Board now! Or be left behind.

Board that Ark !

Gen chapter 7 ver 1
"And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."

God invites us into His dwelling. If we accept and enter, we are protected against the storms of life. No matter how perilous the waves, we ride on top and do not drown.

In this world today, the ark is as real as it was during Noah's time. Today, we live in a society that has turned away from God. We truly deserve another flood of God’s wrath, but because He loves “fallen man” He provided us with an “ark” into which we likewise could enter. If we think this is imagination, we need to think again. The recent pandemic, Tsunamis, world disasters are all indicators that we need to accept Gods invitation and enter that ark before it is too late. But where us it?
That ark is our Lord Jesus Himself. Jesus provides that ark to give us safety, peace  and security. He has sent personal invitations to all of us to board.

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

"The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."

When we are travelling how anxiously we await the call to board our flight, train or bus. If we don't board we are left behind. The craft does not wait.
How much more do we want our God to wait?

Yirat Adonai: Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

Psalm 67:7 says "God will bless us. All the ends of the earth shall fear him."

There appears to be a contradiction here - Blessing and fear in one verse. Will God Bless us only if we "fear" Him?  John also talks about fear when he says - 

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18).

The contradiction deepens and confuses. So what is this "fear" we talk about when we say "God fearing", "Fear of God", etc. 

Often Christians interpret “the Fear of the LORD” as the fear of the punishment that God could give us for our deeds. Certainly, we will all stand before God’s judgment when we die. But if we know that Christ has paid for our sins, we should not have this kind of fear anymore. And yet the word fear occurs in the Bible 500 times.

What we should understand is that the English language is much limited as compared to Hebrew and hence may encourage apparent contradictions. Like many words in Hebrew, "Fear"   has a much broader range of meaning than we have in English. To us, “fear” means fright, dread and terror. But according to Lois Tverberg the Hebrew equivalent of fear , yirah (YEER-ah) encompasses a wide range of meanings from negative (dread, terror) to positive (worship, reverence) and from mild (respect) to strong (awe).

So should we cringe before God or stand in awe or dread Him? what does it mean to fear the Lord? 

This is what John preaches against when he says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18).

The Jewish rabbis often spoke of the “fear of the Lord” as  — Yirat Adonai — but they always thought of it in terms of the most positive sense of the word yirah. They defined it as awe and reverence for God that motivates us to do his will. They pointed out that fearing God’s punishment is actually an inferior understanding, because at its core it is self-centered. It doesn’t even focus on God. Rather it looks at God only through the lens of your own interests, by asking what will happen to you because of Gods knowledge of your deeds.

On the other hand - If you have Yirat Adonai, awe and reverence for God, it fills you with a better kind of fear. 

Imagine that you work at a mega-corporation and one day you’re promoted to work directly under the CEO. Wouldn’t you tremble as you report for your first assignment? When you have great respect for someone, you feel terrible knowing you’ve disappointed them. And when you love another person deeply, you earnestly want their approval. How much more should this be true with God!

Therefore, when we say reverence and respect and love which is so deep that it  teaches us how to live, and reassures us of God’s power and guidance

It is reverence of his will that keeps us from getting caught in sins that will destroy our relationships and lives. Which also means that there is a constant reminder that God is with us, every moment of the day. If we have Yirat Adonai,  a Sense of God’s Presence becomes a critical state for humans. In fact, In many synagogues, over the ornate cabinets that hold the Torah scrolls is the phrase:

Know Before Whom You Stand. 

This means to realize that an infinitely powerful God is close at hand. Wow!

