Angels of the Morning

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

    in the morning I lay my requests before you

    and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3 

There is something magical about early mornings. The sun is still deciding whether it really wants to come out and we have a soft awakening to a new day., no matter how hard we expect it to be. However the previous day went, we will have a lot to look forward to in the new day. 

In these early, dawn hours, it's a blessing to be able to connect with the one who created the morning and the day, the evening and the nights. created us and all that surrounds us. Our worries can be laid on Him and our joys can be shared with thanksgiving. No matter how hopeless we think a situation maybe, a new day will always bring hope - because the one above all, still rules. We only have to be silent, in mind and body. 

As the sun slowly peeps over the horizon, a sense of unworthiness overtakes. How can we ever live up to the one who created all this? His perfection, His love and His power? 

And the biggest wonder of it all? In a world of 8 billion people, 200 million square miles of land, 3 trillion trees, 7.7 million animal species and much much more, He still has the time and the inclination to listen to me in these still hours. To care for me. To protect me. To provide for me. And for each one of His creations! 

Of course, In such a vast world, things can and will go wrong - sometimes engineered by us and sometimes by spiritual forces working against creation. Like they did Job, they can attack us and try to destroy our lives through hardship and heartbreak - but we have one who reigns above all and He listens. He saves. He does not want us to suffer but live a beautiful life, so He is our last resort. 

As the darkness lightens, we talk to Him, share everything thank Him for another day, for the past day, put our problems at His feet and ask Him to be with us through the day, ask His spirit for discernment, for wisdom for guidance, for we are foolish people, led astray by the world and its ways of thinking and acting. Ask Him for help to solve our problems, for healing, for help, for means to help others who need. We ask Him to make us instruments of His purpose, of His work and of His will. Each of us have a role to play in His world. 

Thoughts then roll over to people who brought us to Him. Parents, Pastors, friends, situations; and we thank Him for sending them into our lives. 

We mess up. That is a given. But we also know that every sunrise is God's way of saying, 'I haven't given up on you yet". This simple fact of a new day breaking is a profound testament to God's persistent hope and unwavering belief in our potential. It's His daily promise that He's still with us.

And so, begins a new day.

 

God of Small Things

"Learn in the little daily things of life to delay action until you get my guidance.

So many lives lack poise. For in the momentous decisions a d the big things of life, they ask My help but into the small things they rush alone. By what you do in small things those around you are most often antagonized or attracted". (God Calling)

When we think of God, we picturize the word awesome - which conveys something grand and unimaginable, so psychologically we associate everything big with God and tend not to bother Him for smaller, everyday life things. But the fact is that not only is God not limited to the extraordinary, but He also wants to be part of and help in everyday small issues and activities of life. For example- when we pray for an important meeting, do we also mention that we need His help to reach on time? Or choice of clothes? Or when we want to buy a home item, do we ask His opinion? A good way to start could be to discuss the days plan with Him when we pray first thing in the morning. 

This does not mean every time some small ordinary decision needs to be taken we fall to our knees and pray. Here is where the concept of arrow prayers comes in, a subject we talked about in an earlier post here.

God is extraordinary and awesome, not because He limits Himself to the extraordinary, but because He addresses, and likes to be involved in the ordinary as well.

While the Bible is famous for its grand and dramatic miracles like the parting of the Red Sea or the raising of Lazarus, it also contains numerous "smaller" or "subtle" miracles. These often highlight God's everyday provision, care, and intervention in the lives of individuals, reminding us that His presence isn't limited to the extraordinary.

Here are some examples of smaller miracles in the Bible:

Old Testament Examples:

1. The Widow's Unending Flour and Oil (1 Kings 17:8-16): During a severe famine, God miraculously provided for the prophet Elijah, a widow, and her son by ensuring that their small jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out. This wasn't a grand display of power, but a consistent, daily provision that sustained them.

2. Detoxification of the Stew (2 Kings 4:38-41): When a pot of stew became poisonous, Elisha simply added some flour, and the stew was made safe to eat. This was a practical, life-saving miracle without much fanfare.

3. Feeding of One Hundred Men with Twenty Loaves (2 Kings 4:42-44): Elisha fed a large group of men with a very small amount of bread, with leftovers to spare. While similar to Jesus's feeding miracles, it's often overlooked due to its smaller scale.

