Uni-verse 258/10,000 For better through verse
Heb 2:4 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?
God confirms the Word with signs, wonders, miracles and gifts. An example of a sign is Gideon's fleece that had moisture gathered all around and was itself dry the first time and the next time he asked for a sign, it happened the other way around. Yes,we can expect and ask for a sign from God. Last year, a prophet spoke the word, " ViBGYOR" and then, we ended up seeing five different types of rainbows over a period of time. Signs, wonders, miracles and gifts are part of the language of God's communication. It is His way of saying, " Hey, I am here in this situation, I am in control, I do care for you. Nothing is too difficult or impossible for me." If we are not listening with our spiritual eyes and ears open, we might well miss our miracle. Miracles might seem to us mortals to be something extraordinary but to God it is His natural and normal way of doing things. It is also useful to meet human needs, expand faith and to break the hard ground of past conditioning of disbelief and doubt.
God also bears witness to His presence in our mortal and otherwise mundane existence with extraordinary wonders and miracles. I never expected to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II. The probability of it happening is one in a billion. But, the Lord enabled me to be awarded with the inaugural British Gurukul Scholarship for Excellence and Leadership and as an honour, those selected were lined up to receive her in Delhi in 1997. I chose to use the occasion to present her a Bible. On the first page I wrote," The first time you visited India I was new born but now much water has flown down the Ganges and the Thames. May the Lord, the King of Kings bless your Majesty." Those few words written became the seed of another miracle. On the Queen's Golden Jubilee five years later, the Lord enabled me to be awarded the 15,000 sterling pound inaugural Queen's Award for Innovation in Police Training and Development. While studying in the London School of Economics, the Lord delivered a burglar into my hands for His glory. The black security guard who had seen what had happened told me," There is no one like you in the whole city of London." What he did not realize was that it was not my doing but it was the Lord's doing. From a petty thief to the Queen, the Lord had left His stamp and signature.
Last year, as a family we were planning to travel to Dalhousie for a holiday. My batchmate in Delhi told me," Why are you going now? It is raining badly" The television had also announced the forecast of rain for 48 hours over the whole region. I replied, " God can change the weather by tomorrow." The next morning when I woke up, instinctively, I parted the curtains to perceive absolutely clear skies. It began to rain only after we left Dalhousie. The Holy Spirit gives diverse gifts for the common good: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, healing gift, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment of spirits, gift of speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues. The important sub-clause to this promise of signs, wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit is that they are all given according to the sovereign will of God. He determines in His wisdom and grace to whom and when and in what proportion it should be given. But, scripture says that instead of disbelieving the operation of these gifts in contemporary " scientific" times or disregarding the significance of supernatural gifting in our natural lives, we eagerly desire these great gifts in order to bear witness to the extraordinary working of God in our lives in our times. God does enjoy the sight of our jaws dropping and our hearts missing a beat at the awesomeness of His power.
Prateep V Philip
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Year 1991 and Psalm 91
Uni-verse 257/10,000 For better through verse Psalm 91 v 1
Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91 is an eternal life insurance policy guaranteed by God Himself. It is underwritten by the blood of Jesus and all premia have been paid. Only bonuses from the goodness of God can be claimed off and on. When we commit our lives to Christ, we come to dwell in the very presence of God. Just as the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and the Word spoken to her from God became the seed of the Messiah that was conceived in her womb, the Holy Spirit overshadows us. We became pregnant with the goodness of God. Our faith is our secret place where we dwell with God Most High. We do not need to wear it on our sleeves but it constantly empowers and enables us from within. Many new trends will begin in us at the moment we commit ourselves to the presence of God.
Coincidentally, the year was 1991 and the Psalm of my testimony is Psalm 1991. Literally, the Psalm came true in my life verse by verse. It says, " A thousand shall fall beside you but it shall not come near you." The assassination of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was like an earthquake that killed ten thousand people. But, the Lord did not allow it to come near me, " it" meaning a physical death. I had told my boss, the Superintendent of Police a couple of days earlier when he shared some premonitions of disaster that " God will save me." In doing so, unwittingly I was saying," My God is my refuge and my fortress: in Him will I trust.
He delivered me from the snare of the fowler or the bird- hunter by covering me with His feathers. His truth, meaning His Word is both my weapon of offence and defence. It was the world's first terrorist attack using a " Woman Bomb" that released thousands of lethal pellets like arrows flying in all directions. Even a single pellet killed some one who walked several feet ahead of me. He sent His angels to guard me and kept any of the 100 odd pellets that penetrated my body, and still remain embedded, from harming me in any way. He delivered me, set me on high and honoured me. He promises to satisfy us with long life and show us eternal life beyond.
Prateep V Philip
Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91 is an eternal life insurance policy guaranteed by God Himself. It is underwritten by the blood of Jesus and all premia have been paid. Only bonuses from the goodness of God can be claimed off and on. When we commit our lives to Christ, we come to dwell in the very presence of God. Just as the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and the Word spoken to her from God became the seed of the Messiah that was conceived in her womb, the Holy Spirit overshadows us. We became pregnant with the goodness of God. Our faith is our secret place where we dwell with God Most High. We do not need to wear it on our sleeves but it constantly empowers and enables us from within. Many new trends will begin in us at the moment we commit ourselves to the presence of God.
Coincidentally, the year was 1991 and the Psalm of my testimony is Psalm 1991. Literally, the Psalm came true in my life verse by verse. It says, " A thousand shall fall beside you but it shall not come near you." The assassination of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was like an earthquake that killed ten thousand people. But, the Lord did not allow it to come near me, " it" meaning a physical death. I had told my boss, the Superintendent of Police a couple of days earlier when he shared some premonitions of disaster that " God will save me." In doing so, unwittingly I was saying," My God is my refuge and my fortress: in Him will I trust.
He delivered me from the snare of the fowler or the bird- hunter by covering me with His feathers. His truth, meaning His Word is both my weapon of offence and defence. It was the world's first terrorist attack using a " Woman Bomb" that released thousands of lethal pellets like arrows flying in all directions. Even a single pellet killed some one who walked several feet ahead of me. He sent His angels to guard me and kept any of the 100 odd pellets that penetrated my body, and still remain embedded, from harming me in any way. He delivered me, set me on high and honoured me. He promises to satisfy us with long life and show us eternal life beyond.
Prateep V Philip
Friday, November 25, 2011
If you need hope, please read this
Uni-verse 256/10,000 For better through verse Genesis 8 v 11
Gen 8:11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.
Three days ago, the Lord revealed, " You are like the dove that brought back the olive leaf .." Every faithful believer is like the dove that flitted to and fro over the waters, and finding an olive leaf, brought it back to the one who sent it. Every other person in the world is like the raven that never returned to the one who sent it as it was feasting hungrily on the dead flesh of floating bodies in the receding flood waters. Sadly, they do not return to the One who sent them into the world.
The olive leaf is a symbol of the peace, prosperity, health and eternal life that is embodied in the gospel. We are ready to go places or wherever God sends us and whenever He sends us. Like the dove, our feet are beautiful in His sight because we carry the gospel. The sight of the dove with the olive leaf in its beak gave hope to Noah and his family, incarcerated for many days by the flood waters. Similarly, we are hope-bringers to a lost world, a world that has lost its sense of bearing of right and wrong, of good and bad. It is flooded with crimes, hopelessness, recession, corruption scams, depression, suicides, broken marriages, diseases, plagues, tyranny, pornography, wickedness in high places .. you name it. No wonder the Chancellor who succeeded Hitler in war-ravaged Germany told the young Billy Graham, "Outside the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for this world."
Like Noah's dove,we are to keep taking the concerns of the world to the Lord and the concerns of the Lord to the world, back and forth. Then, God will send His healing and creative Word to bring healing and calmness to the storms in our life. The waters will abate and we will rest on solid rock. Finally, we will be ready to be taken back into our heavenly homes, the Ark not of Noah but of God.
Prateep V Philip
Gen 8:11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.
Three days ago, the Lord revealed, " You are like the dove that brought back the olive leaf .." Every faithful believer is like the dove that flitted to and fro over the waters, and finding an olive leaf, brought it back to the one who sent it. Every other person in the world is like the raven that never returned to the one who sent it as it was feasting hungrily on the dead flesh of floating bodies in the receding flood waters. Sadly, they do not return to the One who sent them into the world.
The olive leaf is a symbol of the peace, prosperity, health and eternal life that is embodied in the gospel. We are ready to go places or wherever God sends us and whenever He sends us. Like the dove, our feet are beautiful in His sight because we carry the gospel. The sight of the dove with the olive leaf in its beak gave hope to Noah and his family, incarcerated for many days by the flood waters. Similarly, we are hope-bringers to a lost world, a world that has lost its sense of bearing of right and wrong, of good and bad. It is flooded with crimes, hopelessness, recession, corruption scams, depression, suicides, broken marriages, diseases, plagues, tyranny, pornography, wickedness in high places .. you name it. No wonder the Chancellor who succeeded Hitler in war-ravaged Germany told the young Billy Graham, "Outside the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for this world."
