I have given you authority

8 February 2012  

 “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19

Generally the concept of power and authority  dominates the  mind of people and  it is the most coveted aspect.

•  Some crave for power- 
• Some are deprived of that power and plans through 'back- door method' to acquire it.
• Some envy others in power-(may plan evil things)
• Some misuse the power and authority given to them. 
• Some with power, were suppressed and over ruled by others. 
• Others use their power for their personal benefits.

Such similar cases are common in this world. Among them as a child of God (with supreme power and authority)

Where we stand?and

what for we are using that power?

 Hence it is necessary to check the relationship between these two words ‘authority’ and ‘power,’

•        ‘authority,- means  to have the right to rule or govern- those  commands must be submitted to and obeyed.
•    ‘power’- means to have an inherent strength, power, or ability to bring about a desired purpose.

The distinction between the two words is not made clear in the Bible.

Christ has not given us power to overcome the power of Satan. Instead, He has entrusted us with the authority to use His name. God has a ruling that the authority attached to the name of Jesus is the greatest in the whole world.

“Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Phil 2:9-11.

Our authority is associated with our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. when we step out of our abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, then we lose our authority  and power.

 Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me......without Me you can do nothing.”John 15:4-5.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves….

 ….Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?

 Then do what is right and you will be commended.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.

But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.

They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1-5

Do not misuse the authority. 

You are accountable to God.

Don’t even think about the misappropriation of authority at any cost.

God Bless

Hope- an anchor for the soul

7 February 2012  

 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24.

Hope is an essential condition for faith. Hope is "a positive unwavering expectation of good". 

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain….” Hebrews 6:19 

Hope keeps us in the place where we can trust, but it is not itself "faith". Nevertheless, without hope there is nothing hoped for, (there cannot be faith.)

 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15.

Through faith we can have the answer to our prayer before we see anything change in the natural order.

Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24. 

God expects us, even commands us, to believe that our petitions are answered by God AT THE MOMENT WE MAKE THEM. 

“…..How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Isaiah 31:19

“….Before they call I will answer;  while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah65:24

Believe that you will get the response immediately WHEN you pray. God is trustworthy and always has resources to back His promises .

 Living faith always has corresponding actions. To live in faith, means to act and say what you believe is right, without doubting.

 We talk and act according to what we really believe. It is compatible with inner peace.(unshakeable hope)

“…..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

 “we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10  

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…1 Peter 3:15 – …

You need  “perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:4

 

Strengthen your foundation of hope or else it will shatter your Faith.

Trust in the Lord

Have faith without doubting.

Without HOPE nothing works out.

No turning back. Park your activities on the anchor of hope.

God Bless

Faith in times of trouble

6 February 2012  

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”John 16:33

This is a beautiful promise we can keep in mind because, Faith pleases God, that makes our life victorious. 

World has a multitude of problems in various intensities and magnitudes.For a child of God we have more traps hidden by from satan  to over throw our faith.

 We should never expect a bed of roses and prosperity in all times , in and around us. We are bound by the law and Jesus has promised to be with us in this cruel world. We should learn to be steadfast in our principalities ( faith) and make no compromise with anything.

Faith means to believe in something or someone, trusting and confident that we stand on our actions on what we believe. (It is a strong feeling). We are trusting God for everything, such faith is optimistic and bold.

Faith in God is having a special kind of trust and confidence that leads us to look forward  for everything  with commitment. 

He is our Master- Father -Saviour –Justifier- Cleanser- Healer- Deliverer- friend - Lord and  The King.

Bible says

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.

Faith is a spiritual matter or the inner pure feeling. It communicates – the intuition tells you that the thing we are hoping for is certainly done, even before we see any material confirmation. 

Faith in God is a response to God's Word which moves God to take action.

 Jesus said in Mark 11:23, "For assuredly I say to you, whoever SAYS to this mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but BELIEVES that those things he SAYS will be done, he will HAVE whatever he SAYS." 

Words mixed with the real, pure faith can and will move (mountains) any problems in life. 

No ‘hi –tech’ solutions or intellectual ‘formula’ can solve the problem.  Faith in God must be from the heart. It is a blind form of trust even when you see nothing positive.

"For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:10

Faith causes you to know in your heart (confident feeling) before you see with your eyes.  

 The knowing feel and the peace inside the heart is the witness of your faith.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2Corinthians 5.7

"Seeing is believing." It exists already (it is in the natural order) for such things you don't need faith.

Our faith ends in miracles in our life-something beyond the natural course of action. Put your  Faith in action-(a tough and a patient job)

Develop such Faith   ‘cause JESUS  is with you and He will give you strength.

 Praise the Lord.

God Bless

Avoid self-righteousness

red flowers@Kodaikanal

28 January 2012   

Generally human beings are prone to be self-righteous and proud about many things around them. Some time we like to tell other people how to behave and act, as if we never do anything wrong.
 

What is being self-righteous?

•             Exhibiting self-assurance: self-righteous remarks.

•          convinced of one's own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others

So, a self-righteous person is one who acts as if he is morally superior to everyone. 

The Bible says that all people are sinners and we cannot meet God's standard for righteousness and righteousness comes from God alone. 

Righteousness is based on faith in God's promises. It is something that is assigned by God and one can never be "self-righteous."

Since righteousness is not that something connected to what we do, but the result of what God has done for us.

• "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1

• “No one is perfect; we are all sinners in one way or another’ Romans 3:23.

When we  are Living a decent life means taking all the responsibility for controlling our own behavior. We are pinned down by moral and ethical values.

 If we say or even think or act, as if we are better than people, we consider to be "sinners," we are guilty and accountable for the sin of self-righteousness.

 It is not right to look down on, criticize, judge, condemn, or try to control other people. Judgment is to be left to God. 
Jesus said,

• “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

• ‘Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 26:12,

• ‘Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:21,

So, have no excuse, do not  pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. BEWARE!  

Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

• So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1-4,

• ‘Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5,

•  ‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8

 better be alert and keep your mouth tied up and not passing resentment on others. YOU are accountable to what  you think, act and speak. Take care.

God bless