4. The Cloud "as small as a man's hand" (1 Kings 18:43-45): After a long drought, Elijah's servant reported seeing a tiny cloud. This seemingly insignificant cloud was the sign of a massive rain to come, ending the drought and demonstrating God's faithfulness in a small, yet impactful, way.

New Testament Examples:

1. Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law (Mark 1:30-31): Jesus simply took her hand and the fever left her. It was a straightforward, compassionate healing, without the dramatic exorcisms or public pronouncements often associated with other miracles.

2. The Coin in the Fish's Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27): When challenged about paying the temple tax, Jesus instructed Peter to cast a line, promising he would find a coin in the mouth of the first fish caught. This was a specific, unusual provision for a particular need.

3. God's Daily Provision: Beyond specific instances, the New Testament often speaks of God's consistent provision for our daily needs, a constant "smaller miracle" that we often take for granted (Matthew 6:25-34).

4. Changed Hearts and Lives: Perhaps the most significant "smaller miracles" are the internal transformations that occur when individuals encounter God. These are not always outwardly visible, but they represent a profound shift in a person's character, beliefs, and direction, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

5. Changing of Water to Wine - saved the honor of the host. 

These "smaller" miracles are significant because they demonstrate God's consistent involvement in the details of life, His compassion for individual needs, and His power working in less dramatic, yet equally profound, ways. They remind us that miracles aren't always about grand spectacles, but often about God's intimate and faithful presence.

God provides for our every need - big or small. When you look back in your life, you will find it full of small things God provided. Small miracles - unasked yet provided.

The Implications of a Choice

 

Read Genesis Chapter 13 

The Bible indicates that being wealthy is no sin, but wealth seriously increases a believer's responsibility. God's people should therefore view wealth with a sense of stewardship rather than ownership. (1 Tim 6 9-11). 

We see an example of this in Genesis chapter 13. We need to keep in mind that wealth, at that time, was counted by cattle, silver and gold, of which Abraham and Lot had plenty. So much in fact that the "land could not support them", basis which Abraham suggested a split. 

This is where we now see how our choices play out and implications of those choices. 

Abraham had the first right to choose but he gave that choice to Lot. He entrusted His future to God, walking by faith. 

This act by itself is an ideal for us to follow, living our life in such a way that others see the love we share for one another. 

Lot "lifted up his eyes" to see carefully and identify the best land for himself, without a thought for Abraham. 

Lot chose selfishly and his selfish choice would prove disastrous because in the long-term Sodom, which was situated in the same area, would draw Lot into its fold and its ways. 

However, Abraham left that choice to God and he was blessed. 

What an ideal lesson for us today. How do we choose? How do we decide? Is wealth and our interest the main consideration? Will our choice not include the well-being of others? 

When we allow God to guide us in the choices we make, making our desire, will and human logic subservient to His, those choices and decisions are blessed. When we let our own minds and desire rule those choices, we are bound to end up in dangerous situations, as did Lot. 

Finding God's Abundant Presence

Psalms 91:14 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name".

Psalms 3:5 "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me".

Today Francis Taylor asks a question we should always by asking ourselves -

"Where and how has God made Himself abundantly present in your life?

It's an interesting question! First, you need to realize that God IS present in your life. Then you need to look for him. As I was thinking about this, I remembered the movie White Christmas and the wonderful song "Count Your Blessings." What were your blessings today? Do you have your health? Did you have a nice meal? Did you find that perfect gift, or make all the lights? Do you have people in your life who love you? What are your blessings? I count my friends, my family, my home, my job. I could go on, but you get the idea. There are also significant moments – the birth of a child, recovery from an illness or injury. The ability to deal with grief and moments of intense joy are signs of God's presence. And don't forget the gift of faith, the people that God puts in your way that say just the right thing at the right time, the song you hear or something you read that guides you when you need it. So many opportunities to feel God's presence, if you look! Tonight, before you go to bed, take the advice of Bing Crosby in the movie and "count your blessings instead of sheep" and you'll fall asleep wrapped in the arms of a loving and ever-present God.

The biggest blessing for anyone is to have God in their life and know He is there".

