchen chair to watch the birds in the backyard - all the while praising God for His love, mercy, the colorful birds, the bluest skies, the beautiful chair and the cozy pajamas... what not!

But this Saturday morning I invite you for a Cleaning Spree. No, there is no heavy duty lifting or washing or moving involved. Just right where you are, lift up your holy hands and start praising the Lord. Just keep on praising the Lord, keep on, keep on praising the Lord.

Visualize your heart getting cleansed by the Lord, by His blood, by His grace, by His love, all the while praising the Lord. Imagine the hands of Jesus reaching out to the innermost corner, all around, under, over, everywhere, touching, healing and cleaning your heart. Just keep praising, keep praising, lift up your voice and keep on praising the Lord. If you feel like crying out loud, do that, want to clap your hands, go ahead. Just continue to praise His Holy Name. Hallelujah!

Wow! That's a wonderful experience, is it not? You have now received a brand new "sparkling clean" heart and a beautiful renewed spirit overflowing with such love and joy that you can not even fathom.

Go in peace! Enjoy your day & God bless you!

When a man or woman wrongs another in any way...

2012-01-27T00:01:00.006-05:00

When a man or woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Lord, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add one fifth to it and give it all to the person he has wronged. Numbers 5:6,7

I once read this story of a reporter who wrote ill of a politician on his newspaper. Soon one day he happened to bump into the politician quite unexpectedly in an elevator or restroom, somewhere confined. The reporter felt very bad and was quick to apologize to the politician about his article, to which he simply replied, "I'd have rather had you criticize me in private and apologized in public."

"So true!" we exclaim; but don't we all do just the same? We offend our spouses, children, neighbors and walk around as if we have done no wrong, or do a name sake gesture one day to think we have made up for it, don't we?

Believe it or not, this is against the Scriptures! If we have wronged someone in any way, and by doing so we are unfaithful to the Lord, we are guilty. Period. No sugar coating it. No reasoning it out. No justifying it.

The remediation the Word of God suggests is to confess (first to God and next to the offended) our wrong doing and pay back more that what we owe - in fact as much as five folds more. So, if we lacked respect, we owe it five times more, if we lacked courtesy we owe it that much more, same for love, peace, joy, a smile, you name it.

I am sorry if this post itself offends you; it's not me but the Holy Spirit sharing... God bless you!

Daily bread anyone?

2012-01-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

* Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11
* I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. John 6:51

As much as we need physical food for survival we need the spiritual bread for survival too. Even in the Lord's prayer we pray "Give us this day our daily bread". Of course it stands for the daily providence for our physical needs; at the same time it also denotes the dependency on the "Word of God" for the survival through the day.

Can we skip food altogether for a day, two days, a week, a month? I don't think so. However many of us (myself including) skimp on the Word of God for days without realizing the consequences of it. Just as how we will grow physically weak if we skip meals for days at once, we will grow weary spiritually when we skip or skimp "our daily bread" for days at once.

Here's just a reminder to get back to our regular feeding on the Word of God - which is the Holy Bible! Dare I ask? How many of you did read the Bible this morning?! No, reading Coffee with Jesus or similar devotionals DO NOT count as the Word of God in itself. Bible first, then your preferred devotionals, now that would be a great start!

If there is anyone here who does not have a Bible of their own but would like to have one, please contact me at nrigirl at hotmail.com with your mailing address and language preference. I will send you one FREE of charge! I don't want you to go hungry you see... :)

By His wounds we are healed

2012-01-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

'I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.' Jeremiah 30:17

Today's message is for the sick among us. Please be encouraged our Lord will restore your health and heal your wounds. As Prophet Isaiah foretold about Christ the Lord in his book, "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Amen! By His wounds we are healed. Praying over my children when they get sick, I often envision touching the blood that runs from the cross and applying it over them. When I pray for our household I envision sprinkling the shed blood of Jesus Christ in our door steps, in each room, in our foreheads, over our territory etc.

What good is the Christian faith if we only talk about healing but do not actually believe it for our selves? What benefit it is if we proclaim the blood of Jesus Christ heals our diseases but do not really apply it over us? If we know of a new ointment that could heal the skin condition would we not go buy it and start using it religiously? Then what is preventing us from giving the same seriousness if not more to the healing powers of Christ our Lord?

We are indeed healed! Let us proclaim health over us and our families and diligently apply His protection over us and ours. He will restore us to health and heal our wounds! Amen!

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay", says the Lord

2012-01-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

"Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did." Proverbs 24:29

Here is a perfect example of a human nature in contrast with godly nature. It may seem natural to feel the urge to take revenge; to defend ourselves, to point fingers, but then what difference we make from the people of this world?

Proverbs 20:22 goes hand in hand with this verse; it says: "Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay", says the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:25)

So the next time someone is rude, hurtful, let's remember these verses and keep silent, at the same time asking God to argue our case. It may look like a failure as we can't reciprocate right away; but hang in there, God will repay.

Who do we say He is?

2012-01-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:27-29

What will be our answer if we are posed with the same question? Who do you (we) say He is? Do we say John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets or aptly that He is the Christ? Do we just say we are Christians or do we know for a fact that Christ is our Savior?

Do we sing just for namesake or do we mean it? Do we just rush through a chapter from the Bible or do we sit down to meditate and understand what it has to say?

Do we go to the church because it is Sunday and that's what we have been taught to do, or do we go to worship the Lord and share in the fellowship of believers? Do we praise and pray from the bottom of our hearts or is it just superficial?

Are weekdays any different from Sundays that we save the smiley face for Sundays and switch back to the frowns for weekdays? Do we live for His glory or live no different from a non-believer?

Who do you say He is?

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire...

2012-01-22T00:01:00.006-05:00

Today's reading: Proverbs 26 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.." Proverbs 26:21

Just yesterday we learnt how not to be a quarrelsome woman; today interestingly we are going to discuss how not to be a quarrelsome man.

As in the verse above, a quarrelsome man is like fuel to the fire, always finding faults and starting a strife. I would imagine it would be extremely difficult to live with someone who is a ticking time bomb! People would normally try to find excuses such as an abused childhood, or something similar to justify their action. But bottom line is lack of godliness is what is going on.

Here are some scriptures that talk about anger:

* James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"
* Eccelesistes 7:9 "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools."
* "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger..." Ephesians 4:31
* "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

You know yourself better than anybody. If you believe you are always angry raise your hands as we pray over you today. If you know of someone else be it your father, husband, mother, brother or anyone who struggles with anger, let us bring them also in our prayers:

Dear Father in Heaven! Thank you for the beautiful day and for this wonderful opportunity to gather at your presence Lord. For the last two days you have been convicting us that anger is sin Lord. Please help us get rid of anger from our hearts in any shape, size or form Lord. Please help us get rid off even the very trace of anger from our hearts Lord. We can not do it all by ourselves Lord. We need your help Lord. You have already set an example where you were like a lamb that was silent Lord. We too humble our hearts Lord. Please erase all our past sins Lord.

Please help us live a quarrel free life Lord. Fill us with your love and peace Lord. Guide us Lord. We love you so much Lord. Please bless each and every one of us gathered here in your name Lord. There is no other reason than your Holy name which connects us together Lord. We remember our loved ones who struggle with anger in their life Lord. Please Lord open their eyes so that they can see, open their ears so that they can hear, open their hearts so that they can heal Lord. We continue to praise your Holy name Lord. In Jesus's most precious name we pray, Amen!

