Build God’s house

(Message by Pastor Joseph, Founder NLMI)

It’s a privilege to be in God’s house, once more! During the time of singing, there was a picture representation of the whole world covered by two hands. Many years back, we used to sing a song that goes “He’s got the whole world in His hands; He’s got the whole wide world in His hands…” The question arises, “Now where are God’s hands that hold the entire world?” Beloved, you and I are God’s hands in this world… if you read john 17, we read and know that God in Jesus, has picked us out of the world, gave us His word of truth, sanctified us, made us one with Him in the spirit and put us here on earth for a purpose. And that purpose is to hold the world in His hands… not to go after roti, kapda and makhaan (food, clothing and shelter); providing us the basic necessities is His responsibility; proving His love to the world speaking that God indeed sent Jesus is our responsibility.

I know when I speak of 53 years of service in the Lord – it is small compared to eternity; what we speak in Jesus’ name is of eternal consequence. Peter declares, that there is no other name given among men, but the name of Jesus, by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12). Jesus said… “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14: 6). Yes, nobody else-but Jesus, and nothing-but the finished work of Jesus on the cross, can take you to God, the Father – no religion, no denomination, no culture, no ritual can take you there!

There is a world out there waiting to hear this good news from you-in Vashi and in Navi Mumbai. As long as you keep this good news to yourself, no one else will be benefited. Our responsibility is to share the good news of salvation in Jesus’ name; but the work of conviction, correction and conversion belongs to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let your light shine; let your salt be with taste-for you are the visible (light) and invisible (salt) influences on this earth! As someone said, ‘The tragedy of life is not death in itself; but, rather what we let die inside of us while still alive’.

God Will Build Your House

Today, I would like to tell you this: If you build God’s house, God will build your house. If you leave houses for the sake of Jesus or the gospel, you will receive a hundred-fold in this age, and in the age to come-eternal life (Mark 10:29). This I can testify from my own life, that I have houses open for me in many places; because of the gospel that I carry.

If I ask you, “Are you born-again?” many of you will respond “Yes”; but if I ask, why are you still here on earth? Many do not have an answer! But my beloved brothers, the important question is: “Born again…yes; Now what?” Are you satisfied with God’s love, joy, peace for yourself alone? You see, after you are born again-born of God, you must seek after God and His kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy! If we live the right way, there is righteousness; we have peace and joy bubbles out from inside of us. This is the witness we share when we say ‘Jesus loves you’. A fanatic for Jesus (as the YWAM founder put it) – that’s who we are when we love Jesus more than any thing! This is what happens to me as I hand out salvation tracts in traffic signals, and keep a stock of New Testament in different languages to give away.

As you mature, grow in the knowledge of Him who loved us, God answers our prayers in ways we could never have imagined… Galatians 4:1 says this: Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all… Maturity and growth is essential in the Christian life, else you would be no better than a slave! But when we grow, all things will be ours; and we are Christ’s and Christ is of God.

Psalm 127:1, 2 read: Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.

God makes us rich and adds no sorrow with it. There is a version which says ‘God gives even while you sleep’ (v2). This verse hit me one night as we were winding up a gospel meeting, where we had shared a burden of having a bus for the ministry-for social work. I had it all in my mind how the bus would look like-white color with a blue border (somewhat as Mother Teresa). After the final meeting, I was due to leave the next morning out of that country to another place. Nobody came forward with any kind of offer for the bus I had imagined. A young couple (with four children) met me after the meeting, talked with me and left. That night, I went to bed a little early skipping dinner, when God spoke to me this verse. I told Him, “How can it be? I’m leaving tomorrow early in the morning.” But around 10:30 pm there was a telephone call from that young couple, who said that they had gone home and talked over it and God had impressed an amount for them to give. I told them, I was about to leave the next day, and whether it will be possible for them to meet me before 7:30 a.m. They said they would, and as I slept the whole night, God worked through them and they came and met me at 7:00 a.m, and handed over the amount sufficient to buy the bus! I know I can trust Him.