Like Noah's dove,we are to keep taking the concerns of the world to the Lord and the concerns of the Lord to the world, back and forth. Then, God will send His healing and creative Word to bring healing and calmness to the storms in our life. The waters will abate and we will rest on solid rock. Finally, we will be ready to be taken back into our heavenly homes, the Ark not of Noah but of God.
Prateep V Philip
Thursday, November 24, 2011
UV 255/10,000 Proverbs 11 v 17
Uni-verse 255/10,000 For better through verse Proverbs 11 v 17
Pro 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The Bible is Immanuel's manual for man. Through this manual, He not only tells us what to do, but also shows us how to do it and shows us mercy when and wherever we fail. It is the software of our life. It tells us what is good for our spirit, mind and body. If we observe what is written in it carefully, the triad of our spirit, mind and body will obtain mercy from the Trinity for the shortcomings. Instead of shortcoming, we will have overcoming, the overcoming of our challenges in all areas of spirit,mind and body, the overcoming of sin, the overcoming of the consequences of sin.
If anyone ignores the manual, he goes against his own God-ordained nature. His own flesh and his life will remain troubled. As it is written in the book of Job, " he shall not feel quietness in his own belly." When we obtain mercy from God, we are bound to be merciful to others. If we hold grudges and harbour resentment against others, it hurts us more than it does the others causing it.
When we show mercy and kindness to others, not repaying evil for evil or one bad turn for another, He rewards us. Scripture uses the remarkable and unique word " rereward". " His glory is our rereward." No other book in the world contains such a word. It implies that God will give us a " recurring reward" when we imitate His mercy and goodness. It also warns us that we punish ourselves again and again when we fail to do so.
Prateep V Philip
Pro 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The Bible is Immanuel's manual for man. Through this manual, He not only tells us what to do, but also shows us how to do it and shows us mercy when and wherever we fail. It is the software of our life. It tells us what is good for our spirit, mind and body. If we observe what is written in it carefully, the triad of our spirit, mind and body will obtain mercy from the Trinity for the shortcomings. Instead of shortcoming, we will have overcoming, the overcoming of our challenges in all areas of spirit,mind and body, the overcoming of sin, the overcoming of the consequences of sin.
If anyone ignores the manual, he goes against his own God-ordained nature. His own flesh and his life will remain troubled. As it is written in the book of Job, " he shall not feel quietness in his own belly." When we obtain mercy from God, we are bound to be merciful to others. If we hold grudges and harbour resentment against others, it hurts us more than it does the others causing it.
When we show mercy and kindness to others, not repaying evil for evil or one bad turn for another, He rewards us. Scripture uses the remarkable and unique word " rereward". " His glory is our rereward." No other book in the world contains such a word. It implies that God will give us a " recurring reward" when we imitate His mercy and goodness. It also warns us that we punish ourselves again and again when we fail to do so.
Prateep V Philip
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
UV 254-10,000 Do you want to be wiser than Solomon?
Uni-verse 254/10,000 For better through verse Psalms 119 v 98
Psa 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
When we love the Word of God more than anything else in the world, more than the gold and silver or all the money in it, then the Word of God will dwell in us. The Psalmist writes that it will make us wiser than our enemies, wiser than our teachers and wiser than the elders and even ancients. David was found to be wiser for this reason than all the other captains and soldiers when he served in Saul's army. Daniel and his three friends were found wiser than all the other teachers in Babylon for this reason.
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived till then. Today, every believer whose holy obsession is the Word of God is wiser than Solomon. Jesus declared that the lily of the valley was more splendid than Solomon in all his glory. Do we realize that we are more wise than Solomon as the Word of Christ dwells richly in us as we teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs sung with grace in our hearts to the Lord.
Once in a time of prayer, the Holy Spirit revealed that " just as leeches are repelled from attacking us when we apply salt on our bodies, when we apply the Word of God on our bodies, our enemies will be repelled by the salt." The Word of God is the heavenly storehouse from which teachers can draw treasure according to the need of the hour. If we truly love the Word above fine gold or 24 carat gold, we will store it in our hearts to use 24x7. We will meditate on it all day and all night. The Word will flow as a constant stream watering our thoughts in our concsiousness and our subconscious minds. It is the source of our strength and power. The Word is versatile- it is spiritual food or nourishment for the spiritually hungry and thirsty. It is a shield of faith. It is a sword. It is an insurance policy. It is salt to repel the leeches. It is the life-giving breath of God that resuscitates us. As for me, I would have perished in my afflictions but for my love for the Word.
Prateep V Philip
Psa 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
When we love the Word of God more than anything else in the world, more than the gold and silver or all the money in it, then the Word of God will dwell in us. The Psalmist writes that it will make us wiser than our enemies, wiser than our teachers and wiser than the elders and even ancients. David was found to be wiser for this reason than all the other captains and soldiers when he served in Saul's army. Daniel and his three friends were found wiser than all the other teachers in Babylon for this reason.
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived till then. Today, every believer whose holy obsession is the Word of God is wiser than Solomon. Jesus declared that the lily of the valley was more splendid than Solomon in all his glory. Do we realize that we are more wise than Solomon as the Word of Christ dwells richly in us as we teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs sung with grace in our hearts to the Lord.
Once in a time of prayer, the Holy Spirit revealed that " just as leeches are repelled from attacking us when we apply salt on our bodies, when we apply the Word of God on our bodies, our enemies will be repelled by the salt." The Word of God is the heavenly storehouse from which teachers can draw treasure according to the need of the hour. If we truly love the Word above fine gold or 24 carat gold, we will store it in our hearts to use 24x7. We will meditate on it all day and all night. The Word will flow as a constant stream watering our thoughts in our concsiousness and our subconscious minds. It is the source of our strength and power. The Word is versatile- it is spiritual food or nourishment for the spiritually hungry and thirsty. It is a shield of faith. It is a sword. It is an insurance policy. It is salt to repel the leeches. It is the life-giving breath of God that resuscitates us. As for me, I would have perished in my afflictions but for my love for the Word.
Prateep V Philip
Monday, November 21, 2011
What it means to be a Friend of God?
Uni-verse 252/10,000 For better through verse John 8 v 39
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham
We are heirs to God’s promise when we believe the word of God starting from Abraham and his descendants down the ages to Jesus the Christ and His apostles. We prove that we are indeed children of God by faith when we do what Abraham did.
What did Abraham do? He was a Friend of God. We need to have a personal and intimate relationship with God through His Son Jesus. Abraham laid aside all that hindered that relationship. Abraham moved out of his comfort zone in obedience to God’s word. We too must cast aside all that hinders and adversely affects our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. We too must be ready to move out of our comfort zone in response to God’s call.
Like Abraham,we too should believe God for the impossible happening in our lives. Like Abraham, we too should be willing to sacrifice what is dearest and most precious in our life to God. Like Abraham, our lives must be transformed as signified by his name changing from Abram to Abraham. Having said this much, we should. unlike Abraham, not try to help God fulfill His plan and purpose in our lives. Another significant difference with the Jews is that they acknowledged Abraham as their father but we acknowledge God as our Father. He is called the “Father of heavenly lights”- so what does that make you and me- we are heavenly lights sent into the darkness on earth.
Prateep V Philip
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham
We are heirs to God’s promise when we believe the word of God starting from Abraham and his descendants down the ages to Jesus the Christ and His apostles. We prove that we are indeed children of God by faith when we do what Abraham did.
What did Abraham do? He was a Friend of God. We need to have a personal and intimate relationship with God through His Son Jesus. Abraham laid aside all that hindered that relationship. Abraham moved out of his comfort zone in obedience to God’s word. We too must cast aside all that hinders and adversely affects our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. We too must be ready to move out of our comfort zone in response to God’s call.
Like Abraham,we too should believe God for the impossible happening in our lives. Like Abraham, we too should be willing to sacrifice what is dearest and most precious in our life to God. Like Abraham, our lives must be transformed as signified by his name changing from Abram to Abraham. Having said this much, we should. unlike Abraham, not try to help God fulfill His plan and purpose in our lives. Another significant difference with the Jews is that they acknowledged Abraham as their father but we acknowledge God as our Father. He is called the “Father of heavenly lights”- so what does that make you and me- we are heavenly lights sent into the darkness on earth.
Prateep V Philip
Sunday, November 20, 2011
UV 251 The triple crown of life
Uni-verse 251/10,000 f0r better through verse James 1 v 12
Jas 1:12 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.
When we overcome and endure the trials and temptations of this world, we will receive the crown of life. Jesus took upon Himself the crown of thorns or the crown of death on the cross and gave believers the triple crowns of life eternal-of a king,priest and prophet. The triple crowns symbolize a victorious life of faith. The crown of thorns symbolize the sin,the pain, the agony, the fears, the anxiety, the guilt, the sorrows of the world.
