God’s Plan and Purpose (Part-4)

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Plan to serve purposefully. God Bless!)

• We have been created primarily FOR HIM. Therefore our lives must revolve around Him. 
• It is part of His plan to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.
• We are part of His family and part of His body; His plan for us includes others in the body of Christ.

Acts 13:36 says:“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;”

This is the purpose that I would like to explain today – serving; because this is the will of God for each one of us. We can identify with David as a shepherd boy- an ordinary young man, mostly ignored, left alone. David’s, family too was quite ordinary- he was the son of Jesse, whose sheep David tended. And while David cared for his father’s sheep, he began to grow close to God. His heart was full of praise for the God of Israel. 

And David understood that God had a specific and special plan and purpose for his own life as well. Because he writes in Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my substance,being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” What a wonderful revelation! God unfolding a plan for each day of David’s life- a plan that was formed even before David was born! And the verse in Acts 13:36 testifies that David fulfilled- accomplished, served -God’s purpose here on earth. 

That is why it is important for us to align our life-lines in accordance to the plan of God. God lifted up David- a simple shepherd boy, and placed him as head and king overall Israel. But David’s passion FOR GOD never waned- he sought after Him with all his heart and found Him. David said to himself that he will not give sleep to his eyes till he had built a temple for God’s presence. And even after knowing that Solomon would build the temple, David went about seeking and collecting the best of artisans and materials for the work of the temple. Such was his passion that David found the testimony- a man after God’s own heart. A man interested in seeking God’s purpose; a man passionate about fulfilling God’s purpose. 

Think about how and where you were, before being saved. Almost everyone will testify to this: God saw us in our lowly state and bestowed His grace upon us. Yes, He lifted us up out of the deep pit and placed us in high places; He has exalted us in the midst of people. Do you now see as David did- that God has a specific and special purpose for you? Are you interested to serve God in this your generation? 

Eph. 4:16 says: “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” 

Paul talks about the purpose of each member in the body of Christ- every joint must supply,every part must do its share; the result is effective work and edification of the whole body as it grows.



Each part of the body is different from the other; and each does its work. There are some members in the body that are hidden- like the heart, lungs and kidney; but their function is unique and important for the entire body. So is the function and calling of each member in the body of Christ. Yes, each one is different from the other. If you are married, you will find that your spouse will be quite different from yourself in so many areas. If you have children, you will find that one child is so different from the other. We ARE unique; we ARE different- accept that. But, we are called to work TOGETHER in our specified roles that God has purposed for each one of us.

Are you seeking to find out what is YOUR purpose in His body? Are you willing to serve,accomplish and fulfill YOUR purpose? Find out YOUR purpose and function. 

Personally, I have been blessed by the book Purpose Driven Life written by Rick Warren. He explains that each one of us have a specific shape, that will FIT right into the body of Christ for the function that it has to fulfill; without YOU, the body will be incomplete. And we can find our place, and do our functions, by knowing our SHAPE. 

S-H-A-P-E coined as an acronym stands for:
Spiritual gifts 
Heart 
Abilities 
Personality 
Experience

1. Spiritual gifts 

1 Cor. 12:7 and 1Cor. 12:11 remind us that each one of us has received (at least one) spiritual gift(s). For it says: But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: ... But one and the same Spirit works all these things,distributing to each one individually as He wills. 

Two principles of gift is explained above: (i) Everyone has received at least one gift; and (ii) the gift is given not according to our will, but His. Therefore, every person must use his/her gift; and since the gift is for all, no person is inferior or superior because of his gift- this is the underlying theme of this chapter Paul writes to the Corinthians. In further verses, the Bible explains that everyone who has a gift (and a member in the body of Christ) must use his/her gift. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? (1 Cor. 12:15). And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” (1 Cor. 12:21). 

We must not envy the gift of others; and we must not neglect our own gift. This happens if we feel that our gift is inferior and think that others will not notice it anyway. But the truth is that there are hidden and unnoticeable parts in our human body too,that does its function- like the heart, or lungs; and these functions are ESSENTIAL, just as all other functions by various parts of the human body; so also is a member’s role in the body of Christ. So if you use your gift of intercessory prayer, no one may notice; but it will bring someone close to Jesus and bring glory to God. 

