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AATHAVAN 🔥 977🌻 October 01, 2023 Sunday
"The
righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in
Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in
the courts of our God." ( Psalms 92 : 12, 13 )
We can find palm trees in
abundance in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil
Nadu. If you look at palm trees, they don't look prosperous. As they grow in
dry areas, they remain desiccated.
This verse suddenly came to
my mind when I was traveling in a bus once when I was working in Sattankulam.
It was a November month. It had rained so well that all the sights were green.
The area was green with banana trees, peanuts and pulses cultivated. But I
wondered what the same area would be like in April and May. Yes, it will look
like a desert in April and May. We can see nothing but palm trees.
Yes, today's verse says that
the righteous will be like this palm tree. The palm tree thrives in the face of
severe drought and water scarcity. Likewise, the righteous will endure any
trials and prosper in the Lord. Not only that, it is during the dry season that
the palm tree helps others by giving them delicious neera. And all parts of the
palm tree are useful to people. A righteous man who abides in the Lord will be
useful like this to all people. That is why the scripture compares the palm
tree to the righteous man.
And it is said, "He
shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Cedar wood is a solid and expensive
wood, just as we consider teak to be solid and valuable in our regions. We read
that when Solomon built the temple for God, he built it with cedar woods. Just
as teak wood has stood the test of time without decaying over the centuries, so
have cedar planks. So, it is told as a parable to the righteous.
But the wicked are like
grass. That is, they seem to live prosperously, but that prosperity is
short-lived. Though we find greeneries during the rainy season we do not see
any of the green crops around the palm tree in the summer. They would have
disappeared without knowing where they were.
This is what the psalmist
says, "For yet a little while, and the wicked
shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not
be." (Psalms 37: 10) Yea, they shall be empty in the sight of
God, as the palm tree in the rainy months has lost all its luxuriance. That is,
in the eyes of the world they appear to be prosperous, but in the eyes of God
they are nothing.
The second part of today's
verse is, “those that be planted in the house of the
LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God." That is, those who
are firmly planted with the Lord are the righteous mentioned in the scriptures.
They will flourish in God's courts like the palm tree and the cedar tree. By
living a righteous life in union with God we will live as steadfastly as the
palm tree and the cedar; Let us benefit others.
AATHAVAN 🔥 978🌻
October 02, 2023 Monday
"If I
honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom
ye say, that he is your God:" ( John 8 : 54 )
Seeking honour is an aspect
of conceit. The thought that I am superior to everyone and everyone else is
lesser than me makes one get proud. Politicians are usually like this. That is,
they think that being superior to others will show us as a leader to the world.
So, they make posters and
other advertisements to glorify themselves and give themselves various epithets
and titles. But Jesus Christ says that it is vain or nothing to glorify oneself
in this way. God should glorify us by seeing our good deeds, truth and
holiness. This is what Jesus says, If I honour
myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me.
The apostle Paul says the
same thing. "For not he that commendeth himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." ( 2 Corinthians 10 : 18 ) That
is, he who praises himself cannot be good.
We see that God highly
exalted our Lord Jesus Christ as he humbled himself to the position of a slave.
Yes, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted
him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2: 9-11)
The apostle Paul says that
if one wants to glory, one must seek glory in the Lord. "But
he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (2 Corinthians 10: 17) The
reason is that Paul, who had a lot of spiritual experiences, says that it is a
glorious thing to have such an experience. (2 Corinthians 12:2-5)
Beloved, many who ruled as
great kings retained their pride and glory only for a short time. But we have
remembered many saints who humbled themselves even after centuries. Many of
them have been elevated to venerable status. Because God the Father glorified
them after seeing their humility.
Although the Jews worshiped
God, they could not understand Him and His attributes. That is why Jesus Christ
said, "You call Him your God." Yes, telling Him as our God is nothing;
Rather we are called to recognize and reflect Him and His attributes. When we
reflect like that, God the Father will also glorify us. Yes, we don't need to glorify
ourselves with self-promotions.
AATHAVAN 🔥 979🌻
October 03, 2023 Tuesday
"That
walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen
themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of
Egypt!" (Isaiah 30: 2)
Egypt represents our old sinful life. Just as Moses rescued the people of Israel from the slavery of the Egyptians and led them to Canaan, the Lord Jesus Christ rescues us from the slavery of sin and leads us to the eternal heavenly Canaan.
When Moses led the people of
Israel straight to Canaan, God gave them a commandment "not to go back to
Egypt". But the people were angry with Moses because they were interested
in the prosperity of Egypt and the benefits they enjoyed there. They tried to
make a leader for themselves and go back to Egypt. They grumbled against God.
"And
wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that
our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to
return into Egypt? And they said one to another, let us make a captain, and let
us return into Egypt." (Numbers 14: 3, 4)
After knowing Christ, we can
no longer do many of the old things. Because if we want to live in Christ, we
have to make some sacrifices. These are what we call the experience of bearing
the cross. The life we lived before we knew Christ was known to us as a life of
pleasure. For that reason, if we turn away from Christ, it means we are
returning to Egypt. Woe to the unruly sons who go to Egypt to hide in the
shadow of Egypt! says the Lord.
God reiterates this through
Isaiah. "Woe
to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in
chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong;
but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the
LORD!" (Isaiah 31: 1)
We should not turn away from
Christ and go straight to the old sinful life just because worldly blessings
are available. It is said here that "horses and chariots”. These are allegories of prosperity. People in
those days owned horses, camels, and chariots just like we own expensive cars
today. Woe to those who turn away from Jesus to get worldly things after knowing
Christ! This verse says.
Therefore, dear ones,
without looking to the Holy One of Israel and seeking the Lord, why do we get
worldly blessings. If we go straight to the old life of Egypt, we will not be
blessed; Today's verse advises that curse will come on them. Yes, let's keep
ourselves from going back to Egypt.
AATHAVAN 🔥 980🌻
October 04, 2023 Wednesday
"For
the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and
these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that
ye would." ( Galatians 5 : 17 )
The apostle Paul is referring here to a struggling spiritual life. We want to live a life worthy of God and live a holy life. But the various lusts of this world pull us. That is, the desires of our flesh pull us away from living the life we want to live for God. This is, "these things are contrary to one another, lest you cannot do the things which you want to do" Paul mentions.
The
apostle Paul explains the reasons for this. That is, man is not good by nature.
So even if we want to do good, we cannot do good. "For I know that in me
(that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me;
but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Romans 7: 18) Because of
this contradiction, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I
would not, that I do.” (Romans 7:19).