As kings,we are given power and authority to decree things to happen on earth and to take steps in faith to counter the pain, the fear,the guilt and the sorrows. As priests, we offer worship, thanksgiving and intercede on behalf of the rest of mankind so that each will be saved like the sheep that is caught in the thorns of life. As prophets, the Lord confides in us what He is going to do. Prophecy means not foretelling but forthtelling – that is, it includes proclaiming any word from God whether it be an instruction, a reminder, an exhortation, a warning or a prediction.
All these three aspects are necessary for us to be like Melchizedek, the king of Salem who was also a priest and a prophet preceding the coming of the Messiah and one of the types of Christ that foreshadowed Him in the Old Testament. The word, “ blessed” means to be lifted up, to be placed in favour with God. It is not the same as “ happiness” which depends on happenings or external circumstances.
Click on link below to see an image of Melchizedek's meeting with Abraham
http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Meeting_of_abraham_and_melchizadek.jpg/250px-Meeting_of_abraham_and_melchizadek.jpg&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchizedek&h=319&w=250&sz=36&tbnid=R_20xrhvHGJWNM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=71&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmelchizedek%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=melchizedek&docid=_5kf3aMxk_HRhM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jL7JTsaKGoTyrQfwlKBO&sqi=2&ved=0CD8Q9QEwAQ&dur=40
Prateep V Philip
Jas 1:12 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.
When we overcome and endure the trials and temptations of this world, we will receive the crown of life. Jesus took upon Himself the crown of thorns or the crown of death on the cross and gave believers the triple crowns of life eternal-of a king,priest and prophet. The triple crowns symbolize a victorious life of faith. The crown of thorns symbolize the sin,the pain, the agony, the fears, the anxiety, the guilt, the sorrows of the world.
As kings,we are given power and authority to decree things to happen on earth and to take steps in faith to counter the pain, the fear,the guilt and the sorrows. As priests, we offer worship, thanksgiving and intercede on behalf of the rest of mankind so that each will be saved like the sheep that is caught in the thorns of life. As prophets, the Lord confides in us what He is going to do. Prophecy means not foretelling but forthtelling – that is, it includes proclaiming any word from God whether it be an instruction, a reminder, an exhortation, a warning or a prediction.
All these three aspects are necessary for us to be like Melchizedek, the king of Salem who was also a priest and a prophet preceding the coming of the Messiah and one of the types of Christ that foreshadowed Him in the Old Testament. The word, “ blessed” means to be lifted up, to be placed in favour with God. It is not the same as “ happiness” which depends on happenings or external circumstances.
Click on link below to see an image of Melchizedek's meeting with Abraham
http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Meeting_of_abraham_and_melchizadek.jpg/250px-Meeting_of_abraham_and_melchizadek.jpg&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchizedek&h=319&w=250&sz=36&tbnid=R_20xrhvHGJWNM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=71&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmelchizedek%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=melchizedek&docid=_5kf3aMxk_HRhM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jL7JTsaKGoTyrQfwlKBO&sqi=2&ved=0CD8Q9QEwAQ&dur=40
Prateep V Philip
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Celebration of another 50 UV 250/10,000
Dear all
Thanks for all the encouragement you sent my way over the past 50 days or more. To acknowledge your feedback, am pasting below some of it.
grace to the Capstone! Prateep
Thank you very much and this is just to tell you how it is very inspirational and promising. It is always good to turn the computer on and see that you found time to share a word or a thought
Dr Mrs Grace George
Thank you Prateep. I take heart when I read some of your thoughts, some of them I store in my heart. God bless you and your family
Molly Varghese
Exceptional SIIM (Spiritual Introspective Inspirational Motivational Meditation) Prateep!
Have compiled them into two themes
There is a premonition within me that in time to come
This could be built-up to an empirical 'Kingdom way-of-life'
Best wishes Lawrence aka Yaseva, Propel Globel
Yaseva
Sheer-Success
If every work is to be act of service to God
We need to seek the things we should do diligently
According to what pleases and delights God
Do the things that bring a smile on His face!
Whatever we set our heart to do
We got to do it passionately
Do it as if we are doing it not for our self
Or to please others but to please our creator
God becomes our partner and co-worker
In our busyness and in our business
No more will we have the excuse
That our busyness kept us away from God
When God is the cause of all our work
Work itself becomes an act of worship
We become living sacrifices totally pleasing to God
And the result reaped from such work is...Sheer-Success
Sheer-Success for us in this age
Sheer-Success in the age to come
Sheer-Success for family and friends
Sheer-Success for the world around
Life-Enterprise Empowerer
Alas! Post modern slavery spreads rapidly everywhere
Capitalistic Profit-driven work-culture kills individuality
Corporate slavery is the foundation of capitalism
Yearn not for extreme profits
But yearn with heart and mind
To do our utmost for God
Learning to do what God is prompting
Building our life-enterprise on solid rock
That neither changes crashes nor crumbles
Resistant to tectonic shifts of economy
Politics events and technology
Providence powered mobility
Yearning with our heart and mind
To do God’s expressed and implicit will
Yearning to do it in the best way
Yearning leads to learning and learning to earning-enabling
Rewards galore are ours in this life and in the age to come
When God the creator is our Life Enterprise Empowerer
Lawrence aka Yaseva CEO Propel Global
Yes -today's word was lovely..It really spoke to me.. in fact, I read this very Bible verse last night
Larissa Fernand
Many thanks for your devotionals. They help me remain "focussed on the locus lest the locusts should eat away my resources" Must testify..
Chandy Kurien
Just a small note to thank you for all your articles that are really encouraging and triggering our thought process especially when we are travelling in places like China and South Asia . May God bless you with more insight to impart in the university of deserts..
Prince and Vineetha
Thank you for sharing this incident Prateep that had the signs of a tragedy but praise and thanks be to the Lord who turned it around for His glory and is using it and your words to encourage each of us to become essentially the ladder in Jacob's dream that connects heaven and earth! May the Lord continue to download His inconceivable depth of wisdom and knowledge to you.... Blessings,
Nalla
This is so like our Abba
I have also experienced this so many times
Shanthini kapoor
GOD is Great . I had an accident recently wherein a heavy pipe with a pointed edge,
fell straight on my toe from a height, it was very painful, had to go to the doctor, took
treatment, the bleeding didn't subside for more than a week, but Praise the LORD,
though my nail cracked, there was no fracture which was seriously a miracle. It was
such a relief as I drop and pick my children, and Praise the LORD, though difficult
I could still be there for my kids. Justin
I feel encouraged by this blog on faith training- it s so true
Suja George
I would like to thank you so much for including me in this mailing list. Sincerely appreciate this. Did greatly benefit from reading this verse and the passage. Would like forward to receiving such mails in the days to come
Samuel G Abraham
Good one,God bless you
Alexander Easow
The Lord's voice and word are ever true. Good Biblical pnemonic
Dr Pratap JohnGOD is Great, HE watches both the good and the bad, and in HIS time which
is always the perfect time, HE does what needs to be done. Sometimes I used
to Pray and nothing happened, and then miracleously something much more
than I asked for happens, I feel Patience is the Key here, GOD knows Best,
GOD protects and GOD is All.
Justin Peters
Thanks for all the encouragement you sent my way over the past 50 days or more. To acknowledge your feedback, am pasting below some of it.
grace to the Capstone! Prateep
Thank you very much and this is just to tell you how it is very inspirational and promising. It is always good to turn the computer on and see that you found time to share a word or a thought
Dr Mrs Grace George
Thank you Prateep. I take heart when I read some of your thoughts, some of them I store in my heart. God bless you and your family
Molly Varghese
Exceptional SIIM (Spiritual Introspective Inspirational Motivational Meditation) Prateep!
Have compiled them into two themes
There is a premonition within me that in time to come
This could be built-up to an empirical 'Kingdom way-of-life'
Best wishes Lawrence aka Yaseva, Propel Globel
Yaseva
Sheer-Success
If every work is to be act of service to God
We need to seek the things we should do diligently
According to what pleases and delights God
Do the things that bring a smile on His face!