God tests us and our faith is tested. But do you know you can test God? Would you trust him at any cost? ‘Count the cost, pay the price and follow me’ is what God is telling you. In Malachi, God says “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Mal. 3:10)

Also, I will ask you to read the book of Haggai, in your homes. The children of Judah is returning from captivity-there is jubilation and a sense of expectation in the air. Zerubbabel, literally takes his harp down from the willow tree… there is singing and rejoicing. There is freedom, and they see the destroyed temple of God; will they build God’s house? Yes, but it was not an easy thing to advocate building God’s house! People seem to be giving these reasons then- that there are others to do the work and that they themselves have no time; and that they are busy with their own work and earnings.

Even now people give the same reasons, for not building God’s house: “But Pastor, I don’t have any time!” They think that preaching the gospel is for Pastors and evangelists alone. But Acts 1:8 says differently-that we will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and utter most parts of the earth, because we will be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Beloved, God is watching over your priorities… if you are too busy for God, you are too busy!

Consider Your Ways

Haggai 1:4 says: “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!”

Haggai reminds the people of their priorities (Haggai 1:6) that were wrong. They had time to build and dwell in their paneled houses; but no time for building God’s house. The result was there for all to see: They had

1. Unproductive labor: You have sown much, and bring in little;
2. Unsatisfied livelihood: You eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm
3. Unpredictable losses: And he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.
4. Unprofitable lives (v10): the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit.

“Consider your ways!”- this is what I would like to tell you, too. The results that you see in your life are not because of the quality of effort, and quantity of time that you put in your work or businesses-but it is because of your priorities! Who is to blame? It’s easy to blame others; it’s easier to blame the devil. But God says: “…and when you brought it home, I blew it away.” (v9) and in v11 “For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”

What God gives you may become your blessing or a curse, depending on your priorities. Do you have time for every plan of yours, but no time for God? Or maybe you say, now is not the time for God… maybe you are thinking about retirement life to serve Him in any capacity! And when the time comes, there is sufficient time to call the strong men to carry you in the box to the grave!

Go Up the Mountains, Bring Wood and Build the Temple

Do you want to know what the right priority is? Go up the mountains and bring wood and build the temple… (v8). Mt. Moriah, where Abraham went up with his only son, Isaac to sacrifice… Mt. Sinai, where the commandments were given to Moses… Mt. Calvary where Jesus died for you and me… Mt. Zion of the glorious praise… Which mountain are you going to climb today? And bring wood; wood mean the people from even uttermost parts of the earth. Bring them all together to God who will build them. That they may be built up and God will be glorified. (Haggai 1:8).

The people in Haggai’s time responded when the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel-Two things happened: (i) they obeyed the voice of God and (ii) they feared the presence of the Lord. (Haggai 1:12).

Unfailing Presence:  People, who are far away from obedience, fear the presence of God. Not so with Isaiah, Joshua and Moses. God says to Isaiah, “Fear not, for I am with you”; to Joshua “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9); and to Moses “My presence will go with you” (Exodus 33:14) and the promise of Jesus “Rejoice! ... Do not be afraid…Lo, I am with you always” (Matt. 28: 10, 20). Therefore we can know the unfailing presence of the Lord. Remember, God has not promised money. But if the Lord be with us, do you want anything else?

Unlimited Power:  Haggai recounts that the people were moved into obeying God’s voice. As they came near in obedience, God promised “…My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” (Haggai 2:5).

God’s Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is with us; Unlimited Power is among us as we spring to action in obedience.

Unfading Glory:  Haggai 2:7 read: and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory, says the Lord of hosts.

Moses as he went up to the mountain to receive the commandments from God, returned with glory on his face; he covered his face with a veil as he came to the children of Israel. But the glory on his face faded with time. But God’s glory is forever unchanging! Unfading glory!

Unending wealth:  Do you know why God promised His presence; and not money? Haggai 2:8 read: The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the LORD of hosts.

Inexhaustible riches are our portion, as we do God’s work; and when God is with us. You see, today’s money is based on printed paper; but the Lord’s wealth is inexhaustible silver and gold. In all my 53 years of ministry, I can testify to God’s faithfulness – we never went without food. Renew your mind; His word is truth. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will remain.

Undisturbed peace:  The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, says the LORD of hosts. (Haggai 2: 9)

A peace that passes understanding; this is our portion in obedience to build God’s house. The world croons about peace… and peace of mind {or soul}- of emotions, intellect and will. But God’s peace is in our spirit. A peace that no one can take away-Undisturbed peace!

