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.

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!

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

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.

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Where is God?

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old war veteran, set out to raise funds for the UK's National Health Service by walking 100 laps around his garden. His initial goal was to raise £1,000, but his effort resonated with people worldwide, and he ultimately raised over £32 million. Captain Tom's determination and generosity inspired millions and provided much-needed support to healthcare workers.

The Spanish Flue was another large scale disaster. The pandemic, which occurred from 1918 to 1920, was one of the deadliest in history, infecting around 500 million people and claiming at least 50 million lives worldwide. During this time, many nurses stepped up to provide palliative care, despite the high risk of infection. They worked tirelessly to ventilate rooms, administer remedies, and ensure patients were warm, nourished, and hydrated. Their efforts were crucial in alleviating the suffering of those affected by the flu.

One notable example is the story of Nurse Clara Maass, who had previously contracted and survived yellow fever while working as a nurse. During the Spanish Flu, she volunteered to participate in an experiment to find a cure for the disease and ultimately succumbed to it, sacrificing her life in the hope of helping others

There is a lot of good work being done in the world and we saw the human side of humans coming out in empathy, for the affected people. Whether covid time or not, many, many people across the world need financial support, recognition and moral support. The latest tragedy we are seeing is in California, where it has been challenging for firefighters and residents alike, with mandatory evacuations in place for many communities. The fires have highlighted the need for better community planning and infrastructure to prevent such devastating events in the future.

In all these disasters and pandemics, we may well ask "where is God?'

During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to their faith for comfort, hope, and understanding. Believers found solace in knowing that God was present with them, even amidst the trials and uncertainties. Here's a perspective on where God was during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. In the Hearts of Healthcare Workers:- Many healthcare workers displayed incredible bravery, compassion, and dedication. Their selfless acts of caring for the sick and vulnerable reflected God's love and mercy.

2. In the Acts of Kindness: - People around the world came together to help one another, whether by delivering groceries to neighbors, donating to food banks, or supporting frontline workers. These acts of kindness and generosity were seen as expressions of God's grace.

3. In the Strength of Communities:- Communities united to support each other, showing resilience and solidarity. Virtual worship services, prayer groups, and community initiatives helped people stay connected and find strength in their faith.

4. In the Moments of Reflection:- The pandemic provided an opportunity for many to pause, reflect, and deepen their spiritual practices. People found comfort in prayer, meditation, and reading scripture, drawing closer to God.

5. In the Comfort of Prayer:- For many, prayer became a source of solace and strength. Seeking God's presence and guidance through prayer provided peace and reassurance during uncertain times.

6. In the Healing and Recovery:- Stories of recovery and healing offered hope and a reminder of God's power to restore and renew. Medical advancements and the efforts of researchers and scientists were seen as blessings and answers to prayers.

7. In the Hope for the Future:- Faith provided hope for a better future and the belief that God was working through the situation to bring about good. Trust in God's plan helped many navigate the challenges with hope and resilience.

While the pandemics brought immense pain and loss, many found comfort in their faith and the belief that God was with them, providing strength, guidance, and love. Today, whatever our situation - God is there for us to find. Within us and around us.