Sunday Quotes

 

It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it. - Vance Havner

Let me remind you that this is God's universe, and He is doing things His way. You may think you have a better way, but you don't have a universe to rule. - J. Vernon McGee

"When we share Christ, the Truth behind our transformation, we are offering people an opportunity to be transformed." ~ David Jeremiah

"When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable." ~ Vance Havner

"If you see a Bible that is falling apart, it probably belongs to someone who isn't!" ~ Vance Havner

"God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way." ~ Aiden Wilson Tozer

"The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." ~ Rick Warren

"God is not just saving individuals and preparing them for heaven; rather, He is creating a people among whom He can live and who in their life together will reproduce God’s life and character." ~ Gordon Fee

"If you're praying, you're not worrying, and if you're worrying, you're not praying!" ~ Ruffin McNeill

"Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking God uses only 'special' people the strong, the intelligent, the beautiful. We don't think He has a place for the rest of us. We are so wrong!" ~ Chuck Smith

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." ~ Martin Luther

"The moment God put a dream in your heart, the moment the promise took root, God not only started it, but He set a completion date." ~ Joel Osteen

"Sometimes God lets you be in a situation that only He can fix so that you can see that He is the One who fixes it. Rest. He's got it." ~ Tony Evans

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." ~ C. S. Lewis

"The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Saviour from Hell rather than a Saviour from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness." ~ Arthur W. Pink

"The universe is wired with the electricity of God, & each of us is a lamp. It doesn't matter the size or shape of the lamp; it only matters that the lamp is plugged in. With every prayer, every thought of forgiveness, every meditation, every act of love, we plug in. The more of us who plug in, to more the darkness of the world will be cast from our midst. Today, let's all increase love's wattage!" ~ Marianne Williamson

"Most of all, God has blessed us by giving us the privilege of knowing Him and walking with Him every day. He did this by sending His Son into the world to die for our sins." ~ Billy Graham

"We need to replace the lies of the enemy with the truth of God; to do so we need to know the truth of God." ~ Christine Caine

"Don't waste another moment crying over what went wrong! If it wasn't a blessing - it was a lesson." ~ Paula White

"Humility is not a character trait to develop, it's the natural by-product of being with Jesus." ~ Louie Giglio

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." ~ John Wesley

"When to give grace? I'd rather stand before God knowing I loved others too much rather than regretting that I judged too harshly." ~ Lysa TerKeurst

"Always be ready to give a good testimony for the Lord, but remember that the best testimony a Christian can have is a love for others and good work habits." ~ Larry Burkett

"We suffer much agony because we try to get from people what only God can give us, which is a sense of worth and value. Look to God for what you need, not to people." ~ Joyce Meyer

When Moses Spoke....

Moses' first speech in Deuteronomy is a profound historical review that serves to remind the Israelites and us, of their/our past, instruct them in the present, and prepare them for the future. The speech is found in Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43 and is a foundational text for understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel and, today, between God and us.

Through this speech, Moses calls the Israelis to remember God's faithfulness, learn from their history, and commit to a life of obedience and trust in the Lord as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land.

This speech is as relevant today as it was then; we too have travelled the Christian's road and many of us stand ready to be prepared for the future. Our memories of "good" are short but we seldom forget the "bad" - and which necessitates a hard look at the past so that we do not forget God's infinite blessings and so that we can be strong and confident of the future.

"As Moses is giving the Israelites his final teaching and advice before they enter the Promised land he is reminding them of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them from the time he rescued them from Egypt". 

As we move forward in life, do we not need these reminders as well?

A central theme of the speech is the call to obedience and the reminder of God's laws. Moses underscores that adherence to God's commandments is crucial for the Israelites to thrive in the land they are about to inherit. He warns them against idolizing earthly things and urges them to remain faithful, emphasizing that their relationship with God is the foundation of their identity and success as a nation.

What of us today? Do we truly consider God as the foundation of our success? Do we consider Gods Word & commands as "Guidelines for suggested living" or really treat them as "commandments" which are sacrosanct?

Ms. Francis Taylor says - "I have mentioned before that many of us consider the commandments "suggestions" or commandments for only the time in which they were given. But think of the discord caused by dishonesty, greed and abuse of authority. Moses' advice to the Israelites is just as true today as it was millennia ago. Following God's law is just as important now as it was then".

As we proceed through Lent, let us read again Moses' address to the people in Deuteronomy and be reminded of who we are and whose we are!

Sunday Quotes

The chief purpose of prayer is that God may be glorified in the answer. 