What the book of Haggai talks about is the zeal to build God’s house. Haggai-the prophet, Joshua-the priest, and Zerubbabel-the king (governor of Judah); all the three people instrumental in building God’s temple, are found in One person – Jesus Christ, the Prophet, Priest and King. "And on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." He is the builder of God’s house; the chief cornerstone.

And as you obey, God’s promise remains the same today; “…from this day I will bless you” (Haggai 2: 19). “I will take you…and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you”

Consider that! God will take you; God will make you; God has chosen you. Jesus said “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16).

O Lord, enrich me and give Your word. I will not let you go unless You bless Me. Take me and make me and help me bear fruit-In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What is Your Prayer?

 (Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

2 Thessalonians 1: 11

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power.

The Apostles found new believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ as they traveled from one place to another, establishing and strengthening the brethren. But even as they went, they were caring enough and careful to ‘keep in touch’ with the people and events of their previous visits to a particular place.

Those were the days-2000 years before, without social networking, e-mails or even telephones that could establish instant communication; which meant that it required a great deal of pain and perseverance, as letters were being written and sent by hand and in person by messengers from either side-the Apostles or the church. These instances of letters to churches too, were few and far in-between. At other times, the apostles committed everything to the Lord in prayer. Yes, they simply prayed for the believers.

What does your prayer sound like? Do you go to God with a wish-list of things to have or to do? We can measure our prayers, by comparing the requests made by these apostles, during those difficult times. And if we match up our own prayers with what the apostles prayed for, we can come to really know the standard of our own prayers!

You see, your prayer tells a lot about you. Alone with God, what is that sincere prayer from your heart? What are the ‘real’ issues in your life-gripe, gossip, 'more' and 'if only' prayers? We may speak of so many nice things to others; we may even testify to God’s goodness once in a while; but what is your prayer, really?

The church at Thessaloniki was confused about the second coming of Jesus; many had quit their jobs and simply waited for Jesus to return. Paul hears about this and this is his prayer: God would count them worthy of His calling- a calling so high and holy; that God would fulfill every good purpose and every good act prompted by their faith (2 Thess. 1:11).

From the apostles’ prayers, we understand God’s will; we understand what are the main issues in life-to fulfill the high and holy calling; we learn that we ought to pray for other believers too and not just for our own selves! And that we ought to take steps of faith in good acts to fulfill God’s purpose. Is this your prayer, too?

2 Cor. 13: 7, 9

Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honourable, though we may seem disqualified.

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

The Corinthian church had the problem of apostasy; there were false teachers and false apostles misleading the believers and going to the extent of claiming that Paul was a false apostle and they themselves were telling the truth! Paul’s prayer reveals his heart condition- ‘do no wrong {evil}’. Paul’s prayer is that they will find discernment to recognize evil from good, and do what is honourable; that they may know ‘true’ from ‘false’. And that they may be made complete. Paul mentions this because they were to give to needy saints in Jerusalem. He encourages them to give; for it is by giving you are made complete. So now, what is your prayer?

Ephesians 1: 17

…making mention of your prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…

The church at Ephesus had the privilege of being ministered by Paul himself in the initial few years and were grounded in wisdom and understanding of God and His word. They showed a remarkably high standard of Christian living, which is reflected by the letters of Paul to Ephesians. The short book summarizes the Christian life of rest (sitting in the heavenlies), exercise (walk in love) and warfare (stand against the devil).

With this excellence in Christian walk, Paul’s prayer for the church assumes significance: they needed spiritual wisdom and revelation- of His calling, of His inheritance and of His power. Someone told me that they had read the Bible several times – more than 400 times. And some other told me that he knew a person who had memorized the entire New Testament. Praise God! But the question is: then what happened? You see, you could read the Bible religiously or as a routine-which, is a good practice from childhood. But what we need is a revelation of who God is and who God says He is-to grasp the unimaginable possibilities! And to have that revelation, you require a prayer and a heart God can work with! Then we SEE with our eyes, the enormous power of heaven backing us on our way. What is your prayer?

Philippians 1: 9, 10

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ…

The church at Philippe were filled with emotionally bonded Christians; for they cared for Paul so much that they sent a person from among them-Epaphroditus, to seek out and see Paul-who was a prisoner in Rome, with a gift of love from the church, and to minister to Paul’s needs. A loving and a giving church, to say the least!