2. Heart

Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in ourhearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

The love of God has been poured out in our hearts- therefore whatever are your interest and passion, use it to fulfill God’s purpose. We are ‘shaped’ to serve; do it with all your heart. 

A few days ago, I met a brother from Vizakapatnam; he shared with me how he had always felt in his heart to minister to the inmates of a prison. And so he goes regularly, to meet with the prisoners and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. And the brother did testify, how some had been transformed by the word of God and continued their Christian walk after their release from prison. 

What is in your heart today? Maybe some of you would have a passion for children or teenagers,or maybe orphans or slum-dwellers? Let your light shine from your heart, that it may bring glory to God. 

3. Ability 

Do not be enamored by only the spiritual gifts; God has also entrusted us with talents and abilities. 1 Cor. 12:28 says: And God has appointed these in the church:first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 

If you read theparable of the talents, you find the master giving the servants talents- to each according to his ability. So go ahead and use your abilities “in the church”, whether helps or administration. This is God’s purpose that we love one another and serve one another in the body of Christ. There is not one person who has it all [1 Cor. 12:29] and there is not one person who has none [parable of talents]. We need one another for edification and spiritual growth; this is God’s wondrous plan for our lives. 

4. Personality 

If you look at Psalm 139:16 again, notice the words “You formed me...”. God’s plan and purpose is included in the shape of your personality. And there are a wide variety of personalities- just look around you! Some are adventurous and impulsive; like Peter-the disciple of Jesus, they would want to get started right away... full of action. And we all know how God used Peter, even after his denial of Christ... and after the Pentecost, it was Peter who first stood up to preach- and 3000 souls were added that day! And we know of John, another of Jesus' disciple- who had a deep love for Jesus; different from Peter. Yet, God used him for declaring the end-times in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Timothy, another apostle- was meek and timid, and had to be constantly encouraged to DO more... and God used him, too. 

What about you? In spite of your struggles with your own personality, you can channel your thoughts to serve Jesus Christ. As you begin to take your fledgling steps, it is God who will use your personality to bring Him glory; and you must thereby fulfill your purpose in your generation. 

5. Experience

2 Cor. 1:4 is an excellent reference to our ‘questioning’ attitude to our own experiences. Blessed be the God... who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

Beloved, if you have not gone through pain, how can you relieve the pain of others? If you havenot gone through financial difficulties and found the answer in Jehovah-Jireh (God, our Provider), how will you counsel others in their financial need? We see, not just our bank balances, but we bank on what others do not see- the promises of God. And God shall supply all our needs... this is the cheque we encash at the throne of God.



Every person,every situation and every place that you have passed before, have in some way become your experiences; and if you have found comfort in Him through all your experience of tribulation and pain, then you are ready to comfort others who may go through similar painful circumstances in their own lives.

Romans 12:1,2 calls us for ‘proving’ what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God in our lives. Think about your spiritual gifts- how are you called to use them?And what about your passion, your abilities and talents- what are you waiting for? This life here on earth, and within the church where you are members in the body of Christ, that is the place to start your functions; SHAPE your vision and SERVE God; and thereby FULFIL your purpose here on earth and in this generation.

We- both small and great, have a sure reward in heaven for the SERVICE that we do. (Rev.11:18). May the God of peace grant you insight and clarity as to your calling and ministry for others, and grant you grace as you step forward to do your service to Him. Amen.

God's Plan and Purpose (Part-3)

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Plan to live purposefully. God Bless!) 

 

I have been talking to you about God’s great plan for each one of us, as individuals. We have been created primarily FOR HIM. In this short span of our life, we must find our purpose for Him and live it. Think about it- we have been created in His image; no other living creature, whether in heaven or on earth, has been created in His image. We, humans, have this great privilege of being found in God’s image. After the fall of Adam, God sent His only begotten Son- Jesus, that whosoever believe may draw near to God again. Apostle John says that His seed remains in those who believe (1 John 3:9); therefore we have been given the ability to grow, develop and become like Jesus- in God’s own image.