Beloved, we must have the Holy Spirit to work in us to overcome this conflict. We must surrender ourselves completely to Him. We should inform God of our inability. "Lord, I want to live a holy life worthy of you, but I am not able to do it. God help me to remove my weakness and give me your Spirit to do your will”.
Only
when God's Spirit comes into us can we live a pure life according to Him. "But ye are not in the
flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if
any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8: 9) We are spiritual
Christians only when we live in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, we
will remain empty worship Christians. When we live like this, it means that
Christ is in us. "And
if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness." (Romans 8: 10)
Beloved, mere rituals cannot make the Holy Spirit come and work in you. Only when we thirst can the Spirit's anointing fill us and make us pure. "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:" (Isaiah 44: 3) says the Lord God.
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11: 13) As Jesus Christ says, let us pray; Let us get the Holy Spirit.
AATHAVAN 🔥 981🌻 October 05, 2023 Thursday
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season……… Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. (Luke 23: 8,9)
Today's verse gives us an important message. We may have heard many things about Jesus Christ; We may have heard many testimonies of the miracles he performed. Such news may have given us a mental interest in him. But he will not answer us if we seek him for mere glamor without true repentance.
Herod had been longing to see him for a long time. When he saw him like that, he was very happy and asked him about many things. Today's verse says that, he longed to see him was not because of a change of heart; Instead, “he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.” (Luke 23:8, 9) it is said.
Jesus was a famous man at that time and hence he wanted to see him, not out of true love. His heart was already filled with the desire to kill Jesus. In the eyes of Jesus Christ, he is like a fox; hypocrite. That is why when some Pharisees came to Jesus Christ three days ago and said to him, "go away from here, for Herod is intent on killing you,"
For
this Jesus replied, “Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I
do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Nevertheless, I must walk to day, and tomorrow, and the day following: for it
cannot be that a prophet perishes out of Jerusalem." (Luke 13: 33)
Herod was truly
like a fox, as Jesus said. Not only that, he was immersed in a wicked life. He
took his brother’s wife and lived with her. Even when John the Baptist pointed
it out, he did not repent but killed John the Baptist to fulfil her wishes. His
heart was filled with adultery, murder, and lust for power. But now when he saw
Jesus, he was very happy and asked him about many things.
We know that David, who committed the same sins, repented, and asked God for forgiveness and received God's mercy. But Herod did not feel such guilty.
Beloved, if we confess our sins and ask Him for forgiveness, He will answer us. He intercedes for us and fulfils our prayers even if we are aware of our sins. On the contrary, if we think that he will give us an answer by just by listening to the many witnesses about the miracles he performed without any guilt or remorse of our sins like Herod, he will not give us any answer.
AATHAVAN 🔥 982🌻 October 06, 2023 Friday
"O
LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake:
for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee." (Jeremiah 14:
7)
Today's
verse is a prayer that we all should pray to God. No matter how good we want to
live, we sin against God without knowing ourselves. We cannot differentiate
major sin or minor sin; When we behave against the will of God, we sin.
Many people
think they are sinless because they do not do murder, rape, theft etc.; Others
consider themselves to be sinless because they do not have the habit of
alcohol, beedi, cigarettes, betel nuts, or drugs. But there are people in all
religions who do not do them by nature.
Dear
brothers and sisters, but when we do not respect others; when we treat the
underprivileged lightly; we have status ego; when hostile thoughts arise in us;
when making a complaint to higher authorities about our colleagues in office or
work spot; when we have qualities like jealousy and unforgiveness; when pride
arises; We sin.
Jeremiah
did not commit any of the sins that men usually consider to be major sins. But
he prays, “though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's
sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee”.
This sense
of sin and its confession was in all the saints and those who loved
righteousness. When King David confessed his sins, he said, "Against
thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou
mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou
judgest." (Psalms 51: 4)
It is
necessary for all of us to live with this feeling if we want to grow in a close
relationship with God. Going to church as a duty, praying, reading the
scriptures, and attending prayer meetings will not do us any spiritual good; by
these acts, we cannot experience the presence of God in us.
As today's
meditation verse says, when we confess our sins and pray for His forgiveness,
He will show us His grace and mercy, no matter how many our iniquities testify
against us.
AATHAVAN 🔥 983🌻 October 07, 2023 Saturday
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." ( 2 Corinthians 1 : 4 )
Jesus Christ said that we have tribulation in this world. "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33) Tribulations test us; Suffering is a way for us to become Christ like. In today's verse, the apostle Paul explains another reason for tribulations.
"That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble." That is, people are experiencing various kinds of suffering in this world. He says, that God gives us sufferings so that we become worthy to comfort those people.
This is why our Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross. This is what we read in the Epistle to the Hebrews, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4: 15) we read. Yes, he was tempted in every way as we are. "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." (Hebrews 2: 18)
There is a
proverb that says, 'You know the pain of headache and a fever only when you get
it'. That is, we may give advice to others; but only the real pain is
understood by the person counselling others, he can provide good comfort to
others. If we give vain advice, suffering people will take it as empty advice.
Today's
verse also says that even if we suffer, God will also comfort us. That is,
"He comforts us in all our troubles." Paul said. God first gives us troubles
and then comforts us so that we may be fit to be used as instruments of comfort
to men, so that we may also comfort suffering men.
That
is, God does not just make us study books only; On the contrary, he is
qualifying us like a student preparing for a science exam is getting practical
training. As God trains us in this way, we who comfort others also become
better. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love him." (James 1: 12)
May we
endure trials patiently and become instruments of comfort and encouragement to
others.
AATHAVAN 🔥 984🌻 October 08, 2023 Sunday
"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (Hebrews 12: 12,13)
We who live a spiritual life are sometimes punished by God. Being punished like that is a sign that God loves us. It means that He treats us as His own children. "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Hebrews 12: 7) We punish our children when they do wrong. If we don't punish them like that, those children will not be able to walk in a good way.
Most families today have only one or two children. So, parents give them more pampering. This is the reason why many children today make various mistakes in schools and society. Yes, children who are not disciplined properly cannot live a good life.
Today's meditation verse is said in this background. This will be understood if we continue reading this twelfth chapter from the fifth verse.
When we are punished by God like this, we get tired. Hence, it is advised that "make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
This verse says that we may be tired because God has punished us, so we should straighten our tired hands and knees and refine our ways so that they don't crumble. Yes, we should reflect on our actions and find out why God has punished us and correct our ways.
When I was a boy, a family lived opposite to our house. The father of the family would severely punish the children even for minor mistakes. Sometimes he would tie up his errant children without feeding them from morning till night. When the children come to play with us, they say, "It would be better if our father died." But today all children are in good high positions. Now they speak highly of their father. “It is because our father brought us up that way that we are good today."