 R. A. Torrey

Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips. - Vance Havner

God gives us people to love and things to use, not things to love and people to use. - Max Lucado

There is no sweeter manner of living in the world than continuous communion with God - Brother Lawrence

Real true faith is man's weakness leaning on God's strength. - Dwight L. Moody

The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' - Billy Graham

Creative words generate energy; negative words drain out energy. - Robert H. Schuller

It is not the bee's touching of the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian. - Thomas Brooks

We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us. - Charles Spurgeon

Every day we live is a priceless gift of God, loaded with possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insights. - Dale Evans

If we want to be known in heaven and feared in hell we must be willing to lose our reputation here on earth. - Loren Cunningham

The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation. - Dwight L. Moody

People who walk by faith don't see obstacles, they see opportunities. - Warren W. Wiersbe

Kids today learn a lot about getting to the moon, but very little about getting to heaven. - David Jeremiah

Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody; forty years learning he was nobody; and forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody. - Dwight L. Moody

Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat. - John Ortberg

Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take a small step towards Him. He awaits you with open arms. - Pope Francis

All places are places of worship to a Christian. Wherever he is, he ought to be in a worshiping frame of mind. - Charles Spurgeon

To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge! To do the will of God is the greatest achievement. - George W Truett

God not only orders our steps, He orders our stops. - George Muller

How you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God. - Henry Blackaby

When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. - Corrie Ten Boom

If you want to give the devil a nervous breakdown, just get up every day and see how much good you can do. - Joyce Meyer

Knowing that we are fulfilling God's purpose is the only thing that gives rest to the restless human heart. - Charles Colson

If we do not fill our mind with prayer, it will fill itself with anxieties, worries, temptations, resentments, and unwelcome memories. - Scott Hahn

God doesn't bless us just to make us happy; He blesses us to make us a blessing. - Warren W. Wiersbe

Strive to make every person feel special. After all, every person you meet is made in the image of God.- Joel Osteen

Don't worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart. It's not eloquence he seeks, just honesty. - Max Lucado

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie Ten Boom

Becoming a Christian is the work of a moment; being a Christian is the work of a lifetime. - Billy Graham

Sunday Quotes

Inspiring Christian quotes serve as beacons of hope, faith, and encouragement in our daily lives. They remind us of God's unwavering love, the strength found in Christ, and the beauty of living with purpose and compassion. These quotes, often drawn from Scripture or the wisdom of Christian thinkers, provide guidance during challenges and celebrate the joy of faith. Whether uplifting the spirit or deepening one's connection with God, they resonate with timeless truths that inspire believers to walk in love, grace, and perseverance.

“Satan is so much more in earnest than we are—he buys up the opportunity while we are wondering how much it will cost.” (Amy Carmichael)

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)

“If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction.”

“Every temptation, directly or indirectly, is the temptation to doubt and distrust God.” John Macarthur 

 “The issue of faith is not so much whether we believe in God, but whether we believe the God we believe in.” RC Sproul 

 “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” - C S Lewis 

 “Today Jesus Christ is being dispatched as the Figurehead of a Religion, a mere example. He is that, but he is infinitely more; He is salvation itself, He is the Gospel of God.” - Oswald Chambers 

“I will not glory, even in my orthodoxy, for even that can be a snare if I make a god of it... Let us rejoice in Him in all His fullness and in Him alone.”- Martin Lloyd-Jones

“Here lies the tremendous mystery: that God should be all-powerful, yet refuse to coerce. He summons us to cooperation. We are honored in being given the opportunity to participate in his good deeds. Remember how He asked for help in performing his miracles: Fill the water pots, stretch out your hand, distribute the loaves.” - Elisabeth Elliot

“The terrible, tragic fallacy of the last hundred years has been to think that all man's troubles are due to his environment, and that to change the man you have nothing to do but change his environment. That is a tragic fallacy. It overlooks the fact that it was in Paradise that man fell.”

“Be still, and know that I am God. We must not interpret that ‘Be still’ in a sentimental manner. Some regard it as a kind of exhortation to us to be silent; but it is nothing of the sort. It means, ‘Give up (or ‘Give in’ and admit I am God’. God is addressing people who are opposed to Him.”

Martyn Lloyd -Jones 

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”

Oswald Chambers 

“I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, “What! all this, and Christ too?” - Charles Spurgeon

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.” - Corrie Ten-Boom

“Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.” - Billy Graham

“Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.”