Whatever we set our heart to do
We got to do it passionately
Do it as if we are doing it not for our self
Or to please others but to please our creator
God becomes our partner and co-worker
In our busyness and in our business
No more will we have the excuse
That our busyness kept us away from God
When God is the cause of all our work
Work itself becomes an act of worship
We become living sacrifices totally pleasing to God
And the result reaped from such work is...Sheer-Success
Sheer-Success for us in this age
Sheer-Success in the age to come
Sheer-Success for family and friends
Sheer-Success for the world around
Life-Enterprise Empowerer
Alas! Post modern slavery spreads rapidly everywhere
Capitalistic Profit-driven work-culture kills individuality
Corporate slavery is the foundation of capitalism
Yearn not for extreme profits
But yearn with heart and mind
To do our utmost for God
Learning to do what God is prompting
Building our life-enterprise on solid rock
That neither changes crashes nor crumbles
Resistant to tectonic shifts of economy
Politics events and technology
Providence powered mobility
Yearning with our heart and mind
To do God’s expressed and implicit will
Yearning to do it in the best way
Yearning leads to learning and learning to earning-enabling
Rewards galore are ours in this life and in the age to come
When God the creator is our Life Enterprise Empowerer
Lawrence aka Yaseva CEO Propel Global
Yes -today's word was lovely..It really spoke to me.. in fact, I read this very Bible verse last night
Larissa Fernand
Many thanks for your devotionals. They help me remain "focussed on the locus lest the locusts should eat away my resources" Must testify..
Chandy Kurien
Just a small note to thank you for all your articles that are really encouraging and triggering our thought process especially when we are travelling in places like China and South Asia . May God bless you with more insight to impart in the university of deserts..
Prince and Vineetha
Thank you for sharing this incident Prateep that had the signs of a tragedy but praise and thanks be to the Lord who turned it around for His glory and is using it and your words to encourage each of us to become essentially the ladder in Jacob's dream that connects heaven and earth! May the Lord continue to download His inconceivable depth of wisdom and knowledge to you.... Blessings,
Nalla
This is so like our Abba
I have also experienced this so many times
Shanthini kapoor
GOD is Great . I had an accident recently wherein a heavy pipe with a pointed edge,
fell straight on my toe from a height, it was very painful, had to go to the doctor, took
treatment, the bleeding didn't subside for more than a week, but Praise the LORD,
though my nail cracked, there was no fracture which was seriously a miracle. It was
such a relief as I drop and pick my children, and Praise the LORD, though difficult
I could still be there for my kids. Justin
I feel encouraged by this blog on faith training- it s so true
Suja George
I would like to thank you so much for including me in this mailing list. Sincerely appreciate this. Did greatly benefit from reading this verse and the passage. Would like forward to receiving such mails in the days to come
Samuel G Abraham
Good one,God bless you
Alexander Easow
The Lord's voice and word are ever true. Good Biblical pnemonic
Dr Pratap JohnGOD is Great, HE watches both the good and the bad, and in HIS time which
is always the perfect time, HE does what needs to be done. Sometimes I used
to Pray and nothing happened, and then miracleously something much more
than I asked for happens, I feel Patience is the Key here, GOD knows Best,
GOD protects and GOD is All.
Justin Peters
Do you want to root for success? Here's the route map
Uni-verse 250/10,000 For better through verse
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
Without an intimate connection with God, all mankind including the richest, the most beautiful, the greatest, are like the grass that withers in a short time or like flowers that fade overnight. The allusion is that common people are like the grass and the elite, the achievers, the glamourous, the affluent are like the flowers. Everything is in vain.
But, when we are grafted on to ‘the root of Jesse’, Jesus we are each and collectively like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water, a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Our roots dig deep into the soil of the Word and the sap of nourishment will run up into the stem and branches of our lives, meaning the main purpose and the tertiary aspects of our lives. We will bear fruit, a different fruit in every month of the year to meet different needs. Even our leaves will not wither, meaning even our thoughts, desires and words will not be in vain. Our thoughts and words will bring healing to the nations. Our thoughts and words will find fruition in actions and deeds. Nothing is in vain, even our failures.
Whatever we do will prosper. I found this true in my life: soon after I committed my life to Christ in 1979, I began to succeed in whatever I did: became the first ever to secure both the First Rank in the state and the National Talent Search scholarship in the space of a few months in 1980. In 1993, became the first police officer in the world to start the Friends of Police movement to empower ordinary citizens to partner with the police. In 1997, became the first civil servant to be selected for the British Gurukul Scholarship for Excellence and Leadership. In 2002, became one out of two to be awarded the inaugural Queen’s Award for Innovation in Police Training and Development. ALL for the greater glory of God. As the Psalmist said, “ Unto Him and unto Him alone be the glory.” People who knew me began to wonder how did this very ordinary or mediocre guy suddenly become extraordinary. The Lord told me the secret, “ You were neither very intelligent nor wise nor smart before you began to lean on me.” If you want to root for success, the route is Jesus.
Prateep V Philip
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
Without an intimate connection with God, all mankind including the richest, the most beautiful, the greatest, are like the grass that withers in a short time or like flowers that fade overnight. The allusion is that common people are like the grass and the elite, the achievers, the glamourous, the affluent are like the flowers. Everything is in vain.
But, when we are grafted on to ‘the root of Jesse’, Jesus we are each and collectively like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water, a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Our roots dig deep into the soil of the Word and the sap of nourishment will run up into the stem and branches of our lives, meaning the main purpose and the tertiary aspects of our lives. We will bear fruit, a different fruit in every month of the year to meet different needs. Even our leaves will not wither, meaning even our thoughts, desires and words will not be in vain. Our thoughts and words will bring healing to the nations. Our thoughts and words will find fruition in actions and deeds. Nothing is in vain, even our failures.
Whatever we do will prosper. I found this true in my life: soon after I committed my life to Christ in 1979, I began to succeed in whatever I did: became the first ever to secure both the First Rank in the state and the National Talent Search scholarship in the space of a few months in 1980. In 1993, became the first police officer in the world to start the Friends of Police movement to empower ordinary citizens to partner with the police. In 1997, became the first civil servant to be selected for the British Gurukul Scholarship for Excellence and Leadership. In 2002, became one out of two to be awarded the inaugural Queen’s Award for Innovation in Police Training and Development. ALL for the greater glory of God. As the Psalmist said, “ Unto Him and unto Him alone be the glory.” People who knew me began to wonder how did this very ordinary or mediocre guy suddenly become extraordinary. The Lord told me the secret, “ You were neither very intelligent nor wise nor smart before you began to lean on me.” If you want to root for success, the route is Jesus.
Prateep V Philip
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Purpose of our lives
Uni-verse 249/10,000 For better through verse
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
From every generation of mankind, there are chosen numbers of people who are anointed by God to be kings and priests, to belong to a divine nationality, a people who look forward to a future life beyond earthly loyalties and allegiances. All are called from birth but only a few are chosen. They belong to every race, nation, culture,linguistic and ethnic background.
We are called a peculiar people as we do not share the standards, values and aspirations of the rest of humanity. We cannot resort to the same methods as they do. For instance, we cannot be materialistic though we know of the necessity of money. We cannot be vindictive though we have been wronged.
Our life is driven by the one purpose that we declare and show the praises of the Great I Am who called us out of darkness of sin, curses and death into the light of righteousness, blessings here and now and eternal life.
Prateep V Philip
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
From every generation of mankind, there are chosen numbers of people who are anointed by God to be kings and priests, to belong to a divine nationality, a people who look forward to a future life beyond earthly loyalties and allegiances. All are called from birth but only a few are chosen. They belong to every race, nation, culture,linguistic and ethnic background.
We are called a peculiar people as we do not share the standards, values and aspirations of the rest of humanity. We cannot resort to the same methods as they do. For instance, we cannot be materialistic though we know of the necessity of money. We cannot be vindictive though we have been wronged.
Our life is driven by the one purpose that we declare and show the praises of the Great I Am who called us out of darkness of sin, curses and death into the light of righteousness, blessings here and now and eternal life.
Prateep V Philip
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Faith training- a lot like rock climbing
Uni-verse 248/10,000 For better through verse
1Sa 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
The Lord prepares us for greater challenges by delivering us from some earlier dangers. We need to recall like David did- the immense problems from which God delivered us in the past. This will strengthen us in the present. Our faith training is in a lot of ways like rock climbing- we first learn to climb the nursery rocks before we attempt the sheer cliffs and steep climbs.
When my senior, the Superintendent of Police of the District in which I was an Assistant Superintendent of Police told me, “ Your God cannot save you. Everything happens according to a predetermined destiny based on the configuration of the stars at the time of your birth,” I recalled how the Lord had saved me from certain death by drowning two years earlier. I replied, “ No sir, the Lord has saved me in the past and will continue to do so.” Accordingly, a few days later when the world’s first “human bomb” exploded to assassinate the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Lord preserved me from death.
We must set up memorials in our minds for all the times the Lord has delivered us from various types of situations. David did not call Goliath a “giant” but saw him for who he was - a “ Philistine”. We too must in like manner downsize our challenges and upgrade our faith by affirming in all that we say and do our confidence in God’ability and willingness to save us. Scripture contains the recorded sacred memories of mankind of how God intervenes in our daily lives to redeem us. When we recount such portions or specific verses, our faith is greatly strengthened and we are positioning ourselves for victory and to glorify God.