This ability cannot be found in an unbeliever, because God’s ‘seed’ does not abide in him. Paul explains in Eph. 2:19 “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”; And this is the verse that I would like to further explain in the context of God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

We become fellow citizens and members of the household of God; we are not ALONE. Believers are NOT called for a secluded and solitary life that they should seek some lonely place to get ‘more close’ to God! Some people think that once they are born-again and baptized, all that matters is their relationship with God. It is not true- we are also connected with ONE ANOTHER as members of a household in and through the blood of Jesus Christ. And this is what we confess before God as we partake of the emblems- the bread, His body; and drink of the cup, His blood.

In this 21st century, the age of fast growth and fragile relationships, people have become more independent. And this reflects badly in their spiritual living as well, as they think that it is all about ‘God and me’ ALL the time. If you look at Acts 2:42, the early Christians DID four things that separated them from the rest of the unbelieving crowd; (i) they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles (ii) they broke bread (iii) prayed and (iv) they fellowshipped with one another.

So many of US are quite comfortable doing our 3 things- His teachings, partake of the bread and prayer. But when it comes to fellowship, many stay away. There are also people who do not attend church, and think that it is good to break bread at home itself! And there are others who attend church to get connected to God alone –and not others! What I am saying is, if you refrain from fellowship with those of God’s household, you are MISSING OUT on one of God’s great purposes for your life. We were created for this fellowship! Look at the following verses:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” Eccl. 4:9,10

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Prov. 13:20

“Open your hearts to us…” 2 Cor. 7:2

Paul, while writing how believers ought to be separate from the rest of those in the world, says “For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?” [2 Cor. 6:14] and goes on to write these words: Open your hearts to us!

Eph. 4:3 calls us to endeavour {labor} to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; yes, this verse calls for our co-operation with God the Holy Spirit, who unites us ALL with bonds of peace. Yes, there will be differences, and variation in opinions. But there are a LOT of common ground that we AGREE upon as believers in Jesus Christ- God’s Son. Forget about the differences, concentrate on the commonalities. God is preparing a ‘peculiar’ people (and not individuals) for Himself- a chosen generation (a group), a royal priesthood (of communities) and a holy nation (of a world wide church).

I do not know about you, but I have experienced this, and maybe you too would have- that as you travel around, and maybe come across a different people from another country, maybe they speak different languages; but as we gather in Jesus’ name, suddenly we find that there is a bond of peace in the Holy Spirit, and we identify them as believers and as saints in God’s own household.

Now, how can WE endeavour to preserve the unity of the Holy Spirit? There are a few things that we can start practising right away!

1. Forgive one another… just as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:2)
2. Love one another; because you are taught by God Himself (1 Thess. 4:9)
3. Pray for one another (Eph. 6:18); go beyond the needs of your self, your family and your own relatives.
4. Encourage one another (1 Thess. 3:2); everyone needs encouragement sometime or other.
5. Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25, 26); just as parts of your body cares for that part that is hurting or is in pain.

It is God’s purpose for you to be united in a bond of peace with those of the household of God- and those who have believed in the name of Jesus, young and old. Fellowship with God is connected with fellowship with one another. If we do our part to co-operate and endeavour these are the benefits God has promised to us in God’s household:

• Growth in love (Eph. 4:16)
• Protection and restoration (Gal. 6:1, 2)
• Peace of God in confirmation of God’s voice spoken to us (1 Cor. 14:25)
• Counsel and guidance (Prov. 11:14)

This is my prayer today, that you will find God's purpose in fellowship. Go, join a church if you are not part of any congregation. Work together and co-operate with God -the Holy Spirit in preserving the unity in a bond of peace. Learn practical ways to grow in fellowship and reap the benefits of a fulfilled life in His purpose. Amen.