Better to live on a corner of the roof...

2012-01-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today's reading: Proverbs 25 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 25:24

This may be one of the verses that is hardly discussed in Bible studies or sermons or elsewhere for fear of retaliation from the ladies. But we are going to discuss it today anyway as it has great truth in it for us to learn from.

How many of us are guilty of being a quarrelsome woman from time to time? How does it affect our husband & children when we behave thus? I am sure they too can relate to King Solomon here as he shares exactly how it feels like living with a quarrelsome woman.

Now the question is, how to avoid being a quarrelsome woman? Here is a list of tips that worked for me; I am sure we can definitely trace these back to the scriptures:

* By accepting the differences and learning to love unconditionally
* By learning to be still and know that He is Lord who holds everything under control.
* By understanding that no one is perfect, just like we are not perfect.
* By learning to retreat to prayer and petition anytime anguish tries to engulf us.
* By being contended with what/whom we have.
* By not dwelling in the past - neither his nor ours

Let's try these tips cautiously for a week, two weeks, a month, 6 months and before we know it, we will stop being a quarrelsome woman and will start making our home a happier place for our husband and children. Also, be assured you will be a whole happy you too!

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD

2012-01-20T00:01:00.003-05:00

* "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. Isaiah 1:18
* "Present your case," says the LORD. "Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King. Isaiah 41:21
* Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. Isaiah 43:26

It appears that our Lord is in for a long haul this morning. He is calling us to go reason with Him - to present our case before Him - to argue the matter together - in other words to have a heart to heart conversation with Him!

If something is nagging in your mind and you are not sure what to make of it, this could be the time you get His guidance on! Or the things you have no control on and which are beyond your reach, just surrender those to Him. I am sure He can handle it well. Of course tell Him about the certain things that were quite disappointing lately, the health report, the pressure at work, the weight gain, tell Him all in all. He will listen; you will feel lighter.

Sure, tell Him why you did certain things certain way and why something someone said you do not approve of, what you are really sorry about, etc. Tell Him about everything that has been bothering you lately and the little things that made you smile. Remember the new red shoes you recently found on sale; well, don't forget to thank Him for that...

Remember, this is a two way conversation; He may also have something to say to you... Something you said or did that He doesn't approve of, or something you said and did that He is so proud of. He will assure you He loves you and has all your worries in control and will remind you the areas in which he expects you to improve. Overall it will be a great conversation to reflect on! So, let's get started now...

Do not gratify the desires of the sinful nature

2012-01-19T00:01:00.004-05:00

The gratification of the flesh was the main object among the Romans. Living in luxury and licentiousness, they made it their great object of study to multiply and prolong the means of licentious indulgence. In respect to this, Christians were to be a separate people, and to show that they were influenced by a higher and purer desire than this grovelling propensity to minister to sensual gratification. It is right, it is a Christian duty, to labor to make provision for all the real needs of life. But the real wants are few; and with a heart disposed to be pure and temperate, the necessary wants of life are easily satisfied; and the mind may be devoted to higher and purer purposes.

Many apostles have written about why we should not gratify the desires of our sinful nature; here's to quote a few:

* Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. I Peter 2:11
* For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. I John 2:16
* So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

Thank you all for staying with me through the discussion of Romans: 13:12-14. Hope you found it useful as much as I did. Please keep Coffee with Jesus in your prayers. God bless.

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus

2012-01-18T00:01:00.004-05:00

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As you see, it takes conscious efforts to clothe Him on a daily basis. But let's give it a try; shall we?

Do not act in dissension or jealousy

2012-01-17T00:01:00.009-05:00

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans: 13:12-14

Dissension is defined as disagreement that leads to discord or quarrel. For some it is a regular habit to argue over anything and everything. You talk for something they will argue against it and you talk against something they will argue for it; such is their trend. If we argue for argument sake let's not do it; there is much to be achieved for the Lord instead of the time taken to argue over Biblical truth. Just by arguing we are not going to gain any insight.

Jealousy does not need any explanation; it is the aching pang we feel at heart, towards someone else's well being or our lack of it. In fact it is anger directed against God Himself for doing something good for someone else and not for us!

Quite honestly don't you see we are blessed much more than what we deserve? Then why do we feel jealous? It is unnecessary. When we develop godliness with contentment it is great gain the Scripture tells us in 1 Timothy 6:6. If we are not careful to nip off envy at the very bud, soon it will completely overwhelm us taking possession of our body, mind and even the soul. It is a parasite to be shunned at all cost.

Let us pray therefore to remove the "arguing spirit" and the "spirit of envy" from our hearts today. Let us praise God with a grateful heart for His many blessings in our lives this morning!

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime

2012-01-16T00:01:00.043-05:00

Put on the armor of light

2012-01-15T00:01:00.004-05:00

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans: 13:12-14

What does it mean to put on the armor of light?

In 1 John 1:5 we read, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." John continues, "... if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

So, to put on the armor of light actually means to walk in the light as He is in the light so that we can have fellowship with one another, forgetting our differences, denominations, divisions and the like.

How many of us can truly say we have fellowship with one another? The too many divisions in the Church make it clear there is not the kind of fellowship among us as expected by our Lord Jesus Christ, which only means we are not walking in the light as He is in the light. How sad is that?

From now on let us owe to have fellowship with one another; let us commit our self to accept believers of different divisions of the Church, instead of condemning them. How wonderful it will be if the Brethren, the Baptist, the Lutheran, the Methodist, the Pentecost, the Protestants, the Catholics, the Orthodox and the numerous other type of believers can come together to worship the Lord?! Let us make friends with people who are not in our faith; let them see how we reflect our Lord in our ways.

And not to forget, stay away from the deeds of darkness we discussed yesterday as there is no trace of darkness in God. If we are to walk in light as He is in light there should be no trace of darkness in us too! Yes, it is possible! With God's help we can do it! Amen!

Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:5

Let us put aside the deeds of darkness

2012-01-14T00:01:00.008-05:00

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Oh yeah, now we know what it means to put away deeds of darkness, don't we?

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Romans 13:11-12

For some, their faith has gone cold as it seems forever for the return of the King. Some even disregard His grace completely. We don't have to look far to find evidents of the fearlessness among the multitude, for God.

At times like this it may be difficult to stay focused in our walk. It's like we are running this race and just few yards from the finish line we give up. Today's message comes as a wake up call for us. It is time to be alert because our salvation is much closer than when we first started this journey. Amen!

So, How do we stay awake? Good question! The answer is right there in verses Romans 13:13-14, listed below:

* Let us put aside the deeds of darkness
* Put on the armor of light.
* Let us behave decently, as in the daytime,
* not in orgies and drunkenness,
* not in sexual immorality and debauchery,
* not in dissension and jealousy.
* Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,
* Do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

We can discuss these one at a time in the coming days. Please stay tuned...

Taking our burdens to Him - How to?