St. Augustine

Monday Quotes

 

"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come" - Rabindranath Tagore

"When I fall sick, I am taken to a hospital where I surrender to the nurses, attendants and doctors. They put me in a wheelchair and take me where I do not know, put me on machines I do not recognize and do tests which the doctors have ordered. I am completely in their hands. Then I wonder, when I can trust the doctors, nurses and attendants for my well being, and surrender myself, why do I have a problem surrendering to God? Why cant I let God push my wheelchair?" - Pastor Jolly Raj, Bethel Methodist Church, India.

" Faith is the bird that feels the light, when the dawn is still dark". - Rabindranath Tagore

"Pray; and as you pray, surrender; and as you surrender, believe". - Aiden Wilson Tozer

It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it. - Vance Havner

You will never be saved against your will; God drags nobody to heaven by the ears. - Charles Spurgeon

Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips. - Vance Havner

"Don't ever come to church without coming as though it were the first time, as though it could be the best time, and as though it could be the last time." ~ Vance Havner

"When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable." ~ Vance Havner

"Fundamentally, our Lord's message was Himself. He did not come merely to preach a Gospel; He himself is that Gospel. He did not come merely to give bread; He said, "I am the bread." He did not come merely to shed light; He said, "I am the light." He did not come merely to show the door; He said, "I am the door." He did not come merely to name a shepherd; He said, "I am the shepherd." He did not come merely to point the way; He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."" ~ J. Sidlow Baxter

"Real true faith is man's weakness leaning on God's strength." ~ Dwight L. Moody

"There is more grace in God's heart than there is sin in your past." ~ Erwin W. Lutzer

"Love the sinner, hate the sin? How about: Love the sinner, hate your own sin! I don't have time to hate your sin. There are too many of you! Hating my sin is a full-time job. How about you hate your sin, I'll hate my sin and let's just love each other!" ~ Mark Lowry

"Because with every action, comment, conversation, we have the choice to invite Heaven or Hell to Earth." ~ Rob Bell

"Every day we live is a priceless gift of God, loaded with possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insights." ~ Dale Evans

"God doesn't break things so He can fix them; He fixes broken things so He can use them." ~ Bob Goff

Sunday Quotes

                 

You will never be saved against your will; God drags nobody to heaven by the ears. Charles Spurgeon

This life is the only hell believers will ever know. But for those who die in their sins, this is their only heaven - Ray Comfort

Let me remind you that this is God's universe, and He is doing things His way. You may think you have a better way, but you don't have a universe to rule - J. Vernon McGee

When we share Christ, the Truth behind our transformation, we are offering people an opportunity to be transformed - David Jeremiah

Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips - Vance Havner

When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable - Vance Havner

If you see a Bible that is falling apart, it probably belongs to someone who isn't! Vance Havner

God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way. - Aiden Wilson Tozer

Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.  Alexander MacLaren

We should not pray for God to be on our side, but pray that we may be on God's side. Billy Graham

Our Prayer Partner: Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

Today we going to continue our series of messages on prayer based on O.S. Hawkins’ book the prayer code.

How many of you have heard of the term “prayer partnership?”

Prayer partnership is when two people tie up and make a pact to pray together at the same pre-decided time even though they may be located at different places.

Now we may not be practicing prayer partnership in our own lives even though it is a practice that brings considerable blessing but all of us each one of us who are believers in the lord Jesus Christ has a prayer partner.

Surprised? Yes, the holy spirit is our personal prayer partner.

He is with us all the time, he searches our hearts & helps in our weaknesses and, above all intercedes for us according to god’s will.

The Holy Spirit lives in the life of every believer who has called on the name of our lord Jesus Christ.

Hawkins explains that our bodies are the holy spirit’s Holy place and because he is in us, he does on our bodies what our lord Jesus Christ does for us before God the father & makes intercession for us.

The holy spirit is our personal prayer partner.

We can learn more about the holy spirit by asking 4 very pertinent questions.

Firstly a ‘what question’ - what does the holy spirt actually do? " likewise, the spirit also helps in our weaknesses".

The holy spirit helps us to pray. In other words, He lends a hand.

How? By coming alongside, and taking part in our prayers and making our prayers more effective.

Paul reminds us that “for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought”,

Why? Because we are weak, and we do need help especially when it comes to praying. A help which is not available to us through self-help books. It is only available to us from our prayer partner - The Holy spirit.