Prateep V Philip
1Sa 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
The Lord prepares us for greater challenges by delivering us from some earlier dangers. We need to recall like David did- the immense problems from which God delivered us in the past. This will strengthen us in the present. Our faith training is in a lot of ways like rock climbing- we first learn to climb the nursery rocks before we attempt the sheer cliffs and steep climbs.
When my senior, the Superintendent of Police of the District in which I was an Assistant Superintendent of Police told me, “ Your God cannot save you. Everything happens according to a predetermined destiny based on the configuration of the stars at the time of your birth,” I recalled how the Lord had saved me from certain death by drowning two years earlier. I replied, “ No sir, the Lord has saved me in the past and will continue to do so.” Accordingly, a few days later when the world’s first “human bomb” exploded to assassinate the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Lord preserved me from death.
We must set up memorials in our minds for all the times the Lord has delivered us from various types of situations. David did not call Goliath a “giant” but saw him for who he was - a “ Philistine”. We too must in like manner downsize our challenges and upgrade our faith by affirming in all that we say and do our confidence in God’ability and willingness to save us. Scripture contains the recorded sacred memories of mankind of how God intervenes in our daily lives to redeem us. When we recount such portions or specific verses, our faith is greatly strengthened and we are positioning ourselves for victory and to glorify God.
Prateep V Philip
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Yearning-Learning-Earning Curve
2Ch 31:21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered
Many of us are good at starting a thing but not in finishing it. But Hezekiah the king began every work as an act of service to God. He sought the things that he should do by diligently studying the word of God. He obeyed the commandments. He sought God. He did all these things with all his heart and therefore it is recorded that he prospered.
Whatever we set our heart to do, we must do it with all our heart. It means being passionate about whatever we are doing. It means doing it as if we are doing it not for ourselves or to please others but doing it to please God. God becomes a partner in our busyness and in our business. No more will we have an excuse that our busyness with our business has kept us from God. Work itself becomes an act of worship and the results or success reaped from such work yet another cause to be thankful and worshipful of God.
Today, we see the failure of profit-driven capitalistic work culture around the world in the Occupy the symbols of capitalism movement. Instead of yearning for profits, we must yearn with all our heart to do our utmost for God in all that we do. We must learn to do what God wants us or tells us to do. Then we are building our life enterprise on a rock foundation that neither changes in the economy or tectonic shifts of technology or politics or events will affect. The process that the Word of God upholds is Yearning ( with all your heart) to do God’s expressed and implicit will, Learning to do it right and in the best way and finally, it leads up to Earning. Do all things as if we are doing it for our Eternal Employer, our ever present Empowerer and Enabler.
Prateep V Philip
Many of us are good at starting a thing but not in finishing it. But Hezekiah the king began every work as an act of service to God. He sought the things that he should do by diligently studying the word of God. He obeyed the commandments. He sought God. He did all these things with all his heart and therefore it is recorded that he prospered.
Whatever we set our heart to do, we must do it with all our heart. It means being passionate about whatever we are doing. It means doing it as if we are doing it not for ourselves or to please others but doing it to please God. God becomes a partner in our busyness and in our business. No more will we have an excuse that our busyness with our business has kept us from God. Work itself becomes an act of worship and the results or success reaped from such work yet another cause to be thankful and worshipful of God.
Today, we see the failure of profit-driven capitalistic work culture around the world in the Occupy the symbols of capitalism movement. Instead of yearning for profits, we must yearn with all our heart to do our utmost for God in all that we do. We must learn to do what God wants us or tells us to do. Then we are building our life enterprise on a rock foundation that neither changes in the economy or tectonic shifts of technology or politics or events will affect. The process that the Word of God upholds is Yearning ( with all your heart) to do God’s expressed and implicit will, Learning to do it right and in the best way and finally, it leads up to Earning. Do all things as if we are doing it for our Eternal Employer, our ever present Empowerer and Enabler.
Prateep V Philip
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Your m@t
Uni-verse 246/10,000 For better through verse
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word
The Lord has made all things and ordained all that has happened. Yet, He looks with favour and grace upon the one who is humble, repentant and reverential to Him and His Word.
It is amazing that He sees even the tiny apparently insignificant details of our lives. Once He said, “ There are so many mats that are woven in the world. But, your mat is different for how many of those mats are used like you do for prayer?” Every day for many years now I prostrate myself at the start of the day on a straw mat in the presence of the Lord. He had taken note of even the mat on which I laid myself to pray.
The word “mat” is also a metaphor and an acroustic for mental attitude. However great or small our station in life may be, we need to approach His throne of grace with a sense of awe, tenderness, humility, thankfulness and repentance. When we voluntarily and consistently submit ourselves to the Lord, there is no need for Him to chastise us or to flatten us with a heavy hand. Instead, we like Moses can leave His presence with our faces lifted up and radiating His glory. His face will shine on us through our lives’ ups and downs like the noonday sun. Our hands will be ready for blessing others, healing, giving and to do our allotted work for the building of the walls of the spiritual Jerusalem. Like an expert weaver of the mat, the Lord will use the shuttle of time and events to weave the warp and the woof of our faith, our character, our testimony, our influence and our eternal destiny.
Prateep V Philip
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word
The Lord has made all things and ordained all that has happened. Yet, He looks with favour and grace upon the one who is humble, repentant and reverential to Him and His Word.
It is amazing that He sees even the tiny apparently insignificant details of our lives. Once He said, “ There are so many mats that are woven in the world. But, your mat is different for how many of those mats are used like you do for prayer?” Every day for many years now I prostrate myself at the start of the day on a straw mat in the presence of the Lord. He had taken note of even the mat on which I laid myself to pray.
The word “mat” is also a metaphor and an acroustic for mental attitude. However great or small our station in life may be, we need to approach His throne of grace with a sense of awe, tenderness, humility, thankfulness and repentance. When we voluntarily and consistently submit ourselves to the Lord, there is no need for Him to chastise us or to flatten us with a heavy hand. Instead, we like Moses can leave His presence with our faces lifted up and radiating His glory. His face will shine on us through our lives’ ups and downs like the noonday sun. Our hands will be ready for blessing others, healing, giving and to do our allotted work for the building of the walls of the spiritual Jerusalem. Like an expert weaver of the mat, the Lord will use the shuttle of time and events to weave the warp and the woof of our faith, our character, our testimony, our influence and our eternal destiny.
Prateep V Philip
Your m@t
Uni-verse 246/10,000 For better through verse
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word
The Lord has made all things and ordained all that has happened. Yet, He looks with favour and grace upon the one who is humble, repentant and reverential to Him and His Word.
It is amazing that He sees even the tiny apparently insignificant details of our lives. Once He said, “ There are so many mats that are woven in the world. But, your mat is different for how many of those mats are used like you do for prayer?” Every day for many years now I prostrate myself at the start of the day on a straw mat in the presence of the Lord. He had taken note of even the mat on which I laid myself to pray.
The word “mat” is also a metaphor and an acroustic for mental attitude. However great or small our station in life may be, we need to approach His throne of grace with a sense of awe, tenderness, humility, thankfulness and repentance. When we voluntarily and consistently submit ourselves to the Lord, there is no need for Him to chastise us or to flatten us with a heavy hand. Instead, we like Moses can leave His presence with our faces lifted up and radiating His glory. His face will shine on us through our lives’ ups and downs like the noonday sun. Our hands will be ready for blessing others, healing, giving and to do our allotted work for the building of the walls of the spiritual Jerusalem. Like an expert weaver of the mat, the Lord will use the shuttle of time and events to weave the warp and the woof of our faith, our character, our testimony, our influence and our eternal destiny.
Prateep V Philip
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word
The Lord has made all things and ordained all that has happened. Yet, He looks with favour and grace upon the one who is humble, repentant and reverential to Him and His Word.
It is amazing that He sees even the tiny apparently insignificant details of our lives. Once He said, “ There are so many mats that are woven in the world. But, your mat is different for how many of those mats are used like you do for prayer?” Every day for many years now I prostrate myself at the start of the day on a straw mat in the presence of the Lord. He had taken note of even the mat on which I laid myself to pray.
The word “mat” is also a metaphor and an acroustic for mental attitude. However great or small our station in life may be, we need to approach His throne of grace with a sense of awe, tenderness, humility, thankfulness and repentance. When we voluntarily and consistently submit ourselves to the Lord, there is no need for Him to chastise us or to flatten us with a heavy hand. Instead, we like Moses can leave His presence with our faces lifted up and radiating His glory. His face will shine on us through our lives’ ups and downs like the noonday sun. Our hands will be ready for blessing others, healing, giving and to do our allotted work for the building of the walls of the spiritual Jerusalem. Like an expert weaver of the mat, the Lord will use the shuttle of time and events to weave the warp and the woof of our faith, our character, our testimony, our influence and our eternal destiny.