2012-01-12T00:01:00.002-05:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Yesterday we looked at the generous open invitation from our Lord to take our burdens to Him and get the rest He offers in return. Today let's focus on the "how to"

The answer can be found in the verse above. Here are the main points to remember:

Do not be anxious about anything - stop worrying first as worry doesn't help a bit.
In everything - not just a little here and there; in everything
By prayer and petition - no need to explain this I believe
With thanksgiving - of course remembering the past deliverance
Present your requests - submit your requests
To God - no one else but God.

What happens next is amazing: The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened

2012-01-11T00:01:00.004-05:00

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Nowhere else we see such a direct call to go and lay down our burdens. I don't think no one else ever opened up such an invitation. Even we our self would not call out in a similar fashion for fear of adding to our burdens.

How many of us can say we truly share in other people's burdens? I don't think I do. I may listen, I may offer to pray, but that's about it. I might not even feel the same way the weary feels of his/her burden. Similarly how many of you will be willing to share in my burden? You may listen, you may advice me, you may pray for me and that's all you might be able to do.

As humans we are limited in our capacity to ease out other's weight. May be we will add to it like Job's friends did when he was suffering. Of course they thought they were helping him out but did they; hardly.

That's one reason why this invitation stands out in the crowd in a special way. Let us take heed and go to Him with all our burdens and take the rest He offers in return! Rest comes naturally from knowing that He can handle our cares. Tomorrow we will learn about "How to take our burdens to Him?"

Let us forgive as He forgives

2012-01-10T00:01:00.004-05:00

Jesus Himself prayed the following prayer. Let us repeat it every day of our lives, even many times during the day if possible and meditate on the meaning of our prayer. The most difficult line here is "forgive us as we forgave" which means if we haven't forgiven, we are not forgiven. How strong these words are. Let us reexamine our self and be ready and willing to forgive others so that our sins will be forgiven for us too.

" 'Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
   your will be done
      on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
      as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15

Let us pray, "Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us to pray. I understand it is important for me to forgive others so that I will be forgiven. But I find it difficult to forgive others at times, Lord, please help me in this area, please help me forgive others. Fill me with your love and joy. Thank you for forgiving my sins Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!"

Again I say Rejoice!

2012-01-09T06:01:00.000-05:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

As you see, this verse comes across as a command. We should be filled with the love and joy of the Lord at all times. We should reflect upon the real love and joy of Christ who lives within us. No matter what the circumstances be, let us be reminded of this verse to keep us true to our calling.

Why is it so important to rejoice? Because many things start to go wrong when we lose the joy of life. Our physical, mental and spiritual health too will take a toll. We won't feel like singing, worshipping, reading the Bible, talking to Jesus, eating - so the overall system collapses when the divine joy within us is lost. That's exactly what satan is after. Let us consciously make an effort to be filled over and over with the divine love and peace which brings true JOY.

Let us pray: "Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for this beautiful day (though rainy...) Thank you for reminding us to rejoice always. Please help us Lord to rejoice - in all circumstances. Please help us to truly understand that all things happen for good for those who love you Lord - even when things don't seem to go as we wish Lord. Please help us overcome satan in this area Lord. Thank you again for your love and grace which is sufficient at all times Lord. In Jesus's mighty name we pray, Amen"

Good-O-Meter

2012-01-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

Happy SUNDAY folks! All set for the service I suppose. Great!

I won't take long, let's get going. Recently came across this cool video and thought it would be fun to watch it while having Coffee with Jesus today...

Let's remember, "...it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved..." Acts:15:11

Care to share the grace with others? Please invite your friends and family to have some Coffee with Jesus today! Please click here to email this post

"Coffee" will be served through the weekend too so don't miss it for anything! Have a great, Godly weekend! God bless.

Bearing good fruits...

2012-01-07T00:01:00.005-05:00

We will conclude our series on "Fruits of the Spirit" by reminding us the importance of bearing fruits. Taking an inventory of ourselves we may notice, we have some fruits well developed in us, some fruits may be in budding stage & some fruits are nowhere to be seen.

Jesus once told this parable:

"A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’" Luke 13:6-9

Just as in the parable above, Jesus is pleading our case to the Father everyday: "Leave her/him alone for one more year; I’ll dig around him/her and fertilize him/her. If he/she bears fruit next year, fine!" I hope we will live up to His expectation.

* Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Matthew 21:19
* Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. Isaiah 5:2

Let us all analyze our hearts to see if our life resembles the fruitless fig tree or the bad grapes vine as in the verses above. If it does, it is time to work on the F R U I T S!

Self Control - why is it important to develop?

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001-05:00

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7

The last but not the least, in the Fruits of the Spirits is Self Control. What really is self control? It is the control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will or in other words, the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc.

Why is it important for us believers to practice self control? Mainly because it is one way we can set apart ourselves from the world. We can not consider it fun what the world calls as fun. We have to exercise the fear of the Lord along with our merriment.

King Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 11:9, "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment."

King David instructs in Psalm 2:11, "Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling."

These wise kings don't say it for no reason. They have practiced it in their lives. Let us also make it our priority to develop self control along with the other fruits we discussed over the weeks. God bless you all!

Be clear minded and self-controlled

2012-01-05T00:01:00.004-05:00

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7

I am so glad we started on this journey - to learn more about each Fruit of the Spirit. Last but not the least is the fruit of Self Control.

I would like to bring it up for a open discussion today.

What is Self Control? How do we develop it? Would you like to share your thoughts on it? Please do.

Let your gentleness be evident to all

2012-01-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5

How is it possible to make our gentleness evident to all? The answer is available in the same passage. Let us look at the context in which this verse is mentioned:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So, what we see from here is that anxiety causes panic - not gentleness. Removing anxiety will increase gentleness. If we present our requests to God with prayer and petition with thanksgiving then the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds thus completely eradicating anxiety.

What are some of the benefits of having gentleness?
* Blessed are the meek (those who are gentle), for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
* For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Psalm 149:4

Now that we know a thing or two about gentleness, do you now want this fruit? I believe I do?

Well done, good and faithful servant!

2012-01-03T00:01:00.007-05:00

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23

We are all very familiar with the parable of talents told by our Lord Jesus. There is this master who gives away five talents, 2 talents and 1 talents respectively to three of this servants before leaving on a journey. When he comes back the man who got five talents produces ten, the one who got two talents produces four - to these the master says, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" But the one who got one talent just returns that one and the master is not very pleased. He calls him a 'wicked & lazy servant!'.

If our honest desire is to be called 'good and faithful' at the end of our race, our focus should be on investing the talents we are given for the use that master would delight in.

Paul says in Acts 20:24 according to Weymouth New Testament translation, "But even the sacrifice of my life I count as nothing, if only I may perfect my earthly course, and be faithful to the duty which the Lord Jesus has entrusted to me of proclaiming, as of supreme importance, the Good News of God's grace." Let us live to strive for such a testimony too!

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things

2012-01-02T00:01:00.002-05:00

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Matthew 12:35

Thank you for staying with me through the Fruit of the Spirit series so far. Today's fruit for discussion is 'Goodness'.

We all know the difference between good and evil; the problem is sometimes the difference is so subtle that it is easy to miss out on doing the good.

Let's consider few examples; we know nursing home ministry is good, soup kitchen is good, but how many of us are really part of it? Inviting friends over is good, evangelizing about Christ is good, setting a good example is good but the difference between doing these and not doing these is so subtle that we don't always get involved...