So that is what the holy spirit does: it helps in our prayer life.

Then we ask a ‘where question’. Where does the holy spirit help us? It helps in our weaknesses.

Hawkins reminds us that many of us are not very healthy when it comes to an effective prayer life.

Jesus saw this in his disciples who could not watch and pray with him for even an hour in the garden of Gethsemane which was the time of his greatest need.

This is why he sent us the holy spirit whom he called the helper so that he could help us where we are weak, and the truth is that we are pretty weak in our prayer life.

Here Hawkins cautions us about the fact that just because we have a helper does not mean that we allow the helper to help us.

There are many who resist the Holy Spirit, some grieve the Holy Spirit and some quench the Holy Spirit.

You may ask How? By never acknowledging the need for his help and continue to live in unconfessed sin.

Why does the holy spirit help us in our weaknesses? “for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought”.

This word ‘ought’ is a very crucial word in the New Testament and appears over one hundred times.

The Greek word that translates to the word ‘ought’ in a majority of these 100 times means ‘must’.

So it is most important that it is not just that we ought to pray but we must pray.

Hawkins explains the reasons why we do not always know how we ought to pray.

He gives the example of Paul praying three times for the thorn in his flesh to be removed.

The reason that we do not know how to pray as we should is that we cannot see into the future.

We need help, we are weak, we are always confusing our wants with our needs and we do not know what is best for us.

That is why the holy spirit helps us in our weaknesses because we do not know what to pray for as we ought.

And finally a ‘how question’ - how does the holy spirit helps us pray? “But the spirit himself makes intercession”. He pleads on our behalf before God the father.

Hawkins gives the example of the good Samaritan who came upon a badly wounded man on the road. He got involved and interceded on the man’s behalf, took him to an inn, paid his bill and met his needs.

This is how the Holy Spirit works in our prayer lives. We are weak like the wounded man in the story of the good Samaritan. In our weakness we do not know how to pray or what to pray for, but the holy spirit comes alongside us and pleads on our behalf.

A crucial key to understanding how the Spirit helps us is that he knows the mind of God and always prays according to the will of God.

Romans 8: 27 "now he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the spirit is, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God".

The spirit leads us to the will of God for our lives.

Yes, we can find God’s will through scripture where we know many things for certain because they are plainly stated in god’s word. But there are matters of which we may not be very certain, so this is where the spirit comes in and helps us because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Hawkins points out one very crucial point: He points out that are many who have god’s word but are unaware of the spirit. Others have the spirit but are without god’s word.

We need the Holy Spirit so that we can find God’s will and we need to yield to the Holy Spirit because he intercedes for us according to the will of God.

So, what is the takeaway from this message today?

We are not alone we have an effective prayer partner in the Holy Spirit who knows god’s will for us and helps us pray in God’s will so that God’s will may be fulfilled in us and for us.

Amen!

Exam Time!

"Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart". Psalms 26:2 KJV

I remember as a child in school, when we had to take the class test it was scary. there was fear, excitement and hope - hope that somehow I would pass that test and be rewarded by my father and mother with a chocolate. Years later, as a young man in graduation, taking an exam was again filled with trepidation and hope. Hope that I would clear it and move onto to a great future.

When God puts us to the test, it can be scary, exciting, confusing, and, sometimes, altogether painful.

There is warfare when God exposes something we are not aware of. The enemy comes to deceive us when we try to ignore or refuse to listen to the still small voice of God within us.

But, as in childhood tests and exams, there is a hope which can motivate us. That hope is a life where we are mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually free - a life which God provides.

Let us therefore, not argue or think to reason with Him when things don’t make sense. His exposition is not meant to condemn us, shame us, or make us feel guilty but rather to redirect our path, save us from what’s coming, and align us back into His perfect will!

The Blacksmiths Anvil

I paused last eve beside the blacksmith's door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
And looking in I saw upon the Floor,
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had?” said I,
“To wear and batter all these hammers so?”
“Just one,” he answered.
Then with twinkling eye: “The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, I thought, the anvil of God’s Word
For ages sceptics’ blows have beat upon,
But though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unchanged, the hammers gone.

-John Clifford

Arrow Prayers

Let week Pastor Rajiv talked about something called arrow prayers. Arrow prayers are short prayers that only take a few seconds to pray—they are “shot” up to God in a moment. They help to penetrate darkness or fear and direct our thoughts quickly to God, especially when we feel particularly weak, vulnerable, or scared. The devil hates these kinds of prayers because they reveal the faith and hope of the one praying them.