Being Conformed to the image of Christ

(Message by Sam Cherian)

Conforming to the image of Christ is the foundation of christian living. This message which is based on Rom. 8.29, which tells us the basic purpose of man’s creation is to conform us in to the image of Christ. Yes there are times when we require signs & miracles in our lives, but we need to go on to knows the ways of God in our lives. We need to come to the foundation of being conformed to the image of Christ. And that was the reason God sent Jesus upon this earth, not only to deal with our sin issue, but to be a role model for mankind- that’s why Rom 8.29 goes on to say that Jesus was the first-born among many brothers.

Similar reason for Israel being chosen. The primary reason why God delivered them out of Egypt, was not to show them signs & wonders. The Israelites needed the 10 plaques to deliver them out of the hands of Pharaoh, they needed to see the Red sea part to help them cross over, they needed manna from heaven & water from the rock to sustain their bodies. But the primary objective God had for the nation of Israel, was that they become a model nation for the surrounding gentile nations- to show forth to them the nature & character of the almighty God. That’s why in Ex 19: 4-6, He told them- “See I have brought you out of Egypt on eagles wings, …….I want you to be a kingdom of priests and a Holy nation in the eyes of these people.” God didn’t want them to portray HIM as an unholy God by their unholy lifestyles.

But sadly we see from the History of Israel, that despite having witnessed the power, presence & goodness of God they were constantly complaining , grumbling, faithless & fell in to immorality, thereby they failed to portray God as Righteous & Holy. Israel had come out of Egypt- but Egypt had not come out of the children of Israel. Similarly at times we profess to have come out of the world, but still there are elements of the world which still manifest in us. That’s why the psalmist records in Ps. 103.7- “He made known HIS ways to moses & His deeds to Israel”. WAYS- pertain to His nature and character. DEEDS- pertain to wonders and miracles. The problem was not with the miracles- but Israel got stuck with the miracles and didn’t graduate to know who God really was by virtue of his nature and character.

So this point of conforming to HIS image is very very important.- in the sense it is the very foundation of Christian life. If we have missed this aspect, then we have missed everything. That’s why Jesus said in Mt. 7:21-23” In that day many will say Lord haven’t we prophesied, cast out demons, did many wonders in your name and Jesus will sadly say to them – yes I don’t deny you did all that, but somehow, I don’t know you”. Isn’t it a frightening thought! Jesus is saying all this in Mt. 7 in the context of building our lives on a strong foundation & entering through the narrow gate.

Example of Moses not portraying God as HOLY in the sight of the sight of the Israelites: In relation to this subject of conforming to the image of Christ, I’m reminded about an incident in Numbers 20, where the children of Israel complain to Moses regarding water & Moses gets a little irritated & impatient at the constant complaining of these people, and somehow didn’t implement God’s command of speaking to the rock, instead he strikes the rock (that rock was Christ) and they get water. And subsequently God tells Moses that because of this He would not have the privilege of entering canaan land.

And I have often thought upon this incident and said Lord that was too harsh a punishment. Moses had already in a way served a sentence of 40 years for murdering an Egyptian, looking after his father-in-law’s sheep (just imagine having been brought up in Pharaohs palace- & then to the wilderness for 40 years) And then was given the responsibility of bringing lakhs of Israelites out of Egypt. At times some of them wanted to stone him…. Then God considers him as the meekest man on the earth in Num 11- after all this to deny him the privilege of entering the Canaan land. It sounds harsh isn’t it? Why did Moses lose the privilege of entering canaan (though he was originally commissioned in Exodus 3 at the burning bush to bring them out from Egypt in to land flowing with milk & honey). Had God backtracked on His promise? No, Moses although being the meekest man, failed to honor and portray God in the eyes of the multitude as Holy. It says in Num. 20: 12 “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the people, you will not enter canaan.”- Moses has not lost the privilege of heaven- but lost the privilege of seeing the ultimate fruit of his labour – canaan.

Brothers & sisters, we are also called to represent & portray God in the eyes of our wordly friends, relations, neighbours as Holy & righteous.