Prateep V Philip
Monday, November 14, 2011
Get to learn your alphabets
Isa 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me
The Lord is the Alpha and the Omega- He knows everything about us from the beginning to the end. If we believe, know and understand who He really and truly is we will commit our lives from beginning to end to Him.
We need to come to grips with an understanding of the sovereignty of God. We have not chosen Him. He has chosen us to be and His faithful servants and credible witnesses of the fact that He is the be all and end all of life.
He encompasses the totality of our reality or to use the statistical terms -the universe of our existence. When we see how his Word operates in our universe to fulfill His plan and purpose, we know and understand that He is truly the Alpha and the Omega. Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters in the Greek alphabet. When we acknowledge that everything begins and ends in Him or according to His sovereign will, the divine alphabet starting with the remaining letters will manifest in our lives: boldness, compassion, devotion, enthusiasm, faith, grace, hope, integrity, justice, kindness, love, mercy, nobility, optimism, peace, quality, rest, security, temperance, understanding, victory, wisdom, x or the unknown, the amazing, the miraculous dimension and yes to our prayers. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew for Jesus, “Yeshua” contains the word “yes” in it. Jesus is indeed the “Yes and Amen” to all God’s promises. It makes sense to begin and end all things in life by saying, "Lord Amen".
Prateep V Philip
The Lord is the Alpha and the Omega- He knows everything about us from the beginning to the end. If we believe, know and understand who He really and truly is we will commit our lives from beginning to end to Him.
We need to come to grips with an understanding of the sovereignty of God. We have not chosen Him. He has chosen us to be and His faithful servants and credible witnesses of the fact that He is the be all and end all of life.
He encompasses the totality of our reality or to use the statistical terms -the universe of our existence. When we see how his Word operates in our universe to fulfill His plan and purpose, we know and understand that He is truly the Alpha and the Omega. Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters in the Greek alphabet. When we acknowledge that everything begins and ends in Him or according to His sovereign will, the divine alphabet starting with the remaining letters will manifest in our lives: boldness, compassion, devotion, enthusiasm, faith, grace, hope, integrity, justice, kindness, love, mercy, nobility, optimism, peace, quality, rest, security, temperance, understanding, victory, wisdom, x or the unknown, the amazing, the miraculous dimension and yes to our prayers. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew for Jesus, “Yeshua” contains the word “yes” in it. Jesus is indeed the “Yes and Amen” to all God’s promises. It makes sense to begin and end all things in life by saying, "Lord Amen".
Prateep V Philip
Sunday, November 13, 2011
How to be more than conquerors
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
The love of God revealed through the person, mission and message of Christ abides in us so deeply and so enduringly that even tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, shame, danger or violence or disasters cannot shake our belief and our sense of assurance. As believers we are ready to face these tests of our faith rather than give it up in the face of such difficult predicaments. Instead, we rejoice in such suffering as a great reward awaits us in heaven and to partake in the very sufferings of Christ is itself a privilege.
Conquerors never knew the final outcome of their campaigns and conquests. They despaired on loosing a battle. They feared defeat and death at the hands of the enemy. We are more than conquerors for we are overcomers. We will run the full course that God has set for us and finish the race with joy. In order to become overcomers, we need to understand or come to grips by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit with the full extent and magnitude of the love of God in Christ.
We need to know how long is God’s love –meaning to what extent God’s love will remain with us in the course of our lives. For we know that God’s love is a line that extends for all of eternity. It began long before we began and extends to eternity long after we end our race on earth. We need to comprehend how broad it is –implying what are the areas and domains of our lives that God’s love covers. It covers all of our physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, familial, relational and financial aspects of our existence. It goes beyond whatever we are in need of. We need to realize how high is God’s love- it is higher than our most exalted thoughts and imagination.
Prateep V Philip
The love of God revealed through the person, mission and message of Christ abides in us so deeply and so enduringly that even tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, shame, danger or violence or disasters cannot shake our belief and our sense of assurance. As believers we are ready to face these tests of our faith rather than give it up in the face of such difficult predicaments. Instead, we rejoice in such suffering as a great reward awaits us in heaven and to partake in the very sufferings of Christ is itself a privilege.
Conquerors never knew the final outcome of their campaigns and conquests. They despaired on loosing a battle. They feared defeat and death at the hands of the enemy. We are more than conquerors for we are overcomers. We will run the full course that God has set for us and finish the race with joy. In order to become overcomers, we need to understand or come to grips by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit with the full extent and magnitude of the love of God in Christ.
We need to know how long is God’s love –meaning to what extent God’s love will remain with us in the course of our lives. For we know that God’s love is a line that extends for all of eternity. It began long before we began and extends to eternity long after we end our race on earth. We need to comprehend how broad it is –implying what are the areas and domains of our lives that God’s love covers. It covers all of our physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, familial, relational and financial aspects of our existence. It goes beyond whatever we are in need of. We need to realize how high is God’s love- it is higher than our most exalted thoughts and imagination.
Prateep V Philip
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Word to strengthen you in times of weakness
Uni-verse 243/10,000 For better through verse
Dan 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Like Daniel, we too are esteemed by God. We are each called, “ beloved of God.” When the Lord speaks to us through His Word we are greatly strengthened. His Word gives us nourishment and strength not to fear sin and evil, not to fear death, not to fear that we will be dishonored, not to fear mishaps or mischance, not to fear punishment and not to fear people and forces who are bigger or stronger than us.
Stimulating fear is the modus operandi of the enemy of ours souls. It robs us of our peace and keeps us form being joyful in the presence of the Lord. Fear can manifest as disquiet, worry, anxiety, depression or anger or shades of all this at different times in our lives. Since we are greatly loved by our Lord, we can be secure in the arms of the Lord as a child who has been weaned and rests on the shoulder of her mother.
In place of fear, the Lord speaks peace into our lives. We should experience palpable peace in our minds and hearts, peace in our relationships, peace in our decisions and actions, peace even in troubled times, peace about our past, present and future. We must silence the fears in our lives and allow God’ s peace and love to reign and rule over us. For fear is debilitating while peace is empowering. We must let God’s Word strengthen us with grace to fill the gaps in our natural strength. Once we have been strengthened, we will like to hear His Word again and again to renew our strength supernaturally from day to day.
Prateep V Philip
Dan 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Like Daniel, we too are esteemed by God. We are each called, “ beloved of God.” When the Lord speaks to us through His Word we are greatly strengthened. His Word gives us nourishment and strength not to fear sin and evil, not to fear death, not to fear that we will be dishonored, not to fear mishaps or mischance, not to fear punishment and not to fear people and forces who are bigger or stronger than us.
Stimulating fear is the modus operandi of the enemy of ours souls. It robs us of our peace and keeps us form being joyful in the presence of the Lord. Fear can manifest as disquiet, worry, anxiety, depression or anger or shades of all this at different times in our lives. Since we are greatly loved by our Lord, we can be secure in the arms of the Lord as a child who has been weaned and rests on the shoulder of her mother.
In place of fear, the Lord speaks peace into our lives. We should experience palpable peace in our minds and hearts, peace in our relationships, peace in our decisions and actions, peace even in troubled times, peace about our past, present and future. We must silence the fears in our lives and allow God’ s peace and love to reign and rule over us. For fear is debilitating while peace is empowering. We must let God’s Word strengthen us with grace to fill the gaps in our natural strength. Once we have been strengthened, we will like to hear His Word again and again to renew our strength supernaturally from day to day.
Prateep V Philip
The Word that strengthens you
Uni-verse 243/10,000 For better through verse
Dan 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Like Daniel, we too are esteemed by God. We are each called, “ beloved of God.” When the Lord speaks to us through His Word we are greatly strengthened. His Word gives us nourishment and strength not to fear sin and evil, not to fear death, not to fear that we will be dishonored, not to fear mishaps or mischance, not to fear punishment and not to fear people and forces who are bigger or stronger than us.
Stimulating fear is the modus operandi of the enemy of ours souls. It robs us of our peace and keeps us form being joyful in the presence of the Lord. Fear can manifest as disquiet, worry, anxiety, depression or anger or shades of all this at different times in our lives. Since we are greatly loved by our Lord, we can be secure in the arms of the Lord as a child who has been weaned and rests on the shoulder of her mother.
In place of fear, the Lord speaks peace into our lives. We should experience palpable peace in our minds and hearts, peace in our relationships, peace in our decisions and actions, peace even in troubled times, peace about our past, present and future. We must silence the fears in our lives and allow God’ s peace and love to reign and rule over us. For fear is debilitating while peace is empowering. We must let God’s Word strengthen us with grace to fill the gaps in our natural strength. Once we have been strengthened, we will like to hear His Word again and again to renew our strength supernaturally from day to day.
Prateep V Philip
Dan 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Like Daniel, we too are esteemed by God. We are each called, “ beloved of God.” When the Lord speaks to us through His Word we are greatly strengthened. His Word gives us nourishment and strength not to fear sin and evil, not to fear death, not to fear that we will be dishonored, not to fear mishaps or mischance, not to fear punishment and not to fear people and forces who are bigger or stronger than us.