Arrow Prayers remind us that prayer doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful!

We see an example of an arrow prayer in verse four of Nehemiah 2. As Nehemiah is walking toward the king, he quickly shoots off an arrow prayer. We don’t know what his prayer was, but it might have sounded like, “God of heaven, give me favor with the king,” or “God of heaven, protect me.”

Another example is of Peter as he walks on the water towards Jesus, shifting his eyes from Jesus he starts sinking and cries our - "Lord Save me".

Arrow prayers can form a sort of a conversation with God throughout the day.

A word of caution: arrow prayers are not magic nor a mantra. They are also not a substitute for personal prayer times but a result of those times when we build a relationship with God, because if we want God to hear our emergency prayers, we need to make sure we are cultivating a strong relationship with the one answering our prayers!

These Arrow prayers can strengthen our faith.

These short prayers throughout our day and weaved within our prayer life will strengthen our walk with the Lord. All prayers are based upon the fact we recognize God as the Author of all life and the one whose power and strength we rely upon. As we pray continuously throughout our days, we are drawn closer to the Lord, and this helps us trust God in other areas of our lives.

What are some of your regular arrow prayers? How do you think incorporating more arrow prayers in your life will draw you closer to God? Or create a deeper prayer life?

Today let's try these short prayers and conversations with God. It could be a simple "thank you Lord". Or it could be for help for someone in an emergency. Or it could be like Peter calling out - "Lord Save me". 

Arrow prayers show us that God hears us even in the briefest moments of need. They remind us that we don’t need elaborate words to reach God. Whether in fear, desperation, or humility, these simple, urgent prayers reflect deep trust in God’s ability to respond.

Saturday Vespers: The Legacy Bible

God is there all the time. We need to look for His hand in all that has taken place in my life, I need to remember all he has done; be aware of times when we have been protected against all reason. We need to remember his "Rod and His stick". That is what will create our faith and keep strengthening it.

It is equally important to remember those experiences. A good way to do that maybe to create a "legacy Bible" - A record of our own thoughts and experiences as we go through our daily devotional coupled with our daily experiences. 

This is a great reminder not only to us but also a great gift for our children as they too will understand our spiritual journey in this material world. It is also a wonderful way to remember His blessings and answered prayers - ours as well as for others. 

A way to ensure we are not like the nine who did not return to thank Jesus. 

Monday Opportunities...

Its Monday morning and as everyone gets busy with work at the workplace or at home, we get focused on the week ahead and the various jobs and transactions which are lined up. We get so focused on work we seldom see people or things around us; one is reminded of a popular story about a man who got marooned and prayed and hoped that God would save him. When a ship passed by, he waved it away as did he when a helicopter came. He kept waiting for God to save Him. Eventually he died and went to heaven where he questioned God on why he wasn't saved? God replied, " I sent you a ship and a helicopter, but you refused both. What more did you expect?"

This is a far-fetched story, but the point is that sometimes God answers our prayers in unexpected ways and sometimes we have to take action to make things happen. We not only have to ask but also seek and knock. We have to be aware of things around us, so we recognize when God sends an answer. 

Today, at the start of the week, is there something you are asking for? Something you are seeking. What doors do you need to knock on? Don't be afraid to go after what you want. God will not drop it in your lap by magic. God wants you to succeed but he also wants you to show Him that you are willing to put in the work.

As Christians, sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that everything we need will just be handed over to us on a silver platter because we believe in God. Thats not how it works.

God provides for us, but He also wants us to be active participants in our own lives. To ask for what we need, seek for what we desire and knock on the door of opportunity. If we want something, we have to go after it. God wants us to work hard, pursue our dreams and ask for help when we need.

But we must be ready to recognize and take action when His help comes.

Three Little Words: Pastor Rajiv's Message, Centenary Methodist Church, Delhi

CLICK HERE FOR MESSAGE

Saturday Vespers: Your Prayers Are Needed

 

As we usually do on Saturday, we are escalating various prayer needs to you, our readers for your support through your prayers.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear His voice each day, we who are anxious over many things look forward to His coming among us. He comes to us through other people and their love and concern for us. He comes to us through men and women who need our help. 

