Friday, January 5, 2024

You name it. I've done it!



For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be [carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8: 5-6

There are 613 commandments in the Old Testament. For list refer here 

Going through them, we will realize it is impossible not to break them. They cover each and every minute aspect, in a day to day scenario, and situations which we commonly ignore, like telling someone we are not available when we are. It is when such a realisation comes that we understand how we are saved by grace.

But being saved by grace does not mean we continue to live as we like!

Commenting on the quoted verse, David Jacob writes in his devotional - 

"I have certainly been guilty at times of seeking the pleasures of the flesh. I believe that we all have, whether it be romantic love, material possessions, or even another juicy cheeseburger. It is so hard to steer clear of these temptations, and if we think about it further, is it really wrong for us to want these things? Is it wrong to romantically love someone and enjoy the physical nature of the bodies that God provided us? Is it wrong to want to make money and be successful so that we can buy the things that make us feel good? Is it wrong to want to eat and drink to our hearts content? In a vacuum, all of these things are not wrong, but as Paul explains, if the pleasures of the flesh are the REASON that we do these things rather than with the Spirit in mind, it will lead to death".

While the question is a debate in itself, and best left to theologians, on our side it maybe a good idea to be aware of  two things - that we are saved by grace and by grace and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we try and examine the motive and driving force behind our actions and desires, rejecting those that are driven by material lust (gluttony, love, gathering wealth and so on). As Mr Jacobs has pointed out, there is nothing wrong to desire but it's the thought behind it which counts. 

Proverbs 16:2 drives home the point and can't be clearer when it says - 
All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, But the Lord examines the motives. NASB


Tuesday, January 2, 2024

New Year Wishes for you




They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. — Joshua 5:12

(Based on the KJV Bible Study)
Israel’s weary wanderings were all over, and the promised rest was attained. No more moving tents, fiery serpents, fierce Amalekites, and howling wildernesses: they came to the land which flowed with milk and honey, and they ate the old corn of the land. Perhaps this year, this may be thy case or mine. Joyful is the prospect, and if faith be in active exercise, it will yield unalloyed delight. 

Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice with exceeding great joy, in the prospect that this year we shall begin to be “forever with the Lord.”



This Week

The Flight from God

                            ​ “I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the...