This
does not mean that we should all be like the arrogant father, aforesaid; rather
we should discipline and nurture our children when they make mistakes. "Now
no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless,
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are
exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12: 11)
Let us be
patient and correct ourselves when God punishes.
AATHAVAN 🔥 985🌻 October 09, 2023 Monday
"Nevertheless,
the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those
things which were spoken by Paul." (Acts 27: 11)
They took the prisoner apostle
Paul and some other prisoners with them on a ship to Rome, under the command of
the king. Julius, a centurion, escorted Paul
with some soldiers. The centurion Julius was friendly to Paul because he
respected him. "And Julius courteously entreated
Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh
himself." (Acts 27: 3)
The sea voyage was very
distressing and stormy. They crossed the storm with a hard struggle and reached
the port called Fair Harbour. But Paul, who received God's warning, warned the
captain and the centurion, it is not good for further sea voyage at present.
But “the centurion believed the master and the owner
of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul."
Although the centurion
treated Paul in a friendly manner, he had a low opinion of Paul. After all,
Paul was a prisoner, a person of modest appearance, ignorant of sea voyages and
climate changes. So, he didn't believe Paul. Conversely, sailors are well
experienced; who have travelled many thousand miles in sea; those who know well
the direction of the wind and the nature of the waves in the sea. Therefore, he
thought that what they were saying would be correct.
Many people in the world
today are like the centurion mentioned in today's verse. We honour God’s servants
but ignore the words spoken through them. Many times, we trust the words and
skills of experienced people rather than the words of divine beings.
But what happened? A
tempestuous wind called Euroclydon collided with the ship and capsized the
ship. But God wanted to honour his servant, Paul. So, before the shipwreck, He gave
a message to Paul to inform to those on board. Hence, Paul encouraged others by
saying that, "For there stood by me this night
the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul;
thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that
sail with thee." (Acts 27: 23, 24)
Yes, dear ones, honouring God’s
servants is not just giving money and gifts. But, believing their words; respecting
them and correcting ourselves; believing in God's words rather than
circumstances and the words of experienced people. If not, we will be like Julius
the centurion. Let's believe God's words; Let's keep our life ship not being overturned
by the tempestuous wind Euroclydon.
AATHAVAN 🔥 986🌻
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
"The
Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the
unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" ( 2 Peter 2 : 9 )
Today's verse is a verse that can be understood without much explanation. That is, God frees the pious from trials; He destroys the wicked who do not repent of their mistakes.
The apostle Peter cites the
example of Lot from Genesis to explain this. That is what we see in the
previous verse of today's verse, "For that
righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous
soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;" ( 2 Peter 2 : 8 )
Sin was rampant in the
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Especially, sexual sins. The men there were homosexuals.
In the above verse, we read that the righteous Lot was pained in his heart
seeing and hearing those sins. God decided to destroy those cities because of
the increase in sin. But there lived the righteous Lot.
So, the messengers God sent
to destroy the city came to Lot and told him God's plan and asked him to get
out of there. Not only that, but God willed to save his blood relatives for his
sake. Therefore, the men said to Lot: "Hast thou
here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever
thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will destroy this
place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and
the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.” (Genesis 19: 12, 13)
Beloved, when God tries to
destroy an entire city, we see God trying to save a righteous family there.
Here we are given the message that we should not commit a wrong and sinful act
that everyone is doing.
Perhaps our neighbours and
relatives may do some things against God; They may be fine with worldly
prosperity. After seeing that, we should not deceive ourselves that those who
do such things are doing well and hence that there is nothing wrong doing like
them. Yes, there was only one righteous Lot in the two great cities; He was
saved from perishing.
Yes, so let us guard
ourselves with God's words in our hearts. The Lord knows how to save the godly
from trial and to reserve the wicked for the day of judgment.
AATHAVAN 🔥 987🌻
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
"But when
that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done
away." (1 Corinthians 13: 10)
No one born in this world is
flawless. By saying like this, I am not referring to economic deficiency; On
the contrary, I am talking about deficiency in human qualities. We intend to
fill our deficiencies. But the circumstances of this world make us more and
more poor in qualities.
Today various institutes
provide various trainings to improve human beings. Psychological trainings,
Counselling trainings, Personality development trainings etc. are provided. But
such trainings may produce a man fit for men but never God-men.
One can only give to others
what he has. It is not acceptable to impart qualities that one does not possess
through book practice. Not all these trainers are without flaws; They do organize
training programmes as a profession. Or they do it for money received from
abroad.
Only our Lord Jesus Christ
is perfect. He alone can make us better people. As he was in the image of God,
he had to transform as men to guide them. Being God, He had a flaw in this
matter. That is, He did not experience human suffering while being God.
Therefore, it was necessary for him to suffer and be perfected like men if he
was to bring comfort and redemption to men. Therefore, he was perfected through
sufferings.
"Though
he were a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; And being
made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey
him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (
Hebrews 5 : 8-10 )
Therefore, as we have seen
earlier, only one who is perfect can give perfection to others, Christ is the
perfect one to make us perfect. So only when He comes into a man can, he become
complete. That is today's meditation verse says, “when
that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
Yes beloved, only when the
perfect Jesus Christ comes in us will our deficiencies be removed. We will become
new and full when He comes in us in qualities, economy, and lack of health.
Let us ask the fullness of
Jesus Christ to come into our hearts; Let us surrender our hearts completely to
Him. Then, not only we but those around us will realize that today's meditation
verse is fulfilled in us.
AATHAVAN 🔥 988🌻
October 12, 2023 Thursday
"Who
is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that
walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD,
and stay upon his God." (Isaiah 50: 10)
Prophet Isaiah was the one who gave the most prophecies about the Lord Jesus Christ. Today's meditation verse is also prophetic advice about Jesus Christ. Light represents God. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1: 5)
In today's meditation verse,
Jesus Christ is referred to as the Servant of God. The Lord says that if one
does not yet see the true light of Jesus Christ in himself, that wicked person should
believe in him and join with him. That is, he should realize his sins and join Jesus.
Because "That was the true Light, which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1: 9)
But, according to the verse,
"For every one that doeth evil
hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be
reproved." (John 3: 20) many
people hesitate to come to the light, Jesus.
Jesus Christ does not cast
away those who come to Him. So, he makes any man enlightened when he comes to
him. That's why today's verse says, “that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let
him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God." Because
such a man will be enlightened.
But most men hesitate to
come to Him who is the true light. The reason is because the men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil." (John 3: 19)
Beloved, even if we have
billions of possessions in the world, they are no substitute for the true peace
that Christ gives. Only He who is light has that peace of mind. Even though we
are rich, if we do not have peace of mind, it is necessary for us to reflect on
our ways and turn our hearts directly to Him who shall make us a true light.