Reminder: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things. Let us continue to be good if not better.

He has not stopped showing his Kindness

2012-01-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

"The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his Kindness to the living and the dead." Ruth 2:20

Happy New Year everyone! It is so good to start the new year in His presence, is it not? Our discussion on the Fruits of the Spirit continues...

So, what really is 'kindness'? I went around asking few people the same question today and got different answers such as 'humane', 'being good', 'goodness', 'act of being kind' etc. Which brought me to one conclusion that everyone knows what kindness means. It is not something new to us which only makes it easier to develop more of it.

Here's the definition from online dictionaries:

Definition: Kindness is the act or the state of being kind and marked by charitable behaviour, marked by mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others.
Synonyms: benevolence, boon, courtesy, grace, indulgence, favor, mercy, service
Antonyms: coldheartedness, hard-heartedness, inhumanity, inhumane, mercilessness, pitilessness

In our reference verse we see Naomi certifying Boaz as being kind. She says of him, "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead."

Will people certify the same about you and me? How do we plan on developing kindness? Is there a special act of kindness we can do today? Yes, today! Let's go for it!

Let us run with perseverance

2011-12-31T00:01:00.002-05:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance / Patience the race marked out for us. Hebrew 12:1

Patience is a hard to find 'fruit' in today's fast moving world. We want everything at the finger tips on the click of a button; we do not have time for others and definitely not for the extra mile we ought to walk with them; when someone cuts the line at the grocery store or overtakes us on the road we feel this sudden rage to respond to them negatively, the list goes on...

But as believers Patience is one of the 'fruits' we need to produce. So, how do we go about developing that?

Verse above suggests the following solutions:

* Let us throw off everything that hinders
* Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles
* Let us run with perseverance (patience) the race marked out for us

First, let us identify the root cause for our impatience. The immediate answer would be that we don't have the time. Why we don't have the time? Are we trying to juggle too many things in too short a time? Are we simply trying to please everyone? Are we always aiming for the 'bigger & better' - such a moving target? Is there anything we can remove from our agenda to make room for exercising little more patience?

Next, is it our sinful nature that causes the impatience? Are we angry all the time? Are we just waiting for a moment to retaliate? Why do we take things too personally - at work, at home? Why is that we can't handle a criticism very well? Do we strive to always prove our self? Are we loving our self a little too much? Do we assume we have failed by being patient?

Finally, are we giving up too soon? Are we saying this christian walk is just too hard or it's too narrow a path? It's not by our merits, right? It is by His grace - right? In that case, it is not that hard of a fruit to develop in us - is it? Let's at least try!

P.S: On a lighter note, just the fact that you read through this post shows you have the fruit of patience already! :)

My Peace I give you

2011-12-30T00:01:00.003-05:00

* Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
* And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Shalom is a regular greeting among the Jews, very similar to our usage of 'Hello, how are you?'. These salutations and benedictions are generally matters of custom and polite ceremony, given without much thought to it. However here the Prince of Peace is not talking mere empty words but brings the attention to the word PEACE as in consolation. When He says 'my peace' He means the kind of peace only He can impart. This promised peace is very different from the empty promises given by the world.

When we are at peace it gives us a tranquil spirit. We are not in a rush to find a solution for matters. We learn to unwind at His feet and be still. We completely surrender for His will. Have you sensed this peace lately? If not, please join me over this little prayer:

"Our Heavenly Father! Thank you for this new day at your presence Lord! Thank you for the heavenly peace you have promised us Lord. Often times we are so overwhelmed by many things that we tend to overlook the peace you have promised us Lord.

Today we surrender all such matters at your feet Lord. Please forgive us for running away from your presence trying to figure out our own solution Lord. Thank you that you are in control and you will take care of all matters Lord. The battle is yours Lord.

Please fill us once again with this promised peace Lord. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds Lord. We thank you and praise you for the peace you are giving us all this very moment Lord. All glory, honor and praise be to your holy name Lord. In our Prince of Peace's name we pray, Amen!"

My Joy may be in you and that your Joy may be complete

2011-12-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my Joy may be in you and that your Joy may be complete." John 15:9-11

Surprisingly Joy goes hand in hand with Love! When we are in love - with our Savior, with our dear ones, with our friends and family, with our neighbors, co workers, - then our Joy is full. It is complete.

Also we know salvation brings Joy. What is salvation? Salvation is believing that God came in human form to love us, to take away our sin; died on the cross for our sin, resurrected, ascended to heaven and continues to reconvene with the Father for us. It is believing we are no more sinners but washed in His blood and made saints! Hallelujah!

Just the feeling of freedom brings an unspeakable JOY. This is the joy of salvation; the joy that stems from hope for an eternal life.

I invite any of you who haven't yet felt this joy to surrender your hearts to Jesus now - right at this coffee table as we join hands with fellow believers and readers. Let's pray:

"Dear Lord, we come at your presence rejoicing in the joy of our salvation Lord. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin and for the sins of other believers in Christ who have joined me around this coffee table today Lord. Yet there are some of us who are not quite sure of this joy of salvation Lord. Prepare their hearts Lord; open their eyes Lord. Speak to them Lord. Guide them Lord. Help them understand you have died for their sins too Lord. Help them see that they are free indeed Lord. Bless them with the joy of your salvation Lord - right at this minute Lord. We praise and glorify your name this morning Lord. You alone be glorified! May all the glory, honor and praise be to you alone Lord. Thank you for the joy of salvation you have renewed in our hears too Lord. In Jesus' joyous name we pray, Amen!"

A new command I give you: Love one another.

2011-12-28T00:01:00.004-05:00

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must Love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you Love one another." John 13:34-35

Love is the very fundamental foundation of Christian faith. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Amen!

Time and time again our Lord Jesus Christ talked about loving one another. Probably because He knew how difficult it is to truly love one another. It is beyond human nature to love unconditionally. Oh, yes we can love our self, our family, our children - no doubt about it. But how about loving others? Now, how about loving others as we love our self? To go to the next level, how about loving others as God has loved us?

Few questions I lay before us for discussion: (my answers within parenthesis)
* Is it even possible to love others as God has loved us? (Has to be; otherwise Bible wouldn't teach us to do so.)
* Where can we begin in our attempt to love others as God has loved us? (By forgiving others)
* What does it take to stay loving? (By constantly reminding ourselves about the Love of God)

What would be your thoughts; care to share?

A tree is identified by its fruit

2011-12-27T00:01:00.006-05:00

* A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. Matthew 12:33
* By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:16
* But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Symbolically our life is identified to a tree here. A good tree will bear good fruits; same way a good person will have good deeds.

Specifically the Bible talks about nine kinds of fruits we ought to bear as followers of Christ. We see the list in Galatians: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

In the next couple of days, let us discuss each fruit in detail. Please come prepared to share from your experience too. Let us pray God to open our eyes as we get ready to prepare the soil and bear these fruits.

Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering

2011-12-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. Exodus 23:16

One of the instructions given to the Israelites for the end of the year was to celebrate the Feast of Ingathering. Here we are in the last week of 2011. So let us also celebrate the Feast of Ingathering!

First, go and find a piece of paper and list down all the ways God has blessed you all through this year. Don't dismiss anything as "nothing". Scan your mind from last New Years' day, then the all of January, next February, then March, go on to April, May and all the way to December, today!