Paul’s prayer is that their love would increase even more! And that they would discern and distinguish between the ‘good’ and the ‘excellent’, and that they may choose sincerity over show-off, and patience without pretense! As a new believer, you may be trained to discern the good from the bad. But as we mature in Christ, we are called to discern between good, acceptable and the perfect will of God in every area of life. Romans 12: 2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

For example, in marriage, you can distinguish between the good will of God – which is to marry a believer in Christ (as marrying an unbeliever is against God’s will); the acceptable will of God – by waiting on the Lord in prayer and then make a decision; the perfect will of God – as you wait for God’s time and God’s answer for that single person in the whole world, who He has created just for you. In a similar manner, in the place where to live you can find the good will of God – any place that you like; the acceptable will of God – the place that God has placed you to be in; the perfect will of God – the place where God has asked you to go! What is your prayer?

Colossians 1: 9, 10

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossian church was founded by Epaphras and Paul never did have an opportunity to meet with this church in person. But he writes this letter hearing the problems faced by this church. He reiterates in Col. 4: 12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bond-servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

The Colossian church had factions and divisions of people who were misguiding the believers. There were a few who advocated a life based on the (super-natural) visions that they had received; there were others who were into legalism with restrictions on what to eat and what not to eat, clean and unclean things. Another few, proposed a life of ascetic simplicity-treating the body harshly, of being aloof and alone to come closer to God. All this were rubbished by Paul. Paul’s prayer is that they will have spiritual understanding and stand perfect and complete in ALL the will of God. What is your prayer?

Let me close with a prayer of the Apostle John for Gaius. It is found in 3 John 1: 2

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Prosper in material things; be in good health; prosper in your soul {intellect, will and emotions}. This is a balanced prayer. Many a time, we are in communication with God with a lop-sided prayer – make me prosper in all things; give me good health (food); and then stop. We need to ask, seek and find that prosperity of the soul. We need to start making a balanced prayer. That is why Jesus taught us in prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread” but also “Hallowed be Your name, our Father; Your kingdom come and Your will be done”

So, what is your prayer today?

Pray that you will be found worthy of His calling; that you be complete in giving; that you have a spirit of revelation and understanding; that your love may increase more and more so that you may discern and choose excellence; that you may be filled with knowledge of God’s will; and that you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. Amen.

Give Thanks

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph; hoping I haven't missed much. Happy reading!)

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His {mercy | love | loving-kindness} endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

In the Old Testament, David introduces this concept of thanking God for who He is; for His loving-kindness. It caught on the imaginations of a generation hungry for God’s revelation and it became a sort of catch-phrase; during

·         Worship: Solomon during the dedication of the temple of God that was built by him (2 Chr. 7:3 onwards) and the glory of the LORD filled the temple

·         Warfare: Jehoshaphat during his battle against Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chr. 20: 21, 22) and the LORD set ambushes when they began to sing.

It seems to me that till that time, it had never occurred to the people of Israel, or its leaders, to thank the LORD for His mercy and goodness. During the times of Moses and Joshua, worship was solemn and mostly silent, as the priests carried out the dutiful sacrifices.

But David found a revelation of God’s goodness and mercy and begins to thank the LORD with joyful music. People began to experience the presence of God as never before. Worship to God was never the same again! Musical instruments, dance and singing became part and parcel of worship, along with the catch-phrase “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His loving-kindness is everlasting”.

In our lives too, we need a revelation of God’s goodness, love and mercy, to be filled with His presence. The phrase has three parts:

1. Give thanks to the LORD
2. He is good
3. His loving-kindness is everlasting

Give thanks to the LORD

When was the last time you thanked the Lord for his love? The Bible encourages us to ‘enter his gates with thanksgiving’ and ‘into his courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4). And as we begin to thank the Lord, we enter in to His holy presence.

Cultivate the habit of thanking the Lord at all times, for everything. An author has compiled 1000 (yes, thousand!) reasons to thank the Lord (all from God’s word with references). Another has compiled 1400 (yes, fourteen hundred) reasons on why we must thank the Lord! As is obvious, if you look at the word, there is no dearth of reasons to thank the Lord. So what or where is the problem?