That is why the Lord gives today's advice through Isaiah, “that
walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD,
and stay upon his God."
People who walk in darkness
because of the lack of light, should believe in the name of the Lord and commit
themselves to him. Then the words, “The people that walked in darkness have
seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon
them hath the light shined.” (Isaiah 9: 2) will happen to us in our life.
Yes, Jesus gives you the
peace you seek; He has the freedom you seek.
AATHAVAN 🔥 989🌻
Friday, October 13, 2023
"Beloved, stand firm in
your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of
God, and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
(Jude 1:21)
Generally we all pray to
God. But the apostle Jude gives us some advice as to what our prayers should
be.
The first speaks of faith.
That is, we must have faith that if we pray, we will receive what we ask for.
Jesus Christ also mentioned this. "Therefore, I say to you, whatever
things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have
them." ( Mark 11 : 24 ) Judas says that he should confirm this before
praying.
Next, our prayers must be
spiritual. Prayer is not mere mouthing. Our heart should be united with God. It
should come from the heart. Pour your heart into the presence of God like Anna.
(1 Samuel 1:15)
Thirdly, it says, "Keep
yourselves in the love of God." That means all our activities should be as
God wants. "We love God by keeping His commandments; His commandments are
not grievous." (1 John 5:3)
Finally it says, "Wait
for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Our Lord Jesus
Christ is the life. He is the giver of endless life. So that Christ has mercy
on us and says to wait patiently to answer our prayer.
That is, in short, to live a
life acceptable to God, to pray with faith and wholeheartedly, and wait for Him
to answer.
Even in this world when we
apply for something in a government office we have to wait. We cannot expect a
solution to our petition by going to the government office the next day after
sending the petition. But our God knows our needs well. Some of our needs are
important. In such cases an immediate response is required. In such a situation
he will reply immediately.
For example, when we pray
for someone who is dying, we cannot wait for months. Then he can give an
immediate answer. But we can learn from the life history that the mothers of
some saints say that their son who lived in sin prayed for ten to fifteen years
to repent.
So, beloved, let us pray
according to the counsel of the apostle Jude. Let's wait patiently for God's
answer.
AATHAVAN 🔥 990🌻
October 14, 2023 Saturday
"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a
rock." (Psalms 27: 5)
In today's verse, David
expresses his faith in God. When wars, diseases and other natural calamities
occur in this world, many of us are troubled. Think of the Corona crisis. Every
day the news of death of many people who were with us was attacking us. Many of
our relatives and friends died. But in today's verse David says with firm
faith, “in the time of trouble he shall hide me
in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set
me up upon a rock."
Yes, today's verse says that
He will not only hide us in His tent and protect us in the day of harm, but He
will lift us up after saving us.
For David to say this, he
had a faith in his life lived according to God. Because he who wrote this psalm
also wrote the 15th psalm. In it he says, "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in
thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh
righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to
his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour." (Psalms 15: 1-3)
He knew who would dwell in
the tabernacle of the Lord. He searched his heart and knew that his life was
like that. Therefore, because he does not have such wicked deeds, he says with
faith that the Lord will hide him in his tabernacle, hide him in the secret of
his tent, and lift him up on the rock. As he said, God protected him and made
him king over Israel.
Beloved, God has no
partiality. If he did this to David, he will surely do the same to us. It is
enough if we only have the qualifications that He has told us to stay in God's
tabernacle
Not only that, but in the
first verse of today's meditation psalm, he says, "The LORD is my light and my
salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom
shall I be afraid?" (Psalms 27: 1)
Yes beloved, let us say with
faith as David said, The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall, I fear?
He is my fortress, whom shall, I fear? He will hide me in his tabernacle, hide
me in his shelter, and lift me up on the rock. Amen.
AATHAVAN 🔥 991🌻
Sunday, October 15, 2023
"…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.If Satan also be divided
against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out
devils through Beelzebub." (Luke 11: 17,18)
In today's world we see divisions
among men and also among the Christians.
Although we all accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, every Christian
church sect considers others as insignificant.
But in contrast to this
situation of Christians, unity among Satan is noteworthy. That is, there is
division among people who accept God and unity among Satan who do not accept
God.
The Jews who did not believe
in Jesus Christ chasing the devils said that he is chasing the devils with the
leader of the devils called Beelzebub. In response to them, Jesus Christ says
today's verse. How can Satan's kingdom stand if he is divided against himself?
Jesus Christ asks.
That is, the unity of Satan
is the reason for Satan's kingdom to exist. If there was no unity among them,
Satan's kingdom would have perished. Beloved, it is evident that there is no
such unity among Christians today. However, this division exists in the time of
Paul the Apostle.
"Now
this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I
of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or
were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" ( 1 Corinthians 1 : 12, 13 )
Shouldn't we say the above verse as follows according to the custom of this time? "Some of you say: I am of R.C Church, I am of C.S.I Church, I am of Pentecostal, (there are many more denominations among them and many are proud to claim them) I am of Salvation Army, and I of Christ. Is Christ divided?". Statistics show that there are more than 2,500 denominations of Christian churches worldwide today. But Satan's kingdom is one.
We Christians do not know as
the devils that we can only stand if we are united. Church denominations cannot
save us. We do not know the basic truth that only the Lord Jesus Christ can
save us. But the devils know that. So, they have strengthened their kingdom by
dividing men into congregations.
Yet there are many in the
world who are firmly committed to the true Christian faith. Nothing can be done
by Satan against them. They are the true Christians in union with Christ today.
It is because of the unity of such Christ-knowing Christians that Christ is actively
functioning in the world today. As this unity grows stronger, Satan's kingdom
weakens. Yes, beloved, let us grow in Christian love with a sense of
brotherhood, regardless of the denomination we belong to; Let us believe in
Christ rather than churches. Let us love Christ.
AATHAVAN 🔥 992🌻
October 16, 2023 Monday
"Great
in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of
the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the
fruit of his doings:" (Jeremiah 32: 19)
Today's verse begins by talking about our God and His power and warns us that He will show this power when He judges men.
God is watching all our
deeds, as He said, " thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons
of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of
his doings” He will judge us on that basis.
But without realizing this,
there are many people who sing loudly as "God give me power" and want
to gain fame among people by doing miracles like Jesus Christ.
Yes, dear ones, why we need
real power is to be freed from sin. We cannot live a sinless life without the
power of God's Spirit. Our mortal body must be quickened by the power of the
Holy Spirit. This is what the apostle Paul said, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell
in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8: 11)
We cannot deceive God who is
great in thought and mighty in action. He does not take our worship practices
or devotional efforts seriously. It is useless to repeat certain mantras
without our heart being united with Him. There is no point in reciting the
prayers that some tell as the mighty prayer.