Got it all down? I am sure it is a pretty looo...ng list! Now, go over each blessing one by one and say a sincere "Thank you Lord!". Every single one of them was God's blessings showered on us. If you can understand the full extent of it, you will scream, "Thank you! Thank you! And yes, Thank you!".

Don't stop with that just for today. Go on and celebrate it for the rest of the year! Happy Feast of Ingathering!

The Lord is your strength!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.011-05:00

"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Some of you may dismiss the greetings as you are grieving a loved one. This is what the Lord says to you this morning, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Amen!

Repeat this to yourself whenever grief tries to engulf you today. May the tender arms of God embrace you once again. This is my prayer for you! God bless you!

Remove sorrow from thy heart

2011-12-24T00:01:00.018-05:00

Remove sorrow from thy heart - Ecclesiastes 11:10

Just as holidays can make us merry, holidays can make some sad, very sad. Remembering loved ones long gone, missing fun old days and more importantly whatever you are facing at the current times may make it impossible to enjoy like the rest of the clan. If that's you, this message is for you! Read on...

It takes an active commitment in our part to remove sorrow from our heart. Just as "Be happy" is a command, "Remove sorrow" is a command to us. It starts with you!

Let's say you are feeling alone, why not invite a friend over? You may be ministering to her/him. What about sharing about your loved ones whom you are grieving about, over the dinner table with your family? Sure it will ease some grief and will allow them to share their recollection too.

Above all, how about taking it to God's feet? Let us sit down at His presence, be it in the car, or your closet, or kitchen table, find a few minutes to be alone with God. Pour out all your grieving thoughts, whatever is bothering you this very moment. Cry it out. Ask Him to remove sorrow from your heart and He will!

I truly believe God is talking to each one of us through this blog post. Remain happy in the Lord! That is our strength. God bless you!

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters...

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

"He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm" Mathew 8:26 (KJV)

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm" Mark 4: 39 (NIV)

"He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm" Luke 8:24 (NIV)

Some of us could be experiencing a great storm in our lives at this very moment. It may look like the storm may never end; the wind might seem to have the upper hand; that we are about to sink into the depth of our sorrows. I encourage you to please meditate on the verses above, where Jesus rebukes the storm and the wind and it was "completely calm" or "a great calm" or "all was calm" as the Gospel authors put it.

Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Amen! Is He not powerful enough to calm your storm? Does He not have the authority to rebuke your wind? Why are you afraid? Why do you doubt Him? Repeat these words, "Quiet! Be still!" against all your stormy situations.

Be it peace in the family, joblessness, financial difficulties, health conditions, disobedient children, abusive relationships or bondage to sin - whatever your storm may be, however strong your wind may appear, when you call unto Jesus He will say "Quiet! Be still!" Soon there will be a great calm. He will fill you with the peace from above. You will start rejoicing in the Spirit and before you know it, the storm will subside and the wind will die down! Hallelujah!!

Let us pray, Our Father in Heaven! We come to your presence in one accord, as one family Lord. You see some of us are struggling with huge storms Lord. Please command against our storms Lord so that there will be complete peace and a great calm Lord. Please help us rid of all our doubts Jesus! Please help us overcome our fears Jesus! We trust and believe you are still able to rebuke our storms Lord. Thank you for the complete deliverance you are granting us Lord. Thank you for the peace from above Lord, for the joy of salvation Lord. Thank you that we are soon going to praise your name seeing the calm you have ordered Lord. Bless this day for each one of us Lord. We completely surrender us at your feet Jesus. In Jesus mighty name we pray, Amen!

Remember to share your prayer requests and praise reports. The best way we can help each other is to pray for one another.

How to turn away from our wicked ways?

2011-12-22T00:01:00.009-05:00

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

Let's look closely at how to turn away from our wicked ways as part of our discussion on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Ask the behavioural experts, they will tell you that one can't really get rid of a bad habit, but only replace a bad habit with a good habit. That's exactly what we see in today's Scripture. Turn from evil and do good!

Every one of us, whether we are believers or non-believers, young or old, rich or poor, we all know for sure what is good vs. what is evil. That is the only way we humans differ from animals - the sense to know the good from the evil. Which ultimately means only one thing - we are solely responsible when we choose to live in wicked ways. No, it is not satan, nor the world; but the self in us is to be blamed.

This self dies when we are born again, resulting in a brand new sparkling fresh self! This is what we read in 2 Corinthians 5:17, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

So, the ultimate solution to turn from wicked ways is to give our hearts to Jesus Christ! He will guide us in the paths of righteousness. Then we will turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Amen!

How to seek His face?

2011-12-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Psalm 123:2

As part of our ongoing discussion on 2 Chronicles 7:14, today we will see how to seek His face?

The Scripture above explains how King David sought His face. If a King could so humble himself and relate to a slave or maid while seeking His face, why is it hard for us to humble ourselves?

True, we are His royal priesthood, His own children, but when it comes to seeking His face, we need to humble ourselves like a servant or slave or maid. A slave or maid has one goal and one goal only - that is to please the master. Such should be our desire to serve our Maker!

When we come before His presence let us acknowledge how limited our abilities are compared to the awesomeness of His power. Let us develop a servant's heart to bless our Master. He who looks at the heart will embrace us as children and will grant us our petition.

How to pray?

2011-12-20T00:01:00.003-05:00

This is in continuation of our discussion on 2 Chronicles 7:14

Our focus today is on how to pray?

The best passage on prayer in my opinion is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6, verses 5-14 especially because these words were spoken by Jesus Himself:
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

It is interesting to note that forgiving others is mentioned as part of the prayer. So even if we pray for hours together but have not forgiven our neighbors, our prayer is of no use. A clear conscious is key for effective prayer. Ready?

How to humble ourselves?

2011-12-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23

Yesterday we discussed 2 Chronicles 7:14 and understood that one of the reasons our prayers have not been answered yet is that we may not have humbled ourselves. Today we will see how to humble ourselves.

Humble by definition means: "Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance."

Right away some of us DO NOT want to humble ourselves. Mainly because the world teaches and expects one to be just the opposite - to think high of his/her own importance.

But the word of God clearly says that God opposes the pride but gives grace to the humble. Anytime pride shows up to steal the credit for an achievement, let us be careful to quickly shun it and give all glory to God Almighty who enabled us in the first place.

Let us repeatedly remind ourselves it is His grace that keeps us hale and healthy, happy and contend. It is His grace that enables us to work, to buy a home or any other material things we have. It is His grace that keeps our family bonding together filling our hearts with peace, love and joy! It is His grace we are saved. It is His grace we are not fallen. It is His grace we have risen every time we fell.

As we remind ourselves with such thoughts, we will automatically develop a dependency on God and would stop thinking too high of ourselves. It will come natural to be humble at heart. Soon our prayers will be answered. Seeing our humble heart God will lift us up! Amen!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves ...

2011-12-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Some of us wonder why our prayers are not answered. Here is the direct message for us. The reason could be one or more of the following:

* We have not humbled ourselves enough
* We have not prayed
* We have not sought His face
* We have not turned from our wicked ways

As we are at the close of the year, there is no better time than this to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways to receive forgiveness of our sins and healing of our land. Shall we do that today?