**** Todays reflection is adapted from Lois Tverberg and a detailed reading is available here. 

Shattered Dreams : Looking Beyond Failure

The Book of Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible to be named after women (the other is Esther). It's a short book and often easily overlooked. Yet it has always inspired us to look beyond failure and loss.
The short Book of Ruth in the Hebrew scripture has three main characters, Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, from whom you can learn many lessons. The story of Ruth covers a period of loss and despair for Naomi, persistence and devotion of Ruth, a time of bestowing grace and favor for Boaz and an ending of joy and blessing for all three.
As a woman in ancient Israel, Ruth's loss of a husband and her sons was equivalent to losing her security and future. All of her dreams were shattered. It is a study on how to respond to shattered dreams as we follow Naomi's development from a bitter, depressed woman returning home with nothing but a foreign daughter-in-law, into a joyful woman with an adopted son at the end of the story, and with the all important mission of establishing the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ruth was the great grandmother of Jesus).
We all have faced situations of extreme disappointment, and the story of Ruth shows us how to respond to them. Failure isn't about failing it is about learning. It is about transformations.
In essence, when we face our shattered dreams, we need to show resilience and courage like Ruth, not run away from the situation. Ask God for His vision for us, change our focus or profession or outlook, and be willing to work hard (like Ruth) even if it means we go out of our comfort zone to survive.
With a change in focus, we get new opportunities and a new horizon. It's not easy. it's not quick.
Looking beyond our failures also means we don't look back. Though we may see many possibilities - we choose one in consultation with God - in line with His will. We pray for wisdom, for patience for trust and for faith. And we pray for protection.
We all fail at one time or another, whether we admit it or not. But beyond failure there is God.

Who do you bank with ? Pastor Rajiv's Daily Devotional

Banking is big business and depending on your needs different banks claim complete customer satisfaction. But there is one Bank which a lot of people don't bank with and that is the Bank of Heaven or BoH. 

While earthly banks will take care of your financial needs, even allowing you to buy more than you can afford, the BoH takes care of your future needs- so that you can have a peaceful and loving existence with our father and brother as well as many many more like us.

What is the currency which the BoH uses? Simply the absolute truth of our commitment. Everything else follows. David put's it beautifully when he says - 

Psalm 27:4
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Why not open your account today? It is so simple, no paper work at all. A simple  wireless message is all you need. 

Don't wait for Thanks Giving: pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

Don't wait for thanksgiving. Thank God each day. each Hour. Each moment.

Think of all those little things people did for you. Call them and thank them. Bless God for sending them into your life. Like David, build up the crescendo to thank God. There is something to thank God for every day, we just have to look for it. Be aware that every good thing comes from God, our Father and our creator.  Psalm 34 puts it perfectly - let it be part of our prayer every day. 

1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Forget Me Not: Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

Psalms 138:3  "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul".

Humans have a tendency to forget over time. When God works in our lives we rejoice and praise at that moment but it slowly fades away.

Gods work in our lives also gives us a sense of confidence in ourselves. And sometimes it becomes over confidence. But like David, we must remember it is not our strength but the Lords.

A good way to remember maybe is to maintain a personal daily diary of what God has done for us that day. Doing that helps us to meditate on the day and identify everything God has done, small or big, so that it does not get swept away in the business of life with its  daily temptations, problems and wins and losses.

Meditating on Gods work in our daily life during our quiet times also helps us to listen to God when He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and His word.

Just as the Psalms are a record of Gods work in David's life, try maintaining a record of daily encounters with God, because everyone does have them whether we are aware of it or not.

As God said in Jeremiah chapter  33:3
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” (NIV)

Note the word unsearchable. 

Walk on water : Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

In the world of computers, it is the input which determines the quality of the output. Similarly in humans, when Gods word is input into our lives, it produces tranquility, peace, faith, hope, love, honor, and so much more.

When we are faced with doubts and fears, it is Gods word which can give us positive hope, not man. When the ups and downs of life surround us, Gods word is the anchor who will keep us steady  in the midst of storms and Jesus is the one who will help us walk on the waters of troubles without drowning.. He is the one who is able to keep us steadfast and unmovable in spite of the tides of life. Hebrews 6:19 declares: “Hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…

Remember Peter in Matthew 14 verse 29 -
"And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus".

But then he lost faith and was overcome with fear. As he started drowning Jesus reached out and saved him. So is it with us. One day we are up and high and down and out the next. But Jesus is always there to reach out and catch us and His word is ever present to give us hope and solace.