Other religious people say
that certain words create a vibration in us and therefore certain mantras bring
God closer to us. It is not important to vibrate our body, the Holy Spirit should
work in our hearts. We must attain holiness according to God. Hatred of sins
should arise in us.
So, we need to be cautious.
Doing things contrary to what the Bible says does not make us acceptable to
God. He will reward only what is worthy of him and according to the fruit of ones
deeds. "And,
behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according
as his work shall be." (Revelation 22: 12) says the Lord Jesus
Christ. With the help of the Spirit, let us make our ways and actions
acceptable to God.
AATHAVAN 🔥 993🌻
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
"Watch therefore: for ye
know not what hour your Lord doth come." (Matthew 24: 42)
The start of the Israel-Palestine war was a celebration for many Christian ministers. They are showing their genius by mixing their Vedic knowledge with worldly knowledge by posting videos every day. What do they really say about the second coming of Jesus? Nothing else, the coming of the Lord is near, they say. It is true that the Bible mentions the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in many places; Jesus Christ has also clearly said about it.
Jesus
Christ said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not
the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24: 44) That means he is sure
to come. So, we should always be ready to meet him. We should be ready not
because the Israel-Palestine war came. Many Christian pastors cry out "Get
ready for the coming …., get ready" just like a teacher who doesn't teach
the lesson cries out before the inspector arrives.
Does
preparing for coming of Jesus mean preparing as if we were preparing to travel
somewhere? Many people do not explain about it. Dear brothers, it makes no
sense to preach worldly blessings all year long and shouting “get ready” now as
you see this war.
Israel-Palestine
war is happening as predicted in the scriptures and it confirms our faith in
God. But the scriptures have already said what the believers should do before
the arrival. The apostle Paul said, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray
God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5: 23).
That is, our spirit, soul, and body must be preserved blameless when He comes.
This is what it means to be prepared.
Also,
knowing that day, when Jesus Christ said, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the
angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." (Mark 13: 32) Since Jesus Christ Himself
said that He did not know, we mere mortals do not need to inquire about it. It
is important that we be ready to face him when he comes.
As
early as the time of the apostles, people were expecting the second coming of
Jesus Christ. "You are teaching like this for long, why hasn't he come
yet?" they asked the apostles. That is why the apostle Peter explained it
in his epistle, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,
as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3: 9).
Not
because Israel started the Palestine war, but let us always keep our spirit,
soul, and body blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yea, "For
as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth
unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his
day." ( Luke 17 : 24 )
"For
great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest
hell." (Psalms 86: 13)
We read about God's grace in various places in the Bible. But the greater grace is God forgiving our sins and keeping us away from them. David knew this from his experience. That is why he says, “thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell."
God's grace is what sustains
us in our weaknesses. This is what God explained to the apostle Paul, “My grace
is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2
Corinthians 12: 9) We are all weak. At various times we fall into sin. But
because God is full of grace in forgiveness, He forgives us and allows us to
live.
That's why David in today's
meditation psalm chapter before today's meditation verse in verse 5 says "For
thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all
them that call upon thee." (Psalms 86: 5)
"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John
2: 2)
The apostle Paul says that this is what God entrusted to them. "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5: 19) God can forgive the sins of the people of the world. But people need to be made aware of their wrong sinful ways. That is why God uses them, says Paul.
It took a prophet Nathan to
make David aware of the sins of adultery and subsequent murder. David realized
that. Therefore, he says that by His grace God saved his soul to destruction.
Hence, “great
is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest
hell" he says.
Beloved, no matter how much
wealth we have, it will not help us other than this worldly life. We can gain
this world with money, but if we lose our soul, it will be of no use. "For
what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own
soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew
16: 26)
Let us ask God to give us a
heart of understanding. Only then will our inner qualities be revealed to us.
Only then can we realize our weaknesses and sins. Only then can we get God's
forgiveness. Let's realize our sins and ask for God's forgiveness and thank
Him. Let us say like David, "Thank you, Lord, for you have saved my soul
from the depths of hell."
AATHAVAN 🔥 995🌻
October 19, 2023 Thursday
"Therefore, will I divide him a portion with the great, and
he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul
unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53: 12)
Today's meditation verse is the words that God the Father revealed to Prophet Isaiah about the Lord Jesus Christ. We read in today's verse, “because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." We are one of those transgressors. He prayed for us too. That is why we have the redemption experience today.
But seeing that Jesus Christ
suffered, many people of his time thought wrongly. Yes, they thought he was
being punished by God. That is why Isaiah said, "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53: 4)
What we see with our eyes
and hear with our ears is not always completely true. We do not know the true
background of many things. This is the case with many of the news that appear
in the newspapers today. There is a difference between daily press reports and
actual situation. Investigative Journals bring out such hidden messages.
Isaiah explains with his
investigative vision that the people of that day thought wrongly seeing the
suffering of Jesus Christ in this way. This is, “yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and
afflicted." That is, we thought so but it is not true,
rather, He says, "Surely
he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows"
And, "All
we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and
the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah
53: 6) we
read.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised
for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed.' (Isaiah 53: 5)
Thus, he put his soul to
death, and being numbered among the unrighteous, and bearing the sin of many,
and praying for the unrighteous, saith God the Father. Beloved, as we read
this, let us consider how grateful we should be to the Lord Jesus Christ.
"How
shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to
be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God
also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers’
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"
(Hebrews 2: 3,4)
Let us pray by giving ourselves completely to Him. May the Lord bless us.
AATHAVAN 🔥 996🌻 Friday, October 20, 2023
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men' ( 1 Timothy 2 : 1 )
In today's meditation, the
apostle Paul gives us an important advice. That's why he calls it the main
thing. That means we should not always pray only for ourselves but we should
make requests, prayers, supplications and praises for all people.
This will seem like a
strange process to many of us. Some may think, "We don't have time to pray
for ourselves and our families, so how can we pray for everyone?"
Everyone in this world is
relative. The reason is that God is the Father of us all. So, when we pray for
others, we are automatically in a way praying for ourselves. Following today's
verse, Paul writes, "For kings, and for all that
are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty." (1 Timothy 2: 2)
In other words, if we want
to live peacefully in this country, the we should pray for all the officials
and head of the country. Therefore, when we pray for them, we find peace.
Problems in the country are solved.
Moreover, we have come to
know the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not enough we alone know Him. All must know
Christ and be saved. When everyone is saved like that, there will be peace
automatically. Yes, "Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." ( 1 Timothy 2 :
4 ) So we must pray for everyone.