If you don't know how, stay tuned for the next couple of days we will discuss each of these in detail. God bless you!

He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children

2011-12-17T00:01:00.011-05:00

He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Malachi 4:6

This was a prophetic message about John the Baptist who came before Christ to prepare the way, preaching people to repent and be baptized. The exact words are repeated again in Luke 1:17 while Zachariah - John's father, was serving at the temple, an angel of the Lord appeared to him to foretell the birth of his son who was to be called John.

The same verse, as is, stand alone, out of context, can still do miracles in our lives. That is the power of the Word of God. We will hold on to this very promise for our families today. Even among the so called christian families rifts between parents and grown children and misunderstandings between adult siblings are not uncommon. Some of us who think we have figured it all out, can't ignore the frictions from time to time. Pride and selfish agenda are main causes for that. Many of us have given up saying there is nothing we can do about it.

However, prayer can do wonders. Let us pray over our situation using this Scripture today. The Prince of Peace who rules our hearts will heal the wounds and bind the broken hearts. We will rejoice at the family reunion and praise the name of our Lord! Amen!

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful

2011-12-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

Some tough questions in front of us this morning - asked by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself:

* If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.
* If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.
* If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. (Luke 6:27-36)

Knowing that we are speechless, He also gives us the answers: (our immediate response within parenthesis)

* Love your enemies (mmm will try...)
* Do good to your enemies (now that is getting harder...)
* Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. (what?!)

The reward: We will be sons (daughters) of the Most High (wow! that's something! who wouldn't want that?!)

Take away: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Can we at least try?

Every decision is from the Lord

2011-12-15T00:01:00.004-05:00

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." Proverbs 21:31

Here's a verse which reminds us that God indeed is in control of all things. I remember yet another verse anytime I come across this one: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" Proverbs 15:16

Doesn't mean we shouldn't train the horse for the day of battle or that we shouldn't be prepared to meet the worst. What it really means is that when we are finally granted victory, it is not because of the strength of the horse or our merits. The victory is from the Lord. It is because He fights our fight! Amen!

Even as the governments discuss many situations, as the corporate managements deal with different issues, we need not fear as ultimately what God allows for us will only happen, not what man intends. Those who believe say amen.

I encourage you all to hold dear to these verses as you practice dependency on God every single day.

You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff...

2011-12-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

"See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff..." Isaiah 41:15

Barnes' Notes on Bible has a beautiful explanation for this verse which I would like to share with you:

The object of the illustration in this verse and the following is, to show that God would clothe them with power, and that all difficulties in their way would vanish. To express this idea, the prophet uses an image derived from the mode of threshing in the East, where the heavy wain or sledge was made to pass over a large pile of sheaves, and to bruise out the grain, and separate the chaff, so that the wind would drive it away. The phrase, 'I will make thee,' means, 'I will constitute, or appoint thee,' that is, thou shalt be such a threshing instrument. It is not that God would make such a sledge or wain for them, but that they should be such themselves; they should beat down and remove the obstacles in the way as the threshing wain crushed the pile of grain.

And Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary has it this way:

The Lord will make Jacob to become a threshing instrument. God will make him fit for use, new, and having sharp spikes. This has fulfilment in the triumphs of the gospel of Christ, and of all faithful followers of Christ, over the power of darkness.

Isn't that something to be a new and sharp threshing sledge?!

Remember me with favor, O my God.

2011-12-13T00:01:00.012-05:00

*I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me with favor, O my God. Nehemiah 13:31

*Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services. Nehemiah 13:14

*Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people. Nehemiah 5:19

*Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love. Nehemiah 13:22

Nehemiah was a cup bearer to King Artaxerxes. He requested and got permission from the king to rebuild Jerusalem walls. He gathered volunteers for the project. He arranged for the best wood and craftsmen who could work on it. Jerusalem was rebuilt after many generations. The walls were all employed. People started worshipping in the temple. The Levites and Priests returned to their duty back in Jerusalem. There was a well trained choir in place. It was indeed a tremendous success for Nehemiah and his people.

It is interesting how Nehemiah had one constant prayer throughout his book: "Remember me with favor, O my God!". Which makes me to believe that Nehemiah might not have received the credit that was due him for his successful execution of the work at hand.

There may be times when we undertake a great effort for the Lord and do it well - above and beyond our imagination or others' expectations, people may fail to appreciate it. The only person who will remember our hard work and sincere efforts and bless us accordingly is our Lord. Therefore, let us not be discouraged but make it our prayer too: "Remember me with favor, O my God." Amen!

Consider it JOY when you face trials

2011-12-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

Can Monday mornings be as good as Friday evenings? I didn't think so. Is it even possible to consider it pure joy when we face trials? I wonder why? Let's read on...

... because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3,4

Trials enable us to mature in our faith. Trials allow us to recognize our dependency on God. Trials teach us to acknowledge His deliverance. Trials are allowed to prepare us to minister to others when they pass through similar circumstances. Above all, trials makes us long for His kingdom.

So, Mondays aren't that bad after all! Let's consider it all JOY; shall we? Have a great week ahead and His presence will be with you!

The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.

2011-12-11T00:01:00.003-05:00

The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28:13

Have you noticed that every promise in the Bible comes with a condition? It is only fair, I believe.

In the scripture quoted we read, if we keep the commands of the Lord and carefully follow them, He will make us the head, not the tail; we will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Our focus today is the underlined text.

It is not just the ten commandments we are talking here, it would be all the commands and commandments of God that we read throughout the scriptures. Feel free to check out this link where someone has painstakingly compiled a list of commandments he/she calls a Complete List.

As you see it is a very long list. I am sure you would agree it is not a one time effort to keep His commandments; it is a lifelong process ... but trust me while you are at it, during the process itself, the promise will be fulfilled. He will make us the head and not the tail; we will be at the top and not at the bottom!

Behold He comes!

2011-12-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7

Amen! Our King is coming soon! Here's a beautiful song about it... The lyrics are given below the video so that you can join the singing too!

These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'

Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.

These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord!

There's no God like Jehovah.
There's no God like Jehovah!

He holds our right hand

2011-12-09T00:01:00.005-05:00

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Did you notice one thing? It is not we who are holding His right hand, but the Lord holds our right hand. That clearly shows how protective He is of us. It is like we care for our children when they are little. We always hold their hands not trusting that they will hold our hands.

We know that they could be easily distracted by things around and get lost if we do not hold them. We know that they could fall and get hurt if we do not hold them. Same way, our Lord doesn't expect we will hold on to Him as strongly as He is holding on to us. Isn't it comforting to know our Lord holds our right hand?

Whatever it is you are facing today - may be an interview, may be a corporate decision, may be a test result, may be about a transfer order, whatever it is, remember He holds your right hand.

King David sings in Psalm 16:8, "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." True! Because He is at our right hand we will not be shaken! Praise God!

Let us repeat the verse, slightly altered: For you are the Lord, my God, who takes hold of my right hand and says to me not to fear and that you will help me. Amen!

On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided

2011-12-08T00:01:00.009-05:00

Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14

We are all familiar with Abraham's trekking trip with young Isaac to one of the mounts in Moriah. We have heard about it time an time again and admire at Abraham's faith.