Today or when ever we face a challenge, or a major change and uncertainty let us remember that our Lord is at the other end and asking us to come. Without fear and with complete faith that He will walk with us over the water, holding our hand. And for our faith He has given us His word, which we can draw upon daily to meet our needs. 

Agape: The face of Christianity: Our Daily Reflection

It is said that it is  always darkest under the lamp.

I have seen many Holy men. Many pastors, many speakers, many so called healers etc. I have also seen the original people of God who brought Jesus into my country. Truly, I have never forgotten them. They were gentle in speech, gentle in behavior and very gentle and true in their overall dealing within and outside of their sphere of influence. They were also very hard in their beliefs. So in my small mind, I saw them as a true reflection of Christ. And I guess that is what attracted the scores of people who joined their churches and became a following. 

Today, are we exhibiting attitudes and characteristics of Christ? Are we exhibiting the love Christ taught us ? Are we true followers of agape? 

I know we all will answer in the positive. But let's check ourselves against the checklist Paul gave us in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 verses 4-7 :

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

This love is to be practiced not only for people in general but for within families, societies and elsewhere. This love is what Jesus meant when He said - "love thy neighbor as thyself". 

When I measure myself on this as a checklist of the outcomes of love, I know I am not a 100 percent in any and probably not even 50 percent in most.

So the question is this: my actions, character and demeanor is what the light of my lamp is. If I don't burn bright, how will anyone looking at me respect Christ? Because they expect to see Christ through me and what they see in me is what they believe Christianity is.

Agape is what God's love for us is and our love for God. We need to get as close to this ideal as we can. Let us not let darkness prevail under the lamp but burn so brightly that we illuminate every nook and corner. 

Knowledge@Work : Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflection

There is a difference between knowing something and putting that knowledge to work. Lots of people know their Bible. Some can even repeat memorized verses. Others can quote references at the drop of a hat.

But according Matthew 22 14, "Many are called but few are chosen".

This is paradoxical. God calls but does not choose all those He has called. Why?

In this context one wonders who will be chosen, how will they be chosen and on what basis?

The Bible is quite clear on this actually. God, calls, people hear, but not all listen and do what they have been told. The process is quite simple. Hear- listen- do.

Thus, the people who hear the word, fill their hearts with the word and practice his word in letter and spirit are the few who may enter the gates. Sounds easy but probably one of the most difficult to apply. 

Gods word is is a double edged sword. Bitter in its condemnation and sweet in its saving grace. And saving grace only happens when we are imbibing it and then applying and doing it. We need to do as Jeremiah did: eat the word of God. Like John did as mentioned in Revelations.

There are 3 states that emerge
A. We can hear it and disregard it
B. We can hear it and memorize it
C. We can hear it, memorize it, apply it and do it.

It is  the third state that the elect are from. It's the third state that separates the hypocrite from the  truly righteous. 

Ephesians 4:24

"....and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."

Dig your trench! Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

Dig your trench, a.k.a - The Leap of faith. 

(Note: Todays reflection is based on the KJV Daily Devotional). 

Background 

2 Kings 3 16 17

9 So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.

10 “What!” exclaimed the king of Israel. “Has the Lord called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?”

Today's reading - 2 Kings 3 16-17

While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha 16 and he said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. 17 For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. 18 This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands.

Experimentally, people know where their help is to be found. In the reading, the Kings wanted victory in war but without the critical availability of water they started at a defeat. In such a situation  they were to dig the trenches in which the precious liquid would be held. How? They did not know. Yet the promise was that God would provide not only the necessary water but also the victory they were looking for. 

We have here a few lessons we need to learn and follow: First, there has to be  to be a readiness for the blessing from our side as well as God's. This must be done in faith, in the full assurance that the blessing is about to descend, in accordance with His will. 

Secondly, the provision will be made in Gods way not ours. We can stand on our head and tell Him various means for the provision but it will happen in His way.

Lastly, prepare for abundance because our Lord provides to beyond bursting point. Whether it is a victory or provision or saving grace. 

Think about this today. What blessings have we asked for?  What trenches am I digging? have we taken that leap of faith?