We cannot live alone in this
world. Count each item that we use everyday. None of these could have existed if
we were alone in this world. Yes, we are enjoying the fruits of labour of
various people. This is one of the reasons why the apostle Paul said to pray
for everyone.
Let us expand the scope of
our prayer. Instead of praying only for ourselves, let us make supplications,
prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings for all men, according to the advice
of the apostle Paul. Then we can live in a peaceful country without problems.
AATHAVAN
🔥 997🌻 Saturday, October 21, 2023
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves
to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;" (2
Corinthians 3: 5)
We can do many things in
this world better with our skills. Although we humans do many worldly things
well, when we live a spiritual life, we cannot do many things as before because
God started guiding us after we knew Him. Moreover, when we are guided by God,
we need His help even in worldly affairs. Because then we come to know the fact
that our strength is not our ability but His presence.
When a company chooses its
employees, it selects and hires the best talent. But our Lord does not look at
talent. He chooses the incompetent and the insignificant and uses them for
himself. Disciples of Christ who did not have much education were responsible
for the spread of Christ's teachings throughout the world today.
Educated and uneducated
ministered to Christ; are doing. The reason is the Spirit working within them.
That is why the apostle Paul said, “we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our
sufficiency is of God;"
Yes,
many Christian workers are looked down upon by the people in the area they live
in. But because God uses them "And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath
God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that
are:" (1 Corinthians 1: 28) is true even today they are
proving it.
Beloved,
today we may be slighted by other people, relatives and friends. Our competence
may be underestimated in the workplace. In such a situation, when we surrender
ourselves completely to God and seek His help, God is able to help us and
qualify us in every way.
Yea,
"Not by might, nor by power, but
by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."(Zechariah 4: 6)
So it is imperative that we
pray for His wisdom to excel in our worldly and spiritual affairs. “If any of
you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” ( James 1 : 5 )
Yes, beloved, we are not
worthy to think of anything as if we could; our worthiness is from God. When
this thought comes to us, we become humble; Qualities like pride and arrogance
will disappear.
Let's forget self-worth; Let
us pray for God's grace for our strength, merit and God's wisdom.
AATHAVAN 🔥 998🌻 Sunday, October 22, 2023
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who
sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians
2: 13)
Scripture compares the relationship between Christ and us as believers to a marriage relationship. Before we marry someone we have nothing to do with them and their family. But after marriage with him we become close relatives with them. We are family relatives.
In
the same way, we used to live wickedly without knowing Christ and were distant
from Him. But now we are close to Christ after being washed by His blood and
knowing Him.
Thus
when we were distant from him we had no right to his property; we made no
covenant with him; we lacked firm belief in God; Above all we had no God.
This
is what the apostle Paul said, "That at that time ye were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:" ( Ephesians 2 :
12 )
"Which
in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not
obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2: 10)
Paul, who was telling how the present situation became possible for us, says, "Now you have come near by the blood of Christ." That is, He says that we have this opportunity because of His shed blood on the cross.
Beloved,
because we are so close to God, we can live with faith today. It is necessary
for us to maintain this position. Otherwise, we will become distant from him as
before; we will be like orphans without faith. Not only that, but we will be
far away from eternal life. So let's continue to hold on to faith.
That
is why the author of Hebrews warns, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of
you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." (Hebrews
3: 12) Yes,
"For we
are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence
stedfast unto the end;" (Hebrews 3: 14) only
then will we be eligible for the rights we have already read about.
AATHAVAN 🔥 999🌻 Monday, October 23, 2023
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;” (Ephesians 4: 11)
In
today's meditation, the apostle Paul talks about the five types of ministry
that God has established. God planned to build the kingdom of God in the world
by establishing ministries such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and
teachers.
Though
there are five types of ministry and the purpose of all types of ministry is
the same. That is, "That
we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with
every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby
they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up
into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"( Ephesians 4 :
14, 15 )
In
order for us not to be swept away like waves by various winds of deceitful and
false teachings, He has established such ministries that we may grow up in
Christ, who is the head, in all things, holding on to love and truth.
In
other words, God established such ministries so that somehow people would know
God and live a life suitable to Him and thus attain eternal life. Evangelists
travel and preach the gospel among different peoples. The souls they gain are
cared for by pastors and pastors. Prophets promote faith and turn people away
from the wrong path. Apostolic servants confirm apostolic teaching.
Beloved, our main concern
today is not about these various ministries. On the contrary, it is necessary
to realize how much God loves people. As the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "Who will have all
men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."(1 Timothy
2: 4)
If
all men are to be saved, these various types of service are necessary. If there
are only church services, people outside the church will not come to the church
to seek God by themselves.
Yes
beloved, if God has done this because somehow all people want to know Him, how
faithful we must be to Him!! So it is our duty to announce the Lord Jesus as
much as we can.
Evangelism
is something we all can do. Let us proclaim Christ by our lives and words as
much as we can. Let's gather souls into right congregations and help them grow
in spiritual life. We should have the desire that all men to be saved and come
to the knowledge of the truth.
AATHAVAN
DAILY MEDITATION No:- 1,000 Tuesday October 24, 2023
"I that
speak unto thee am he." ( John 4 : 26 )
The Aathavan daily
meditation, which has been published continuously for the past three years,
completes its 1000th meditation today. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ with
gratitude for the grace to continue this meditation.
Today's meditation verse, "I that speak unto thee am
he." is a very small one, but this verse has turned many to know
the Lord. A friend of mine is a Hindu. But at an early age he had a desire to
know who the real God is. He continued to study the holy books of many
religions. Finally reading the scriptures today's verse spoke to him.
"Son, I am He who is talking to you. You are wandering somewhere trying to
know the true God, and I who am talking to you now is the one you are looking
for".
Beloved, he gave himself to Christ that very day and is now ministering. Why should we know Christ as true God? Worship with garlands and fragrant incense sticks like other deities? No. Jesus Christ says, "For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8: 24)
Jesus spoke today's verse to the Samaritan woman. She was living a life of prostitution. She already had five husbands; the one who is with her now is also not her husband. This was her life. But the Lord Jesus Christ, who came in search of sinners, revealed himself to her. My daughter said, "I am he that speaketh unto thee."
Beloved, He will reveal
Himself to us if we look to Him with a longing to know the true God and to have
our sins forgiven. He not only forgives our sins but also changes our lives.