Let us for a moment think of the plight Abraham was in. He was childless for all his life holding on to God's promises for over 80 years and now finally God has blessed him with a son, but asks him to sacrifice him. Just imagine how hard it is.

Reading the passage carefully we can see that Abraham already knew what was going to happen at the eleventh hour! He knew his son was in safe hands, he knew God was not that cruel after all, he knew it was a test for him, he knew God's promises to bless his descendants like ocean sand will be fulfilled through Isaac, he knew they were both going to return from their trip safe and sound, and above all he knew God was going to provide for the offering! It all came to pass just as he believed.

Now, how are we doing when it comes to believing that the Lord will provide? On hearing a bad news such as job cut or pay cut or hours cut, what is our reaction? Do we panic or do we keep our cool believing that it will be provided at the Lord's mountain? Do we immediately withhold our tithes and offering or continue to open our hands to bless God's ministry and the poor and the needy?

If we are not certain, let us pray "Help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24

Jesus - name above all names!

2011-12-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. Luke 2:21

How sweet - Jesus! Say it with me, Jesus! You will agree it is the most popular name ever, of all age and time. It is the name above all names! Jesus!

For those who still think Jesus as a man, here's something to think about. Only for about 3 1/2 years Jesus was publicly preaching, doing miracles and the like. There was no TV or Internet to broadcast His messages across the universe at that time. How do you suppose His name has stood the test over thousands of years?! Can you change a life by telling someone about any other person who have lived on this earth - past & present? good and bad? How is it that the name Jesus is still changing lives? Still working wonders?

Philippians 2:5-11 has the answer. It says, Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Amen! Jesus is the name above every name. We are so privileged to have such a personal relationship with Him. Not only that. He knows us by our name and loves us the best. Isn't that something?!

Cast your cares on the LORD

2011-12-06T00:01:00.009-05:00

* Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
* Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7
* I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. Hosea 14:8
* And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you Matthew: 6:30
* You saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Deuteronomy 1:31

Today's message is specially for those who constantly worry about this or that. The verses here make it crystal clear that our Lord will sustain us through our tough times as long as we cast our cares on Him. What does it mean to cast our cares on the Lord?

It simply means bringing our burdens to His feet, praying it over from the depth of our hearts, crying it over (if we feel like) at His feet (not to anyone else), and then no longer be burdened by it but rejoice in His love. You might ask how is it even possible not to be burdened by it?

The answer is if you truly believe God will answer your prayers and handle it for you, you will know better to refrain from worrying further. Or in other words if you continue to worry it only means you have not trusted Him to lead you through.

I am casting all my worries right away; hope you will join me too!

Are we like Jeshurun?

2011-12-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, he became heavy and sleek. He abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Savior. Deuteronomy 32:15

New Living Translation helps us understand it better: Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.

We read in the verses before that how God nourished Jeshuran. It says, "He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag, with curds and milk from herd and flock and with fattened lambs and goats, with choice rams of Bashan and the finest kernels of wheat.You drank the foaming blood of the grape..."

Yet, they abandoned the Lord... how sad is that...

Sadly we too do just the same - from time to time. When blessed by the Lord we tend to forget the one who blessed us and go after the "blessings". With much prayer we start a job or business and soon it takes the upper hand on us - we give into the demands neglecting the closeness with our God who blessed us with the flourishing business in the first place. When health is suffering we cling to His feet and when we feel better we get too busy doing everything else other than sitting at His feet.

It is important to claim God's promises for ourselves and receive His blessings and nourishment for our physical & spiritual needs; but it is even more important to hold on to our Rock & Salvation when we are fat and merry! A grateful heart is all we can offer and that is all what is expected of us! Is it hard?!

Worship the LORD with gladness

2011-12-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

* Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalms 100:2
* Rejoice before the LORD your God, you, your sons and daughters... Deuteronomy 12:12

It is a beautiful new day, a brand new week - is it not?! As we get ready to go worship the Lord in the congregation of fellow believers, let us remember these verses and the emphasis today is on gladness.

In Isaiah 35:10 we read, "...the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."

Aren't we the "ransomed of the Lord"? Are we glad this morning? In spite of everything going on in our lives, we are still breathing - which alone is enough to be singing joyful songs at His presence.

For the rest of the day let us cast away our cares and go before him with joyful singing... shall we?

First be reconciled to your brother

2011-12-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23,24

Since we all can relate to gifts this time of the year, thought we will do a "gift" scripture today.... how's that?! The scripture is very clear as is and and I don't think we need any explanations.

The question today is, does your brother/sister, mother/father, son/daughter, aunt/uncle, friend/coworker/neighbor have something against you? Let's sit back and think it over. The question is not who is right. I am positive you are right, but if someone got offended, let's quickly go and reconcile first before offering our gifts this season.

Hey, how about sending them a nice letter with a family portrait? Or how about go knock at their door a Sunday afternoon? I did just that. It seems a little awkward I am sure, but trust me you will be glad you did it! You will feel lighter and merrier and better yet your gift offering will be more pleasing to God.

Awake, awake; put on thy strength

2011-12-02T00:01:00.021-05:00

"Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength" Isaiah 52:1

We have discussed this verse several times at the coffee table before. Today also the Lord intends to speak to us through this very message: "Awake, awake; put on thy strength!".

What does it mean to clothe our self with strength? That brings us to yet another question: What is strength?

A quick look up in the dictionary suggests many meanings for the word 'strength':

1. The state, property, or quality of being strong.
2. The power to resist attack; impregnability.
3. The power to resist strain or stress; durability.
4. The ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly.
5. Capacity or potential for effective action

Now that we know the meaning of strength, we kind of get an idea of what it means to "put on our strength". In simple words it means to "resist the attack" or "being strong".

These are very important for our spiritual life. We cannot be weak swaying whichever way the wind blows. We need to be strong in our fundamental beliefs in accordance with the Word of God, which will enable us to resist the attack from the devil, from the world and even from within.

So, hopefully you will add some 'strength' to your wardrobe this season - won't you?!

The Word became flesh

2011-12-01T00:01:00.007-05:00

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

True! The Word became flesh! But making a dwelling among us is not something He forces on us. It is true only if we allow Him to dwell among us - within us! Otherwise He stands at the door knocking!

In Revelation 3:20 we read, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

If you think about it, we only live with the people we love, eat with the people we are friends with, not just any strangers. Dining together is an intimate experience where we are no longer at guard but relaxed, where our true self is revealed, where we have open conversations forgetting about our backgrounds & social differences and where we come together to connect better.

What a privilege it is to have Him dwell in us, dining with us! How wonderful it is to experience Him so close, at an arm's length, sharing the same meal with us, taking in conversations on our mundane activties! All we have done (or for some, yet to do) is open our hearts.

When we open our hearts, the Word that became flesh will dwell among us! Amen!

Out of Bethlehem will come the ruler

2011-11-30T00:01:00.019-05:00

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2

Prophet Micah lived around the same time as Prophet Isaiah - about 700 years before Christ. Micah had foretold about the exact location of the birth place of the Messiah Jesus Christ as Bethlehem.