Stimulating fear is the modus operandi of the enemy of ours souls. It robs us of our peace and keeps us form being joyful in the presence of the Lord. Fear can manifest as disquiet, worry, anxiety, depression or anger or shades of all this at different times in our lives. Since we are greatly loved by our Lord, we can be secure in the arms of the Lord as a child who has been weaned and rests on the shoulder of her mother.
In place of fear, the Lord speaks peace into our lives. We should experience palpable peace in our minds and hearts, peace in our relationships, peace in our decisions and actions, peace even in troubled times, peace about our past, present and future. We must silence the fears in our lives and allow God’ s peace and love to reign and rule over us. For fear is debilitating while peace is empowering. We must let God’s Word strengthen us with grace to fill the gaps in our natural strength. Once we have been strengthened, we will like to hear His Word again and again to renew our strength supernaturally from day to day.
Prateep V Philip
Friday, November 11, 2011
HOW TO OVERCOME THE ODDS AGAINST YOU
Uni-verse 242/10,000 For better through verse
Jdg 7:16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
In a time of prayer a little while ago, the Lord said, “ You are like a burning torch inside an earthen pitcher.” Indeed, every believer is a burning torch inside an earthen pitcher.
Our bodies are the earthen pitcher. The spirit burns inside us. It burns more brightly when we walk closely with the Lord, feeding on His Word and breathing praise and prayer. Without that fire burning inside us,we are just an empty pitcher that makes a lot of noise. The pot will be broken but the fire will burn on.
The Lord has placed a trumpet in every man’s hand. This is the ability to proclaim His goodness and His greatness manifested in our lives. With just these three tools,we are able to set to flight and rout mighty armies like Gideon’s three hundred men did. We are each expected to be a fire-brand for God. The only test we have passed is the zeal to drink our portion of the Word, our rhema verse(s) that God has spoken to us, from the cup of our hands. The odds against Gideon’s success was 0.0026 per cent. But, the Lord turned it into 100 per cent sure-fire success. We will overcome great odds against us even as the odds against Gideon’s three hundred men were impossible except God be with Him.
Prateep V Philip
Jdg 7:16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
In a time of prayer a little while ago, the Lord said, “ You are like a burning torch inside an earthen pitcher.” Indeed, every believer is a burning torch inside an earthen pitcher.
Our bodies are the earthen pitcher. The spirit burns inside us. It burns more brightly when we walk closely with the Lord, feeding on His Word and breathing praise and prayer. Without that fire burning inside us,we are just an empty pitcher that makes a lot of noise. The pot will be broken but the fire will burn on.
The Lord has placed a trumpet in every man’s hand. This is the ability to proclaim His goodness and His greatness manifested in our lives. With just these three tools,we are able to set to flight and rout mighty armies like Gideon’s three hundred men did. We are each expected to be a fire-brand for God. The only test we have passed is the zeal to drink our portion of the Word, our rhema verse(s) that God has spoken to us, from the cup of our hands. The odds against Gideon’s success was 0.0026 per cent. But, the Lord turned it into 100 per cent sure-fire success. We will overcome great odds against us even as the odds against Gideon’s three hundred men were impossible except God be with Him.
Prateep V Philip
Thursday, November 10, 2011
God's Emergency Number
Uni-verse 241/10,000 For better through verse
Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
This verse is known as God’s emergency number or 333. But, it is not to be used only in times of emergency. At all times of our lives and at all times of day and night, we need to call unto the Lord. We should be constantly engaged in an inner dialogue with the Trinity. The Trinity (3) will bless our spirit, mind and body(3) and reveal things to us that is beyond the cognitive capacity of our attitudes, skills and knowledge(3). He reveals His might and greatness in the specific matters we call out to Him for.
He promises to answer us and He will show us the hidden manna, the secret things of God that are known only to Him and are revealed, through the Holy Spirit, only to those who know Him. The things that are so made known to us will come in handy not only to tide over times of emergency but at all times.
God’s knowledge is a mystery to the world. It is unknowable and unsearchable. The search engines of the internet cannot throw it up. The greatest minds of the world cannot discern it. It is great and mighty. It is certain and does not delude or deceive unlike the knowledge of the world. It is timely and true to life. It is revealed at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Whatever word He has spoken to us in response to our call, He will bring it to fulfillment or fruition in due time. It could be as instantaneous and joyful as an athlete’s victory in a 100 meter dash or as deadly and decisive as the soldier’s bullet or as gradual and fruitful as the farmer’s seed. When we call Him, we will find His lines are never too busy. Expect the great and mighty to happen in due time.
Prateep V Philip
Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
This verse is known as God’s emergency number or 333. But, it is not to be used only in times of emergency. At all times of our lives and at all times of day and night, we need to call unto the Lord. We should be constantly engaged in an inner dialogue with the Trinity. The Trinity (3) will bless our spirit, mind and body(3) and reveal things to us that is beyond the cognitive capacity of our attitudes, skills and knowledge(3). He reveals His might and greatness in the specific matters we call out to Him for.
He promises to answer us and He will show us the hidden manna, the secret things of God that are known only to Him and are revealed, through the Holy Spirit, only to those who know Him. The things that are so made known to us will come in handy not only to tide over times of emergency but at all times.
God’s knowledge is a mystery to the world. It is unknowable and unsearchable. The search engines of the internet cannot throw it up. The greatest minds of the world cannot discern it. It is great and mighty. It is certain and does not delude or deceive unlike the knowledge of the world. It is timely and true to life. It is revealed at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Whatever word He has spoken to us in response to our call, He will bring it to fulfillment or fruition in due time. It could be as instantaneous and joyful as an athlete’s victory in a 100 meter dash or as deadly and decisive as the soldier’s bullet or as gradual and fruitful as the farmer’s seed. When we call Him, we will find His lines are never too busy. Expect the great and mighty to happen in due time.
Prateep V Philip
God's Emergency Number
Uni-verse 241/10,000 For better through verse
Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
This verse is known as God’s emergency number or 333. But, it is not to be used only in times of emergency. At all times of our lives and at all times of day and night, we need to call unto the Lord. We should be constantly engaged in an inner dialogue with the Trinity. The Trinity (3) will bless our spirit, mind and body(3) and reveal things to us that is beyond the cognitive capacity of our attitudes, skills and knowledge(3). He reveals His might and greatness in the specific matters we call out to Him for.
He promises to answer us and He will show us the hidden manna, the secret things of God that are known only to Him and are revealed, through the Holy Spirit, only to those who know Him. The things that are so made known to us will come in handy not only to tide over times of emergency but at all times.
God’s knowledge is a mystery to the world. It is unknowable and unsearchable. The search engines of the internet cannot throw it up. The greatest minds of the world cannot discern it. It is great and mighty. It is certain and does not delude or deceive unlike the knowledge of the world. It is timely and true to life. It is revealed at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Whatever word He has spoken to us in response to our call, He will bring it to fulfillment or fruition in due time. It could be as instantaneous and joyful as an athlete’s victory in a 100 meter dash or as deadly and decisive as the soldier’s bullet or as gradual and fruitful as the farmer’s seed. When we call Him, we will find His lines are never too busy. Expect the great and mighty to happen in due time.
Prateep V Philip
Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
This verse is known as God’s emergency number or 333. But, it is not to be used only in times of emergency. At all times of our lives and at all times of day and night, we need to call unto the Lord. We should be constantly engaged in an inner dialogue with the Trinity. The Trinity (3) will bless our spirit, mind and body(3) and reveal things to us that is beyond the cognitive capacity of our attitudes, skills and knowledge(3). He reveals His might and greatness in the specific matters we call out to Him for.
He promises to answer us and He will show us the hidden manna, the secret things of God that are known only to Him and are revealed, through the Holy Spirit, only to those who know Him. The things that are so made known to us will come in handy not only to tide over times of emergency but at all times.
God’s knowledge is a mystery to the world. It is unknowable and unsearchable. The search engines of the internet cannot throw it up. The greatest minds of the world cannot discern it. It is great and mighty. It is certain and does not delude or deceive unlike the knowledge of the world. It is timely and true to life. It is revealed at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Whatever word He has spoken to us in response to our call, He will bring it to fulfillment or fruition in due time. It could be as instantaneous and joyful as an athlete’s victory in a 100 meter dash or as deadly and decisive as the soldier’s bullet or as gradual and fruitful as the farmer’s seed. When we call Him, we will find His lines are never too busy. Expect the great and mighty to happen in due time.
Prateep V Philip
Monday, November 7, 2011
Deliverance from temptation, trials, suffering
Uni-verse 238/10,000 For better through verse
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Just as water has its boiling point, metals have a melting point, each one of us has a suffering point. The suffering might come not just in the form of a trial, trouble or persecution but also in the form of a temptation. The Lord knows what our suffering point is. Though suffering is part of the common heritage of mankind regardless of who we are, He never lets us suffer beyond our capacity to bear or beyond our endurance ability. Before we reach that point, He will provide a way of escape.