Not only in the New
Testament, but also in the Old Testament, it was our Lord Jesus Christ who
spoke to the devotees. He was not born just 2000 years ago. Yes, God says
through the prophet Isaiah, "Thus
saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the
first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44: 6)
"Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the
first, I also am the last."(Isaiah 48: 12) He is the former and
the latter. Let us commit ourselves to Him. The reason why many people today do
not believe in Christ as God is because they consider him to have been born
only two thousand years ago. Yes dears, let us change this thought; Let us know
the truth. If we do not believe that He was the forerunner, we will die in our
sins as Christ said. He will reveal Himself to us if we try to know Him. He
will bless us by saying, "Son, daughter, I am the one who speaks to
you"; He will lead.
🌿'AATHAVAN'
Meditation No.1,001 🌿 🌹Wednesday, October 25, 2023🌹
"Be
careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians
4: 6)
Little children do not hide anything in their minds. They entrust everything to mother to the father. For example, a child returning from school will tell his mother and father everything that the teacher talked about in the class and what friends talked about while playing. By saying that, the children get some kind of joy in their hearts. But parents often don't listen to their children.
Many parents find it
irritating that their children talk like this. They will say, "Ok....ok go
and study or play" and chase those children away from them. Beloved,
sharing our experiences with others is a natural instinct within us. Humans are
socially conscious and therefore this consciousness is present in everyone.
But as people grow older
this sense diminishes and they start hiding many things. This is what causes
stress. Our God is not indifferent to our thoughts and longings. He wants His
children to share everything with Him in prayer. That is why in today's meditation
verse, the apostle Paul said, "Be careful for nothing;
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God."
God does not simply hear and forget our thoughts and
feelings; Rather, he answers them. So, when we tell him everything like this in
our prayers, he gives us comfort and comfort. Then our hearts will be filled
with God's peace. This is what the apostle Paul continues to write, "And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 7)
Beloved, no one is an orphan
in this world; We have a Mother and Father God who understands and responds to
our thoughts and longings. So, let's share everything good and bad that happens
to us in life with Him. Prayer is not simply reciting mantras but talking to
God; Listening to him speak. When our prayers become like this, the peace of
God that surpasses all understanding will fill our hearts and minds as the
apostle Paul says.
With our whole heart we should
talk to God as we talk to mother and father. Although He knows about us and our
problems, He is pleased when we tell them to Him through our mouths. He answers
us and reassures us.
🌿 'AATHAVAN'
Meditation No: - 1,002 🌿 🌹October
26, 2023 Thursday🌹
"And
therefore, will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore
will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of
judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." (Isaiah 30: 18)
In this world we have to
wait for many things. Not everything happens immediately. Even if we sow a
seed, we have to wait for many days, months and years for it to bear fruit. If
one wants to become a doctor, he has to study patiently for five years. Yes,
the joy of this long studying and becoming a doctor is not only for him but
also for the entire family.
There is a wonderful verse
in the Bible that says, "Hope deferred maketh
the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." (Proverbs
13: 12) Yes, dear ones, if worldly things can be so happy, how happy we
will be when our sins are forgiven and we experience redemption!!!
God knows our prayers and
heartaches. But he is delaying for some purpose. we have to wait patiently for
him. The Lord will wait to have mercy on us, and rise up to have compassion on
us; The Lord is a righteous God; Blessed is all who wait for him. According to
this verse, we wait for the Lord; He is waiting for us. It is a mutual waiting
like lovers waiting for each other.
Beloved, we belong to the
heavenly Zion. So, this waiting is necessary for us to qualify for it. While
waiting like this, it is enough if we are only residents of the holy city of
Jerusalem. It means that we must surrender ourselves and wait to live the holy
life of Jerusalem. Isaiah goes on to describe what happens when we live like
that in the next verse: -
"For the
people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be
very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will
answer thee." (Isaiah 30: 19)
Yes, dear ones, then we will
not be crying. The reason is that He is tenderly moved by the sound of our call
and He will grant us a re-commandment as soon as He hears it. So don't worry
that we are running late. Don’t think that, we are old now and whether we will
be happy anymore. God promised Abraham a son at the age of 75 and fulfilled
that promise only when he was 100 years old.
Let's wait for the Lord
without giving up and guarding truth and holiness. As today's verse says, the
Lord will arise to have mercy on us; The Lord is a righteous God; Blessed is
all who wait for him.
🌿
'AATHAVAN ' Meditation No:- 1,003 🌿 🌹October
27, 2023 Friday🌹
"For Christ
is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that
believeth." (Romans 10: 4)
There are many different
religious beliefs in this world. Each religion lays down various formal belief
systems and designates those who follow them as their religious sympathizers. A
person who believes in a religion must obey the precepts of that religion. So
was Judaism. Jews observed various commandments and rituals. Those who observed
them were considered to be true Jews. The Jewish commandments are the law.
But our Lord Jesus Christ
said that it is not these commandments and rituals, but faith in Him that is
important. Yes, Christ did not come to create religion. Instead, he came to
show people a way. That way is the way of faith. When we come to the path of
faith, we naturally obey God's commandments. Christ came as the end of the law.
So those who believe in Him are not subject to commandments. This is what the
apostle Paul said, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to
everyone who believes."
And the apostle John said, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth
came by Jesus Christ." (John 1: 17) The grace and truth of
Christ are superior to the commandment of the law given by Moses.
Beloved, if we continue to
follow a few religious beliefs and religious rituals regularly and live without
coming into the grace of Christ, our life is a wasted life. It is not spiritual
life; Rather it is religious life. A life that makes us just religious.
"And
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never
hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." ( John 6 :
35 ) He
does not say that he who keeps the commandments of the law will never hunger or
thirst. Yes beloved, we must come to Him; We have to believe him.
If we come to Christ, it means that God the Father loves us and reveals Christ to us. It does not come from keeping commandments; Rather, it is the great reward that we receive by grace. So, when we draw near to Christ with faith, He will not cast us away. This is what Jesus Christ said in the Gospel of John, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6: 37)
Yes, beloved, "Christ
is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."
According to the verse, anyone means everyone regardless of religion, race,
caste and nationality. It means that whoever believes in Him, no matter who we are,
will be made righteous. It means that there is no need for religious rituals, traditions,
or laws. It means that it is important to have faith in Him. Let us believe in
him and get soul salvation and a higher heavenly life.
🌿
'AATHAVAN ' Meditation No:- 1,004 🌿
🌹October
28, 2023 Saturday🌹
"And we
know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Today's verse by the apostle
Paul is helpful to strengthen us in spiritual life. That is, even if we live a
life that is right for God, sometimes we experience sufferings and crises. We
should not lose heart in such situations. The reason is that all things work
together for good to those who love God.
We do not know what will
happen later in our life. God keeps some things secret about us. So, when we
suffer, we must realize that behind this suffering we have a great blessing. As
today's verse says, it is enough if we are those who love God as those who are
called according to His purpose.