Some argue that since Jesus did not establish His kingdom on earth during His first coming, He is not the messiah foretold here. They miss out on the dual role of the Messiah - one as a suffering servant who bears the sins of His people (which was fulfilled by Jesus during His first coming), and next as a triumphant ruler who will exercise authority over the nations (which will be fulfilled by Jesus at His second coming).

What about the statement that His origins are from of old and is from ancient of times? It only means there is no beginning for Jesus Christ we can fathom in our mind - He is from eternal past - He was with God from the ancient of times!

In the Gospel of John he writes about the same which explains it better. John writes in John 1:1-5, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."

So true! He shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it. In Him is life! Have we found Him?

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son

2011-11-29T00:01:00.012-05:00

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is one of the fundamental truth of Christianity yet many stumble by reasoning it. Why is it hard for many to accept the virgin birth of Jesus Christ?

Mainly because they do not read the word (Bible) themselves but look around for hearsay or copy/paste information. They do not seek to find the truth but look for ways to justify their version of the "truth". They take the Scriptures out of context and argue over it. They wish to continue their sinful ways, dismissing God's words as a fairy tale or myth or error in translation. They are blindfolded by the father of lies who is careful about keeping them in the dark.

The prophecy foretold here by Isaiah some 700 years before Christ did come true! As is! Word by word! Not missing out on any detail!

For anyone who doubts I suggest you read through the Bible with an intention to find the answers yourself with an unbiased mind. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free! (John 8:32)

Don't be afraid; give it a try! Where to start? That's upto you. Here's a link to the online Bible.

Cultivating contentment

2011-11-28T00:01:00.025-05:00

Don't I have a right to complain? Don't wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food? Job 6:5

The biggest challenge to our "contentment" comes at this time of the year - when the stores are sparkling with sales and overflowing with merchandise. There is always the bigger and better screaming at us from across the aisle "bye me! bye me!"

Soon we fall prey to complaining about what we have and we might even justify it like Job did. In Job 10:1 he says, "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul."

There are lots of ways to describe us when discontentment boils over: whiners, grumps, moaners, mopers. We get snappish, crabby, and edgy. You know the type - sort of like Eeyore, the gloomy donkey of Winnie the Pooh fame. No matter what cheerful circumstance he and his friends are in, his melancholy mindset makes his ears and tail droop ever lower. We can always find something to complain about if we try.

Christian author Luci Swindoll quotes:

My most painful experiences have given me my greatest strength and fiber - what I most needed to mature. Through them I was forced to rely on the Lord, deal with reality for what it was, defer reward - in short, quit griping and grow up! The very things I hated have been the making of me.

Isn't it time we cultivate some contentment in us and grow up too?! It is; for me!

The Story of Love

2011-11-27T00:01:00.009-05:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

A very familiar Scripture of course. Most of us know it byheart; but do we actually get the depth of the message? Here's something to help us in those lines... May be next time around we will pause a little to acknowledge our Father's love for us.

He is the reason for the season

2011-11-26T00:01:00.008-05:00

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..." Isaiah 9:6

At the last lapse of November 2011 we all sense a renewed kind of energy all around us - Christmas trees going up, photo studios overflowing, businesses thriving, it is hard to miss the general sense of joy and merriment everywhere.

Here at Coffee with Jesus too we will have Christmas meditations for the next few weeks counting down to Christmas. Isn't that a good idea? Thought so! :)

For to us a child is born! To us a son is given! What do we do with Him? Now that's the question.

How are we going to celebrate this Child that was born; this Son who was given us? Is He in the center stage of our celebrations this season or only a side kick? Are our plans in alignment with what He desires in us? Have we announced His birth among our friends, relatives, co workers & neighbors? What are we waiting for? Let's get started!

Let us not lose the focus that He is the reason for this season! Merry Christmas everyone!

To accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God

2011-11-25T00:01:00.036-05:00

When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19

Interestingly the Scripture here points out it is not the wealth or possessions that are considered the gift of God, but the heart that accepts our lot and remain happy in our work - that is a gift of God.

In his letter to Timothy Apostle Paul writes about Love of Money and says "Godliness with contentment is great gain". I Timothy 6:6. Indeed it is!

King Solomon was the richest king ever. He writes in Proverbs 28:25, "A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper." - which shows that his prosperity came from trusting in the Lord and not from greed.

How many of us are content this morning?! Praise God for all those hands that are going up! Let us continue to accept our lot! This is our gift from the Lord!

Give thanks to the Lord!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you joining the coffee table from the States. Others too can join us in giving thanks to the Lord as we celebrate the feast of our harvest termed aptly as Thanksgiving for our daily providence all through the year.

Amidst the overwhelming responsibilities associated with the feast such as hosting, cooking and cleaning I hope we can all take a moment to sit around the table with our loved ones and go over a complete list of all the reasons we are thankful to our Lord for. It is okay if it is going to take few extra minutes, let us not forget the significance of the celebrations in all other hustle bustles.

Here's sharing King David's Thanksgiving list. As you see he recalls even things from way past, things from much before his times and gives thanks. He was surely blessed for his grateful heart.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.

and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.

with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.

and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

to him who led his people through the desert,
His love endures forever.

who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.

and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.

Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.

and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.

and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.

an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.

to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.

and freed us from our enemies,
His love endures forever.

and who gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

It sure feels good giving thanks; does it not?!

Make known among the nations what He has done

2011-11-23T00:01:00.016-05:00

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. I Chronicles 16:8

Giving thanks - okay we can understand; but what does it have to do with 'making it known among the nations'?

Words have the influence to claim someone for or against a matter. Marketing specialists, can assure you that "word of mouth" is one of the most effective way of marketing technique out there. James chapter 3 goes on and on about the power of the tongue, associating our tongue to the rudder that can steer a huge ship.

In the Gospel of Luke we read of the scene when Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where people put down the palm branches and their cloak for His colt to walk on. The crowd was singing and praising in loud voice of His many miracles and the disciples rebuked them. Jesus's response was, "if they keep quite, the stones will cry out."

That is true for us too. If we keep quite from proclaiming of His wonders, the stones will cry out - putting us to shame.

So, to answer our question, making known among the nations, means to make a bold statement that we acknowledge or support or affiliate with the brand called Jesus! We are not just stopping with a quick thank you, but we will announce, proclaim, make known of what He has done for us among the nations! You are with me on that - right?!

Give thanks in all circumstances

2011-11-22T00:01:00.023-05:00

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

Easier said than done, you would agree- to give thanks in all circumstances. We all have something to be thankful for; but honestly can we say we are thankful for everything? Paul instructs us we should be!

There is an illustration I had read somewhere, where everyone was asked to bundle up their problems and throw it in a basket; and later each person was asked to take one bundle from the basket; interestingly most of them walked away with their original bundle. What this tells us is that what one might frown as "problem" is nothing compared to what someone else is going through.

Once I fell down in an airport elevator trying to handle two toddlers by myself. Got some scratches on my foot and felt terrible about the situation. What my little daughter - hardly four at that time - told me, made me to think. She said, "It's okay Mommy! It could have been worse!"

How true! Since then I have learnt to take things in the lighter sense which has helped me remain grateful in most circumstances - if not all, which I am striving for.

As we get ready for our annual feast of Thanksgiving let us learn to look at our problems from a different angle today, from an outsider's perspective; see if it is not something to be grateful for after all?!

Let me remind you once again: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Amen!