The Suicidal Birds

Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage".

There is a very strange phenomenon that occurs in a place called Jatinga in Assam, India, wherein migratory birds commit mass suicide. 

During the specified months, when the air is foggy, misty, or cloudy, various species of birds see light through windows and in an effort to reach the light they ram into the windows and get killed. The question arises: why do these birds, like a ritual, arrive at the same time every year only to meet their demise? Can they not change their route?

This reminds me of us humans. Even though our spirit has been made free in Christ, yet we tend to get entangled in the yoke and bondage of sin frequently. Like those birds we have a tendency to 'commit suicide' by frequently sliding back into sin, sometimes deliberately, sometimes without realizing it. but unlike them, we have a way out in Jesus Christ whose light shines not through a window but shines brightly and freely. He not only will pull us out of the pit but also helps us to avoid it. His word is a spotlight which shows us pitfalls and points us to the safe path - so that we can re- route ourselves.

As the quoted verse says - Jesus is not only the hope but also the safe way for each one of us.

Unlike the birds of Jatinga we do have a way out. 

A Spirit of Enquiry

Every time I read the Bible or a verse from, it creates an imagery which conjures up questions. For example, I have read the story of David and Goliath dozens of times. But when I did the last time, it suddenly struck me that how did David become an expert slings man? On researching it, turns out that most shepherds of that time were excellent with the sling shot, kept practicing all the time, basically to be able to drive wild animals to protect the herd. Most armies of the day had a contingent of slings men as well. 

The sling shot was an ancient version of today's guns, and the stone or ball was as deadly as the modern-day bullet. In the hands of an expert (like a herdsman) the shot could pierce the Armour or helmet of the opponent. Flying close to about 200 kilometers per hour, making them comparable in power to a modern .44 Magnum handgun in the right hands. As a herdsman, David had plenty of time for target practice, to polish this survival skill. This fact made me realize that David was being prepared for the day he would face Goliath, as a start point to the process of attaining kingship. That miracle did not happen by magic but by being worked out by God.

The point is, when one reads a verse or a chapter, it would be pertinent to ask yourself four questions - where, why, what and how. What happened, where did it happen, why it happened and finally the how it happened. I have found that the answers create a deeper understanding of what is read and a deeper knowledge of God, the author.

This method constitutes the spirit of enquiry or a spirit of curiosity - a thirst to know more and understand the truth. It makes faith and trust stronger than what it would have been on simple reading and shallow believing. A deeper understanding creates a deeper relationship which in turn creates faith and trust.

An interesting way to start this habit may be to ask yourself - when did Jesus come to know that He was the son of God? Did He volunteer to become the sacrifice or was He commanded? The answer will not only surprise you but also point to the depth of obedience Jesus demonstrated to God, our Father and the depth of His sacrifice.

Testing Jesus

Have you ever tested Jesus? No? Well, think again because at some point in time, we all have.

Here are some thoughts shared by Rev Francis Taylor in her devotional. 

"The Pharisees came to ask Jesus for a sign even though they had witnessed the many miracles of healing he had performed. They had heard him preach and knew the authority with which he did it. Why didn't they believe, what more were they looking for! We declare our belief in Jesus yet we often do the same. In our darkest moments don't we wonder where Jesus is? I know I have said, "Please just let me know you're there?" What about you? We see people pick up pennies from the sidewalk and if the date on it is the same as the birth or death year of someone we love, we think this is a sign that they are in heaven. How different is this from the Pharisees?

Our faith is tested every day. Sometimes it is tested in small ways, sometimes in a big way. It is tested when someone we love is seriously ill or dies. We ask, "Why God? He was a good person, prayed, went to church. Why him?" Or we lose our job just as our children are ready for college. Why me? Wildfires rage and hundreds lose their homes. Storms rage and lives are lost. Haven't you ever wondered how a good God could let things like this happen? We are not that different from the Pharisees. Some people allow the doubts to turn into denial that God exists. The rest of us hang on knowing that God doesn't cause bad things, he helps us get through them".

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.