When we suffer instead of murmuring against God, we must lean heavily on the Lord and ask him, “ Lord, show me the way out of this situation. Show me your healing power or Show me your deliverance. Show me the way out though I see none on my own.” Don’t just grin and bear it but pray, praise and bear it. Expect a great deliverance released by the hand of the Lord.
The Lord promises to be faithful and to deliver us or to heal us or to show us the way out of the suffering. The suffering is allowed to build patience,hope, faith, character and testimony in our lives. The rainbow is a symbol of deliverance- the red stands for being washed and saved by the blood of Christ. The other colours are the symbols of victory in different domains of our lives: spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, relational, financial.
Prateep V Philip
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Just as water has its boiling point, metals have a melting point, each one of us has a suffering point. The suffering might come not just in the form of a trial, trouble or persecution but also in the form of a temptation. The Lord knows what our suffering point is. Though suffering is part of the common heritage of mankind regardless of who we are, He never lets us suffer beyond our capacity to bear or beyond our endurance ability. Before we reach that point, He will provide a way of escape.
When we suffer instead of murmuring against God, we must lean heavily on the Lord and ask him, “ Lord, show me the way out of this situation. Show me your healing power or Show me your deliverance. Show me the way out though I see none on my own.” Don’t just grin and bear it but pray, praise and bear it. Expect a great deliverance released by the hand of the Lord.
The Lord promises to be faithful and to deliver us or to heal us or to show us the way out of the suffering. The suffering is allowed to build patience,hope, faith, character and testimony in our lives. The rainbow is a symbol of deliverance- the red stands for being washed and saved by the blood of Christ. The other colours are the symbols of victory in different domains of our lives: spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, relational, financial.
Prateep V Philip
Friday, November 4, 2011
Combatting moments of weakness
Mic 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me
The enemy rejoices when we fall. When man first fell, the enemy was jubilant that God’s new creation, man had become his captive and subject. But his joy was short-lived as God enabled fallen man to rise again. Indeed the one who is strong is not the he who never falls but he who falls but rises from the fall. It was part of God’s plan and purpose to impart His strength to man, to make him a “ new creation”. He desires to make our joy complete and full in Him even as the enemy plots to rob us of our joy. The enemy gloats over our defeat, sorrow and failure while the Lord reveals His glory in such situations.
Each of us have moments of weakness, times when we fall in our own esteem and confidence, times when we are saddened by the turn of events, times when we are apprehensive and fearful But, these are times when the Lord is closest to us. We can lean on Him for strength and depend on Him to enable us to stand erect again. His strength shall make us rise again. The trouble is we give up too early. We react with despair without waiting for the Lord to act.
There are times when we seem to be surrounded by darkness, situations that seem to be hopeless. The Lord will let in the glorious light of His presence and His comforting Word and we will feel the brush of the Holy Spirit against our crestfallen spirits. He will illumine the paths we are to travel by. Once He leads us to victory, He will rejoice over us with singing.
Prateep V Philip
The enemy rejoices when we fall. When man first fell, the enemy was jubilant that God’s new creation, man had become his captive and subject. But his joy was short-lived as God enabled fallen man to rise again. Indeed the one who is strong is not the he who never falls but he who falls but rises from the fall. It was part of God’s plan and purpose to impart His strength to man, to make him a “ new creation”. He desires to make our joy complete and full in Him even as the enemy plots to rob us of our joy. The enemy gloats over our defeat, sorrow and failure while the Lord reveals His glory in such situations.
Each of us have moments of weakness, times when we fall in our own esteem and confidence, times when we are saddened by the turn of events, times when we are apprehensive and fearful But, these are times when the Lord is closest to us. We can lean on Him for strength and depend on Him to enable us to stand erect again. His strength shall make us rise again. The trouble is we give up too early. We react with despair without waiting for the Lord to act.
There are times when we seem to be surrounded by darkness, situations that seem to be hopeless. The Lord will let in the glorious light of His presence and His comforting Word and we will feel the brush of the Holy Spirit against our crestfallen spirits. He will illumine the paths we are to travel by. Once He leads us to victory, He will rejoice over us with singing.
Prateep V Philip
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Uni-verse 235/10,000 For better through verse
Micah 6 v 8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The Lord has made it plain to us what He requires of us. He expects us to act justly, not oppressing others, nor robbing others but rendering justice by throwing our weight on the side of the weak against the strong.
We need to honour, adore and revere God for His mercy towards us and reflect that very same quality in our dealings with our fellow beings. We need to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord by acknowledging Him in all our affairs, by an attitude of gratitude and worship at all times.
These are not generalities but it requires us to specifically respond to people and events and issues in our immediate environment. The brutal assault and murder of two young people in Mumbai when they defended a young lady’s honour is a matter that believers need to respond to. We can respond by saying, “ It is unfortunate but what can we do about it?” We cannot get away with this kind of bystander apathy. We can for instance mobilize public opinion within our sphere of influence against such violent depradators and lawless elements. We can form a Friends of Police unit in Mumbai and other places across the country or the globe to empower people with a certain quotient of power and responsibility that enables people to respond with justice in such situations. The Lord taught us that sin and its most obvious manifestation, crime begins and develops in the hearts and minds of people. He has also shown us what is good. We need to respond by using the latter to counter, reduce and prevent the former.
Prateep V Philip
Micah 6 v 8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The Lord has made it plain to us what He requires of us. He expects us to act justly, not oppressing others, nor robbing others but rendering justice by throwing our weight on the side of the weak against the strong.
We need to honour, adore and revere God for His mercy towards us and reflect that very same quality in our dealings with our fellow beings. We need to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord by acknowledging Him in all our affairs, by an attitude of gratitude and worship at all times.
These are not generalities but it requires us to specifically respond to people and events and issues in our immediate environment. The brutal assault and murder of two young people in Mumbai when they defended a young lady’s honour is a matter that believers need to respond to. We can respond by saying, “ It is unfortunate but what can we do about it?” We cannot get away with this kind of bystander apathy. We can for instance mobilize public opinion within our sphere of influence against such violent depradators and lawless elements. We can form a Friends of Police unit in Mumbai and other places across the country or the globe to empower people with a certain quotient of power and responsibility that enables people to respond with justice in such situations. The Lord taught us that sin and its most obvious manifestation, crime begins and develops in the hearts and minds of people. He has also shown us what is good. We need to respond by using the latter to counter, reduce and prevent the former.
Prateep V Philip
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Five stones for your Goliath
Uni-verse 234/10,000 For better through verse I Samuel 17 v40
“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine”
We must not carry our sling in our hand unlike David. We carry our sling in our hearts and minds- our faith in Jesus. That sling enables us to defeat our mortal foes and spiritual enemy who mocks at us, threatens us like Goliath. The "Philistine" is whatever troubles us or persecutes or obstructs us. The staff is the cross that shields us from the slings and arrows of misfortune.
The five stones are the “rhema” verses that we pick up from the stream of living water of God’s Word that makes it over time smooth and just right to throw at the enemy’s temple. These stones are sufficient for us against all the threats,lethal arms and heavy armour of the enemy. The Goliath in our life is fear. Just as the other four stones that David picked up were meant for the brothers of Goliath. The brothers of fear in our lives are worry, anger, insecurity and despair. Each day we approach a battle line but like David we must approach it with courage and faith in the Lord. The pouch of the shepherd’s bag is our own memory.
The Lord has provided the stones of assurance of salvation, provision, answered prayer, victory and guidance. He will not throw it for us. We need to load it on our slings of faith and aim it at the strategic spot of whatever opposes us.
Prateep V Philip
“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine”
We must not carry our sling in our hand unlike David. We carry our sling in our hearts and minds- our faith in Jesus. That sling enables us to defeat our mortal foes and spiritual enemy who mocks at us, threatens us like Goliath. The "Philistine" is whatever troubles us or persecutes or obstructs us. The staff is the cross that shields us from the slings and arrows of misfortune.
The five stones are the “rhema” verses that we pick up from the stream of living water of God’s Word that makes it over time smooth and just right to throw at the enemy’s temple. These stones are sufficient for us against all the threats,lethal arms and heavy armour of the enemy. The Goliath in our life is fear. Just as the other four stones that David picked up were meant for the brothers of Goliath. The brothers of fear in our lives are worry, anger, insecurity and despair. Each day we approach a battle line but like David we must approach it with courage and faith in the Lord. The pouch of the shepherd’s bag is our own memory.
The Lord has provided the stones of assurance of salvation, provision, answered prayer, victory and guidance. He will not throw it for us. We need to load it on our slings of faith and aim it at the strategic spot of whatever opposes us.
Prateep V Philip
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