We can’t do it in our own strength,but by revelation of who God is & of His strength that is available to us. That’s why Paul says 2 Cor 4.11 ‘The life of Jesus may be manifested thru me’. Phil 1:20 whether by life or death may Christ be exalted in my body. Just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who wanted to honour God irrespective of whether they lived or died .Then in 2 cor 5:20 we are ambassadors of Christ. This word ambassador in the original Greek language is Kerux (spokesperson). Just like we have ambassadors of various countries, there were people representing the king in those days. The kings views on any subject was conveyed to the public through a kerux. He was like the face & voice of the king & he had no voice of his own. His one and only job was to portray the king to the outside world the way he the king wanted it to be portrayed. When the kerux faced the people the honor of the king was at stake

Brothers & sisters, Just as moses got a little impatient & frustrated with his situation & the people’s problems, there is a possibility that we too get a little frustrated with our unanswered prayers and questions of life. God will definitely address our situations in His time, but let us never forget this fact, through every thought, every word, and every deed the honor of our Lord is at stake. Just like moses we may not lose the privilege of heaven, but we may lose out on the things that the Lord has planned for us on this earth. Let us be diligent to be built up in the image of Christ, because in any case he is coming for a bride without spot & blemish.

Many worldly people never read the bible or come to church, and it is only through our lives they can see Christ. That’s why it says in Phil 2:15 ‘so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as stars in the world’. We are stars showing forth not our own glory, but the glory of Christ. This is not a struggle, but allowing Christ to live through us.

Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the {life} which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me”

Gal 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
We must not lose heart, but patiently wait, because we know that we shall certainly reap.
A question I ask myself often is : Have I become better or bitter ? We must become better & increasingly conformed to Christ day by day.

Let’s remember that the honour of God is at stake, since we represent Him. Do not trade Christlikeness for anything else in the world.

Father thank you that you are teaching us how to be conformed to the image of Christ. Father give us the grace to seek you & portray you in this wicked generation. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

God’s Plan and Purpose (Part-2)

(Message byPastor Philip Joseph. Come be a part of His plan!)

Col. 1:16

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

This is a wonderful purpose for our lives- we were created FOR HIM. And every moment that we think about this verse, whatever be our circumstances and whatever our situation, we can re-orient and realign our lives to fulfil this purpose- we were created for Him!

I remember when I was young and the times when I used to wonder about God’s purpose for my life.I used to read the Scriptures and try to find out ‘What on earth am I herefor?’ And 20 years ago, these wonderful TWO words spoke to my heart- “FOR HIM”and I found rest in my soul. Wonderful words of life- For Him.

We may be involved in so many activities- our work at the office, home, schooling, taking care of our children, our spouse; but we must be careful not to miss out on this great purpose of God for OUR lives- For Him!

FOR HIM
In the beginning,when God created Adam and Eve, they were given some assignments too to DO- but it was not everything. They looked forward to the time when they could commune with God Himself; and in the cool of the day He would call them and Adam and Eve could hear Him. And in Col. 1:16 there is the answer- the man and woman were basically created for God.

For His Glory
We too can work from day till night and involve in many activities; but do not miss out on the purpose that we were basically created for Him. God has created mankind primarily for Himself; not to live for ourselves, not for others, not for some spiritual works even. Isaiah 43:7 says: Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. The chief purpose of man is to glorify God in and through his life. God wants us to be God-centred people; not self-centred, and not even others centred. All of our other activities must be centred on God.

For His Worship
Jesus spoke tothe woman at the well in John 4:23 saying: But the hour is coming, and now is,when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for theFather is seeking such to worship Him.
Imagine the Father seeking for true worshippers- who worship in spirit and truth. We were primarily created to be true worshippers first; even more than being diligent workers. When we come before God, our being is subject to the most intimate communion possible with God- in true worship.

We are made of spirit, soul and body- and we can truly worship Him submitting our bodies as a living sacrifice; we dance before Him, we lift our hands, we kneel before Him,we bow down and worship Him, knowing He is our God, and we are the sheep of His hand (This is only the body realm). We can sing with our understanding and being stirred up- use our God given emotions to express our love for Him in worship (the soul realm). But our aim must be to go further and please the Father who is seeking those who worship Him in the spirit realm. This is the place where we commune with our God- one on One.

