Outside

Man can see only what is outside. But God sees the heart. He looks at the motives.

Jer:7:5 But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts (1st) and deeds (2nd)

Outwardly there is politeness, there is humility and there is loving your neighbour as yourself. But inside, there is selfcentredness, there is rebelliom, there is pride.

As God reveals, I want to say, Lord I'm sorry for the selfish ways I've trodden. The idols that I've worshiped and held dear to my heart. Enable me to throw them off and seek your face continually.

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Mathews Philip25 August 2023 at 09:25
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Encourage

Barnabas, the word means son of encouragement. His quality of encouragement is seen in bringing up of Paul. When all believers in Jerusalem were afraid of Saul, when no one believed that he had truly become a believer, it was Barnabas who took him to the apostles. Being an encourager is a tough job. It needs discernment. It needs wisdom. It needs courage. You should not be affected by your mood. You need to be open. But an encouragement can do a lot to benefit a person's life. It might transform a Saul to a Paul. If Barnabas had not taken an initiative to help him, where would have Saul been? It was because of this, that Saul stayed with the apostles(v:28). Image credit: https://kiricard.com/70-heartwarming-encouragement-messages/

The Seven

Acts:6:1-7 The seven men were selected for distributing food for the widows. But these seven were chosen as those who were well reported and full of the Spirit and wisdom. Such a menial job, but such high qualification. One of them, Stephen, has been described as man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. No job is menial. You might be the church choir leader or the one who preaches. Or you might be the least important person in the choir. Or you might be the one who wipes clean the chairs. In God's eyes both are the same, whether you do it faithfully and with thankfulness - that is what matters. That makes it even more significant. Each job has its own value. Each job entrusted to you is important. Whether you are a student or a teacher, a doctor or an engineer or a daily wages worker, do it as if you are doing it for God. It has to be impeccable. Give your best shot. Do it with full heart. Image courtesy: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-maintain-a-wooden-dining-table-165...

Forgiveness is the first step

Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. Acts:14:21. In Lystra, they were stoned and dragged out of the city. To Lystra they come back to strengthen and encourage. What a commitment? What love to the people of Lystra? What surity of their calling? They both go back to the very place that tortured them. To the very place they suffered. We would never go back to the very place! Scared? Hatred? Indignation? What if God asks you to go back? Would you give excuses? Would you still love the person, who stood against you? Would you hate or love him/her? If you understand the truth that, calling is unto a person not to a place, nor unto people, then it becomes easy to forgive. Forgiveness is something which needs grace, much grace. If God could forgive me yet again, how much should I? For Jesus taught us to pray - Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Image credit: https://coriechu.com/blog/forgiveness-and-healing

Beautiful - a poem

Beautiful gate had no beauty It was dull, dismal and colourless All I could see was my lame legs And the skin and bones that is left of them. I knew every stone in the gate Every stain on the gate The contrast was obvious Lacklustre was the Beautiful gate. My eye level caught strong legs walk by The muscles that bulged out in the calves of men The smooth skin of the legs of women Mine was brute, cold and lifeless. Then two men came by First time I remember, I saw face of men First time I remember, a man looking at me eagerly I looked at them intently, expecting. But they disappointed me first Gold or silver, I do not have ,he said Dullness blanketed yet again Ashen laden was still mine eyes. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk A jolt from somewhere, filled me. My very own eyes saw it as it progressed Something which I dreamt, but couldn't believe. The thigh muscles, the calves - as I desired My bones felt strength within The skin was dry, now it is shining From icthy...

Accomplished. Satisfied.

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Awe - a poem

A deep sense of awe came over them all. Acts:2:43 There is the joy and happiness There is the feeling of friendship There is this freedom of being child of God Where is the awe? There is this boldness to approach the throne of grace There is the openness to talk to Him always Where is the fear - holiness of God vs my wretchedness Where is the awe? He is a consuming fire He is the righteous Judge He has the right to punish your body and soul to eternal hell Where is the awe? Awe is respect plus fear Just because He is a loving Father doesn't mean That He is not a Righteous Judge He would not compromise on His holiness. Awe has given way to licentiousness Fear of the Lord has given way to complacency God is Almighty and I, small and futile God is holy and I, a sinner Awe with love and gratitude That is the right attitude Reverential fear, as you stand in the presence of God always That would give you the right frame of worship. Image credit: https://wtop.com/health-fitnes...

Change - a poem

Acts:8:3 If Saul could be changed, I could be changed too. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, The old has gone; behold the new has come. That is His plan; from one glory to another. Saul; a man who approved of Stephen's killing. The one who was determined to destroy the church, Became the Apostle of the Gentiles. The persecuter becomes the persecuted. How did the Gospel change the perspective of this man? How did this News become good to him? Because of the encounter with the person Jesus. Because of the influence of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is a process in a Christian. But is it really happening Is holiness really progressing in you? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to change you? Or are you comfortable in your old ways? In your own self centred cocoon, do you want to reside? In your own negativities, do you want to continue? No! I am not what I used to be. Start your day with positive affirmations. Till yesterday, what you were - that is dead. The H...

The halfbaked Bard

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