To love God is to live away
from sin. A perfect example of today's meditation verse is Joseph. He was hated
by his siblings, sold as a slave, falsely accused, and imprisoned in a country
where he was a slave. All these are the deeds that God did as He loved him and already
decided to make him the prime minister of Egypt. He also feared God and kept
himself holy even when sinful situations came.
After he became prime
minister of Egypt, Joseph says to his brothers who tortured him and sold him as
a slave. "And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the
earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not
you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and
lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of
Egypt." (Genesis 45: 7,8)
It is God's plan to lead him through suffering and lift him up and protect the people. Yes, dear ones, Joseph did not know what was going to happen later when he was suffering. Yet he lived a faithful life before God.
The apostle Paul sends his
fellow worker Timothy to the church in Thessalonica to tell them that all
things are working together for good for those who love God, who are called
according to his purpose. So he writes, "And sent Timotheus, our
brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ,
to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:”(1 Thessalonians 3
: 2 )
Beloved, therefore do not be
weary of suffering. When we love God, everything happens for our good.
‘AATHAVAN'
Meditation No: - 1,005 🌹October 29, 2023 Sunday🌹
"Woe unto
you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in
yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." (Luke 11:
52)
If
we want to know the things of the kingdom of God, we must become like little
children. We cannot explain or know spiritual things through knowledge. But
because the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' time were like this, they could not
recognize Him. A person who has studied all the scriptures and has a doctor's
degree but does not receive the anointing of the Spirit does not know God.
That
is why Jesus Christ said, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:
14) Young
children may not be researching on their own. Children will accept what we say.
The
Pharisees and scribes tried to identify the Messiah with their sickle of
scriptures. But it was their hardened heart that prevented them from knowing
Christ the Messiah. They rejected Jesus as not the Messiah and prevented people
from entering the Kingdom of God, which they did not enter.
Yes,
beloved, they could not recognize Jesus Christ because they saw the prophecies
of the prophets about Jesus Christ through their own knowledge. Thus, where the
religious leaders and learned scribes failed, the uneducated, common people
succeeded. Yes, the illiterate disciples saw Jesus as the Messiah.
The
reason many people still do not experience salvation today is because of their
knowledge. They search for the meaning of the scriptures with their brain
knowledge. Such were the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus Christ's day.
Apostle
Paul's main mission was to explain to the people that Jesus Christ is the
Messiah. Many spiritual truths cannot be unlocked by the same key of knowledge.
We can know the truth only when we submit ourselves to God and wait for the
guidance of the Spirit.
When the Apostle Paul says
about this, "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's
wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things
with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit
of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2: 13, 14)
Beloved,
what Jesus said to the Pharisees and scribes applies to those who seek Christ
by self-knowledge and to those who simply worship Him without knowing Him
properly. Yes, such people must throw away the key of their self-knowledge and
submit themselves to the guidance of the Spirit. The spiritual things of God
can only be known by examining and judging spiritually. Let us lay aside
knowledge and take hold of the Spirit.
'AATHAVAN' MEDITATION No:- 1,006 October 30, 2023 Monday
"My
soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say,
more than they that watch for the morning." (Psalms 130 : 6 )
To know God in life; The psalmist conveys the truth through a beautiful parable that we should eagerly wait for His salvation. He gives the parable of the night watchmen.
We have seen watchmen on
night patrol duty. They do their work in the scorching hot summer sun, extreme
cold and rainy season. Their work does not let them sleep despite their desire
to sleep well and their physical exhaustion. They yearn to go home and rest at
dawn.
The psalmist says that my
heart waits and longs for God more than these night watchmen long.
Also, in Psalm 119 we read, "Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of
thy righteousness." (Psalms 119: 123)
Beloved, the psalmist did
not yearn like this to fulfill his worldly desires. Rather, to attain a
relationship with God; He says he is waiting like this to get soul redemption.
Is this what our mind longs for today? If we have such a longing in us, surely
God will come closer to us. He will reveal His salvation to us.
The
Law does not save us according to the New Testament. Rather, it is our faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ that saves us. According to the New Testament, the
apostle Paul says what is said in the psalm as follows: - "For we through
the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." (Galatians
5: 5) Yes, he says that he waits with faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
No matter what, we need to
wait for God's salvation with eager hearts. In this world we have to wait for
many things like a job, getting benefit under a government scheme, a seat in a
college. But how much more must we wait for salvation and eternal life than
these!!!
Surely
God will fill us with His Spirit if we thirst for the Spirit to fill us and our
eternal salvation. "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and
floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my
blessing upon thine offspring:' (Isaiah 44: 3) says the Lord.
'AATHAVAN' Meditation No:- 1,007 Tuesday,
October 31, 2023
"For it is
written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that
treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?" ( 1 Corinthians
9 : 9 )
After harvesting, the crops
are threshed by oxen to separate them from the chaff. When doing like that,
cows will eat grain along with hay. Therefore, farmers tie the cow's mouths
when they tread. But God had commanded through Moses not to do that. We read
this in Deuteronomy as, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth
out the corn." (Deuteronomy 25: 4)
In today’s meditation verse
the apostle Paul compares this commandment to evangelists. The reason is, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach
the gospel should live of the gospel." (1 Corinthians 9: 14)
Christian ministers in
full-time ministry need income if they are to survive. Only when their needs
are met, they can serve enthusiastically. But those who serve Christ must give
priority first to the proclamation of the gospel and not to the money received
from it. For, "For though I preach the gospel, I
have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me,
if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9: 16) Paul the
apostle said.
Does God who cares for cows
not care for humans? God will surely honour those who truly serve God. In that
belief he says, I have authority to receive people's money as a struggling cow
has authority to eat that straw. But I do not exercise that authority over the
people. He said, "I will preach the gospel of Christ without any
expense."
"What is my
reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of
Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." (1
Corinthians 9: 18)
How did he get this
conviction? It came in the hope that God would not forsake His servants.
Similarly, even though he experienced some hardships, God led him on the path
of ministry. There are many people who ministered by faith like this. They did
not rely on people but completely trusted in God. God also guided them. George
Muller (1805 - 1898) believed in God and supported thousands of orphans. God
miraculously treated him without opening his mouth and asking others for help.
Even now many such people in our country are doing this kind of work.
Today's meditation verse is
an example of how God honours those who proclaim His gospel. God will not
forsake one when he strives to serve God. Will a God who cares for ordinary
cows abandon his servants? But for one thing, bored cows do not forcefully pick
and eat. They are entitled to it. True servants will do their ministry like
these cows without forcing others; God will guide them.
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