Psalm 50:23 “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”

If you are having problems thanking the Lord, check out if you have truly experienced His {salvation | redemption}. Begin to thank Him for what He has done and who He is to you, and God will show up with His deliverance; to set you free from every bondage, every reversal and every pain. This was the case with Jehoshaphat-in deep trouble, surrounded by enemies. He appoints a choir, to sing and praise the beauty of holiness of the LORD, while going into the battle (!). What happened? 2 Chr. 20: 22 says, “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.”

God shows up in the midst of praise. God showed up when Paul and Silas, who were thrown into the dungeons of the prison-cell, began singing and praising the Lord. (Acts 16: 25-26). Imagine Paul and Silas, in deep discomfort-having received many stripes on their back and their feet locked up in stock! And they-instead of complaining, committed themselves to give thanks to the Lord, singing hymns.

We are called to continually offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving-the fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15). In the Old Covenant, there were many sacrifices-of grain, sheep and oxen; but in the New Covenant-just praise offerings! Anytime and anywhere-continually, it is possible that we can offer sacrifices of thanksgiving-for what He has done, for what He is doing and also for what He will do for us. Yes! Thank Him in advance, seeing with eyes of faith: let your requests be made known, with thanksgiving (Phi. 4:6).

He is good

God is good. Even in our church, we are quick to respond to ‘God is good’ with ‘All the time’-this has become a catch-phrase for us; and why not? God is good. His glory is His goodness! Moses wished to see God’s glory. And the LORD said to Moses, “I will make all My goodness pass before you…” (Exo. 33:19). And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” (Exo. 34: 6).

Jesus has taught us this: that God alone is good. For so He responded to a man who called Him “Good Teacher!” Jesus says in Matthew 7:11: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Think about this verse… humanly speaking, we do desire the welfare of our children-as parents would; we do give them gifts-as loving parents would; all this in spite of being EVIL. Now HOW MUCH MORE, God who is PERFECTLY GOOD, will give good things if you ask Him!

God is good. And he does good to all who love His name. Romans 8:28 that we are familiar with says: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. He did it in the life of Joseph-born in the house of promise, loved by his father (and loved by his Father who gave him dreams), but hated by his siblings, sold as a slave, framed as a sinner, lived as a prisoner; yet God raised him up, and how. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt and finally recognized him, this is what Joseph says: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Gen. 50: 20).

And do you think you are in a “bad” situation? Maybe a difficult boss or some uncooperative colleagues: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His loving-kindness is everlasting”. God is both loving and kind; the single Hebrew word for this is variously translated as mercy, love and loving-kindness in English translations.

Do not lose hope! In the midst of weeping and lamentations, Jeremiah found this quality of God that shone through all the ‘dark’ happenings surrounding him-the people of Israel were led away captives to Babylon; Jerusalem was in ruins and the temple of Solomon was destroyed. Yet, he found comfort in God to say: Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. (Lam. 3: 22, 23). Yes; the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning!

Sorrows will not continue; weeping may endure for just a night; but there is a shout of joy in the morning, because His mercies are new. Today is a new day; all failures, short-comings, misgivings of yesterday are gone! Welcome the new mercies of God into your heart. The ruins will be rebuilt; the streets will be restored for a dwelling; in His presence broken hearts are made new!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; and His love endures forever!”

His loving-kindness is everlasting

Everlasting-just think about big is that! Deut. 7: 9 says: Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

You ask “you mean a thousand generations?” - Yes. A THOUSAND generations. We all know that we are indeed fortunate if we see the second generation – our children’s children. A few may see the third generation – our great grand-children. But a THOUSAND generations! You see, God saw us in Abraham and kept His covenant and mercy in us through Jesus Christ-many generations later. And His promise is for us even today! Now go and get a grip on God’s forever faithfulness; everlasting kindness; never-ending love; uncompromising goodness and dew-new mercies!

Psalm 103: 15-17 says: As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, …

David compares the life of man, the length of which, is in total contrast to the extent of God’s mercy. On the one hand, our life is like that of a grass-little in duration; on the other hand, the LORD’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. How GREAT is God's mercy!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; and His mercy endures forever!”

That is why it is written, “Do all things without complaining and disputing…” (Phi. 2: 14); “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5:18). God is good and 100% good; there is no variation in God's goodness. The sun’s light may wax in noon-time and wane in the evening- but every good and perfect gift we receive is from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shadow of turning! His mercies are never-ceasing. Therefore we have hope in God. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; and His love endures forever!” Amen.