We have been praying for her for some time, and today, as this new year begins, we bring her to You for Your healing hand.

We also ask for healing and pain relief for a senior lady in the Delhi area of India, who is suffering from back pain. In the extreme cold, we ask for Your healing touch and protection. May Your healing touch rest upon them both.

Today the world also needs your prayer support: 

Peace for All Nations: We pray for peace in every land. May conflicts be resolved, and may leaders seek wisdom and compassion. Help us to bridge divides and foster understanding among all people.

Healing for the Sick: We lift up those who are suffering from illness, both physical and mental. Grant them strength, comfort, and healing. Bless the hands of those who care for them, and may Your healing touch be upon them.

Support for the Oppressed: We pray for those who are oppressed, marginalized, and facing injustice. Give them hope and resilience, and empower us to stand with them in their struggles. May Your justice prevail in every situation.

Guidance for Leaders: Guide our leaders with wisdom and integrity. May they govern with a heart for service, prioritizing the well-being of their people. Help them to make decisions that promote peace, equality, and prosperity.

Protection for the Vulnerable: We ask for Your protection over the vulnerable and the voiceless. Shield them from harm and provide for their needs. Help us to be instruments of Your love and compassion in their lives.

Strength for the Faithful: Strengthen the faith of those who seek You. Encourage them in their journey, and may they find solace and purpose in Your presence. Unite us all in our shared mission of love and service.

Hope for the Future: As we face the challenges of the world, instill in us a sense of hope and determination. Remind us that with Your guidance, we can make a positive difference. May we work together to create a world that reflects Your love and grace.

Everyone is Needed By Someone: A Short Story

1 Corinthians 12:14 ESV
"For the body does not consist of one member but of many".

1 John 4:7-8 ESV 
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love".

In the quaint town of Willow Creek, nestled amidst rolling hills, lived a solitary old watchmaker named Mr. Silas. He had a small shop on the main street, its windows adorned with intricate clocks, each ticking away with a rhythm that seemed to echo the quiet rhythm of his life. Mr. Silas was known for his meticulous craft, his hands, weathered by time, capable of repairing even the most delicate of mechanisms. Yet, he was often seen alone, his days spent in the quiet hum of his workshop, surrounded by gears and springs.

One rainy afternoon, a young girl named Lily wandered into Mr. Silas' shop, her worn-out shoes squeaking on the wooden floor. Lily was new to Willow Creek, and as she explored the town, she found herself drawn to the mesmerizing glow of the clocks in Mr. Silas' window. Inside, she shyly asked him to fix her old pocket watch, a gift from her late grandmother. The watch was more sentiment than function, its hands frozen in time, yet to Lily, it was a precious heirloom.

Mr. Silas, initially hesitant to engage with a stranger, was touched by Lily's genuine affection for the watch. He took it with a gentle smile, promising to do his best to mend it. As the days went by, Lily would often visit the shop, bringing stories of her life and eagerly asking about the watch's progress. Mr. Silas, who had grown accustomed to his solitary existence, began to look forward to her visits. He found himself sharing tales of his own life, his passion for clockwork, and the intricate beauty of time.

As Lily listened, she began to see Mr. Silas not just as a watchmaker, but as a man with a rich history and a quiet strength. She noticed how his hands, while weathered, moved with precision as he worked on the watch, each tick a testament to his dedication. When the watch was finally repaired, Lily was overjoyed. She carefully placed it in her pocket, feeling a deep connection to her grandmother and the old watchmaker who had brought it back to life.

From that day on, Lily became a regular visitor to Mr. Silas' shop. She would often bring her friends, sharing stories about the kind old man who could fix anything. Slowly, Mr. Silas' workshop, once a place of quiet solitude, became a hub of laughter and conversation. The townspeople, who had once simply passed by his shop, began to drop in for small repairs, drawn by the warmth of Lily's presence and the gentle wisdom of Mr. Silas.

In the end, it was Lily, a young girl new to the town, who reminded everyone that even the most solitary among them had something valuable to offer, and that everyone, no matter how ordinary they might seem, was needed by someone. Mr. Silas, the old watchmaker, found companionship and purpose in Lily's eyes, while Lily discovered a mentor and a friend in the quiet man who had once been so alone. And so, the town of Willow Creek learned that even the smallest of connections could make a big difference, weaving a tapestry of lives where everyone was needed, and everyone belonged.