Worship must become an important and integral part of our life. In the Bible, we have glimpses of heaven- prophets seeing visions and describing the ‘atmosphere’ in heaven, especially in books of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Revelation. And what we hear them speak is an ‘atmosphere’ of Worship- angels singing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ and the four living creatures and the elders casting down their golden crowns before God and involved in worship. And in the Book of Revelation, we find the redeemed of the Lamb- those who are washed in His blood and made clean, worship the Lamb who sits on the throne.

True Worship
Now, imagine here on earth, are you looking for your purpose wondering what on earth are you here for? Now you know the answer: Worship God in spirit and truth. Otherwise, we will be only some religious people babbling something with our mouth, doing some lip-service and singing some ‘nice’ lies. Isaiah 29:13 says: Therefore theLORD said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me…”

TO HIM
Romans 12:1 is a familiar verse for most of us. But at the start of the verse, Paul writes to the Romans “Therefore…”. This should prompt us to look into the last part of chapter 11 and see why Paul is saying therefore. (You know that in the original text of the Bible, there were no demarcations for numbering verses and chapters. These were later added on for our convenience). And so we find in Romans 11:36 this verse: For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Present To Him
To Him are all things- therefore, we ought to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1, 2). This calls us to a life of surrender. We have come here not just to thank Him for what He has done for us; but also to surrender our lives to Him. Imagine Paul- the learned, wise and young man must have lived with his dreams of being someone, maybe someone religious; but Paul forsook all in that dramatic turn on the road to Damascus as he cried out: Lord, what do you want me to do? He confesses in Phil. 1:21“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Pleasing To Him

Paul learnt it the ‘hard’ way- it was hard for him to kick against thorns. Here and now we have an opportunity to learn and live a life pleasing to Jesus Christ. We live to Him, setting aside all our personal ambitions, plans and dreams. “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” [2Cor. 5:9]

How about you- do you seek to please Him? Next time you are in some place, think about whether it is pleasing to Him. Or if you are involved in some activity, forget about friends and peers, and think about whether it is pleasing to Him. Step back! We can give up on certain friendships and give up on certain ‘fun’ activities for the sake of pleasing Him. In every circumstance of life, this should be our overriding ambition-to please Him.

Jesus while He walked on this earth some 2000 years ago, had the same ambition Himself- to please His Father. In John 8:29 Jesus testifies “And He who sent Me is with Me.The Father has not left Me alone, for I ALWAYS do those things that please Him.” Even before Jesus started His ministry, on the shores of the river where John baptised Him, they all heard a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matt. 3:17]

God is with us,too; He has not left us alone. Is God well pleased with you? Know that man was created for His good pleasure.

Praise To Him

James 4:8 says:Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... There is a certainty about this verse that compels us to look at ourselves, if we ‘feel’ being far away from Him. He will certainly draw near to us, if we are willing to draw near to Him! In all our days, we can have a close walk with Him. Take time to be holy and speak often with the Lord. Pray without ceasing and rejoice in thanksgiving for all that He has done for you.

In Genesis 5, we come across a long list of individuals; it is recorded that they lived,married, had children, and died after living for such and such duration. But then in verse 24, we come across this man Enoch- who walked with God. It was such a close walk, that God took him… he did not even face death here on earth.

We can start our walk with Him today- step-by-step and step in step following our Lord Jesus…“that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory”-Eph. 1:12

The book of Ephesians is a wonderfully organized book of 6 chapters. The first 3 chapters talk about the- Position of The Christian, and the next 3 chapters- The Practice (or Performance) of The Christian; that in all these that we live the verse of Eph. 1:12 to the praise of His glory. For His glory we were created,and to the praise of His glory, we must live.

It is good to hope in God; but I pray today that you will graduate to glory in God. For Him,through Him and To Him, is what we are here for! Therefore, let your lives give Him glory, bring Him glory, and proclaim His glory; In Jesus name, Amen.